Album: Pink -- M!ssundazstood: THERE are sparks of genius on most manufactured pop albums and this one by Pink is no exception.

But while there are undoubtable highs as Get The Party Started, the 22-year-old Philadelphian girl just doesn't keep the tempo going throughout.

One thought keeps springing to mind -- can Pink realistically carry off the teen-angst vibe when the background music is so polished and the lyrics so basic, they could be penned in a schoolgirl diary.

Yet it is hard to write Pink off as being just another example of commercialised pap.

There are some relatively ground breaking moments: 'M!ssundazstood' is one good example of an understated yet energetic tune.

But pop greats like Britney Spears won't be holding their breath or shivering at the thought of imminent competition knocking them from their perch just yet.

Single

Elbow -- Asleep in the Back

ELBOW are quite simply stunning at times.

And while that may sound over-the-top, you really ought to take this CD and stick it into your hi-fi.

Maybe the decade of bad breaks which has dogged their career thus far has had something to do with it, but this single is one helluva buy.

The lyrics are harrowing and haunting at the same time. There's a strange look at an already mixed up world.

Oh, and there's a great gripping beat. It's out on Monday.

I expect to see a queue.