ANDREW WK - SHE IS BEAUTIFUL
Why the hype? This is nu-metal Sslade, complete with na-na-na's and cheesy unimaginative lyrics like 'The girl is beautiful, she is beautiful.' Gee. How insightful. Mr WK also warbles on about 'his eyes melting when he saw her' too - but did they? Really? It sure doesn't look like they did in the video... Ahem, anyway, no, this is not good at all. Ignore. Release Date: 25th February. Official Site: http://www.andrewwk.com/
WILL YOUNG - ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE / EVERGREEN
Absolutely beautiful classic pop song by the new God of music. Oh, alright, that's obviously utter shite. It's exactly what you'd expect it to be - well, as long as you thought it'd be pleasant but completely derivative and something you won't want to listen to in two weeks time, let alone two years. Release Date: 25th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.wyoung.co.uk/
CAPITOL K - PILLOW
For those who treasure Autechre and Radiohead's more avant-garde side, this is heaven. Cooler, and warmer than those aforementioned acts, vocally it's a little Grandaddy/Flaming Lips and just, well, lovely. One of those infectious tunes that if you don't love on the first listen, you will do soon. Release Date: 25th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.capitolk.com/
TRAIN - SHE'S ON FIRE
Lauded all over town by Radio 2, and to be honest, I don't blame them. Following the success of "Drops Of Jupiter", which was a great track with a quirky melody, and some good and not-so good lyrics, the band move to this all-out rocker. Granted, it is the sort of Americana rock that has been done so many times before by bands like Hootie and the Blowfish, Ryan Adams, Counting Crows, and all of their predecessors. This comment also dispels Alex's theory (See Drops of Jupiter review) as I am only 23, but I know decent written radio friendly rock when I see it. Release Date: 18th Feb. Link: Official Site: http://www.trainline.com/
PRINCESS SUPERSTAR - BAD BABYSITTER
Truly un-hilarious attempt from this female rapper, who's clearly praying that one day she'll be known as the female Eminem, as she raps about masturbating on the couch and having sex in the shower whilst babysitting. Gosh. How rebellious. Etc. Clearly aimed at the dumbest of American's, it's just too embarrassing for words. Oh, and live she's even worse. Just ignore this people, ignore. Release Date: 18th Feb. Link: http://www.princesssuperstar.com/
IAN BROWN - WHISPERS
Paranoia-tastic revenge ditty in which Mr Ian complains about how 'she only wanted you to get her photo in a Sunday magazine'. Ah, the perils of stardom - do they love you for who you are, or for the fame attached? But, really, who gives a fuck? Release Date: 11th Feb. Link: Fansite: http://www.ianbrownonline.co.uk/
VEX RED - CAN'T SMILE
Lo-fi metal with a tiny slice of electronica. 'Muse on prozac' springs to mind, and whilst no means unpleasant, it's hardly that enticing. Release Date: 18th Feb. Link: Official Site: http://www.vexred.com/
ALANIS MORISETTE - HANDS CLEAN
Stream of concious-nonsense about getting in to a dodgy relationship and then not regretting it years later. And yes, just incase you're interested, it does sound exactly like all of her other releases. Is there any point in saying anything else? Release Date: 18th Feb. Link: Official Site: http://www.alanismorissette.com/
SNEAKER PIMPS - SICK
Ahhh! Gothy-dance music! Nowhere near as good as anything from the last album, this is still a definite improvement from the Kelly years, but still a disappointment. Release Date: 11th Feb. Link: Official Site: http://www.sneakerpimps.com/
BIFFY CLYRO - 57
Lo-fi nu-metal romance with a disappointingly traditionally indie chorus. And a bit like Travis around the time of their first album, before they got oh so whiney and, um, well, shit, really. Still, Biffy Clyro are fresh and feisty enough to be worth keeping an eye on for the time being. Release Date: 4th Feb. Link: Official Site: http://www.biffyclyro.com/
HALO - COLD LIGHT OF DAY
Boyband pop crossed with nu-metal anyone? Um, no, thought not, but that seems to be what Halo are trying to be. Moaning about not being in love with his girlfriend, and a monotonous life, this is whinging in the way only the middle class seem to do. Not good. Release Date: 4th Feb. Link: Official Site: http://www.halomusic.com/
ALIEN ANT FARM - MOVIES
