June 2008 Archives

Another late edition of my singles review. But better late than never and all that! This week they will be judged against the following ratings guide:

***** Sid Waddell
**** Henry Blofeld
*** Murray Walker
** Mark Lawrenson
* John Motson

"Ghost Town" - Katie Melua
Thankfully, this is not a desecration of the The Specials' classic number one hit as I first feared (remember when Katie and fellow bore Jamie Cullum murdered The Cure's "Lovecats" at some awards ceremony a few years back?).
Never understood how someone so unremarkable got so successful but, to be fair to the girl, this is not one of her usual bland efforts and the song is lifted by a warm reggae groove.
***

"Geraldine" - Glasvegas
This song is about a social worker (called Geraldine, you won't be surprised to learn) who quit her job to become the band's on tour T-shirt seller!
And the track itself is big, anthemic and will be lapped up by all those hailing them as the "next big thing". Kind of like Big Country playing Jesus and Mary Chain covers.
***

"Who" - Five O'Clock Heroes feat Agyness Dean
Oh come on! Who are they trying to kid? Let's be honest and face the fact that the only thing interesting about this song (the melody of which sounds suspiciously like The Police's "Roxanne") is the appearance of the model Agyness Dean.
Actually her voice is not bad at all (considering previous efforts from the likes of supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, that's a welcome relief) but the band and the song is quite forgettable.
**

"Tired Of England" - Dirty Pretty Things
A disappointing, lacklustre affair from Carl Barat and his charges. A plodding love letter to their native land is hardly the stuff to inspire the masses.
The brutal truth is Carl's best stuff was made in tandem with Pete Doherty and, whether either of them likes it or not, they're not as good when they are divided.
**

"Bye Bye" - Mariah Carey
Hankies at the ready - extreme tear jerker alert! Mariah is certainly aiming to release the waterworks amongst her fans with this sad number.
Certainly one of her better ballads, particularly as she doesn't ruin it by going for those ridiculously high notes that only dogs can hear as much as normal.
***

"Stay Down" - Mary J Blige
Mary is easily the best R&B singer of the last 15 years or so and she goes a little old school here with a very mid 90s-ish tune.
Her voice is on fine form as usual here and this song about a relationship hitting the rocks impresses and is a neat addition to her back catalogue.
****

"No Substitute Love" - Estelle
Is it me, or do the verses follow the a similar melody to the verses in Terence Trent Darby's "If You Let Me Stay"?
Whatever, this works and shines with its breezy summer glow and lyrics of intent. Another example of why British female solo singers are enjoying such acclaim at the moment.
****

"The Rip" - Portishead
My favourite from the "Third" album because it is just gorgeous. Beth Gibbons' vocals are as fine as ever - helping create a song that is both haunting and beautiful.
Love the way it slowly builds first with the folksy guitar, then the understated drums before adding a little electro to complete a lovely song.
*****

I went to Radiohead's two huge shows at London's Victoria Park this week. And they were just tremendous. Absolutely brilliant. Everytime I think they have reached their peak, they raise the bar of their own greatness.

Thom, Jonny, Colin, Ed and Phil - thank you. Both shows were amazing, every last beautiful second of them...

Blimey! I almost forgot my singles review for this week, which explains why I'm late. So late that next week's singles are almost upon us!! Anyway, here we go with this week's lot which will be reviewed against the following ratings:

***** Sir Alf Ramsey
**** Sir Bobby Robson
*** Sven Goran Eriksson
** Graham Taylor
* Steve McClaren

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008" - Michael Jackson with Akon
Was going to review this a couple of weeks back but was unsure as Wacko Jacko's fans can be mental if you dare speak out of turn against him. But I really cannot hold my tongue anymore...
This is, in reality, a bad cover version with the original creator's blessing and small contribution. And it highlights the fact the "King of Pop" (Ha!) has fallen so far that he has to go running back 25 years to his golden period to help him get back into the public eye for the right reasons.
*

