MATTHEW JAY: Please Don't Send Me Away (Food).

Setting a dark lyrical theme against a sweet, uplifting melody, this is a real gem. The talented Welshman has so far remained one of the year's underrated artists. But if he maintains this sort of form and builds on his impressive performance on Jools Holland's show, it won't be long before his solidly-built acoustic tracks are earning him respect. (8/10) CL

RADIOHEAD: Pyramid Song (Parlophone) -- Thom Yorke has never played the rock and roll game and this offering is no exception. With a bleak, cold feel, this obscure track may well work on an album but it has no chance of making a mark on the charts. If this is the yardstick, the new album looks like being more in line with Kid A than OK Computer. Which isn't what we were promised. (5/10) CL

N.E.R.D: Lapdance (Virgin) --The first single from trendy hip-hop production team The Neptunes' new project delivers a tougher punch than John Prescott. Sci-fi futuristic beats, overloaded production and a genius hook guarantee Kelis' mentors a massive hit. Fantastic. (8/10) SM

ALBUMS:

KING ADORA: Vibrate You (Superior) -- Passionate, energetic and controversial -- King Adora are all this and more. The glam punksters have few, if any, fans sitting on the fence. It's either all-out devotion or total repulsion. But for those who care to listen, Matt Browne provides a punk-inspired, wild 12-minute trip through his rock and roll world. Not for the faint-hearted, it's a ride through love, lust and excess. Indie hits Smoulder, Suffocate and Bionic are her joined by a stack of other brain-drenching tunes. If the Manics do ever retire, King Adora will wear their crown with style. (9/10) CL

KAI MOTTA: Picture That (Some Bizzare) -- Kai Motta sold his 3,000-strong hip-hop record collection to pay his council tax. But after borrowing his dad's Grateful Dead and Dylan LPs he was inspired to pick up his acoustic guitar. Now mixing the two styles with his love of literary names like George Orwell and John Fante, his rap/folk style has developed a strong political stance. Sounding like as diverse as Schooly and Woodie Guthrie, this is a very interesting underground album. (8/10) CL