PV's single of the week goes to long-time faves Idlewild for their new release American English which is out in the shops as of yesterday. I can't say that I'm excessively enamoured with the idea of an all-new all-mellow Idlewild but after the muted reception met by their last brilliant album '100 Broken Windows' you really can't blame them for softening a few edges and going for the mainstream jugular with a fourth album that will prove make-or-break with regards to their future with the troubled EMI/Parlophone. So American English finds them sounding more like REM than Stipe & Co. do themselves, but even if the guitars are hushed the tune is as insistent and radio-friendly as ever, sung in a winningly weary manner by Roddy Woomble (pictured) on what is being heavily touted as the band's 'breakthrough' record.

There have even been wild predictions about American English getting the coveted #1 slot at the weekend. I have my doubts about that, as it's up against The Prodigy's first release in five years, but it could well be the most remarkable number 2 since Super Pablo's celebrated dump at half-time in the England v Brazil game...

Roddy Woomble picture comes via E-Festivals.