ELBOW - FORGET MYSELF
Sometimes you listen to something and you find it really hard to pigeon-hole it. Take Elbow’s new single. It’s isn’t exactly morose enough to be lumped in with the melancholy indie now in vogue, it isn’t especially jangly to be tagged next to Coldplay and Snow Patrol, it’s not crunchy enough to be considered rock, if anything, it’s as schizophrenically tuneful as Super Furry Animals’ best work. Which is probably the highest compliment I can pay it. (CA). Release Date: August 29th. Link: Fansite: http://www.powderblue.fsnet.co.uk/
DAVID GRAY - THE ONE I LOVE
I've got to admit that around the time of his first album, I didn't mind David Gray. Or at least I didn't resent his existance in the musical world. Like all sane people, I'd never buy one of his albums (or singles), but there was a time and a place for his music, mostly at 3am after a heavy night out when you need to hear something that won't hurt your fragile state. But this, this is appalling. It's more dreary balladry, but Gray attempts in rocking out a bit more, sounding like a very very substandard Eighties U2. And Elton John at times too. There's no need to go on is there. If that hasn't put you off this record, nothing will. (AF). Release Date: August 29th. Link: Official Site: http://www.davidgray.com/
SYSTEM OF A DOWN - QUESTION?
Armenian Americans follow up B.Y.O.B with this baroque of rock continuing their attack on the decision of the US to go to war, and the terrorists and suicide bombers. Lyrically, it’s a subtle as a sledgehammer; the paranoia of flying post 9/11 makes the Manics Empty Souls seem tactful and diplomatic by comparison, but when it’s done this well, some things just need to be said. Wonderfully zealous, and clearly close to their hearts. (CA). Release Date: August 22nd. Link: Fansite: http://www.systemofadownonline.com/
JESSICA SIMPSON - THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN'
I'm trying to give up reviewing manufactured pop music these days, you all know how it goes - I rant on about how soulless it is, how offensively annoying, everyone gets bored, the end. But I just have to make a special exception for this bland, insipid, painfully weak cover of the classic song, just because I hate it so much. Released solely to cash in on the (possible) success of the Dukes of Hazzards film, and featuring a video of Ms Simpson erotically cleaning a car, this really must be the worst single of the year so far. There's a lot to hate here, but it's mainly so disgraceful because it takes the song's original feminist principle and with the accompanying video shits all over it. Over and over again. And due to that video, which is basically just soft-porn for kids (and depressed Fathers), expect it to do well. Then cry. (AF). Release Date: 29th August. Link: Fansite: http://www.jessicasimpsonfan.com/
THE WHITE STRIPES - MY DOORBELL
"I'm thinking about my doorbell, when you gonna ring it, when you gonna ring it". There. That's pretty much the gist of this song. Bloody essential stuff, isn't it? Why The White Stripes have become so bland on this album is a perplexing question, and I just don't know the answer to it. Jack and Meg are certainly capable of so much more than this pointless effort. Maybe they should spend more time making the next album. If not, I'll have to start worrying about them. Lets hope that this won't be the case though. I really don't have the time to do that right now. (AF). Release Date: 22nd August. Link: Fansite: http://www.geocities.com/the_whitestripes/
BRITISH WHALE - THIS TOWN AIN'T BIG ENOUGH FOR THE BOTH OF US
Yes. That is Justin Hawkins' screeching vocals on this record. And yes, it is just a bit of a comedy record, released only to amuse, I presume. And yes, yes, it does get stuck in your head doesn't it, even if it is officially more annoying than being shat on by two hundred and fifty pidgeons at the same time. Yet still I'm fond of it. I'm beginning to fear that someone's spiking my food with prozac. If positive reviews of average songs appear next month, I promise I'll go to the local hospital and get checked out. (AF). Release Date: 15th August. Link: Official Site: http://www.britishwhale.com/
MARK OWEN - BELIEVE IN THE BOOGIE
It's impossible to dislike Mark Owen. It's also impossible to really like him too. All you can do is be surprised that he's still releasing really bland music that sounds like it's indie, but indie lacking any spirit or passion or anything of interest whatsoever. Yet I still can't give this the wholly bad review it deserves. Maybe it's his puppy dog eyes, or the knowledge that were he to be dropped by his record label, he'd be homeless and on the streets, confused and yet still bemused, within twelve months time. (AF). Release Date: 15th August. Link: Fansite: http://www.markowenofficial.com/markOwen.php
SUPER FURRY ANIMALS - LASERBEAM
