|
IndieLondon gleefully checks out the cream of the week's singles.
All you have to do is click on the pictures to order them...
MONDAY, JULY 28:
 SINGLE
OF THE WEEK - DANDY WARHOLS - YOU WERE THE LAST HIGH: The
second single to emerge from the Dandy Warhols' acclaimed Welcome
to the Monkey House long-player, and co-written by former
Lemonheads frontman, Evan Dando, You Were The Last High is
another deliriously slice of acoustic brilliance, that possesses
an almost effortless cool about it. Displaying all the hallmarks
of the more pop-driven sound the band has taken on board, it also
stands out as one of the better tracks on the album and seems
perfectly tailored for the mainstream market. Catchy, breezy and
genuinely uplifting, this is the type of record that was designed
to make you sing-along.
 KOSHEEN
- ALL IN MY HEAD: Having enjoyed tremendous success with their
last album, Resist,
Kosheen return with a softer, more chilled out sound to the dancefloor/drum
'n' bass anthems of their earlier work. All In My Head
mixes another typically strong vocal performance with some more
gutsy guitars (the acoustics of the verses are counterbalanced
nicely with the rockier electrics of the chorus), while the beat
lends itself well to the summer market. Resist is a great
album and if this new single is anything to go by, then the follow-up
could well be even better. This is the assured sound of a group
that's not afraid to progress and move forward and they sound
all the more fresher for it. Highly recommended. Oh, and it comes
with a Planet Funk and Substance and Decoder remixes, which puts
the Ibiza sound back in them. Click here
to pre-order the new album, Kokopelli.
 HOT
HOT HEAT - NO, NOT NOW: It seems a while since Canada's pop-punk
funsters, Hot Hot Heat wowed us with their debut single, Bandages,
but now they are back with an equally raucous single from their
debut album, Make Up The
Breakdown. No, Not Now is another quickfire fix of punk-inspired
guitars and breathless vocals, which, by the band's own confession,
possesses a dancier feel than its predecessor. Indeed, lead singer,
Steve Bays, is quoted as saying that it is 'insanely fast', boasting
a rate of 174 beats per minute which, according to bassist, Dustin
Hawthorne, is comparable to The Sex Pistols, who hovered at 150.
So you know what to expect, but it's still kind of fun.
 CRACKOUT
- OUT OF OUR MINDS: Another catchy slice of guitar-driven
punk-pop from a UK act who look to be on the verge of that big
breakthrough. Out of Our Minds is typical of the punk-pop
sound which has helped several bands gain prominence recently
(including Hot Hot Heat) and even has that early Cure sounding
lyrical style - although the buzzing guitars and catchy riffs
are a lot more straight-forward. Clocking in at a meagre two minutes
and 20 seconds, it still does enough to suggest that Crackout's
forthcoming long-player may well be one to watch out for.
 JUNIOR
SENIOR - RHYTHM BANDITS: Still riding high off the success
of their phenomenally successful Move Your Feet, Junior
Senior return with the disappointing Rhythm Bandits, which
is typical of the sound on the remainder of the album. It's certainly
cheerful, slightly juvenile, yet much less appealing than last
time, making you wonder whether Move Your Feet may have
been a one-hit wonder. Borrowing heavily from early Fatboy Slim
grooves, and retaining the mix of vocal styles, this feels more
manufactured than their previous effort, and far too mainstream
for its own good. Is it any wonder that Move Your Feet remains
the record of choice for most Djs on the radio at the moment?
 CRAIG
DAVID - SPANISH: Craig David may not be as high-profile as
he was a few years ago (apart from, maybe, his Bo' Selecta alter-ego!)
yet that only seems to be a good thing, given that the quality
of the urban artist seems to have improved quite significantly.
What's Your Flava? aside, which remains a turgid example
of all that is bad about the mainstream (and which, sadly, is
featured as a live bonus track on this CD), David's work has tended
to sound more mature, with previous single, Rise & Fall,
benefitting from some great Sting samples, and this latest, Spanish,
owing much in style to Outlandish's recent track, Guantanamo.
That is to say, R'n'B mixed with a slightly hip-hop vibe. I won't
be rushing out to buy this, but then I won't be reaching to turn
it off the radio, either.
 LISA
MAFFIA - IN LOVE: Another supposedly sultry R'n'B number,
that comes complete with a 'sexy', bikini-clad diva, mooching
about the swimming pool and professing to be in love. Lisa Maffia
is a veteran of So Solid Crew, yet her tender years, and lack
of a credible voice, for me, don't really lend the single the
feel of anything other than a thinly-veiled attempt to cash in
on some chart success. And if you think that's harsh, then trying
listening to someone like Martina
Topley-Bird, who really can sing in any number of styles,
before playing Miss Maffia, and try not to blush when you realise
the gaping chasm, in terms of quality, that exists between them.
