The latest CD releases reviewed

SUGABABES
Easy Island *****

You want a double entendre? Well, Sugababes will give you more than one. You don't need Dan Brown to decode the naughty hints on here ("got such a pretty kitty/Boy I know you wanna pet it"), but plenty of popstars would kill to get the formula for this near-perfect pop song.

U2 AND GREEN DAY
The Saints are Coming Island/Reprise ***

Three old punks join forces with four even older punks to give a dig-out to musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. We don't approve of charidee records, but full marks for covering a tune by Scottish punk legends The Skids.

RICHARD SWIFT
Beautifulheart Secretly Canadian *****

This Californian pop alchemist distils the essence of Elliot Smith, Lennon & McCartney and Beck, among others, to create beautifulstrangemusic. He's American alt.pop's best-kept secret, so don't tell anybody, willya?

BASEMENT JAXX
Take Me Back to Your House XL ****

Here's a bingo banjo tune from the Basement boys, featuring the vocals of Canadian electropop chick Martina Bang, who sounds like she wants to make love and listen to Death From Above. Plucking great fun altogether.

THE PIGEON DETECTIVES
I Found Out Dance to the Radio ***

Forget those North Pole-dwelling simians - here's a gang of avian sleuths who are fast becoming the coolest indie band in the firmament. So that's the secret - choose an animal, set up a MySpace account, and of course have the best tunes on the block.

AKON
Smack That feat Eminem Island **

Fancy some S&M with Eminem? Then slap this brand spanking new tune on the CD player - (let's leave the double entendres to the Sugababes, ok? - Ed.)