ALBUM REVIEW: Jesca Hoop 'Hunting My Dress' out 30 November on Last Laugh

Much hyped and much revered by respected acts such as Elbow and the legend that is Tom Waits, Jesca Hoop has returned to our Music Boxes with new album Hunting My Dress. Two questions beckon Was it worth the wait? and Is the hype justified? I have to answer both those questions with a big fat resounding YES!!!!! This girl has delivered big time with her own unique fusion of Experimental Rock, Psych Folk, Blues and Jazz.

When listening to this it initially took me on a journey to the outer Hebrides where I danced and pranced in the shadow of a burning Wicker Man, then onto the inner reaches of my soul where I asked myself the question what am I doing here(on the island that is!!). From there I moved on and spent the next 20 minutes in a very happy place where the sun was shining and everything was well again.

For someone to invoke such feelings of almost hippy-ish transcendence within a miserable non believer as myself has to be incredibly special. I implore you all to go out and buy this there is something for everyone here.

5/5

DLS

VIDEO: Reverend & The Makers 'No Soap (In A Dirty War)' out now on Wall Of Sound

VIDEO: Swanton Bombs 'Doom' out now on Young And Lost Club

Charter rolls out Phatband Internet Speed

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that charter ultra fast 60 mbps service is one of the fastest in the U.S? I would really like to have it because with my current provider (who shall remain nameless) when I try to watch internet TV like Hulu.com - which I'm totally addicted to right now - I have to constantly wait while the videos buffer and they are always searching or loading. I'm told that this will be a thing of the past with a 60 mbps service from Charter.

This ain't the only advantage. The same thing applies with my Xbox 360. I just got a Xbox live gold account and have started doing online gaming but the lag times are terrible with my current provider which really takes the fun out of it, plus I keep getting beat all the time!

Charters ultra60 mbps is currently available in St.Louis but is also available in Southern California and is rolling out in the Northeast as we speak. The benefits of cable internet technology like this are that the speeds are greater and so you wont have lag times and will have ultra fast internet speeds all the time, just when you need them most.

ALBUM REVIEW: Ginuwine 'A Man's Thoughts' out now on Notifi

I thought I was going to hate this when I opened it. I mean the packaging is just cheesy to the max and I've never been a fan of his previous works.

There's no denying the man has serious vocal talent. The problem is that most of the music on the album is plain lame. That being said there are a few tracks on here worth a listen like the track featuring Brandy called Bridge To Love' and my favourite featuring Missy Elliot and Timbaland called 'Get Involved'.

IMO this is not worth buying but if you can find the tracks to buy as individual downloads then check those two out.

2/5

Ryu Rozinante

LISTEN:

ALBUM REVIEW: DJ Bootsie 'Holidays In The Shade' out now on BBE

After hearing the first 4 or 5 tracks on this album I was totally taken aback. A barnstorming eerie start with Rain a Storm breaking into some tough edged hip hop with Lieutenant Chrom and Vast Hope, then in comes some evocative tunrtablism with Ballad of The Space Rigger Pt 1, then bang it all goes quiet. Nothing seems to move on and it feels like you get stuck listening to the same track over and over again for the rest of the album.

The last two tracks do pick up the pace somewhat but not enough to compensate for the 22 minutes of my life a lost in between, I was left feeling a little dead inside a bit like when you're at school and some bully pulls your trousers down in the playground for all to see (did that happen a lot? Ed) It feels you’ve left part of your soul behind in that moment which is what I felt whilst listening to this.

Such promise in the beginning, perhaps Bootsie got lazy or he was reliving the same traumatic experience I described above during his school days and decided to echo the experience through the medium of music. Either way I have to say personally this is a potential work of genius gone to waste.

2/5

DLS

VIDEO: Illa J 'Sounds Like Love' out now on Delicious Vinyl

VIDEO: Crookers Feat. Kelis 'No Security' out 30 November on Southern Fried

Fancy coming to Europe for a gig this November?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of British Airways. All opinions are 100% mine.

Those of you based in the USA or Canada can take advantage of British Airways November flight sale. You could come and see Grizzly Bear who are playing in Paris on November 21 or Cymbals Eat Guitars who play Cologne Germany on the 23rd. Whoever you want to see then you must get a move on and book tickets before November 19 to take advantage of the seat sale.

At the moment prices to Paris start at $250 each way. There are lots of worldwide destinations to choose from so if you fancy some winter sun then you could hit party city Tel Aviv for only $449 each way.

If you cant think of a place to go then check out this worldwide destination guide to help you make your mind up. If you are in New York then you might want to check out London. Check out the metrotwin site for more information.

BA offers an “Upgraded” experience with:
• 200+ On-Demand Entertainment Options
• Complimentary food and cocktails on all flights
• World Class service
• Comfortable in-flight experience: Ergonomically designed seat, complete with lumbar support, adjustable headrest and recline. We also provide you with blankets, cushions, eyeshades and flight socks to make your journey a more comfortable one.
• Convenient and relaxing lounges at Terminal 5 in London. " class="empty_for_tags">

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'Starstyling Vs. Moodmusic' out now on Mood Music

Another compilation! Nothing special about this one. It's a straightforward standard mix but the songs are great and if you are in the market for a workout mix or something to get you in the 'mood' (sorry) then this is worth the cash.

There are some well known names on here including Kiki, Dirt Crew and some lesser known underground bombs form the likes of Filippo Moscatello and Sasse. Yeah it's not ground breaking but it does the job and certainly helped me get my groove on in the gym.

3/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Dirt Crew

Maria Ruskin