This is one for the teeny-bopper R'n'B fans only.
 MARIA
WILLSON - CHOOZA LOOZA: HMV compare this teeny-bopping 'rocker'
as the UK's very own Avril Lavigne, but nothing could be further
from the truth, even when compared to the dreadful likes of Sk8er
Boi. At least Lavigne has some guts to some of her material,
but this is merely just a crappy pop record masquerading as a
rock anthem, due to the presence of some weak guitars. The lyrics
are packed with lines such as 'you said, come round, but you only
called me cos she's away for a while, I said, no way, that don't
float my boat, cos second-hand love's not my style', as well as
the ultimatum that she's not waiting in line, so don't be a 'chooser
loser'. It's the type of stuff which belongs in a playground,
complete with grating guitar riffs. Beyond redemption.
MONDAY, JULY 21:
 FOUR
DAY HOMBRE - THE FIRST WORD IS THE HARDEST: Hotly tipped by
Radio 1 at the beginning of the year, Leeds-based Four Day Hombre
finally release a single which justifies their early hype. A slow-building,
deliberate record, The First Word Is The Hardest has evoked
comparisons with both Elbow and Coldplay, while retaining a sound
all of its own. Packed with emotive words, and even more passionate
guitars, the track continually builds momentum until its thunderous,
atmospheric climax, when the guitars and drums are finally let
off the leash for a crescendo of noise. Terrific stuff, backed
by the bonus tracks, Resolve (which justifiably evokes
comparisons with Coldplay with its piano and guitar riffs), and
Too Cool To Shop, which is a funkier, breezier number that
will probably have people comparing them to Muse. Click here
for further details on Four Day Hombre...
 STEREOPHONICS
- MAYBE TOMORROW: The second track to emerge from the highly-acclaimed
You Gotta Go There
To Come Back album, Maybe Tomorrow is a far more chilled
out single than Madame Helga, and effortlessly captures
the southern California style of songwriting that is typical of
the album. Lazy guitars effortlessly compliment Kelly Jones' laidback
vocals to create a record that truly sounds great to listen to
while stuck in the car on a hot Summer's day; or while chilling
on the beach anywhere. Bonus track, Change Changes Things
is a similarly feelgood number, packed full of emotive lyrics
such as 'time changes lovers', and 'change in your job,
or did your job change you?'
 ALL
AMERICAN REJECTS - SWING SWING: A four-piece from Oklahoma,
All American Rejects are another in the seemingly endless line
of pop-rockers emerging from the States at the moment, in the
mould of Blink 182 and Something Corporate. But while much of
this stuff sounds similar, there is no getting away from the fact
that, done right, it can be throwaway fun. All American Rejects,
to their credit, seemed to have placed themselves firmly in this
category, as the track comes complete with a hopelessly addictive
chorus, punk-style vocals and fast, edgy guitar riffs. Radio 1's
Jo Whiley has defied people not to find themselves singing along
to this one, and we would do the same!
 GOLDFRAPP
- STRICT MACHINE: The follow-up to Train is yet another
example of why Goldfrapp's latest long-player, Black
Cherry, is so highly rated. Strict Machine is a glam
rock/disco fusion, with a bouncing bass line and breathy vocals
that is among the more energetic tracks on the album and is great
fun to have on. The CD features the bonus tracks, White Soft
Rope, featuring The Midwich Children Choir, and Hairy Trees,
as recorded live in London.
 BELL
X1 - TONGUE: Here's one we missed from last week's selection,
but a classic nonetheless. Hailing from Ireland and taking their
inspiration from Radiohead's The Bends style of songwriting
(or, more notably, Creep), Tongue is rammed full of moody
guitars (including one, really memorable rift, which fades in
and out, throughout), and a soft-loud-soft-very loud-soft-climactically
loud approach, complete with Yorke-inspired vocals. And while
comparisons with other bands aren't the best thing in the world,
it's a measure of the quality of Tongue that it can be
compared favourably to Radiohead's earlier - and still best -
work. Well worth seeking out.
|
 |
MONDAY, JULY 14:
 JANE'S
ADDICTION - JUST BECAUSE: Hard to believe, but it's been 12
years since Jane's Addiction last blew us away; but their return
has been worth the wait. A no-nonsense rock anthem, Just Because
boasts a blistering vocal turn from Perry Farrell and some truly
addictive guitar riffs from Dave Navarro that put the nu-metallers
to shame. This is a record which resonates with quality and sums
up all that is great about the American rock scene. Let's hope
for more of the same from the album, Strays,
when it is released on July 21. (NB. The single will be deleted
on the day of release).
