Thanks to Josh Rouse and band for a zinging show at Dingwalls last night. One of those acts whose music, a bit neat and tidy on disc, really takes off live. Words like 'bruised' and 'delicate' tend litter his record reviews; words like 'crunch' and 'crisply rocking' will do for his gigs. Personal highlight came only 3 numbers in with Feeling no pain - this is exactly the sort of noise I want to hear, up there with memories like Fountains of Wayne doing Radiation Vibe at the same venue a few years back. In concert at least, unreservedly recommended...

Be Good Tanyas - the backlash! Someone at the BBC's folk music site thinks they're the latest to don the Emperor's New Clothes: "In the promo material there's a quote from Time Out New York saying, 'We dare you not to fall in love with this bunch'. Hmm. I claim my prize." Can't disagree with some of the trenchant contrariness expressed. Given the simplicity of the BGTs approach, some of the tracks feel a bit overstretched. But the very lack of virtuosity is part of what appeals, hereabouts at least. They themselves freely acknowledge there's a stack of more "talented" artists even in Vancouver let alone Canada who are not getting the breaks like TBGTs. But, remembering the Sex Pistols, it's not just about musicianship and paying your dues. Emmylou, Nanci and the rest never did anything for reallyrather. It's actually rather cool that some folkies are a bit affronted by the Tanyas' style and the attention they're getting. The traditionals on 'Blue Horse' fall some way short of great originals like Don't you fall, The littlest birds, the almost indie-rocking Light enough to travel. Best of all maybe is Only in the past which could blossom further in the hands of a sultry soul diva...

Popping up in some odd places (recommended recently in Fortune magazine of all places) is Lapalco, the new release from Brendan Benson. Here's Delusions of Adequacy's view: "Lapalco is a wonderfully solid album from beginning to end. From catchy rock songs and toe-tapping gems to deeply reflective folk tracks, Benson crosses multiple guitar-based genres with his sense of 60's pop to great effect here. If the results are always going to be this good, maybe five years between albums isn't such a long time to wait after all. Recommended, especially to indie-pop junkies."

mp3 of the moment: Swinghammer's swish updating of The Association sound on The signature of Marilyn Churley...