ALBUMS

Westlife -- World Of Our Own

This is the return of those five drippy boys from Ireland, most of who have big floppy haircuts and on the album cover are all dressed in co-ordinated satin shirts and jeans, each boy with one hand in his pocket.

The album's cak of course but that doesn't matter because Westlife come into their own when it comes to sleeve notes. Each band member is given a page to say his thank-yous. One lad starts with: "Anyways I'm gonna try and keep this as short as possible" before launching into a 4,000 word essay, mentioning every person he's ever known. Another of the lads -- the one who's getting hitched to that Atomic Kitten lass I think -- writes: "To my little bop bop baby . . . Daddy loves you pooh and I miss you when I'm not there". Blimey, rock n' roll man.

The music of course is all very soppy and poppy and will sell by the bucketload to infatuated teenagers. And good luck to the lads because they are very good at what they do.

Next time though boys, do you really need 19 songs on the album? Great for the fans but think of us reviewers.

ALBUMS

The Best Air Guitar Album In The World ... Ever! -- Various

Is there such a dearth of talent in the British musical scene that we have to resort to putting out compilation albums every other day? And because of the fact that there are so many of these albums, they can't even think of titles to call them. Air guitar!!! You have got to be joking.

What next? Best Picking Your Nose album in the world. Best Applying Your Haemorrhoids Cream album in the world?

Anyway, as I slowly and reluctantly climb from off my soapbox, this so-called air guitar album is sort of okay.

It was hand-picked by Brian May from Queen and, surprise surprise, kicks off with We Will Rock You. There is also stuff from Deep Purple, The Who, T-Rex, Chuck Berry, ZZ Top and other people with heavy facial hair.

Ocean Colour Scene -- Songs For The Front Row

A Best Of album that makes you realise this band has actually written some very good songs.

Tunes like The Day We Caught The Train, The Circle and Robin Hood will stand the test of time and proves that although this band has many detractors, it is still better than most. It includes one new track, Crazy Lowdown Ways, which is okay but nothing special.

SINGLES

Daft Punk -- Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Very groovy slab of daft electronic pop cum dance. Borders on edge of being rubbish but somehow manages to avoid it.

Definitely one of the best singles of the week.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor --- Murder On The Dancefloor

This is an attempt at having another huge hit from the woman who famously beat Posh Spice to the Number One spot last year, and I think she's definitely succeeded.

Very catchy and perfect for today's chart. Will be massive and then some.

Belle and Sebastian --- Waking Up To Us

The winsome Scottish band releases a new single which frankly disappoints.

I got the same feeling when I ate a Farley's Rusk the other day. They used to taste great but it's just not the same when you're 25. Using that really bad analogy, B&S used to be good but now they're just boring.

White Stripes -- Hotel Yorba

Absolutely brilliant tune from a band who seemed to become ultra-trendy overnight.

Very singalong and very cool. A very good song.