Loving You Is Easy, the third single to be lifted off the latest Charlatans album Up At The Lake, is three minutes of aural ecstasy. It seems that Tim Burgess and co. have ditched the dance direction they took on 2001's Wonderland, and have returned to making simple, yet gloriously effective pop songs.

"Loving you is easy 'cos you're beautiful" runs the chorus - this may not be the most profound message of the year, but with a beautiful piano introduction, breezy vocals courtesy of keyboardist Tony Rogers, a fantastic guitar solo and a decidedly Sixties feel to it all, this is easily forgiven. Its theme of love and inoffensive nature should ensure the song is plugged heavily over the festive season, and makes it an ideal candidate for a forthcoming romantic comedy soundtrack.

The song is unlikely to turn the world upside down, but for a lesson in how to write great timeless music, up and coming bands could do a hell of a lot worse than listen to one of the most consistent British groups of the last decade.