2007 Albums
29-Jan-2007
Dan Sartain - Join Dan Sartain (One Little Indian)
You may remember when I reviewed Senor Sartain's single, "Replacement Man", that I told the story of his clandestine conception - the product of a mis-judged and right-timed love affair between Johnny Cash and an indulgent barmaid*. Well, it seems when young Dan grew up he and his mother moved to Mexico, where Dan found solace and a sexual education in the arms of a Mexican Mama who kindly found him work in the local cactus themed tequila bar. I say this, because there seems to be a distinct mariachi influence on a good few of the tracks of this album. While predominantly screaming Country hillbilly whisky soaked laments, there is a hint of Mexico border, wind-whistling eeriness. After a culturally enlightening trip to Cuba, I had hoped that Dan Sartain's "Besame Mucho" wouldn't be the same as the Cuban Traditional. It is. Although so far apart from the emotive Cuban songstress that I remember singing it. It seems quite incongruous with the out and out American feeling of some of his other songs and conjours up images of Sartain swapping his Stetson for a thorny rose betwixt his teeth and some white flared pantaloons. The stand out track for me has to be "Thought it Over" for its step away from the Country sound; it far outshines the two singles taken from the album and the other dreary self-deprecating indulgences that he probably calls lullabies. *This story is a complete fabrication, as for all Mexican references.
5/10 Emu Robot
29-Jan-2007
Roger Sanchez - Choice A Collection of Classics (Azuli)
Train spotters usually get bad press. So when it comes to tracing the origins, pathways, influences of dance music and/or house music this double CD provides you with the network details of unfamiliar and long forgotten junctions. In other words our musical journey begins with a variety of lounge funk, and breaks that you'd expect most old school hip hop heads to salivate over. In fact most of Disc 1 wouldn't seem out of place in a Giles Peterson or Norman Jay set. Then there's the odd sprinkling of early 80s electro & disco rhythms - rare, refreshing and worthy classics. Disc 1's variety makes for good listening. Tempo wise, it's an enjoyable soundtrack for an early evening soiree and is just as appealing as part of a Sunday afternoon chill out. Both discs are blended simply and unobtrusively by DJ/Producer/Remixer Roger Sanchez, one of house music's original key players with pedigree and still cutting it. Before we continue our journey on disc 2 we must first change platforms. Our intro is a reminder that although much has been pinched, sampled and remixed in house music there was once an original sound, idea, a beginning. Part two of our journey thus starts with early Chicago House. Legend has it that such intoxicating, hypnotic, distorted, deep dark rhythms emanated from the gay & underground clubs of Chicago. Nonetheless, the first few tracks came out when E was a new recreational pastime in the mid 80s. Track 1 has Jamie Principle adding camp drama with his heartfelt vocals over Frankie Knuckles anthem of repetitive beats. The beats and rhythms become deeper and minimal but still overlaid with male vocal as we head into the realm of Larry Heard. Although Robert Owens is credited with the huge 'Breaking Down the Walls' he was also part of Larry Heard's Fingers Inc. also responsible for the relatively rare 'Distant Planet' (currently £30 on EBay). Unlike disc 1 our journey stays with the less commercial sound of early US house (acid house even) with seminal offerings that even hailed the way for Techno. Finally, moving into the 90s and away from the vocals we're provided with the almighty 'Energy Flash' - dark, atmospherically haunting with a relentless, timeless bassline. Phew, our journey ends. As a collection it'll prove enlightening or reminiscent, maybe both either way it'll be worth the experience.
