NA: Russian pop, 80s computers

We’ve had some really great albums land on the UK side of things over the last few days. Here’s my mix of the good and the ‘interesting’ (yes, I’m looking at you, so-called Russian Madonna.)

Derrick May, Innovator

I once thought I’d reached saturation point with ‘Strings of Life’ and never wanted to hear it again. I was wrong. This is an absolute classic of an album for anyone who loves techno or house. [Bonus fun fact: I once ended up sharing a cab with Derrick May. He was eating Belgian chocolates and doing a very accurate impression of Felix Da Housecat.]

Joey Beltram, Classics

Another electronic pioneer, another classic. We’ve got Simon Reynolds, the writer who knows more about Energy Flash than any other in the world, to write the eMusic review – so I feel slightly inadequate saying too much here. Just click through.

Aphex Twin, Classics

Classics frenzy here today isn’t it? Yep, more early Aphex Twin coming through, tis time including his fantastic breakthrough single Didgeridoo.

The Charlatans, You Cross My Path

I haven’t had chance to play this yet, but The Charlatans have always been reasonably consistent if not always amazing.

ZX Spectrum Orchestra, Basic Programming

Anyone who wasted a good portion of their childhood playing Granny’s Garden or Jack The Nipper will feel instantly at home here. The ZX Spectrum Orchestra, somewhat predictably, make all of their music on vintage ZX Spectrums. In some respects they sound exactly as you’d expect them to, but they seem to have a keener sense of beauty than most 8-bit producers. I’ve been enjoying it.

Valeriya, The Party’s Over

I’ve had a string of emails over the last month, telling me all about Valeriya and repeatedly insisting that she’s Russia’s Madonna. If this is true I feel a bit sorry for Russia, but fans of overblown pop and faux-scratch sounds might like it.

Two more from the interested, but ran out of time pile

Pentangle, Open The Door – classic English folkies reunite

Anat Ben David, Virtual Leisure – electro lady from the Chicks On Speed stable.