Singles & Albums

Jun 1 2008 By Mickey Mcmonagle & Avril Cadden

Mail Music Reviews

TOM BAXTER

MIRACLE ***

This single, from second album Skybound, starts off as a soft ballad but builds up with lush guitars and drums, Baxter's soaring voice growing ever more powerful. It's lovely but does not stand out as much as previous single Better. AC

ELBOW

ONE DAY LIKE THIS ****

Taken from album The Seldom Seem Kid - a contender for record of the year - this sees Guy Garvey in excellent voice. It's a stunning anthem with glorious strings and a melodic, catchy hook. A fantastic feel-good song. AC

LADYTRON

VEROCIFERO ****

The Liverpool band's fourth album is their most accessible yet. It's heavily synth-led with a hard, rocky edge and an industrial feel that calls to mind Gary Numan and Kraftwerk.The female vocals stand out and Runaway will be a hit. AC

ALPHABEAT

THIS IS ALPHABEAT ***

This pop band are like homemade tablet - very sweet, addictive and great fun but after a few pieces you feel sick. Single Fascination is outrageously over the top and perfect summery pop. The rest of the album follows suit but it becomes grating. MM

PAUL WELLER

22 DREAMS ****

This album is a free-roaming, genre-muddling masterpiece. Weller has relaxed and this album sounds like him and his band jamming happily in his home studio. Push It Along, All I Wanna Do and Echoes Around The Sun stand out but it's an album that works well as a whole. MM

PAUL SIMON

ESSENTIAL PAUL SIMON *****

This double CD boasts 26 tracks. The first disc focuses on the 70s and early 80s, with songs such as Loves Me Like A Rock, while the second disc is mostly Graceland and later. A good collection for fans. AC

RADIOHEAD

BEST OF ****

Thom Yorke and his angsty rockers are not happy about this album's release - it's been put out by EMI without their consent after their deal expired.But it's ideal for anyone seeking an introduction to the outfit's overwrought meanderings. There are a couple of rare tracks plus lots of hits, including Just, Paranoid Android and Street Spirit, which make it a worthwhile buy. MM

GUNS 'N'ROSES

GREATEST HITS *****

This is perfect for fans seeking a best-of collection and newcomers keen to discover what the fuss was about.The fact it is a single disc is the only major criticism as two are needed. Still, the 14 tracks included are classics, especially Sweet Child O' Mine, Welcome To The Jungle, Paradise City and November Rain. MM