VARIOUS ARTISTS: Something New Something Blue (Sticky Label) -- If ever proof were needed that the UK is home to some of the best blues music in the world, then look no further than this. The East Lancashire based Sticky Label, best known for its releases by Syndicate, has apparently scoured the land to find some of the hottest blues talent around. A hatful of styles are on display from the six young bands and 11 tracks featured, all of which had prestigious slots at the recent Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival. A special mention is deserved for CBN's 'Hold On To You', Reconsider's 'Cold Heart' and The Big Blue's 'I Do'. (9/10) PG

DODGY: Ace As and Killer Bs (A&M / Mercury) -- This sparkling pop three piece (pictured) came into their own with their second album Homegrown, as they extracted the party-anywhere ethic of the early 1990s dance scene and decided to build some harmonic guitar pop around it. Despite the fact that their Beatles, Stone Roses and Who influences were there for all to see, the band injected some much-needed vitality into guitar music. Sadly, the band have recently split, but this greatest hits album catches them at their best. The hits from Homegrown are placed alongside tracks from other two albums, with the good tunes from their weak debut LP sounding much more at home next the band's stronger songs. An irresistible piece of pop history. (10/10) PB SHERYL CROW: The Globe Sessions (A&M) -- There's a lot more to Sheryl Crow than her first hit All I Wanna Do. Sheryl's more typical style is a mature middle-of-the-road rock groove, with some clear country music influences. At times this competent singer, songwriter and guitarist evokes memories of the latter-day Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin during their quieter moments. Although the songs aren't rocking enough to grab you by the scruff of the neck, they meander along nicely and make for quite a pleasant listen. (7/10) PB

SINGLES

BUS STOP: You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet -- After their remake of Kung Fu Fighting, the cheesy trio set their sights on Bachman Turner Overdrive's 70s hit. It seems a bizarre choice for a makeover, but I suppose it will chart on the back of the previous hit (6/10) PA

BILLIE: Girlfriend -- Can Swindon's best-known pop chick go for double top with her second single? It's a bit of a grower and slightly more R&B than her previous teenage anthem. But I doubt it will get the same success as her first chart-topping hit. (5/10) PA

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.