This Week's Releases

Collection in need of a refresh? Here's what's out this week.

Cornelius - Mellow Waves (Spunk)

Cornelius (aka Keigo Oyamada) has always preferred to lurk behind the scenes 'producing' rather than actually being front and centre. Touring with Yoko Ono and Yellow Magic Orchestra and collaborating with J-Pop sensation Salyu are just a few of the many projects in which he has recently been involved. Oyamada has released solo Cornelius albums sporadically and they have consistently moved from the buoyant pop of Fantasma to deeper more chilled listening experiences.

"... lusciously laid-back vibes that feel more free and lose than the Cornelius to which we are accustomed." - Guido Farnell - Album Of The Week, four and a half stars.

Dizzee Rascal - Raskit (Island/Universal)

When Dizzee Rascal first graced our ears nearly 15 years ago, he was a breath of change: not American, but still authentic; street smarts and pop sensibilities (after all, your older brother can still rap all the verses of Fix Up, Look Sharp). That he has matured into a Calvin Harris courting, Ibiza holidaymaker is a disappointment to some. Raskit proves this is lazy criticism. Space is a tour de force: a reminder about Dizzee's technical aptitude, charisma and ability to bottle fury. Wot U Gonna Do? is big, unbridled braggadocio. The Other Side and Slow Your Roll are similarly monstrous, products of the Dizzee we came to know and love.

"Here, Dizzee's back." - James d'Apice - three and a half stars.

Vera Blue - Perennial (Island/Universal)

It’s clear from the first track, First Week, that this is going to be a heartbreak album. It would be easy to think Vera Blue's Celia Pavey up to her usual folk tricks; that’s until the chorus drops and her new electro pop edge takes over. Overall, Perennial offers a lot of growth from Vera Blue. It’s a tougher approach to songwriting and there have been risks taken in terms of the sounds she’s known for. 

"It’s simple and allows you to reconnect with all the things you loved about Pavey’s voice to begin with." - Jessica Dale - three and a half stars.