The days where certain bands put out records, and they were guaranteed to be hits are slowly drifting into the past. The closest thing to a certainty in recent memory is 'Fly Or Die' (Virgin) from N.E.R.D. Some recent reviews have questioned the record's pedigree, but even after listening to it once, you know that it's more than a sugar-coated quick-fix.

'I'll Sing Till The Sun Turns Cold' (Volta Sounds) is Goodtime John's second outing. Call it heartfelt, fragile, or intimate- either way this is a record you'll cherish. The Dublin troubadour has been overlooked for quite some time, 'I'll Sing Till The Sun Turns Cold' may just change all of that.

The Divine Comedy (AKA Neil Hannon) has been quietly busy writing and recording 'Absent Friends' (Parlophone). On an instant hit rating, the album scores very poorly. You get the impression that Hannon has constructed a slow burner of a record, yet the strongest feeling you get from 'Absent Friends' is one of disappointment.

'Dream On' (Pias) is one of the best albums so far this year. It's by Scala On The Rocks (a choir of 60 Belgian women) and the Kolacny Brothers. They cover songs by U2, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, The Divinyls, and others. It may be just novelty appeal, but for now it's wond erfully refreshing!

Following their name-change (from Babelfish), Alphastates have treated us with an impressive debut album. 'Made From Sand' (Magi) includes their three singles 'Sometimes', 'Addicted' and 'Good Stuff', along with other gems like 'Top Of The world' and 'Hide'.

Sarah McLaughlan has never managed to capture the same kind of acclaim in this part of the world as she has in Canada and the US, and it's unlikely whether 'Afterglow' (Arista) will help her overcome this. Her voice is sublime, yet her songs sound tired and repetitive- it's a pity she hasn't tried to be a little more adventurous.

If Sarah McLaughlan can be faulted on lack of adventure, then Lairs may be guilty of being too 'out there'! 'They Were Wrong So We Drowned' (Mute) isn't easy listening in either sense of the term. Experimentation can be great when put into some sort of shape- this doesn't seem to have any form or focus.

'Winning Days' (Heavenly) from The Vines is pop/rock for the masses but it sounds good! Unlike some of their peers, The Vines have a free-spirited approach to what they do. There's nothing new or groundbreaking happening on 'Winning Days', yet it hardly matters. The Vines have inherited the same kind of strength as bands like Soundtrack Of Our Lives, You Am I, and our own Turn.

The latest Bob Dylan release isn't just for Dylan fanatics. 'The Bootleg Series Vol. 6- Bob Dylan Live 1964' (Columbia) is a remarkable collection of live treats from the legend, from arguably his most groundbreaking era. Not being a huge Dylan fan, it takes something truly special to hit all the right notes- this does... effortlessly.