Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny

Still only 21, BJH has already come a long way from her early acoustic warblings. She cites Frank Zappa as her one major influence of the moment - in terms of attitude rather than music, one suspects. The resulting music is a splendidly upbeat, witty and ever so slightly decadent blend of Rockabilly, Post-Folk, Oompah and Brecht/Weill. Would go well with that Max Beckmann painting on the wall.

"Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose" (Mute Records)

Mark Lanegan Band

The sorrow-drenched voice of Mark Lanegan has been a glorious wonder ever since it first roared amidst the psychedelic Grunge of Screaming Trees. After a number of collaborative efforts, this is the first proper Lanegan album since 2004's "Bubblegum". Produced by Alain Johannes (QOTSA), it is another fine and atmospheric exploration of the deep dark. The Rock is hard, yet the Blues runs deep - and there is an intriguing hint of Can-style "motorik" beats.

"Blues Funeral" (4AD)

Islet

Low-down dirty antique Acetone (or some such organ), stampeding percussion, cheap effect pedals galore, plus the church choir vocals of Emma Daman: the album debut of this conglomerate of "heads" from various Cardiff indie outfits is one huge intoxicating mess, and I mean this in an entirely affectionate way. Loud, chaotic, enthusiastic and utterly refreshing.

"Illuminated People" (Turnstile/Shape)

Haight-Ashburys

This Glasgow trio has quite possibly never sniffed a single whiff of proper incense-scented SF air. But my, have they imbibed the spirit! Theirs is a huge wall of sound, consisting of twanging tablas and rattling tambourines, the ethereal twin vocals of Jennifer Ashbury and Kirsty Heather Ashbury (possibly not their real names) and a serious addiction to Jesus & Mary Chain-type guitar textures. Huge fun.

"Haight-Ashbury 2: The Ashburys"

The Unthanks

The Unthank sisters specialise in spooky re-workings of traditional songs from the North. Here, they treat themselves and us to a series of songs by Antony Hegarty, Robert Wyatt and Anja Garbarek, live, with extra strings and stuff. Great to hear Wyatt's songs sung by other voices - personally, I find his own "keening" style virtually unbearable these days. The reverential audience noises and the ghastly "Dondestan" are an irritation. Still, a gripping album.

"Diversions Vol. 1" (Rabble Rouser Music)