A – GOOD TIME
The latest band, in what will probably become a long line of bands to use a mobile phone ad as a marketing exercise (I am not looking forward to writing that time and time again). In A's case, it is only the slightest of departures is the funk/reggae sounding guitar parts, but even that isn't enough to conclude that the brothers' Perry have decided that 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. The track is exactly where it wants to be - standing in the middle of the road, waving its middle fingers in defiance. (CA). Release Date: August 25th. Link: Fansite: http://www.ace-communication.de.vu/
GRANDADDY – EL CAMINOS IN THE WEST
Another safe single from those loveable backwater wonders that look like extras from the Everglades. Jason Lyttle follows the format used since the Sophtware Slump, but this is, along with "Now it's On" much more infectious than most of that album. Not groundbreaking by any stretch of the imagination, but a joy to listen to as expected. (CA). Hmmm. I’ve a mixed reaction to this, sometimes I quite like it, but well, it doesn’t really compare to anything from The Sophtware Slump. And thus is a slight disappointment. But then even Grandaddy on a bad day is far better than the majority of singles released…hmmm. Again. (AF). Release Date: August 25th. Link: Official Site: http://www.grandaddylandscape.com/
THE DARKNESS – I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE
It's as if someone took the technical elements of Queen, the crunching 'muscle-music' and catchy simplicity of ACDC, added a gimmick or two, stuck the whole caboodle into a blender, whisked it into a frenzy, and cried "this'll work" upon the end result. Luckily for them, it does. Lets face it, besides Muse, the Darkness are the only UK rock act to release an album this year that offers something interesting to listen to, as opposed to the jangly coldplay like guitars, or the nu-punk wave started by corporate sounding US bands. This single should continue the phenomenon of the Darkness, but you just have to wonder where they go from here? Justin getting his hair cut short, growing a tache and moving from the all in one pieces to a pair of trousers and half a mic-stand? Dan going for a more poodley hair cut? A switch
to the more synth based stadium pop-rock, or a desire to churn out the same style of music for the next 25 years whilst keeping their gimmick intact? Hell, if both those scenarios can work for Queen and ACDC respectively, The Darkness should have no problems following their mentors successfully. (CA). Release Date: 25th August. Link: Official Site: http://www.thedarknessrock.com/
THE LIBERTINES – DON’T LOOK BACK INTO THE SUN
Re-released but shrouded in the frosty relationships between founder members Pete and Carl. This was originally produced by Mick Jones, but due to be re-done by Bernard Butler, so at least they work with the right pedigree of producer. As for the song, it sounds catchy enough, and is raw to a certain point, but lacks the venom of a Clash record, and makes you wonder if the Libertines is worth the animosity to be doubled? (CA). Release Date: August 18th. Link: Fansite: http://www.thelibertines.org/
FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS – TOO HOT
Now this is what I call great. It just is so catchy, and is a bit of a pastiche of the wannabe gangster lifestyle, which Huey and Fast do so well. It doesn’t really break new ground for them, but it has an abundance of different parts within it that just add to the humour. It’s laid back groove is just perfect for riding around with a group of friends; it just conjures up images of arrogance and strutting – hell it would be perfect in a low-rider with the boys, and a few honeys in the back, so to speak. Huey just oozes the sort of charisma that Timberlake and Williams wish they had, so it is a shame that this is going to get overlooked at the expense of
those aforementioned artists. (CA). Release Date: 25tht August. Link: Official Site: http://www.fun-lovin-criminals.co.uk/indexopen.html
GAY DAD - JOY
Re-released thanks to a car ad. This was mildly passable first time round, and is mediocre by their stands. Taken from their debut “Leisure Noise” album, “To Earth with Love” delivered a greater impact, but at least Gay Dad are getting some overdue attention, albeit too little late. If The Dandy Warhols are a benchmark, this may provide the band with the last hurrah they deserved, if only someone would use “Now, Always and Forever” from their last album for something – it deserved to get higher than 41. (CA). Release Date: August 25th. Link: Fansite: http://www.gaydad.tk/
