HEAR'SAY: Pure and Simple, (Polydor) -- Sometimes the powers that be have an almost hypnotic power over the music buying public. We've all seen the torture of the selection process. But after all that work all the group can deliver is a re-write of the All Saints classic, Never Ever. Let's hope the public snap out of the trance and leave this single where it belongs. On the shelf. (1/10)
GORILLAZ: Clint Eastwood, (Parlophone) -- It's impossible not to love the turbo boosted cartoon characters of Gorillaz. And with the lazy reggae feel of Damon Albarn's keyboards, it's a tune that brings the summer into focus. With a host of guest musicians working on the project, quality won't be the problem, it's just how well the album will fit together. (9/10)
CRAZY TOWN: Butterfly, (Columbia) -- A Simple rap track with a love theme running throughout. And with a nice guitar lick setting it apart from some of the hard-core hip-hop out there, Crazy Town may just be able to generate their own storm of interest.(8/10) Albums LUSH: Ciao, (4AD) -- Eighteen tracks from the Lush back catalogue make this a flashback album of highest quality. Their ability to create punchy and lyrically honest songs provided the inspiration for bands like Echobelly and Elastica. And whether it's the fiery punk attitude of Ladykillers, or their modern folk influences, Ciao is an experience not to be missed. (9/10)
MANIC STREET PREACHERS: Know Your Enemy (Epic/Sony) -- The sixth album from the Manics steers away from the orchestral leanings of This Is My Truth, to bring a completely different sound. With rock, punk, pop and disco influences, this album has plenty of variety. There are even role exchanges, as bassist Nicky Wire gallantly takes lead vocals on Wattsville Blues, and singer James Dean Bradfield takes on writing duties on the haunting Ocean Spay. Not for the casual fans, this album promises to be a leap back out of the mainstream for the Welsh wonders, yet remains a political masterpiece. (10/10)
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