Now I'm starting to get really fed up with this yank nu-metal lite shite, and this is just more of the same from the Ant-boys, as they whine about the end of a relationship and dispel wisdom such as 'I want you to be free, don't worry about me'. Who'd have thought hard rock could sound so limp? Release Date: 4th February. Link: Fansite: http://www.alienantfarm.org/
OFFSPRING - DEFY YOU
Cute ballad celebrating the beauty of puppies and kittens. Oh, alright, it's actually yet more anti-parent/society outpourings from yet another dumb rock band. Worst than the majority of this sort of thing, it almost descends in to Spinal Tap'sville with lyrics like 'You will never bring us down - We are the Night'. Hilariously awful, then. Link: Fansite: http://www.offspringpyro.homestead.com/home.html
GORILLAZ – TOMORROW COMES TODAY
Yet more cartoon pop which is slowly starting to annoy. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with this, just nothing particularly right, either. Presumably/hopefully the last single to be released from their debut album, lets just hope that the next builds on the initial promise shown. Because if it’s more of the same, people are going to lose interest fast. Release Date: 25th February. Link: Fansite: http://fans.gorillaz.com/
MARILYN MANSON – TAINTED LOVE
Grungy cover of a supposed eighties classic. And any credibility, which was admittedly shaky to begin with, Mr Manson might have had has now been lost. But who really cares? This pantomime rock will continue until the kids get better taste in music, and that’s pretty unlikely to happen. Release Date: 25th February. Link: Fansite: http://www.marilynmansononline.co.uk/
A – NOTHING SERIOUS
Angry angry angry US sounding punk nonsense from the once indie-esque Brit Band. And a bit of a disappointment really, as there’s hundreds of bands around at the moment (your Linkin Parks, Jimmy Eats Worlds, P.O.D.’s) doing this, and they just used to sound so much more fun. Release Date: February 18th. Link: Official Site: http://www.a-communication.com/
KYLIE – IT’S IN YOUR EYES
More bland-pop that shows how very weak Kylie is.vocally. And namechecking your last hit single is never a good idea, especially when this is so much worse. About Ms. Minogue lusting over some man, if you must know, rambling like a twelve year old ‘I want to make it with you’. Beyond tiresome. Release Date: 18th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.kylie.com/
THE HIVES – HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO
Nonsensical brilliance from 'Your New Favourite Band' the Hives. Punk drenched in the sixties. Basically: Cartoony, Kitsch, Raucous, Effective. Part of a compilation released on Alan Mcghee's Poptones label, "Hate to Say I told you" was originally released on the band's 3rd album, "Veni, Vidi, Vicious" and the compilation album provides a more than adequate snapshot of the bands first three albums. Destined to be the big thing of this year- Sell-out gigs, the works. Release Date: 11th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.hives.nu/
RICHARD HAWLEY – BABY YOU’RE MY LIGHT
Short, but oh so sweet mini-ballad from the sometime Pulp guitarist (and also ex-of Longpigs) Mr Richard Hawley. Subtle, endearing, and one of the most romantic songs I’ve ever heard, and perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day. Release Date: 4th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.richardhawley.co.uk/
THE WHITE STRIPES – FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL
Raw, rocky track which sounds like it was recorded in a tiny, tiny garage. Filled with passion, and certainly Jack White is one of indie’s odder stars of late, but this fails to really engage/involve on any level. Certainly not one of the better tracks on the album, it’s interesting, but nout more. Release Date: 18th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.whitestripes.com/
SPIRITUALIZED - DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN
More luscious sounding moaning from Jason Pierce that nicely builds and builds to a wigged out finale in the reasonably beautiful way that Pulp’s Sunrise does. Not essential, but quite close to being so. Release Date: 11th February. Link: Official Site: http://www.spiritualized.com/
OZZY OBOURNE – GETS ME THROUGH
Presumably he’s finally realised that metal’s popular again, & so the Ozzster has released a new single. And whilst it all sounds a little more modern than the majority of his repertoire, the lyrics are the usual nonsense, and it just doesn’t feel big or hard enough to compete with his younger peers. But the bit in the middle with Tommy Vance as a news reporter made me laugh so much, that I just have to recommend it. But only buy if you have money to waste. Release Date: 18th February Link: Official Site: http://www.ozzy.com/
