GORDON HASKELL – HOW WONDERFUL YOU ARE
Apparently the most requested song on Radio 2, ever, despite the fact it’s by the virtually unknown Mr Haskill, known for being the lead singer in King Crimson a long, long time ago. And it’s great. I know I shouldn’t like this sort of thing, I know my friends are already mocking me, but I don’t care. It’s fifties style lounge music in the best tradition. How Robbie should have done it. Release Date: 17th December. Link: Offficial Site: http://www.haskell.co.uk/home.htm
SEAFOOD – SPLINTER
Jeez, first I thought it was King Adora, then a cover of an early Manics track. But no, it’s just Blighty’s latest punk-ish, rock-ish, shite-ish band. A chorus of the likes you’ve heard all too many times before, and verses that you never want to hear again. Is this really the best we have to offer? Release Date:10th December. Link: Official Site: http://www.seafood.uk.com/
EMMA BUNTON – WE’RE NOT GOING TO SLEEP TONIGHT
The British Brtiney, anyone? Oh well, maybe not, but like Ms. Spears, Emma’s now trying to be seen as a sexual object for adults everywhere, rather than just a teenpop curiosity. And it almost works, if you like this kind of thing, and it’s certainly more fun than any of the nonsense chucked out by the other solo spices. But not actually any good, obviously. Release Date: 10th December. Link: Fansite: http://www.emma-bunton.com/
STARSAILOR - LULLABY
OK, the mentioning of Buckley influences have been done to death with this Wigan outfit, and there is definitely a nod to James Walsh's vocal style. But, 'Lullaby' is another example where Starsailor forego the completely outthere wailings of Tim and son Jeff, and opt for emotive songs that are certainly more comfortable to listen to. Taken from the 'Love is Here' album, it is another consistently good quality tune. Release Date: 10th December. Link: Fansite: http://www.starsailor.f2s.com/
ROYKSOPP – POOR LENO
Up there with 4hero's 'Les Fleur' for being one of the best dance tunes this year; Royksopp hail from Norway, and this particular track has the vocals sung by Kings of Convenience's Erland. The video conjures up so much sympathy, it is a serene background cut to an encouraging beat. it is haunting, and progressing. One of the top singles to be released this year, let alone this month. Link: Official Site: http://www.royksopp.com/
SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR – MURDER ON THE DANCEFLOOR
Not too sure about this, cause parts of it sound okay, and Ellis-Bextor’s husky vocals work well, but, well, all this crap about ‘better not kill the groove’ and ‘better not steal the moves’ sounds so 70’s it’s embarrassing for all concerned. Only reforming The Audience will save her from eternal blandness. And sadly that’s just not going to happen. Release Date: 10th December. Link: Official Site: http://www.sophieellisbextor.com/
SUEDE – SIMON
Suede's first release in two years is reminiscent of the Butler era classics such as Stay Together and the Wild Ones, and has been described by Brett as 'A tale of love and loss'. One of the few tracks around at the moment which stands up as something special, but then again, most die-hard Suede fans hear anything that they come up with, and think it is pretty darn good!!?!! Official Site: http://www.suede.net/
ASH – THERE’S A STAR
Well, at least it’s not another punk lite pop tune. But it’s still bland, and you have to wonder if Tim Wheeler is ever going to graduate from puberty and start writing some slightly more mature/interesting lyrics. So maybe it was all cute and fun once, but it’s starting to really annoy now. Release Date: 31st December. Link: Fansite: http://www.unofficial-ash.i-p.com/
ROBBIE WILLIAMS AND NICOLE KIDMAN – SOMETHIN’ STUPID
