SINGLES:

ELBOW: The Any Day Now EP, (Uglyman)--Their second and final EP on the small Manchester indie label is dark, dour and very dry affair. Guy Garvey's vocals are so rough and gravelly he makes them sound like a group unable to find anything to go on for. Written about escapism from a Northern town, it's a bleak picture on the band's sketch pad. But Elbow's reality is a new album on Richard Branson's V2 label, with much acclaim and hero worship sure to follow. Cheer up lads, things don't get much better. CL (6/10)

ALL SAINTS: All Hooked Up, (London)--The longer the band's splitting up saga goes on, the more it looks like a publicity stunt. But despite not being as strong as Pure Shores or Black Coffee, this new offering will be worthy of a top three spot. Carrying flashbacks to Lady Marmalade, it's the girls both sassy and angry. Here's hoping they kiss and make up soon and get back to what they do best. CL (8/10)

MARTINE McCUTCHEON: On The Radio (Innocent Records) -- The second track to be taken from her new album, this is much more poppy, as you would expect from a Donna Summer cover. Much more upbeat than previous efforts, this song lacks wow factor but is certainly pleasant on the ear. DH (6/10)

SLAM: Postive Education (VC Recordings) -- One of the best-known techno records of all time gets the Slam treatment, with Carl Cox and Josh Wink both showing an interest as well. This is its third re-release since 1993, and sounds as good as ever, proving you can't keep a good tune down. DH (8/10) ALBUMS:

NUKLEUZ PRESENTS...BIG ROOM DJS (Virgin) Leaving the egos of the DJs to one side, this album brings together 14 mixers and producers to blend together the top talents from Italy and the UK. The results are astounding, with some 19 exclusive tracks moulded into one of the albums of the year. We've all heard of Ministry and Cream, now add this to the must-have list. DH (9/10)