Singles

ASH: Burn Baby Burn (Infectious) -- Ash are everything that a young band should be. They write their own songs, the songs have good tunes and they know how they want to look. As guitar music again locks horns with plastic pop this week, if the kids followed Tim Wheeler and Co, the charts would be a safer, happier place. (9/10) CL

BIG DOG: Raise The Alarm (Jive) -- The repeated use of sampled screaming U-boat siren introduces Big Dog to an unspecting nation. With Kermit rapping his way through the drum and bass-led track, the quartet make their stance in the hip-hop camp. But as Natural Disaster delivers a sharper, punchier guitar riff, the goalposts move back to the indie scene. Not the most explosive debut ever, but come the summer expect Big Dog to arrive in a style that even Guy Fawkes would have been proud of. (8/10)CL

PROUD MARY: Very Best of Friends (Sour Mash) -- Don't expect the first release on Noel Gallagher's label to have any Manchester or even Beatles influences. For despite coming from Gallagher's home town, Proud Mary, chhose the likes of Dylan and US country for the inspiration their craft. (7/10) CL Albums

HEAR'SAY: Popstars (Polydor) --Their first single Pure and Simple was a blend of Oasis and All Saints, so it's no surprise the rest of the album holds few surprises. Our chosen five seem more intent on following a super-safe formula of copying what's fashionable than setting any new trends. The best moments are when Danny and Noel are given a free role on the vocals. Yet, despite the fact they can sing and they look great on SMTV, it's a disappointing effort. But did we really expect anything else from this truly dreadful phenomenon. (5/10) CL

VARIOUS: I am Fearless, Funky and Five (Tummy Touch) -- Cutting-edge dance label Tummy Touch celebrates its fifth birthday with the release of this classy compilation. I am Fearless, Funky and Five neatly encapsulates all that is unique about Tummy Touch -- sometimes funky, sometimes chilled, always sexy. Best known as the label that discovered Groove Armada, Tummy Touch have been making waves in London for the past few years and with this release they are surely destined for world-domination. They might even catch on round here. (8/10) CL