Ostensibly the soundtrack to the film of the same name (A 'Lord Of the Rings'-style quest for a plectrum that confers legendary axe-hero status), Jack Black and Kyle Gass's second album is a mixture of hilarious metal posturing with tons of f words and Whitesnakeisms that enlists heavyweights Dave Grohl, as well as Meat Loaf and Ronnie James Dio (both of whom sing on the opener 'Kickapoo'). It's a monster sound with more musical synapses than most metal albums, the only problem being that 14 of 15 songs come in at less than three minutes.

And there really aren't enough solos.

Download: 'The Government Totally Sucks', 'Kickapoo' Neil Dunphy Rob Kelly Bragging Rights Aquisition Records (50m 14s) . . .

In general, Irish hip-hop is rooted in a 1990s ideology, with its fractured . . .if large . . . scene competing on conformity. As a rapper, Rob Kelly doesn't shatter any moulds, but he's trying and, as a result, his rhymes are of an impeccable standard, often both smart and hilarious;

'When it comes to women/I have it my way/I get the knickers off a nun on Good Friday' he informs us on 'Intro'. Kelly needs to source a solid narrative, as the repetition of themes is common. Still, one wonders the damage he could cause with big names behind the beats, and big money in the studio.

Download: 'Criminal Minded', 'House Of Pain' Una Mullally Various Artists Pop! Justice Universal (1hr 11m 11s) . . . .

If you've been looking for a soundtrack to your Christmas party and Westlife's 'The Love Album' doesn't cut the, well, doesn't cut anything, then fear not, because popjustice. com have compiled the 22 most perfect pop tracks of the year. '100% Solid Pop Music' features Sugababes covering Arctic Monkeys, Girls Aloud's 'Love Machine' demo, Ladytron, Franz Ferdinand, Pet Shop Boys and some great remixes . . . notably Thin White Duke's take on The Killers' 'Mr Brightside'. Heartening and fun.

Download: 'Love Machine', 'Since U Been Gone (Jason Nevins Radio Edit)', 'Maneater' UM