Gods and Monsters [CD + DVD]

Initial single "Over My Shoulder" is the most commercial thing here, but the rest of the album is equally excellent, rocking (opener "No Direction Home"), cynical (the bitter title track,) and mysterious ("An Ordinary Girl", reminiscent of Freaks-era Pulp) in equal measures. However, it's the second half of the album, with the divine "Avenue of Hope" that pushes the album into the five-star category.

Between the bittersweet delivery by Bramwell, and the suitably sparse production, this album exudes a charm that's rarely heard today--lyrics far more interesting than anything Chris Martin or Kelly Jones write, and melodies strong enough to stand alone without any window-dressing. It's a testament to the power of the band that this album is as affecting- and essential- as Leonard Cohen or Tindersticks. --Thom Allott