SINGLES

WATERBOYS: Is She Conscious? EP, (RCA)-- With five new studio tracks included in the 35 minutes of of music, this ep is value for money if nothing else. But unfortunately the quality doesn't match the quantity. With only the acoustic version of the title track carrying any sort of emotion this is Mike Scott offering is heading for the bargain bin. (3/10) CL

GOLDFRAPP: Human, (Mute)--This cinematic blast from Goldfrapp has a James Bond theme written all over it. Powerful strings a quiet verse which builds into a cascading chorus and a breathy vocal make this track. Definitely music for a fringe audience but quality never the less. (8/10) CL

ALBUMS

VARIOUS: Cohesion, (CollectiV)--Yes the Manchester big names are here buts it's the mix of lesser known artists that gives this compilation the edge. From the lazy funk of I Am Kloot's Twist, to Buffalo 66 who sound like the city's answer to The Fun Loving Criminals, the lid is lifted on a rich undercurrent of talent. The retrained energy of Munki's Ulysses, which blends rap and indie guitar is amongst the highlights. But whether you buy this for rare tracks and remixes of the stars or the wider picture of Manchester's music scene, lets not forget this album is about saving lives. (9/10) CL

SPOOKS: S.I.O.S.O.S Volume 1, (Artemis)--Anyone expecting the Spooks album to be as good as or even in the same vein as their massive hit, Things I've Seen, will be disappointed. For that smooth R&B style that has been so chart and radio friendly is all to scarce a commodity here . From the offset two male rappers dominate proceedings with some hard-core American hip hop. With the explicit in yer face lyrics only serving to add to the disappointment. (2/10)