The latest releases reviewed

BABYSHAMBLES
The Blinding EP Regal ****

Some tabloid readers have short memories, so it's about time Pete reminded them that he does something else besides hang out at rehab with Kate Moss. The title track is a splash of spiky punk in yer eye, Love You But You're Green a f***ed up love ballad, and Sedative wide awake and dreaming. Sweet, Pete.

JAMELIA
Beware of the Dog Parlophone ****

Sugababes and Girls Aloud aren't the only mash-up queens around. The UK r'n'b babe has turned Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus into a devilishly good disco stomper. Beware: you will be dancing.

SCISSOR SISTERS
Land of a Thousand Words Polydor ***

It's hard to follow up their fab disco-refusenik hit, I Don't Feel Like Dancing, so the Sisters aren't even gonna try. Instead, here's a thoughful ballad in the mould of Elton's Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, about how words are never enough.

SCOTT MATTHEWS
Dream Song San Remo/Island ***

Does the world need another Nick Drake? Well, Island Records has, it seems, found one to replace the old one, and it sounds like he's got a bit of Zep in him too. And with this dreamy song full of swooping strings, tablas and heavenly voices, at least he's not the next James Blunt.

PUSSYCAT DOLLS
Wait a Minute A&M ***

They may look fast and loose, but the Doll troupe are self-respecting girls, so don't expect them to give up the booty just like that. Buy the record first, and the concert tickets, and the merchandise, and we'll see how we go.

1990S
You're Supposed to Be My Friend Rough Trade ****

Remember the 1990s? Blur vs Oasis, Nevermind and lager, lager, lager? Well, this Glasgow bunch sound nothing like the decade that New Labour forgot, but they do have a riff-tastically bright future. I'd stay friends with them if I were you.