A page-long article appeared in last week's NME discussing the return of "pop royalty," and mentioned Oasis and Morrissey, among others. They described Quarry as a "nice collection of songs" and said - according to early previews - Morrissey has bettered Quarry with his latest album.

Not a big story, but it underscores how expectations are growing and - given NME has heard the new album - it perhaps indicates the likely reception NME will give "Ringleader." So far NME has described Ringleader as "extraordinary" and "better than Quarry" - an album they awarded 8/10. So it's all looking good.