9/10 Fit Boy
29-Jan-2007
Huskey Rescue - Ghost is Not Real (Catskills)
Husky Rescues melancholy edged album is a fascinating piece of composition, full of twist and turns that you're not expecting to hear. ' Ghost is not real' has an addictiveness to it, you find yourself discovering new sections or sounds that you'd missed before. The balance of sound gives the whole album a comfortable feel to each song, even when it swings between Scandinavian ambient moments and then to really catchy indie-electro you never feel it's trying to be something it's not. Bandleader and composer Marko Nyberg explains that he's ' into making music that's comforting rather than distracting'. He has certainly managed to achieve that with this album. His use of dynamics allows each song to follow comfortably on, Husky Rescues range between the beautiful and the bold. The honest haunting lyrics of Reeta-Leena Korhola glide though the emotive soundscapes the band creates. There were moments in ' Ghost is not real' when I felt overwhelmed by some of the songs, particularly during the darker and more melancholy moments. This is also true of the heavier moments on the album; at times the impact of the song is similar to that of a classical piece with its use of broad dynamics, no wonder when composer Nybergs early influences were orchestral works. The song 'Nightless Night' being a fine example of his dynamic changes, the rocky pop song about simple country living dramatically shifts half way to a minor key opus. Anyone who has a diverse taste in music will find this album exciting to listen to. You feel like your hearing something that has been produced by people who are passionate about playing stirring music. Every moment will bring something new to you.
9/10 Willston
29-Jan-2007
John Digweed - Transitions vol.2 (Renaissance)
Having been one of the biggest DJ's on the dance scene for such a long time he should need no introduction. He has been producing tracks since the early nineties, working alongside Sasha and also with Nick Muir under the alias Bedrock. He has a weekly radio show called Transitions on kiss 100.Digweed has had numerous releases on Renaissance and this 14 track mix is the second volume in the Transitions series, in which he is able to compile a "snapshot"of his current set taking in the most up to date material. Much like the first volume, his mixing and programming skills seamlessly ease one tune into another and although he builds it up over 70 minutes starting with a minimal vibe which rises in tempo and dirtiness and ends up on more of a trance tip, it is not cutting edge, but the individual tracks are well produced, as you would expect on a label such as Renaissance with Digweed himself having his name beside 4 of them. He seems to be keeping the selection "in house" which adds to the lack of diversity but i don't think it will disappoint his of thousands of fans, I would just like to see a man of his calibre push the boundaries instead of playing it safe.
7.5/10 BF1
29-Jan-2007
Little Man Tate About what you know (Yellow Van Records)
So another week another hotly tipped British indie band. Sheffield quartet 'little man tate' launch into 2007 with their debut 'About what you know'. They've already got three top forty singles to their name, and played the festivals last year. Maybe five years ago this would be impressive but to be brutally honest in today's musical climate if you don't go top 10 straight away and sell out enormo-domes before you hit puberty then you are a bit of a commercial flop. The album is very much in the mould of the current crop of U.K indie bands short-sharp pop songs, over accentuated accents (Yorkshire in this case), observational tales of council estates, drink and A.S.B.O.'s and everyday life in general. To be fair 'Little Man Tate' seem to have as much talent as Milburn, the Artic Monkeys, and Jamie T etc. There is definitely a little more to this album than just another clone band. Firstly the album doesn't seem as rushed as other next big things have been, there are more than a few good songs here in fact the LP is rammed full of sing-a-long choruses and dance-floor fillers. Going more for the 70's punk and late eighties happy indie feel this is a strong collection of songs, with many possibilities for radio friendly singles. 'Sexy In Latin' is probably the band's most perfectly realized moment, opening with a catchy-as-the-flu guitar riff, it steams through a glorious three minutes like a cleaned up Dirty Pretty Things, enhanced by some lovely lyrics about childhood sweethearts who have grown apart, and the sing-a-long chorus will be a winner this summer I'm sure. There is another side to Little Man Tate that their image doesn't portray and it can be heard in the wistful lyrics of tracks like 'European Lover' and the excellent 'This Must Be Love', with words that recall some of the best storytellers in British pop like Morrissey, Cocker etc. The Album does have some flaws however, as it goes on it does get a little repetitive and some songs do let the album down like the annoying and contrived '3 day rule' and 'who invented these lists?' should have been a B-side (if bands did B-sides anymore). It's interesting and shows a real confidence in their abilities and longevity that they've resisted the temptation to include their early singles 'The Agent' and 'What What You Got' meaning that the album is a short sharp 33 minutes and therefore doesn't overstay its welcome. Indie is the new black and expect Little Man Tate to be regular fixtures on the cat-walk this year.