There are a lot of great SFA songs. Then there's Laserbeam. I know you could see that coming from one hundred miles away, but it just has to be said. It sounds like a lot of their more laid back efforts, and perhaps that's the problem. The Furries are at their best when they're crazily all over the place, and this is just so lazy by comparison. If it gets them more acclaim, than I'm all for it, as a one off. If it's a sign of things to come, the furries may stop being essential. And that really would be a tragedy. (AF). Chirpy, quirky bubblegum from the Furries, who in the recent nostalgia trip about Britpop’s ten year anniversary, are the only survivors of the Creation label worth a damn. Their evolution has seen them as one of the un-sung heroes of British music in recent years, but this all seems rather by-the-numbers. If You Don’t Want Me To Destroy You, Play It Cool, Northern Lites, even God Show Me Magic had an energy about them. This doesn’t, and falls flat - however many whirrings you put in. (CA).Release Date: 8th August. Link: Fansite: http://www.superfurry.org/
THE RAKES - WORK, WORK, WORK (PUB, CLUB, SLEEP)
The greatly underrated David Devant and His Spirit Wife released a song called Work, Lovelife, Miscellaneous back in 1996, and this carries roughly the same sentiment. Which I'm going to presume you'll get from the oh just slightly explanative title. Yet whilst David Devant's song was heartfelt, touching, and lyrically imaginitive, this is more boring, and more annoying, than listening to James Blunt count out exactly how much money he's made lately, over and over again. (AF). Release Date: 8th August. Link: Official Site: http://www.therakes.co.uk/
THE CORAL - SOMETHING INSIDE ME
West Hoylake's favourite sons offer a second single that's pretty much the epitome of what one of their singles should sound like. More upbeat than their last poppy offering 'Magic and Medicine', there's much more going on here than preceding single In the morning. Listening to both of those songs, something is evident. They're not singing about imaginary characters or pirates or doing anymore Skeleton Keys. James Skelly is predominantly singing about loneliness and love, despite being in a band with six other people, oddly enough. 'Something' plays more like an upbeat 'Secret Kiss', and it's a style that the Coral do very well. (CA). Release Date: August 22nd. Link: Fansite: http://www.zionegg.tk/
KAISER CHIEFS - I PREDICT A RIOT
And so my ongoing battle to understand why I quite like The Kaiser's continues. On Paper they're rubbish, simplistic lyrics, a predictable sound which you can't help but notice draws heavily on a fair few Britpop bands who almost made it but didn't quite. Yet whenever I hear this I can't help but smile. And live they're superb. So maybe they're the perfect band for when you want to switch your mind off and stop over analysing the lyrics, and just jump up and down like an escaped mental patient. Ah, why not. (AF). Release Date: August 22nd. Link: Official Site: http://www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk/
GIRLS ALOUND - LONG HOT SUMMER
I've a weakness for Girls Aloud. And no, you dirty dirty people, not for that reason. Definitely not for that reason infact, as the band have now been so airbrushed and over-tanned that they look more plastic than Ken and Barbie. No, the reason I like them is that they make fairly fun pop. I say 'they', I mean their no doubt enormous team of managers and writers who choose what they sing, of course. It's undemanding, but enjoyable. And what more can you ask from manufactured pop than that? (AF). I don’t know, there’s something about this that suggest it more suitable for a Pontins in Prestatyn. They’ve been fake-tanned up, and kitted out to be every pre-pubescent’s dream come true. Song-wise, the lyrics just seem cliched - particularly the chorus. The cliche’s just become cornier with every listen, and what was probably a decent pop tune, is now tiresome to listen to. (CA).Release Date: August 15th. Link: Fansite: http://www.girlsaloud.org/
SUPERGRASS - ST. PETERSBURG
So 'Oxford's favourite moptops', as a well informed disco jockey once put it, are back after relocating to France and recording in a converted barn-come-studio, and the result is, well, worrying. If the eponymous record threatened their move from sprightly punky Buzzcocks darlings with more fervour than any teenage band at the time, this is asphyxiated by musicality. On first listen, it's an uninspired Thrills style drab, sombre affair, but on reflection it is quite ethereal and serene. It's another of those songs best served for a cold, dark, wet night driving home in your car. The same issue seems to have occurred here as with other artists' of the early to mid nineties (like Manic Street Preachers), the moxie has been replaced with maturity. Indeed, I liked some of Lifeblood, but here, well it's going to be tough to get used to hearing Coombes, Goffey, Quinn, and Coombes move away from the frenetic edge of Caught by the Fuzz for something more cinematic. (CA). Release Date: August 8th. Link: Fansite: http://www.secretworldofdave.btinternet.co.uk/supergrass/
