Given there's hardly been a shortage of Hendrix albums since his death in 1970, the question is: Why had this album gained so much attention?

Lavishly packaged in a cardboard box and adorned with pictures of the fetching harp player, pianist and singer Joanna Newsom's third album is very easy on the eye.

The concept for Simon O'Neill's new album focuses on the music of Lohengrin, son of Parzival, Siegfried, son of Siegmund and, finally, Parsifal.

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Megasus play slovenly and unhinged music, almost to the point where the songs fall apart.

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Charlotte Gainsbourg's voice is haunting, saucy, and memorable.

Alicia Keys holds back on her latest album.

If the shadow of climate change has hung over previous albums by this pan-Pacific group then it is hard to hear some of this without thinking of last year's tsunami.

The Flight of the Conchords' parodies have spoiled some music for us.

If the joyous and spirited sounds on this album are anything to go by, the 60s and early 70s would have been a golden age to be partying on the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

So no points for originality then.

Ice, cocktail, tall glass, good friends, this album. Result.

A vamped-up sophomore effort stares out a hard-to-beat debut.

A hip-hop rock collision that actually works.

"Little sparrow" Edith Piaf's husky, and largely dolorous songs - performed in smoky bars between sips of absinthe - will always be treasured by the French.

Gravel-voiced troubadour offers comedy sideline on live set.

Instrumental rock at its best.

The charm of street food is often best - and it applies to music too.

From Naxos to Nixon, this music will cheer the soul.

More rock and balladry from Aussie veterans.

Keeping the Wu flag flying proudly.

Uneven, promising and long-overdue outing from the Violent Femmes frontman.

Jazz hands for the family gathering.