#2 Ellen & The Escapades – This Ace I’ve Burned

One of the ways you knew Ellen & The Escapades’ debut album All The Crooked Scenes was so strong is that they could have released virtually any of its 12 songs as singles. Instead they’ve restricted themselves to the more traditional handful, but the latest to get the honour is the slowly seductive ‘This Ace I’ve Burned’. An understated sound creates a smoky atmosphere, as though that ace is still smouldering away on the table, the dying embers of the lost love Ellen is singing of. Even if had been your heart broken in this fiery break-up, this soothing sound is enough to take the pain away.