Pop: Album reviews

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Buddy Guy & Junior Wells `Last Time Around - Live at Legends' (Silvertone) Recorded in 1993, the last time that this famous partnership played together, this is a kind of historic keepsake. The rawness and intensity are captured well and most of the material falls into the classic Chicago blues mould with tracks such as "Hoodoo Man Blues". HHH

David Holmes & Others `Out of Sight OST' (Jersey/MCA) While Holmes's Let's Get Killed album from last year deserves a place in most record collections, this soundtrack to George Clooney's new movie is cut with boring dialogue and despite some diverse beats from Holmes and sweet soul moments by the Isleys, it doesn't quite take off. HHH

Cyndi Lauper `Merry Christmas... Have a Nice Life' (Epic) While there are strong hints of Lauper's songwriting skills in most of the songs (eight of the 11 tracks bear her credit), the sugary, syrupy flavour of the American `happy holidays' mentality overrides it. And, yes, there's a children's choir involved. H

Roy Orbison `The Big O Singles Collection' (Sony) The great Texan singer died 10 years ago tomorrow and this timely double CD release brings together all 26 singles recorded for Monument Records from 1959 to 1966. Most of the best hits are here and while the second CD is B-sides, it's great value. HHHH

Various Artists `Blade OST' (Epic) Wesley Snipes himself oversaw the production of this soundtrack which concentrates on hip-hop, techno and various other urban sounds. Featured artists include Gang Starr, who contributed an exclusive tracks, plus DJ Bounty Killer, Junkie XL and New Order (right) whose "Confusion" gets the Pump Panel Reconstruction mix. HHH