Emma Pollock/The Delgados

Quite a few weeks ago, I downloaded Emma Pollock's debut solo album Watch the Fireworks based on some positive feedback I had read about her and that led me to download an album from her previous band, The Delgados, as well, their final studio release Universal Audio. In my usual fashion, I didn't get around to actually listening to either of them until this week. (I can blame it partly on my computer issues, can't I? Just so it doesn't seem like I'm totally lazy even if I am.) And, unsurprisingly, I found both albums quite excellent. More than that, actually - I'm pretty obsessed with them. So, naturally, I will share the wealth (tracks with a * = most highly recommended, in case you don't want to download all of them at first - remember, you can sample them on Box.net too!):

 

( Click for the music! )

From what I've heard so far, the Delgados don't sound extremely different than Emma's solo work. The main difference is that she shares lead vocal duties with Alun Woodward. As with most male vocalists, it took awhile for me to warm up to him, but now I'm starting to like his songs a lot more, though admittedly, all of my favorites are still Emma's. They released their final album, Universal Audio, in 2004 and officially split in 2005. The songs are extremely catchy and stick in your head right away but are also quirky enough to stand out from any other indie rock band. I'm definitely looking forward to delving into some more of their catalogue very soon.

• Is This All That I Came For?
• Bits of Bone
• The City Consumes Us *
• Keep on Breathing *