Latest releases reviewed
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE Little Sister Interscope ****
Nick Oliveiri has absconded, but Josh Homme is still determined to lead QOTSA down the path of pop-tinged metal mayhem. This is off the forthcoming Lullabyes to Paralyze album, but when this tune kicks off, paralysis is the last thing on your mind.
BECK E-Pro Interscope ****
The Hansen boy is back, all grown up but somewhat outside the loop of late. It's OK: he's got the Dust Brothers and The Beastie Boys to help him on this thumping electro anthem. Listen for the banging guitar riff and na-na-na-na refrain on every sports channel, beer ad and yoof TV show.
JOSS STONE Spoiled S-Curve ***
Just shows how out of touch the Brit Awards are when they give Joss the Best Urban Act. She may not be street, but the teen diva sure got soul, and here she is in sultry form, making middle-aged men blush with that lascivious larynx.
OCEAN COLOUR SCENE Free My Name Sanctuary **
It's back to the '60s again for the Brummie mods, but this time they're looking to the stomping soul of Jackie Wilson and Geno Washington - Dexy's on a moped. Sadly, the Scene are too good at recreating the sounds of the era, and they're forever trapped in a self-made timewarp.
CAITRIONA O'SULLIVAN I'll Be There Rosette Records **
We're having a good week, fellas, what with all these hot chicks singing about how great we are. Cait's got a fine, soulful voice, but the tune's a bit Shania. Go for the B-side, a disco-funk stormer about - yes - how great we are.
SCHROEDERSOUND/BEAUTIFUL UNIT C4 ***** The Cause of Death Is Birth ** Trust Me I'm a Thief
Two offbeat acts, one internet - here's two download-only releases, available from trustmeimathief.com, and far preferable to forking out seven yo yos for Ronan Keating's latest. C4 is beautifully broody; The Cause of Death Is Birth is a so-so rootsy rock jam.
GWEN STEFANI Rich Girl ft Eve Interscope ***
It's that ole tune from Fiddler on the Roof, this time not sung by a fat beardy guy. Gwen guested on Eve's hit, Who's That Girl, and Eve's returning the favour, giving Gwen's solo career a lift - right through the roof.