JANUARY 2002
THE BETA BAND – SQUARES
Delayed from last year, after the Beta’s discovered that I Monster’s Daydream in Blue used the same sample. This works equally as well, but have to say that I prefer the other version. Though this is still cool, just not essential, that’s all. Release Date: 28th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.betaband.com/
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB - LOVE BURNS
Cool name. And a quite cool band. Yeah, it's only guitars and drums over an echo-y vocal, but there's something rather special about this lo-fi punk rock effort, and whilst nothing to get too excited about just yet, still worth seeking out. Release Date: 21st January. Link: Official Site: http://www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/
ED HARCOURT – APPLE OF MY EYE
Piano’s, wry lyrics and a hint of romance? Yes! It’s the new Divine Comedy! But without the whimsy and musical invention that made Neil Hannon’s band so special. And if he’s not careful, comparisons to U2 will abound, and no one wants that, surely? Still, just about interesting enough for now to vaguely recommend it. Release Date: 28th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.edharcourt.com/
JIMMY EATS WORLD – THE MIDDLE
Dumb upbeat rock with inane lyrics like ‘Everything will be alright’ repeated monotonously over and over again. But what if you get cancer? Hate your job and life? Will ‘everything be just fine’ then, eh? Eh? Release Date: 28th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.jimmyeatworld.net/
GARBAGE – CHERRY LIPS
Another great track from the Beautifulgarbage album, they may have lost the edge in their production, but the tracks androgyny and cherry lips are still rock solid enough to mainstain the level of success for the band. Release Date: 21st January. Link: Fansite: http://www.garbage.net/
HAVEN – SAY SOMETHING
Indie at it’s most tedious – crappy guitars, ‘passionate’ vocals, and that’s about it. Travis/Ocean Colour Scene-esque, but far less catchy, it’s worrying that they’re being touted as the next big thing. Release Date: 21st January. Link: Official Site: http://www.haven-online.com/
MULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY – WATCHING XANADU
A beautiful slice of indie-pop, and effortlessly the best release in what threatens to be a very bland January. The catchiest sound, touching lyrics, and a chorus that you cant help but sing along too, what more could you ask for? Hopefully the tune that will thrust the Mull boys in to the limelight, which they thoroughly deserve. Easily video of the month too. Release Date: 28th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.mullhistoricalsociety.com/
LO-FIDELITY ALLSTARS – SLEEPING FASTER
Techno-ish dance music but with a very Mancunian vocal. Not really worth listening to outside of clubland, but kind of perfect for one o’ clock in the morning and that fourth can of Red Bull. The kind of music that Shaun Ryder should be making these days. Release Date: 21st January. Link: Fansite: http://www.underworld.net/lofi/
BRITNEY SPEARS - OVERPROTECTED
More tiresome whinging from the pap princess, this time about not having control over her life and not knowing what to do in the future. Presumably aimed at the under 14's, all it made me want to do is scream "For Christ's sake woman, you're a multi-millionaire who can do anything you want. Shut the fuck up." Poor, even by her standards. Release Date: 14th January. Link: Fansite: http://www.britneyspears.org/
AALIYAH – MORE THAN A WOMAN
Nice soul-y pop music from the now dead popstar. But nothing that special. Supposedly released to honour her memory, this is presumably just a cash-in so that the record company can recoup some of it’s investment in the dear departed. Which adds a distinctly lurid taste to proceedings. Still, worth buying despite this, anyhow. Release Date: 7th January. Link: Fansite: http://www.aaliyahonline.com/
ELTON JOHN – THIS TRAIN DON’T STOP HERE ANYMORE
Yucky, huge, 70’s style ballad shit that’s not going to be of interest to anyone under the age of fifty. How I wish he’d retire – and if you feel the same, not buying this shite isn’t the only option – standing around in HMV all day and violently beating anyone who even considers purchasing this would be doing the world a favour.
