The Scientist (single)

Coldplay
EMI
This is the second single from the album A Rush Of Blood To The Head, fast approaching the level of success that the band's first million-selling album, Parachutes, enjoyed.

The Scientist track doesn't differ from the recording on the album, however the accompanying tracks, 1.36 and I Ran Away, are real value.

I Ran Away is brilliant and would have made a great inclusion on the album, and 1.36 (which actually lasts 2.02) moves away from the band's usual melodic sound into hard rock. - Cpl Damian Shovell

Thirteenth Step

A Perfect Circle
Virgin Records
Vaguely reminiscent of early Smashing Pumpkins, Thirteenth Step contains a few of the elements of hard rock.

A combination of sounds lulls us from soft melody through to full-on rocking out - and that's just the first track.

It's not a revolutionary album and doesn't break into uncharted territory, but it's not a bad listen.

One for fans of the slightly harder edge music scene, Thirteenth Step moves into the musical arena without too much impact or offence. - Ellen Rees

Distant Light

Alex Lloyd
EMI
What a mix of sounds on Alex Lloyd's latest, Distant Light. On the first listen, it's almost disappointing, and not at all like his previous, Watching Angels Mend.

It quickly works its way into your head though, and into the part of your brain that plays songs subconsciously.

The double album also has a DVD feature, displaying video clips to a few of the best tunes.

Annoyingly, the copyright feature won't allow the CD to be played on a PC, which more than halves listening time around here. Distant Light is a brilliant CD and well worth a spot on the rack. - Lt Simone Heyer

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