Five new albums to try this week: Jamie T, Gerard Way and more

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/sep/29/five-albums-jamie-t-gerard-way-review-roundup

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Jamie T – Carry on the Grudge (Virgin)

Why you should listen: Jamie T’s been quiet since 2009’s Kings and Queens, and returns with a more mature, mellowed-out version of the mouthy ska-punk that launched his career in 2007.

It might not be for you if… You either miss the heavily (faux) accented London lad of the previous decade, or think Jamie T’s moment has passed entirely.

What we said: “For all Carry on the Grudge’s flaws, you can see why he’s still here when most of his late noughties peers aren’t”, wrote Alexis Petridis in last Friday’s Guardian. Kitty Empire also gave the album three stars, in her lead review for the Observer New Review.

Score: 3/5

Marmozets – The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets (Roadrunner)

Why you should listen: The young Yorkshire five-piece, made up of siblings from two families, don’t hold back on the crashing, moshpit-inducing tunes that comprise this debut.

It might not be for you if… Your headbanging days are far behind you – though you do respect lead singer Becca Macintyre’s ability to swing from harsh to clean vocals.

What we said: “Best of all, though, is the dynamism of the music: although songs flit around from riff to riff, as if Marmozets were bursting to fill each song with ideas, they are never too full, never just exercises in technique,” wrote Michael Hann, in the Guardian.

Score: 4/5

Marianne Faithfull – Give My Love to London (Dramatico)

Why you should listen: In keeping with her output over the last 15 years or so, Faithfull continues to combine co-written tracks with the odd cover. Her voice cracks and wavers, but still emotes.

It might not be for you if… You’re not convinced she’s truly a solo artist, and are not sure you want to hear a pseudo-compilation of other musicians’ writing styles.

What we said: “Give My Love to London features an inspired collection of collaborators, including Roger Waters, Nick Cave, Anna Calvi and Brian Eno, yet Faithfull never yields centre stage”, wrote Phil Mongredien, in the Observer. Click here for Maddy Costa’s three-star Guardian review.

Score: 4/5

Gerard Way – Hesitant Alien (Reprise)

Why you should listen: To hear the former frontman of My Chemical Romance, the band that launched thousands of long and asymmetrical fringes, go all Britpop on us.

It might not be for you if… I’m sorry, was that the former My Chemical Romance frontman making a Britpop-inspired album? Excuse me while I walk away and never return.

What we said: “With his trademark red hair now sculpted into a shorter mop of flame, Way is dipping into the music he grew up with – particularly David Bowie circa TVC 15 and the Britpop energy of Suede and Supergrass,” wrote Dave Simpson, in the Guardian. Head here for Nadia Khomami’s three-star review from the Observer.

Score: 4/5

Sam Amidon – Lily-O (Nonesuch)

Why you should listen: Amidon keeps up his high standard of folk songwriting on this fifth album – his second released by Nonesuch Records – and combines his soothingly raspy voice with lush layers of strings.

It might not be for you if… You’re just not that into folk, quite plainly.

What we said: “Sam Amidon’s new set of ‘reimagined folk songs’ is a compellingly quiet, intense affair that is remarkable both for the power of his understated, no-nonsense and often mournful vocals, and for the subtle arrangements that bring an urgency to his mostly traditional American songs and hymns,” wrote Robin Denselow, in the Guardian.

Score: 4/5

After some love for Alt-J and Shellac below-the-line last week, let us know which albums you’re planning to spend some time with this week. Comment away.