Four Tet – As Serious As Your Life (Domino)
Kieran Hebden is a master producer. He can take the simplest of catchy hooks and craft them into a soaring beast of beauty: gentle soundscapes juxtaposed with crashing drums and clever noises. His new single is one such example, taking one natty guitar line and stretching it out to 3.26 (radio edit), 4.38 (album version) and 23.16 (!!!) (live version), and still make it interesting, nay, brilliant. Genius.

Ralph Myerz And The Jack Herren Band - Casino (Emperor Norton)
Taken from their rather fine debut, A Special Album, the single is a twee remix, unfortunately. Buy the album and if you get chance go and see them live – they’re hugely, stick-twirlingly entertaining.

Damien Rice – Cannonball (East West)
Damien Rice is finally beginning to get the attention he deserves – he’s got an ad on the telly and everything. If you haven’t heard his debut, O, check out some quality songwriting with an Irish sense of humour.

Mr Scruff – Giffin (Ninja Tune)
The tea-drinking DJ puts out this 12-inch featuring the “DJ Take Me Away - Radio Edit”, featuring Nke. It’s typical Mr Scruff and contains a couple of other remixes.

British Sea Power – Remember Me (Rough Trade)
Rough Trade’s post-punk Bowie soundalikes’ second single is a re-recorded version of their live favourite. It’s backed by some quality B-sides.

Kings Of Leon – Wasted Time (Handmedown Records)
Kings Of Leon’s debut Youth And Young Manhood has spent 10 weeks in the Top 10. They’re celebrating with another fantastic rock’n’roll single. Yeehah!

Matt Walton 17 October 03

All singles released 20 October 03.