Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things (Warners)

Jason Mraz does clever and catchy particularly well — with the minimum of musical tools.

This 30-year-old Californian troubadour, in the mould of a Jack Johnson (dreary last album Sleep Through The Static aside), is a master of sunny 1970s-influenced campfire tunes.

His third album, complete with yet another quirky title, is packed full of consummately crafted infectious tracks.

Mraz does melancholy particularly well — his fine voice gliding and swooping around the melody and in turn colouring his material with raw emotion.

Here, though, upbeat is the name of the game — and there is a warm feeling throughout the gorgeously textured tunes.

Best tracks are Details in the Fabric and If It Kills Me.

Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Live At The BBC (Universal)

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band had their zenith right at the beginning of the 1970s.

Then, founder Alex Harvey and the chums he had recruited from hardened rock backgrounds were in fine fettle – entertaining fans across the UK with their brand of no-nonsense playing and over-the-top theatrical performances.

Thanks to a Universal collection we can hear the band right at the top of their game and on stage — where they most liked to be.

Live at the BBC was recorded at the Beeb’s Paris Theatre in 1972. With songs from just one album, Framed, to choose from, the band were, well, simply sensational.

This brilliant two-CD set contains cracking songs such as St Anthony, Last of the Teenage Idols and a cover version of Sly Stone’s Dance To The Music.

Various - Twice As Nice, The Urban Club Album Of The Year (Warner)

Released at the end of December, Twice As Nice is a three-CD 60-track compilation of urban beauties.

And with the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Rihanna, Jay Sean, Usher and Chris Brown included, the class of this record is not far away from the sub-titled boast, The Urban Club Album Of The Year.

Add Kelly Rowland, Craig David, Sean Paul and Estelle to that latter collection of urban millionaires — and you’ll find it hard to match such a strong content, both quality and quantity!

Various - Cream Future Trance (New State Music)

Cream Future Trance is a new collection of tracks — straight out of clubland.

Cleverly, though, both hardcore and occasional trance fans are catered for.

The 55 tracks, spread over three CDs gives you the best of both worlds.

Established acts such as Eric Prydz sit alongside new trance kings Tiesto and Ferry Corsten.

Ultimately, though, wherever your allegiances lie, this is an album that comes with a ‘you will be entertained’ guarantee.