A LOOK at the lastest sounds.

SKINNY: Coming Up Roses (Cheeky Records) -- With a laid back groove and something of a swaggering, anthemic feel this Skinny track is a refreshing start to the new year.

Taken from their highly acclaimed second album 'Taller', and backed by Norman Cook's mix of crowd favourite, Friday (Going Out), it will win friends both on and off the dancefloor. CL 8/10

MERCURY REV: The Dark Is Rising (V2) -- The opening track from the brilliant, 'All is Dreaming', album, is an epic indie track. With a massive orchestral backing,the cinematic feel to the music is the prefect foil for the high key melancholic vocal.

CL (9/10)

PUBLIC DOMAIN: Too Many MC's (Xtravaganza Recordings) -- Complete with thrashing guitars, a funky bassline and breakbeats, Public Domain sound almost Apollo 440 here. Contrasted with their hard house take on DJ Kool's classic, 'Let Me Clear My Throat', on the flip side, this track demonstrates versatility even if it's not totally original. CL (7/10)

Albums

GORDON HASKELL: Harry's Bar (East/West) -- Fresh from claiming the Christmas chart's number two spot, with 'How Wonderful You Are', Haskell hits us with his first album since 1972. His musical career started in the early 60s, during which time he played bass for Cliff Richard jammed with Jimi Hendrix and worked with Otis Redding. By 1971 he had earned a reputation as a fine singer/writer and was proclaimed by one DJ as one of the UK's brightest musical hopes. Thirty years on, we seem to be finally taking notice. And for all 12 tracks, time seems to have stood still for old crooner as he he serves up a cocktail of lazy traditional jazz and swing. CL (8/10)

CHRIS REA: Very Best Of (East/West) -- Unlike my erstwhile colleague Mr Lawrence I like greatest hits packages. I'd never think of buying a Chris Rea album, but this 'Best Of' features all the hits and more. He's been around so long you forget how many songs you know. Ideal in-car listening and well worth adding to the collection.JA (7/10)