How could he summon up the anger needed on 'Thin Blue Flame', for example, when all around him are adoring eyes? The answer is he can't. Only for acolytes I'm afraid.

Download: 'Girl In The War' 'Kathleen' 'Me & Jiggs' Neil Dunphy

Depeche Mode The Best Of Volume 1 EMI (CD/DVD) . . . .

TWENTY-FIVE odd years later and I still find it hard to pinpoint what I dislike about Depeche Mode, but the feeling is gradually dissipating with time . . . and when you listen to 18 of their best-known songs it's hard not to at least marvel at their ability to innovate and carry a melody at the same time. Depeche fans being completists, many will buy this for 'Martyr', the one new track, but may not be too happy at the omission of anything from Black Celebration. Builds on singles compilations which missed out two good albums, last year's Playing The Angel and 2001's Exciter.

Download: 'Martyr' 'Suffer Well' 'Enjoy The Silence' ND

Various Artists Dave Fanning's Fab 50: Vol 2 EMI . . .

Shhh. What's that sound? Ah, it's the soft rustle of Dave Fanning's pockets being lined by the proceeds of this meaningless collection, minus "a donation" to charity. Yes, there are good songs.

It's bookended by U2 and filled with The Clash, The Beach Boys and Damien Rice. But you've heard all of these before. There is no theme, the packaging is nasty, although publicans could save some money by buying these CDs as background music. I can't imagine why anyone else would bother.

Download: The Pogues - 'A Rainy Night In Soho', Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds . . . 'Into My Arms', Morrissey . . . 'Suedehead' UM