STEREOPHONICS - DAKOTA
Humble pie time I guess. I, along with 99.68% of the population had written off the Stereophonics as repetitive, tedious and bloated rock monsters, but then they come along with a tune like this. For once Kelly’s vocals sound fresh and invigorating, rather than raspy and repulsive, and lyrically it’s actually not self-obsessed nonsense, but slyly romantic, and impossible to dislike. Proof, if needed, that you should never completely right off any band then, and that anything, however unbelievable, really can happen too. (AF). February 28th.
TEARS FOR FEARS – CLOSEST THING TO HEAVEN
The credible young starlets that hit with The Prisoner, Pale Shelter, and Mad World, produced the incredibly successful but critically mauled Songs For The Big Chair. So much so, Songs for the Big Chair is seen by many as the benchmark for producing a bland, radio-friendly album. What is conveniently forgotten, is Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith in that period wrote some quality pop songs. For me, Advice For The Young At Heart, is as good a lamentable love song as you are going to hear from a pop band of that eighties era. What followed was the overly produced (by their own admission) but incredibly good ‘Sowing the Seeds of Love’ which took inspiration from Orzabal’s love of the Beatles, and carried on their heroes’ tradition of writing classy pop songs. Band implosion followed, and Orzabal and Smith didn’t speak for over ten years. But, through friends, the communication lines were opened in the last few years, and the result is new album, “Everybody Likes A Happy Ending”. This is the first single to be taken from the proposed swansong designed to give closure to this incarnation, and thankfully, it meets the remit of its album title. It is McCartney-esque, sure, and one could cynically be described as a pop song for your fifty quid man/woman. Thing is, those Fifty quid people like stuff like this for a reason. It’s good. An uplifting impassioned song about the afterlife, the marriage of Orzabal’s forceful vocal, with Smith’s dreaming backing harmonies nestling on top is a delight. Plenty going on to suggest to Keane it is possible to make radio-friendly tracks sound interesting, and plenty to suggest a happy ending for tears for fears fans, but more importantly, Orzabal and Smith, bringing back dignity to their relationship. (CA). Release Date: February 21st. Link: Fansite: http://www.tearsforfearsfans.com/
WILLY MASON – OXYGEN
Through away your preconceptions. Yes, this sounds like it could have come out of the Keane / Coldplay / Travis school of slow balladry, but it’s a far more provocative and intelligent piece of music than those bands have ever made. Lyrically it’ll blow you away, and emotionally it’ll affect you far more than any other song released so far this year. Click here to read my live review of the man, and you’ll see why getting this, and his album, is essential. (AF). Release Date: February 14th. Link: Official Site: http://www.willy-mason.com/
JOSH ROUSE – WINTER IN THE HAMPTONS
1972 was a lush retro pre-amble for Mr. Rouse, into the days of Steely Dan, and Captain Beefheart. Here, Rouse turns in a more acoustic offering, but it is no less infectious. It sounds Woodstocky and ‘Summer-of-love hippy’ uplifting. The sort of ‘Bah Bah Bah Bah Bah Bah’ from Amen Corner or Mamas and the Papas appear, but it doesn’t appear cheesy or dated, because it’s done so well. When there is so much grating synth-pop clogging up the charts from groups like Girls Aloud and Britney etc. it is so nice to hear something, well, natural, for a change. (CA). Release Date: February 7th. Link: Official Site: http://www.joshrouse.com/
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM – DAFT PUNK IS PLAYING AT MY HOUSE
Name-checking another dance band might not be the best idea in the world, but it all becomes academic once you hear the track. Wonderfully minimalist, part indie, part dancey infectious beats, part funky without the Scissor Sisters overtones. Up to this point my only knowledge of them was by association – Nancy Whang dates one of the Daewele Brothers from Soulwax, so only the most obscure music lovers will be aware of who I’m talking about. Nevertheless, I full expect major airplay on MTV2, and underground alternative venues to be lapping it up. One for the indie discos. (CA). Release Date: February 21st.
