Latest CD releases reviewed

U2
All Because of You Island ***

Sort of like an updated version of Desire - simple riff, chugs along nicely, a bit oldie-sounding, but not quite big enough to be a U-ey anthem. "I was born a child of grace," announces Bono, confirming that, yes, he is indeed the chosen one.

ASLAN
Fall on Me EMI ***

Those other Northside legends are still standing, and here's a Stereophonics-style rocker from their upcoming Platinum Collection, a three-CD retrospective charting their rise and fall and rise again. This'll confirm their position as the people's favourite.

THE FRANK & WALTERS
You asked me Fifa Records **

Cork's kings of quirk are doing the retrospective thing too, with a double CD, Souvenirs, and this new single, another jaunty jangler with the Franks' unmistakeable stamp of surrealism. Still, can't wait to play the older, sillier stuff.

THE PRESCRIPIONS
Pro Bono Publico EP Good Medicine Music ***

Nothing to do with the U2 singer, this is a strange brew of The Stones, Dire Straits and Boomtown Rats, backed by four other rootsy tracks featuring the Dylanesque rasp of Niall Brennan. Needs a bit more Bruce to juice it up, though.

BLOC PARTY
Two More Years Wichita **

The Bloc boys flash their Cure influences with this relatively subdued track that also calls to mind Mansun at their most popcentric. Even Kele's panicky vocals are reined in, but don't worry - they'll be sounding the alarm at the Olympia on November 7th.

LEE RYAN
Turn Your Car Around Brightside ***

You know the feeling when you've passed the exit for the Cork road and you have to chuck a u-ey on the M50. There's no turning back for the former boyband singer, though - he's gonna keep flying solo, and this tune should keep him firmly on course.

NIGEL MOONEY
Turning over an Old Leaf Rubyworks

This old dog knows all the old tricks. Here's a swingin' tune from the Dublin blues guitarist, from his new album, All My Love's in Vain. Who said jazz wasn't a whole lotta fun?