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Ebony Bones’ album is an emotionally driven argument of where life in the UK is currently failing

Albums of the week: From Popcaan to Meg Myers

Post-punk musician Ebony Bones offers up a unique, political album with the Beijing Philharmonic Orchestra, while Caribbean star Popcaan has produced the soundtrack to the summer.

The product of one 1963 session, this collection would be worthwhile for Untitled Original 11383 alone

Albums of the week: From John Coltrane to Gorillaz

A lost collection of unreleased work from late jazz veteran John Coltrane is among this week’s album highlights.

Review: Quiet man of country Kris Kristofferson lets brilliant songs speak for themselves

When a global megastar comes to town, the people respond to this rare event, and the Waterfront Hall was jam-packed for the return of Kris Kristofferson, the singer, songwriter and actor.

On the outside Panic! At The Disco have a bloody good pop record, but with continued listening it becomes a layered discussion on life in your 30s

Albums of the week: From Panic! At The Disco to Nine Inch Nails

American rockers Panic! At The Disco return with a highly pleasing new album, while award-winning singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha finally unleashes her debut — and there’s no doubt it was worth the wait.

Christina Aguilera’s first record in six years

Albums of the week: From Christina Aguilera to Johnny Marr

It’s been a six-year wait for Christina Aguilera fans, but the singer doesn’t disappoint with comeback album Liberation. Also offering up new records this week are ex-Smiths man Johnny Marr and 5 Seconds of Summer.

Albums of the week: Jorja Smith to Angelique Kidjo

Grammy Award-winning Beninese singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo’s new album, Remain In Light, is a highlight this week, as is the fantastic debut record from Brits Critics’ Choice Award-winner Jorja Smith.

Albums of the week: From Frank Turner to Plan B

Folk-rock singer Frank Turner returns with his most politically charged album yet, and Plan B makes his long-awaited comeback with a third studio album.

Cardi B has finally dropped her debut album

Albums of the week: Thirty Seconds to Mars to Cardi B

This week, we take a glance at the new album by Jared Leto’s Thirty Seconds to Mars, America, and the anticipated debut release from rapper Cardi B.

Albums of the week: Courtney Marie Andrews to Rick Parfitt

American singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews enchants with her fourth release May Your Kindness Remain, while the poignantly titled Over And Out, the final album by the late Rick Parfitt, also impresses.

Albums of the week: Fickle Friends to Kim Wilde

Indie-pop rockers Fickle Friends make a big impact with their highly anticipated debut album, while Kim Wilde and Alexandra Burke hope to impress with their latest efforts.

Albums of the week: From Judas Priest to Calum Scott

Heavy metal rockers Judas Priest return with their 18th studio album Firepower, while on the other side of the musical spectrum, former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Calum Scott makes his debut with Only Human.

'A feature of the successful season of lunchtime concerts is the variety on offer, and this week the music of the Irish composer Sir Hamilton Harty was also on the bill' (stock photo)

Audience are warmed up by symphony from Russia

While the chill winds all the way from Russia swept past the Ulster Hall this week, the music of the Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich was given a warm welcome inside this beautiful building.

Albums of the week: Moby to UB40

Dead Magic, the fourth album by Swedish experimentalist Anna von Hausswolff, comes in at 47 minutes but comprises only five tracks and was mainly recorded on the 20th century organ at Copenhagen’s Marmorkirken, one of the largest churches in Scandinavia.

Legally Blonde at the Grand Opera House (Photo: Robert Workman)

Review: Legally Blonde The Musical hits Belfast packed full of pink and heart

'Oh my God you guys' - Legally Blonde the musical has hit Belfast and it will have you rushing home to practice your 'bend and snap' - and considering giving your wardrobe a pink update.

Albums of the week: From Screaming Females to Mint Field

Lo-fi psychedelic rockers The Lovely Eggs drop their brilliantly titled new album This Is Eggland, while Tijuana-based shoegaze psych female duo Mint Field release their original debut LP Pasar De Las Luces.

Albums of the week: From Fischerspooner to Belle and Sebastian

We share our thoughts on the long-awaited new effort from Fischerspooner and the latest record from US rockers MDMT, while Belle and Sebastian’s final part of their three-part EP series is also up for examination.

Albums of the week: From Awolnation to Rae Morris

Alternative US rockers Awolnation unleash their third release, Here Come The Runts, while British singer-songwriter Rae Morris finally drops her long-awaited second record, Someone Out There.

Albums of the week: Craig David to Dream Wife

Craig David is back with new album The Time Is Now while British rockers Django Django drop their third record, Marble Skies; however, it is the brand new act Dream Wife which look set to impress us the most.

Review: Poor crowd only dull part of Ulster Orchestra concert to brighten any dreary...

The Ulster Orchestra provided some musical sunshine on a January day with its latest lunchtime concert in the Ulster Hall.

Review: Evening of concertos a triumph for Ulster orchestra

The Ulster Orchestra continued its successful season with a wide range of music in a jam-packed Ulster Hall on Friday night.

Ulster Orchestra rings in the new with a tasty Viennese whirl

The Ulster Orchestra celebrated the new year in fine style with its Viennese Concert performance to a well-filled Waterfront Hall on Saturday night.

