Reasons to Be Cheerful

"It's my second week at no. 1 and my album is out today," announced Lily Allen, and then giggled, which could have been a self-conscious reaction to her own bragging, or maybe she was simply tickled by the fact that things are going her way. The sweaty crowd at London's small but sophisticated Bush Hall last Monday already knew she was at the top of the charts — but cheered anyway. Even the blistering heat wave baking Britain's streets seemed timed to make Allen's summery blend of laid-back ska, pop and hip-hop seem all the more appropriate. Her single Smile is...