KORN – DID MY TIME
After the glossy, but deemed failure of the “Untouchables” album, Jonathan Davis et al return without the frills that disappointed the old-school fans, and have returned to low crunching chords. Production-wise it is no real departure, and on this evidence it is debatable if the new album will be the return to the roots of “Blind” and others, as promised? (CA). Release Date: 11th August. Link: Fansite: Official Site: http://www.korn.com/
MELANIE BLATT – DO ME WRONG
What, like, er, in an anal sex kind of way? Is Mrs Blatt begging her husband for the most unholy of sexual acts? I’m sorry. It’s shockingly hot outside, way way too hot to be stuck inside at work without resorting to childish thoughts. Anyways, this is well produced blandness, the kind of song which your parent’s will describe as ‘pleasant’ whilst many may struggle not to fall asleep whilst listening to it. (AF). Release Date: August 18th. Link: Fansite: http://melanieblatt.hypermart.net/index.htm
GIRLS ALOUD – LIFE GOT COLD
Hey! I almost like this! Almost! It even reminds of Wonderwall in one part, but well, then I had to go and mess it all up by listening to the lyrics. Which, if we’re supposed to believe the girls, are all about how all of their lives suddenly got bad on exactly the same day. What are the chances of that happening eh? And hey, it doesn’t even take in to account the last eight months where presumably ‘life got good again as now we’re paid thousands every week and given free drugs all the time and everything!’. So yeah, its meaningless pop, and it’s okay. In a it makes me only slightly angry kind of way. (AF). Release Date: 18th August. Link: Fansite: http://www.girlsaloudfanclub.co.uk/
LEMAR – DANCE (WITH U)
Jesus Lemar! We all thought you had talent! We thought, hey, there’s a bloke who can sing on this dumbass Fame Academy show, maybe he’ll be the one to release something original, or hey, even just fun. But no. Oh no. This is a strange Disco-esque tune, lacking in anything resembling innovative and it could easily have been released a decade ago and still people would moan over how poor it its. Must do better if he’s not to appear on After They Were Famous around Christmas time. (AF). Release Date: 18th August. Link: Shockingly we can't find one. Sorry.
COOPER TEMPLE CLAUSE – PROMISES PROMISES
The first album was laden with effects, which did tend to detract from the songwriting skills of the band, thankfully with the assistance of producer Rick Rubin, this is an early sign that have got the balance right. Incendiary riff blazes through the track, and Gautrey's angst-ridden vocals give a veneer of style to the brilliant substance of the track beneath it. As a slice of what is to come, the new album looks promising. (CA). Release Date: 25th August. Link: Official Site: http://www.coopertempleclause.co.uk/home/
RADIOHEAD - GO TO SLEEP
Hmmm, like most people, I'm not to sure about Hail To The Thief. Five or six of the songs have grown on me, and two or three fall in to the all time great Radiohead songs category (A Wolf At The Door and There There especially), but the rest have really failed to inspire, being too cold, too alienating. Maybe that's the point, but I've always found that the best Radiohead songs are those that inspire emotion, not shy away from it. And this? This falls in to the former category, reminding of the experimental jazziness of Kid A, and well, as a single it's a strange strange choice. Interesting, then, but nothing more than that. (AF). Wonderfully complemented by a superb video, this garners more attention than it possibly should have done. It does drag at times, but moves through quickly enough to maintain your enjoyment. Personally, I’d rather have had 2+2=5 as the follow up to the excellent “There There”, but what do I know? (CA).Release Date: August 18th. Link: Fansite: http://www.followmearound.com/
KINGS OF LEON – MOLLY’S CHAMBERS