Albums of the week: From Paloma Faith to Morrissey

Paloma Faith returns with fourth album The Architect, featuring a collaboration with John Legend, and Britain’s Got Talent winner Tokio Myers drops his debut record.

Welsh wonder: Kelly Jones of Stereophonics

Albums of the week: Black Sabbath to Stereophonics

Welsh rockers Stereophonics are releasing a new album two decades after their debut, while icons Black Sabbath unleash a mammoth box set to celebrate a 50-year career.

Solid return: Jessie Ware is back with another typically soulful album

Albums of the week: Jessie Ware to Tegan and Sara

British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware is releasing her third studio album, Glasshouse, while reissues from Eighties icons George Michael and The Smiths will please fans new and old.

Albums of the week: From St Vincent to Dolly Parton

US musician St Vincent makes a monumental impact with new album Masseduction, while Queen of Country Dolly Parton releases her first ever children’s album, I Believe In You.

Uplifting experience: Shania Twain is back and in the Now

Albums of the week: From Shania Twain to Demi Lovato

Shania Twain is back in the spotlight as she releases her first studio album in 15 years, Now, while London-based rockers Wolf Alice drop their second LP, Visions of a Life.

Rousing return: Anastacia is back to making music after her stint on Strictly

Albums of the week: From Carole King to Anastacia

Nostalgia tops the playlist this time, with Carole King’s Tapestry being crowned album of the week, but if it’s new sounds you’re after, look no further than Anastacia’s powerful new offering, Evolution.

Cryptic tunesmith: Tori Amos returns with her 15th studio collection

Albums of the week: From Neil Young to Tori Amos

From the gentle genius of Neil Young’s Hitchhiker to the female angst of LA Witch, and Tori Amos with new release Native Invader.

Giant strides: Newton Faulkner is back with Hit The Ground Running

Albums of the week: Newton Faulkner to Roddy Woomble

Newton Faulkner has Hit The Ground Running on his return, while rockers LCD Soundsystem reunite for American Dream.

Gems galore: Kesha’s hotly anticipated new offering doesn’t disappoint

Albums of the week: Kesha to Martine McCutcheon

Kesha returns with her long-awaited Rainbow album, while former Mansun lead vocalist Paul Draper and genre-blending newcomer Rat Boy also look to impress

Ethereal mix: French singer Camille Dalmais

Albums of the week: Jane's Addiction to Steve Adey

Iconic US rockers Jane’s Addiction mark the 25th anniversary of a classic record while avant-garde French artist Camille and Edinburgh-based Steve Adey offer quirky new releases.

Classic material: Pet Shop Boys’ reissues are packed with bonus tracks

Albums of the week: From Pet Shop Boys to Arcade Fire

This week there’s a host of erstwhile favourites returning to prove they can still make waves in the music charts.

80,000 get what they’re looking for as U2 soar high in home city

This is what a crowd-pleasing U2 show looks like. From the moment Larry Mullen enters the stadium, strides to the secondary stage in the mosh-pit, takes his seat at the drum kit and bashes out the famous opening beat of Sunday Bloody Sunday, you sense this...

Together again: Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott’s pop is smart and witty

Albums of the week: From Dizzee Rascal to Avey Tare

The Beautiful South’s Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott release their latest collaboration, Crooked Calypso, while grime pioneer Dizzee Rascal returns with Raskit.

Back for more: Brad Simpson, lead singer with The Vamps

Albums of the week: From Status Quo to The Vamps

Rockers Status Quo mark the end of an era with a live album from their Last Night Of The Electrics tour, while pop rockers The Vamps drop their third studio record.

Rich vocals: American sister act Alana, Este and Danielle Haim are back with new offering Something To Tell You

Album of the week: From Little Barrie to Toro y Moi

The Haim sisters mark their return with Something To Tell You, Little Barrie unveil their fifth album, and singer-songwriter in Toro y Moi drops Boo Boo.

Maturing sound: Kate McGill and Dan Broadley from Meadowlark

Album reviews: From Meadowlark to Fantastic Negrito

Vampire Weekend bassist Baio is back with his second — and politically-inclined — album, while newcomers Lod and Lany do their bit to inspire with their debut offerings.

Stars of the hit series Nashville. (Rollins PR)

Review: Nashville In Concert keepin 'er country at Belfast's SSE Arena

The stars of the hit series Nashville closed the UK and Ireland leg of their world tour at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Tuesday night.

Going strong: Denai Moore has been performing since her teens

Albums of the week: From Fleet Foxes to Beth Ditto

Goldie returns to prove he’s the king of drum ‘n’ bass, the Gossip’s Beth Ditto unleashes her debut solo album, and Fleet Foxes are back after a hiatus.

New direction: Lady Antebellum have gone uptempo on their sixth album

Albums of the week: Sufjan Stevens to London Grammar

London Grammar are back with Truth Is A Beautiful Thing, Sufjan Stevens and three friends team up for Planetarium and Chicago melodic hardcore outfit Rise Against release Wolves.

Fitting finale to the Ulster Orchestra's season as maestro Payare shines

The Ulster Orchestra's grand finale concert to a capacity Ulster Hall audience at the end of a highly successful season was grand indeed, with two stirring pieces by Russian composers and a performance of a Beethoven favourite concerto by a world-class pianist.