 HAVEN
- TELL ME: Having been touted by many as one of the UK indie
scene's brightest new acts, and a potential saviour of guitar
music, Haven have been relatively quiet of late. Tell Me, however,
is a definite wake up call, a belter of a single, that arrives
like a slap in the face and quickly forces you to take notice.
Driven by some suitably wailing guitars and some great drums,
the single provides a perfect platform from which to answer the
critics and re-establish themselves as an act capable of going
the distance, rather than mere pretenders to any crowns.
 SUPER
FURRY ANIMALS - GOLDEN RETRIEVER: The Super Furry Animals
return with their rockiest single to date, and one which oozes
retro-appeal. At just two and a half minutes long, the track marks
a short, crisp insight into what to expect from the forthcoming
album, while the golden retriever in question refers to a woman
who will 'lead you blindly down every dark alley/then she’ll
bleed you dry'. Less quirky than some of the Welsh band's previous
material, this is sure to bring them a wider fanbase, thanks to
its no-nonsense approach and accessible style. Funky, rocky, super
furry fun.
 APPLETON
- EVERYTHING EVENTUALLY: The Appleton sisters return with
another catchy pop offering, which arrives on the radio in just
as welcoming a fashion as a cool breeze on a hot summer's day
does. Everything Eventually may not mark much of a musical
progression for the former All Saints duo, but it is an inoffensive
record which remains impossibly catchy, thanks to its lazy, 'la,
de, dah'-style chorus. As written by the sisters themselves, it
doesn't, provide much of an insight into any long-term skills,
other than to appeal to the chart-crowd. I doubt whether it'll
make the top, though, however cool the thought of seeing the two
larking around in a London park (for the video) seems.
 CARDIGANS
- YOU'RE THE STORM: The second track to be taken from the
band's acclaimed Long
Gone Before Daylight long-player, You're The Storm
is a beautifully uplifting, yet strangely haunting pop-friendly
record, that resonates throughout with great acoustic guitars,
and the modern country influence which, according to our album
review, is a distinguishing feature of their modern songwriting.
A truly memorable vocal turn from lead singer, Nina Persson, allows
the track to soar, particularly during its dreamy chorus, which
carries you away with it. Persson's breathy style has never sounded
more seductive, and the Cardigans have seldom sounded as good
as a result. Click here
for our verdict on the album...
 THE
CORAL - PASS IT ON: Another of those bands which every radio
station, worth its salt, seems to be raving about at the moment;
but I struggle to find the appeal. Packed full of quirky twangs
and eccentric melodies (that lend the track an orchestral, soundtrack
feel), Pass It On is another offbeat, but not that wonderful
effort, from the highly-rated Scouse wonders. I can take it or
leave it, though.
 POLYPHONIC
SPREE - SOLDIER GIRL: Not a month seems to pass, of late,
when the Polyphonic Spree isn't putting out another single variation,
or announcing a new London date (see gig guide, by clicking here).
This is a re-release for one of the first singles to emerge from
The
Beginning Stages Of... and marks a welcome return for one
of the strongest tracks on the album. HMV sums Soldier Girl
up best, describing it as 'an insanely uplifting, sun-drenched
pop noise which mixes the sound of the West Coast, circa 1968,
with Mercury Rev at their most majestic and even E.L.O'. Oh, and
it comes with a remix supplied by Death In Vegas and a new version
of It's The Sun. Difficult to resist, then?
 KILLING
JOKE - LOOSE CANNON: Dave Grohl is a busy chap of late; not
content with fronting the Foo Fighters, or helping out with Queens
of the Stone Age, he now performs drumming duties for legendary
rockers, Killing Joke, who return with an original line-up boasting
Jaz Coleman (on vocals and keyboards), Geordie (guitar) and Youth
(bass). The result is a suitably menacing, suitably relevant rock
out, rammed full of hard-as-nails guitars, moody drum beats and
punch-drunk vocals. The metallers will, no doubt, lap it up. But
this is an acquired taste and it aint really mine.
