Results tagged “Alanis Morissette” from Birmingham Mail - Blog Rockin' Beats

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.
****

A belated Happy birthday to the forever lovely Kylie Minogue! Can't believe she is 40! It only seems like yesterday when she was Charlene in Neighbours, dressed in overalls, working at an Erinsborough garage accepting Scott Robinson's proposal. She was the love of the life of 11-year-old me. And I still have a copy of her debut album, which I got for my 12th birthday, somewhere.

So, in tribute to a true star, this week's selection of singles will be reviewed against the following Kylie-influenced ratings:

***** Some Kind Of Bliss
****I Should Be So Lucky
***Confide In Me
**Never Too Late
*Come Into My World

"Warwick Avenue" - Duffy
One of the best songs off her brilliant debut album Rockferry (which still delights with every listen) and my personal favourite.
Her voice is stunning and the song is gorgeous. Something right from the Dusty Springfield school of soul and proof that she is living up to the hype.
*****

"Mistress Mabel" - The Fratellis
Oh dear, oh dear, oh deary me. If this is a taste of what's to come on the new LP, then it seems The Fratellis have cracked trying to follow up their debut.
Quite plodding and nowhere near as catchy as Chelsea Dagger. Although, having said that, Cheslea Dagger was little more than a moronic football chant so perhaps they are trying to move forward and that will come to light on the new album.
**

"I Feel It All" - Feist
A typically quirky offering from Leslie Feist and her band - sounding both fragile and uplifting at the same time.
Her voice is just wonderful and, amongst a generally strong week for new releases, this gets the nod as my single of the week - just pipping Duffy.
*****

"Underneath" - Alanis Morissette
Wow! This is really good. I don't know why, but I just wasn't expecting this to be any cop but it's great!
The verses move along to an almost trip hoppy beat before the chrous soars and Alanis' unmistakable voice bellows out the lyrics. A lovely surprise.
****

"Guilt" - The Long Blondes
This band so desperately wants to be Blondie. I mean, they even have Blonde in their name!!
This could have been a disaster but it certainly isn't. A decent pop song, powered by a disco beat and jangly guitars.
***

"Falling Out Of Reach" - Guillemots
A terrific, laid back little gem of a record from the talented band, who seem to get better every time I listen to them.
This is perfect for the Sunday morning after a Saturday night out on the town. Expect it to be on TV drama soundtracks before long.
****

"Have You Made Up Your Mind" - Paul Weller
Tut, tut! He didn't put a question mark on the end of the title! But that aside, this is a welcome return to form for the Modfather.
This soulful song sits alongside Wild Wood and Changing Man as examples of his finest solo songs. The sound of a 50-year-old former punk with nothing to prove except that he can still pen a great tune.
****

"I'm Good I'm Gone" - Lykke Li
This week's guilty pleasure for me. How cute is this?! An irresistable beat, helped along by handclaps, and sulty vocals from the Swedish star in the making.
Great fun to listen to. Just enjoy!
****