This New Record Is Literally Quite Good

The Long Lost Colour (Ninja Tune, 2009)
Here's one to split the vote. The Long Lost are from California and appear to be living inside some sort of Victorian fantasy world where they get to dress up oddly and sing songs like Colour - note the English spelling, these things are important - in a manner that will either have you smashing your computer to pieces on contact or realising your life has been fairly pointless up until this moment ("What is 'yellow'? Pears are yellow, rich, ripe and mellow..." etcetc) Should you feel the latter, head here to buy their tremendous record. Amazing.

This New Record Is Literally Quite Good

Nightjar: Lady Of The Calico (Toad Records, 2008)
Toad Records are based in Edinburgh which, happily, is also where Nightjar are from. So that's cosy. Anyway, this is a lovely tune from a very nice record indeed. Were you thinking of slamming the door shut and not leaving the house again until spring, then this would be a fine companion.

Oh, Hang On, This Is A Bit Nice...

Rozi Plain: Stolen Shark (Fence, 2008)
Born in Winchester, now resident in Bristol, 22 year old Rozi works on the ferries that scoot across the Avon and, while doing so, writes these rather beautiful songs. She recorded some of the album with Gordon out of The Aliens and his brother Kenny, who is the very wonderful King Creosote. There's an album called Inside Over Here out in October. Until then, enjoy.

Re-Making Your Mind Up

Manu Chao: Politik Kills (Because Music, 2008)
I've never had much time for Manu Chao, which, I'm sure, has upset him no end. But his next single features a huge stack of remixes (Dennis Bovell, Prince Fatty, David B and others) and they are all good. Like, every single one. I like this Barriobeat one by El Rude a lot as it's, basically, a racket with shouting on top and if that isn't a description of great pop music, then I don't know what is (*doesn't-know-what-is face*).