Latest releases reviewed
BILLY CORGAN Walking Shade Martha's Music/Reprise **
He disbanded the Pumpkins, then had a brief fling with Zwan, and now the Nosferatu of grunge has joined - The Bravery! Well, maybe not, but he could sure show 'em how to really crib from the 1980s.
BEANIE SIGEL FEAT MELISSA Feel It in The Air Roc-A-Fella Records **
Beanie's in the slammer on firearms charges, but they must let the rapper have a mic in the cell. Here he gets a visit from Melissa, and it soon gets hot 'n' steamy. Guard!
RAY LAMONTAGNE Forever My Friend Echo **
Yankee folk troubadors like Ray and that other fella Willy Mason have found a ready fanbase among Ireland's cross-legged brigade. Perfect for those weekends at the log cabin.
JACK JOHNSONGood People Brushfire Records ***
Surfing must be a serious stressbuster - this guy sounds so laid-back, he makes Willy Mason sound like he's about to go postal. Perfect for those weekends at the beach hut.
GARY DUNNE Jennifer Honest Records **
"Thanks for supporting my music" - that's the kinda thing the kids from Fame would say. Dunne's music is pleasant, unassuming soft-rock - deserves a little support, I suppose.
MELODY CLUB Baby Virgin **
They're from Sweden, they've supported Kylie, and they could probably win the Eurovision hands down with this accomplished slice of cheesy Europop. Not the new Abba, but maybe the new Aqua (yeah, I know, they're Danish).
MYLO In My Arms Breastfed **
We're big fans of the Isle of Skye dancemeister, but this mash-up of two one-hit-wonder tunes from the 1980s, Waiting for a Star to Fall and Bette Davis Eyes, is in danger of cancelling out his cred.
