Reviews

Downbeat, Neil Labute-esque tale of male inadequacy

John Malkovich slums it as the evil mastermind plotting to turn Britain into a giant prison camp, while Rowan Atkinson, as the titular rubbish spy, presses all the wrong buttons. Puerile, deeply unfunny and, as an advert for our country, downright treasonable. A crime, if memory serves, still punishable by death.

Recorded during a series of gigs in Japan with his band The Oddballs two weeks before he died of a heroin overdose in April 1991, Who's Been Talking offers a voyeuristic insight into the twilight world of Thunders. Gaunt and deathly pale, the wonder is how he played at all, for he'd been immediately hospitalised on arrival in the country. He summons a chaotic-narcotic energy during a set of more than 20 songs. But there's a ghoulish irony to hearing him sing "Sad Vacation", his Sid Vicious tribute.

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The former Japan man's best work since 1984's Brilliant Trees

Rich, passionate third album from Louisville, Kentucky Young disciples

Heavily-tipped Scouse tunesmiths confirm promise on second LP

Debut from Norwegian popster with numerous guest appearances, including Justine Frischmann and Cerys Matthews

Joyous, irony-free celebration of stadium rock from British newcomers

Excellent compilation prefaces reissue of 10 classic, eccentric albums