Latest releases reviewed

U2
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
Island
***

Here's how to dismantle an atomic bomb the U2 way: dig out those chiming guitars, rock-steady drums and dreamy keyboards, add Bono's reassuring vocals, and load it all up onto one big radioactive ballad. Better wrap that protective suit around your heart.

DOVES
Black and White Town
Heavenly
****

Widescreen rock with a northern soul - Doves return with a rough-edged stomper that sounds like a Salford Style Council crossing a teenage wasteland en route to the Wigan casino.

BLOC PARTY
So Here We Are
Wichita
****

Here's the Cure for our post-Franz hangover - the four Bloc-heads put aside their usual frazzled rock to deliver a chiming, uplifting ballad that will come in handy if they ever have to support U2 or REM.

DANIEL BEDINGFIELD
Wrap My Words Around You
Empire
*

Danny: "Boo hoo, sis, you're having loads of hits, it's not fair!" Natasha: "Well, bruv, why don't you write songs about writing songs? It works for me." Danny: "That's a great idea! Thanks, sis!" Natasha: "Of course, you could also try not being crap."

JOSH ROUSE
Winter In The Hamptons
Ryko
****

A fine, melodic paean to long nights in Long Island's rich weekend playground. Sounds like Al Stewart's Year Of The Cat at first, but soon purrs its way into your heart.

THE DUKE SPIRIT
Lion Rip
Loog
****

Led by the lusty vocals of Leila Moss, this raw-sounding London quintet will seduce you, tie you down and rip your resistance to shreds. Put this tune on your Duke box now.

SPIRIT
Woman
Spirit Records
*

The wannabes are popping out of the woodwork, just in case Westlife split up and leave a boyband void. This wet, wet, wet cover of the John Lennon ballad makes The Carter Twins sound hard. Hey, look, one of them's called Gary Moore.