MOBY - WE ALL MADE OF STARS
Hmmm. A strange one this, part Eighties electropop, part nineties lo-fi, with simplistic, but not uninteresting lyrics. A bit Bent, a bit Grandaddy, even a bit R.E.M., I've never had time for Moby before, maybe because of the advert overkill, but this isnt bad, not bad at all. Release Date: 29th April. Link: Official Site: http://www.moby.com/
HOLLY VALENCE - KISS KISS
In which the ex-neighbour star tries to become the next Kylie via a dodgy Britney 'homage', ie. rip off. Will no doubt sell millions to the frustrated adolescent audience due to Ms. Valence appearing all but naked in the video (though special effects cover up her unmentionables). Not bad for a first effort, I guess. But I can't see her being around in 10 years time. Release Date: 29th April.
THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS - THE TEST
A collaboration with Richard Ashcroft, this is like a more dancier Verve song, but much, much better than this sounds. A real mix of genres, it even gets a bit psychedelic (ie wigged out and a bit crazy) at times, but still manages to make perfect sense. If only Mr Ashcroft's solo material was this good. Release Date: 22nd April. Link: Fansite: http://www.chemicalbrothers.net/
THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES - SISTER SURROUND
Like a duller, less inspired Grandaddy, this is slow-fi but too guitar-y and all a bit nothing-y. And it's not really worth saying anything more than that. Release Date: 22nd April. Link: Scary Foreign Site: http://user.tninet.se/~nqj041b/tsool/
DOVES - THERE GOES THE FEAR
Ambience was their forte last time around, and they've managed to continue that trend. This is not a commercial single by any stretch of the imagination, but it is brilliant. Buy it while you can. (CA)
Couldn't agree more - I've always had a soft spot for Doves, but never expected them to turn out something this special. Subtle, thoughtful, heartfelt, and, quite simply beautiful - and I'm not one to overuse that word by any means. Wake up on the fifteenth, and make sure the first thing you do (other than put clothes on & leave the house) is to buy this single. (AF)
Release Date: 15th April. Link: Official Site: http://www.doves.net/newsite/
IDLEWILD - YOU HELD THE WORLD IN YOUR ARMS
Much more polished this time from the scots'punk outfit. They have always produced good records, but this could very well be a notch above, as it promises much, and delivers in abundance. In a perfect world, this would be top ten. Release Date: 15th April. Link: Official Site: http://www.idlewild.co.uk/
OASIS - THE HINDU TIMES
I hate 'sitting on the fence' ambivalence. I loved the first two albums; played the second album to death, was bored by the time the third album appeared, liked the acoustic arrangements of the fourth album, but did not like the album itself. So when The Hindu Times was introduced as the new single, I thought, "Ominous title; predictably suggestive." To be honest, they have not surprised me. The Indian sounding riff only adds to comments about them ripping off the Beatles. But when they say, "If you're gonna steal, steal from the best", that doesn't apply to Stereophonics and "Same Size Feet". Sometimes the record plods along, sometimes it comes at you with an arrogant swagger. My ambivalent feelings to this record are unbelievable. "I should hate it, but I don't mind it, but I don't want to love it." Personally, I think that they won't recreate the same energy on the first album for tracks on the fifth album. (CA)
Another single which Noel will no doubt admit is utter crap in about three months time, after the new album bombs and the band (hopefully) split. Could easily have been written at the same time as the first album, bar the fact that its far more downbeat, and the lyrics (like 'and I get so high I just cant feel it' and 'you're my sunshine, you're my rain') are even worse than usual. All the proof needed that they're a one trick pony, and that trick is getting fucking tiresome now. (AF)
Release Date: 15th April. Link: Fansite: http://www.oa515.com/
THE STREETS - PUSH
White rapper who's more Roots Manuva or Mark B and Blade than Eminem. This no-frills blend of street diatribe mixed with ska samples is one of the few refreshing approaches to music I have heard in a long time. Deserves to do well. Release Date: April 15th. Link: Official Site: http://www.the-streets.co.uk/
