Singles

Latest CD releases reviewed.

EMINEM
Ass like That Shady Records *

Pop history is littered with bad comedy records, but this one beats even Ivor Biggun's worst efforts. Not only has Slim turned into a rap Pee-wee Herman, but his awful, slightly offensive Indian accent really takes the poppadum.

COLLIE
Green Blood Universal *

Like a taxi driver talking all the way to Donaghmede, this Dublin rapper will have you clawing at the child locks to get away from his aul' ranting and rhyming. It's from his album Is Ainm Dom - can it get any dumber?

PAUL WELLER
From the Floorboards Up V2 **

After doing his covers album, Studio 154, Weller's getting back to writing his own 1960s-influenced tunes, this time with a nod to the new garage-punk brigade. Sure to rock the floorboards at the next dadrock disco.

TIM O'RIORDAN & NATURAL GAS WITH THE MAN EZEKE
Paddy Rasta RMG *

The same Cork crowd that brought us last year's unwelcome summer novelty song, The Langer, is back with a new tune about your typical West Cork reggae rebel. Guaranteed to put you off ganj and Guinness for life.

MAXIMO PARK
Going Missing Warp ***

Intelligent, literate Geordie rock? Gerraway, ya daft bastid! Here's the proof that it's not just grim oop north, but also smart, sussed and spiked with a killer pop instinct.

KUDOS
Born This Century www.kudosinfo.com ***

This comes with reams of unnecessary bumf, but when you get through the wordy wrapping, there's a fine big tune in there, a Radiohead meets Coldplay - Radioplay perhaps - on a windswept corner of Temple Bar.

SONDRE LERCHE
Two-Way Monologue Capitol ***

As if Röyksopp, Kings of Convenience and Annie weren't enough, Bergen, Norway is also home to this 22-year-old pop prodigy, a guy who can conjure up equal parts Ian Broudie, Neil Hannon and a certain Mod named David Jones. 'Logue on!