Album

From the intriguing Fran McDormand movie which—as one of its few flaws—suggested Britpop could flourish in LA, an eclectic, rather excellent collection. Whether we needed actor Alessandro Nivola to team up with Lou Barlow on two tracks is debatable, but around them you'll find Mercury Rev's exquisite "In A Funny Way" (one of the best things they've done), Butthole Surfers' wry "Shame Of Life", Steely Dan, Clinic and Sparklehorse. Not eclectic enough yet? Throw in Eartha Kitt growling "C'est Si Bon" and—again, woo-hah—T.

Edward Hopper-inspired second solo album from the former Stone Roses guitarist

Grandiose free-ranging psych pop that just stands the test of time

Cropredy 1997 was a valiant attempt to bring together all the significant Fairport line-ups. At best, this is a memento of the occasion, and should carry a "For Diehards Only" warning. With Ian Matthews absent and Vicki Clayton only a spirited stand-in for the irreplaceable Sandy Denny, this ersatz model sounds unconvincing. Only the Full House band workouts truly pass muster, with both Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick in sparkling form. The rest reflects the patchiness of Fairport's work from the mid-'80s onwards, when the band's salad days were over.

Overlooked 1975 album from Lancashire balladeer with overtones of Bowie and Elton

Two discs of promos and live footage remind us that while TSC remain Weller's most misunderstood period, it was by far his most visually creative. Also included is the infamous Jerusalem, where Weller dons a kilt and a Nazi stormtrooper helmet and fakes a northern accent. Brilliantly ridiculous, ridiculously brilliant. (SG)

Two CDs of psychedelic esoterica from the court of Julian Cope

Bonkers Brooklynites look set to go overground at last on their sixth LP

Given Escovedo's current fate (stricken with Hepatitis C), this 1996 reissue is particularly welcome. Remastered with an extra disc of live recordings from that year, With These Hands was a rocking departure from the ex-Rank And File man's solo predecessors. With Willie Nelson, brother Pete (ex-Santana) and niece Sheila E on board, it's a suitably raucous affair, though the full band tends to swamp Escovedo's dusky timbre occasionally. The spare "Pissed Off 2am" and "Tired Skin" (vox/piano only) are more affecting, as is the title track's percussive Latino snap.

Four-CD box of Fat Bob's bits and bobs