Ryan Adams, The Divine Comedy and The Beta Band By Steve Rudd

Ryan Adams - Wonderwall (single/ UMG)

Something of a bizarre choice of song for this North Carolina-hailing genius to cover, but Ryan sings and plays this Oasis classic anthem wonderfully.. and, in doing so, stamps an astonishingly original seal of style on the tune. This cover version also actually features on his heart-attackingly beautiful, 16-song-strong Love Is Hell album, and while Ryan's interpretation of Wonderwall is far more downbeat than the original version, its newfound bare-backed nature - in the hands and via the voice of Ryan - lends the song a hugely atmospheric, surreally fragile and haunting air.

Still, subtle spurts of violin, cello and piano accompaniment are all involved - but you really to have to strain your ears to hear such musical intrusions, for they are that purposefully delicate and exquisite. At present, Ryan is still recovering from surgery he had on his left wrist following a fall off-stage some time ago. So, unfortunately, he won't be over in the UK for the foreseeable future to play any live dates. Which is a shame. A damn shame. (5/5) Release Date: June 28th 2004.

The Divine Comedy - Absent Friends (single/ PARLOPHONE)

The genius singer-songwriter behind the Divine guise, Neil Hannon, has been extremely busy of late. Having played a bunch of sold-out dates back in April and a whole host more theatre dates in June, as well as appearing at Glastonbury (where he got some great exposure), Absent Friends really is one of the best tunes he has written yet. A brisk acoustic guitar riff compliments the melodic piano tinklings, the vibes of Absent Friends (Here's to them) being effortlessly endearing, with Hannon's distinctive singing voice being somewhat reminiscent of David Bowie's.

This quintessentially English-Pop anthem also reflects Bowie's work by being pretty abstract and eccentric, as Neil sings about both Steve McQueen and Oscar Wilde in quick succession for seemingly little reason whatsoever. Regardless, this tune is undeniably lush, summery - and triumphant, sun-kissed, gallant brilliance which is so uplifting in nature that you'll want to jump for joy. (5/5)

The Beta Band - Out-Side (single/ REGAL)

The second single release from the band's rightfully acclaimed Heroes To Zeroes album, Out-Side hammers along with a wicked drum beat and quirky samples aplenty, proving that these guys are thankfully as ambitiously inventive and imaginative as ever, and fleetingly sharing similar musical wavelengths with The Super Furry Animals - and even the subtly charming Badly Drawn Boy. Indeed, this is genuinely refreshing Alt.-Pop music for the masses, being tantalisingly catchy too.

Despite being cleverly sample-saturated, an angular rock guitar riff still manages to under-pin the tune in style, so the end result is that Out-Side is a pretty intense and complex song that you really have to listen to a good few times before you've sussed out really what's going down. And then, as the end of the song draws near, the lads usher in a beautifully touching lull in proceedings, as they collectively ponder to themselves Am I dreaming? 2004 is proving to be a great year for the band, bearing in mind that the single release that preceded this one (Assessment) was their first Top 40 hit. Festival appearances at this year's T in The Park, Move and Guil-Fest spectaculars should, naturally, do the band even more favours then.. fingers crossed. (4/5) Release Date: July 12th 2004.

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