What You've Been Missing?

Low | Long Division
Over the course of the last ten years, Low has passed into that lexicon of strange, noisy pop music that bands like Yo La Tengo, Flaming Lips and Sonic Youth have been part of for years. During this time, they've gradually turned up the volume (and the tempos) but I find that this, their second album, is the one I reach for most often. Building on the solid foundation of their debut, I Could Live In Hope, Long Division feels more focused, more complex, and ultimately more rewarding upon further listening.

Mark Hollis | Mark Hollis
There was an uncomfortably long silence following the final Talk Talk album before we heard anything further from Mark Hollis. It would have been a great tragedy had there been nothing after the valedictory Laughing Stock. This record succeeds for two reasons: on its own merits, it is a damn fine testament to the artists ability to distill his songs to their most emotionally bare and vulnerable state; also, it provides a sort of counterpoint to latter-era Talk Talk albums - proving that those records were not 'happy accidents' but rather carefully premeditated works. This is not a record I listen everyday - or even every week - but still remains one of the most essential CDs I own.

Moose | Live A Little, Love A Lot
Where to start with Moose? Each release is so layered and unique. Live A Little, Love A Lot is sun-drenched shoegazing at its best. Grossly overlooked, Moose were close compatriots of Cocteau Twins and that relationship is displayed brilliantly here as Liz Fraser guests on the album and Cocteau-isms are evident all over the place. For those who have not heard - or even heard of - Moose, you are in for a big treat regardless of which album you start with.

No-Man | Together We're Stranger
No-Man's most recent record, released way back in 2003, almost fully removes the beats and electronics and leaves nothing but beautifully stark and honest songs. 'Back When You Were Beautiful' is just as heartbreakingly eloquent as its title suggests and the rest of the album follows suit. Rumor has it that there's a new album planned for 2007. Astonishingly, I have not been let down by this band yet, so that is very good news, indeed.

Halloween, Alaska | Halloween, Alaska
Some things arrive in the strangest ways and are all the better for it. I had heard nothing from or about this until it was generously given to me by a friend. Containing eight thoughtfully atmospheric pop songs, this album builds on fairly arcane 80s touchstones and achieves something truly unique and timeless. Even the Bruce Springsteen cover here works beautifully.

Notwist | Shrink
Though not as unanimously well-received as its follow-up, Neon Golden, Shrink is the perfect balance of all the facets of this band. The simple guitars, reeds and woodwinds mix with the lithe electronics to great effect. Though the production is to be appreciated and admired, it's the songwriting that keeps me reaching for this disc.

Susana & The Magical Orchestra | List Of Lights And Buoys
The most contemporary recording on this list, List Of Lights And Buoys is the best example of the current fertile Norwegian experimental music landscape. Susana & The Magical Orchestra consistently match their crafty production with delicate and thoughtful compositions that sound timeless - an achievement for a record containing so many trendy glitchy elements. The best tracks here, 'Believer' and 'Sweet Devil', have me salivating for the next release by this singular band.