All go for Quo

ALBUMS

Status Quo: Riffs (Universal)

The word 'riff' was probably made for Status Quo who, if a bit long in the tooth now, still enjoy belting out a good tune. This contains covers of the likes of Born To Be Wild and I Fought The Law as well as classic Quo hits such as Rockin All Over The World. It's the sound of a band going through the motions at times, but their fans will lap it up. SA

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros: Streetcore (Hellcat Records)

This is Strummer's final album before his death in December last year. It pales when compared to his earlier work with The Clash, but still possesses a certain earthiness and energy. SA

22-20s: 05/03 (Heavenly Recordings)

Sounding a lot like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, this is a sprawling mix of blues and rock'n'roll packed into a six-track live album. The vocals sound great and although some of the songs are lacking a 'killer' punch, the energy you can hear more than makes up for it. SA

Eskimo: Eskimo

The Richmond-based duo were runners up in this year's Revolution Big Chance competition. They are Luke Southgate, who has written their material, and provides vocals, and Tom Duffy, who sings and plays guitar, piano and strings. The debut CD is a beautiful piece of work. The songs are a soulful, melodic fusion of modern-day acoustics. There's an over-riding sadness to many of the tracks, such as You Don't Have To Be Angry, Loving You and, ironically, No More Sad Songs. It's hard to believe that Luke is 19 and Tom is18. If you enjoy soulful, mellow tunes then this CD should certainly be in your collection. For information on how to obtain a copy, contact Revolution at www.thisisrevolution.co.uk SC

Lemar: Dedicated (Sony)

For some reason Lemar's PR people have chosen to ignore the fact that he was catapulted to stardom on BBC's Fame Academy - and as such will already have a fan base eager to hear this debut album. Two hit singles are featured alongside a host of other bland, mainstream R&B tracks. TV addicts will love to listen to yet another singer they have created, everyone else will simply turn off. HG

Hilary Duff: Metamorphis (Disney) Hilary is a 16-year-old television actress best known by youngsters as BBC1's Lizzie McGuire. This is her first and probably last album - a collection of bubblegum pop that anyone over eight-years-old will find nauseating. HG

Mark Owen - In Your Own Time (Island Records):

You have to admire Mark's persistence. His first attempt at gong solo after Take That was mildly successful but he quickly faded away. Now he's back with another attempt and it is suprisingly good. It has a less poppy sound than his previous offerings and in time you could imagine him rivalling his fellow ex-band member Robbie Williams. This album might not be strong enough to rid Mark of the Take That label, but it's a good start. HG

Daniel O'Donnell: At The End of The Day (Rosette)

There is little point in reviewing Daniel's latest collection of religious songs. He has such a strong fan basis that everything he releases is immediately snapped up, but he continually fails to reach out to anyone new. If you love Daniel you will probably have this album on pre-order, if you are not a fan or have no interest in religious tunes don't even bother. HG

Various: While My Guitar Gently Weeps II (Universal)

Following the success of the first compilation of guitar-led songs, the record company have decided to push out another in time for Christmas. Tracks from the likes of Dire Straits, Bryan Adams and Paul Weller are included alongside Rod Stewart, Cream and Eric Clapton. But is the fact that guitars feature on a lot tracks enough of a reason to create an album?

SINGLES

Busted: Crashed The Wedding (Universal)

Not content with annoying the hell out of anyone aged 16 and over, those crazy Busted lads have now decided to go and spoil someone's wedding. If only they'd grow up a bit. This is an undemanding romp, which will no doubt sell in droves. SA

The All American Rejects The Last Song (Doghouse)

This is the second UK release from this punk-pop Oklahoma outfit. This sound is becoming all to familiar as UK record labels jump on the punk-pop band wagon. The result of this is an uninspiring continuation to Blink 182, Bowling For Soup and Sum 41. The Last Song, we can only hope. SL

Amy Winehouse: Frank (Island)

It is very hard to believe Amy is only 19. Her debut release is a very soulful record that blends jazz, hip-hop and acoustic rhythms around the Londoners thought provoking and at times comical lyrics. SL

SA: Stuart Arnold, SL: Sean Leonard, SC: Sheila Caygill, HG: Hayley Gyllenspetz

Published: 13/11/2003