SINGLES

PAUL WELLER: Sweet Pea, My Sweet Pea (Universal Island) -- It's a sad reflection on Paul Weller that after so many years at the top he's letting rubbish like this carry his name. Five years ago this effort wouldn't have even made on to the B-side of a Wild Wood or Stanley Road single. Now he seems content to pump out half-hearted tunes that carry none of the passion and drive of his finer moments. Weller hasn't put out a decent single since the electric Peacock Suit and is starting to look like he may just have lost his touch. (4/10) CL

EMBRACE: I Wouldn't Wanna Happen To You (Hut) -- I feel like I've sold my soul for 30 pieces of silver every time I compliment the work of the McNamara brothers. But once again Danny and Richard have come up with the goods on this summery ballad. With the band on a creative high at the moment, they have re-recorded the track after feeling they just missed the mark with the album version. Also carrying the live favourite 3, it is a magic number should ensure the package is a hit with fans. (8/10) CL JJ72: Oxygen (Lakota) -- If you haven't yet heard anything by this Irish trio, Oxygen are essential listening. Mark Greaney's vocals are a nod in the direction of Muse's Matthew Bellamy. And with rave reviews of their shows, it's no surprise that a brilliant live version is included. (9/10) CL

ELBOW: The New Born EP (Ugly Man Records) -- Bury five-piece Elbow look set to develop their name with this new release. The four tracks veer from the splendid, expansive pop of New Born, through the fond sounds and manic ramblings of Kisses, to the wired syncopation on Bitten By The Tail Fly. Excellent stuff and another band to watch (9/10) CL

ALBUMS

RONAN: Self-titled (Polydor) -- Including the massive hits When You Say Nothing At All and Life is Rollercoaster will ensure that Ronan's debut album remains high in the charts for a long time, no matter what the rest sounds like. Ronan describes it as a mix of pop, rock and traditional music. And with the rocky If You Love Me, the Irish-sounding Only For You and a couple of ballads, Ronan seems to have covered the musical spectrum. It seems whatever the Boyzone favourite touches turns to gold and, no matter how much I dislike it, this will be hit. (7/10) CL