"S.O.S" - Jonas Brothers
Now the obvious pun here would be to say this song itself needs a great deal of help. So I won't say it. But I will say that I'd leave these brothers stranded on an island far far away, no matter how big the letters were in the sand.
This just sounds like Five (or was it 5ive?) making a comeback doing Busted songs - and no, that isn't a compliment if any of you Busted or Five fans are reading.
*

"I Am The Message" - Fightstar
Speaking of Busted, here's former member Charlie...er...something, with his "Oh I'm serious musician" band which caused the joyful break up of the inexplicibly popular joke punk trio.
Charlie gets a bonus point for causing that split, which is just as well as this is non-descript. Would never have got a record deal had he not been who he is and if this is the message, I suggest we shoot the messenger.
**

"Another Day" - Jamie Liddell.
My God, is this guy the biggest Stevie Wonder fan in the world...ever. Actually, is he a Stevie Wonder tribute act because that's what I'm hearing here. Still, better than the Jonas Brothers and their apparent Busted obsession, I suppose.
The song is good if you are happy enough but bad if you are not. I'm neither one or the other at the moment so I'll be kind.
***

"Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" - Cage The Elephant
Continuing the Stars In Their Eyes theme, here are Cage The Elephants and tonight they are going to be the Red Hot Chili Peppers...well, sort of.
It's catchy without desperately trying to be and it is rather funky. Although they lose marks for a sub-standard version of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer", which is the B-side.
***

"F UR X" - Sway (Feat $tush)
Ha ha, this is well funny and pretty cool! Even if it owes an almighty debt to Dizzee Rascal's "I Luv U" (does everyone use "text speak" there days?).
But the yoof, particularly those into the 'grime' scene, will lap it up.
***

"Please Stop Dancing" - The Magnetic Fields
Brilliant. This is exactly what you'd get if you crossed the Jesus And Mary Chain with the Human League.
Got to love the fuzzy guitars on this song, which is taken from the aptly titled "Distortion" album.
****

"Officially Yours" - Craig David
"Bo Selecta! Can I get a rewind?! Craaaaaaaaaaaaig David!" Ah, Avid Merrion's merciless but genius mocking of the Southampton singer remains the best thing about the former ridiculously bearded one.
At least he is consistent. I've always thought he made bland, dull middle of the road records and this sits comfortably amongst his back catalogue.
*

"Let It Slip" - The School
A great toe-tapping, delightful follow up to their fabulous All I Wanna Do single, released earlier this year.
The Cardiff five piece (sometimes six!) sound a little like Belle and Sebastian - at least when Isobel Campbell took lead vocals - and they have produced my single of the week!
****

Speaking of talented female singer songwriters, check out Samrita, who is one of our own. Well she is actually from Glasgow but, as she is now living in West Bromwich, she is an adopted Midlander!

Samrita has a great voice with the melodic songs to match. But don't just take my word for it - have a listen yourself to the three songs she has up on her MySpace page, which you will find at www.myspace.com/samritamusic

Or better still, you can catch her live at The Varsity in Wolverhampton city centre on July 20. I've only seen her once at a live music showcase in Birmingham where she sung two songs but that was all the evidence I needed to be convinced of her talent. I'm hoping to be there at the Varsity - I'd suggest you do the same.

Like many fans of the glorious trio The Pipettes, I was gutted to learn that Riot Becki and Rosay had quit a couple of months back.
Rosay was my favourite and to think I never got to see the "classic" line-up live and only had their debut album to go back to was cause for much sorrow.

But, great news! Surviving member Gwenno (herself not even an original member - Sugababes eat your heart out!) has two new partners and is working on new material.
Meanwhile Riot Becki and Rosay (now going by her real name Rose Elinor Dougall) are working on solo projects.

Rose has already given the world a glimpse of her new direction on her MySpace page (www.myspace.com/roseelinordougallmusic). Check out her new song "Startstopsynchro". A gorgeous track soaked in melancholy - a fine start to her solo career and I can't wait to hear more from her...

Here we go again! A review of some of this week's new releases. And they will be judged by the following ratings guide. Do enjoy...

