The latest releases reviewed.

SUGABABES Ugly Island ****

Everybody's beautiful in their own way, and even ugly ducklings can grow up to be graceful swans like Sugababes. So take that paper bag off your head and sing along with the beautiful people. Don't like their version of The Beatles' Come Together much, though.

BABYSHAMBLES Albion Rough Trade ****

Let Pete take you through the seedy streets of London - he'll show you something to blow your mind. This is Doherty's ode to a special place in his fevered imagination, where people drink gin tea on lawns and pale thin girls wait behind checkouts. Should be an official guided tour.

KT TUNSTALL Under the Weather Relentless ***

Here comes the rain again, but the Scottish chanteuse isn't going to let it dampen her high spirits. With a triple platinum album, Eye to the Telescope, she can see a silver lining on the horizon. Still, this one sounds a bit too drippy.

THE STROKES Juicebox Rough Trade ***

It opens with a Peter Gunn-style guitar riff, then goes surfing off into a space-age sex fantasy, Julian Casablancas screaming, "Why don't you come over here?" It's from their new album, First Impressions of Earth; first impressions are it's not exactly earth-shattering, but it'll sure make a dent in your stereo.

BRAUND REYNOLDS Rocket (A Natural Gambler) Ten Records ***

I see you baby, shaking that dice. From London, this buncha soul-rockers led by Ben Braund and James Reynolds have been given the thumbs up by Fatboy Slim. It's got breakbeats, guitars, sax, horns and a wild'n'throaty vocal from Mike Allen. The Creedence Clearwater revival starts here.

PHARRELL AngelStar Trak ***

"She's got an ass like a loaf of bread - you want a slice." Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth, but she'll bewitch you with her hot cross buns. Pharrell and his Neptunes have helmed hits for Justin Timberlake, but here he's cutting out the middleman and going straight for chart glory.

AKON Pot of Gold Universal **

My two-year-old niece loves his hit, Lonely, and this one goes out to all the little leprechauns searching for that pot of gold over the rainbow. Surely he is the Phil Collins of r'n'b - Disney should call him up right now.