THE MAGIC NUMBERS - LOVE ME LIKE YOU
Nowhere near as instantly lovable as Forever Lost, this is one of the more average tracks on the album, likable, but hardly the greatest example of how beautiful TMN can sound. It's also fairly predictable, without any of their trademark craziness. Despite all the negativity so far, I should stress that it's still lovely, perfect for Summer days, well, Summer days when the Sun shines hard and you lay back and dream. If you're already convinced that they're something special, which you should be, buy the album rather than bothering with this though. (AF). Release Date: 8th August. Link: Official Site: http://www.themagicnumbers.net/
GOLDFRAPP - OOH LA LA
They seem to be going up to the spirit in the sky by the sounds of things? Ok, whilst the bassline is so clearly derivative of numerous swaggering glam-rock giants of yore, there is still the same seduction that game Black Cherry it's wonderfully sexy veneer. And here is it's pretty much the same, except the lack of anything going on until the end is a tad frustrating. There just seems to be a lack of progression that was there with Lovely Head, Utopia, Train, Strict Machine, and Twist. I love Goldfrapp, but hopefully this is not indicative of the album. (CA). Release Date: August 8th. Link: Official Site: http://www.goldfrapp.co.uk/
ATHLETE - TOURIST
So Athlete have finally gotten around to releasing the title track from their acclaimed second album. And surely you've got that now? And whilst you were initially shockingly fond of it, you've found yourself listening to it less and less of late? Ah, yes, us too. Perhaps it's a Winter/Spring album rather than a Summer one then, as it's just not doing it for me right now. Or maybe it's a case of familiarity breeding contempt. But hopefully not. (AF). Release Date: 8th August. Link: Fansite: http://www.shakethosewindows.co.uk/
JULY 2005
NINE INCH NAILS - ONLY
Trent and co. follow up the preceding single sultry, sexy anthem Hand that Feeds with another slice of something more akin to Kravitz and Prince than Industrial Metal. This is clearly the party version of NIN, as Reznor's muscled himself up to compete with the adonises of the rock world. Despite his snarling "There is no fucking you, there is only me", it's the sort of infectious beat fest (Thanks to Dave Grohl), the sort of detached keyboard parts reserved for Client and Goldfrapp, and the dirty disco riffs of Electric Six. That Cocktail proves to be just perfect for getting those kids dancing the night away on those Kerrang Disco's, even if Reznor does insist on being self-analytical about his place in the world and looking at his scabs. (CA). Release Date: July 25th. Link: Fansite: http://www.thefragile.com/index.php
BABYSHAMBLES - FUCK FOREVER
I didn't know till recently that Pete Doherty had been considered a bit of a poetry genius in his youth. And I can only guess that one of the effects of heroine abuse is that it destroys such a talent. Kilamanjaro was great, but perhaps a fluke judging by this (and his set at this year's Glastonbury), as it's so droney, depressingly lacking any of the spirit that made The Libertines such an astonishingly vital band. I'd like to be optimistic, I'd like to suggest that maybe the rest of the album will prove me wrong. But it's becoming increasingly unlikely that this is the case. (AF). Release Date: 25th July. Link: Fansite: http://fan.almost-happy.org/babyshambles/
BRIGHT EYES - EASY LUCKY FREE / GOLD MINE GUTTED
Bright Eyes has shown potential for quite a while now, but hasn’t really been worthy of the acclaim that he’s received. But I’d high hopes for these songs nonetheless, but both disappoint yet again . Some of the imagery is inventive, the vocals are affecting, but the sound lets it all down, it’s lo-fi, but in a bland way. I like it well enough I guess, but I’ll never take it to bed with me and whisper sweet nothings it's ear. (AF). Release Date: July 11th. Link: Fansite: http://www.thestoryinthesoil.com/
BECK - GIRL
Beginning with a bleepy load of crap, Girl then gets even worse, as Beck’s as per usual tiresome vocals are introduced. It gets a bit more summery, but in a seen it all before kind of way, and ultimately it’s an extremely tedious song. You might’ve guessed by now that I’ve never been a fan, but this makes me even less of one, and whilst fans may appreciate it, the mentally sane won’t. (AF). Release Date: July 4th. Link: Fansite: http://www.stewoo.net/beck/home/
INTERPOL - SLOW HANDS
Interpol confuse me. Sometimes good, sometimes bland, they could be a band on the brink of greatness, or the edge of disappearing from view altogether. Slow Hands is fine, there are sections which really work, the chorus especially, but the rest of the song leaves me in a disinterested state. So worth keeping an eye on then, but not getting that obsessed about. (AF). Release Date: July 4th. Link: http://www.interpoltheband.com/
Click here to discuss the above singles on the Garbled Forums.
