LADIES AND GENTLEMEN – THE BEST OF

George Michael (album)

What is there that hasn’t been said already about this man? Well, how about "Andrew Ridgeley was the one with all the talent". Sadly, that’s the only thing that hasn’t been said and that’s only because it’s a lie. This album’s proof. Honest.

MOVE MANIA

Sash!

What a title – only a standard-issue Eurobeat merchant could offer us something as mind-numbingly naff as Move Mania. Thankfully the song rises above that, actually once you hear it you have to wonder if this is the best (and least commercial) single he’s released thus far. Those cynics among you may say he could hardly go more commercial and you’d be right. To be honest, I’m more concerned about the ‘!’ after his name. Is "Sash!" a rude phrase in Switzerland and all this time he’s been releasing these disco classics whilst simultaneously laughing his head off at the rest of Europe?

SEARCHIN’ MY SOUL

Vonda Shepard

Just when you thought Hootie And The Blowfish had successfully bought out the American Driving Rock market and are now using it as they see fit, along comes Vonda Shepard. Crazy name, not very crazy music at all though – a sort of Dance The Night Away for Christmas, if you will. Your parents will love it and demand it gets pride of place under the tree at around the same time the tree dries out and dumps its needles in the living room carpet where they, and it, will stay despite your hoover’s best efforts. Yes, it’s another one of those cheery, country-ish songs that only our dear friends from across the pond can do and yes, it will be massive. Get used to it, because it will live on your radio until next year. Oh yes and it’s the theme from Ally McBeal.