6.5/10 Beatniks
29-Jan-2007
Kirsten Hersh - Learn to Sing like a Star (4ad)
An album named after a piece of junk mail for the woman who predated the Pixies, signing to 4ad, and whose output since the first Throwing Muses album has remained at the very highest end of the quality control spectrum. Frank Black please note. Whether she was recording Appalachian folk songs or swearing like a trooper with the criminally undervalued 50 Foot Wave, Kirsten has always been great value to those with taste and Learn To Sing was never going to disappoint.Every sound is twisted altered and warped slightly making a melting pot of tuneful exuberance. Lead track and single In Shock knocks you side ways from it's opening bars but it's when you get to the stark folke-sque Vertigo you find the heart of a marvelous album, taut, dark and slightly threatening it's possibly the best thing I'll hear all year and up there with her classic Your Ghost. Intriguing, beautiful and enchanting all at once. It's a pleasure to have Kirsten back and you owe it to yourself to give her space in your collection.
8.5/10 David Gray
29-Jan-2007
Louise Setara Still Waters (Manhattan / Blue Note / Parlaphone)
I read a funny quote from Blues and Soul magazine about this girl...'She possesses a maturity and assuredness to her voice that bellies her youth'...now, what I'm sure was probably a typo, has actually led my mind a merry dance that sees young Louise being squashed, nay squelched by the all-encompassing bellies of more heavyweight artists of her ilk. While her music remains inoffensive and at times, relatively soulful, she plays safe with the content and structure of all of the songs on her debut. You know when a films finishes and the strong, punchy and fitting soundtrack falters when the credits are rolling by using below par, non-committal schmalz that only serve to muffle the sounds of people disposing of their pick 'n' mix packets as you shuffle out of the cinema....well, that's what Setara's music was made for. There is something Irish rootsy about her voice and she'd probably have done better finding a music style that suited it, rather than trying to tap into the predominantly American pop-soul market. I wouldn't be surprised if Louise had a 5 year plan, as she clearly has big ideas at the moment - to give her album more punch, she's teamed up with Ladysmith Black Mambazo on one of the tracks. My my, with her theme tune adaptability and the Baked Beans Brigade behind her, she'll make heavyweight yet.
4/10 Emu Robot
29-Jan-2007
The Earlies - The Enemy Chorus (Names/679/Warners)
The Earlies follow their critically adored 2004 debut These Were The Earlies, with the release of their second album, The Enemy Chorus. The Earlies have been compared to Mercury Rev, Beck, Polyphonic Spree, Flaming Lips, Spiritualized and Sigur Ros. Their sound is a real mish mash of voices, instruments and effects and it's not very easily defined. Personally, I find it all a little too chaotic. There are a few redeeming tracks that I could grasp on to, such as The Ground We Walk On, which is far more simplistic and melodic. I want to tell these guys from Texas and Burnley, that less is sometimes more. As is the case with their ploy to make as much cash from this release as possible. The Earlies are releasing a 10' single featuring two tracks from the album every two months until every track has been issued as a single. And the final single, release planned for July 2007, will be packaged with a special box set in which fans can collate all five 10' singles. These folk obviously believe in milking their work for all it's worth. Stick to Sigur Ros I'd say, their work has more integrity and, surprisingly, far more direction.
5/10 Bella
22-Jan-2007
Freemasons - Shakedown (Loaded)
If you enjoy listening to Kiss 100 then you'll love this double CD of funky housey doings. There's most of their best remixes opening with Beyonce's Déjà vu followed by standout revamps such as Faith Evans 'Mesmerised' through to a inspired reworking of 808 states 'Pacific' State. Considering the duo have only been going two years they've managed to become a sought after remix and production team. The hits 'Rain Down Love' and the HUGE anthem that is 'Love on My Mind' also feature on this instant get the party started soundtrack to accompany your chocolate fountain, alcohol fuelled jollity. Unfortunately, the warm, fluffy, uplifting vibe slowly wears thin midway through CD 2. The seamless mixing is adequate with its simple, paint by numbers efficiency, while the production is not too dissimilar to much of the Ministry of Sound releases making it commercially viable for daytime radio play. Even so, it'll make you smile. Just a shame it's needlessly padded out with the weaker tracks that fill most of CD 2. However, if you embrace your commercial, funky disco house or 'Dance' music in all its sugar coated guises then add to shopping cart today! Overall, a lot of fun - sweet tooth required.
