This week we're braving the return of hangovers (having given up booze for most of January) and shit computers to bring you the tracks section, not quite as regular as clockwork...

We really like Maps over here, and one of the top tracks from recent album Turning The Mind was the sublime 'Die Happy, Die Smiling' (which isn't German for 'The Happy, The Smiling'). They've stuck it out as a single now and it comes backed with some pretty heavyweight mixes courtesy of Maxime Dangles and Subscape as well a rather lovely fuzzy rework by label mates A Place To Bury Strangers

Last week we brought you a track from the new Erland & The Carnival album, featuring ex-Verve man Simon Tong, well this week sees the return of the big man (in hair terms at least) Richard Ashcroft and his new project United Nations Of Sound. He's brought in hip hop producer No ID who served on production duties for Jay-Z's 'Death of Autotune' to funk things up a little, but it's going to take more than a nice little beat and a screaming guitar solo to erase the memories of Human Conditions C'mon Mad Richard, let's have you back...Unfortunately embedding has generally been disabled, but in the spirit of providing an education to our readers, here is the track with the lyrics translated into Spanish....

Hotly tipped and recently signed to XL is Giggs. When not being awarded constant football plaudits just for being old, Giggs masquerades as a rapper. You're going to hear a hell of a lot about this bloke for the next year whether you like it or not - another player of the year trophy is not out of the question...

"Since his breakout Roc-A-Fella debut Philadelphia Freeway in 2003, which achieved gold status selling over 500,000 units, Freeway has consistently been regarded as 'your favorite rapper's favorite rapper'. Releasing his sophomore follow up Free at Last in 2007, which featured the Jake One produced classic 'It's Over', Freeway has kept his skills sharp recording numerous mixtapes, unofficial albums and online leaks all while playing hundreds of shows across the country." Admittedly that's what the release says, but this is damn good, so I've got no reason to argue with them...

I now have to go as my shitty laptop is cutting out every five minutes, but just before I do, here is Midlake, whose new album is released this week and is extremely pleasant...

And finally, an honourable mention of Charlotte Gainsbourg, who should have had a review of new album IRM up in the proper section but due to technical and laziness issues, she hasn't. It's worth saying that she would have received 5/5, as the album is stunning and is an early contender for my album of the year.Check out the beautiful 'Time Of The Assassins' or the sixties-infused 'Dandelion' for pointers...

In the meantime, here she is with album co writer and producer Beck on new single 'Heaven Can Wait'...

Bye for now...

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