Despite the fact that I can't listen to this song without thinking that lead singer Caleb Followill sounds uncannily like South Park's Mr Garrison, it's definitely worth a listen. Mmm'kay? The band claim that this song tries to “recreate the musical vibe” of how a girl (Molly in this case, whoever she is) can captivate you. Well, it definitely gets in your head, so they must be doing something right. The storming intro is vaguely reminiscent of my Dad's record collection, but definitely in a good way, and if you're anything like me, you'll be infuriating yourself and everyone around you by humming the chorus under your breath at all times. Be sure to check the hair-dos too, it's like Mork and Mindy gone mad. (KS). Release Date: 11th August. Link: Official Site: http://www.kingsofleon.com/
SUPERGRASS – RUSH HOUR SOUL
Another jaunty rocktastic tune from one of the few remaining Britpop bands who are going from strength to strength. It’s funky baby, a lot of fun, and well, really, they should be so much bigger than they currently are. So buy it so the pop kids are forced to hear it a lot and maybe finally get some taste in music. (AF). Release Date: 4th August. Link: Fansite: http://www.supergrass.tv/
KOSHEEN – ALL IN MY HEAD
The kind of dull Texas / Cranberries rock that gives well, music in general a bad name really. The tune’s okay in a very familiar standard rock way, but the dull monotonous vocals are enough to drive anyone to despair. Why they’re popular is beyond us – do people really like songs this dull? And if so, why? (AF). Release Date: 4th August. Link: Fansite: http://www.kosheen.net/
MARK OWEN – FOUR MINUTE WARNING
Now, if this song is supposed to be the big comeback single, surely it should be, well, a little less wimpish? I tried to like it I really did, but, well, sorry, it’s just too average indiepop, lacking in any reason to buy it. But hey, he was, er, dull on Celebrity Big Brother wasn’t he…damnit…it is officially just impossible to say anything nice about the lad. Sorry. Again. (AF). Release Date: 4th August. Link: Official Site: http://www.markowenofficial.com/
THE CHEEKY GIRLS HOORAY HOORAY (IT'S A CHEEKY HOLIDAY)
Please dear god no more. Not that we'd ever advocate murder (well, not on a good day anyhow), but if there are any insane nervous types out there who are looking to make there name by killing a celebrity, please pick these two, as I just can't take it anymore. Disposable novelty pop at it's most embarrassingly headache inducingly shite, this surely has to be there last single before they're dropped by there record label. Please? (AF). Release Date: August 4th. Link: Fansite: http://www.brenteck.com/cheeky-girls/
JULY 2003
THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS – SWING SWING
Somehow this mediocre American over-produced soft-rock has found its way onto the Radio 1 A-list. Still, that says more about Radio 1 than it does about the record. Even if they didn't keep lapsing into some sort of Mockney accent (so badly that I did actually have to check that they were indeed All-American), I would still find listening to this song as painful an experience as listening to Madonna whine about her chef and her yoga mat (or whatever it was she was blathering on about). No, I'm not a big fan of this one. It's better than Busted though. Will that do? Release Date: 21st July. Link: Official Site: http://www.allamericanrejects.com/index.php
CRAIG DAVID - SPANISH
I have to admit to having a bit of a soft spot for this guy after going along with some mates to his tour for a laugh and being pleasantly surprised. However, the latest album, 'Slicker Than Your Average', fails to dazzle quite as much as Mr David's head under bright lights. 'Spanish' is one of the album's higher points, if you ignore the no-mark never-heard-of rapper (Duke One, anybody?) making a meal of it all in the middle. Sadly enough, the best of his lyrics ("Expect your ex to exit the area, exterior vex, perplexed by the sex") are cut from the radio edit. Damn. Unfortunately enough, if this single had been released in the 'Born To Do It' era, I can't help but think it would have done well. As it is, Craig waltzed off to the States for too long, and this single, like the others from 'Slicker Than Your Average', is clinging onto the Radio 1 C-list by its fingernails. Still, as ever with Craig David, if you like your cheeses big, this one's for you. (KS). Release Date: 28th July. Link: Official Site: http://www.craigdavid.co.uk/launch.htm
ROBBIE WILLIAMS - SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
