Usually I’ve got something to say about something when introducing these posts: the state of new music releases, the weather, the geopolitical ramifications of Hannibal crossing the Alps and its long-term effects on the Nestlé corporation. Something!

This week I’ve got nothing.

Let’s see…..Lil Yachty’s surprising Let’s Start Here album from early last year was finally reissued on vinyl. It must have sold out immediately during the first run because I could never find it, but it’s on my turntable at this moment and it’s still brilliant.

But what’s come out recently? Let’s round ’em up:

The Libertines — All Quiet On the Eastern Esplanade

This album has no business being this good. The band made one classic record (their debut) back in 2002, followed by one which some say is good, and then broke up and made nothing particularly classic or good for the next 20 years (that’s probably a bit harsh, actually). They’ve got the goods this time. They now sound a little like Pulp but without the disco (which is fine!) — if you miss Britpop sound, this will warm up your Brittania.

Caravan Palace — Gangbusters Melody Club

Electro-swing is a thing. Sounds like Dua Lipa crossed with samples of 20s/30s/40s jazz, swing and jump blues records (although they’ve toned that down a bit on this release). Smooth and danceable.

Cheekface — It’s Sorted

Clever, wry lyrics about dealing with mental health and the everyday challenges of modern life with half-spoken verses and killer choruses. They haven’t changed their formula much over the course of four albums, but if the formula’s a good one, why mess with success? It worked for Pythagoras.