Philippe Parreno at the Serpentine

In the final weeks of this brilliant show, I went again to the Serpentine Gallery and asked myself: is this a new era of exhibitions?

Entering the gallery I am hit by a sense of bewilderment. There is nothing happening. The house lights are on and all I can hear is music from another room. A gallery assistant asks me if I need help – I decline, enjoying the confusion. She tells me that dog-walkers in Hyde Park often confuse the Serpentine for a public toilet. I smile politely and go in search of the sounds.

James Blake - James Blake (Album)

James Blake cannot be accused of lacking ideas. In less than a year he has produced a range and variety of music that could have emerged from an entire career. Back in May, his EP CMYK wove R&B samples into powerful new statements, suggesting an alternative path for the future of dubstep. In his next EP, Klavierwerk, Blake adapted his complex musical production to an unexpected source: his own voice. If the vocal element here was a revelation, his sheer vocal talent was the next surprise, which came in a pared-down cover of Feist’s ‘Limit To Your Love.’ By the release of this single, Blake had confounded the possibility of being pigeonholed. His style was ever-changing, unpredictable and continually exciting.

Three Thousand - These New Puritans

Amazing track from These New Puritans new album, Hidden. Full album review on the way... 

Caribou - Jamelia

Brilliant track from Caribou's last album, Swim. Caribou will be playing at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on 22nd February (details here).