PRINCE - MUSICOLOGY
Just to let you know, Prince is the musician I hate the most in the entire history of existance as we know it. So if you like him, er, it's probably best you look away now. And why? Why do I hate the tiny one so much? Ah, it dates back to being forced to listen to him on a mate's car stereo for three hours straight one long, long night ten or so years ago. T'was most painful night of my life, one which still haunts my nightmares. And this latest release? Well, you know how Prince sounds. This is absolutely nothing new. And yes, yes, I do hate it, hate it so much I want to rip my ears off and replace them with enormous bricks. (AF). Looks like I'm never going for a drive with Alex to any festivals, but I think Prince is ace. Sorry, but he is the musician's musician. Anything he did out of the late seventies - early eighties was genius. Thankfully the issue over his rights as an artist (no pun intended) has been resolved, and he is back on a major label after internet wilderness. Well, I must say after all that, I am quite disappointed. By his standards, this sets back no boundaries, unearths new ground, or hits with anything remotely revolutionary. The speakeasy format of the video is nice enough, but that's it. I just wish he'd do some more songs like "Little Red Corvette" and "Raspberry Beret". (CA). Release Date: April 26th. Link: Fansite: http://www.prince.org/
FRANZ FERDINAND - MATINEE
Hmmm. I'm not sold on this just yet. A paen to escaping reality in the backrow of your local cinema, it sounds just way too similar to Take Me On, and whilst infectious, you'll find yourself mixing up the lyrics of that song with this one if you're not careful. It's nice to have intelligent music in the charts for sure, but please, a change sound wise next time yeah? Cheers. (AF). A lot more going on in this than "Take me out", this I would say is 'arguably' the best song on the album. Irrespective of whether this is Intelligent or samey, it is just really infectious pop music with a tinge of originality in an otherwise homogenised market. The hype is justified on the basis of the last two songs at least. (CA). Release Date: April 19th. Link: Official Site: http://www.franzferdinand.co.uk/
THE BEES – WASH IN THE RAIN
It's indie, just about, but oddly funky too. Which is rarely a good sign, not that we've nothing against funk if it's done well. But this isn't though. And I'd like to go in to more detail here, but it's failed to inspire me completely, it's not even worth getting all arsey about. Yep. It's that average. So avoid. (AF). Release Date: April 19th. Link: http://www.thebees.info/
PHOENIX - RUN, RUN, RUN
4 years have passed since Phoenix’s disco-rock album ‘United’, attracted critical acclaim, acquired unlikely fans in the form of Ant ‘n’ Dec, and joined part of the new French Wave including Cassius, Air, and Daft Punk. In that time, royalties from DB Boulevard’s blatant rip-off of the “Heatwave” instrumental and the inclusion of “Too Young” on the Lost in Translation soundtrack have ensured Deck, Thomas, Christian, and Laurent could apply more attention to detail and make the album more of an investment. The resulting single is at first listen slow to build any interest. Air’s Talkie Walkie seems the prime comparison, but intricate guitar and bass parts save it from being unceremoniously labelled sophisticated early listening. The lyrics are not the most thought provoking, but musically, they have dared to be different, and thankfully when the song has built up to the eventual finale, it does become more infectious, albeit in a more stripped sense of the ethic applied to “United”. Taken from the new album, “Alphabetical” it is a welcome return from a band that deserve to have their sophomore release elevate them to the next level. (CA). Link: Official Site: http://www.astralwerks.com/phoenix/default.html
THE STREETS - FIT BUT YOU KNOW IT
