THE IoS PLAYLIST; THE FIVE BEST SOUNDS OF THE MOMENT

Jonathan Richman: You Must Ask the Heart (Rounder, CD/LP). Rejoice! Rejoice! A whole new album of Richman magic! Like tasting ice-cream for the first time. NB

PJ Harvey: C'mon Billy (Island, single). With a tale of possession, obsession and submission, the best performer at Glastonbury '95 gets all romantic. NB

U Roy - Original DJ (Virgin, CD). Put the kettle on and throw the cat out of the window, the summer nights are drawing in. Ben Thompson

Joy Division: Permanent (London, CD/LP/tape). Solemn phosphorescence: ideal for the idle thrill-seeker as well as the lonely and lost. BT

Charlie Haden and Hank Jones: Steal Away (Verve, CD). Wholly delightful bass and piano reworkings of spirituals, protest songs and campfire favourites. Phil Johnson