Reviews

Two strands of British comedy collide with utterly predictable results (all together now: "Oooh, Matron!") as the usual crew is augmented by the sublime Frankie Howerd and a positively quirky supporting cast (Anita Harris, Peter Jones, Julian Orchard). Post-irony, I think we should admit the Carry Ons are dreadful, but Sid James' laugh remains an imported national treasure.

Heavy metal pioneers certainly, but as this appealing history shows, Deep Purple also had the knack of turning a great riff into a decent pop song. There's a dated feel to the lengthy interviews with the likes of Jon Lord, Ian Paice and Ritchie Blackmore, all conducted in the early '90s. But as all but two of the live performances in the archival footage come from 1968-74, it hardly matters.

Arizonan soundtrackers make ill-advised foray into space rock

Louisiana-based blues revivalist

Darkly uplifting second album from Scottish pop visionary

Debut solo album from erstwhile Cypress Hill producer

Tales of sleazy sex from young Canadian singer-songwriter

Sleazy balladeer's finest, with liner tributes from Beck

An exploration of rock'n'roll's roots, spanning 1926 to 1955

Tenth in the series exploring influences on modern dance music