The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds (Capitol)

EMI has re-released this seminal album in both original mono and remixed stereo versions; a double-helping on one CD. Pet Sounds purists may cry "heresy" at the thought of someone tinkering with Brian Wilson's original monaural masterpiece, but let me assure you, Pet Sounds in full-flight stereo will have true fans in hog heaven. Wilson, almost deaf in one ear, produced the mono version which is remastered here; Mark Linnett produced and engineered the new version under the supervision of the former Beach Boy genius. Put on the headphones, light the lava lamp, and listen to You Still Believe In Me, I'm Waiting For The Day and God Only Knows as they widen to occupy the extra available dynamic space. Fork out 15 quid for this aural experience, and you'll save a fortune on psychedelic drugs.

By Kevin Courtney

Jennifer Lopez: On The 6 (Work/Columbia)

No, it's not a script for a Hollywood blockbuster: Jennifer Lopez, the sultry star of Out Of Sight, really is making a bid for pop superstardom, and her debut single, If You Had My Love, has already hit the Number 1 spot on the Billboard singles charts. Lopez is a marketing exec's rather damp reverie, possessing not only the looks and the singing talent, but also the box-office clout and the distinction of having shared a car boot with George Clooney. On The 6 distills the stock pop ingredients into a smooth, seductive, commercial syrup. Take a handful of TLC, add a dash of Spice Girl, stir in some Gloria Estefan, and spike it with a pinch of Missy Elliot, and you have a recipe which can reduce the most hardened action man into Jell-O. Wibble.

By Kevin Courtney

Jimi Hendrix: Live at Woodstock (MCD)

Hendrix at his best - and worst. Magnificent as ever when he's improvising on a blues like Hear My Train A Comin', or the apocalyptic Voodoo Chile, but irredeemably boring on the lengthy, self-indulgent jams that made up the bulk of this set. The ill-prepared band also bring many a number crashing down to earth, no matter how hard Hendrix tries to fly. For Jimi Hendrix completists, this beautifully remastered two-CD set of the man's single most historic gig is a must - though, given the choice, surely sound and vision on a video is a better deal? Either way, I guess you could say this guy knew how to play the guitar.

By Joe Jackson