Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here (XL) ****
Thirteen years of waiting for Gil Scott-Heron to get through his troubled times with drugs and the law so that we can finally have the next album! The wait was definitely worth it and perhaps even necessary. Regardless, what we have now are more jazz/hip-hop/funk-style tunes accompanying the grandfather of rap’s insights into life and society. He has not missed the target at all and willingly looks into his own demons while showering us with his full love of humanity and the potential we all possess. His collaboration as producer with Richard Russell, head of XL Recordings, has enabled the album to sound fresh and modern and yet distinctly another Gil Scott-Heron classic.
Nigel Goodman, 52, teacher, Heaton

Field Music – Measure (Memphis Industries) **
This dissapointing album relies too much on riffs that get a bit too repetitive after a while. Measure sounds like Sir Paul McCartney attempting a prog-rock record and it just simply does not come across well at all. There are huge chunks in songs where not a lot seems to be happening which makes this CD rather boring to listen to. Even the name of this band sends off a bad vibe. Who on earth calls their band ‘Field Music’? I can honestly say that I can’t think of a band with a worse name. I’d dread to have to see this band perform live, that’s all I can say.
Russ Petcher, 34, bassist, Low Moor

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards – Spirit Of The Glen: The Ultimate Collection (Decca) *****
This features all the best tracks from their previous two hugely-popular albums. It goes without saying you have to like bagpipes, but this is stirring stuff, partially recorded at the British base in Basra during a six-month tour of duty in Iraq. Moving in the extreme, and featuring such well-loved numbers as Amazing Grace, Abide With Me, Journey To The Line and Braveheart. An emotional tribute to servicemen everywhere.
Daphne Rowbotham, 59, retired, Shipley