Various: I'm Not In Love

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * )

Is the title of this 15-track collection of sometimes sappy love songs meant to be ironic (as in Alanis' definition), or does it just appeal to the guy-market which doesn't want to appear too sentimental?

If the latter, then it's too late, pal: this kicks of with Macca's Silly Love Songs, moves through Stevie Wonder's You Are the Sunshine of My Life, goes to that slightly darker place with Elvis Costello's Alison, then into the 10CC title track, the Mamas and the Papas (Dedicated to One I Love), the Doobies (What A Fool Believes), Sade (Your Love is King), Beach Boys (God Only Knows), Spandau Ballet's True and Art Garfunkel's I Only have Eyes For You. There are other deeply caring pit stops (notably Crowded House's Fall At Your Feet) so if you've just missed the birthday, here's the apology CD which should, at the least, be accompanied by dinner and flowers. Buy now, Valentine's Day is only six months away.

Label: Huh!/EMI