Music - Singles of the Week - Monday, May 5
IndieLondon gleefully checks out the cream of the week’s singles. All you have to do is click on the pictures to order them…
SINGLE OF THE WEEK 1: THE CHARLATANS – THE MISBEGOTTEN: Indie darlings The Charlatans are poised to make something of a major comeback in 2008 with new album You Cross My Path. We say major, because there’s a feel-good vibe surrounding their new material, which finds them combining the elements that made them so big in the 90s with a fresher, more contemporary edge. Indeed, when I first heard The Misbegotten I wondered if I was listening to the same band! It’s intro owes more to New Order at times, while Tim Burgess’ vocals – which had opted for a falsetto approach in recent years – has resorted back to normal tones, albeit more hushed than normal. The Misbegotten is, incredibly, a track that boasts surefire crossover appeal, built around a funky bass, some sharp guitar riffs and swirling synths to sound equally at home on the dancefloor as it does in the indie clubs. Needless to say, it takes a little getting used to – but once you’ve heard it once or twice there’s much to enjoy. What’s more, the B-sides rock too. Blank Heart, Blank Mind is a real old-school charmer that features driving guitar riffs and a cracking chorus, while Set Me Free is just a really good feel-good track that’s quite euphoric in scope. The album, You Cross My Path, was recorded in LA, Ireland and the band’s own studio, Big Mushroom, in Cheshire and was mixed by Alan Moulder. It’s out on May 12 and we urge you to start getting excited now.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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SINGLE OF THE WEEK 2: MARTINA TOPLEY BIRD – POISON: Martina Topley Bird and Danger Mouse are proving to be an irresistible combination. After the success of Carnies, the singer returns with Poison, another disarming gem that plays to the strengths of both artist and producer. Precise, stop/start riffs and rhythms lay beneath swirling percussion, dreamy surf guitar riffs and Danger Mouse’s distinct production values, with Martina’s stunning vocals an excellent, completely soothing guide. Indeed, there’s an otherworldly quality to the lyrics, which find Martina issuing lines like “make a wish and blow it out/love will begin again”. If there’s any justice, this will become a major hit. Poison is taken from Martina’s eagerly awaited new album The Blue God, which is due for release later this month. Remixes come from Van She, who add some disco flourishes to proceedings, and The Officers, who lend it a harder dancefloor edge. Nothing can beat the original, though, as is so often the case. But they’re not bad either.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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SINGLE OF THE WEEK 3: DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE – I WILL POSSESS YOUR HEART: A welcome return for Death Cab For Cutie, I Will Possess Your Heart marks the first single to be taken from their forthcoming album, Narrow Stairs – and it’s a typically emotive effort, dripping in the quality we have come to expect! Featuring a long, bass-driven intro and some nice touches of piano (that lasts almost five minutes and still doesn’t outstay its welcome), the song is a real epic and a definite statement of intent from the band that suggests they are at their most artistically confident and daring. As with most Death Cab releases, the passion of the songwriting is matched by the power of the vocals, which are delivered in suitably affecting fashion to herald another major success for them. If everything on the album is as good as this single, then Narrow Stairs looks set to possess a very high spot among the album of the year lists. And that’s high praise indeed for a song that’s eight and a half minutes long!
Rating: 4 out of 5
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NOAH AND THE WHALE – SHAPE OF MY HEART: Noah And The Whale create the kind of pure, beautiful and inspired songs that soundtrack your dreams. They take folk as a starting point and then run off in playful directions, incorporating a string section, some horns and electric guitar riffage for current feel-good single Shape Of My Heart. Early comparisons with the more straight-forward likes of The Magic Numbers and co may prove useful in winning them fans, but Noah And The Whale are rising above them to forge a distinctive name in their own right. Shape of My Heart is a cracking record – one that’s fun, uplifting and layered enough to leave you wanting more than its two and a half minutes can possibly give.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION – GALAXY OF THE LOST: Ex-Test Icicle Dev’s new band Lightspeed Champion continues to endear itself with the release of this chirpy new single Galaxy Of The Lost. Featuring a kooky video featuring weird puppets and a kitten, it’s a lonely relationship confessional that’s born from melancholy and yet strangely uplifting. Kicking off with some classic old-style vocals and a string arrangement, it then drops some tender acoustic guitar, before really letting go as it comes to the chorus and the anguish of the lyrics. The song itself is about the failure of a relationship ruined by alcohol and Dev’s world-weary vocal style certainly hints at the pain and frustration this caused. Who knew the Test Icicle guy had it in him?
