Elvis Presley: "Sunrise" (RCA)

The Sun Collection single album is seminal, recommended by every rock historian in the world. Well, if you own it throw it out - it has been superseded by this double CD which features not just the 19 "official" recordings Elvis made at Sun but a further 19 out-takes and demos, including the previously unreleased It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You. The latter was recorded when the Sun King was only 18, as a B side to his second demo disc in 1953. Touchingly plaintive. Less rare, but equally wonderful to hear, is a new version of the haunting Blue Moon complete with Presley's gentle laugh when he screws up. It's simple, really. If you don't buy this CD you're only posing as a rock fan.

By Joe Jackson

Barenaked Ladies: "Stunt" (Reprise)

You've probably already heard the US chart-topping hit, One Week, a novelty rap'n'roll tune which exposed this Canadian combo to the bright glare of the big-time. But though the single may have a certain transient charm, it's the only sparkling moment on an album which, despite the odd witty rhyme and clever guitar break, remains resolutely dull and lifeless. Stunt comes on like Hootie & The Blowfish with a sense of humour - cracking jokes, making pratfalls, but unable to disguise its po-faced demeanour. Songs like It's All Been Done, Alcohol and Who Needs Sleep? are silly on the outside, but soft in the belly, while folksy ballads such as Light Up My Room, Call And Answer and When You Dream are seriously in need of a shot in the tremolo arm. These Barenaked Ladies definitely don't excite.

By Kevin Courtney

Annie Christian: "Twilight" (Equipe Ecosse/V2)

Not another Canadian singer-songwriter (praise be!) and not a schlock-metal band in the vein of Alice Cooper or Marilyn Manson, Annie Christian are deep-thinking guitar crunchers from Scotland, and their debut album is a majestic sweep of steely riffs, soaring melodies and spitting, imaginative lyrics. Similarities with Radiohead are impossible to ignore, especially in Secrets And Lies and the guitar break in Kiss The Day Goodbye, but luckily there are lots more flavours in the music of Larry Lean than stale Yorke-shire pud. Songs such as The Other Way, Here Is The News and Clearwater Goldmine tap into a motherlode of sparkling ideas, inviting the listener to delve deeper into Annie Christian's opalescent sound.

By Kevin Courtney