Kiss Me Pucker

I’ve been lately listening to new albums by the Editors, the Raveonettes and White Lies (which I suppose isn’t one that's so new). Three perfect albums for this time of the year, keeping me company as I walk through Victoria Park, then down Regent’s Canal, on my way to work. The Raveonettes give me peppy pop from the 50s and 60s as seen through today's filter; White Lies give me big anthemic rock and the Editors give me Joy Division 2.0. I’ve got the new Editors' album in my shop but I don’t think you can buy it if you live in the U.K. Oh well, go to your nearest record store then – it’s really worth it.

My biggest surprise this month, though, has been Brett Anderson’s solo work. To be honest, I completely wrote him off after Suede broke up. They had run out of ideas by the end and his first solo single was, frankly, dull. But The Independent has offered eight of his tracks for free, from his last two albums ("Wilderness" and "Slow Attack"), and they are GORGEOUS. Really, really beautiful stuff that reminds me of Antony and the Johnsons's sensibility as seen through Nico's portentousness. Go here to download them then spread the word!

I’ve gone ahead and added his first solo album to my shop. I haven’t listened to it yet but I’m hoping it’s just as good as "Wilderness" and "Slow Attack".

For those with less discerning taste in music, I've also got X Factor reject Laura White's single for sale in my shop. I expect to have Jedward's new material by sometime next year. [/end music pimping]