Reviews

Contrived whimsy from first-time Danish director

Full of incident and introducing a slate of new characters, including Alan Cummings' edge-of-camp Nightcrawler, this workmanlike sequel plays less thrillingly second time round on a small screen. In addition to the expected commentaries, the second disc has more info about the film's making, the comic's history and what Ian McKellen had for tea on Day 28 of shooting than even a diehard fan could possibly want.

The controversial director of Kissed, Lynne Stopkewich, throws the fearlessly versatile Molly Parker into another harrowing role. Here she's running a seedy Nowheresville motel, selling her body to guests and drifters. She wants out, and the latest stranger may have the ticket. But in this director's world, nothing's tender and most things are brutal. Mesmeric and coldly Lynch-like.

The seemingly ageless Chrissie Hynde storms her way through 26 songs on Pretenders Loose in LA EAGLE VISION , recorded at the Wiltern Theater in February this year. The run-in is particularly impressive as she turns the clock back almost a quarter of a century to the band's spectacular debut album with a sequence that includes "Tattooed Love Boys", "Precious", "Mystery Achievement" and the mighty "Brass In Pocket".

Debut from NYC trio featuring ex-Jeff Buckley band guitarist Michael Tighe and drummer Parker Kindred

Warm and gentle pop from John (Wilco) Stirratt and Pat (Ryan Adams) Sansone

Art-rock doesn't, as far as we know, have a glorious reputation in the working men's clubs of South Yorkshire. Relaxed Muscle, however, suggest there's a captive market for electro duos in Doncaster, where the regulars suffer half an hour of performance art before bingo.

Scratch mix supremo and dub producer collaborate to fine debut effect

Typically wilful, valedictory double CD with new material, rarities and a 2002 live show from Dublin

First time on CD for Scots showman's final album