10045 Kula Shaker

Kula Shaker – Pilgrim’s Progress (UK: 28th Jun – Strange Folk)

Second album since the reunion of Kula Shaker, their fourth overall. Still continues the sound of psychedelica and traditional Indian music, but softer and more acoustic than their previous works. Outstanding track: ‘Only Love’. Back Catalogue: Strange Folk (Strange Folk, 2007); Kollected/The Best Of (Columbia, 2002); Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts (Columbia, 1999); K (Columbia, 1996).

RE001 Mansun

Mansun – Attack Of The Grey Lantern – 3CD Collector’s Edition (UK: 7th Jun – Parlophone)

Attack Of The Grey Lantern was the debut album from Brit-pop pioneers Mansun, received a massive critical review when it was released in 1997. The collector’s edition contains the original album and two extra discs nearly full of all the b-sides and a new remix. Another treasure from the band’s legacy. Classic Tracks: ‘Stripper Vicar’ & ‘Wide Open Space’ Other Catalogue: Legacy/The Best Of Mansun (Parlophone, 2006); Kleptomania (Parlophone, 2004); Little Kix (Parlophone, 2000); Six (Parlophone, 1998).

10044 Mystery Jets

Mystery Jets – Serotonin (UK: 5th Jul – Rough Trade)

Third album from Mystery Jets, their first for new label Rough Trade. Serotonin which see the band turns to synthesized from progressive completely with such influence as ELO, 10cc, Supertramp and other 70’s bands of the same gerne. Outstanding tracks: ‘Dreaming Of Another World’ & ‘Flash A Hungry Smile’. Back Catalogue: Twenty One (679, 2008); Making Dens (679, 2006).

10043 The National

The National – High Violet (UK: 10th May/US: 11th May – 4AD)

The fifth album from New York’s The National, think Bruce Springsteen meets Joy Division. High Violet, an album full of swollen heart and bruised soul and engaging lyrics. Outstanding track: ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’. Back catalogue: Boxer (Beggars Banquet, 2007); Alligator (Beggars Banquet, 2005); Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers (Brassland, 2003); The National (Brassland, 2001)

10042 We Are Scientists

We Are Scientists – Barbara (UK: 14th Jun – Masterswan)

It’s the new sound of the science, the duo of We Are Scientists emigrated to England and even recruited a British drummer, ex Razorlight sticksman Andy. Then results in this half-an-hour album Barbara, a British influenced record, while return to their Love And Squalor era sound. Outstanding tracks: ‘I Don’t Bite’ & ‘Nice Guys’. Back catalouge: Brain Thrust Mastery (Virgin, 2008); Crap Attack (Virgin, 2006); With Love And Squalor (Virgin, 2005); Safety, Fun, And Learning (In That Order) (Devious Semantics, 2002).

10041 The Drums

The Drums – The Drums (UK: 7th Jun – Island)

Eagerly awaited debut album from the best British band from America as NME suggested, The Drums, the promising four-piece is gonna dominate your summer. The self titled album reminds us with summer days rain, surfing USA, The Smiths and all good things come to an end. Outstanding tracks: ‘Let’s Go Surfing’ & ‘Best Friend”.Back catalogue

10040 Keane

Keane – Night Train (UK: 10th May – Island)

An EP or a mini album, depends on which way you defines the format, recorded during Keane’s Perfect Symmetry tour last year, in various studios. Now compiled as this eight-track Night Train, including collaboration with Hip Hop rapper K’Naan, which is the first time the band make this kind of style. And also a cover version of Yellow Magic Orchestra with Japanese MC Tigarah. Outstanding track: ‘Your Love’. Back catalogue: Perfect Symmetry (Island, 2008); Under The Iron Sea (Island, 2006); Hopes And Fears (Island, 2004).

10039 New Adventures

New Adventures – Repeat To Fade (UK: 9th Apr – Faded Grandeur)

This is the only album from New Adventures, previously known as Fans Of Kate, who only released handful singles during their existence. Repeat To Fade is also a farewell records as the band chose to part ways each other. New Adventures sound more like a band from the 90’s Brit-Pop band, the using of piano and the falsetto singing remind us Muse and Keane. Outstanding track: ‘In Our Hands’.

10038 Teenage Fanclub

Teenage Fanclub – Shadows (UK: 31st May – PeMa)

The first for five years, long-awaited comeback album from Scottish Beach Boys Powerpop outfit Teenage Fanclub. In Shadows, the band used their formula which was applied on Howdy! a decade ago, three main songwriters wrote four songs each other and repeat three times in a regular order. Musically, there are songs brighter and sunnier than previous one while silde guitars are heavily used on some mellow acoustic tracks. Outstanding track: ‘Baby Lee’. Back catalogue:
Man-made (PeMa, 2005)
4766 Seconds/A Short Cut To (Poolside, 2003)
Howdy! (Columbia, 2000)
Songs From Northern Britain (Creation, 1997)
Grand Prix (Creation, 1995)
Deep Fried Fanclub (Fire, 1995)
Thirteen (Creation, 1993)
Bandwagonesque (Creation, 1991)
The King (Creation, 1991)
A Catholic Education (Paperhouse, 1990)