Three Music Reviews (in 75 Words or Less)

Various Artists, Late Night Tales: Belle & Sebastian
Belle and Sebastian's contribution to the provocative and most-certainly thrifty mixtape collection is a well-weathered affair, consisting of a healthy dose of obscure '60s R&B, indie trip-hop, and just plain weirdness (check the selection from the Novi Singers; Manhattan Transfer-style crooning from Cold War-era Poland?) And even though the selections on this album were not made by B&S frontman Stuart Murdoch, but rather keyboardist Chris Geddes, it still makes for fun listening.

Fatboy Slim, Why Try Harder: The Greatest Hits
There is always a place in my heart for Fatboy Slim. Or rather, my booty. That's right; I said it. While this greatest hits collection is plentiful (16 tracks plus two remixes), I wish some different songs had been pulled from Slim's latest LP, Palookaville. Specifically, the Damon Albarn collaboration "Put it Back Together" and the gorgeous "North West Three". Still, beggars can't be choosers, and this set neatly rounds out Norman Cook's impressive career.

Keane, Under the Iron Sea
While not as immediate or as sweeping as debut album Hopes and Fears, Keane's second outing is a moody one, complete with eleven tracks that will definitely require repeated listening for maximum effect. They've also expanded on their sound, employing vast arrays of keyboard effects and studio programming, which reaches its climax on the hidden instrumental track that serves as the bridge between "Put it Behind You" and "Crystal Ball". Another winner from the Brits.