Hear Ye: 1-9-13

1. Midday – Yusef – From the mid-noughts, it survives as his finest post- Islam conversion moment from the former First Cut guy. Roundly disliked in the States, last time he tried to play here he coldn’t get in the country, his religion neother helps nor hinders him on this fabulous slice of Cat Stevens style pop rock replete with horns blowing through the chorus – Grade: A

 2.  Turn Around – Feat Ne-Yo – Conor Maynard – Sounds like a young Ne-Yo without the great voice – Grade: B

3. Leaving Trunk – Derek Trucks Band –  Allman Brothers player nails it here – Grade: B+

4. Because We Can – Bon Jovi – Cotton candy: sugary, rots your teeth, but man is it good – Grade: A-

5. Judge Jury And Executioner – Atoms For Peace –  Sure, it sounds like radiohead with better electronics. But better electronics means better beats and the beats here are first rate – Grade: B+

6. Where Are We Now? – David Bowie – back to berlin, older and not quite as good but how bad can it be – Grade: B+

7. Ohm – Yo La Tengo – Indie guitar by the numbers by band who numbered em – Grade B+

8. Dance With Me – Ra Ra Riot – Lowkey but snappy indie pop – Grade: B

9.Sure Be Cool If You Did – Blake Shleton –  Bland country ballad with a hint of hip hop going nowhere – Grade: C-

10. Animal – Conor maynard – No “vegas Girl” but not the worst pop in the world – Grade: B-