ALBUM REVIEWS Check out our reviews of the latest albums including new releases from Ray LaMontagne, Buena Vista Social Club, Live Lounge and Avril Lavigne

LIVE: Gym Class Heroes Not necessarily a bad gig, but by no means anywhere nearly as good as they have been in the past and could easily be in the future

LIVE: The Academy Is... A truly fantastic and energetic gig and it is a mystery why this band has not had the same radio success as their peers

LISTINGS Check out listings of all of the best gigs in Manchester's top venues here and buy tickets to forthcoming events

BLOG From The Strangers to The House Of The Dead and the new Bond theme, find out what we've been watching, reading and listening to this week

REVIEW: Tropic Thunder A few decent laughs and a solid performance from Downey Jnr can’t hide the fact that this is a huge missed opportunity

REVIEW: Hellboy II A pleasingly dark but thoroughly enjoyable comic book flight of fantasy that is yet another magnificent achievement for its unique director

LISTINGS From the Odeon Manchester to the Vue at The Lowry, find out what's on at your local cinema this week

REVIEW: Kiss Me Kate Brush up on your Shakespeare with Cole Porter's lovely music and an outstanding cast at the Altrincham Garrick

REVIEW: A Song For The Lovers The Lowry Theatre's Studio presents an innovative new play tackles the problems disabled people have in making friends

REVIEW: The Glee Club A rowdy and very endearing portrayal of working-class masculinity in 1960s Yorkshire from The Library Theatre

LISTINGS Fancy going to the theatre this month? Check out what's on to help you decide what to see