A Grand Don't Come For Free, by The Streets

The Streets' debut album, Original Pirate Material, was about as ballsy as debuts come ('Let's Push Things Forward' is as straightforward a manifesto as you could wish for), and all the better for it. But the follow-up is even braver: a 'concept album' with none of the overblown pretentiousness that label tends to evoke. This album tells the story of a lost thousand quid and, as the 'chapters' unfold, a lost relationship. Mike Skinner's not afraid to look at the story from every angle, being bitter, funny, bolshy, furious and, in Dry Your Eyes, startlingly heartbreaking. Whatever tack he's taking, the songs ring true. The lyrics easily live up to the label of poetry, and if I had my way The Streets' two albums would be on the National Curriculum in a shot. I can't think of a better popular advocate for the joy and power of words well used.