It’s all been said before in the past month or so and unless you’ve been living under a rock, I don’t have to repeat them here. Suffice it to say that it’s one of my favourite Radiohead albums. It’s got the tunes, it’s got the beats. What else do you need? Those wishing for a reprise of Ok Computer, give up (or grow up) already.

Oh man, you would not believe the trouble I had trying to get this. I was whining about how retarded the distribution rights are for Beirut and someone must have been listening because my good comrade sent a copy of it my way. From the chaotic Eastern European beauty that was the first album, wee Zach Condon has taken over the classic Jacques Brel’s Paris. The tunes are heartachingly gorgeous but never precious.

The troubadour from Sweden returns with more South American vibes. One can almost feel the warm sun on the skin with this album, even in the darkest and coldest of nights.

I have to admit: I’ve never been a big fan of The New Pornographers. Blame it on the wrong time/wrong place but they have always somehow rubbed off on me the wrong way. Until this album, that is. It was released late August but such is my deep bias that I only had the quota for them now (in emusic). I’m glad I checked them out in the end though; I love love love the first track already. Now to check out the rest of the album.

Another one of those wtf band names that I would have avoided if not for their infectious brand of power pop. Delve deeper though and you’d find an intelligent take on the world and all its complexities.

Sometimes too much of a good thing is bad. Bucking the trend of layers upon layers in the studio and complicated effects and sound, Nina Nastasia & Jim White bravely strip away all the superfluity. What emerge are pure wondrous voice and extremely skillful druming, and nothing else. It’s strangely refreshing.

Oh man, this is a long time coming, isn’t it? The ringleader of the marvellous collective, Broken Social Scene, is finally coming into his own. Even though some may think that it’s still very much a BSS effort (since many of them are playing on this record), but there’s a subtle difference between Drew’s quietude and the band’s sometimes collective electronic madness.

From the ashes of The Delgados, Emma Pollock debuts with a powerful album that is not totally unlike her old band. We have 2 solo efforts from 2 very different bands this month (see above for 1). But if you consider the fact that Emma Pollock is a big part of The Delgados, you can’t help but think if she’s continuing its legacy here. There are some tracks that absolutely shouts the band’s name but surprisingly, when you listen more intently, there is a different feel to the tracks: they are sweeter definitely and how-do-i-put-this happier somehow.

To be honest, I haven’t had much time to listen to this carefully, since I’ve just downloaded it last night. But from what I’ve heard (while sulking my Sunday night away) it’s classic múm, like a comfort zone to which you can always return. Likes it!

I love the first 2 tracks but it’s got a bit same-y after a while (i’m easily bored). That’s not to say that they are crap. But they do sound a bit like someone that for the life of me, I can’t recall. At first I thought it might be The Delgados but that didn’t hold water. I can’t really get excited about this album though I’ve been known to change my mind. If you can think of who they sound like, drop me a line. Please. It’s killing me.

I’m sure Camera Obscura is sick to death of all the Belle and Sebastian comparisons. While similarities can of course be drawn between the two, Camera Obscura should not be seen as a follower of the other. This album is probably the closest to B&S in spirit but it’s executed in a different way. I do prefer the latest album though…

Very dreamy electronic pop. It’s perfect to listen to on a rainy day where you have nothing to do but watch the raindrops slide down the window pane. You lucky bastard, you!