Reviews

Cher

A video compilation that's light on the '60s stuff but heavy on her years dressed as a member of Mötley Crüe: "If I Could Turn Back Time" is particularly fine. "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)" guest stars the young Winona Ryder (it was from 1990's Mermaids), "Love Can Build A Bridge" ropes in Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry and Eric Clapton, and "Believe" is that irritating gay anthem with the Vocoder hook.

The Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup

London-based pop collective's chewy hits in expansive format

The Jacksons & The Jackson 5 – The Very Best Of

Blameless boogie from two distinct golden eras

Southern Belter

Much-travelled Carolinian marks return with compelling, grown-up pop record

Pet – Player One Ready

Electro-pop from the heart of Europe

Bill Lloyd – Back To Even

Nashville power-pop godfather returns

Mull Historical Society – This Is Hope

Diminishing returns from Scottish multi-instrumentalist

Battle Station

Backstage access to al-Jazeera during the recent conflict in Iraq

TV Roundup

After a timid first season, Smallville gets evil and horny—at least in a nice, family viewing kind of way. Young Clark Kent comes across red Kryptonite and turns moody; cue much pondering on whether he's been sent to Earth as saviour or destroyer. The love interest with Lana warms up, but in "Heat" Clark, like everyone, falls for a sexy new teacher. Educational.

Battle Royale II: Requiem

Muddled straight-to-DVD sequel to the 2000 classic. As in part one, a class of schoolchildren are sent to an island to fight or die for the pleasure of their elders. But this time they're battling the survivors of the first film, who've formed a guerrilla army dedicated to overthrowing the sadistic adults responsible. After a promising start, it never recovers from the death of veteran director Kenji Fukasaku during the shoot.
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