Andy Howells takes a look at a few musical stocking fillers on offer this festive season…

A single can sometimes say too little and an album too much yet Louise Turner AKA Turner gets the balance right her debut mini-album release This Is Turner. With roots erring in 60s soul and beat pop (This World without You) and even a nod to Bowie Oh! You Pretty Things, Turner is one to watch!

Some artists struggle to deliver the goods with a second album, but not the case for Eliza Doolittle whose second offering In Your Hands has already done well in the charts. Sunshine pop fans will find Let It Rain irresistible while the R and B influenced Waste of Time and the funky beats of Back Packing demonstrate Eliza is a musical force to be reckoned with.

Chas and Dave delighted fans of all ages when they hit the road once again earlier this year and are currently touring with their new album That’s What Happens. This album features a nod to the pair’s rock n roll roots including a tribute to Lonnie Donegan and a reimagining of their biggest hit Aint No Pleasing You.

Purveyors of old fashioned rock n roll will also welcome Get Rhythm the Best of Dr Feelgood 1984-1987. Lee Brilleaux’s 80s line-up catches Feelgood at their best on a 44 track collection including Close But No Cigar, Rough Ride and Mad Man Blues.

If your tastes are slightly broader an expanded reissue from Jethro Tull’s back catalogue could make a welcome gift for a fan of classic rock. Benefit captures an early incarnation of the band in 1970 shortly after their first chart successes. Steven Wilson’s 2013 Stereo Mixes beautifully clean up tracks such as With You There to Help Me, Teacher and Witches Promise in stereo and mono formats. For the purists there is also a bonus DVD with the original Flat Transfer Masters.

Finally 80s electro fans who have well- worn out Ultravox vinyl in their collection will welcome the release of The Albums 1980-2012. A 9 CD package housed in a clamshell box featuring all releases from the classic line-up of Midge Ure, Billy Currie, Chris Cross and Warren Cann. Vienna is the classic everyone remembers but the bands ability to paint dramatic storylines into songs such as Lament, The Voice and Reap the Wild Wind display why their music has remained timeless.