Albums Out This Week: W/C 1st December 2008

After last week's face-off between The Killers and Guns N' Roses, this week seems about as exciting as a guided tour of Skegness. There are, however, still a few things worth noticing.

Those ariving late to the Frank Turner party will want to familiarise themselves with the man's rarities collection: The First Three Years if only for awesomitude that is Thatcher Fucked the Kids and a glimpse into Million Dead go acoustic with Smiling at Strangers on Trains.

Bringing indoor-sunglasses back to the forefront of hipster fashion come the formerly sensitive Glasvegas. Expect the new sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll themed album next year. Until then though: the band bring you a Christmas album, for those occasions when Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon just can't cut it for you.

Glasvegas: A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss)

On the first day of Christmas Columbia Records gave to me: A Christmas themed mini-album from the 'cooler than thou' band heralded as the saviours of music by the N.M.E. It features Silent Night and a choir, what more can be said?

North Sea Radio Orchestra: Birds

The magical second album from London/Wessex's NSRO is part medieval English progressive and part folk; at times intertwining the two to create something entirely new. 

Frank Turner: The First Three Years

In the time between his leaving hardcore-legends Million Dead and releasing this year's Love, Ire and Song, Frank Turner did things which weren't featured on one of his two solo albums. This is their story.

And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead: Festival Thyme

With an as-yet-untitled album in the works, ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead have taken time out to whet the appetites of the wavering believers. Four tracks, all seemingly festive, are here to ensure that those suicide statistics don't spike this Christmas.

Escape The Fate: This War Is Ours

Maybe Patch Adams was on to something. A recent play-party of Escape the Fate's new album in a San Diego hospital left the room empty after just twenty minutes, and this was the coma wing as well. Reports of a perimeter 'hysterical zone' have been only partly confirmed. Seems that the only person who is safe is the band's recently incarcerated former lead singer. Prison sweet prison.

Rafter: Sweaty Magic

Don't call them tricks! A trick is something a whore does for money (and candy). This is the world of the illusion, with added perspiration. California lends us their eccentric acoustic sounds with extra electricity.

Je Suis Animal: Self-Taught Magic From A Book

More magically-themed goodness. This time in the form of Norwegian shoegazers I Am Animal (English translation) who regard the woods as the world's greatest recording studio.

White Shoes Black Heart: A Place Beyond The Sign That Reads You Have Gone Too Far

East London's experimental psychedelic rock band white Shoes Black Hearts.