Ex-Talking Head is a man of the world.

David Byrne's world music imprint, Luaka Bop, has two releases this week, so being ‘lazy’ we thought we’d do them both on the one page.

First up, The Only Blip Hop Record You Will Ever Need Vol 1. Mr Byrne takes a rummage through the sonic sock drawers of various European laptop dweebs and emerges triumphant proclaiming "I have seen the future and it’s squiggly!". We’re talking minimal crunchy, bleepy weirdness but it’s actually quite listenable. Quality blip-mongers include Mouse on Mars, Schneider TM and Matthew Herbert in his Doctor Rockit guise. Trouble is, if this is the only blip hop record you’ll ever need, what happens when Vol 2. is released?

If Blip Hop is a pan-European phenomena, Cuisine Non-Stop is a decidedly Français affair. Again compiled by Byrne, it’s an interesting blend of the traditional French chanson (think Piaf, Gainsbourg) and nouveau-gallic influences from North Africa, gypsy music, hip hop and Gotan Project style latin grooves. It’s certainly an eccentric combination but a charming one nonetheless. Perfect for wooing wayward exchange students. AL 26 September 02

The Only Blip Hop Record You Will Ever Need Vol 1. and Cuisine Non-Stop, both released 30 September 02 on Luaka Bop.