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

I think someone should have a word with me about this. I am getting later and later with these single review things. Anyway, as it's the start of the Spanish football season (far more entertaining and technically superior to the Premiership) and Barca kick off tonight against Numancia, the songs will be rated against the following former Blaugrana players guide:

***** Pep Guardiola
**** Ronaldinho
*** Patrick Kluivert
** Edmilson
* Oleguer

"My Apocalypse" - Metallica
This sounds as thrashy and angry as some of their earlier singles (ie pre-Enter Sandman et al) such as Battery.
And it's good to see a truly great metal band still able to deliver without sounding like a parody of themselves and not peeing all over their legacy.
****

"Boyfriend" - Alphabeat
Deary me, this sounds like a poor cast off from the Stock, Aitken and Waterman 1980s catalogue. I bet even Sonia would reject this.
Is it any wonder some people find them so annoying?
*

"Daddy's Gone" - Glasvegas
I know I might be lynched for saying this but I really didn't think much of their last single "Geraldine", which actually seems to have propelled them on the road to superstardom (well, this year's NME band anyway).
But this anthemic, atmospheric reworking of a song they released last year (it's slower than the original) is much more like it. Kind of explains some of the hype anyway.
***

"Stepping Stone" - Duffy
You know the drill by now. A quality singer with a delightful slice of blue-eyed soul adding a touch of class to the charts.
Virtually impossible not to like and Duffy is one of the real treats of the year.
****

"If You're Out There" - John Legend
Oh my word! This is a breath-takingly beautiful song. He used to write songs and perform for a number of other stars but releasing his solo album in 2004 was his smartest move yet.
I'm so impressed with him that I'm going to avoid the obvious line about his surname will be an apt description of him in years to come if he carries on producing like this.
****

"Bruised Water" - Chicane vs Natasha Bedingfield
Not too sure about this one. Ok, this - a mash up of Chicane's "Saltwater" and Tash's "I Bruise Easily" kinda works to a certain degree.
But there are far more inspired and better mash-ups around such as the truly amazing collision of Iggy and Stooges' "No Fun" and Salt N Pepa's "Push It" on 2 Many DJs. If you haven't heard it, then I suggest you sort your life out and start making some serious changes.
**

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.
*****