SINGLES

JACKNIFE LEE: Aloha Satellite Special (Palm Pictures) -- This funky, tuneful vibe floats along with some mad noises thrown in to the background. The vocal is strong and works well with the bouncy happy-go-lucky tune. It's got that walking down the street on a Sunday kind of feel to it and the laid-back edge is very appealing. One for those who like their tunes on the mellow side but with a bit of a kick. (6/10) RP

BELLATRIX: Sweet Surrender (Fierce Panda) -- Bellatrix return with arguably the best single of the year. Its Britpop guitar riffs are similar in style to those of both Kenicke and Echobelly and with the powerful vocals of Eliza it surpasses all of the Icelandic quintet's previous efforts.The second track, Bye For Now, is more of the same but the final number I love Ya is the most humorous piece of power pop in a long time. (9/10) AH

UTAH SAINTS: Funky Music (Echo Records) -- Dance duo Utah Saints are almost certain to hit the top of the charts with this. Featuring vocals from original funk soul brother Edwin Starr, this is the second offering from their new album. Already etched on the minds of the nation after relentless radio play, expect to hear a whole lot more of the same this summer. (8/10) CL

STELLA BROWNE: Every Woman Needs Love (48k/Perfecto) -- The debut outing for Stella Browne is a cool-cut dance track with a soul feel. The strong, quality vocals of Michelle Douglas work well over heavy basslines and, with a warm summertime feel and simple hooks, this should be winner on the dancefloor. (7/10) CL ALBUMS

VARIOUS ARTISTS: Dave Pearce Presents . . . 3 (Manifesto) -- This 40-track mix compilation is another selection of clubland favourites from Radio One's premier mixmaster. With a slick set featuring current tunes from the likes of Basement Jaxx, Moloko and Fragma, there's also a trip down memory lane for the old school ravers with Anthem from N-Joi as well as the excellent Beautiful People from disco diva Barbara Tucker. If you're still larging it after a good 10 years or so, you'll enjoy stepping back in time for some nostalgia as well as getting your hands in the air for some serious rocking tunes. (7/10) RP

TAXIRIDE: Imaginate (WEA) -- Melbourne-based Taxiride have apparently taken Australia by storm with their guitar-pop but this album seems to have more of a feeling of a Rod, Jane and Freddy song crossed with Bryan Adams. Its cheery lyrics remind me of the kind of blandness you might hear playing at the end of a school disco. At some points it even sounds a bit like the Bee Gees, which wouldn't be a bad thing, but then a rock-like riff takes over and the cheesyness starts again. In fact, this is probably what pubescent rockers Hansen will sound like in 10 years time if they haven't found more productive day jobs by then. This one's definitely going to be flung out and with any luck it won't come back again, boomerang style. (1/10) RP

WEEN: White Pepper (Mushroom) -- Despite being the seventh studio album by Ween brothers Dean and Gene, this is an incoherent mish-mash of styles that doesn't work. With each number shooting off at different tangent to the last, it's difficult to see exactly where they're coming from. Although some individual tracks standout on their own merit, the obscure pick-and-mix approach makes for an uneasy, listening experience. (4/10) CL