SALTWATER BAND: Malk (below). When it comes to opening your hearts and minds to world music, then get ready to unlock them for this Aboriginal band from Australia. One of their number, blind singer Gurrumul, has gone on to achieve international acclaim. They’ve taken traditional Aboriginal songs and then mixed pop and reggae into their trademark blissful harmonies to produce an album that’s the epitome of relaxation. Few sounds are so naturally calming.
STONESTHROW: Judas Or Rebel.The Glaswegian rockers – two sets of brothers who sound like they get on – have had quite a journey to get this far by exploring the possibilities of conventional recording techniques, spending a fortune on restoring vintage equipment used by the likes of the Rolling Stones. They’re out to catch an overwhelmingly 70s live sound and were so disappointed with their first stab at this album they trashed it and started again. On the final day of recording lead guitarist Andy Murray – no, not that one – broke the neck of his beloved Les Paul in half during the last solo take. And the result of all this self-torture? Rock as it’s meant to be with an ongoing battle between voice, bass and guitar for ultimate supremacy. They’ve taken rock’s rudiments and then done it their way as they flip from guitar-searing, hard-driving walls of noise to acoustic reflection.
