This week, Matt’s thinking collaboratively.

Dylan Rippon – Rock And Sands (Northern Sky)
Released as Coalition forces get down to business in Iraq, this is a reflection of the public distaste for war. Singer/songwriter Dylan Rippon moved to Saudi Arabia from Carlisle as a child, and it’s called Rock And Sands because "that is the physical reality out there – it’s just a desert". Dylan says it isn’t a political song: "Like most young people I don’t care about politics. Rocks And Sands is anti politics." It’s also upbeat and catchy in the Ed Harcourt frame of mind. The single also comes with eight MP3s of work in progress from his album, due out in the summer.

Brassy – Play Some D (Wiiija)
Funky schoolgirl rock from Peel favourites Brassy. This track features on the Motorola "Hellomoto" TV ad and you can see why, with the keyboard line that sounds very much like a polyphonic ring tone, abused until it sounds good. It’s also bouncy and catchy and all the things that Vodaphone would look for in ad music, without resorting to a Fatboy Slim remix of some ancient one-hit wonders. The chorus appears to be a hint to the uncomprehending bass player: "I’m going to play some D."

Death In Vegas – So You Say You Lost Your Baby (Concrete)
How do Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes persuade so many people to work with them? Their last couple of albums have contained contributions from Iggy Pop, Bobby Gillespie, Liam Gallagher and Dot Alison, whom Richard has also persuaded to marry him. This track features the sandpapered vocal talents of a certain Paul Weller and Mani on bass. Soaring Hammonds, a thundering bassline and psychedelic strings prove that the Vegas can produce the best Weller song in ages. As well as the best Oasis track. Ah, that’s how.

Beth Orton – Thinking About Tomorrow (Heavenly)
Another single from Beth’s weakest work in ages. It’s quite nice, just dead dull and there’s nothing a Ben Watt (Everything But The Girl) radio mix can do about it. "So long, will it ever happen again." Presumably she’s talking about her creativity. Since knocking about with Ryan Adams she seems to have lost her edge. Which is a shame for one gifted with such an extraordinary voice. She should call on old pals The Chemical Brothers. Or even Death In Vegas.

Dr Rubberfunk – Latin Player (GPS Recordings)
More soundtrack lounge funk from Dr Rubberfunk with his third EP. Cut-up grooves with Latin guitar, Baleric bass and swirly synth noises, this is from a Bent mould or the same fabric as Mr Scruff’s Trouser Jazz. Basically, it’s funky and has a sense of humour. Groovy baby, groovy. Matt Walton 28 March 03

All singles released 01 April 03.