The ‘Cockney Wideboy’ from Birmingham returns to see if the acclaim of the first album was just a flash in the pan. Unlike Alex, I liked some of “Original Pirate Material”, I thought “Let’s Push this forward” had a great old-school ska sample a la Specials, and “Irony of it all”, has some humorous twists as well as thought-provoking observation. Unfortunately, this is the new album’s version of “Don’t Mug Yourself”, the “yap yap rabbit rabbit” style of rap is funny-ish, but Two pints of lager and packet of Crisps is funny-ish after copious amounts of alcohol, reaching the limit where you’re about to fall asleep anyway. Some of the lyrics would be identifiable with avid fans of that programme with ‘her milkshake and donut’ symbolic reference among others. If you want sophisticated hip-hop, Roots Manuva is a much better artist, but unfortunately the club 18-30 lad culture is a far more accessible audience. Trick is not to take it seriously. (CA). Release Date: April 26th. Link: Official Site: http://www.the-streets.co.uk/
JAMES FOX - HOLD ON TO OUR LOVE
Ah, this year's Eurovision song contest entry, and well, by Eurovision standards it's actually quite good, but, obviously, compared to pretty much everything else released this month, it's just a tad on the dull side of things. I can't quite place what's wrong with it, it just screams average throughout - he's trying to be like Robbie, but it's a spiritless, gutless attempt. So exactly what you'd expect from an Eurovision entry then I guess. (AF). Release Date: April 26th. Link: Fansite: http://james-fox.moonfruit.com/
D12 - MY BAND
Yet more nonsense from Mr Eminem and his band, and guess what? It's all, like, egotistical and about how great he is. And how everyone else in the band is forgotten about. And yeah, Eminem's part is tongue in cheek, but it's not actually funny, and this is pretty goddamn obvious and, unfortunately, pretty dumb in places. For once, D12's part in it is actually better than Mr Mather's, suitably, but well, I just can't think of anyone who'd be particularly interested in this track. Other than the other members of D12 of course. Unless his next solo album is a real return to form, I fear that soon Eminem will become a dated self parody of himself, and listened to by few. Which would be a shame. (AF). Release Date: 19th April. Link: Fansite: http://www.d12world.com/
PINK - LAST TO KNOW
My other half saw Pink live last week, and really liked her. Yeah. I know. But well, opposites attract eh? Because this is super-over-produced supposedly 'punk rock' at it's most corporate American. Yep. That bad. I could go on for hours about how soulless this kind of thing is, and whine about it on and on, but quite frankly I can't be arsed. It's poor. That's all you need to know. (AF). Release Date: April 19th. Link: Official Site: http://www.pinkspage.com/news/index.html
THE ZUTONS - YOU WILL, YOU WON'T
'The New Coral' according to Cat Deeley on CD:UK Hotshots, and the only reason I sat through thirty minutes of painful pop. So was it worth it? Was it hell. The only reason they're compared to the far, far superior Coral is that the singer sounds vaguely similar, and that they've got a slightly bluesy feel too them. But it's paired down, un-imaginitive stuff, and even though it sounds fairly okay, with the odd Beatles-esque moment (though, unusually, the early sixites Beatles rather than the later model), it's just not possible to get excited about, and well, ultimately The Coral do this sort of thing so so so much better. (AF). Release Date: April 5th. Link: Fansite: http://www.zutons.com/
Comments?
MARCH 2004
PET SHOP BOYS - FLAMBOYANT
Awwww! I so want to like them, back in the eighties they were one of about three bands who were any good. But, like this record, this review is getting so predictable - because guess what? It sounds like every other song they've done in the last decade. If you'd never heard a Pet Shop Boys tune in your life you'd probably think it's rather fine. But you have haven't you. And so you can't help but find it ridiculously over-familiar. Come on guys, something new please. It's beyond about time. (AF). Release Date: March 29th. Link: Fansite: http://www.petshopboys-online.com/
ANASTACIA - LEFT OUTSIDE ALONE
