Lowgold – Counterfeit
AF: What should have been a pleasant surprise turned pretty nasty when I caught Lowgold on ‘The Priory’ a couple of days ago. Previous release ‘Mercury’ was something truly special, and I’d heard good things about the album, but now for some reason they’ve decided to go all ‘Del Amitri’ on us with the dullest ballad I’ve heard this century. Hopefully just a one off mistake.
CA: On the other hand: The fact that the majority of the album, "Just Backward of Square" is wonderfully emotive and depressing, that it did at least one intense affair to prevent pigeon-holing alongside stalwarts of the NAM movement Coldplay and Travis. Granted, it isn't one of the tracks that initially interests the listener, who expected a relentless push of Americana alt-rock; subdued and sombre. However, it does grow on you, and must be ranked behind, "Beauty Dies Young", "Mercury", and "In Amber" as the best tracks on the album. Release Date: 30th April. Link – Official Site: http://www.lowgold.com/
Elbow - Red
Hot on the heels of "Any Day Now", and "New Born"; this their first mainstream release, is a promising platform from which to build a successful career. Lush. Out on April 23rd. Link – Fansite: http://www.powderblue.fsnet.co.uk/
Shed Seven - Cry For Help
A welcome return for the survivors of 'Shine' Compilations and the Britpop fascination, which remains a pleasant memory for many students of the mid nineties. This latest offering from Rick Witter and company joins an impressive list of catchy pop tunes, which includes "Going for Gold", "Chasing Rainbows", and more recently "Disco Down". Now old stagers of the indie scene, the video can be best described as a 'hybrid of the Verve's Bitter Sweet Symphony, but far more jovial, and therefore far more interesting.' Out on the 23rd of April. Link – The Only Unofficial Shed Seven Site at: http://www.arches.uga.edu/~kgreen/shedseven/
Depeche Mode - Dream On
Released on the 23rd April, and taken from the band's forthcoming "Exciter" LP; this is a welcome return for one of Britain's best electronica acts. Depeche mode fans (myself included) , will be chomping at the bit for their first release for four years, since the impressive "Ultra". A clearly more mature sound, and acoustic guitar is more prevalent than the layers of synthesizers that they are famous for. Tour planned for the Autumn. Link - Official Site: http://www.depechemode.com/
Turin Brakes - Underdog (Save Me)
Slow, Americanish lo fi from the London based duo. Kind of like Suede if Brett Anderson had discovered Prozac instead of Class A’s but far more enjoyable than that sounds. Whilst the chorus may seem a little simplistic - “Oh please save me, save me from myself / I can’t be, the only one stuck on the shelf” – it’s actually all far more touching than you would ever believe from reading this review. Video of the month, but only due to the fact that there’s very little of quality to choose from. Out in mid april. Link – Official Site: http://www.turinbrakes.co.uk/
Madonna – What It Feels Like To Be A Girl
Well at least she’s done us all a favour by proving that Guy Ritchie can’t direct as in one of the worst video’s ever produced we see her commit various crimes, presumably sexily, whilst rambling about the limitations this life puts upon women. Now whilst she may have a point, we certainly don’t need this badly written, really quite immature shite to tell us this. Plus the spoken word bits are a pale rip off of Black Box Recorder’s ‘TheFacts of Life’ without any of the intelligence or humour that song contained. Link - Official Site: http://www.madonnamusic.com/
R.E.M. – Imitation of Life
Pedestrian rock which sounds just like every other R.E.M. song. This is one of their slightly more upbeat tunes, but shockingly trivial none the least. I can’t imagine anyone disliking this, as it’s about as un-offensive as music gets, and no ones ever going to be screaming desperately at a gig to hear it. Link - Official Site: http://www.remhq.com/
Star Sailor – Good Soul
They’re like Suede before they got repetitive, but far less interesting. And they’re a bit like the Longpigs too. Is that enough to put you off yet? Then good, because simply put, they’re not that good at all, and god knows why the NME has been promoting them so much, though at a guess it’s because they already sound so over-produced and over-polished that they might actually have a vague chance at some Top 10 action. But that’s nowhere near a good enough reason. Only purchase if you like your indie as it was back in ‘92. Out on the 23rd of April. Official Site: http://www.starsailor.net/mainframeset.html
Emma Bunton – What Took You So Long
The Spice Girl that most people would like to have sex with releases another single that no one will be able to remember the words to in about a week’s time. Exactly what you’d expect, and something that will only be purchased by the under tens. Though I’m sure the video will entertain a more adult crowd at least. Anyway, avoid unless you have ridiculously bad taste in music. Fan site link: http://emma.bunton.com/
Feeder – Seven Days In The Sun
