Those dismissing the self-titled Scissor Sisters as a product of New York's latest fad band are jumping to conclusions. Yes, there's a certain cabaret aspect to what they do, but that's not to dismiss them as frivolous nightclub entertainment. That's only half the story.

"Comfortably Numb" may have nodded to gay disco but this eclectic bunch of fashionistas have more interesting reference points tucked up their puff sleeves. If anything, the prevailing mood here is sunny AM rock, the kind of thing you might have tuned into in 70s New Jersey.

"Take Your Mamma Out", perhaps the first song about coming out to your mother in a gay club, and sung by Jake Shears like primetime Elton John, is a cracker.

So too "Tits on the Radio" slick barroom boogie that takes a venomous swipe at New York's increasing conservatism.

Best here, though, is the anthemic "It Can't Come Quickly Enough", a retro carve-up of Nik Kershaw and the Pet Shop Boys that's more powerful than it sounds.

DEAD CAN DANCE singer LISA GERRARD has released a new album 'Immortal Memory', her first for five years. The album is a collaboration with the award-winning Irish composer Patrick Cassidy, whom she met in Los Angeles while working on the soundtrack for 'Gladiator'.

After much deliberation Cassidy decided to join Gerrard in her Australian studio and together they worked on the extraordinary pieces of music that fill Immortal Memory. 

Having reaped the benefits of their differing approaches to writing, Gerrard and Cassidy have produced one of the most astonishing albums of 2004. The album leads the listener on a magical journey, which encompasses majestic sweeps of sound that wrap themselves around the phenomenal voice of Gerrard. Startlingly Gerrard sings in Gaelic and Aramaic, an interesting quirk that gives the whole experience an otherworldly quality.

As one of last year's success stories, Junior Jack has cleaned up with 2003's biggest club record "E-Samba" and the years biggest selling dance record, alongside the Pacha / DJ Awards 'Record of the Season' and 'Best New Comer'.

In true Junior Jack style 'Da Hype' is another twisted premiere division tune denotating dancefloors with its incendiary groove!

Da Hype will secure his presence in every DJ's box from now till summer 2004 ahead of the debut album Trust It set for release in February. With an array of killer mixes to come including The Cure's Robert Smith adding his vocals, Da Hype is starting it's lethal journey.

Robert Smith just 17 years old formed The Cure during the embryonic years of Punk, the lead singer with his unique and distinctive vocal sound quickly became an alternative force before alternative was the norm. The Cure's extraordinary career has been highlighted by a run of chart-topping hit singles, including "Boys Don't Cry" and "Love Cats", countless awards, Including Q Magazines 'Best Inspiration Award' given earlier this year and an international fan base who follow the band with near religious fervour. Junior Jack who has been a long time fan says "A few years before he seemed to be untouchable, but then I worked with him, it's cool!"

Robert Smith is also featured on a new solo album 'Zig Zag' from David Bowie collaborator Earl Slick.