A few new finds

Do yourself a favour and listen to the following. You definitely owe it to yourself.

1. Devon Sproule - Keep Your Silver Shined (2007)

In all honesty, I'm not a massive fan of country-esque music. In fact, I tend to hate it. And yet, there is something so profoundly un-hateable about Devon Sproule; her voice is strong, her lyrics almost picturesque. If anything, she is worthy evidence of a progression in this category of music.

Favourite track: 'Eloise & Alex'

2. Clare and the reasons - The Movie (2007)

I was drawn to this CD by its artwork. I know, I know "never judge a book by its cover" - whatever. I'm glad I was drawn to this CD by its artwork - otherwise, I probably never would have listened to it, and discovered the wonders contained therein. This album has been described as easy-listening; and I suppose, in a way, it is. And yet, it seems so much more than this. It is calming and melodically-soft and even, but it also transgresses the very boundaries of easy-listening. It is not boring. This album encompasses perfect ballads and yearning love songs.

Favourite track: 'Under The Water'

3. Charlotte Gainsbourg - Irm (2010)

Yes. Very New. But, in fact, Charlotte Gainsbourg has been on the scene for some time - since 1986, in fact, when she released her debut album Charlotte For Ever. This album is dark and surreal; but, allowing for this, substantially enjoyable. On a number of tracks, she dips into French (see 'Le Chat du Café des Artistes') - and this, in itself, won me over: I'm a massival fan of multi-lingual musicians (see Regina Spektor).

Favourite track: 'Vanities'

4. Blonde Redhead - Melody Of Certain Damaged Lemons (2000)

Another group that have been around for a little while (since 1995); and, incidentally, another band that dips into a myriad of foreign languages. This album has a distinctly electronic influence, but the female vocals prevent it from being too bogged down in bizzare sounds and instruments. Some of the songs are effectively spacey ('In Particular'); some are relatively heavy ('Melody Of Certain Three'); and some are purely fantastic ('This Is Not').

Favourite track: 'This Is Not'

5. Codeine Velvet Club - Codeine Velvet Club (2009)

This self-entitled album is unlike anything previously mentioned on this list. For one thing, the vocals are male. For another, it can be classified as alternative rock. I really, really like this band. The lead vocalist is, incidentally, Jon Lawler (of The Fratellis fame) - but don't let this put you off. Their sound is current, alternative - and not, by any means, mainstream; they lean further toward The Last Shadow Puppets than The Fratellis, in terms of influence. And though they may seem to be jumping on the bandwagon with the 'club' in their name (see: Bombay Bicycle Club, Tokyo Police Club, New Young Pony Club, Two Door Cinema Club etc etc) they are not a band to be missed.

Favourite track: 'I Am The Resurrection' (Stone Roses cover)