The Delgados Albums

CD

Parenthood hasn't brightened Emma Pollock and Alun Woodward's outlook, which is good news for fans of these masters of melancholy. Hate continues the weep-worthy tradition of The Great Eastern, wrapping its misery in luscious, string-laden melodies. Lyrically, these songs are heart tugging, but razor sharp. Check out the bittersweet "Coming In from the Cold" ("Everybody's waiting for the big surprise / But no one will notice when it does arrive / So send it on") or the cutting "Hate Is All You Need." Misplaced ambition and emotional entrapment are the predominant themes, but Hate is elegant rather than angsty. With its clever wordplay and uplifting orchestral touches, this album makes misery absolutely savory. --Leslie Gilotti

It says something about the melodic powers of the Delgados when coming from the same geographic region as Belle & Sebastian and Teenage Fanclub, they can still melt hearts with their chiming guitars and bright choruses. After two albums of lavish orchestrations made with Flaming Lips producer David Fridmann, the Scottish group takes a more primal approach with its fifth--stripping back the strings and reinforcing the choruses. It takes a while to get under your skin, but with songs like "Everybody Come Down" and "Girls of Valour" channeling both the Pixies and XTC at once, it's an investment that ultimately pays off. --Aidin Vaziri

CD

2CD W/Delunsch, Keenlyside, Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Minkow