Single File

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.
****