Album Reviews

Example – Playing In The Shadows (Ministry of Sound B0058GCH2U): Elliot Gleave, aka Example, achieved mainstream recognition in 2010 following the release of his second LP, Won’t Go Quietly, and his third album builds on the foundations laid by its predecessor. The London rapper sings over pop-fused dubstep beats crafted by in-demand producers such as Nero and Skream to deliver an album of contemporary and credible pop music. It would be no surprise if the likes of Stay Awake, Natural Disaster and Never Had A Day follow the album’s first release, Changed The Way You Kissed Me, in topping the UK charts.TB
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Sep 2011, 11:32 BST

Melanie C – The Sea (Red Girl Records B005F9CP7M): Melanie Chisholm’s first offering for four years brings a return to the standard of first album Northern Star, crossing various genres and influences, from pop through rock to ballads. While pop still dominates, there’s definitely no zig-a-zig-ha in the former Spice Girl’s fifth album. Think About It has already proved popular, while more soulful ballad One By One is set to impress. But it’s not just the songs alone, there’s no saccharine sweetness, no femme fatale, just a take-me-as-you-see me attitude that shines through. The Sea makes for a good listen, whether you’re a fan or not. EB

Jeff Bridges – Jeff Bridges (Parlophone B0057J72L4): Hollywood star Jeff Bridges has already shown off his vocal skills in Crazy Heart, for which he won an Oscar. The musical actor has decided to release his debut self-titled album, which combines his own written songs (Falling Short, I Will Wait and two others) along with those penned by country writers such as the late Stephen Bruton and John Goodwin. The result is an astounding combination of country-tinged tracks that lend themselves perfectly to Bridges’s grizzly voice. Atmospheric and gentle at times, with light strumming guitars, the eagerly awaited record has been a long time coming. SL

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The Drums – Portamento (Universal/Island B005BOUY6A): It may be just more than a year since the release of their self-titled debut, but The Drums – minus guitarist Adam Kessler who quit in September 2010 - make a swift return with second album Portamento. Stand-out tracks Book Of Revelation and lead single Money have the familiar jangling guitars and Smiths-esque feel, but If He Likes It Let Him Do It and In The Cold showcase a darker, more edgy sound from the Brooklyn trio. While it may not be as immediate as its predecessor and without as many memorable moments – Let’s Go Surfing had you whistling all day – Portamento still has plenty to offer. AC

Alwyn – Concerti Grossi (Naxos, 8.570145): William Alwyn’s creative gifts emerged early: he was professor of composition at the Royal College of Music at 21 and pieces streamed from him for more than 50 years. Among them are these finely wrought concertos: the second genially bustling, the third more darkly expressive. Conductor David Lloyd-Jones elicits lovely playing from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, not least in the harmonic piquancies of the Serenade. A suite of Seven Irish Tunes in deft orchestrations completes an impressive enterprise. DD

Bach – Organ works. (Regent, REGCD 307): British concert organist Margaret Phillips chooses two instruments for this two-disc recital: The 1738 Muller in St Bavo, Haarlem, and the classically-designed 2004 Aubertin in St Louis-en-l’Ile, Paris. She demonstrates each with playing of precision, clarity and elegance of line. Among the 25 pieces, the two trio sonatas have the intimacy of chamber music, the Prelude and “Wedge” Fugue offer spacious drama and the Gigue Fugue dances with uncommon verve. First-rate recording quality. DD

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