PULP - BAD COVER VERSION
Originally due to be released last month, but delayed for unknown reasons, this is the second single from We Love Life, and whilst not immediately the catchiest track on it, this Band Aid style singalong featuring a whole raft of cover band frontmen is pure genius, and makes for one of the funniest videos we've seen in a long time. Pulp deserve more than top 30 hits - prove that nu-metal and manufactured pop don't rule the charts by buying this now. Please? You don't want to see us beg do you? Release Date: April 15th. Link: Official Site: http://www.pulponline.com/
THE CHARLATANS - YOU'RE SO PRETTY, WE'RE SO PRETTY
This time around Mr Burgess and co have clearly been listening to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers far too much, and a dash of the Rolling Stones too. So far away from being original that it's quite shocking really. It's not that this is in any way offensive - just terribly terribly derivative. Release Date: 8th April. Link: Official Site: http://www.thecharlatans.net/
1 GIANT LEAP - MY CULTURE
It's an interesting idea, and all, getting various musicians, authors, scientists and thinkers to express idea's about their place in our culture/society, but though the presence of Maxi Jazz is more than welcome, I'm not sure about that of Mr Williams. Robbie apparently asked to be involved in the project, presumably in hope of finally gaining some credibility. Which is to the detriment of the record. About the culmination of our ancestry, and the influences our parents have on us, it sounds fine, but I cant help feel it's a little…weak? Yeah, sadly so. Nice site though, and perhaps without Robbie's input, it'll be more credible/interesting next time round. Release Date: 8th April. Link: http://www.1giantleap.tv/
SHERYL CROW - SOAK UP THE SUN
You have to wonder if Ms Crow thinks pop-ing up her sound is going to get her more record sales; or maybe the mid-life crisis is under way? Whatever the reason, this is the worst single she has released, largely hit or miss since her eponymous record. Looking to change her sound; it has by no means paid off, as the song is dour and dull. Whatever happened to that quintessential rock chick who came across all glam on "If it makes you happy"? Release Date: 1st April. Link: Official Site: http://www.sherylcrow.com/
BRITNEY SPEARS - I'M NOT A GIRL, NOT YET A WOMAN
Blah blah blah you know the routine by now. Manufactured pop. Triumph of beauty over talent, intelligence or anything which makes music great. Will sell millions, get airplay that hundred's of bands desperately deserve, and make me feel queasy every time I hear it. Release Date: 1st April. Link: Fansite: http://www.britney-spears-portal.com/
P.O.D. - YOUTH OF THE NATION
More white rapping over a metally backdrop. One of the better nu-metal acts around (despite being fairly religious), but the chorus 'we are, we are, the youth
DOVES - THERE GOES THE FEAR
CORNERSHOP - LESSONS LEARNT FROM ROCKY I TO ROCKY III
THE CORAL - SKELETON KEY
Shouty Indie, but more sensical, and tuneful, than the more rockier side of the genre - a kind of mix of jazz psychedelia with a more punky edge, which occasionally sounds like they've been listening to Captain Beefheart too much. They're not quite 'the next big thing' yet, but they could soon be. Release Date: 1st April. Link: Official Site: http://www.thecoral.co.uk/
MARCH 2002
THE BLUETONES - AFTER HOURS
Jaunty, breezy and fun celebration of drinking past eleven thirty in the evening. God knows how The Bluetones have managed to survive since Britpop era, but I'm glad they have if this is the type of stuff they have planned for us in the future. Simplistic, but joyously so. Release Date: 25th March. Link: Official Site: http://www.bluetones.com/
DARREN HAYES - INSATIABLE
The new Michael Jackson, apparently. Apart from the fact he was white all along. Ex of Aussie band Savage Garden, this is ballad pop and it's most trivial. But the girls will lap it up, mainly due to his resemblance to Brad Pitt. But that's about the only reason why. Release Date: March 18th. Link: Fansite: http://www.unofficialdarrenhayes.com/
