Latest CD releases reviewed

DAVID GRAY
The One I Love IHT
**

Diamond Dave is back, and he'd like to thank James Blunt for minding his seat while he's been away. This workmanlike tune harks back to his folksy roots, before White Ladder changed the laws of physics.

PAUL MCCARTNEY
Fine Line Parlophone
**

It's a fine line between living legend and boring old tosser, as Brian Wilson could remind Macca. This is produced by Nigel Godrich; it beats Travis, but it ain't a patch on his Live 8 performance.

GWEN STEFANI
Cool Interscope
***

Gwennie's in a 1980s love album kinda mood, so here's a romantic retro tune that relights The Bangles' Eternal Flame and John Waite's Missing You. Cool for love cats.

JESSICA SIMPSON
These Boots are Made for Walkin' Columbia
*

For her role in the Dukes of Hazzard movie, Ms Simpleton has wrangled the Nancy Sinatra classic to the ground, kicked the shit out of it, and run it over with a monster truck. Redneck hell.

FOO FIGHTERS
DOA Roswell
**

Off their "loud" CD, this makes all the right noises, but why does it feel so limp, cold and lifeless? I fear Mr Grohl may have entered some kind of portal, and is being Bryan Adams.

THE DANDY WARHOLS
Smoke It Capitol
***

You wanna be a bohemian like Courtney Taylor-Taylor? Then head into the studio, light up a fat one, and knock off a smokin' guitar jam that sounds like it was made up on the spot.

PRAS MICHEL
Haven't FoundUniversal
**

It's not difficult to guess which U2 song this karaoke rap is based on, but we still haven't found out whether The Fugees are gonna get back together as has been rumoured.

THE RADIO
Whatever gets You Through Today Reekus
**

Radio head Steve Murray has found a new singer, Caroline Lee-Baker, who sounds not unlike the late Kirsty MacColl. This is cute and catchy enough, but we could probably get through the day without it.