Forever to be one of those rock bands that you pass at a festival, comment on them being pleasant in a Californian punk way before wandering over to catch a far better band in a far smaller tent, I don’t really want to harshly criticise Feeder because they’re not that bad. Just very, very average, and extremely similar to Bush, Terrorvision, Symposium, 3 Colours Red et al too. This is slightly more poppy than the usual fare, and, well, only okay once again I’m afraid. Out on the second of April. Official site: http://www.feederweb.com/
The Living End - Roll On
OK, so at one end of the spectrum we have Human Nature, Kylie Minogue, and Men at Work in their *Down Under" phase, and at the other we have INXS, Powderfinger, and to some extent, The Living End. Having been described as Punk meets Rockabilly, or Stray Cats meets Green Day; this song is set to become an anthem for pro-unionists everywhere. Catchy, with a gargantuan column of noise that any rock band worth their edge would kill for. Out April 9th (subject to change). Official Site: http://www.thelivingend.com.au/
Robbie Williams – Let Love Be Enough
That’s it, I’m not taking this shite anymore. If a credible artist produced something like this, Radiohead or Tindersticks for example, they’d be absolutely fucking crucified. And thus so should Robbie. This time the lyrics make less sense than usual, the chorus is some tedious bollocks about wanting his woman to change, presumably as she’s just not massaging his ego enough, and it just surely can’t mean anything to anyone. Hopefully the beginning of the end of his all too long career. In the shops on the Nineth of April. Official Site: http://www.robbiewilliams.co.uk/
Ash - Burn, Baby Burn
Any aspiring rock acts take note; If you desire mainstream success whilst retaining your rock roots, take a leaf out of Tim Wheeler and co. with this raucous and crunchy offering from their new album, "Free all Angels". It certainly lives up to it's press for being carefree and exuberant, whilst appearing more polished than previous releases, "Warmer than fire" and to some extent "Shining Light". Cheerleader flick "Bring it on" receives an 'homage' in the video, which fits in nicely to the track. Perfectly balanced between the edgyness of rock, and the perfect production of pop. Out on the second of April. Official Site: http://www.ash-official.com/ash_hub.htm
Papa Roach - Angels and Insects
Due for release in April, a band destined for phenomenal status, for reasons other than they sold big in the US last year, or that they fit in with current vogue Limp Bizkit. The simple fact is, they rock as hard as any rock/metal band around at the moment. Sceptics of angst ridden hardcore punk prepare to have your tranquil melodies crushed. Official Site: http://www.paparoach.com/
March 2001
Mull Historical Society - I Tried
Lush gorgeous pop of the like that I thought British Indie bands had stopped making. One of those melodies that if it ever got the radio play it deserved the whole nation would son find itself unable to stop humming, and proof, which was desperately needed, that truly romantic indie music can still be made. Out on the 19th of March. Official Site: http://www.mullhistoricalsociety.com/
Daft Punk - One more time
Easily the best dance tune to hit the clubs this year; it is far too sophisticated for all those townies who get drunk every other night, strut their stuff on the dancefloor, and would heartily prefer to dance to Hearsay (bleh), S Club 7 (make me puke) or Robbie Williams. Taken from the new "Discovery" Album, this is streets ahead of the competition (and by streets I mean New York Streets), and should chart well. Predicted future hits include the awesome, "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger". Links: - Official Site: http://www.daftclub.com/ or visit this decent fan site at: http://daftpunknet.multimania.com/
Bee Gees – This Is Where I Came In
In which The Bee Gee’s attempt to sound cool in an already dated kind of way, this reviewer can’t stop chuckling at the inanity of it all, and no doubt a brief dip in to the lower top thirty is guaranteed before obscurity once again beckons. Still, it’s always amusing seeing the elderly embarrass themselves. Out on the 26th, if you must know. Fan Site Link: http://www.beegeesquarterly.com/index.htm
Wu-Tang Clan - I can't go to sleep
After the success of 'The Flintstones' pastiche laden "Gravel Pit" but with the T & A; Ghostface Killah, RZA, et al. indulge us in their equivalent to a ballad, with swearing. Isaac Hayes guest stars as a figurehead or idol. Contrasting? yes. Compromising? Far from it. Visit this decent fansite at: http://wutangworldwide.cjb.net/
Sugarbabes - Run for cover
Are you listening Hearsay? This is the future of pop bands. They may have just about kept their integrity with the christmas influenced "Next Year", but this is the sort of r'n'b/soul that got them noticed initially with "Overload". All saints are passe. Sugarbabes are saviours of 'girl bands', clearly more sophisticated than any of their rivals, and retaining a intelligent, dark image that makes them intriguing; this should be regarded as the epitome of what every female band, whether they be manufactured or not; should strive to be influence by their essence. Here endeth the lesson.