Rating: 4 out of 5
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WILEY – WEARING MY ROLEX: A lot of radio stations seem to be going nuts for this new track from Wiley, described as creating a new subgenre of electro-grime or hip-house. In reality, Wearing My Rolex is a bit of a mess and a complete turn-off for us. Featuring a sample of DSK’s east coast garage tune What Would We Do, it’s an uneven mix of thumping, house-influenced dance beats and grimy, urban vocals that sound little more than monotonous when put together. The sample is something of a saving grace, but one wonders whether it’s the memory of that DSK record that’s giving this extra impetus, or the new dance form that really is driving it forward. Whatever, it’s enjoying massive support from the likes of Jo Whiley, Pete Tong, Annie Mac and Zane Lowe, so it’s going to be huge whatever I write.
Rating: 2 out of 5
SCARLETT JOHANSSON – FALLING DOWN: Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson’s debut album is nothing if not keenly anticipated, given the ambition behind it and the talent that have helped to put it together. Basically, it’s a collection of songs originally recorded by Tom Waits, alongside one original number (Song For Jo), that’s been produced by TV On The Radio member Dave Sitek and features guest vocals from David Bowie on two tracks and Nick Zinner, of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, playing guitar on several songs. Lead single Falling Down is one of those songs to feature Bowie and it’s a surprisingly effective record, dripping with ethereal values and cinematic atmospherics befitting the star singer. Vocally, she’s not bad (although the jury is out for now), although the presence of Bowie over the chorus undoubtedly helps, while the instrumentation is moody and deliberately pronounced. It’s actually a very good listen. The video, too, is one to watch for Scarlett fans, although quite how Salmon Rushdie came to be whispering into her ear is another question entirely.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
YAEL NAIM & DAVID DONATIEN – NEW SOUL: Yep, we’re really going for it this week – but what the heck, it’s a Bank Holiday! So why not sit back and seek out some really good music? New Soul may be instantly recognisable to anyone that’s seen the new Macbook Air advert, as its being used in its promotion. But the song has been making a big impact globally, thanks to its keen sense of melody, kooky but beautiful vocals and Feist-like nature. Indeed, it’s number one in the American iTunes singles chart, as well as Yael’s native France, and is climbing rapidly on iTunes UK. In truth, it’s the sort of song that just keeps getting better and boasts all manner of musical invention, from the horns and guitars that work well in tandem with each other, to the angelic chorus that marks its conclusion, it’s the sort of musical offering that just keeps getting better and better. The album, Yael Naim is released on March 31 and features a collection of 13 songs delivered in English, Hebrew and French. We can’t wait to hear it!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
CUT COPY – LIGHTS & MUSIC: Cut Copy return with their second album In Ghost Colours, which follows their acclaimed 2004 debut Bright Like Neon Love. And upon first glance, courtesy of lead single Lights And Music, they’ve got better since they’ve been away. The Melbourne-based outfit continue to blend indie rock and 60s psychedelia with 80s synths and electronics to bouncy effect and Lights And Music is a fine little mover. If anything, though, frontman Dan Whitford’s vocals sound more expressive and involving than before, while there’s a lot more layering going on which ensures the track continues to deliver interesting new variations the longer it goes on. It takes a couple of listens, but we reckon you’ll be bopping along in no time.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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CAZALS – SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE: Boasting some strutting guitar work and plenty of angular attitude, Cazals’ Somebody Somewhere is designed to become a huge summer anthem for the band, especially in light of its pogo-inducing chorus. But while it’s an OK listen, it’s nowhere near as infectious as it could have been and the retro leanings feel a little dated. The fizzy guitar work certainly owes its inspiration to the overworked post-punk genre, while the husky vocals don’t wrap the hopeful lyrics in as much warmth as they should do. It all adds up to an underwhelming listen – fun in limited doses, but nowhere near the big breakthrough they were probably seeking. The single is available in 7” and 12” format and boasts remixes from Moulinex, Lifelike and Blamma! Blamma! A B-side, Success, is actually a stronger track than Somebody Somewhere, featuring some nice synth stabs, chiming guitars, handclap beats and a fuller-bodied, catchier chorus.