ALSO RELEASED IN AUGUST:
August 1st:
Alfie - Your Own Religion
Alterkicks - Oh Honey
Explosion - No Revolution
The Game - Dreams
Gramercy - Hold On
JJ72 - Coming Home
Joy Zipper - 1
King Creosote - Favourite Girl
Morning Runner - Gone Up In Flames
Nu-Electric - No Matter What
Parabeats Ft Carmen Reece - U Got Me
The Stands - When The Night Falls In
Texas - Get Away
Thomas Falke - High Again
Turin Brakes - Over And Over
Twisted X - Summer Of Rock N Roll
WIP - Waiting For A Girl Like You
August 8th:
Akon - Bonanza (Belly Dancer)
Battle - Demons
Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley/I’m A Man
Chuck Berry - Maybellene/Wee Wee Hours
Decoder Ring - Somersault
Dino - King Kong
The Dodgems - It’s Alright
Felicity Girl - Weaker Light
Goldfrapp - Oh La La
Infrasound - Final Warning
Lake Trout - Riddle EP
Longview - Further
Lower East Side - Swordfight
Mardous - Revolution Over The Phone
Mattafix - Big City Life
Moby - Dream About Me
Nine Black Alps - Unsatisfied
Objects - Fifi Brown
Seagull Strange - Animals
Stars - Ageless Beauty
Stunt - Raindrops
Timo Maas Ft Brian Molko - Pictures
Veto Silver - When You’re With That Girl
Walkerman - Hey Fattie
Yeti - Keep Pushin’ On
August 15th:
Adequate 7 - Splitting Up
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Ain’t No Easy Way
Crazy Frog - Popcorn
HAL - Don’t Come Running/I Sat Down
Imperial Vipers - Kick A Hole
Iron Maiden - The Trooper
Jamiroquai - Seven Days In Sunny June
Jose Gonzales - Stay In The Shade EP
Lil Love - Give A Little Love
Magnet - Hold On [7” only]
McFly - I’ll Be Okay
My Chemical Romance - The Ghost Of You
New Rhodes - From The Beginning
Oceansize - Heaven Alive
Robert Post - Got None
Stereo Mcs - Paradise
The Subways - With You
Tony Yayo - So Seductive
Tyler James - Your Woman
Wahoo - Make Em Shake It
Weezer - We Are All On Drugs
Xavier - Give Me The Night
August 22nd:
Amerie - Touch
Bedouin Soundclash - When The Night Feels My Song
Black Eyed Peas - Don’t Lie
Coburn - We Interrupt This Programme
Don’t Trigger Campaign - Don’t Trigger EP
Freemasons - Love On My Mind
Funeral For A Friend - Monsters
Garbage - Run Baby Run
Ian Brown - All Ablaze
John Legend Ft Kanye West - Number 1
Les Rythmes Digitales - Jacques Your Body (Make Me Sweat)
My Computer - Lonely
The Ordinary Boys - Life Will Be The Death Of Me
Richard Hawley - The Ocean
Rihanna - Pon De Replay
Simon Webbe - Lay Your Hands
Sugashak Ft General Levy - Sunshine Daze
Sway - Up Your Speed
System Of A Down - Question
UB40 Ft Hunterz and The Dhol Blasters - Reasons
August 29th:
Alex Parks - Looking For Water
Bloodhound Gang - Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo
The Bravery - Unconditional
Cerrone - Je Suis Music
The Dandy Warhols - Smoke It
Daniel - If You Leave Me Now
Foo Fighters - Doa
Gorillaz - Dare
Gwen Stefani - Cool
Jennifer Lopez - Cherry Pie
Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch
Lomac - It’s Always A Blue Sky Day
Missy Elliott - Teary Eyed
Olav Basoki Ft Michie One - Waterman
R Kelly Ft The Game - Playa’s Only
The Rasmus - No Fear
Sam and Me - Sonic Boomerang
ALSO RELEASED IN JULY:
July 4th:
3 Doors Down - Let Me Go
Bliss - Kissing
Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley/I’m A Man
Break makers - Conscience EP
Brendan Benson - Cold Hands, Warm Heart
British Beef - Without Me
Brooke Valentine - Girlfight
The Cazals - Poor Innocent Boys
Cut Copy - Future
Daft Punk - Technologic
Farrah - Tongue Tied
Fat Joe - Get It Poppin’
Fatboy Slim - Don’t Let The Man Get…
Finch - Bitemarks and Bloodstains
Gramercy - Hold On
Hey Negrita - Devil In My Shoes
Jaki Graham - Superstition
Joseph Arthur - Can’t Exist
Joss Stone - Don’t Cha Wanna Ride?
