REVIEWS

He might look like a young Norman Wisdom on the cover as opposed to his usual gorgeous self, but Robbie fans shouldn't fret as this has got to rate as one of the greatest albums released this year.

For anyone hibernating over the weekend who missed Robbie's live performance on BBC1, this is the studio version of events which was recorded at the world famous Capitol studios.

All 15 songs, which are covers of standards immortalised by the Rat Pack, are absolute corkers and Robbie's voice lends itself suprisingly well to such classics as Mr Bojangles and One For My Baby.

But my personal faves are Mack The Knife and Things, on which the Robster duets with Jane Horrocks.

Even the cringey fake row at the end of Things, or the equally sad chit-chat between Robbie and his best pal, who is nearly as handsome as him, Jonathan Wilkes, on Me And My Shadow, failed to put off a hardened fan like myself. (JB)

Lighthouse Family -- Whatever Gets You Through The Day

Listening to this is like being in the film Groundhog Day.

No matter which track you get to, the music is still exactly the same.

This is the third album by these two lads and their style has not changed one bit from the very first song they made.

Thus we get 11 songs (10 really because one is repeated, only mixed differently) that are exactly the same.

It's pleasant, granted but avoid or risk dying of boredom. (SC)

The Best Christmas Album In The World -- ever

What I would like for Christmas, Santa, is a world where we can live in harmony, free of hatred towards our fellow man.

On the other hand, I'll trade all that if you put an end to the production of all these really annoying compilations that record companies bring out every other week and which are not fit for the dirtiest of bins. (SC)

A Very Special Christmas 5 -- various

Santa obviously wasn't listening but at least this album has been produced not for commercial greed but for a genuinely good cause.

All the cash raised goes to the Special Olympics movement, giving help to poor sporting kids throughout the world.

Top stars like Macy Gray, Sheryl Crow, Dido and Stevie Wonder have given their services free.

Best of all is probably Wyclef Jean who somehow manages to make Little Drummer Boy sound the grooviest of pop songs. Dido's Christmas Day is very good too. Worth buying. (SC)

SINGLES

Marti Pellow -- I've Been Around The World

Marti recently broke the world record for the longest smile, his grin being officially measured at 66 inches long. To celebrate he has attempted another comeback from the infamous drug years by releasing this sort of indie-Oasis cover. If nothing else, he's a trier. (SC)

Atomic Kitten -- You Are

Very dangerous title that because it makes it incredibly easy for reviewers everywhere to insert the words 'a terribly boring band' immediately after it. Mark my words there are better things in life to spend your money on than this. (SC)

Ladies First -- Messin

Extremely catchy piece of Artful Dodger style dance from three very trendy looking women. They are being tipped to become massive stars and on this evidence they could achieve it.

Basically they are copying what has been done by loads of others but that won't stop it selling. (SC)

DVDS

Michael Jackson

HIStory - Video Greatest Hits

Dangerous - The Short Films

So Michael Jackson's awe-inspiring videos have finally made it to DVD.

And surprise, surprise, it's nearly Christmas again.

That aside, HIStory is undoubtably the stronger of the two DVD releases, drawing much from Jackson's earlier stuff including the stunning -- if inevitable -- Thriller video.

A real treat is the "never-before-seen" version of Bad directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Wesley Snipes.

But the DVD is a classic for two other reasons: you can chart Jacko's progressive (and sometimes sudden) changes in appearance.

And you can see the changing style of music videos over the last two decades.

Jackson has often claimed to be the King of Pop but he's definitely the King of Pop Videos.

It's a shame then that Dangerous is a less awesome DVD. The better stuff -- Black Or White and Remember the Time -- are on HIStory anyway.

Both DVDs feature easy-to-use menu systems but have lack of decent extras. Of the two, go for HIStory -- it would sit proud in any collection. (DC)