Beth Orton – 'Conceived' (EMI) Released 30/01/06

The Dido-it's-ok-to-like returns after a three year break with further evidence of why it’s okay to like her. Although 'Conceived' continues Beth Orton’s move away from her trademark folk-with-a-twist to a more mainstream singer-songwriter sound, the single retains an understated dignity (unlike, say, Dido). Conceived doesn’t try and do anything fancy but, helped along by great production from Sonic Youth/Wilco knob-twiddler Jim O’Rourke, it’s a classy, surprisingly uplifting effort, which is deservedly going down well across the pond.