EMBRACE – LOOKING AS YOU ARE
Embrace continue their quite astounding and completely unpredicted comeback with a ballad that shows that whilst Gravity might have worked with it’s simplicity, Danny and co can write a far more complicated romantic tune which far outstrips it. Of course they should have released Out of Nothing as a single by now, but considering they’re loved by most (ie everyone but the critics) by now, it’s not really that important. Buy it, the album, tickets to see them live, you oh so won’t regret doing it. (AF). Release Date: 28th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.embrace.co.uk/go/home/
IDLEWILD – LOVE STEALS US FROM LONELINESS
Often if a review is disjointed, it’s most likely down to the subject matter, and over a period of two days I went from being disappointed to liking it without loving it. On first listen, for every positive I saw would always seem have a negative lurking in the back of my mind to cancel it out. Sure, Idlewild have their now settled five piece line-up producing this wall of guitar that blitzed through you on A Modern Way Of Letting Go. Indeed, this packs a wall of guitar I’ve not heard since the rockier parts of Everything Must Go. The downside here is those looking for the infectious melodies of their Remote part album will be sorely disappointed. When I first heard You Held The World In Your Arms, I was bowled over. Hearing this on first listen reminded me of an anthemic Feeder record; it lacked spark, it lacked interest in places and could be quite pedestrian. The melody of the chorus is a winner, mind, and Roddy’s lyrics are as emotive as ever. It’s also a bit of a grower. Hearing it several times today, it feels more like angst ridden sentimentality – a ballad engulfing you with an unrelenting column of noise, and you feel a little better for it. After the under-appreciated success of The Remote Part (it really deserved more accolades than it got), this appears to be their first step to really attacking the mainstream. It is the probably the most polished sounding record they’ve done, and may be the first Idlewild record to be played on the O.C. In terms of business, that’s probably the right way to go. In terms of music, you feel more obliged to lean to the early days of Captain or more recently I am What I Am Not. Colin and Edith have it as their CD Burner this week link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/djs/colinandedith/ Personally, it isn’t any closer to great than it is to rubbish. None of the above. Thumbs in the middle. Non-plussed. Take your pick. (CA). Release Date: 21st February, with Album Warnings/Promises to follow on 7th March. Link: Fansite: http://www.idlewilder.co.uk/
DOVES – BLACK AND WHITE TOWN
My God. I wasn't expecting that. So early to predict in this transitional phase between old year and new year, but Doves have pretty much put out pop perfection. A Northern Soul feelgood feel; the upbeat sound juxtaposing the colourless title. Jimi's vocal soars above Andy's tight, pacey drumming last heard on Pounding. The first time I heard the middle eight, my eyes welled up. Simplistic even to Jez's guitar solo. I've heard Martha Reeves and Joe Boxers mentioned in the press, but let me reiterate - this is old-school pop at very near its finest. Release Date: 14th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.doves.net/site/
JANUARY 2005
DURAN DURAN – WHAT HAPPENS TOMORROW
Astronaut has thus far been seen as a deliberate cash-in, critically panned and with good reason. Singles have been nice enough fluff, but not in the same league as Reflex, Save a Prayer, Wild Boys – all their classics. This is the better of the two singles released, with stylish video set to a rather nice concept. It doesn’t disguise the fact the lyrics sound unimaginative and rushed, compared to a lot of their eighties back-catalogue. Hopefully, they will do another album, but the emphasis will be on the music rather than the PR machine. (CA). Release Date: 31st January. Link: Fansite: http://www.duranduran.co.uk/
THE FLAMING LIPS – PATRICK AND SPONGEBOB CONFRONT THE PYSCHIC WALL OF ENERGY
Who’d ever have guessed that the Lips would follow up the masterful Yoshimi Vs. The Pink Robots with a track for the Spongebob Squarepants movie? In lesser hands this could have been a disaster, but no, it’s one of their finest tunes, more accessible than a lot of their material, upbeat, fun, and hey, even if it is slightly silly (how’s this for bizarre lyrics - Spongebob, being a man is just a tough job / I hope you're picked to be the best spongebobs ever had / Working like a dog at the Krusty Krab), it’s endlessly endearing too. (AF). Release Date: January 31st. Link: You can watch the video for the song at: http://www.hollywood.com/movies/mm/nav/1/id/2425260/s/56/f/11
