Jarvis Cocker (Rough Trade)

Jarvis Cocker long ago passed into national-treasure status, to the point where it no longer seems to matter whether his records are any good.

The final Pulp album and Cocker’s dismal solo debut weren’t, but Further Complications improves on them both, courtesy of a surprisingly muscular sound facilitated by engineer Steve Albini.

The crunchy, pared-back feel enhances Angela. But nothing can save the rotten Caucasian Blues and similarly clumsy cuts.

WILL FULFORD-JONES