SINGLES

Latest releases reviewed

ROESY Hell Bent On You Blue Cloak Records **

All is not rosy in Alan Roe's garden of love - here's a twisted Valentine's day cabaret tune from the broken-hearted Birr lad: "They say love is blind/Is that why I can't find you?" He's starting an Irish tour shortly - don't hide, girls.

WILLY MASON  Oxygen Virgin **

The lugubrious lad from Martha's Vineyard has a message for the kids of today - some neo-hippie claptrap about carrying the light into the future. Sure, but only after they've mown the lawn and taken out the garbage, Will.

THE KILLS The Good Ones Domino **

More sleazy electro-grunge disco from the US-UK duo of VV and Hotel. Take Donna Summer's I Feel Love, feed it through a cement mixer, and let Polly Harvey hack away at it - coulda been a good one.

ED HARCOURT Loneliness Capitol ***

From his third album, Strangers, here's a ridiculously upbeat anthem to solo misery. Uh, Ed, there's a whole chorus of singing babes standing right behind you - how could you be lonely?

THE KERBS Playback EP Flight-Cheque Records **

Funky keyboards, funky bass, funky chick singer - it's the return of acid jazz! Feels more like a very professional demo, though, and second track Figurine should be the lead song.

L L COOL J  Hush  Def Jam ***

The ladies still love Cool James, and he still needs love. but you gotta do it his way (slowly), and don't spoil the romantic atmosphere with all yer oul' yapping.

NELLY Over And Over Universal ***

The Southern MC's not feeling very romantic this week, 'cos his Valentine is with somebody else. This features c & w singer Tim McGraw, and the combo of country and hip-hop has put it at the top of the US charts for a Bryan Adams-worrying 12 weeks.