SINGLES

TRAVIS: Turn (Independiente) - Not the most appropriate song to do press-ups to but try telling that to Travis frontman Fran Healy, who does just that in the song's video. Better than Why Does It Always Rain On Me? and on a par with Driftwood, this is another tasty morsel from the stunning The Man Who album. If it wasn't for the fact they've thrown in a Britney Spears cover, I'd say they deserve their success. (7/10) JS

MARVIN AND TAMARA: North South East West (Epic) - These are the latest pop scamps on the block and have recently gone on tour for the first time with Steps. This is the follow-up to their debut hit Groove Machine. Like its predecessor it's uptempo, catchy and bears all the hallmarks of a hit. But it is complete and utter rubbish. Misguided Steps fans might like it. (2/10) JS

QUEEN ADREENA: X-ing Off The Days (Blanco Y Negro) - Forget the Blair Witch Project. If you want to feel really scared, just listen to this. With a haunting, provocative stance, former Daisy Chainsaw vocalist Katy Jane Garside turns over a new psychotic leaf as Queen Adreena. The wailing banshee backing is very effective but, unfortunately ,the second track - A Heavenly Surrender - merely sounds like Diamanda Galas talking in her sleep. Still, not a bad effort. (6/10) JS

ALBUMS

LE TIGRE: Le Tigre (Wiiija) - Full of attitude and not afraid to speak their mind, Le Tigre's punky brusqueness is like a breath of fresh air. From the same bag as fellow Americans Sleater-Kinney, this all-girl dance trio grasp the basic elements of punk and add danceable beats, samples and, at times, a '60s cinematic feel. Even the barking dogs and the gratuitous swearing helps make them one of America's finest exports this year. (8/10) JS

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.