Latest CD releases reviewed

HOT CHIP
Colours EMI ***

After the well-received Boy from School, the band led by a small guy who looks like Timmy Mallet go for a reflective, Lemon Jelly-like tune that's unlikely to hit big but will keep their cred cruising along.

MONTO
McAlpine's Fusiliers Rough Diamond *

These four young lads have come from all corners of Erin, on a mission to bring old-fashioned shamrock'n'roll back in vogue. Can't be long before club DJs are dropping Clancy Brothers breaks into the mix and The Thrills are singing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.

THE SPINTO BAND
Oh Mandy Radiate ****

Not the Barry Manilow classic, sadly, but this one's got all the same ingredients: it's catchy, poptastic, and you'll be sick of it by summer's end. As long as Westlife don't cover it, though, we'll be happy.

MOLLY MCQUEEN
No Sleep Tonight Innocent ***

Watch out boys, the former singer with Britgirl rockers The Faders is ready for an all-nighter, and you won't be needing your pyjamas. Better hope her dad, Midge Ure, doesn't come home, though, or he might make you sing Vienna with him.

ORSON
Happiness Mercury **

The besuited LA boys are back with another song that sounds like a mash-up of all your fave tunes from the glory days of MTV. Truly they are the new Huey Lewis & The News, and for this we can be happy.

TOM PETTY
Saving Grace Warner Bros ***

Tom's been on the road for a long time; this is off his new album, Highway Companion, produced by his old Travelin' Wilbury companion, Jeff Lynne. Even without his Heartbreakers, Tom knows which way to go.