HOT HOT HEAT - ELEVATOR
new album out now (No. 34 first week)

Hot Hot Heat played a superb set at Mad4it when Bandages was Top 30 two years back, this is a superb follow-up. The quirky catchy single 'Goodnight Goodnight' sets the tone and that standard of songsmanship is kept all the way through this new album. So where are they on the pop map? Well Bandages was 4 mins, Goodnight is 2 mins. Shorter, sharper .... more focussed, great work. XXXXx www.hothotheat.com

BECK - GIRL
new single 27 June

Beck is a unique entity, 'the coolest man in pop!'. More live shows coming Homelands, The Bowl near Winchester on 28 May, Glasgow Academy 29 May, Hammersmith Apollo 1 & 2 June, Manchester Apollo 3 June. Girl is interestingly different from the anthemic E-Pro, a tantalizing twisting elctro feel - what shall we say - Top Ten without really trying! XXXXx www.beck.com

BEN FOLDS - SONGS FOR SILVERMAN
new album out now

I love Ben Folds Five's 'Battle Of Who Cares Less' so it's with great anticipation I put this in the CD player. Ben Fold is a contemporary, American Gilbert O'Sullivan, highly active piano, chiselled lyrics, thoughtful arrangement. This is a brilliant set, particularly moving is Bens' tribute to the singer songwriter Elliott Smith who died recently. 'Late' had the teardrops welling up inside me, and not just any record does that. XXXXx www.benfolds.com

AT THE DRIVE IN -
THIS STATION IS NON-OPERATIONAL
new compilation album out 6 Jun

So many requests for At The Drive In, this cannot go wrong. Just last week 'One Armed Scissor' was called for. V2 have bought the rights for this release, a thoughtful collection of the band's best work, including A Lamacq session track, and my favourite cut the heart wrenching 'This Night Has Opened My Eyes' "And I'm not happy and I'm not sad, you did a bad thing, the dream is gone but the Baby is real, you did a good thing". A great collection from the enigma that is At The Drive In. XXXXx www.fearlessrecords.com

RILO KILEY
new single 30 May

Rilo Kiley's Portions For Foxes, was another superb single written by the band's vixen Jenny Lewis. Produced by Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes fame 'It's A Hit' has been the featured song as you enter their website for some time. Tipped by many as the next big thing, already reaping some success over 't pond, don't let the 'It's A Hit' title fool you, with lyrics about guns and soldiers this is not the type of 'Hit' you might think. Check the album 'More Adventurous', deserves big success. XXXXx www.rilokiley.com

FUTUREHEADS - DECENT DAYS
new single remixes out 9 May

I love the Futureheads quaint Proclaimers-ish approach to their alternative sound. Their use of chants is state of the art, Oh-oh, Oh-oh!!! Eight tracks feature here, five remixes of Decent Days, all very useful -plus Banquo, Appreciate The Effort and Boring The Children, ??? Eh? Nice - a Top Five effort!!! XXXXx www.thefutureheads.com

ARCADE FIRE - POWER CUT
new single 23 May

Arcade Fire are so Talking Heads, David Byrne's probably in fear of a stalker. Another devastating piece, already requested and coinciding with their successful UK tour of not small venues Arcade Fire could be launching themselves onto the UK's mainstage. The only snag is if you've got 50 great new records and only a Top 40, ten great records get forgotten, however with material as strong as that featured on their album they will at least achieve a cult following. XXXXx www.arcadefire.com

STEREOPHONICS - SUPERMAN
new single 13 June

If AC/DC ever need a new lead vocalist, I know who's gonna be inthe queue. Superman edited from the album makes you wonder why that pointless extension is featured on the album. Not quite as lethargic as Mr Writer, and certainly stronge in the Rock ethos of things, I'm still not entirely sure where the Stereos are heading. Kinda good and kinda naff at the same time, and I don't really know why. XXx www.stereophonics.com

THE KILLS - LOVE IS A DESERTER
new remixes single 30 May

This is Alison and Jamie aiming for as they say 'the low end of Georgio Moroder'. The great thing about these dirty, natty remixes is they won't disappoint fans who like the original mix. Both the Phones Remix(Paul Epworth) and the Caveman Remix (Steve Mackey & Ross Orton) of Love Is A Deserter are worthwhile additions to your Kills collection. I particularly like the dirty guitar work and the edgy vocals, Love Is A Deserter is a great concept and lyric superbly executed. XXXXx www.thekills.tv

THE ARCTIC MONKEYS -
FAKE TALES OF SAN FRANCISCO /
FROM THE RITZ TO RUBBLE new single 30 May

These Monkeys come from Rotherham, well Sheffield actually and should put both Rotherham and Sheffield on the 2005 pop map. Both San Francisco & Ritz To Rubble are barking mad, the vocals are superb, the lyrics fascinating and the production spot-on. I really hope this breaks through and feel if doesn't they've probably got plenty more ammo where this comes from. XXXXx www.bangbangrecordings.com/

THE LITTLE FLAMES - PUT YOUR DUKES ON JOHN
new single 13 June

Liverpool's The Little Flames are playing Cardiff Barfly on Thursday 19th May, second show this year. Put Your Dukes On is thesecond contestant in barkingest tune of the week, not quite as barking as The Arctic Monkeys, but nearly. What are Dukes, I rather suspect they might be some sort of trouser although I find I'd rather keep an air of mystery and not know the answer. A catchy chorus could do well for The Flames, I just hope whatever it is I'm singing along with is Politically Correct. XXXx www.thelittleflames.com