LSK (Sony S2)

Sunny downbeat music with its roots showing on all sides, LSK's debut album is a mighty and enticing statement of intent from an unknown quarter. Leigh Stephen Kenny's mixed background (French, Irish, Jewish, black, white) comes to the fore in the mesmerising confusion of his melodies and lyrics. Musically, the mix is light and breezy, a fine reggae feel complemented by jazz and hip-hop touches, while Kenny's voice is the perfect vehicle to carry tracks like Hate Or Love and The Reason to their blurry destination. Lyrically, think Stevie Wonder around Higher Ground and you're close to where LSK would like to be. A bit of a sly diamond, it's an album which lazily and hazily captivates the listener into returning for many repeat visits.

Jim Carroll

Tim Love Lee:

The Continuing Confessions Of Tim Love Lee (Tummy Touch)

From the man who claims to have been everywhere but in love comes this gorgeous soundtrack for late, late shows of every hue. Tim Love Lee may have overplayed his Romeo image as a ladies' man in the name of promotion in the run-up to this release, but The Continuing Confessions shows a talent well capable of making moves other than in the bedroom. Tracks like Exit 747 and Twilight Reservation are certainly eye-openers, Lee's crafted blend of kinetic grooves and strange sounds providing the perfect setting for those imaginary movies the likes of David Holmes always bang on about. Unlike the Belfast Cowboy, Lee has retained a sense of humour (hear Bed Sheet Shuffle) and a thrilling sense of adventure (hear the magnificent Go Down Dixie). Easy-living music for boys and girls.

Jim Carroll