Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Beck: "Mutations" (Geffen) This isn't the follow-up to Odelay and was meant to be released on an indie label. Even so, this is a remarkable work. It is more low key than his two "proper" albums yet it is packed with ideas and folkie grooves that make the prospect of another release very enticing indeed. HHHH
Creeper Lagoon: "I Become Smaller and Go" (Polydor) Creeper Lagoon signed in the US to the Dust Brothers' Nicklebag label. The band is a breath of fresh air. This debut album does contain some ragged tracks but when they're upbeat, as on "Wonderful Love" and "Dear Deadly", they swagger like the brattish brothers of Pavement. HHH
The King: "Gravelands" (Chrysalis) This Belfast enigma sways through classics like "Come as You Are", "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and "Whole Lotta Rosie" in a Vegas-period Elvis voice. Welcome to loungecore gone crazy. For some this will be aural heaven; for most, the joke will wear off quickly. HH
Oasis: "The Masterplan" (Creation) The Gallaghers may have been over- played by radio but this collection of b-sides, right from the crunching intro to "Acquiesce", shows they still have bite and reminds us why they easily climbed to the top of the Britpop pile. HHH
REM: "Up" (Warner Bros) REM's first outing as a trio is an undoubted return to form. It is full of beautiful musical textures, but it comes down to how much you like Michael Stipe's vocals, which feature heavily in the mix. With Up we are supposed to believe that REM are rock's great adventurers; pity Beck had to bring an album out and spoil the theory. HHH
SINGLE OF THE WEEK
Bis: "Eurodisco" (Wiija) Produced by Gang of Four's Andy Gill, this sampler from the new album sees Bis adopt a manic Human League stance that stomps and then stomps more, with punky interventions along the way. Who needs Cher's revamped hi-energy when this just kicks so much harder? HHH
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments