After seeing the film Presque Rien I had no choice but to seek out the songs featured in it. They astounded me. Simple arrangements on top of simple vocals and simple harmonies. The combination of all these simplicities creates something absolutey spectacular. In the two songs featured on his "Still Life" album, the songs are tragic murmurings from the grave of Nick Drake.

'The Slim Shady' LP is one of those albums that you have to let grow on you. It took quite a few listens before this sunk in with me. This album isn't as catchy, or bouncy or as fun as his other stuff. Some of the tracks on this CD just get downright depressing. And that's the beauty of it.

Occasionally I'll be impressed with an unrecognized gem, and 'Bon Chic Bon Genre' certainly fits this description. A diverse musical palate, just think the strong rhythmic sensibility of the Stone Roses meeting the acid-drenched vibes of 'A Storm In Heaven' period The Verve. The Johnny Rotten/Keith Flint chants is a sharp contrast to the music, which straddles between Nick McCabe's trippy guitar whines and The Edge's haunting riffs.

This one's a grower, it creeps up like a lost urchin, taps you on the arm, and when you turn around and take notice it bites you hard in the other arm, drawing blood, making you yelp. Settle down and smile, it's only Sebadoh, back again at last.

A welcome departure from Unfinished Monkey Business's earthy studio recorded feel. Golden Greats has a full 24 track production. There's a lot to listen 'in there' with some high points reached that remind you of the better 'roses' days - The track dolphins were monkeys is a perfect example, it starts off with a moody feel then kicks in with an up-tempo good time groove, with the lyrics sounding like the Ian Brown of 'One Love' era... he should definately do more tracks like this! Any Roses fans and Brown fans must buy this album! - it's the best thing an ex roses member has put out since the debut roses album

In these two tracks, totalling about 25 minutes, GYBE creates a sweeping, textured, atmospheric musical journey. Slow rumbling tension builds into cathartic crescendos, only to break down again into mournful, pulsating echoes, swirling slowly around a core of raw musical power, winding it up until it is ready to erupt again.

The new Beck album is perfect. It's gorgeous. It's a delight. Do I sound hyperbolic? Or just plain hyper? "Midnite Vultures" has restored my faith in pop. Beck, I could pinch your cheek, you gangly, goony freak.