Latest releases reviewed

NATALIE IMBRUGLIA Shiver RCA ***

The soap star-turned-pop star is back after four years. She's cleverly returned with a song that sounds like it was written by Chris Martin, just to keep up with the times. Hey, wonder when Kate Bush is coming back.

NATASHA BEDINGFIELD IBruise Easily BMG **

She might be the all-conquering Amazon of pop, but Natasha is a delicate flower inside, so be gentle with that heart of hers. I know, you'd probably love to slap 'er (and her bruv), but you'll just have to settle for hitting the off button instead.

GREEN DAY Holiday Reprise ***

After the flag-frotting American Idiot and their big power ballad, er, Wonderwall of Broken Dreams, here's an anthem to anathema which should have all the kids skanking in their Docs. I know they're cartoon punks, but at least they're well animated.

DRY COUNTY Nothing Stays in Place Lazybird ****

A finely ground five-track EP from the Dublin dust devils, a laid-back soundclash of fridge, bottles, airsynth, e-bow, speak'n'spell and a sample from The Happy Prince. Lose yourself in the beat-driven backroads of Lost Now, Mannix and Fell Into an Etch.

50 CENT Candy Shop Shady/Aftermath/Interscope **

Uh-oh, Fifty's back, and if you're a real bad girl, he'll let you lick his lollipop. Best humour him, otherwise he might get mad and pull out his toy gun. Is it just me, or does this great big wanksta always sound like he's half asleep?

JIMMY EAT WORLD Work Interscope ***

You wouldn't recognise these mild-mannered Arizona rockers at a keg party, but they sure do a nice line in sensitive fratboy pop metal. This is from their current album, Futures. Will it satisfy their voracious planetary appetite? No, but it'll make a tasty snack.

BE YOUR OWN PET Damn Damn Leash XL ***

Hmm, dunno if I'd want to be my own pet. I'd have to take myself for walkies, check myself for fleas and poop scoop up after myself. These loud, snotty Tennessee teens can certainly raise an animal racket, but who's gonna clean up after them?