Singles

TOMPAULIN: My Life At The Movies (Ugly Man) -- The Blackburn band's first single on the trendy Manchester label. Stacey McKenna provides the vocal and an exquisite melody gives the sort of escapism that many experience at the movies. (8/10) CL

LOUISE: Stuck In The Middle With You (EMI) -- This cover of the 1973 hit single does little to change Louise's image. If anything, this version is worse than the original, although it does get the toe tapping. (6/10) CB

Albums

THE ANNUAL 2001: Various (Ministry of Sound) -- To dance fans everywhere, the Ministry is the bible. Although it chronicles the summer in Ibiza, like the Cream effort, you don't have to have been there to appreciate it. Some quality mixing on CD 2 makes the album outstanding, cleverly blending established hits with the hits of the next few months. (8/10) DH

POOKA: Shift (Rough Trade) -- Darwen-based singer songwriter Natasha Jones is back with Sharon Lewis for their third album. Pooka flirt with different musical ideas but their underlying style is acoustic folk, given a modern feel by producer Brian Duffy. With two songwriters, the mood of the album seems to change almost by the song. But the standout moment comes as early as the opening track What You Need, a biting and vivacious ballad that is simply breathtaking. And even though the whole package may not sit well together, there are glimpses of real genius here. (7/10) CL