Single File

Must be a first this week, as I have not given any song less than three stars! For more on this shocking revelation check out the reviews of the following selection of this week's new singles which will be judged against the following ratings guide:

***** Boys From The Blackstuff
**** Black Sabbath
*** Black Velvet
** Cilla Black's records
* Anti-footballer Robbie Savage's transfer to Blackburn

"Look Out Sunshine" - The Fratellis
All the money from this record goes to the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Fratellis have decided to uphold the tradition that most charity songs must be feeble.
But, fair play to them. It's a good cause, they didn't have to do it and I wish them every success with it.
***

"Mountains" - Biffy Clyro
Oh, I like this. Crunching guitars dominate but there is still a sweeping melody lifting it well above the mundane.
Could be the single that propels them into the 'bigger' league, but the British music buying public is notoriously weird so I wouldn't count on it.
****

"In Praise Of The Vulnerable Man" - Alanis Morissette
The great thing about Alanis these days is she is a singer with nothing left to prove and this is helping her create effortless, pop gems.
This moves along just nicely and is another example of her very welcome return to form.
****

"Many Rivers To Cross (Live)" - Ali Campbell feat Ladysmith Black Mambazo
On paper, attempting to cover one of Jimmy Cliff's timeless classics was asking for trouble as you are unlikely to get anywhere near the original.
But credit to ex-Yoob Ali Campbell and the Ladysmiths, when they performed this at Goal 4 Africa. Good effort.
***

"Breaking It Up" - Lykke Li
This is a cracking, minimalist track and another damn good reason to rate the Swedish singer.
With the number of talented, female singer songwriters on the increase, Lykke Li offers something a little different.
****

"Work It" - Thomas Tantrum
Thomas Tantrum are far superior to The Ting Tings. Fact. And this is exactly how, throwaway, bublegum guitar pop should sound like.
Short, sweet and something that refuses to take itself seriously in any way. A bundle of fun.
****