Well, well, well, Mr Williams has decided to take this piss out of Pop Idol-esque acts in his new video, despite being as manufactured as they are - can you spot the irony? Can you? Can you? Sigh. Anyway, the songs one of those ballady types he does so averagely, and it's duller than watching Keith Chegwin watch himself on tv. Yes. That dull. (AF). Release Date: 28th July. Link: http://www.robbiewilliams-online.com/
JANE'S ADDICTION - JUST BECAUSE
One of the few remaining bands of that era return after a 13 year absence, and thankfully the music is as vitriolic as U2 were in the late 80's, whilst retaining the heavier sound reminiscent of Soundgarden. Perry Farrell is an enigma in is own right, but surely they could have created some better lyrics, as these are just so pointless. Fortunately the music is so great, you just look to focus on that instead, which can at least be regarded as a blessing. (CA). Well you have to hand it to them, after all this time they're leaner, cleaner and more sparkly rock than ever before. But...and well, you should know us well enough by now to know there was always going to be a but, it lacks any soul, any depth, anything which will make you want to listen to it more than once. Certainly better than The Datsun's AC/DC pastiche of rock, and it'll grab those who like there alt music on the more simplistic side, but ultimately this is nothing special. (AF). Release Date: July 14th. Link: Fansite: http://www.aintnoright.com/
STEREOPHONICS - MAYBE TOMORROW
Hated by the critics and loved by the public (well, some of them anyway) who's right? Well, for once it's the critics. This is dadrock of the most tedious order, where you'll spend hours going 'oh that bit reminds me of Paul Weller, and that bit Ocean Colour Scene etc, etc.' Lyrically it's the usual bunch of cliches strung together, and well, anyone with any taste will hate it. And we hope that means you too. (AF). Release Date: July 21st. Link: http://www.stereophonics.com/stereophonics.html
MUSE – STOCKHOLD SYNDROME
You have to wonder how making a track available for download only from their website is going to assist sales, and if it is an experiment, it is a shame that they coudln't have done it with a more throwaway track, as Stockholm Syndrome arguably usurps "Dead Star" as the band's best single. All the expected facets of Muse's style are in effect. The tremolo-picking is there, the Manson custom guitar is there, the Rachmaninov style piano is there in the chorus. However, this time guitars are much faster, heavier, and the outro smacks of producer Rich Costey's influence, having worked previously with Rage against the Machine. This, along with "Dead Star" makes most of "Showbiz" seem tame by comparison, and is a darker extension to "Origin of Symmetry". "Stockholm Syndrome" is a definite must-have track, and is seemingly part of a natural progression rather than complete reinvention for Matt, Chris and Dom. Downloadable for 99p from the band's main website (see link below) with subsequent album "Absolution" due for release in September. (CA). Release Date: July 14th. Link: http://www.muse.mu/
EELS – SATURDAY MORNING
Thank goodness for Mark Everett, or "E" as he is better known. Following the break up of bands such as Pavement and Presidents of the United States of America, alt-rock of this catchy style has not seen the light of day in a fair while. And whilst all his previous albums show good sides, this track has all the positivity missing from the Souljacker, and whilst I loved the title track from Souljacker, this feels more enjoyable, and is definitely one to buy. (CA). Link: Official Site: http://www.eelstheband.com/main.php
MADONNA - HOLLYWOOD
She must be having a bet with someone. Drunk on her own sense of self importance she just must have bet her manager that she could make an utterly shit album and still people would worship her. But it hasnt worked has it. This is over produced over smooth tripe, and hopefully signals either the end of her career or a move back to simple shiny pop - you know, the stuff she used to make rather well. (AF). Release Date: July 7th. Link: Fansite: http://www.everybodyfanclub.com/
THE CORAL – PASS IT ON