For a long period of time, I was quite ambivalent about Anastacia. I appreciated the funky-soul vibe of hits “I’m Outta Love” and “Not that Kind”, but her voice ingratiated me taking the ‘ov’ sound of love and phonetically turning it into a reviewer’s nightmare. Cynically speaking, her aesthetics have probably take precedence over performances, but she does have (love or loathe) an extremely powerful distinctive voice (but then so does the Bodyform ad). Nevertheless, a breast cancer scare and operation meant a delay to take stock, perspective and presumably inspiration for future releases. Hence, “Left Outside Alone”. A Stadium rock barnstormer with enough dark overtones to intensify the atmosphere, despite the religious subtext of the lyrics, which are bound to appeal to the darlings of the Middle of the Road market. Ex- Eurhythmic Dave Stewart is involved so hopefully Stewart’s popstar expertise can benefit and give rock credibility to what is a pretty average track. (CA). Release Date: March 22nd. Link: Fansite: http://www.anastaciafanclub.com/
TRAVIS - LORD WILL COME THROUGH
Oh lordy, Travis have passed through M.O.R. and gone...I.S.T.A...Which isn't a recognised acronym, okay, but well, the S stands for shit...And the I for incredibly...and the T's tiresome...I'll leave you to guess what the A might stand for. It so frustrates as well, because like the much hated Stereophonics, for one album (the debut's from both) they were actually something rather special, whereas this is indie balladry at it's most familiar and obvious. Enough boys, split up, leave us with at least a few memories from when you were good. (AF). Release Date: March 22nd. Link: Official Site: http://www.travisonline.com/
FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE - STACEY'S MOM
Bloody hell, are the Fountains of Wayne still about? Has no one told them that they're considered, well, just a bit of a joke? Seemingly not. Well, it's about time someone did, as this mid-nineties pop punk rock just isn't needed in the world today. If you've gotta listen to this kind of thing, dig out your old Green Day albums. Maybe if no one at all were to buy this, they'd finally get the message. (AF). Release Date: March 8th. Link: Official Site: http://www.fountainsofwayne.com/
JAMIE CULLUM - THESE ARE THE DAYS
He's the new Harry Connick Jnr, did you know? Sure, I know he's supposed to be the new Frank Sinatra, but let's not kid ourselves here, he's nowhere near that good, lacking any real presence and charisma. Which is what this is supposed to be about. Still, maybe the next album will impress more. (AF). Release Date March 8th. Link: Official Site: http://www.jamiecullum.com/
STARSAILOR - FOUR TO THE FLOOR
Well, Silence is Easy was just a one off then. Because for the first time, with that song James Walsh and co. really sounded like they meant what they said. Showed some real passion, and all that kind of thing. But this? This is indie pop by numbers, pleasant, for sure, but utterly forgettable. Even whilst you're listening to it. Oh well. Maybe the next album will shine. I don't want to write them off just yet. (AF). Release Date: March 1st. Link: Fansite: http://ssfans.com/
ASH - CLONES
There is this nagging idiosyncracy I have regarding images conjured when hearing music. For instance, if I was Ash's Management and I'd had "Clones" pegged as the new single, I'd have been telling Tim to grow his hair to uncontrollably grungey lengths, grow a beard, don't wash them for 2 weeks, and stick the band in a monochrome strobing performance video, with subsequent CD:UK and Top of the Pops performances to match.The reasoning behind this is that "Clones" has dropped Ash out of their cloud of nice catchy pop-rock to the darkened, mutillated metal putting it on a par with Foo Fighters "Colour and the Shape". The introduction is
scratchy spaced out detuned corporate metal at first; the sort that angst-ridden teens that have broken up with their girlfriends come stomping down the stairs to, or the very least a Joss Whedon programme, but slowly and surely those poppy-nice-nice chorus trademarks resurface, and this apparent 'change in direction' seems somewhat stifled, as try as he might, Tim Wheeler is no Lemmy. Then again, could have been worse. They could have come back as the Stereophonics. (CA). Release Date: Available via download from the official site now! Link: Official Site: http://www.ash-official.com/
THE DIVINE COMEDY (FEAT. LAUREN LAVERNE) - COME HOME BILLY BIRD
