Single File

Another week, another batch of new singles and another round of "reviews" by yours truly. And this week, I will judge the said records against the following ratings guide:

***** Batfink
**** Batman
*** Bat Out Of Hell
** Nora Batty
* David Batty's penalty against Argentina in France 98

"Love Is Noise" - The Verve
Not quite the amazing comeback they achieved 11 years ago with Bittersweet Symphony but then, it would have been some single to beat that one!
But, despite the weird background vocal sample, this is a fine, upbeat return and will have pleased existing fans while picked up a few along the way.
****

"It's Not About You" - Scouting For Girls
Are these guys having a laugh or what? Do all their songs sound exactly the same? How did they get a record deal?
Utter, utter rubbish and the biggest joke is there are people out there who will buy this AND enjoy it. Get out of my life.
*

"I Kissed A Girl" - Katy Perry
Ooooh, how naughty! An account of a girl experimenting with lesbianism being number one in America for weeks is headline news itself, especially in some of the, shall we say, less liberal states.
Personally, I think it's simply a bland power pop effort. And, let's be honest, if it wasn't for the subject matter gimmick, this wouldn't be going anywhere near the top of the charts.
**

"Midnight Madness" - The Chemical Brothers
While their albums have still been good, the Chemicals have not reached the ecstatic peak of their 90s output so far this decade.
Again, this is good rather than spectacularly brilliant but there is enough here to keep fans excited for the new album out next month.
***

"The Only Way" - Gotye
Instantly enjoyable and infectious with a great bassline driving this song along.
He seems to throw in a host of influences, especially Beck and perhaps some 1960s pop and the result is excellent.
****

"Again And Again" - Roots Manuva
Taken from the forthcoming Slime & Reason album out next month, this is a big improvement on his last single "Buff Nuff".
A cheery, dancehall/rap crossover that will stay in your head for ages after you've first heard it. Trust me, I speak from experience!
****

"Lights Out" - Santogold
When I first heard Santogold, I thought she was just an M.I.A. clone, but after hearing her album, she clearly has a head bursting with some cool ideas.
This is a fine indie/soul effort and she deserves far greater success than she'll probably end up with.
****