7/10 Fit Boy
22-Jan-2007
The Good The Bad And The Queen - Herculean (Honest Jon's/Parlophone)
Lighting up a gloomy January afternoon, with a sound and life echoing like the winds through our great cities, it is said to be Damon's finest hour. The Good The Bad And The Queen began back in 2004 but was set aside for another project - Gorillaz - Demon Days. Now feeling ready, Damon Albarn alongside a stunning collective of musicians, Tony Allen, the Clash's Paul Simonon and Simon Tong, release their debut album. Taking a complete u-turn and escaping the modern, upbeat, new sound, cloak and dagger persona created by the Gorillaz, this project sees him taking centre stage. Realising Damon's voice is fabulously recognisable and much more than Blur ever made it, this, to me is Damon's time to shine. The music is delicate with modern electronic, ska and reggae undertones, his lyrics float beautifully in and out of the quiet and the heavy elements of the songs. The album has a wonderful relaxed feel about it, as though it all came together with ease, and in turn projects those feelings upon the listener. Interesting and captivating from beginning to end, Herculean by name and by nature. The album feels personal and a lot closer to home than his previous work. Damon seems to have acquired the Midas touch.
10/10 Abi Kahs
22-Jan-2007
Jamie T - Panic Prevention (Pacemaker Recordings/Virgin)
Armed with an acoustic bass guitar Jamie T stomps on the scene filling so many gaps in the market with this - his debut album Panic Prevention. It began in the backrooms of pubs in Soho and Twickenham with his solo acoustic showcase he voiced his take on growing up in Britain in the 90's. Taking influences from The Clash, Tom Waites, Rancid and The Specials, together with the drum 'n' bass and garage he grew up with. A few years later a 20 year old Jamie has emerged with a sound and attitude at just the right time. The album was mainly written and recorded in Jamie's bedroom and the result is an energetic, scruffy, raw, edgy sound, an eclectic mix of the sporadic and inconsistent, glued together with engaging lyrics spilling over the edges at times. Chaotic tales of nights out, a realistic take on life in London, booze infused and drug induced. Completely in tune with the way in which the industry is going yet so far ahead of them all.
10/10 Talloola
22-Jan-2007
The Cooper Temple Clause Make This Your Own (Sequel)
Make This Your Own' is the long awaited comeback album from late 90's electro rockers, The Cooper Temple Clause. The first single from the album, 'Homo Sapiens' hit the top 40 on its release, so I was intrigued to listen to the new album in full. On hearing the first track I was surprised to heed a sound akin to The Raconteurs, as the opening song, 'Damage', is a funky harmless indie pop hit. However, some of the tunes drift into emo-rock territory, others hit a punk chord and tracks such as 'Take Comfort' are tiptoeing on the edge folk/country. This album is a real mish mash of genres, partly prompted by TCTC's use of three very different vocalists, band members Ben, Dan and Tom. The only difficulty with listening to such a diverse album is; when is an appropriate time to listen to it? Some of the tracks make you want to dance, some make you want to cry, some make you want to punch the nearest wall and others are perfect for a Sunday afternoon and a paper. So in conclusion, it is all over the shop! This album will appeal to those of you that like a wide variety of music, as it really is an interesting selection. Yet, I'm unsure of whether TCTC fans will see that this album was worth the long three year wait?!