The Strokes – The Modern Age
Sounding like a cross between Tindersticks, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave could never be a bad thing, and whilst it certainly isn’t here, The Strokes are much more than even that.This is inventive, intelligent music at it's best - much heralded by the NME, for once they live up to the usual tedious hype. Official Site: http://www.thestrokes.com/
Hear'say - Pure and Simple
Ha. Ha ha ha ha hahaha. Ahem, sorry, but listening to this sub-All Saints trite-pop just keeps me laughing (in that on the brink of insanity kind of way). So this is the best the record company could come up with after spending god knows how millions on this cutesy but ridiculously over hyped band. Sure, it's unoffensive, and the melodies are pleasant enough, but it's just so shockingly dull. Now I'm no fan of this type of shite in general, but the best manufactured pop is usually superbly upbeat and danceable too. And simply just never this bland. The fact that this has sold more than any debut single ever just goes to show that kids today get far too much pocket money - Parents, its up to you to stop this hideous trend and restore some quality to the top 40. Unofficial Fansite: http://www.reiko.co.uk/hearsay/
Muse - Plug In Baby
After the Straw fiasco, I've decided I'm going to hedge my bets by holding off any firm convictions until the actual airplay of the single. Although from what I've heard from the Studio Version, it is classic dark angst, as Matthew Bellamy sings: "My Plug In Baby, Crucifies my enemies"
At which point you wish all your enemies were around so you could crucify them. It does seem to be a little tamer than the first album, but it might be better to wait until the finished article arrives, polished up and ready to rock your world! Out on the fifth of March. Official Site: http://www.musclemuseum.com/
Gorillaz - Clint EastWood
The term 'manufactured band' has never been taken so literal, although perhaps 'digitally constructed' would be more appropriate. Consisting of three cult musicians, and Damon Albarn; Noodles, 2D, Russel and Murdoc are an example of the correct use of digital technology, and although the mixed versions are being played on Radio 1, the Original version that accompanies the video being played, rated and recommended on MTV currently is definitely my preferred version. Out on the 5th. Check out www.gorillaz.com for more details, and get to hear 'Clint Eastwood', and 'Tomorrow comes today'
Mo' Solid Gold - Personal Saviour
Hi Octane soul funk provided one of this years up and coming bands. Already featuring in the top 40 in Holland, they look set to break into the top 40 considerably soon. The only fansite on the net can be visited at: http://www.geocities.com/mosolidgold/
Gay Dad - Now, Always and Forever
After a progressive rock sabbatical, Cliff Jones returns keeping the glam flag flying with the addition of some Manun tendencies, and carries on the current trend of cyberstyle in videos, which this year has been preceded by Muse.
Technologically enigmatic, and a worthy returning single. Attempting to succeed where Spacehog unfortunately failed in the UK, this has all the influences of Bowie clearly visible, but has the digital appeal for this generation. Official Site: http://www.gaydad.com/
At the Drive-In - Invalid Litter Department
By the standards of Cedric Bixler, Omar Rodriquez and company, this tune is a ballad.
