Album Reviews

It's a phrase most often heard around the pub pool table, but for this east London grime collective it could easily represent a motto for their continued existence. In the current climate it is indeed only the winners, or more accurately the sellers, who stick around. Following the lead of former member Dizzee Rascal, the group continue to rein in the jagged edges and embrace pop sensibilities to get their word out on this album – as evidenced by Alesha Dixon's appearance on Take Control. RD

Temper Trap: Conditions Remixed (Infectious B00458CTQQ ) 8.99

The remix album has a chequered history. Here, a host of knob twiddlers have their wicked way with the big-selling Conditions, collectively repackaging what was a fun but one-paced album into a fun but disorientating one. Rollo and Sister Bliss, from Faithless, turn Love Lost into a deep house rave-up and Alan Wilkis spins the ubiquitous Sweet Disposition into dizzy electroclash, but elsewhere –- notably Science Of Fear and Resurrection – the bells and whistles seem superfluous. RD

Tansman: Piano Concerto No.2/Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue/Boulenger: Fantaisie (Naive V 5224) 13.99

Following his days at Opera North, Steven Sloane is now established among Europe's pre-eminent orchestral conductors, and here directs three works with fellow American pianist David Greilsammer. Don't miss the tuneful concerto by Alexandre Tansman, it's pure delight and a perfect companion to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Both receive very loose limbed performances from Greilsammer, with the French Radio Philharmonic Orchestra providing fine accompaniments. DD

Piazzolla: Histoire du Tango (Fuga Libera FUG 608) 13.99

If you want Piazzolla's view of the tango, Astoria are the group you simply have to hear. With the mix of classical piano trio, percussion and the accordion of Christophe Delporte, you can smell the smoky bars and seductive heat of an Argentinean night spot. They play seven of his most attractive scores including the irresistible Allegro Tangabile and haunting Tanti Anni Prima, and are joined by top flautist Marc Grauwels, in the four explicit pictures of tango venues in the Histoire. DD