7/10 Bella
22-Jan-2007
The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America (Vagrant)
Formed in New York in 2000, The Hold Steady releases their new LP Boys and Girls in America. Following on from the low key but critically acclaimed 2nd album the band try to capture the sound of classic American rock bands like the Replacements and the Grifters. The first track immediately sounds like something from classic 80's Springsteen with piano and stadium riffage. Vocalist Craig Finn sings "There are nights when I think Sal Paradise was right/'Boys and Girls in America have such a sad time together....'" a reference to Jack Kerouac's novel 'On the Road' Finn is definitely a storyteller at heart spilling out all kinds of encounters and thoughts at every opportunity, most often he uses the first person narrative "a damn good kisser and she wasn't that strict of a Christian/She was a real good dancer but she wasn't much of a girlfriend." This first cut sets up the LP for the, catchiest, and most focused collection of songs by the Brooklyn quintet to date. Second track "Chips Ahoy," is even more of an anthem, with a Hammond organ under that wall of guitars and rolling bassline, It's even got a whoa-oh-oh oh- ohoho chorus! On 'Hot Soft Light' the band turn "Boys Are Back in Town" inside out riff-wise and Finn even tries to sound like Phil Lynott, offering up a tale of mall rats, suburban kids, drinking, and drug taking. It seems ex punk/emo label Vagrant are moving into waters new first the superb Lemonheads album, and now they have another winner on their hands and its not all stadium rock n roll, there are ballads on this album too. "First Night," is laden with piano and an acoustic guitar, and in "You Can Make Him Like You,' there is real melancholy with a delicate wall of sound atmosphere coupled again with Finn's tales of addiction and betrayal. "Massive Nights," is classic 70's rock complete with rolling bass and hedonistic lyrics of drunken debauchery. "Chillout Tent' is a bit over ambitious and doesn't really work, but somehow its o.k. to fail. The reason this record is worth owning is because it's an honest to God heart on sleeve rock & roll album, so maybe it's a bit Dawson's Creek in places but that's what guilty pleasures are all about. If you are a fan a storytellers and you dig the tradition of American rock and roll and maybe you haven't moved on since the Counting Crows and Soul Asylum, or maybe you just want something different to the emo and indie infested airwaves well this could be for you.
7/10 Beatniks
22-Jan-2007
Pitbull - El Mariel (TVT records)
Born to Cuban immigrants, Pitbull was raised by his single mother on the mean streets of Miami and interestingly appears in the new Scarface video game as one of Tony Montana's henchmen. Like many of today's Rap stars, Pitbull's Scarface fantasies and personality similarities make up the bulk of his lyrical material, he even mentions "..watching Scarface and dreaming of becoming Tony" on Come See Me and "...used to watch coke turn to crack and that's why I turned to rap" on Blood Is Thicker Than Water. So, in terms of content, Pitbull ain't saying nothing new but what does set him from the pack is his Latin roots and bi-lingual vocal ability. The album is littered with Latin references like the Spanish styled trumpet or accordion riff on Jealouso, the use of Latin percussion on many of the tracks and Pitball's own switch to Spanish for occasional verses particularly on Dime. Musically the album is varied with Crunk tracks, heavy Timbaland-esque club tracks and one or two reflective, downtempo tracks and overall has a strong Reggaeton flavour, none of this surprising when you find out he has collaborated with the likes of Daddy Yankee, Lil Jon, Ying Yang Twins and Twista. Wyclef Jean appears on the dancefloor number Jungle Fever and the album's only recognisable sample comes in the form of the raucous guitar riff from the B52's Rock Lobster on Hey You Girl. Overall this is a competent effort with enough variety to keep the listener interested and, although not exactly to my personal taste, will sound perfectly ok pumping out of your Hummer when you're cruising the strip...
6.5/10 Ross C
22-Jan-2007
The Beginners Guide... to Buddha Lounge (Nascente)
This collection is the sixth instalment of the Lounge title series following on from Brazilian, Asian, Afro, World & Arabian Lounge. It's easy to figure out how this is going to sound from the title, and cue my first listen, I'm not surprised by what I hear. It's a great time of year to release such a collection, because this 3 disc set (compiled by the Shisha Sound System) acts as wicked winter warmer. Based around the internationally established 'Buddha Bar' compilations, each disc covers and celebrates a different genre in multi-cultural fused dance and chill-out. From dub to calm, and even a little d'n'b base slapped carefully together with Parisian 50's Lounge, Bangra, Africian Dub, to name but a few genre's. It's all on here and at times highly enchanting. There are some great tracks on this collection, which seems to have been mixed to cater for everyone, as the three disc's are set for three moods. Buddha Chill, Buddha Bar & Buddha Club combine forces to wash away the January blues. So is it worth the money or not? I think so, if only for the argument that Paul Murphy's 'Seven Samurai' creates. Sit down with a friend, put it on, and ask each other if the horn section in the middle of the track is a tribute to the Crimewatch UK theme music? Apart from the quality of the music offered here, the real clincher for me was variety of instruments ever present, which confidently cover a spectrum of cultures throughout.