In which Williams does the unthinkable and tries to persuade the world that he’s in Sinatra’s league. Fine, he can sing okay, but I’ve heard this done so much better in horribly garish karaoke bars, and Kidman mumbling quietly in the background adds absolutely nothing. Still, if it helps end his career, who really cares? Release Date: 10th December. Link: Official Site: http://www.robbiewilliams.co.uk/
THE TWEENIES – I BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS
Oh god, this is going to the Christmas no.1 isnt it? In what must be the poorest year ever for Xmas releases, with all credible acts presumably deciding it’s just not worth getting involved in the tedium, the kids are easily going to win out. Sigh. Oh, and incase you havent heard it – it’s amongst the most nauseating, traumatic nonsense ever recorded. Release Date: 3rd December. Link: Fansite(!!??!): http://www.tweenieland.co.uk/
FEEDER – JUST A DAY EP
Their most infectious tune yet, made all the more appealing by it’s video which is packed with die hard fans miming along to the song in their bedrooms. Surprisingly this has turned out to be a fantastic idea and there’s a few hysterical moments in there too (the young girl in the blue top taking everything ever so slightly over- dramatically and the chap with the umbrella being our favourites). Probably the best single they’re capable of. Release Date: 10th December. Link: Official Site: http://www.feederweb.com/
LIBERTY – DOIN’ IT
Not that you were going to, but please, please don’t buy this. These people don’t deserve any fame of any kind, and just because they briefly featured in Popstars doesn’t mean there any good. Indeed, this has to be one of the worst pop acts ever to be forced in to the public’s conciousness, they’re far, far worse than the appalling Hear’say and any sympathy you may have for them being popstars losers is horribly misdirected. Actually worse than being anally raped in prison after being framed for a murder you didn’t commit, or so I’m told. Release Date: 3rd December. Link: Fansite: http://www.liberty-online.f2s.com/
NOVEMBER 2001
STEPHEN MALKMUS – JO JO’S JACKET
A nice slow piano led intro suggested a radical departure from the world of quirkiness for Mr Malkamus, suggesting that there was actually a reason for disbanding Pavement. But thirty seconds in we’re back to normal odd guitar noises and non-sensical lyrics. If you’ve liked everything else he’s done, you’ll be fine with this, but personally I’m getting all too tired of such nonsense. Release Date: 26th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.stephenmalkmus.com/
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN – I’M WAKING UP TO US
In which the Belle’s wear their sixties influences even more obviously than in Legal Man. But this is in no means a criticism, indeed it’s a kind of evolution when compared to their earlier work, and all the better for it. Stuart’s vocals are stronger than ever, and the fey/whimsical edge has been lost. And as always, the lyrics shine, and it really is something truly special. For once a band who’re building on their initial promise. Oh, and if you love The Kinks, b-side ‘I Love My Car’ will send you in to some sort of crazy blissful state. Probably. Release Date: 26th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.belleandsebastian.co.uk/
KATE WINSLETT – WHAT IF
Hmmm. If this was anyone else than I’d criticise it harshly. Ah, what the hell, I will anyway – vocally weak, Celine Dion-esque ballad nonsense from the latest animated version of A Christmas Carol. Both it, and this, are utterly unneeded. The sort of music that makes you wish you were deaf/dead. Avoid. Release Date: 26th November. Link: Fansite: http://www.kate-winslet.org/
BASEMENT JAXX – WHERE’S YOUR HEAD AT?