The former seven-piece, now one-piece tour de force Neil Hannon, with orchestral maestro Joby Talbot and ex-Kenickie and Johnny Vaughan talk-show band leader Lauren Laverne indulge us what could be seen as a lost art, storytelling in music. The Coral did it with Bill McCai, Belle and Sebastian conjured a comic tale in the office, and now we have the intrepid tale of Billy Bird 'international business traveller', and it is all quite, well, twee. I think "Regeneration" was the best collection of songs the Divine Comedy ever wrote for an album, but it apparently sold comparatively less well, hence the return to the early days of Liberation and Promenade. Sadly it is not as much of a delight as initially thought, as it appears too samey, but is catchy enough to merit some attention. (CA). Release Date: 22nd March. Link: Official Site: http://www.thedivinecomedy.com/home.htm
ILYA - BELLISSIMO
Honorable mention for my video of the month, This Neopolitan/Cosmopolitan retro-chic thing must be all the rage, as majestic orchestral arrangements backs a tale of two lovers amidst situations presumably nicked from Amelie (bike riding through town) and Featuring Martin Freeman (of The Office fame) and Lena Headey (English rose actress). Cinematic and expansive strings abound, for this deeply relaxing and sophisticated track. (CA). Release Date: March 1st. Link: Official Site: http://www.ilyamusic.com/
THE DARKNESS - FRIDAY NIGHT / LOVE IS ONLY A FEELING
Are you starting to worry a tad about The Darkness? How they seem to be taking themselves far too seriously? And there overconfidence about winning at the Brits / being the biggest band in the UK and soon the world? Ah, yes, we are too. This is what we'll probably be referring to as ''vintage Darkness'' in a few years time, dumb, fun and so full of cheese it'll be pouring out of your cd player when you play it. Let's just hope things don't go downhill from here. (AF). Release Date: March 22nd. Link: Official Site: http://www.thedarknessrock.com/
GRAHAM COXON - FREAKING OUT
You know, you just wish someone sat amongst the A&R teams of Good Charlotte, The Vines, and especially Busted, heard this, and came blazing in to a meeting proclaiming "This is how you make punk music!". Because it is. Despite Damon Albarn's claim that Graham will one day return to the band, so far the split has been proven to be fruitful for both parties. Think Tank had some really great songs on it. "Out of Time", "Good song", and the infectious, if slightly less imaginative "Crazy Beat" were solid singles, whilst Graham has returned with an Undertones sounding single, or the closest rival to the Jam's "News of the World" for nihilistic punk with great solos. Stripped to it barest essentials, Amps turned to the maximum, and such a great chorus, you'll find yourself joining in with " yeah I'm foaming at the mouth, yeah I'm mad with out a doubt, and I'm going out of my mind, Tv got me going blind" and air-guitaring that twiddly bit post-chorus. In fact, if they ever do another Best Air Guitar or Best Punk album......ever, this has to be a key inclusion. You just pray it turns up on more radio stations than 6music. (CA). Release Date: 16th March. Link: Official Site: http://www.grahamcoxon.org/
Comments?
AND ALSO RELEASED IN APRIL:
April 5th:
Amy Winehouse - In My Bed/You Send Me Flying
Bellefire - Say Something Anyway
Big Brovaz - We Wanna Thank You
Blueskins - Stupid Ones
Dark Globe - Break My World
Dogs Die In Hot Cars - God Hopping
Drowning Pool - Step Up
Janet Jackson - Just A Little While
Muse - Sing For Absolution
Paul Van Dyk - Crush
Snow Patrol - Chocolate
Special D - Come With Me
The Bandits - No Shoes On My Feet
The Offspring - Can't Get My Head Around You
The Rasmus - In The Shadows
Wiley - Wot Do U Call It?
April 12th:
Agnetha Faltskog - If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind
Air - Surfing On A Rocket
Amplifier - Neon
Busted - Air Hostess
D-Side - Pushin' Me Out
Dido - Don't Leave Home
Jessica Simpson - Take My Breath Away
KoRn - Y'all Want A Single
Living Things - I Owe
Madrugada - Majesty/7 Seconds
Maroon 5 - This Love
Oceanlab - Satellite
Pete Doherty & Wolfman - For Lovers
Polly Paulusma - Dark Side
Simple Kid - Staring At The Sun
April 19th:
Boogie Pimps - Sonny
Deepest Blue - Is It A Sin?