7/10 M Buttons
08-Jan-2007
Hed Kandi - Hed Kandi presents Nu Cool
For the hardcore Hed Kandi fans out there, this is one that'll make the post xmas blues and all those left over turkey sandwiches a little easier to digest. This is one for those of you cool, calm, collected cats out there, with a sprinkling of that famous kandi coating. Comprising of two cd's, the first takes you through soulful house, and funky vocal downtempo, chilled yet frothing with energy. Kicking off with Bugz in the Attic's reworked 80s soul-disco classic 'Don't Stop The Music', a few contagious bass riffs and sexy diva vocals later, finishing you off with the highly addictive Cicada's 'Electric Blue'. Cd two is a stark contrast yet aids its predecessor perfectly. Opening with Jose Gonzalez's beautiful 'Heartbeats', slipping into something a little more comfortable along the way we are enticed into some hip-hop, and even the queen of cool Shirley Bassey alongside Kenny Dope with the fabulous 'light My Fire'. This album, is laidback, stylish and shows the sassier side of Hed Kandi. Simply fabulous darling!
8/10 Taloola
26-Feb-2007
Malcolm Middleton - A Brighter Beat (Full Time Hobby)
You may have heard of Malcolm Middleton due to his being one former half of celebrated Scottish miserablists Arab Strap. A Brighter beat is Middleton's third solo offering, flawlessly combining characteristically depressing lyrics with some up-beat, uplifting and unmistakably positive sounding tunes. A bit of a contradiction I know, but its true, and it works- this is uplifting music for sad people, or as Middleton himself describes it 'a pop album for people who hate pop music'. I would imagine that most people would describe this album as straightforward indie-rock, but there's also some definite folk and country influences in there, as well as some beautiful string and piano arrangements. Sometimes melodic and atmospheric, sometimes harrowing, dramatic and angry- Middleton is a fantastic songwriter. The lyrics throughout give the impression of a confused, lonely drunkard and hopeless romantic, but always totally genuine, with an appropriately honest voice to go with. He's also an excellent guitarist, with a style reminiscent of such legends as Bert Jansch and Nick Drake. Although this isn't the type of music I'd usually listen to, I'm thoroughly enjoying this album, and finding it hard to fault. There is nothing particularly clever, technical or massively original going on here, he's just a very talented songwriter, backed by an excellent band, who's created a potentially classic album.
8/10 Lorax
26-Feb-2007
IV Thieves - If We Can't Escape (One Little Indian)
Formally Nic Armstrong and then Nic Armstrong and the Thieves, now IV Thieves, there's four of them btw, but whats in a name?Not a lot really as the progression towards Raconteursville carry's on it's merry way.Traditional rock music drenched in sixtydellia with a twisted naughties take in lyrical wordplay that the Wellerist will love. Not pulling up any stones in the innovative stakes but there's a million Oasis fans who take a chance to give this album a go will cherish it from the first cord. So if they're brave enough to try something by a newish artist they'll not be disappointed. Real music with a touch of soul. Not bad at all, just not that exciting, but to be fair there are a few who will disagree.
