Latest releases reviewed

BRITISH WHALE
This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us
Atlantic
***

Whilst hiding in a tree waiting for the Darkness backlash to die down, it sounds like Justin Hawkins has become a chipmunk. Here's his debut solo single, a cover of the Sparks classic from 1974. It's a match made in high-pitched heaven, and any future Darkness tracks should sound positively po-faced by comparison.

GOLDFRAPP
Ooh La La
Mute
****

Zut alors! Alison Goldfrapp takes the Eurostar to gay Par-ee and performs the electro can-can at the Moulin Rouge. Does this English hussy's naughtiness respect no borders?

SUPERGRASS
St Petersburg
Parlophone
**

They've already covered old Neil Young songs, and now Gaz's gang have gone all mellow and laid-back with a a tune that shuffles along like something off Harvest. This'll have the fans stroking their beards with puzzlement.

NINE BLACK ALPS
Unsatisfied
Universal Island
****

They can't get no satisfaction, so what better way to vent their frustration than with a big, table-thumping anthem that can only boost your rep as rock's coolest new customers? Very satisfying.

JJ72
Coming Home
Lakota
**

They've got a new girl - Sarah Fox - on the bass, and it sounds like the Dublin popcore trio is hoping to come in from the cold with this big, warm, completely formulaic ballad. Well, at least they're Keane.

ARCADE FIRE
Cold Wind Rough
Trade
****

As heard on the final series of Six Feet Under, here's a poignant pop ballad that's sure to send a deathly winter gale blowing through your summer holiday vibe. Baby, it's cold inside.