SONDRE LERCHE: Two Way Monolgue (Virgin)

NORWEGIAN troubedor Sondre has a touch of the Sixties about him with this real grower of an album. At the heart of everything are lavish orchestrations which include instruments ranging from harps to French horns and provide the full sound which his clever lyrics need. Part Beach Boys, part Prefab Sprout and with a touch of Rufus Wainwright thrown in, you'll take a couple of listens to get into it, but it's well worth it.JA

VARIOUS: Blues, The Essential Album (Essential)

BLUES purists may well scoff at this release, simply because it has been put together by someone else, but for those who just enjoy a little blues but wouldn't want the entire output from Chicago for the last 50 years this is a handy taster. Among the artists featured are Robert Johnson Lightnin' Hopkins Sonny Boy Williamson and BB King.JA

ACARINE: Call It On (CNR Records)

ACARINE -- duo Alex Lusty and Brett Gordon -- have made a homegrown rap album. There's no talk of boys in the 'hood' here. These lads have grown up in England and that's what they talk about. Gangland culture still dominates with lyrics concentrating heavily on crime, violence and even football. The Jam's Start is sampled among others and the hooks nag away in your brain. But does it all work? If Mike Skinner can become a megastar, anything's possible.JA

THE COWBOY JUNKIES: One Soul Now (Cooking Vinyl)

THE sound of delicacy rocking out. One Soul Now turns the volume up and adds in grungier bluesy guitar to the mix.MR