Latest releases reviewed.

STEVE BROOKSTEIN
Against All Odds Sony/BMG
*

Poor Tabby - he entered The X Factor thinking people wanted something out of the ordinary, but actually they preferred the bland, boring, nondescript type who'd celebrate his win by doing a Phil f***ing Collins tune. There's no hope for humanity.

LE TIGRE
TKO Universal Island
**

Kathleen Hanna's feminist punk electronic trio put a bite into electro-clash with a track from their new album, This Island. Big up to riot grrrl power and all that, but girls screaming over synthesisers gives me a man-sized headache.

SCISSOR SISTERS
Filthy/Gorgeous Polydor
**

"You're nasty and disgusting". No, it's not your mama talking, it's Jake Shears, listing a few of the positive traits he looks for in a prospective partner. This must be the 20th song off the Scissor Sisters album, but it'll go down nicely at the New Year's Eve disco.

ERASURE
Breathe Mute
**

A recent DVD and a new album in 2005: looks like those synth-pop vets are back with a splash. Maybe now Vince Clarke can buy some new synths to replace the trundling old '80s models it sounds like he's still playing.

MOS' DEF
Sex, Love & Money Island/Geffen
***

Sex, love and money - sounds like all the bling you need this Christmas. But you know that Mos' Def isn't just toeing the hip-hop line. This is off his upcoming album and, what with Kanye West and all, tops off a good year for intelligent, introspective rappers.