The Corrs: Unplugged (143 Records/Lava/Atlantic)

The Dundalk foursome put aside their usual grungy riffs, grindcore beats and industrial techno grooves to record an unplugged set for MTV at Ardmore Studios in Bray. The thought of a stripped-down Corrs might send many a pulse racing, but apart from the presence of an orchestra, the prominence of the acoustic guitar, and the feeling of being in the same room as Andrea, Sharon, Caroline and Jim, this doesn't sound much different from a regular Corrs album. As a stop-gap between their mega-successful Talk On Corners and their new studio album (due out in March 2000), however, Unplugged works very nicely indeed, delivering one sure-fire hit single in Radio, and tossing versions of Jimmy McCarthy's No Frontiers, Philip Lynnott's Old Town, Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing and REM's Everybody Hurts into the bargain.

- Kevin Courtney

Horace Andy: Living In The Flood (Melankolic)

Horace Andy's unique, ululating voice has reached a wider audience via his guest appearances with Massive Attack, and now the veteran reggae singer gets to stretch his distinctive style over a brand new solo set. Living In The Flood has a pungent Jamaica aroma, thanks to Andy's old-school sensibilities and his ear for a skanking groove; tracks such as Smiling Face, Juggling and Seven Seals stay true to Rastafarian tradition while adding just enough modern touches to make them sound vibrant and contemporary. The title track was co-written with noted reggae fan Joe Strummer, while Doldrums was penned by Massive Attack's 3D. Advice to yuppies and dinner-party rockers everywhere: put away those Finley Quaye easy-listening records and get a whiff of the real dope.

- Kevin Courtney

Fela Kuti: The Best Best Of Fela Kuti - The Black President (Talkin' Loud)

When it came to intoxicating music, few could match Fela Kuti. When it came to adding a political edge and a Pan-African consciousness to that musical mix, no one could touch the Black President - who died in 1997 - for sheer effect. With another 60 albums to his name, this double-CD is a mere dip into the world of the Afrobeat pioneer. Combining traditional African rhythms with the gritty urban funk and jazz influences he picked up from the United States, Fela Kuti produced grooves like Lady, which were impossible to resist. An ever-present militant edge ensured that Zombie and Coffin For Head Of State were just as much for thinking as dancing.

- Jim Carroll