As with the first CD reviewed this week (Burlap to Cashmere’s self-titled sophomore album), “Last Night on Earth,” is my initial contact with the band. In this case it’s Noah and the Whale, a British quartet that’s credited to be the leader in this new British folk-rock scene. The first thing that hit me as I listened to the 10-track, 33-minute-long Mercury Records album is how much lead singer/songwriter Charlie Fink sounds like Lou Reed, but a much more melodic version of that legendary rock icon.

Anyway, this folk-rock gem is loaded with sweeping lyrical moments powered by a heartfelt pop joyfulness that is infectious as well as compelling — this anthemic quality is best experienced on such tracks as “Tonight’s The Kind On Night,” “L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.,” and “Waiting For My Chance To Come.” Fink’s Lou Reed channeling happens the most of the slower numbers (like “Wild Thing” and “The Line,” both of which are very powerful) and in the bio sheet that accompanied this CD he credit’s the album’s strong narrative thread was inspired in part by Reed’s 1973 album “Berlin” (as well as Tom Waits’ 1992 record “Bone Machine”) but this in no way diminishes the impact of what Noah and the Whale has accomplished with “Last Night on Earth” — it just is my way of helping you “hear” what this wonderful album sounds like.

Head to their website and check out this delightful band … you won’t regret it.

Lucky Clark has spent over four decades writing about good music and the people who make it. He can be reached at luckyc@megalink.net if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.