Editor’s Note: In Sound Advice, the first Saturday of every month, veteran Bangor Daily News entertainment writer Dale McGarrigle, former British music-press writer Adam Corrigan, NEWS sportswriter and rock buff Andrew Neff and a revolving stable of NEWS writers review new albums from across the musical spectrum.

“Magic and Medicine” (Sony) – The Coral

Fans of The Coral have a pleasant surprise waiting inside “Magic and Medicine” – a whole other album. “Magic and Medicine” – the A-side if you will -actually was released last summer in the band’s native U.K. Meanwhile, “Night-freak and the Sons of Becker” – the B-side — has only just been released there.

The difference between the two is striking. “Magic” is a polished piece of psychedelic pop in the best of Scouse traditions, which buzzes around Byrds hooks and conjures the spirit of Cast at its best. It confirms The Coral’s transition to mainstream darlings and is generally a good time.

“Nightfreak,” however, is much less accessible. Recorded in about a week, it clocks in at less than half an hour and is somewhat of a stopgap between genuine albums two and three. Often experimental and sometimes nebulously formed, it’s either an energetic outburst of creativity, or an attempt to upset the legions drawn to their more crafted work.

Luckily, America doesn’t have to choose between the two. – Adam Corrigan

“Dream Reel” (Chickadee) – Evergreen

One of Maine’s premier bluegrass bands is in fine form on its third album in six years.

Whether it’s Joe Kennedy’s engrossing harmonica playing, Chris Prickett’s meticulous banjo picking, or Steve Chaisson and Nelly Kennedy’s harmonious vocals, there’s something here for any music fan, as there’s hints of folk, roots and country as well.

Evergreen presents five originals by Prickett and Chaisson, but the quartet makes all 14 songs on the album their own. Here’s four people who enjoy playing together, and that shows in the album’s quality. It’s got that four-people-around-one-mic approach, which makes the listener feel like he or she is at a live show by the group.

The members of Evergreen have been together since 1991, and that’s apparent in their seamless playing. “Dream Reel” does an admirable job of capturing a band in its prime. – Dale McGarrigle

(“Dream Reel” is available at the Grasshopper Shop in Bangor and Mr. Paperback and Brick Alley in Dexter, or at www.evergreen.com.)

“Win a Date with Tad Hamilton” (Aware-Columbia-Sony) – Various artists

First off, let me just say that I’m not a huge fan of soundtracks. That being said, this one is at worst, fun, and at best, a good listen. Sure it has its skippable tracks, but the ones by Liz Phair (“Why Can’t I?”), John Mayer (“Back to You”), BT (“Superfabulous” remix), and Jason Wade (“Days Go By”) are not among them. Other notable tracks by Five For Fighting (“Days Go By”) and The Thorns (“Blue”) are well worth a listen. – Andrew Neff