BADLY DRAWN BOY - SILENT SIGH
Reminds me of mid-nineties Romo-ster's Orlando, but only slightly. But this is no bad thing, as they were close to beautiful. It's refreshing to hear new material from Gough that's not taken the easy route of just rehashing a track from the first album, and vocal lessons seem to have been taken too, and bar Pissing in the Wind, it's BDB's best track yet. Release Date: 25th March. Link: Official Site: http://www.badlydrawnboy.co.uk/
GEORGE MICHAEL - FREEEK
Five years since the release of his more mature offering, "Older", Mr. Michael returns to the raunchy, unadulterated days of "Too Funky", and "I want your Sex", with controversial video a prerequisite. This is no "Jesus to A Child" or "Praying for Time", but in a market where the nicely spoken lad gets to number one due to his personality rather than the music, it is a refreshing welcome to see an unabashed star return with record that is pure sex, synthesised to the max, and pulls no punches. Release Date: 18th March. Link: Fansite: http://www.planetgeorge.org/
TRAVIS - FLOWERS IN THE WINDOW
About the joys of pregnancy, leaving a legacy behind & the whole business of having kids in general - which is about as diametrically opposed to my own beliefs as possible. But it's pleasant enough in the jangly kind of way that Travis seem to specialise in, and (baby lovin') fans won't be disappointed. (AF)
"Sing" should have never been the first release from "The Invisible band". "Side" was a more worthy opener, and Flowers in the Window is a nice follow-up. (CA)
Release Date: 18th March. Link: Official Site: http://www.travisonline.com/
GARETH GATES - UNCHAINED MELODY
The song that kept Pulp's Common People off of the top spot back in 1995 when Robson and Jerome covered it gets another outing, and despite the urge to hate it, fuck it, he really does look and sound like a real popstar. On the strength of this, which will be no.1, it seems Gareth will be with us for a long time yet. Of course that's not a good thing, but if the kids must waste their pocket money in such a way, I'd rather it be on Mr Gates than anything Geri, the Kitten or Westlife release. Release Date: March 18th. Link: Fansite: http://www.ggatesonline.co.uk/
SEAFOOD - WESTERN BATTLE
Another Manicsy, Suedey, rallying call for disillusioned indie kids, except that rather being trash or mishapes, this time we're wasters. So it's all a bit glammy, with a punkier side to it than the aforementioned bands, but, obviously, nowhere near as good as them. Release Date: 18th March.
LOSTPROPHETS - FAKE SOUND OF PROGRESS
Distinctive Nu-metal from the lads from Pontypridd. This is far from Nu-metal by numbers, and is one of the standout tracks from the album of the same name. However, it is more Americanised than Shinobi Vs Dragon Ninja, which lets it down only slightly. Release Date: 11th March. Link: Fansite: http://www.lostprophets.net/
More general strange indie from the Queen of oddness. 'Want to like her more than I do' syndrome hits again, as you cant help but admire what she's trying to do, but it just doesn't appeal that much. File under interesting, but never worth spending your pennies on. Release Date: 11th March. Link: Fansite: http://www.onlybjork.com/
IRON MAIDEN - RUN TO THE HILLS
Ah, how this brings back memories, of being sixteen, angry instead of jaded, and much jumping around every Tuesday and Friday at the local 'rock' pub. Iron Maiden are the closest metal has probably ever got to Spinal Tap-esque levels, but it's all for a good charity - all proceeds from the record go to Maiden's ex drummer who's suffering from MS. Release Date: 11th March. Link: Official Site: http://www.ironmaiden.com/
DEL AMITRI - JUST BEFORE YOU LEAVE
The Dels are back with a sound reminiscent of the velvety soul of 'Cry to be found'. I must admit, I have been guilty in the past for regarding Del Amitri as "The thinking man's Travis". This is frankly insulting to both bands, for which I apologise. The fact is, Justin's lyrics offer more insight than Fran's, and the music is less one-dimensional, but they both have their place in the music industry. Regarding this single, anyone expecting the crunchy riffs of "Always the last to Know" will be disappointed. Still, it is a great song from a top band. Release Date: March 25th, with subsequent album, "Can You do me good?" released sometime after. Link: Official Site: http://www.delamitri.co.uk/
