Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some of this week's CD releases Sparks,"Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins" (BMG)-The latest offering in BMG's commendable Sparks re-issue programme focusses attention on the Mael brothers' excellent 1994 album, "Gratuitous Sax and Senseless Violins." The original collection has been expanded into a fascinating 3 CD set with the inclusion of a generous helping of remixes and B sides and, unusually for the Maels, an assortment of hitherto unreleased demos and "orphan songs." The latter tracks supply a rare insight into the Californian duo's creative processes and should be required listening for Sparks devotees everywhere.

"Dreamboats & Petticoats-Silver Linings" (Universal Music On Demand)- Universal's latest celebration of the delights of pop's "golden age" more than half a century ago is a fun filled four CD set boasting contributions from a whole host of top notch performers from those dim and distant days. The 100 tracks on offer here include archive gems from the likes of Marianne Faithfull, The Byrds, Manfred Mann and Chuck Berry to name but a few, and a more entertaining introduction to the infectious charms of sixties music-making would be hard to imagine.

Emily Jane White,"Immanent Fire" (Talitres)- Emily Jane White's sixth studio album captures the Californian singer-songwriter's melancholy musings on the plight of a planet seemingly teetering on the brink of ecological destruction, reflecting a darkly memorable approach to music-making which has been heavily influenced by iconic literary figures such as Cormac Murphy, Emily Bronte and master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe. Sweetness and light are in understandably short supply as Emily weaves her eerie musical spell via evocative creations such as "Surrender," "Metamorphosis" and "Dew."