Singles & Albums

May 18 2008 By Mickey Mcmonagle & Avril Cadden

RIHANNA TAKE A BOW **

The all-conquering Barbadian returns with another R&B grinder but it does not have the impact of her previous singles. There's just no hook, unlike the addictive Umbrella. I don't know if this plodding little number will keep Rihanna's good run going. MM

GUILLEMOTS FALLING OUT OF REACH ***

This follow-up single to the joyously uplifting Get Over It is a bit of a letdown. It's not a bad tune but it's a more sedate and tedious affair which deflates the hopes raised by its predecessor. MM

MORTON VALENCE CHANDELIER/GO TO SLEEP ****

This quartet's single is full of boy/girl harmonies. There's a retro romance and an interesting interplay of instruments, including glockenspiels and a slow drum march. An infectious tune. AC

THE HAZEY JANES NEW YORK ***

The Dundee quartet release this as a taster for their second album. Not as country-influenced as some previous material and there's more of an indie-pop tinge with a catchy chorus.

It's radio friendly with a summery glow that's perfect for festivals. AC

SCARLETT JOHANSSON ANYWHERE I CAN LAY MY HEAD ***

The actress proves she has a fine voice on this album of Tom Waits covers. It's a low-key performance, except on songs such as Fallin' Down where she lets rip. A good singing debut.MM

VARIOUS MOS CHILLED 91-08 ****

A companion to the Anthems album this is musically worlds apart. Here we have floating melodies, gentle percussion and lilting vocals. If you're a chill-out fan, you will be hard-pushed to find a better retrospective of the classics of the last 17 years. MM

THE TING TINGS WE STARTED NOTHING ****

Salford duo Katie White and Jules De Martino release their debut album.

White's shouty angsty vocals are at the fore on hits such as Great DJ and That's Not My Name. But she shows a poppier side on tracks such as We Walk. AC

THE OSMONDS ULTIMATE COLLECTION - TOUR EDITION ***

There have been lots of Osmonds collections but this one has 37 songs, including a new live version of Love Me For A Reason and a Crazy Horses 7in remix. There's also bonus footage of three Top Of The Pops videos from 1972, 1973 and 1974. For diehard fans. AC