Reviews

Fat Truckers

Sheffield synth-bloke trio's debut album

Ether Madness

Re-release of first four albums from missing link between Banshees and Valentines, remastered by Cocteaus' co-founder Robin Guthrie

Back From Heaven

Definitive collection honouring late rap pioneer

The Carpenters – As Time Goes By

Unreleased gems from eccentric brother and sister combo

Elling

Spacey favourite has plenty of low-key charm

I Am Sam

Sean Penn has done many good things, and none of them can be found in this sentimental guff. As Sam, he's an autistic who, with the help of saintly lawyer Michelle Pfeiffer, tries to prove he's a fit father to his daughter. It's manipulative, dishonest, and wreaks carnage on The Beatles' songbook. Penn was Oscar-nominated. You have to laugh.

Dinner Rush

Danny Aiello dominates this ensemble drama as the weary owner of an Italian restaurant in New York's Tribeca, caught between mobsters and his son's desire to transform the place into a chiceatery. Director (and restaurateur) Bob Giraldi keeps things hustling between tables, but cranks up the pace in the kitchens. A grittier companion to Stanley Tucci's gastro-porn classic Big Night. Tasty.

XXx

Boisterous action ensues when colourfully tattooed extreme sports fanatic Xander Cage is press-ganged into the service of the US government. Rob Cohen directs with brutal bravado, there are some amazing stunts, and the whole thing is noisily entertaining. Vin Diesel's Xander, though, is no match for Kurt Russell's Snake Plissken, and a touch of John Carpenter's genuine anarchy would have been welcome.

Various Artists – Estuary English: Music From Memphis Industries Volume One

Excellent overview of Blue States' label home

Ben Harper – Diamonds On The Inside

Diverse fifth studio album from modern American roots icon
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