6.5/10 David Gray
26-Feb-2007
Fantasia - Fantasia (Sony BMG)
Fantasia is virtually unknown in the UK, but the 22 year old, North Carolina-born songstress is a big star Stateside after winning the third season of American Idol, and has already released one highly acclaimed album. This second album is a colourful collage of love, sex and relationships put together by a powerful, determined woman who claims R&B/Hip Hop heavyweight Missy Elliott as a co-writer and, among others, sometime Eminem producer, Swizz Beatz as music-maker. She has a startling vocal ability, able to fiercely belt out lyrics with the same aggression and force as Kelis or Amerie, particularly on tracks 'Baby Makin Hips' and 'Not The Way I Do', the latter of which has a tasty hollow bass thud and nice Electro touches. 'I'm Not That Type' is reminiscent of Ciara's work, with its distorted kick drum and sparse Crunk elements and 'Surround U' has a Maceo And The Macks sample and Fantasia's voice riding the riddim in fine form. First single, and probably the album's strongest track, 'Hood Boy', featuring Outkast's Big Boi, is here with its incredibly funky Supreme's-sampled beat and catchy chorus . There are a couple of ballads too, most notably the Mariah Carey/Mary J Blige-esque 'Bump What Ya Friends Say', which finishes the album off, but its when Fantasia really lets rip that her true talent shines through. I'd like to hear more.
7.5/10 Ross C
26-Feb-2007
Modular Presents Leave Them All Behind 2 (Modular Records)
This is the second in the series which proves indie punk music can be re-mixed to perfection for some seedy dance floor action. After the success of Modular presents...part one, which featured a variety of acts as diverse as The Killers, Mylo, Bloc Party, Soul Wax & The Long Blondes, part two certainly had some standards to adhere. Opening up with Brazilian temptresses CSS and then moving on with varying re-mixes of tracks by Klaxons, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Hot Chip and even offerings from on-form rockers Wolfmother. The eclecticism spreads far and wide on this compilation which isn't that surprising when you look at some of the names on re-mixing duty. Peaches, Erol Alkan & MSTRKRFT all play a role. It's hard to sum the sounds on show, but a vague attempt would be to cross some angst ridden guitars with Daft Punk and Human League. Later, the mixes seem to gain strong influences of early techno, which stays in key with the 80's theme which is apparent throughout the collection. So if that sounds like your thing then you know what to do. If you are a music lover, there's some collectables on here, but be warned it's not an easy ride.
7/10 B Funk
26-Feb-2007
MSTRKRFT - The Looks (Modular)
After already having heard MSTRKRFT's ridiculously good reworkings of several songs, including Bloc Party's 'Two More Years' and 'Luno' and more recently, All Saint's 'Rock Steady', I was keen to hear what the Canadian duo could do with their own music. With the remixes, they already have the ingredients for a good tune, and in some cases, these ingredients are Taste the Difference as they're such killer tracks to start with. On first play of MSTRKRFT's album, I was surprised by the synth-disco prevalence throughout it. For a duo that bring something so rejuvenated when they remix a track, there is a real 'early 80s music video' feel to their own tracks. This is no bad thing, I was just surprised that they had given themselves this sugary sweet treatment. With strong bass lines and some nifty work on the casio drum machine, they have created a formula that's hard not to move to (indeed, I was drinking a glass of wine when I was listening to it and my unstoppable urge to move caused me to give myself a red tidal wave of wine over my top lip - I looked like I'd had an ecstasy induced chew of my own mouth). The songs are light hearted enough to not be pretentious, over sized sunglass wearing electro duds, but actually remind me of Grand Popo Football Club in their upbeat mixes and humour. Not out of place on a seedy look at the underworld life of the smack habit teens of today (think channel 4's 'Skins'), MSTRKRFT's new album fits right in with what we're down with at he moment. And that my friend, is sleeeeeeaze.
8/10 Emu Robot
26-Feb-2007
Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position (Loog)
Patrick Wolf is a funny chap, with a bright orange mop of hair, he sounds like an amalgam of Tony Hadley, Guillemots and Acoustic Ladyland, with the theatricality of Anthony and the Johnsons. At only 23, Wolf's sound is extremely dark and rich and definitely more mature than his years. He is an extremely accomplished musician, able to play guitar, piano, violin, harp, theremin and ukulele. This musicianship is evident throughout the album and it is only this musicianship that kept me listening to this obscure young man. I like to hear a talented instrumentalist, even if I do find his overall sound relatively absurd. There are a couple of curious collaborations on the album involving Edward Larrikin (of Larrikin Love) and Marianne Faithfull, in which she talks about a boy crawling through her bracken (hmmmmm?!). It's all a bit peculiar and I think that Patrick Wolf would be quite happy with being described as so. He has been compared to Kate Bush, yet I find her far more accessible. Wolf is quite evidently musically talented, but this album goes well over my head.
