Emeli Sande - Next To Me

Emeli Sande goes for a change of pace with new single Next To Me, brushing off the Massive Attack-styled beats n' strings combo of her past two releases in exchange for the ultimate in stripped back soulful gorgeousness. Throw in a big brass section, mix it with an ol'-time groove and you're sorted.

The lasting impression of Next To Me is Sande's voice. How could it be anything else? Not only is the Scottish up and comer obviously immensely talented, but her voice goes beyond technical definitions of talent and into sheer sense and feeling, brushing through the body like a breeze on the most beautiful of long summer days.

Performances like the one she gave of the song on Jools Holland are the stuff careers are built on, landmark foundations composed of a moment in time, frozen in an instant where all that remains is the singer, the song, and the listener. Emeli Sande bridges the connection like no other popular female star out there - even Adele, in all her bombast and fire, can't touch Sande's gentle, softer tones.

Next To Me proves that sometimes, less is indeed more. It's easy to dismiss 'Star of 2012!' accolades, but in Sande's case, it's oh so justified.

My Morning Jacket tour the UK this week

My Morning Jacket's Circuital album was a real surprise favourite of mine this year; authentic, confident American rock, the way it should be done.

The high praise for the album speaks for itself - four stars across the board and a plethora of glowing quotes.

The band are touring the UK this week at the following dates:

Wednesday 2 November – GLASGOW – ABC

Thursday 3 November – BIRMINGHAM – Institute

Saturday 5 November – LEEDS – Academy

Sunday 6 November – MANCHESTER – Academy

Monday 7 November – LONDON – Roundhouse

Tuesday 8 November – BEXHILL – De La Warr Pavillion

They're also taking to the stage on the eternally popular Later With Jools Holland this week - if you haven't heard much of their material before, you're in for a real treat.

Feist - The Bad In Each Other

As the lead track on Feist's new album Metals, the brilliant The Bad In Each Other has the some might say unenviable task of setting the tone for the next 40 minutes or so of music. And that it does very well indeed, revolving around a windblown, Southern guitar hook.

Like the rest of Metals, the song is the eptiome of earthy, organic roughness - Imagine blasted, sandy vistas straight out of a 60s Western. That is Feist's charm - the juxtaposition of that almost sinister intensity with the ethereal sweetness of her vocals.

Taking to the esteemed Later With Jools Holland, Feist performed a great live version of the track that you can view HERE.

Feist's album Metals is available to download on iTunes now.