Fraud - On To You
Gemma Fox - Girlfriend's Story
Hal - Worry About The Wind
HIM - Solitary Man
Jesus Jones - Culture Vulture EP
Kelis - Trick Me
Lasgo - Surrender
Scooter - Jigga Jigga
Shonagh Daly - All I Want
The Calling - Our Lives
April 26th:
3 Doors Down - Here Without You
Alex Carta?? - Hey Papi
Atmosphere - Trying To Find A Balance
Bandits - No Shoes On My Feet
Blakkat featuring Tyra - Another Woman
Bloc Party - Banquet
Boogie Pimps - Sunny
Closer - Gossip
David Byrne - Dialog Box
Eyeopener - Open Your Eyes
Fefe Dobson - Everything
Force & Styles - Follow Me
Gemma Fox featuring MC Lyte - Girlfriend's Story
Gladiator featuring Izzy - Now We Are Free
Glitterati - Here Comes The Close Up EP HIM - Solitary Man
Josh Martinez - Hard Fall
Monkey Bars featuring Gabrielle Widman - Shuggie Love
Nick Holder - No More Dating DJs
Plummet - Cherish The Day
Shaun M & Abandon - Another Man's Language
Sting - Stolen Car
Streets - Fit But You Know It
Twen2y4se7en - Hide
SCISSOR SISTERS - TAKE YOUR MAMA
AND ALSO RELEASED IN MARCH:
March 1st:
Acoustic Love Experience - Painted Pony
Beenie Man - Dude
Blink-182 - I Miss You
Chicks On Speed - Wordy Rappinghood
Delta Goodrem - Predictable/Throw It Away
FYA featuring Smujji - Must Be Love
George Michael - Amazing
Goldfrapp - Black Cherry
Gomez - Catch Me Up
Kylie Minogue - Red Blooded Woman
No Doubt - Bathwater/It's My Life
Paddy Casey - Saints And Sinners
Sarah McLachlan - Fallen
The Mars Volta - Televators
The Shins - So Say I
Velcra - Can't Stop Fighting
Weevil - No Harm EP
March 8th:
Aloud - Bob O'Lean
B2K - Badaboom
Chikinki - Like It Or Leave It
Counting Crows - Hanginaround
Cypress Hill - What's Your Number
Enrique Iglesias featuring Kelis - Not In Love
Evanescence - Imaginary
Graham Coxon - Freakin' Out
Haven - Wouldn't Change A Thing
Jennifer Lopez featuring R Kelly - Baby I Love U
Jet - Look What You've Done
Kurt Nilsen - She's So High
My Red Cell - Knock Me Down
NERD - She Wants To Move
Nickelback - Feelin' Way Too Damn Good
Phixx - Love Revolution
The Black Eyed Peas - Hey Mama
The Vines - Rides
March 15th:
Anastacia - Left Outside Alone
Atomic Kitten - Someone Like Me
Courtney Love - Mono
Cypress Hill - What's Your Number?
Daniel Wylie - Make Love To The World
Dead Prez - Hell Yeah
Dido - Don't Leave Home
Janet Jackson - Just A Little While
Katie Melua - Call Off The Search
Kraftwerk - Aéro Dynamik
Mark Joseph - Bringing Back Those Memories
Nelly Furtado - Try
Simply Red - Home
The Killers - Somebody Told Me
Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris - Yeah
Will Young - Your Game
March 22nd:
Aloud - Bob O'Lean
Amen - California's Bleeding
Anastacia - Left Outside Alone
Billy Talent - Ex
Blue - Breathe Easy
Datarock - Computer Camp Love
Grand Transmitter - Under The Wheel
I Am Kloot - From Your Favourite Sky
Kanye West - Through The Wire
Missy Elliot - I'm Really Hot
Needles - Under The City EP
Outkast - The Way You Move
Pink Grease - Fever
Seal - Waiting For You/Love's Divine
So Solid Crew - So Grimey
South - Colours In Waves
Sugababes - In The Middle
The Delays - Nearer Than Heaven
March 29th:
Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You
Art Brut - Formed A Band
Atomic Kitten - Someone Like Me/Right Now 2004
Basement Jaxx featuring JC Chasez - Plug It In
Beyoncé - Naughty Girl
Gary Jules - Broke Window
Glitterati - Here Comes The Close Up EP Hayley Westenra - Wuthering Heights
Hazel O' Connor - One More Try
Iron Maiden - No More Lies
Mad Action - Just Like Fresh Air
McFly - 5 Colours In Her Hair
Reactor - Feeling The Love
Shania Twain - She's Not Just A Pretty Face
The Distillers - Hunger
Twista - Slow Jamz
The Singles Review Archive:
January and February 2004
November and December 2003
September and October 2003
July and August 2003
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 to August 2001.
January to April 2001.
June to December 2000.
Contact Us - About Us - Recommended Links - More Links - Forums - Search This Site