Kanye West - Diamonds
Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
Mariah Carey - We Belong Together
Mechanical Cabinet - Cheap And Nasty
Rachel Stevens - So Good
Ryan Adams - Tonight
Siobhan Parr - Piece Of Me
Soho Dolls - Stripper Steven Sproat - You Turned The Light On
Thievery Corporation - Revolution Solution
Tiefschwarz - Wait And See
Toy - Sedan Through Tunnel [7” only]
Tracey Cole - Speed Of Sound
The Undercut - To Die For
Ying Yang Twins - What’s Happ’nin’
Youth group - Shadowland
July 11th:
213 - Groupie Luv EP
3rd Dan - Guess I Wanted More
3rd Wish Ft Pat Moe - I Am
The Answer - Keep Believin’ EP
Black Mountain - Druganaut
Chemical Brothers - The Boxer
Deep Dish - Say Hello
Editors - Blood
The Features - The Way It’s Meant To Be
Field Music - You Can Decide
Four Tet - Sun Drums And Soil (Remix)
The Ga Gas - Crash And Burn
Granddaddy - Rugged and Splintered Entertainment Centre [7” only]
Havana Funk - Ya Salio
Honeymoon Machine - I’ll Be Your Dog
Idlewild - El Capitan
Inaya Day - Nasty Girl
The Kooks - Eddie’s Gun
Lemon Jelly - Make Things Right
Mad8 vs. Shawn Christopher - Deep Sleepless Night
Madness - Shame And Scandal
The Mars Volta - L’Via L’Viaquez
MIA - Bucky Done Gun
Nicki French - Calling Out My Name
Northern Dance Society - Xanadu
Omarion - O
The Paddingtons - 50 To A Pound
Queens Of The Stone Age - In My Head/Everybody Knows That You Are Insane
The Raveonettes - Love Is A Trashcan
REM - Wanderlust
Rilo Kiley - It’s A Hit
Rooster - Deep And Meaningless
Tah Mac Ft Royston - Make Ya Body Shake
Telepopmusik - Into Everything
Terri Walker - This Is My Time
Trophy Boyz - Do The Dudek
Tsar - Band Girls Money [7” only]
White Rose Movement - Love Is A Number [7” only]
WIP - Waiting For A Girl Like You
July 18th:
Ben Moody Ft Anastacia- Everything Burns
Black Wire - Smoke And Mirrors
Bloc Party - The Pioneers
Blue Van - Revelation Of Love
Crispin Hunt - Hold On
Hayley Hutchinson - Here’s The Love
Hot Hot Heat - Middle Of Nowhere
Inme - 7 Weeks
Komakino - Say Something
Lee-Cabrera - Watch You
Lee Ryan - Army Of Lovers
Louis XIV - God Killed The Queen
Lucie Silvas - Don’t Look Back
Maximo Park - Going Missing
Mew - Apocalypso
Paul Weller - From The Floorboards
Roisin Murphy - If We’re In Love
Roll Deep - The Avenue
Switch foot - Dare You To Move
Tish Hinojosa - Would You Love Me Back Again?
Van Der Kill - Echo Beach
Wahoo - Make Em Shake It
The Yards - Forget Your Regrets
July 25th:
Alexis Strum - Bad Haircut
Alterkicks - Oh Honey
Bananarama - Move In My Direction
The Caesars - (I’m Gonna) Kick You Out
Daniel Powter - Bad Day
Destiny’s Child - Cater 2 U
El Presidente - Without You
Eminem - Ass Like That
Fun Lovin’ Criminals - Mi Corazon
Martin Solveig - Everybody
Natalie Imbruglia - Counting Down The Days
Nate James - Universal
No Hope In New Jersey - Decline
Readers Wifes - Nostalgia
Alex Finch, Craig Aston.
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