Think a more ragged Belle & Sebastian, and you’re not far off.

Most of the record is--sonically-speaking, rather than in terms of quality--classic Ghostface, but only a couple of these familiar tracks match the standard set on previous records.

A mesmerising, love-lorn, tear-soaked magical mystery-Jet tour.

This slight, shrill and, ultimately, underwhelming debut album has its moments.

Sigur Ros frontman goes it alone to exhilarating effect.

A definite sense of fun permeates Conor Oberst, with the singer allowing himself to indulge a few whimsical idea's.

A&E isn’t a reinvention for Spiritualized, but while that might be a disappointment for some, the comforting embrace of familiarity shouldn’t be underrated.

Grand old dame delivers stunning Hal Willner-produced extravaganza.

Heartbroken or not, she’s conceived her finest work in years with Watershed--an album that rewards with every soothing listen.

Quality electro from Canadian groove mechanics.

Third time's still a charm with Philadelphian prog-folk contingent.

Welcome to the (haunted) house of fun.

It’s a little long at 17 tracks, and hard to take in one sitting, but these songs present Americana in such an oddly compelling way that it’s almost impossible to ignore.

Chao is at best when merging his Latin/salsa influences with squealing, screeching garage-rock.

Young Knives gamble away the ending to a solid album.

A number of tracks here follow a similar, frustrating formula. For three minutes they showcase Reznor’s worst tendencies; the boorish plod of the choruses, the hoarse moan of the vocals. On the remainder of each of these songs Reznor does what he’s good at – i.e. creating delicious layers of chaotic industrial noise.

Thrilling indie jinks from Arcade Fire wannabes.

Scots veterans turn up the orchestra knob and rock.

Unlike his recent output, there’s no overarching preoccupation here, there is only a bunch of good tunes.

Surprisingly laidback new dispatch from uptight country rockers.

Ghostly pop transmissions from buzzy Brooklynites.

Strangely moving robo-pop from hyped duo.

Dazzling sophomore effort from New York singer-songwriter.

Zany jinks anew from Hip-hop’s Awkward Squad.

A record to cool the blood and quicken the pulse.

Berlin based electro crooner ratchets up the goo factor.

Songs like ‘Sentimental Heart’, a concerto for piano, strings and Pet Sounds haberdashery, suggest this pair are as natural a songwriting team as Karen and Richard.

Oracular Spectacular is an arresting introduction to the illogical world of MGMT, and is the kind of album that’s a guilty pleasure without the guilt.