Under The Munka Moon: 2

After the enormous success of My Favorite Letters, Alice Russell returns with a second collection of collaborations, remixes and alternate takes. Already established as a gifted vocalist and songwriter in her own right, the 13 tracks chosen for 'Under the Munka Moon II' serve as a testament, not only to the breadth of Alice's appeal, but also to her versatility as an artist. Alice switches genres with natural grace and style, aided and abetted by her musical co-conspirators. Highlights include a certified future classic from the hugely popular Bugz in the Attic, who transform 'Could Heaven Ever Be Like This' by Japanese electronica don Susumu Yokota into a funky broken beat number, perfect for those long summer nights. The Boub remix of 'Hurry on Now' twists the original into a head-nodding, hip-swinging 80s inspired reggae number. Nu: Tone deliver an infectious, jazzy drum & bass roller while Bonobo and Wyndham Earl provide laid back, soulful gems. DJ Vadim's acclaimed hip hop re-rub of 'A Fly in the Hand' makes a welcome appearance as does the incendiary Nostalgia 77 cover of 'Seven Nation Army' by the White Stripes. Other collaborators include Unforscene, Natural Self and TM Juke. The album is also peppered with exclusive stripped-down live tracks, which breathe new life into Alice's own back catalogue. In particular, an acoustic cut of 'Mean to Me' forgoes the horns and electronic glitz of the studio version for a seductive vaudevillian folk feel, perfectly tailored for the intimacy of smoky music-hall backrooms or twilight gypsy campfires. Tru T. 2007.