FEIST – INSIDE AND OUT
It is probably highly unprofessional to slag off other websites, but my inspiration has to come from somewhere. I’ve just read a review on another website stating that if you like insipid bland dull dated nonsense like M People, Simply Red, and think they’re cool, you’ll like Feist. I beg to differ. I liked Simply Red for my sins in the early nineties. I also liked middle of the road balladry and R’n’B from the likes of Boyz II Men and Gloria Estefan. They were my parents' records. I was young, foolish, a late developer in terms of attitude and yet to develop a broad understanding of styles, genres and most important, fire in your belly served up as social-conscience. M People were coffee table music, I admit that. I also admit I never found them cool, because I never enjoyed their music. Simply Red may have been popular for a few albums, but were never cool. They never had anything better than average songs despite selling by the bucket load albums like Stars and Life. They were what Keane are now. That’s all well and good, but here’s why Feist doesn’t deserve to be in that bracket. They’re too interesting, they’re too classy. They offer an inventive take on a classic sound.First time I heard new single “Inside and Out”, it stood out by miles from other disco copyists who have tried but ultimately submerged into the land that good musicianship and personality forgot in Commercial Radio. It emanated an air of understated class. It’s unconventionally catchy nature delighted me. It is bare by comparison to recent lavish hooks and samples adorned on chart hits by other well-known disco-groovers such as Kylie Minogue. Difference is Kylie’s targeting Sun and FHM readers. This, goes after the Guardian and Word market. It was one of my songs of last year for good reason. It brings seventies disco into the millennium and makes it relevant, by keeping the background music from being overblown. Y’know, we’ve slated Johnathan Ross quite mercilessly on this site, but one thing is certain, his interminable sidekick Andy Davies has extremely good taste and deserves to be commended for playing this slice of disco heaven months ago. I realise I must be getting old before my time when I mention Radio 2, and am bordering on fifty quid man status, but I’ll gladly substitute cool for class any day. (CA). Release Date: 24th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.listentofeist.com/
HANSON – PENNY AND ME
Hanson used to be three very blonde pop moppets, best known for Mmmmbop, and very little else. They’ve been away from the industry for about five years now, but have returned with a rock track which sees them trying to be credible for the first time in their careers. It’s utterly dirative, lyrically okay at times and then painfully weak, the worst of them being “And Penny and Me like to gaze at starry skies / Close our eyes, pretend to fly (Say OhOh) / close our eyes pretend to fly / It's always Penny and me tonight.” The boys must have missed English classes during their pop years too, as otherwise they’d surely know it should be Penny and I. Okay, okay, I’m being annoyingly pedantic, but it’s hard not to be when confronted by something like this. (AF). Release Date: 24th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.hanson.net/
BLOC PARTY – SO HERE WE ARE
With a name like that, I thought Bloc Party would be dancey, full of pulsating beats and repetitive vocals. But no, they’re “The bland indie band of the month”, a new award we’ll be giving out when we feel like running into inanimate objects upon hearing a song. There’s nothing wrong with them per se, the tunes okayish, vaguely pleasant, but Godammnit, I demand more from my music these days. (AF). Release Date: 31st January. Link: Official Site: http://www.blocparty.com/
BIFFY CLYRO – ONLY ONE WORD COMES TO MIND
No, no, they’re quite wrong there, many words come to mind, the main ones being ‘Dreary old MOR Rock’, and even worse than this is that they sound mostly like Nickelback. Yes. I know. I can’t quite believe it either. I mean, why? Why would anyone want to do such a thing? Now I’ve been quite fond of Biffy Clyro in the past, but after hearing this my amiable reaction to them has ended. For this is intolerably bland, and disappointing in the extreme. (AF). Release Date: 24th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.biffyclyro.com/
MYSTERY JETS – ASK AGNES