Rating: 3 out of 5
KYLIE MINOGUE – IN MY ARMS: Kylie returns with another appealing, if unspectacular, dance-pop number that should become another huge hit without really trying. In My Arms is the latest track to be taken from comeback album X and it’s evidence of why the Australian singer continues to remain at the forefront of the pop game. The production values are slick and ever-so slightly futuristic, the beats and synths effervescent and seductive, and those silky smooth vocals working really well over the catchy chorus. Like we said, it’s not really a stretch but it’s not a bad listen either and you can well imagine dancing along with it during the summer. The video, too, is typically bright and energetic.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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WILL.I.AM feat CHERYL COLE – HEARTBREAKER: Heartbreaker marks one of the better tracks to emerge from Will.I.Am’s new album Songs About Girls, that was designed to be “a musically adventurous” listen that takes inspiration from a range of sounds around the world. This one is generic, but it features a guest vocal from Girl’s Aloud’s Cheryl Cole that adds some welcome sassiness, and a smooth grooving disco style that’s tailor-made for chart success. As a member of the Black Eyed Peas and a super-producer in his own right, Will.I.Am clearly knows his way around a hit and can command some high-profile collaborators, so it’s little wonder that the tracks on the album are as slick and easygoing as this. But we’d just like to see him take a few more risks and maybe become a little edgier. The video is worth checking out for fans of Cole.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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KELLY ROWLAND feat TRAVIS MCCOY – DAYLIGHT: Following the Top 5 UK success of singles Like This and Work, Kelly Rowland returns with Daylight, another surefire chart-breaker from the successful album Ms Kelly Deluxe (due May 12). This one is notable for featuring a collaboration with Travis McCoy, the hip hit-maker behind new hip-hop favourites Gym Class Heroes. The result is a guilty pleasure of a listen: a sunshine slice of R’n’B/hip-pop that offers a nice vocal trade-off between the leads and some upbeat melodies. The slick back beat should easily guarantee widespread dancefloor appeal. Remixes of the song come from soul house supreme Joey Negro, of Jakatta fame. But it’s the original that offers the most fun. Kelly has clearly chosen well for a collaboration.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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THE STEERS – JULIA: The Steers release the indie disco monster that is Julia through the Kids label on May 5 as a strictly limited edition 7” and download. It’s a footstomping floor-filler that’s evocative of early Supergrass and which combines elements of early 90s Britpop with the more contemporary indie disco style of The Wombats. The chorus is especially lively and adds extra points to a single that could otherwise have seemed a little formulaic. The video for the song features British actress Vicky McClure, who starred as Lol in This Is England and appeared in Madonna’s directorial debut, Filth & Wisdom, which recently premiered in Berlin. Needless to say, it’s well worth checking out.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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JASON MRAZ – I’M YOURS: I’m Yours marks the first single to emerge from Jason Mraz’s third studio album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things (out on May 26). It’s a self-consciously upbeat number that almost boasts a calypso acoustic vibe capable of rivalling the feel-good factor associated with a lot of Jack Johnson material. And it’s certainly one to put a smile on the face and usher in the warmer weather. The track was chosen as the album’s first single because of the fans’ response to it. A demo version of I’m Yours originally appeared on a limited release bonus EP that Mraz put out with his last album and has since become an online sensation, with over 300 user-generated videos from more than 25 different countries now appearing on YouTube. It’s an infectious record that really deserves a wide following now that it’s properly available as both a download (from May 5) and physically (from May 12). Roll on the new LP.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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THE PIGEON DETECTIVES – THIS IS AN EMERGENCY: The Pigeon Detectives mark their comeback with the enormous lead single This Is An Emergency, a song that has already become a firm live favourite. Boasting some towering guitar riffs and some striking vocals, it’s an anthem in waiting for the band that sounds best when played with the speakers at full volume. The chorus, in particular, is made for singing along with and contains all the urgency of the emergency they’re singing about. It all bodes very well for the forthcoming sophomore album, Emergency, which follows on May 26, almost exactly two years after their acclaimed debut Wait For Me. It looks like they’ll have no trouble overcoming that “difficult second LP” syndrome.