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Despite recording together for 14 years (much of that as part of The Black Dog), Ed Handley and Andy Turner still explore the syntax of electronica with awe and excitement. Tracks like "Crumax Rins" or the haunting synth fugue "Cedar City" may hint at the tenebrous dissonance of their earlier incarnation, but generally Spokes is passionate and optimistic.

Second LP from oddball London six-piece, produced by Lenny (Tricky) Franchi

Second wave hip hop pioneers, unfairly best known for donating a little bit of that hip to Aerosmith

Greatest hits (again) plus recent acclaimed remixes

Best-of for Liverpool post-punks

More of the best various-artist releases

Given the parlous state of contemporary jazz singing (Diana Krall? Elvis, how could you?), Lea DeLaria, a butch dyke from St Louis with a dirty mouth and a deliciously wicked sense of humour, is all the more remarkable. Growing up with jazz in her veins, she was previously best known as a comic (she's also been a Broadway star), but singing is clearly her vocation.

(Other new music DVDs)

Mercury Rev sign on as backing band to Bermuda-based songstress

Second album of the year, recorded with just a four-track and a healthy dose of vitriol