Here Come The Choppers - Loudon Wainwright III

Advantages: New, real, gorgeous
Disadvantages: Sweary

...I've pretty much given up buying new CDs. I get sent them occasionally for doing banal things online, but it's been a while since I shelled out for one. At the same time, I think I'm listening to more new music today than ever before. I try to listen to Mark Radcliffe's excellent evening show on Radio 2 every night and I keep my office computer tuned to the BBC most of the day. I first heard Martha Wainwright on Radcliffe's show a couple of months ago. He was broadcasting from Austin, Texas at the South by Southwest music festival and she was on playing live. At this point I have to plead a certain amount of ignorance about her family background. I remember her father Loudon Wainwright III as a guest on Jasper Carrot's show or something similar from about 20 years ago. The name Rufus Wainwright has been floating around the periphery... Read review

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Advantages: A truly spectacular voice.
Disadvantages: One or two weaker songs.

...Martha Wainwright's self-titled 2005 debut album is, in the words of Beth Orton, "Truly amazing." Daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and sister of Rufus Wainwright, she is pure musical pedigree. She has no doubt been influenced by such a strong musical background and though she manages to combine all the best elements from these commanding figures, she does so in a way that is completely her own. As Uncut magazine said of her sound, "Her song-writing combines something of her mother's grace, her father's wit and her brother's artful, cabaret-pop sophistication, delivered with a rock 'n' roll spirit all of her own." The special-edition album is comprised of 13 spellbinding tracks with 3 additional bonus tracks making it a masterpiece of somewhat epic proportions. The album opens with the breezy, dream-like 'Far Away... Read review

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Advantages: Pop genius
Disadvantages: Slight lack of quality control

...angel wings. Tennant has cut out the more flamboyant and annoying bits and orchestral music dominates the album, though this time without swamping the poppier and quieter tunes. One song, however, still manages to close with a flourish from “Phantom of the opera” complete with closing notes from a harp. To paraphrase, it’s pop, Jim, but not as we know it. Lyrically, the songs are about lust and relationships, thought the state of America also comes into it. Guitarist Richard Thompson, singers Neil Tennant and Martha Wainwright, pianist Sian Phillips and Joan as Policewoman all appear.... Read review

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