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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MATCHBOX TWENTY – THESE HARD TIMES: Taken from the band’s retrospective collection Exile On Mainstream, These Hard Times is one of several new tracks recorded in LA last year with Grammy-winning producer Steve Lillywhite. It’s also one of the songs that marks the band’s first collaborative writing experience. Explains Rob Thomas: “For the first time, we’re all writing as a band. In the past, I would write all the songs and the guys would write all their parts. Now it’s a band in the hand. We all fight it out… we fight over melodies and lyrics. It’s completely unique from anything we’ve done before.” Sadly, the music isn’t. These Hard Times is a mid-tempo power ballad that sounds tailor-made for some future soundtrack. It’s full of yearning vocals, emotive background instrumentation and crestfallen sentiment. And while it’s okay, maybe we’d been expecting something a little more radical given the unique approach behind it.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
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KRIS MORRIS – SOMEONE SOMETIMES: Following the release of his debut LP Little Light in early 2007, Australian native Kris Morris was compared favourably with the likes of Ray Lamontagne and Neil Finn. He now returns with new single Someone Sometimes, a brooding slow-burner that places an incredibly sincere set of vocals against the sad strumming of his acoustic guitar. There’s a dusky, folksy feel to the record that’s actually quite endearing, while Morris’ passionate style is certainly worth keeping an eye on as the year progresses. The sentiment behind this song, “we all need somebody sometimes” is also worth getting behind. For those that want to find out more, Kris regularly plays gigs in London and around the UK, playing venues such as the Union Chapel, Islington, FOPP Records in Tottenham Court Road and the Halfmoon in Putney.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
MELODY GARDOT – GOODNITE: If a little smooth jazz is what you’re looking for, then certainly check out Melody Gardot’s first UK single Goodnite, available digitally this week. A self-penned, flawlessly structured effort, it’s an old fashioned, dusky jazz record that showcases a brilliant voice and a real musical talent. Melody plays guitar and piano on the record, as well as singing in English and French, while some delicate lead guitar comes from Barney McKenna, a sublime bass from Paul Klinefelter, some jazz-style drumming from Charlie Patienro and a dusky late night trumpet from Patrich Hughes – and that’s not forgetting Mike Brenner on the steel gutar! It’s little wonder that the Sunday Times has been moved to write about Melody that she’s “a remarkable talent”. You’ll be thirsting for more, whether jazz fan or not… and more is soon available on her album, Worrisome Heart.
Rating: 4 out of 5
GET WELL SOON – YOU/AURORA/YOU/SEASIDE: Get Well Soon releases his first single, a double A-side, featuring the oddly named You/Aurora/You/Seaside and Christmas In Adventure Parks. It’s a self-consciously ambitious effort that, upon first listen, sounds like a bit of a car crash. But there’s something appealing about it, and even clever, in the way that GWS blends folk and electro with Morricone style classics and European brass. So, if you fancy giving it a go, then You/Aurora/You/Seaside, in particular, is a gutsy effort that is well worthy of some considerable attention. Christmas In Adventure Parks is a little more straightforward, embodying more folksy elements, but it’s no less impressive after about the third or fourth listen. Get Well Soon is the musical vision of 25-year-old Berlin-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and philosophy student, Konstantin Gropper, and he appears to have a very bright future ahead of him.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
POST WAR YEARS – BLACK MORNING: Post War Years have been building a name for themselves with a number of live shows in the south of England over the past few months, including a tour with Tom Vek. Their debut single, Black Morning, is evidence of why they have started to amass quite a following. It’s a raw, jagged whirlwind of synths, samples and vocal harmonies that’s as haunting as it can be inspiring (once it gets going). The brisk back-beat lends it a funky edge, while the incessant synths ensure it never loses its charge and keeps quite a breathless energy. Obscurely, the vocals drift from ethereal during the verses, to more pop-like during the hand-clap laden chorus. It’s a heady mix at times, but it’s ambition and scope puts a lot of the more straightforward mainstream outfits to shame.
Rating: 3 out of 5
JAMES PANTS – WE’RE THROUGH: James Pants takes his cues from the fresh beat of 80s soul, electro boogie, early rap, new-wave and post punk disco. A blue-eyed synth-soul from Texas, he could well be the “new Calvin Harris” in months to come as he continues to make a name for himself with cuts lime We’re Through. Already a firm favourite of Nemone on BBC 6Music, it’s capable of appealing to fans of Tom Vek, Chromeo and Soulwax because of its funky, 80s-laced, electro-boogy style. James plays drums, keys, guitar and sings and while there’s certainly a DIY quality to it, as well as a generic feel, there’s also something quite flaky and cool surrounding the vibe. It’s well worth checking out if you dig any of the aforementioned artists and bodes well for the forthcoming LP, Welcome, which drops on May 26.
Rating: 3 out of 5
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