By Steve Canavan ALBUM

The Cranberries -- Wake Up And Smell The Coffee

I used to like the Cranberries. Linger was a great song and the second album, No Need To Argue, still makes it on to my CD player.

Unfortunately they then caught pop star-itis -- they began to believe their own hype.

They all went mad, especially Dolores O'Riordan who decided to become a spokeswoman for her generation which went down a storm except with anyone from her generation.

They made two bobbins albums and now they are back. It is obvious they have tried to get back to basics. But for one reason or another it just doesn't work.

I think it's because we have heard it before. When they first arrived on the scene they were new and different and we enjoyed it. Now they sound old, dated and clapped out.

I'd recommend saving your money and buying a neighbour a gift: a goldfish perhaps or a wardrobe.

SINGLES

Kelis - Young Fresh n' New

Kelis, that lass who hates you so much right now, releases another very groovy slice of hip hop. Pretty catchy without being naff, it's the first single from the forthcoming album Wanderland.

Six By Seven ---So Close

A fantastic piano rock song which, well, rocks. Starts off with just a piano and the voice of lead singer Chris Olley -- who sounds uncannily like Damon Albarn -- and develops into a full blown mad guitar fest. Not for your grandma.

Beverley Knight -- Get Up

A bit like the Kelis one, a cool cut of American RnB hip hop. What bugs me is the way these big American singers seem to use their records to demonstrate just what fantastic voices they have. They go on and on, screaming and whaling -- why can't they just shut up for a minute and give us a break. I had to take two Aspirin after listening to it.

Naimee Coleman ---Sugar Me

Should really slag this off as being wimpy and insubstantial but Naimee looks such a lovely little thing on the cover sleeve that I haven't got it in my heart to say nasty things.

It's like a song that girl off Neighbours with the big lips would sing. Natalie Imburuggggliaaa I think she's called. A pleasant tune, but -- with the lyrics 'Sugar me and make me shine' -- definitely not one a boxer would enter a ring to.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club -- Whatever Happened To Rock 'n' Roll (Punk Song)

San Francisco band with a well hard name release their debut EP. It's not bad, kind of like The Dandy Warhols, and definitely a refreshing change from the majority of stuff around.

Strictly electric guitars on all the four songs and definitely one for those who like their songs loud, or are hard of hearing and who still think the Starsailor CD they bought had nothing on it. A lot of promise, as typified by the excellent third song Fail Safe.