Taken from the 'Relationship of Command' album, it is still energetic enough to distance itself from anything else in the charts, which is in itself, both a testament and a compliment to the guys for their intensity, and energy, which except for this record is uncompromising and unwavering. For more info visit this superb At The Drive In Fan Site At:
http://www.dj.milner.btinternet.co.uk/main/index.html
Stereophonics - Mr Writer
If this has received any good reviews so far than it's escaped my attention - with the majority of criticism centering around the fact that if you're going to criticise the critics, then you better make sure it's in a witty, well thought out and inventive way. And not just in a tediously childlike angsty kind of way. Sigh. What makes this worse is that the Stereophonics released a damn fine first album before running out of ideas. Which is presumably why a song like this has had to be chosen as the first release from the new album. Avoid, unless you're a die hard fan of the band. Official Site: http://www.stereophonics.com/
Xzibit - X
Taken from the "Restless" album, another former collaborator with Eminem and part of the Doctor Dre stable, its preceding pedigree would leave the quality of the record a formality, but I tell you, it's really very good. So is the album. Official Site: http://www.sonymusic.com/labels/loud/xzibit/template.html
February 2001
Manic Street Preachers – So Why So Sad / Found That Soul
The Manic’s are once again breaking with established convention by releasing two singles on the same day, February 26th. ‘So Why So Sad’ has begun getting a fair amount of airplay on MTV2, which it greatly deserves. It’s much more poppy and far less angsty than most of the Manic’s back catalogue, and all the better for it. Meanwhile, Found That Soul is far more punky and doesnt catch your attention quite so much, but still deserves to be sought out. You can download snippets of the songs from the official site at: http://www.manics.co.uk/manics/
Outkast - Ms Jackson
Reportedly the weakest song on the album "Stankonia" and tipped to chart high week beginning 19/2/01. The video involving nodding pets is also worth a look. Warning: recipitation is a key feature. Official Site: http://www.outkast.com/
RocketGoldStar – What Are You Singing About?
Wow. It’s like the last five years just haven’t happened, and we find ourselves back in the heady days of Britpop. Anyway, this is bright and breezy pop that will amuse as the band question why so many songs are just so utterly pointless. Out on the 19th. Official site: www.rocketgoldstar.com
The Afternoons – Falling is Easy
The first band to be influenced by My Life Story? Well, cynics out there said it would never happen, but it has. And it’s not just that the lead singer sounds surprisingly similar to Jake Shillingford’s, but The Afternoons catch his romantic take on life, backed with a subtle but gorgeous string laden melody. Out on the 26th Feb. Official Site: http://www.geocities.com/mulliganandrew/index.html
My Vitriol - Always your way
Although not as harsh as the NME; this certainly sounds like 'very-comfortable-to-listen-to punk' (isn't that an oxymoron?), but doesn't keep you grabbing at that CD time and time again. Out on the 12th Feb. Related Link: My Vitriol fansite at: http://www.angelfire.com/oh/myvitriol/main.html
P.J. Harvey – A Place Called Home
I’m not exactly over endeared with Ms Harvey, and certainly much of what she’s released in the last six or so years has been pretty substandard, but her latest album’s a definite improvement if not exactly essential. Still, it’s credible enough angsty songwriting in which Polly dreams of one day having a home, and certainly better than the whiney Allanis Morrisette’s of this world. Hardly exciting, but, y’know, okay. Official Site: http://www.pjharvey.net/
Soulwax - Conversation Intercom
Re-released from last year (and I bought it the first time around), this heady mix of blues-slide acoustic guitar riffs, and kick-ass drumbeats proved to be a classic opener to the 'critically acclaimed' album "Much Against Everyone's Advice". It is expected to be their first big hit. Fingers Crossed. Official Site: http://www.soulwax.com/
Divine Comedy - Love what you do
Following a superb trilogy of albums in Casanova, A short album about love, and Fin de Siecle, GCUK favourites the Divine Comedy return, as Neil Hannon and company feel rejuvenated for their new album, "Regeneration", with this less orchestral, and much more poppy offering "Love what you do."
Mr. Hannon feels that this is a more honest album, and one 'they've wanted to do for years', although I must admit, I do miss the sound of the Brunel Ensemble. Out on the 26th Feb, with the album following in March. Official Site: http://www.thedivinecomedy.com/home.htm
Bent - Swollen
Out on the 26th Feb, this is the closest the UK gets to that laid back American alt country pyschedelic sound that the Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev and Granddaddy do so beautifully. Surprisingly short, but instantly memorable, we’ve got high hopes that Bent will go far. Official Site: Official Site: http://www.bent-world.com/
Dido - Here with Me
An opportunity for us to catch up with our atlantic counterparts, who have already welcomed this phenomenon (Eminem amongst them) with open arms.
