Does Joss Stone need to go to album rehab? (original) (raw)

The album: Introducing Joss Stone, Joss Stone

The reviews: Much has been made of not just her ridiculous, excruciating appearance at this year's Brit awards, but also the fact that she keeps slagging off her past albums to anyone who'll listen (not a particularly wise move). Still, managing to divert his attention from the Wright Show's live debate on Stone's "fakeness" for the required period of time, Alexis Petridis is able to find merit in Stone's choice of producer and an unlikely guest appearance from Lauren Hill on the track Music. But can he find merit in Stone herself? No: "The novelty value of a tiny West Country girl who sings like a careworn black American has worn off." Meanwhile, the Indie's Andy Gill opines, "As her profile rises, her work loses more of its individual character," and Pete Paphides awards the album a measly two stars in the Times, summing up Stone's plight perfectly by writing, "It has yet to occur to Stone that being a fabulous technician doesn't stop you from being a dull singer."

The verdict: With her star fading and her behaviour attracting criticism, time for a spot of rehab?

The album: Sound of Silver, LCD Soundsystem

The reviews: You'll struggle to find a bad word said about LCD Soundsystem's Sound of Silver. The aforementioned Andy Gill spots Bowie and Byrne in James Murphy's eclectic vocal range, and Steve Jelbert gives Murphy's "witty cynicism" four stars in the Times. Uncut reckons Mr LCD makes music hacks of a certain age feel young again, because "Sound Of Silver makes you feel very satisfied with yourself as you parse its content," while This is Fake DIY captures the national spirit on encountering Sound of Silver, writing, "We sometimes wish James Murphy was our uncle."

The verdict: A goodie, for the oldies.

The album: Pocket Symphony, Air

The reviews: Greeted with something just shy of indifference with their fifth album, Pocket Symphony, many view Air as a band that had its heyday with Moon Safari back in 1998. Zach Powell at Sputnik Music reckons the band eschew the "one trick pony" mantle and helpfully summarises the album like this: "Relying more on atmosphere than catchiness, Pocket Symphony is an entrancing piece, capturing Air doing away with pop songs with little complaint to be heard." In the other corner, Stylus magazine offers the curt: "Pocket Symphony instills boredom even in its guests," referring to the appearances of Jarvis Cocker and the Divine Comedy on the album. The Guardian's Dave Simpson has the final word, though; he's decided, "Pocket Symphony most recalls their influential 1998 Moon Safari - only it sounds older and wiser."

The verdict: Same old, same old.