 HARRY
- FOLLOW ME: Described as a UK rock vixen, thanks, no doubt,
to the saucy posters appearing around town of her in black underwear
and looking sultry, Harry returns with another lightweight effort,
from the debut album, The Trouble With... It's more of
the same glam-ed up mix of electro metal and pop, which isn't
heavy enough to be truly classed as metal, or soft enough to appeal
to the pop market. One can't help pining for the return of Transvision
Vamp, cos they did it better. Inoffensive, but forgettable, the
trouble with Harry is... she simply isn't gutsy enough. Click
here for a review of the
album...
MONDAY, JULY 7
 LONGVIEW
- FURTHER: A haunting, shimmering slice of brilliance from
the rapidly-emerging Longview, this is a truly epic record that
heralds the arrival of a real class act in fine style. Showcasing
23-year-old singer/guitarist Rob McVey's numerous talents to grandiose
effect, this is one alt-rock record that boasts the lot - seering
vocals, sublime guitars and an ability to operate on a vast, almost
anthemic scale, Further is sure to stand out as one of the year's
best singles. Click here
for more details on Longview, or click here
to order the album (out, July 21).
 BLUR
- CRAZY BEAT: Produced by Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim),
Crazy Beat marks a return to the band's Brit-rock best.
Fast. furious and cheeky, this is the Song 2 for the Think
Tank album, littered by the crazy beats and loops of the title,
and punctuated by those feelgood 'yeah, yeah, yeahs' that
are designed to make everyone sing-along. Little wonder, then,
that it quickly emerged as a live favourite. A cracking single
from a cracking album. Click here
for a review of Think Tank...
 EMINEM
- BUSINESS: Hot off the heels of Eminem's massive UK Anger
Management dates, the current hip-hop king releases Business,
his latest collaboration with Dr Dre. And, to be fair, it aint
bad - even if some of the music sounds like an alternative spin
on Dre's own Next Episode single. Business, however,
does mark a cheekier, more feelgood approach from Eminem, in Slim
Shady guise, and is likely to be all the more popular for it.
But, one question remains, with so much great hip-hop around at
the moment, is Eminem really worth his hype? For, as its title
suggests, this is a business-like record that doesn't really feel
much of a stretch for him.
 PINK
- FEEL GOOD TIME (CHARLIE'S ANGELS THEME): Pink is given a William
Orbit makeover and sounds better than she has in ages. Taken from
the Charlie's Angels:
Full Throttle soundtrack (which she also appears in), the
record does exactly what it says in the title - makes you feel
good. Upbeat, funky, yet possessing that trademark Pink attitude,
Feel Good Time is the perfect accompaniment to the Angels'
on-screen antics. Where the film marks nothing more than throwaway
eye-candy, this marks similarly trashy ear-candy to boot. Great
fun to listen to. Click here
for a review of the soundtrack, or click here
for a review of the film.
 MADONNA
- HOLLYWOOD: Madonna continues to rant against the industry
- this time taking on Hollywood and celebrity (no doubt, more
than a little peeved about the critical mauling given to her last
film outing). That the track itself remains a fresh-sounding pop
record, proves that she has lost none of her touch, although the
inclusion of yet another ill-judged rap, at the close of the record,
is likely to give the critics something to talk about. The second
single to be taken from her American Life long-player, this is
by no means the best, but a suitably pulpy, chart-fixated track
nonetheless, which arrives as quickly as fast-food and is forgotten
in the time it takes to eat it. Oh, Oakenfold provides one of
many remixes available, which is never a bad thing. Click here
for a review of the album...
 SLEEPY
JACKSON - VAMPIRE RACECOURSE: Aussie indie-rockers, Sleepy
Jackson, are creating quite an impression with their latest record,
having become adopted by several XFM DJs and appearing as a single
of the week on several shows. In style, it owes much to the 80s
revival, post-punk style of The Strokes and Stellastarr*, but
remains just as fun, courtesy of some terrific guitar and a memorable
chorus, which comes backed by an intoxicating wail from one of
the female singers. A suitably appetising taster of what to expect
from the eagerly-anticipated new album, Lovers
(out, July 14). Click here
for a review.
 AVRIL
LAVIGNE - LOSING GRIP: Having drifted towards a ballad with
her last single, I'm With You, and after the hopeless euphoria
which greeted the tacky Sk8er Boy (which has allegedly
prompted a movie on the subject!), Lavigne gets back to the angst-driven
pop-rock which is really her hallmark and sounds all the better
for it. Losing Grip is a suitably fired up record that
belies the artist's youth, sounding more like Alanis Morisette
than ever before - both in tone and attitude. The harder, guitar-driven
sound is also a bonus. Cracking stuff. Click here
to buy the album...
|
