As Christmas approaches, it's getting ever harder to write about non-Susan Boyle related releases. As ever though, we're giving it a go..

In an effort to temper any early Christmas spirit that you may be feeling, let's start with Pearl Jam's new single 'Just Breathe'. If you like your vocals fog horny and your music joyless, this may well be for you. For everyone else, it's boooooorrriiiiiiiiinnnnnngggggggggggggg..

But then, I'd hate for you to think we don't like the festive season, so we've got some altogether more uplifting stuff too. First up are Bad For Lazarus with 'Old Rats on a New Ship'. These hairy Brightonians produce an almighty, jaunty racket; their fusion of soul and noise reminiscent of a quirkier (but still sleazy) Afghan Whigs. Which is, of course, a good thing. Oh, and you can download it free here

I have to say, I'm happily surprised with the new Charlotte Gainsbourg single 'Heaven Can Wait'. Not so much due to any prejudice towards the daughter of famous French bloke/English woman, but more due to the fact that it was recorded with Beck, who I believe to have been on a largely downward career trajectory for about the last eleven years. But credit where it's due, for 'Heaven Can Wait' is a downright sumptuous piece of pop music. Oh, and it mentions Flashlight in it. That or a flashlight. Either way, the girls got taste. As long as she meant us.

To close, we're going dope, with the return of two bona fide legends of hip hop; Souls of Mischief and the mighty Wu. 'Postal' is taken from Souls Of Mischief's forthcoming Montezuma's Revenge LP; their first in some nine years. All the facets that made them great in the mid 1990s - understated vocals, swooning strings and a truly slinky guitar solo - are present, making this a welcome return.

Slightly more of a curveball is the Wu-Tang Clan's 'Meth vs Chef 2', and not just that I'm amazed that the band maintain their prolific output despite being in a seemingly constant state of civil war. No, 'Meth vs. Chef 2', though retaining a characteristic menace, is more bombastic than usual, with a soulful horn refrain dominating vocals. I guess it reminds me most of 'The Champ' from Ghostface's brilliant Fishscale. Which, of course, wasn't even produced by RZA. Regardless, it's always a joy to hear Method Man and Raekwon in full flow, and it's nice to hear them doing something raw (albeit different) again. Till next week..