Transformers Dark Of The Moon Soundtrack. Reprise

My favourite soundtrack of the year so far, and by a country mile! Fabulous sound quality, which is usual for a soundtrack album, and including some of the finest rock bands on earth. Check out the list:

Linkin Park, Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, Staind, Art Of Dying, Goo Goo Dolls, Theory Of A Deadman, Black Veil Brides, Skillet, Mastodon and Beatsteaks.

Add the fact that all the songs selected are of the highest quality and you have the most compelling, essential rock compilation.

4/5

Other Lives TAMER ANIMALS. Play It Again Sam

Thus far one of my favourite albums of 2011. Think Fleet Foxes, Low Anthem, Midlake, Radiohead - a combination of all three - bursts of brass, superb melodies, wonderful lyrics and passionate vocals. Then try to find a single mediocre filler track on this lovely album - you’d fail miserably. Having seen the band perform and succeed wonderfully well in a grotty venue I can assure you that this band sound as good live as on record.

I’ve already played several tracks on my radio show including the stunning, explosive brass-led opener ‘Dark Horse’; tribal base, contenplative vibe of ‘As I Lay My Head Down’; first single ‘For 12, ghostly title track and percussion dominated ‘Weather’ with its glorious vocal harmonies. These are my favourites but each time I listen another track is added to the lengthening list. This is the finest folk rock and in my view far more interesting than Fleet Foxes with its sharper edge and amazing ability to create original sounds from both new and old.

4.5/5

Steve Martin And The Steep Canyon Rangers RARE BIRD ALERT. Rounder

Is there anything Steve Martin can’t do? The answer’s probably no but few music fans realise that bluegrass banjo playing was his first artistic accomplishment. And back then he frequented the Troubadour club in West Hollywood, CA, along with many singer/songwriter greats like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Elton John, Carly Simon and many more. However, it took many years for Martin to release his first excellent album in 2009.

This is his second album which boasts a great support band in addition to wonderful guest artists Paul McCartney and the Dixie Chicks. This joyful album opens with a vibrant instrumental ‘Rare Bird Alert’ which is bound to get those toes tappin’, followed by cracking vocal song  ‘Yellow-Backed Fly’. There’s a lightness of touch here and it seems like Martin is really saying, ‘hey, forget today’s problems, great times lie ahead’. Martin’s voice is something of a revelation on a song that remains my personal favourite on this album ‘Best Love’ sounds like a gently flowing stream and features an understated Paul McCartney on vocals. It’s a lovely, contemplative piece with a monster of a melody, and it’s another highlight.

There’s another wonderful, rapid-fire instrumental in ‘Northern Island’ and another bunch of great songs with diverse pace, always firmly based on terrific melodies and the most skillful, exuberant performances.

Look, it’s very simple. If you like Bluegrass and the banjo then this is a real treat and absolutely essential. 4/5