Records

THE IOS PLAYLIST

THE FIVE BEST DISCS OF THE MOMENT

Schubert: Lieder. Brigitte Fassbaender (Sony, CD only). Deep-throat intensity from the extraordinary mezzo, here singing well- known Goethe settings, including some traditionally male ones. Michael White

Purcell: Complete Anthems & Services Vol 4. New College Choir / Kings Consort / Robert King (Hyperion, CD only). Fresh, invigorating new instalment in a major series, with quality soloists like James Bowman. MW

Deep Blues (Anxious, CD/ tape). Unknown voices unearthed in Mississippi juke-joints by critic Robert Palmer and Eurythmic Dave Stewart. Essential stuff. Richard Williams

Saint Etienne: Hobart Paving (Heavenly, single). 'Rain falls, like Elvis did . . .' Ephemera doesn't come much more durable than this. BT

Bryan Ferry: Taxi (Virgin, LP/tape/CD). A masterclass in the art of the cover version.