***** Bill Bailey
**** Ricky Gervais
*** Lee Evans
** Graham Norton
* Jim Davidson

"We Are The People" - Feeder
A song that sounds as if it was written to be played at a summer festival - people being hoisted on to the shoulders of others, arms in the air and the chorus belted out.
It's typically big, anthemic and Feeder-esqe. Fans will not be disappointed. Might even win a few new admirers along the way.
***

"Teenage Love Affair" - Alicia Keys.
Alicia Keys is an absolute babe. I know that's not exactly the most PC thing to say in the 21st Century and will probably be frowned upon by the feminists but, find any picture of her and witness the fitness.
And she has a fine voice too, as proved here. So, she has talent, looks and her success would suggest she's not short of a bob or two...I bet she can cook too. What a woman.
****

"Dance Until The Morning Light" - UB40.
At the risk of angering most of Birmingham, I have to say that I've never really been a fan of the Yoobs. And with Ali Campbell gone, I certainly wasn't expecting much from them here.
But it's pretty good. Taking it's beat and melody from Desmond Dekker's "Israelites", it actually works, so fair play to the boys. A good start to life with Maxi Priest.
***

"The Heart Gently Weeps" - Wu-Tang Clan
Hmmm. The Clan rework the George Harrison-penned Beatles classic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" here.
But, unlike UB40's effort, this doesn't work as well for me. No, not feeling this one at all.
**

"Gimme That Punk" - Audio Bullys
More Geezer-ish shouting, over a driving, infectious beat, in the Audio Bullys tradition we have grown accustomed too.
But this sees them literally calling to hear more music by the likes of the Sex Pistols, Clash, The Specials, Madness and The Beatles, so they get the thumbs up from me!
***

"The Quest" - Bryn Christopher
Blimey he means this doesn't he?! Check out the sheer passion and determination in his voice as he belts out the chorus.
But what a voice it is, sung brilliantly over an uplifting, soul tune. Chart domination beckons for him.
****

"Handsfree (If You Hold My Hand)" - Sonny J
Ok, call off the search. We have our single of the week. This sweeping, majestic gem is the sound of the summer. Trust me, listen to it and you'll be left with a stupid grin on your face (or maybe that's just me!).
Imagine The Avalanches giving the soundtrack to a Quentin Tarantino movie a makeover, and you'll come close to imagining what this sounds like. Brilliant.
*****

"Gotta Let Go" - A Lee
I knew the good stuff wouldn't last. What is it with most conventional club dance hits these days? Is there a new law stating they must use the same beat and sound the same?
Please, I beg someone, anyone, to please come up with something new.
*

"Freakshow" - The Cure
This is the second of four of The Cure's seven inch single releases on the 13th of the month, as they build up to their new album, which is out on Spetember 13.
And this is fine, quite catchy, toe-tapping song, although the lyrics are as deliciously dark as ever.
****

Sigur Ros are letting people listen to their new album "með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust" (obviously, I can't pronounce it and I had to cut and paste the title from their website on to here!), for free, two weeks before it is released.

I seriously recommend you surf on over to www.sigur-ros.co.uk and access the special audio player and listen to it. Achingly beautiful and uplifting - it's classic Sigur Ros.

Truly wonderful, heart-melting stuff...

A very happy birthday to the true musical genius that is Prince. Believe it or not he has turned 50 today. He is the oldest of American pop's Holy Trinity born in 1958 - with Michael Jackson and Madonna set to hit the landmark birthday in August (Blimey! Something must have been in the US air that summer).

Prince is also the most talented of the three. Known for his R&B, funk and soul - he effortlessly proved himself when tackling other genres such as rock, hip-hop, and pop. From the late 70s to 1994 he was relentless in producing great album after great album, almost every year.

Of course, after 1994 it got messy. He fell out with record company Warner Brothers, had the word slave written across his cheek during a subsequent lawsuit against the label and then changed his name to symbol - before the world settled for The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. His material went downhill in quality and things were never the same again. And his dictator-like determination to protect his image rights doesn't do his reputation any favours and paints the picture of a money mad control freak.

But he still has a back catalogue to put his peers in the shade. So many great songs were recorded in his golden period. He even gave some classics to other artists because he just had to many!

