Bobby Womack: The Bravest Man in the Universe (XL) iTunes &
CD
★★★★★
Top marks to XL's Richard Russell for giving 68-year-old Bobby Womack a similar refurbishment process to the one he applied to Gil Scott-Heron; both albums are masterpieces.
It’s no surprise to find Russell’s collaborator here is Damon Albarn, who had got the American soul legend to guest on Gorillaz's Plastic Beach album and brought him on tour. The pair opt for sparse electro grooves that throw the attention on Womack's deep and earthy voice, and occasional guests such as Lana Del Ray.
Sam Sparro: Return To Paradise (EMI) iTunes &
CD
★★★★
Four years on from his eponymous debut that gave us the smash Black And Gold, Australian singer Sam Sparro is back with Return To Paradise, which is awash with Prince influences and a much more funky flavour. Jams such as We Could Fly, Closer and Wish I Never Met You are instantly memorable. The stylish singer is a talented songwriter and aged just 29 he has plenty of time to prove he is more than just a one-hit wonder. This is the start.
The Invisible: Rispah (Ninja Tune) iTunes &
CD
★★★★★
The Invisible’s second album was apparently inspired by the traditional spirituals sung at singer Dave Okumu’s mum’s funeral, vocals which feature on several tracks. That doesn’t make for a depressing album – it was probably always going to be this edgy, brooding and beatuiful. It’s one of the year’s best so far. It’s a shame that singer Dave Okumu can’t promote its subtle brilliance – he electrocuted himself onstage recently.
Funeral Suits: Lily Of The Valley (Model Citizen) iTunes &
CD
★★★★
Exciting debut from north Dublin four-piece professing a love of Radiohead and Animal Collective but cutting tunes from their own distinct cloth. It’s a blend of electronica and rock that has depth and intelligence in abundance, while We Only Attack Ourselves show they can do stripped-back well too.
The Cast of Cheers: Family (School Boy Error/Co-op) iTunes &
CD
★★★★
Their exuberant debut Chariot was given away free and awoke the world to the live power of these four bright young Dublin things. Tunes such as Animal and the tile track are in the same rich vein, but the likes of Palace and Run add some depth to their charge.
Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson: Wiley Ways (Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson) iTunes &
CD
★★★
The Australian-based duo blend old time Mississippi blues with Celtic on an engaging collection produced by legendary Aussie musician Jeff Lang. Irish-born Cara Robinson’s sweet voice is in big contrast to the gruff tones of her husband, but they are perfectly matched among the plethora of pedal steel guitars and folksy rhythms.
Kopek: White Collar Lies (Religion Music) iTunes &
CD
★★★
Ten years after they formed is late in the day for a band to be releasing its debut album proper, but when it’s this polished and perfect it becomes evident they have been busily honing their sound. The target market is obviously America, where this opus was first released, but heavy rock fans on this side of the world should love it too.
Sfumato: These Things Between (Learn To Love) CD
★★★
The multi-instrumentalist christended Daithí Ó hÉignigh debuts with an easy-listening folk album that is propelled by gentle guitars and faint percussion, and peppered with uileann pipes and saxaphone. It’s as traditional as Irish music gets but excites most when it is willing to experiment.
Brian Kennedy: Voice (Proper) iTunes &
CD
★★★
Aside from a daring and half decent cover of Roy Orbison’s Crying, the latest long player from the TV talent show judge is a largely self-penned affair. Kennedy can still write catchy songs and nobody would argue that he possesses a unique voice but it’s hard not to listen to this thinking he’s past his sell-by date.
Phon.O: Black Boulder (50 Weapons) iTunes &
CD
★★★★
The Berlin-based veteran Carsten Aermes delivers his third album as Phon.o, released on Modeselektor’s 50 Weapons imprint and fusing Berlin dub techno with British dubstep to amazing effect. Has a commercial edge in spite of its cutting edge.
Squarepusher: Ufabulum (Warp) iTunes &
CD
★★★
Out a month or so but well worthy of a late mention, Tom Jenkins’ latest sees him return to the exhausting mayhem of his early releases, with enough flashes of brilliance and excitement to justify the essentially old skool trip.
Various Artists: Pacha Ibiza Dance Anthems (New State) iTunes &
CD
★★★
Sixty tracks of anthemic white island stature from the likes of Deadmau5, Mylo, Mory Kante and Tiesto, all aimed squarely at the casual clubber looking for a summer holiday soundtrack that’s not too taxing on the brain.
For a complete guide to all of the coming week's gigs, movies and albums, see The Scene every Friday in the Irish Daily Star