Release Date: 7th January. Link: Fansite: http://members.aol.com/crazywater/CrazyMain.htm
INCUBUS – WISH YOU WERE HERE
More nu-metal lite, that unfortunately has nothing in common with the Pink Floyd song other than it’s title. A dirgy, painful effort, from a band who really don’t deserve the acclaim they receive. If the Stereophonics had been born in Texas rather than Wales, this is how they’d sound – yep, that bad. Release Date: 21st January. Link: Fansite: http://www.incubusonline.com/
ELBOW – ASLEEP IN THE BACK / COMING SECOND
A double A-side, consisting of a brand new track and one from the album, signposting the band running out of ideas. Coming Second reminds of Beetlebum, but without any of the originality shown in that Blur track, whilst Asleep in the Back is nice enough, but hardly anything special. Both have none of the power, or beauty, of the band’s earlier releases. A shame. Release Date: 28th January. Link: Fansite: http://www.powderblue.fsnet.co.uk/
SUPER FURRY ANIMALS – IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD
Ah this is much better, far more laid back than the last couple of singles, as the SFA put perspective in to the whole romantic/love thang with a chorus surrounding the idea that ‘at least it’s not the end of the world’. It’s taken a while, but now I’ve fallen for the band wholeheartedly. Need a band who make sense of the world? Then the Super Furries are for you. Release Date: 14th January. Link: Fansite: http://www.furrytalk.com/
THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS – STAR GUITAR
Mmmm. Nice mellow dance music from the boys who seem to be able to do anything genre wise. More Air-ish than anything previously released, and a good sign that the new album will live up to (already great) expectations. Release Date: 14th January. Link: Fansite: http://www.chemicalbrothers.net/
MERCURY REV – THE DARK IS RISING
Epic, beautiful song that you should play if anyone ever mocks you for listening to ‘indie’ music. The best track on the album, it’s so powerful and strong, and almost perfect, you have to wonder where they can go from here. Buy this, the album, and then everything they’ve ever done. And everything they’ll ever do. Release Date: 7th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.mercuryrev.com/
GEORGE HARRISON – MY SWEET LORD
Re-released as a tribute to the late Beatle, with all proceeds going to charity. This isn’t my favourite Harrison track (that would be Something), but it’s honest, touching and far superior to the majority of other solo Beatle efforts. Release Date: 14th January.
AFROMAN – CRAZY RAP
Now this isn’t so funny. Whilst Because I Got High amused for a couple of moments, this v. similar number sadly sees Afroman in a more misogynistic mode, rapping about all the ‘bitches’ he’s had sex with. Whilst stoned, obviously. Tiresome. And pretty pathetic really. Release Date: 7th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.afromanmusic.com/
OPM – EL CAPITAN
More skate punk fun, if you’re under the age of eight, of course, with nobody’s favourites, OPM . Lots of la la la la’s, a bit of sub-Eminem rapping, a snippet of shouting, and that’s it. About the joys of alcohol abuse alcohol, if you weren’t aware – but in noway insightful, interesting or even amusing. Release Date: 7th January. Link: Official Site: http://www.opmden.com/
Craig Aston, Alex Finch.
Click here to read reviews of singles released between: November & December 2001.
Or 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.
THE HIVES - HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO
MULL HISTORICAL SOCIETY - WATCHING XANADU
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