Not strictly a single in that it’s not actually being released, but you can download it from their official site (the link’s below). And cor blimey guvnor, if it isn’t a return to the mid nineties Britpop sound. At first. And then it goes all crazy, there’s a whole load of styles found here, with a side order of chanting too. It’s the kind of music I love. Fresh, exciting, innovative, and slightly insane. Aww, bless. Release Date: Available on their site now. Link: Official Site: http://www.mysteryjets.com/
MERCURY REV – IN A FUNNY WAY
I heard this on Jools Holland a couple of months back, so the recorded version could sound quite different. For T’Rev are one of those bands who really do sound different live, and the vocals aren’t even close to being as smooth. But don’t you worry good sir, for it’s still a barnstormer of a track, full of their beautiful orchestral sound, and subtly affecting lyrics. One for anyone who’s tired of hearing the same old crap over and over again. Which should mean everyone, hopefully. (AF). Release Date: 17th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.mercuryrev.net/
INTERPOL - EVIL
Yeah, they're so cool baby, you gotta love em. Hey, they've not even bothered to make a proper the video, choosing to steal an idea from Angel and have the lead singer played by a muppet (this isn't dissing Angel, that really did happen in one episode). An ex of mine raved about Interpol back in 2002, but I wasn't taken, and I'm still not 100% percent. They do show a hell of a lot of promise though, so I'm loathe to right them off. Hopefully the next album will deliver. (AF). Release Date: 3rd January. Link: http://www.interpolny.com/
CHEMICAL BROTHERS FEAT Q TIP – GALVANISE
Q Tip has appeared on some of my favourite dance/hip-hop records. Dee-Lite’s Groove is in the Heart, De La Soul’s Me Myself and I, and A Tribe called Quest to name but a few. So this should be a marriage made in heaven, right? Well, there’s not exactly anything groundbreaking about the track, the vocal is pretty generic sounding with not much rhythmic diversity, and the samples seem repetitive and dull if listened to over time. That said, on first listen the striking part of the track was the beat, and whilst working it melds into the background without being too distracting. Thumbs in the middle. (CA). Release Date: January 17th. Link: Fansite: http://www.chemicalbrothers.net/
CLIENT FEATURING CARL BARAT – PORNOGRAPHY
Sultry synths from former Dubstar vocalist and Alan McGee’s other half, with the less self-destructive libertine featuring on guest vocals. It would be difficult for them not to be compared to Human League, Depeche Mode and
latter day Goldfrapp, but then Kate Holmes and Sarah Bracknell and their air-stewardess uniforms invite that sort of comment. Anyway, regarding Pornography; it is a cold take on a seductive subject, and the collaboration doesn’t make the song sound any better. There are better tracks of Client’s to listen to, notably Radio, and Price of Love, but only pay attention to this one if you’re a hardcore fan. (CA). Release Date: January 10th. Link: Official Site: http://www.client-online.net/
MANIC STREET PREACHERS – EMPTY SOULS
The criticism of this album has been daft, to put it mildly. As has been recently said about U2; when you’re forty-something and successful, you can’t write about what drove you when you were twenty something and starting out. UB40 were never going to write another One in Ten or Ivory Madonna when they made it big. U2 can’t due Sunday Bloody Sunday anymore without sounding like they struggling to be at a place they’ve long since left behind. Same applies here. James, Nicky and Sean are all mid thirtysomethings now; they have wives, and families. The subversive posturing and bold statements of ‘ We destroy rock and roll’, or wearing balaclavas on Top of the pops was the unbridled freedom of youth manifesting in a guitar band out to emulate their heroes The Clash and Guns and Roses. The venom spitting days of Faster are gone, now they write beautiful tunes. Where ‘Richard Nixon’ was dark and ominous, Empty Souls is mild mannered by comparison, but no less moving. The Twin Towers line will appear controversial to those not realising it’s within context (it’s been edited anyway on the single and ccompanying video). It’s emotional and beautiful without becoming as tiresome as some Keane tracks. Older and wiser, so leave the young ‘uns to their bubblegum fluff and tripe masquerading as angst, we’ll grow old gracefully like the Manics. (CA). Release Date: January 3rd. Link: Fansite: http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/
Click here to discuss the above singles on the Garbled Forums.
