Latest singles reviewed

REPUBLIC OF LOOSE
Hold Up Big Cat
***

Those dirty, lowdown Dubliners formerly known as Johnny Pyro are here to kick singer-songwriter ass with this filthy funk tune from their début album, This Is the Tomb of the Juice. How about another name change: Tallaghbama 3.

MORRISSEY
First of the Gang to Die Attack
***

He recently wished George Bush dead, wrecking his chances of a US No 1 with this catchy little number. Never mind - maybe Michael Moore can put it on the soundtrack for his next movie.

MARK MCCABE PRESENTS MUSIC FROM THE 4TH PLACE
Sunshine Universal
***

He'll attack! He'll attack! He's a maniac! Relax, the 2FM DJ has put his cheesy 1980s hat away and fashioned a breezy summer chillout anthem. But is Santa Ponsa ready for his new direction?

LIONEL RICHIE
I Still Believe Mercury
*

Hello, is it a hit yer lookin' for, Mr Richie? You might try the Phil Collins route and cover cheesy old hits by Leo Sayer, instead of trying to sound like Westlife. Hey, is it true there's a floor store called Lino Richie?

TOM BAXTER
This Boy Columbia
****

He's the poster boy for confused metrosexuals everywhere, and this Coldplay-meets-Jeff Buckley tune will have the girls queuing up to soothe his troubled soul. Lucky bastard.

SWITCHFOOT
Meant to Live Columbia
**

Every superhero movie needs a grunge-metal tune, and Spider-Man 2 has this Nickelbacked anthem from a band that's already sold a million copies of their new album. I wonder: do Americans think all our rock bands sound the same, too?