Meadowlands

I wasn't expecting much from The Meadowlands, bought on the back of some other more keenly anticipated albums. The rather dull sleeve didn't help, either. It took a short while to appreciate the layered texture of the music and the pattern in what initially sounded like almost random percussion. But after giving this album a few listens, I was richly rewarded. They have created a sound of their own - rare enough - and use it to great effect. The album is cohesive but the tracks do stand out from each other. The singer's voice takes a little getting used to but grows after a few listens.

The two main openers, 'Happy' and 'She Sends Kisses' are still favourites but it's becoming harder and harder to point to a track that I don't like very much. The slight edginess doesn't make it immediately accessible but there is plenty to keep you returning.

I really would put his album on a level with much more well known, revered albums. Music that you want to tell everyone about. They'll probably stay under the radar for a good while longer but this album is a real treat. Just hope they can re-release the other ones...

The lyrics are wonderful, streams of conciousness about love lost and the McJob society. The guitar lines are inventive and never outstay their welcome, each one lifting the songs to new heights. But the songwriting - it's something else entirely. I'm not a great one for hyperbole, but I honestly believe that "Everyone Choose Sides" or "Ex-Girl Collection" are two of the best songs I've heard in the past five years. Intelligent and adventurous.

This is not an easy album; it demands several listens before the intricately crafted songs reveal their true glory. If you're prepared to make the effort and invest the time, your patience will be repayed many times over. The first time I played it after a friend recommended it, I was ready to take it round to their house and demand my money back. A few listens later and I'm blown away by it. If you want instant gratification and some throwaway ear-candy, this ain't it. If you want an album to live with, one you can go back to time and again, then check this out. I put it in the same bracket as The Pixies 'Dolittle' and Sugar's 'Beaster' - it's that good. Do something brave and buy it.