Bill Callahan and Will Oldham are acclaimed pioneers of alternative country, yet the former is inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan and the latter does heavy metal covers.

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT DIRECTORS: BRENDA CHAPMAN, SIMON WELLS, STEVE HICKNER STARRING: VAL KILMER, RALPH FIENNES, MICHELLE PFEIFFER 99 MINS

1 (-) Ladies and Gentlemen - The Best of George Michael

Top 10 UK Albums

They hit 30 and it's down with the neckline, up with the skirt and out on the town. They call it 'middle youth'. Hettie Judah calls it embarrassing

Rachid Jazz Cafe, NW1

Independent rock critic Andy Gill received an invitation to judge a song contest, in Poland. Naturally, he was pleased to accept

WHEN Wayne Sleep's company of dancers introduced themselves by racing across the stage at the London Coliseum, most of them watched where they were going. His head alone revolved, uncannily, almost eerily, like Michael Redgrave's dummy in Dead of Night, to keep his face locked on the audience, drinking in their recognition and applause. He needs a spotlight in the way green plants need the sun.

SINGLES

Gomez

The Next Big Thing celebrates its fourth birthday this week. Inevitably, demand will be high, the venue will be rammed and the queues will be hectic in the extreme.

Spearhead

The time: May 1994

Various Artists