Initial feeling was to compare with Canadian songstress and great talent, Sarah Mclachlan, but Rollo's sister is more than cpable of handling herself, having secured the theme tune to Roswell High, and collaborating with Eminem. Impressive. Official Site: http://www.arista.com/aristaweb/Dido/artist_index.html
January 2001
Elbow – Any Day Now EP
Bleak and epic in the way only frustrated British bands seem to write. Post radiohead, post tindersticks, you know the story by now, but it’s mellow, tragic and at the very least atmospheric. Released on 22nd January. Official Site: http://www.elbow.co.uk/
Lowgold – Mercury
Lowgold release their third single, Mercury, on the 29th January. It’s slightly lo-fi but rich in melodies, with a superbly odd and fairly trippish video (clips of which can be seen on the left) which alone makes it our favourite release of the month. They’re on tour with Grandaddy at the end of the month, too, so you have absolutely no reason not to catch them. Related Link: Peace, Love and Lowgold Fansite at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/daniel.stretch/main.htm
Papa Roach - Last Resort or Broken Home
Hardcore punk band fronted by Jacob (Coby) Vick, this group of twentysomethings took the US by storm last year, with the 'top 5' release "Infest". The "Last Resort" Video was getting comprehensive airplay at the end of last year, so it is just a question of when, and if the boys plan to follow that single with "Broken Home", an equally infectious, and angst-absorbing stonker. Official Site: http://www.paparoach.com/
Ash - Shining Light
A welcome return from the guys and gal, who promised much after their debut '1977', but didn't seem to offer a great deal with the follow up, 'Nu-Clear Sounds'. This catchy, well constrcuted song, also brings a return to a rockier sound, coupled with a video which teases romantic interest between Tim and Charlotte. A definite improvement, and probably their best tune since 'Goldfinger'. Released on 29th Jan. Official Site:
http://www.ash-official.com/ash_hub.htm
Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag
Taken from the Loser soundtrack, this is another well polished punk band cashing in on the in-flux of Florida-sun soaked teenage angst-ridden kids. Teenage Dirtbag is largely inoffensive, and is comfortable, occasional listening. The high school parable has been done to death, however, and you find yourself waiting for some band to come up with some punk that is actually going to be either controversial, or makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Official Site: http://www.wheatus.com/wheatus2.html
Captain Soul –
Released on the 22nd, and hmmm, recommended by Steve Lamacq on the evening session, this is another mellow slice of pop in the Byrds, Beach Boys, Zombies and Gorky's Zygotic Mynci tradition. Never going to be Oasis, mind but that 's never a bad thing. Official Site: http://www.poptones.com/bands/capsoul.html
JJ72 - Snow
Okay, so it’s been released before, and if you didn’t buy it the first time you’re unlikely to be convinced. It’s nice and all, in a muse and coldplay kind of way, but nothing exactly new. Still, ‘interesting’ at the very least. Official Site: http://www.jj72.com/
Straw - Sailing off the edge of the world.
OK, so the first time I heard this I only heard fragments of it, and I must apologise to the bandmembers of Straw, because 'dreamy acoustic ballads ahoy' does not do it justice.
'Sailing...' is a wonderfully crafted song. Even lead singer Mattie Bennett admitted that it has something special. The definition of pop was intended to be 'popular' and manufactured bands like Steps and Atomic Kitten have tagged that descriptor for themselves. However, in a perfect world, pop would be the ideal phrase for bands like Teenage Fanclub, and indeed, Straw, who with the tearjerking sentimentality of this single, deserve to be popular. Official Site: www.straw.co.uk
Everclear - AM Radio
A return to rocking, as opposed to a return to form. "Wonderful" was definitely not a departure from quality songs like "Amphetamine", and "Father of Mine", and neither is AM Radio, which sees Art Alexakis reminiscing over technology, childhood, his first guitar, and Jimi Hendrix, and the influences are there to see. A mixture of wah-wahs, quirky backing vocals, and a slight element of funk. Sequel album "Songs from an American Movie Vol. II" out soon! Official Site: http://www.everclearonline.com/
Alfie – You Make No Bones
Because we missed them out last year, and as MTV2 have been playing the video almost hourly we’ve slowly been converted to their lo-fi almost verve-ish ways. Plus the video, in which the band chase around a man dressed as a reindeer is strangely endearing. Official Site: http://www.twistednerve.co.uk/
Craig Aston, Alex Finch.
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