Single File

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.
*****