Leftfield charts

Review: 32 years on from the release of their debut album Speak and Spell, Basildon's finest drop their 14th full length. While there are echoes of their eyeliner-wearing, synth-bothering futurist past (see the glitchy "My Little Universe" and early New Order-ish "Broken", where Dave Gahan sings about 'dreaming of the future'), for the most part Delta Machine finds them in grinchy synth-rock mode, presumably shaking their fists at passing youngsters like a gang of grumpy old men. Thankfully, they're still capable of great things - "Soothe My Soul" has echoes of "Personal Jesus" - and there's enough to suggest there's some life in the old dogs yet.

Review: The 500 Days of Summer soundtrack is a timeless blend of indie and alternative anthems that perfectly capture the film’s blend of romantic highs and disillusioned lows. Curated to reflect the journey of Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel), the music serves as a character in itself, embodying the emotional stages of love and heartache. From the start, Regina Spektor’s 'Us' sets a hopeful yet ironic tone, foreshadowing a love story that isn't quite what it seems. The Smiths’ 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' becomes the shared heartbeat of Tom and Summer, sparking their connection over a mutual love for melancholic pop. Daryl Hall & John Oates’ 'You Make My Dreams' injects infectious joy into Tom’s post-date bliss, creating one of the film’s most iconic scenes, full of choreographed optimism. The soundtrack doesn’t shy away from melancholy, as Simon & Garfunkel’s 'Bookends' hauntingly underscores the pivotal shift in their relationship, reflecting Tom’s heartbreak. Each song, from Feist's whimsical 'Mushaboom' to Doves' reflective 'There Goes The Fear'. deepens the narrative. In blending '80s pop hits with indie gems, the soundtrack remains a perfect encapsulation of love’s bittersweet nature, marking the film’s lasting impact on fans and romantics alike.