After the excellent "Don't think you're the first", a move into more safe territory, as comparisons with 'Draming with you' abound, and whilst it is fine enough, as was 'Dreaming of you', but their best stuff has always been the Captain Beefheart inspired pyschedelia "Skeleton Key","Don't think...", "Follow the Sun" and especially where they marry the catchy pop aspects with the whirrings and buzzings "Goodbye", "Shadows Fall", and "I Remember When". Hopefully not too representative, as I'm dying to know what the first song they played at One Big Sunday in Manchester a few months ago was, as that is a prime example of when they are at their best. (CA). Release Date: 14th July. Official Site: http://www.thecoral.co.uk/
AVRIL LAVIGNE - LOSING GRIP
As the girl herself warbles in this angst-ridden little ditty - "Why should I care?" Answer: I shouldn't, and neither should you. This sub-Alanis Morisette pop pap rolls out the usual nobody-understands-me teen lyrics, and is hardly redeemed by the din of her sub-standard Busted style "band". Allegedly groomed as a country singer, and renowned for her inability to understand big words in interviews, this pseudo-punk princess becomes less convincing with every listen. A bizarre hotch-potch of Alanis, Linkin Park and eighties soft rock, this song would be at home on the Dawson's Creek soundtrack. Need I say more? (KS). Release Date: 7th July. Link: Fansite: http://www.avrilfans.com/
LONGVIEW - FURTHER
Hopefully this is not representative of the album, as it lacks any distinctiveness or intrigue. It is clearly very polished and the jangly guitars are very tight, but it quite clearly leans 'further' towards Coldplay and Travis than The White Stripes. Shame really. (CA). Release Date: July 7th. Link: Fan Site: http://www.silentfirefly.co.uk/
GOLDFRAPP – STRICT MACHINE
A bit too much of a carbon copy of Train, which lost its appeal fairly quickly, and lacks the dark introspective nature of "Felt Mountain", in particular "Lovely Head", but full marks for their effort to evolve, the sleaze-fest of current album "Black Cherry" doesn't grab my attention as seductively as intended. (CA). Release Date: 7th July. Link: Official (rather scary) Site: http://www.goldfrapp.co.uk/
COLDPLAY – GOD PUT A SMILE UPON MY FACE
The fourth single from A Rush Of Blood To The Head, an album with only two really special tracks on it. And both of those were released as the first two singles. So well you’ve probably already guessed that this is to be one of those well it’s okay but nowt special reviews. Which means there’s little point in saying anymore other than - if you’ve already got the album it’s so not worth getting. And even if you haven’t its not. (AF). Release Date: 14th July. Link: Fansite: http://www.coldplaying.com/
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THE THRILLS - SANTA CRUZ (YOU'RE NOT THAT FAR)
AND ALSO RELEASED IN AUGUST:
August 4th:
Alien Ant Farm - These Days
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Stop
Blue Man Group featuring Gavin Rossale - The Current
Client - Rock 'N' Roll Machine
Deftones - Bloody Cape
Elbow - Fallen Angel
Jason Nevins presents U.K.N.Y. featuring Holly James - I'm In Heaven
Layo & Bushwacka! - It's Up To You (Shining Through)
Keith Murray featuring Def Squad - Yeah Yeah U Know It
Stacie Orrico - Stuck
Kelly Rowland - Train On The Track
State One - Forever And A Day
Tantalize - Definition*
August 11th:
Audio Bullys - Way Too Long
Mary J Blige - Love At First Sight
Busted - Sleeping With The Light On
Capes - Regional Heats
Courtney Love - Mono
Jaimeson - Complete
Mark Joseph - Fly
R Kelly - Snake
Stephanie Kirkham - Inappropriate
Monica - So Gone
Nio - Do You Think You're Special
David Sneddon - Best Of Order
Soda Club - Keep Love Together
Venus Hum - Soul Sloshing
Violent Delight - Transmission
Richard X featuring Kelis - Finest Dreams
August 18th:
4 Strings - Let It Rain
Bowling For Soup - Punk Rock 101
Billy Crawford - Trackin'
Electric Six - Dance Commander*
Dave Gahan - I Need You
Good Charlotte - The Anthem
Grafiti - What Is The Problem?
Jewel - Intuition
Nightlife - Shining Star
Elvis Presley - Rubberneckin'
Rancid - Full Backdown
Sash! featuring TJ Davis - I Believe
Stain'd - So Far Away
System featuring Kerri B - If You Leave Me Now
Queens Of The Stone Age - First It Giveth
The White Stripes - I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
August 25th:
Abs featuring Nodesha - Miss Perfect
Tim Burgess - I Believe In The Spirit
Mariah Carey - Bringing On The Heartbreak*
Kelly Clarkson - Miss Independent
Groove Armada - But I Feel Good
Lemonescent - Unconditional Love
Love Inc - Here Comes The Sunshine
Mya featuring Missy Elliot - My Love Is Like... Woo!
