Record Rack

*** The London Suede, “Head Music,” Columbia. On its latest album, the veteran British quartet has borrowed a page from Blur’s playbook, decorating sharply detailed character studies with elaborate arrangements that either shimmer or slash and burn. On such tracks as ‘Savoir Faire” and “Can’t Get Enough,” the band uses harsh drum machine beats and parched guitar textures, then indulges in symphonic pop on “She’s in Fashion” and “Everything Will Flow.” An album of considerable sweep and smarts, “Head Music” should help the London Suede carve its own niche among American listeners.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.