I saw him live in London last year, during his O2 Arena residency and he didn't do Raspberry Beret, I Would Die 4 U or a full version of Diamonds & Pearls and yet the show was still packed with hit after hit and we all went away delighted.

His name may be Prince (well, for most of the time) but he really is a sonic King.

Right, I'm sticking with Single File as the name for my weekly singles review. Unless I change my mind next week...anyway, here are a selection of this week's new releases reviewed by yours truly. And they will be rated against the following guide:

*****Emma Peel
****Cathy Gale
***Purdey
**Tara King
*Gambit

"Epic Last Song" - Does It Offend You, Yeah?
What a great band name. And they even surpass it on their debut album "You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into" with the fabulous track titled "Attack Of The 60ft Lesbian Octopus"!!
As for this song, it's a fantastic, mental marriage of indie and rave in the vein of the Klaxons. Although, you should get the album - that's just like one non-stop party!
****

"Hollow Man" - REM
Reports of their demise had been greatly exaggerated and this is further proof of their welcome return to form.
Album "Accelerate" is easily their finest work since the criminaly under-rated "New Adventures In Hi-Fi" and this is another great single off it - although there were probably half a dozen others that would have been even better! True legends.
****

"First To Go" - Fear Of Music
This isn't a bad song by any stretch of the imagination but it's just so similar to around a gazillion others out there.
But they appear to have named themselves after a Talking Heads album which deserves credit in itself. So they get a bonus star here. Although, if the name is a co-incidence, they lose it!
***

"Futures Gold" - The Late Greats
Are they trying to sound like The Cribs? I mean, loads of people have obvious influences in their sound but surely they can aim higher than The Cribs? Is their self esteem that low?
Having said all that, I'm probably being extremely unfair to The Cribs, having listened to his average, fairly dull effort.
**

"The Hunter's Daughter" - I Was A Cub Scout
Now this is more like it! Sounds so fresh and full up of ideas which takes it above the offerings of their peers.
And not only is the main song great, they even manage to pull off a fairly good cover of The Cure's "Close To Me" - which is no mean feat.
****

"La Rabbi Muffin" - MC Solar
Ha ha, this is what rap music needs. Hip-hop set to a near-comedy, Stereo Total-style beat! And you know what? It works, well, for me it does anyway!
I haven't the faintest idea what's going on or what he's rapping about but it gets the thumbs up from me because, well, it's just so funny - and better still, it's probably not meant to be!
****

"Miracle" - Tom Baxter
Man, can this get anymore middle of the road? Will probably end up on the soundtrack of some post-Cold Feet comedy-drama before long.
A truly wet song, one for the James Blunt or David Gray fans to get their teeth into. But I'll pass (the sick bucket).
*

"There's Nothin'" - Sean Kingston
The sole redeeming point of this song is that it's not as irritating as that awful "Beautiful Girls" (those that make you "soo-e-cidal", apparently) song.
But the sad news is, this still isn;t much cop. Here is a teenager who needs to get back to hip hop school and finish his studies...
*

Couldn't let this week pass without paying respect to Rock N' Roll pioneer Bo Diddley, who passed away on Monday aged 79. Now I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I own a lot of his work or that I was a disciple of his music because the truth is, I wasn't. I don't own a single Bo Diddley record.

But my debt, which I suspect is the same for millions of others, to Bo is for the many great bands he inspired. Along with the likes of Chuck Berry and Little Richard, "The Originator" (if ever there was an apt nickname...) helped fashion a sound that would change music forever.

The Rolling Stones were certainly listening and taking notes. Even Buddy Holly (an example for others to follow in his own right) was inspired. Elvis too. Later the likes of Iggy and the Stooges, The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and the White Stripes barely disguised his influence in some of their work.

His best known songs include Road Runner, Mona and I'm A Man (with it's unforgettable hook). The Stones would go on to cover Crackin' Up while Pills was perfect for the New York Dolls. True fans could probably point me in the right direction of dozens of other great tracks.

In recent years, he continued to play on despite his deteriorating health before succumbing to heart failure.

I may not have appreciated his talent as I should have, but many of my favourite bands did. And for that, I give genuine thanks to The Originator.