IF times ever become difficult for the Gipsy Kings and the pesetas start to dry up, they could always start their own Spanish course.

This collection of Mediterranean classics 'benefits' from the Gipsies version of Hotel California (Spanish Mix), ideal for those looking to pick up a few useful phrases in time for a summer saunter through the Costas. Never again will I struggle to order 'champagne on ice' while sitting in that Benidorm beach front bar!

Alas, that was probably the highlight of this collection. While it has all the favourites - Volare, Bamboleo and Baila Me - for those karaoke sessions in the garden, it also has the rather distressing Hit Mix '99, a track for late at night after the sangria has been flowing.

The Gipsies can be excellent and certain tracks lean to their more rustic charms - excellent guitar strumming and some haunting singing. But too much of the album sees them piling through their more commercial numbers and, ultimately, it left me feeling cheated.

For those looking to sample the music for the first time this may provide the perfect way in but others should steer clear ...unless they are looking to brush up on their Spanish skills.

DL