LeAnn Rimes - We Can*
Speedway - Genie In A Bottle
Svenson & Gielen featuring Jan Johnston - Beachbreeze
Justin Timberlake - Señorita
Shania Twain - Thank You Baby (For Making Someday Come So Soon)
THE POLYPHONIC SPREE - SOLDIER GIRL
AND ALSO RELEASED IN JULY:
07/07/03
Joe Budden - Pump It Up
Cyantific - 90/All Points West
Eminem - Business
Freeform 5 - Electromagnetic EP
Kraftwerk - Tour De France 03
Kym Marsh - Come On Over
Minimalistix - Magic Fly
N Trance - Destiny
Pink - Feel Good Time
Simply Red - Fake
Sleepy Jackson - Vampire Racecourse
Stone Sour - Inhale
Transplants - DJ DJ
Tricky - Antimatter
Vitamin C - Last Nite
Zena - Let's Get This Party Started
14/07/03
Alkaline Trio - We've Had Enough
Appleton - Everything Eventually
The Bangles - I Will Take Care Of You
Burning Brides - Arctic Snow
Calexico - Alone Again Or
The French - Dagenham
Harry - Follow Me
Haven - Tell Me
Emma Holland - From Now On
Inspiral Carpets - Come Back Tomorrow
Killing Joke - Loose Cannon
Manitoba - Hendrix With Ko
Cerys Matthews - Caught In The Middle
Ian McCulloch - Love In Veins
The Mooney Suzuki - In A Young Man's Mind
Murder Dolls - White Wedding
The Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight
Stars - Elevator Love Letter
Sweatmaster - Well Connected
Train - Calling All Angels
Tyrese - How You Gonna Act Like That
Barratt Waugh - Skip A Beat
21/07/03
Daniel Bedingfield - Never Gonna Leave Your Side
Crackout - Out Of Our Minds
Deepest Blue - Deepest Blue
Delays - Hey Girl
Discovery - Missing
Flint - Aim 4
Goldfrapp - Strict Machine
Macy Gray - He Ain't Right For You
J-D - Signal
Lamya - Black Mona Lisa
Mario Lopez - Always & Forever
Moby featuring Princess Superstar - Jam For The Ladies
Kate Ryan - Scream For More/Desenchantée
Simple Minds vs Tomcraft - Space Face Tindersticks - Sometimes It Hurts
Triple Eight - Give Me A Reason
Unkle - Eye For An Eye
Maria Willson - Chooza Looza
Young Heart Attack - Over And Over
28/07/03
Bon Garcon - Shake Shake
Blu Cantrell featuring Sean Paul - Breathe
Lucy Carr - This Is Goodbye
The Cooper Temple Clause - Promises Promises
The Dandy Warhols - The Last High
Dejure - Sanctuary
Dana Glover - Rain
Fallacy - Monstrous
The Futureheads - First Day
The Hiss - The Clever Kicks
Indien - Show Me Love
Junior Senior - Rhythm Bandits
Kaci - I'm Not Anybody's Girl
Lisa Maffia - In Love
Lumidee - Never Leave You (Uh Ooh, Uh Ooh)
Motor Ace - Carry On
Razorlight - Rock 'N' Roll Lies
Bob Sinclar - Kiss My Eyes
Tiga - Hot In Herre
Voodoo & Serano - Overload
Wheatus - American In Amsterdam
Alex Finch, Craig Aston, Kate Skelton, Izzy Brooks and Chris Day.
The Singles Review Archive:
May and June 2003
March and April 2003
January and February 2003
November and December 2002
September and October 2002
July and August 2002
May and June 2002.
March and April 2002.
January and February 2002.
November and December 2001.
September and October 2001.
May and August 2001.
January and April 2001.
June and December 2000.
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