Fantastic video, bangingly strange tune, madness in general, yep, only the Jaxx make such fantastically odd dance music. Which is meant in the kindest sense. Not something I’d ever listen to at home, but definitely something I’d hope a DJ would play over and over again. Odd, huh? Release Date: 26th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.astralwerks.com/basementjaxx/
U2 – WALK ON
Oh come on now, this is getting ridiculous. Like The Stones, they’re seriously in danger of turning in to a piss poor rock pantomime. So it sounds smooth, but lyrically its inane, and whatever memories I have of them of being even slightly good are fading quicker than ever these days. Release Date: 19th November. Link: Fansite: http://www.youtwo.net/
AMERICAN HI-FI – ANOTHER PERFECT DAY
Punk-lite band does ballad. Dull. Sometimes it’s pointless saying anything more. Release date: November 26th. Link: Official Site: http://www.americanhi-fi.com/
HEAR’SAY - EVERYBODY
One of those tunes that sounds it could have come straight out of a broadway musical. Oh, and that’s a criticism by the way. Hopelessly upbeat in a hopelessly pitiful way, if this is the best the band could muster in an attempt to get the Christmas no.1, then clearly their days in the sun must be numbered. Release Date: 26th November. Link: Fansite: http://www.efanguide.com/~hearsay/
LOSTPROPHETS - SHINOBI VS DRAGON NINJA
The brightest Welsh outfit this year, and deserving of their Best Newcomer award at Kerrang this year; this is definitely a lot more polished than most recent nu-metal artists, and it certainly contains enough simplistic guitar crunching riffs to appease the new generation. Oh, and nice guitar acrobatics in the video. Release Date: November 26th. Link: Official Site: http://www.lostprophets.com/
JAY Z - GIRLZ, GIRLZ, GIRLZ
Sean Carter returns with his best single since "Hard knock Life" which featured that excellent sample of Annie. This time around he plays the Puff Daddy/Mafia/Pimp type gesturing like Crazytown how nice it is to be around girls. However, it has great hooks and geat samples, and is destined to put him in the top 20. Taken from the forthcoming album, "The Blueprint". Link: Official Site: http://www.rocafella.com/index.htm
STEREOPHONICS - HANDBAGS AND GLADRAGS
Slow, piano led extended yawn from the stereo-boys, as they continue with their evil plan to take over the world by knocking everyone in to a coma with this release of a cover of an old Rod Stewart song. More painful than eating shards of rusted metal for money. Release Date: 26th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.stereophonics.com/
CHER - MUSIC'S NO GOOD WITHOUT YOU
Strangely un-nauseating vocoder pop - yep, it's return to the scene of your most recent hit time, but nowhere near as badly as you'd expect. But obviously not worth buying / listening too by choice. Release Date: 5th November.
TORI AMOS – STRANGE LITTLE GIRL
Back in 1990, when I was but sixteen, Tori Amos was a revelation to me – an American women who could release fragile, honest, and beautifully touching music. Alas things didn’t last, and by her third album Ms. Morissette had arrived on the scene and captured much of Amos’ admittedly limited audience. And this is very much influenced by that event, far more smoother, and over-produced than any of her early work, and it suffers for it. But hey, it is far better than much of the dross out there, and lyrically at least she seems to have found her way again. Nowhere near as good as anything off of Little Earthquakes, though, so it’s probably best to seek that out first, and if you still crave more, ignore everything in the last decade and seek this out. Release Date: 19th November. Link: Fansite: http://thedent.com/
THE CHARLATAN’S – A MAN NEED TO BE TOLD
Yet more US influenced pop from the once slightly above average The Charlatans. And this time round, it sounds like they’ve been listening to Mercury Rev too much, as Burgess tries weakly to imitate Jonathan Donahue’s unique sound, but with a more lofi guitary sound to back it up. And it’s shit. But then you knew that anyway. Release Date:12th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.thecharlatans.net/
RYAN ADAMS – NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Okay, now I know this should be dealt with sensitively, but I can’t help but feel that this is just too exploitative. Just incase you werent aware, the WTC features prominently in the video, which was shot on September 7th, and Ryan has used this happy coincidence to mass promote a very, very average single. Exploitation’s not always a bad thing, but in this case when the end product’s so bland and tedious, I just have to object. Release Date: 19th November.
