The Blue Nile

HatsVirgin **** A Walk Across the RooftopsVirgin ****

Long since viewed as something akin to sacred musical texts, it would be fair and true to say that these two albums from Glasgow's most unprepossessing band aren't to all tastes. But if you're the kind of music fan who occasionally likes to shift your mood gears down a notch or two, then The Blue Nile's impressionistic views of the romance of cities at night (perceived, projected or otherwise) are must-sees. The words and the voice of Paul Buchanan are the linchpins here (has there ever been in contemporary music a better conduit for the invincibilities and vulnerabilities of love?), but you can't fault the musicianship. If Buchanan is the mood, then Robert Bell and Paul Joseph Moore are the mood enhancers, by turns meditative and buoyant. paulbuchanan.com

Download:Tinseltown in the Rain, Let's Go Out Tonight