New music this week

This big story in new music this week is, of course, the release of Sam's Town, the second album from The Killers. Rolling Stone wasn't that excited about it, giving it only 2 stars, and saying that the group's attempt to sound like Bruce Springsteen is a bad move.

Also out is second album from Australian band Jet, Shine On, which includes great first single "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is." Jet's 2003 debut gained in steady popularity thanks to major hits "Look What You've Done," "Cold Hard Bitch," and "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?"

In the singles arena, the week's most anticipated release is Bedouin Soundclash's re-release of "When the Night Feels My Song," why this is, I have no idea, as it doesn't impress me that much. Gina G is back. The singer hit #1 in 1997 with "Ooh Aah...Just a Little Bit," and followed it with four other top 40 singles. Her new track, "Tonight's the Night" is ebullient dance music, but sounds like it could've been a lost track from the '97 recording sessions. Also reaching into the past is Bob Sinclar, whose new single "Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now)" opens with an annoying repetitive clapping while someone says "soul clap" over and over. I don't have to point out its obvious inspiration. Once it gets going, it's not bad. Nerina Pallot's follow-up to last spring's "Everybody's Gone to War" is the lovely "Sophia." Forgive Pallot for her obvious channeling of Sarah McLachlan ("Sophia" sounds like the cousin to "Adia"), for it is an enjoyable and beautiful song. Razorlight's ballad "America" is a decent enough song, but I don't like it as much as "In the Morning." P Diddy is back too with his new single "Come to Me," which is merely OK, and nothing to shout about, but does manage to throw in a pretty good chorus amongs the harsh mechanical beats.

Bedouin Soundclash (2.5/5), Gina G (2.5/5), Bob Sinclar (3/5), Nerina Pallot (4/5), Razorlight (4/5). P Diddy (2/5).