WHAT a scorching start to the year - the warmest January on record. That always happens - every time I book a holiday abroad, it gets really warm in this country. Mind you, I can hardly see myself walking through St Helens Town Centre in a pair of swimming trunks!

If you've been listening to the show over the last week or so, you'll know that there is loads of great new music about at the moment. If you would like to extend your CD collection without wasting your money, here are my three recommendations for this week:

Byron Stingley - "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)"

This is a cover of the old Sylvester classic which reached number eight in August 1978 - way before I was born! I have been playing this in the clubs since I got hold of it a couple of weeks ago. It's very similar to the original but it's been spruced up with the 90's dance feel. It's released on January 12th - if you like dance music - this is a must for your collection.

Will Smith - "Gettin' Jiggy With It"

Someone bought me a copy of Will Smith's album for Christmas (which I didn't ask for) but, after listening to it, I loved it. This particular single was my favourite. Again, Will Smith uses a 70's sample as in 'Men In Black' but this time has taken a cut of Sister Sledge's "He's The Greatest Dancer". It's a prime example of the classic American soul rap that's dominating the charts at present. To save money, just buy the album - it's called "Big Willy Style" and it's great.

Usher - "You Make Me Wanna"

If you like listening to our slow jam which is on every night from 11pm - 1am, then you'll love this song. Usher is an 18 year old American and this song has spent seven weeks at number two in the States, being kept off the number one slot by Elton John's "Candle In The Wind". Rumour has it that Usher will be on tour with Puff Daddy later in the year - a real slinky character. The single is released on January 19th. IN this week's album giveaway - I have three copies of a double dance compilation to give away. It's called Massive Dance '98 and features tracks from Dario G, Gala, Ultra Nate, All Saints and loads more (42 tracks in all).

All you have to do is send your answer to the following question together with your name, address and daytime telephone number to Zoe Garton, St Helens Star, Duke Street, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 2HZ, to arrive no later than Thursday, January 29. Usual Star rules apply.

Question: One of the songs featured on the album is by Clock called "U Sexy Thing". Who sang the original first released in the 70's and featured recently in the film "The Full Monty"?

Loads more new releases to be played this Saturday morning on the North West Top 40 between 10am and 1pm.

Here's a run down of this week's chart.

North West Top 20

1. Bamboo/Bamboogie (VC)

2. Wildchild/Renegade Master (Hi-Life)

3. All Saints/Never Ever (London)

4. Various Artists/Perfect Day (Chrysalis)

5. Janet Jackson/Together Again (Virgin)

6. Robbie Williams/Angels (Chrysalis)

7. Lighthouse Family/High (Polydor)

8. Spice Girls/Too Much (Virgin)

9. Bernard Butler/Stay (Creation)

10. Clock/That's The Way (I Like It) (Universal)

11. Natalie Imbruglia/Torn (RCA)

12. Space/Avenging Angels (GUT)

13. Boyzone/Baby Can I Hold You Tonight (Polydor)

14. Teletubbies/Teletubbies Say "Eh-Oh!" (BBC)

15. Aqua/Barbie Girl (Universal)

16. Allure/All Cried Out (Sony)

17. Elton John/Candle In The Wind (Mercury)

18. Rialto/Untouchable (East West)

19. Oasis/All Around The World (Creation)

20. The Rapsody/Prince Igor (Mercury)

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