On the record: Jack's back!

What's hot and what's not in this week's new releases.

By Polly Weeks

The Flaming Lips have come a long way since their 1986 debut Hear It Is, and now the critically-acclaimed American indie rockers release their 12th studio album, Embryonic. Elsewhere, former Mercury Prize nominees Editors are back with the follow-up to 2007's No 1 smash An End Has A Start.

The Flaming Lips - Embryonic

After years as self-styled 'fearless freaks', the rise to mainstream acceptance of the Flaming Lips was one of the stranger trends of recent years. But with Embryonic they have lunged feet first back into the vanguard. Over the course of its 18 songs you can hear, step by step, the deconstruction of the polished space-rock sound they spent three albums honing. Opening track Convinced Of The Hex sets the tone, sloping and shifting between squalls of guitar and rolling percussion. Wayne Coyne, meanwhile, sounds positively unhinged throughout, weaving in and out of the avant-garde funk jams behind him.

Rating: 8/10

(Review by Rory Dollard)

Bowling For Soup - Sorry For Partyin'

With nine albums under their belt, Jarret Reddick and co have strayed little from the formula that made the Texas rockers famous. The toilet humour is still there (check out the innuendo-tastic My Wena if that's your cup o' tea), along with the usual songs about partying (Hooray For Beer), girls (I Don't Hate You Anymore) and slacking off (No Hablo Ingles). But it's when they take things a little more seriously that they come into their own. Me With No You is pop-punk at its absolute finest, while BFFF is as funny as it is heartfelt. Bowling For Soup might be as deep as a puddle, but they continue to write damn catchy tunes that brighten up even the dourest of days.

Rating: 7/10

(Review by Nick Howes)

Devendra Banhart - What Will We Be

Texas-born Devendra Banhart is one of the leading indie-folk singers out there, and this is his first offering on a major label and seventh overall. At times on this album, it seems like he's spending a bit too much time justifying the move, but it's unnecessary. His distinctive style speaks for itself, and it really does pick up where his last album, 2007's Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, left off. Highlights include Baby, Goin' Back and First Song For B. The tunes have an ethereal, haunting feel to them. At times the album does become slightly predictable, but all in all, a good release.

Rating: 7/10

(Review by Polly Weeks)

Zeep - People & Things

Brazilian-inspired duo Zeep have, in various musical incarnations, been around for some time. Anyone who remembers Smoke City's Underwater Love, made famous by a Levi's ad, will recognise Nina Miranda's wispy and soulful vocals. While Miranda and Chris Franck's debut album as Zeep was a pleasant and highly listenable affair, it feels as if they have finally found their musical feet with People & Things. Although the Tropicalia-era sound is evident throughout, the pair have moved beyond their 'Brazilika' niche. Whimsical lyrics and playful melodies easily appeal, with songs more rooted in folk than dreary nu-jazz. Fans of Morcheeba's Big Calm will be instantly converted, but there's much more here for the modern listener. Paving a new path for lounge-room listening.

Rating: 8/10

(Review by Sarah Marshall)

Junior Murvin - Police & Thieves (Deluxe Edition)

This stone-cold classic roots album gets a deservedly-lavish two-CD re-release treatment from Island. Recorded by Lee Perry in 1977 at Black Ark Studios, Police & Thieves captures Murvin, the legendary producer and the Upsetters all at the height of their powers, not just on the anthemic title cut, but also on Roots Train, Solomon, Tedious, Lucifer - and pretty much else everything here. The disc-and-a-half's worth of bonus material is phenomenal, packed with previously unreleased alternate takes, extended dubs and Curtis Mayfield covers. The nine-minute version of Roots Train featuring Dillinger alone is worth the price of admission.

Rating: 10/10

(Review by Steve Kerr)

Editors - In This Light And On This Evening

The formerly Birmingham-based group's third full-length release showcases the singularly bold new musical direction of one of the UK's brightest bands. Often critically derided as mere Joy Division copyists, Editors have actually crafted a shimmeringly-seductive soundscape here, railing against urban decay and social apathy through eerie electronic arrangements, coupled with some irresistibly hummable hooks of their earlier work. Fatherhood has, lyrically at least, not lightened singer Tom Smith's mood but he channels this, alongside some epic synth riffs, to uplifting effect on Bricks and Mortar, You Don't Know Love and the album's obvious highlight, Papillon.

Rating: 7/10

(Review by Patrick Gates)

talkSPORT presents - Legends & Anthems

The football season is well and truly back, and of course the labels are sniffing out potential Christmas sellers. While this album may be nothing more than a cheap marketing ploy, it is full of anthemic sports tunes. If you spend your weekends filling up terraces, you will be more than aware of these songs. From Rod Stewart's Maggie May to Thin Lizzy's Boys Are Back In Town, all the classics are there. With 40 songs in all, it's no surprise that there are a few odd choices. For example while Marvin Gay's Heard It Through The Grapevine is a quality song, I'm not sure I've ever heard it played at any sports game.

Rating: 7/10

(Review by Polly Weeks)

Various Artists - The New Romantics

Christmas is on the way, and you can tell by the influx of compilation albums hitting the shops. This one has all the essential New Romantic tracks that you'd expect, from Heaven 17 to David Bowie, Human League and Yazoo. If you already have an extensive New Romantic album collection, it's probably not worth spending out on this as the tunes are essentially predictable choices. With this in mind, if you are a New Romantic virgin, then this album will be a good starting point.

Rating: 7/10

(Review by Polly Weeks)

Blake - Together

This band really are truly awful. They deserve a review just to warn people not to be lured in by the cheap man's Il Divo. One thing that you can't deny is their determination. They have previously released two albums, and despite the relatively poor reception they have received they continue to unleash their mix of classical pop onto an unsuspecting audience. This album features covers of modern classics - from U2's With Or Without You to Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water, they've all had the crass and yet pompous Blake makeover.

Rating: 3/10

(Review by Polly Weeks)

The Blizzards - Domino Effect

This Irish band may have already won plaudits in their homeland, but now they are hoping to reach the top of the UK charts. So what can you expect? Plenty of singalong indie-rock anthems which should be a hit with Radio 2 listeners. Opening track Buy It Sell It poses more than a passing resemblance to Snow Patrol and sets the tone for the rest of the album. Saying that, there are bad moments here. The introduction to Money Doesn't Buy You Class has poor instrumentation and weak lyrics which make it cringeworthy tune. The band aren't doing anything particularly ground-breaking - as much as they'd like to be considered rock stars, it is pretty much a middle-of-the-road release.

Rating 5/10

(Review by Polly Weeks)

Singles by Polly Weeks

:: Robbie Williams - Bodies

It's the return of the ex-Take That bad boy and he's back with a strong indie number. He'll be hoping to reach the No 1 chart position with this track.

:: Ash - True Love 1980

Another indie-pop number from Ireland's well-loved band. The accompanying video is well worth checking out too.

:: Sway - Mercedes Benz

Anyone who doubts the quality of British hip-hop should take a listen to this dance-heavy number from Londoner Sway. It's already been a big club hit and now should make an impact on the charts.

On the road

:: Only Men Aloud!, winners of the BBC's Last Choir Standing competition, are heading on a pre-Christmas tour, starting at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on December 1 and finishing at the London Theatre Royal 19 days later. Visit www.myspace.com/onlymenaloud for full details.

:: The legendary Chuck Berry returns to our shores for a 14-date tour with his St Louis Band. After taking in the Sheffield Octagon on November 19, he plays a show a day before finishing at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall on December 2. See www.allgigs.co.uk for full listings.