So a quick summary of the new stuff I've listened to over the weekend:
Laura Veirs - really good (which is her normal standard). One of her better solo albums
Mouse On Mars - interesting. Their usual mix of avante garde and could be a hit with the wind in the right direction. They've never quite matched the Von Südenfed album they made with Mark E Smith.
Josh T Pearson - enjoyable, fun poppy Americana. Not sure it matches up to Lift to Experience or 'Last of the Country Gentlemen'.
Confidence Man - as
@mad cyril said, really fun and infectious. Probably my album of the week!
Manic Street Preachers - it's okay. Won't go down as one of their better albums.
Simone Felice - really good fragile country/folk from the former Felice Brother (still a Felice brother by family, of course).
Slug - good. Sounds a lot like Field Music but maybe a bit more poppy.