CHARLOTTE HATHERLEY - BASTARDO
ALSO RELEASED IN FEBRUARY:
February 7th:
Adam Green - Emily
Alicia Keys - Karma
Beautiful South - This Will Be Our Year
Bright Eyes - Drunk Kid Catholic
Bright Eyes vs. Her Space Holiday - Split Single EP
Daniel Bedingfield - Wrap My Words Around You
Destiny’s Child - Soldier
Dizzee Rascal - Graftin’
Elvis Presley - Wooden Heart
Glitzzi Girls - Be My Baby
Josh Rouse - Winter In The Hamptons
Joya - You And Me EP
My Morning Jacket - Sweatbees EP
Rammstein - Keine Lust
Readers Wifes - Scumpop
Roots - Don’t Say Nuthin’
Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Breakdown
Tony Christie - Amarillo
U2 - Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own
The Wonder Stuff - Bile Chant/Rubbish Island
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Machine
February 14th:
Angel City - Sunrise
Atomic Kitten - Cradle 2005
Britney Spears - Do Somethin'
Cherry Falls - My Drug
Dogs - She’s Got A Reason
Ed Harcourt - Loneliness
Elvis Presley - Surrender
House Of Love - Love You Too Much Jennifer Lopez - Get Right
Kings Of Tomorrow - Thru
Low - California
New Found Glory - I Don’t Wanna Know
Presidents Of The United States of Razorlight - Keep The Right Profile
Six By Seven - Ocean/Clouds
Trick Daddy - Let’s Go
Willy Mason - Oxygen
Xavier Floyd Firebird - Boss Man You Scare Me
February 21st:
Annie - Heartbeat
The Earlies - Bring It Back Again
Elvis Presley - (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame
The Frames - Fake
Futureheads - Hounds Of Love
Girls Aloud - Wake Me Up
Green Day - Holiday
Iron and Wine - Woman King EP
Kaiser Chiefs - Oh My God
Knife - You Take My Breath Away
Maximo Park - Apply Some Pressure
Nelly - Over And Over
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Get Ready For Love
Nine Black Alps - Shot Down
Rakes - Retreat
Simple Plan - Shut Up
Tokyo Dragons - What The Hell
Usher - Caught Up
Verbalicious - Don’t Play Nice
February 28th:
Bjork - Triumph Of The Heart
The Black Velvets - 3345
The Bravery - An Honest Mistake
Brendan Benson - Spit It Out
The Delgados - Girls Of Valour
Elvis Presley - Can’t Help Falling In Love
The Features - Blow It Out
Fightstar - They Liked You Better When You Were Dead EP
The Glitterati - Back In Power
Il Divo - Mama
My Chemical Romance - I’m Not Okay (I Promise)
The Rasmus - Funeral Song (The Resurrection)
Rufus Wainwright - The One You Love
Shania Twain - Don’t!
Stereophonics - Dakota
The Thrills - Irish Keep Gate Crashing
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – LITTLE SISTER
ALSO RELEASED IN JANUARY:
January 3
Atomic Kitten - Cradle
Blue Ft Lil Kim - Get Down On It
Dana Rayne - Object Of My Desire
Elvis Presley - All Shook Up
Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock
Erasure - Breathe
Iron Maiden - Number Of The Beast
Kasabian - Cutt Off
Kinison - You'll Never Guess Who Died
Scissor Sisters - Filthy/Gorgeous
Urban Cookie Collective - The Key, The Secret 2005
January 10
Candidate - Mountain Show
Client Ft Carl Barat - Pornography
Elvis Presley - One Night
Jamie Scott - Searching
The Killers - Somebody Told Me
Kings of Convenience - Know How
Kings of Leon - 4 Kicks
Longview - Coming Down /When You Sleep
The Music - Breakin'
Narcotic Thrust - When The Dawn Breaks
Pink Grease - Strip
Rooster - Staring At The Sun
Soul Central Ft Kathy Brown - Strings Of Life/Stronger On My Own
Thirteen Senses - Thru The Glass
January 17
Beastie Boys - Right Right Now Now
Beck - Gospel
Bjork - Triumph Of The Heart
Ciara - Goodies
Dead Fly Buchowski - Blackout
Elvis Presley - A Fool Such As I
Feeder - Tumble And Fall
Ian Brown - Time Is My Everything
Mates of State - All Day EP
Mooney Suzuki - Alive And Amplified Mos Def - Sex, Love And Money
The Others - Lackey
Roots Manuva - Colossal Insight
Soulwax - E Talking
The Used - Take It Away
January 24
Amsterdam - The Journey
Apartment - Everyone Thinks I'm Paranoid
Ashanti - Only You
Athlete - Wires
Elvis Presley - It's Now Or Never
Ian Broudie - Song For No One
Jennifer Lopez - Get Right
Juliet Turner - Vampire
Mylo - Destroy Rock N Roll
Phixx - Strange Love
Wedding Present - I'm Further North Than You
X-Zibit - Hey Now (Mean Muggin')
January 31
Demon Summer - Burn
Duran Duran - What Happens Tomorrow
Elvis Presley - Are You Lonesome Tonight?
Fierce Girl - What Makes A Girl Fierce?
Ga Gas - Sex
HAL - What A Lovely Dance
Hammerfall - Blood Bound
Heather Small - Proud
Jentina - Mysterious
Raghav - Angeleyes
Alex Finch, Craig Aston.
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