STARSAILOR - POOR MISGUIDED FOOL
Piano's, guitars, pleasant verve-ish vocals, yep, Starsailor return with another track which sounds absolutely wonderful as long as you don't pay too much attention to the lyrical side of things, which once again are on the rather simplistic side. Which is a real shame, because I really want to like this band a lot. But, for the time being, they're just an interesting aside. Release Date: 18th March. Link: Fansite: http://starsailor.8k.com/
SUM 41 - MOTIVATION
Weren't they supposed to be a spoof band? Well, judging by this, unfortunately they're not anymore, and have descended in to Blink 182 and Green Day territory. And whilst that whole Californian punk thing was fun for a short while in the mid nineties, now it sounds all too tired and formulaic, as does this. Release Date: 18th March. Link: Fansite: http://www.sum41.org/
RYAN ADAMS - ANSWERING BELL
Taken from the former Whiskytown frontman's rejoiced album Gold. Just nicely constructed Americana Rock, but a bit more laid back than his previous releases 'New York, New York' and 'Firecracker'. Link: Official Site: http://www.ryan-adams.com/
SHAGGY & ALI G - ME JULIE
One long, tragic excuse to advertise Ali G in Da House. The trailer of which looks fine, but after hearing this I find myself suddenly far less optimistic. The smallest amount of effort's clearly gone in to it, as Ali and Shaggy mumble rap lyrics like "Woman, you turn me on with your big babylon's" over the most basic of beats I've yet heard. Depressingly poor. Release Date: 11th March.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN - TOXICITY
Less insane, and so less fun, shouty stuff from one of the few interesting nu-metal bands around. The sort of band you want to be far better than they probably ever will be, but certainly worth trying out if you like/love this kind of thing. Release Date: 11th March. Link: Official Site: http://www.systemofadown.com/
CORNERSHOP - LESSONS LEARNT FROM ROCKY I TO ROCKY III
Now I wasn't looking especially forward to this, as bar Brimful of Asha, nothing Cornershop has released has ever been that great. But this is. It's cool, upbeat stoned rock, with a frazzled 1970's Californian funk feel to it, and just pretty wonderful. Buy. Again and again. Release Date: March 4th. Link: Official Site: http://www.cornershop.com/
THE DANDY WARHOLS - GET OFF
The Warhol's follow up to their biggest hit yet, Bohemian Like You, and it's more effortlessly cool pop music, this time around with a bluesy bar feeling. Nice. Better than that even. Hmmm. Look's already like March is going to be a pretty decent month, releases wise. Which makes a pleasant change…Release Date: March 4th. Link: Official Site: http://www.dandywarhols.com/
GOMEZ - SHOT SHOT
It's got such a sleazy, bluesy beginning that for the first time Gomez inspired hope. But it only lasted until the lead singer began rambling inanely. Sure, it's a tad jazz-esque at times, and no way near as uninspired as the majority of alt music around at the moment, but it's still nothing that involving. At least its short though. But when that's the best thing you can say about a single, well…, it's not good, is it?Release Date: 4th March. Link: Official Site: http://www.gomez.co.uk/
NATALIE IMBRGLIA - WRONG IMPRESSION
The mini-Morisette continues her mission to get dropped by her record company by releasing yet another uninspiring and only vaguely pleasant whinge. Time for a return to Neighbours, before it gets any more embarrassing, methinks. Release Date: 4th March. Link: Fansite: http://www.nati.freeserve.co.uk/
FOO FIGHTERS – THE ONE
Taken from the Orange County Soundtrack, which stars Foos' buddy and Tenacious D frontman Jack Black. This is not the best offering ever from the boys, but is still decent enough for you to enjoy the track. Promises of a faster, harder sound have supposedly been left until the new album, as this is safe territory. Release Date:11th March. Link: Official Site: http://www.foofighters.com/
Craig Aston, Alex Finch.
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