DrownedInSound — Fruit Tree Foundation is a new independent project in Scotland led by musicians Rod Jones (Idlewild) and Emma Pollock (solo artist and ex-Delgado). Read the full story on DrownedinSound.com more info

The Vinyl Villain — One thing I rarely do is review current LPs.  That way, I rarely feature newish songs that bands/singers are hoping folk will go out and buy, digitally or in physical form on vinyl/CD, to help them earn an honest crust.  I'd rather wait a couple of... more info

DrownedInSound — Emma Pollock and her band play a fantastic, intimate show in Barcelona, ably supported by local act Olivemoon. Read the full story on DrownedinSound.com more info

Guardian Music — Cherry Hinton HallNatalie Merchant has changed direction again. It's little more than two months since she toured Britain, backed by just acoustic guitars and a cello, reworking songs from her epic Leave Your Sleep album, on which she performed with ... more info

Guardian Music — (Proper) This is an impressive, entertaining album, not just because of the unlikely array of musicians involved, but because of the quality of the songs. The band got together at a songwriting retreat in rural Scotland, where folk celebrities Karine... more info

5 Acts — Glasgow, Scotland"Hug The Harbour"Emma Pollock on MySpaceEmma Pollock on The Hype Machine more info

Guardian Music — The Duchess, York"I have a lot of memories of this place," begins Emma Pollock, once of the Delgados, recalling how as an eight-year-old child she was brought to York on a school trip to visit the railway museum. After 11 years in her acclaimed forme... more info

DrownedInSound — Whereas Pollock’s 4AD debut was fairly charming and instant but a little slight, The Law of Large Numbers is the total opposite; a wonderfully simple, clever and loveable record initially masquerading as a complex and awkward one. Read... more info

Scotsman.com — VARIOUS: ALMOST ALICE ** BUENA VISTA RECORDS, £12.99 more info

The Vinyl Villain — I was delighted by the very positive response via the comments section to the idea of featuring each of the singles released by Cinerama between 1998 and 2003. It's always pleasing to realise I'm onto something that is of interest to many readers. T... more info