The latest releases reviewed

EMMA BUNTON All I Need to Know 19 Records **

With the ex-Spice Girls' solo careers dropping like flies, rumours of a reunion are becoming ever more persistent. Meanwhile, Baby Spice continues to practise her Olivia Newton-John voice and brush up on her 1960s sounds, with this ballad from her new album, Life in Mono. Look, just get the reunion over with, girls, and then we can all move on.

THE CORONAS Decision T ime Tríú Records ***

Singer Danny is Mary Black's offspring, but don't call these guys mum-rockers, even if their passionate, acoustic pop does patrol similar territory to the Snow-boys. By the end of this tune, your decision to sing along will be made.

SIMON WEBBE My Soul Pleads for You Innocent **

The former Blue boy ain't too proud to beg, and so he's down on knees and pleading with the record-buying public to make this acoustic guitar ballad a hit and keep his solo career on track. There's also a version of The Killers' When You Were Young, so don't be cruel.

DUKE SPECIAL Freewheel V2 ***

He's got a bike and he'll ride it how he likes. The dreadlocked bard from Belfast has been nominated for a Choice Music Prize for his album, Songs from the Deep Forest, and if the judges are looking for big, emotional indie songs with swelling orchestral arrangements, the Duke's their man.

CHANNEL ONE Permissions EP Sound Foundation ***

Permission to land some grinding electro beats, ripped-up guitars and eerily whispered vocals on your medieval ass? Then the debut EP from this Dublin sonic troop should do the job nicely. They'll be launching it with a foundation-shaking gig at Temple Bar Music Centre tonight.

DAMIEN RICE Rootless Tree Heffa **

Dearie me, Damo Nice gets nasty on this one, alarming his mumsy fanbase with a chorus that's definitely a cúpla focail eile. But just to make sure he gets some radio play, he's done a "clean" version with the offending word sung backwards - clever kuffer.