GARBAGE – ANDROGYNY
Garbage’s poppiest release yet, but for the first time the band’s sounding a little dated, and lyrically this is material covered in the past far too many times to list here. Only for the diehard fan, then. Release Date: 12th November. Link: Fansite: http://www.garbagewasteland.net/
LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY - I WISH I KNEW HOW IT WOULD FEEL TO BE FREE
Sounds like they’ve never been away – yup, it’s the same old funk/gospel feel with inane lyrics. Sure, it’s done well and everything, and no doubt appeals to those who don’t listen to lyrics and just enjoy the music, but for everyone else it’s all too monotonous. Release Date: 5th November. Link: Fansite: http://www.btinternet.com/~basedata/Lighthouse.Family/
SUM 41 – IN TOO DEEP
More semi-comedy punk that isnt anywhere near good as their previous release Fat Lip. Infact it’s a bit of a disappointment, and could have easily been released by any number of bands. Easy to ignore, thankfully. Link: Official Site: http://www.sum41.com/
THE WHITE STRIPES – HOTEL YORBA
Wow. We’re back in the fifties and this is rock and roll. Like an early, early Rolling Stones track, it’s hopelessly upbeat and jaunty, and kinda amusing. But not something I ever feel the need to listen too. Still the slowed down mid-section saves it from being just a curiosity, and it’s short enough not to get annoying, and whilst I’m not sure they deserve the mass acclaim heaped upon them by the press, this is interesting enough for now. But I wouldn’t recommend buying the album on the strength of this track unless you really, really truly love it. Release Date: 5th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.whitestripes.com/
THE STROKES – LAST NITE
The best track released so far from Is This It? And those gravelly vocals, witty lyrics and the back to basic’s guitar sound work so well that if this doesn’t make the top 10 that we’ll have the final proof needed that the charts are utterly, utterly meaningless these days. Release Date: 5th November. Link: Fansite: http://www.blackfly.co.uk/thestrokes/
BJORK – PAGAN POETRY
She used to scare me, that crazed Icelandic woman, and back in ’95 I purposefully/fearfully stayed away from the main stage at Reading where she was headlining. But over the year’s she’s slowly grown on me, as the music’s become more inventive and the vocals a little more restrained, and this latest album’s really impressed. And there’s something so utterly touching in the way she repeat’s ‘I love him’ that I can’t help but strongly recommend this. Ain’t it strange how things change? Release Date: 5th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.bjork.com/unity/
MUSE – FEELING GOOD / HYPER MUSIC
An organy opening and fragile but appealing vocals - yep, we’re in Muse land once again. And once again, after a soft opening, the guitars crash in etc, etc, etc. Still, this is much less excitable than usual, with a much more laid back feel to it, and it actually works quite well. I’m still not convinced there’s any need for the band to exist though. (AF)
Unlike Alex, I see every point for Muse to exist. Having bought the album "Origin of Symmetry", a lot of the tracks are growers, but "Feeling Good" grabs you straight away. From the somber opening, it launches into this rock explosion, which makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Catharsism at its most intensive. Brilliant, and just as good as the other A-side: Hyper Music. Part of the Rock Aristocracy and in their early twenties. (CA)
Release Date:11th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.muse-official.com/
EMBRACE – MAKE IT LAST
Hey, guess what – Embrace have released another single which is near on identical to their last. So it’s a big ballady number, with the usual nasal vocals and orchestral background noise. I used to like these boys a lot around the time of their first album, but they’ve steadfastly refused to evolve, and nothing they’ve done recently compares to those fantastic early singles. So fine, but all too familiar, and simply put, nothing that special. Release Date: 5th November. Link: Official Site: http://www.embrace.co.uk/index_html.cfm
BUSH – THE PEOPLE WE LOVE
In which Bush move away from those Nirvana comparisons, but descend in to a kind of U2/glam rock sound that seems utterly redundant and pointless. Still, they were never good, so this should hardly be a surprise. Release Date: 5th November. Link: Fansite: http://bubblesofbush.virtualave.net/
RADIOHEAD – I MIGHT BE WRONG
Well, Amnesiac is slowly growing on me, and this is certainly one of the more conventional sounding tracks on the album – though it’s still a little indulgent on the jazz wank side of things, it’s far better than anything on Kid A. But you have to wonder, where are they going to go from here? Release Date: 13th November. Link: Fansite: http://www.ateaseweb.com/
Craig Aston, Alex Finch.
Click here to read reviews of singles released between: September & October 2001.
Or here to read reviews of singles released between: May and August 2001.
Or here to read reviews of singles released between: January and April 2001.
Or here to read reviews of singles released between: June and December 2000.
FEEDER - JUST A DAY
THE STROKES - LAST NITE
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