4/10 Bella
19-Feb-2007
Omarion - 21 (RCA)
By the time it has been released in this country, R&B superstar Omarion's second album '21' is already number one in the US Billboard Top Album and Top R&B Album charts, making him one of a select group of artists to achieve back-to-back debuts on both charts with two consecutive albums. This ex-B2K member is big time, up there with the Usher's and Timberlake's of this world. It is hard to avoid comparisons with the Trousersnake, especially given the involvement of JT's producer, Timbaland, on this LP. Tracks like 'Obsession' about a crush on a young lady, and 'Beg For It', which is self-explanatory, smack of JT's style with that semi-sleazy feel and pace. 'Midnight' is a raunchy sex tale with some great production, 'Just Can't Let You Go' is a large, uptempo number with uplifting synth n strings and tumbling drums, and there are some nice jazzy touches on 'What Are We Doing', a song about crossing the line between friendship and romance. The occasional hint of irritating nasal whining is evident, as with most male R&B albums, but overall this is a slightly more intelligent and credible class of R&B which will satisfy the connouesseur as well as the devoted teeny-bopper.. Massive singles 'Entourage' and 'Icebox' are included
7.5/10 Ross C
19-Feb-2007
Mistical - The Eleventh Hour (Soul:R Records)
Mistical are the combined talents of Marcus Intalex, ST Files and Calibre. The result is a fluid, rolling beat-fest with a clear nod towards the logical progression sound of drum and bass. None of these artists are new to the scene and with a combined age of 100 its surprising to know that this is a debut album for Mr Intalex and Mr Files who have had many a release both individually and also working together, under the name Mist. Calibre has an impressive track listing too, dating back nearly 10 years. For the albums title track and a killer intro, the trio are joined by MC DRS, who you may know as one half of broken English. He sums up the trios frustrations as to what they see happening to Drum and Bass, in their view losing its integrity at an astounding rate. "The same old structure that we've heard before....the same old samples now your out the door...the same old bullshit drives me up the wall...." Its a a statement which shows these boys are passionate about what they do, and who strive not to replicate the sounds regurgitated on many a dancefloor, and this is evident as the album goes on. Its all very soulful, and easy on the ears as you would expect from the Soul:R studio, but there is still a good dose of heavy breaks and plenty of deep bass to satisfy the masses who prefer their beats on the hard side. There is not a bad track on the album and its good to see these reluctant stars still out there fighting the corner for drum and bass with thought and soul.
8/10 BF1
12-Feb-2007
Pop Levi - The Return To Form: Black Magick Party (Counter Records)
Pop Levi describes his sound as 'future pop', which I would definitely consider appropriate- the overall style is rooted in classic rock and pop, but with a very futuristic, modern and original feel. It's infectious and catchy, but with a dirty, grungey rawness that prevents over-cheesiness. There is also some classic heavy rock riffage, and filthy grooves that Led Zeppelin would be proud of thrown into the equation. The influences are very diverse- 'Crying Chic' reminded me very much of Beck, with that kind of electro-blues vibe; 'Skip Ghetto' is a whimsical, psychedelic chill out tune; 'See My Lord' nods towards avant garde jazz; whereas 'Hades Lady' sounds like electric Dylan at its finest. What I really like about this album is its diversity, energy and spontaneity. However, the one thing that puts me off is his voice- I can't quite put my finger on what I don't like about it, but it's just not my cup of tea. Having said that, I know a lot of people who will love this album, and hats off to the man- this is definitely no empty commercial adventure. Pop Levi definitely has the style and the skills to go far.
7/10 Lorax
12-Feb-2007
The Little Ones - Sing Song (EMI)
I wasn't sure what to think of The Little Ones at first. If I'm honest my first thought was "McFly", not really what I want to be listening to. Luckily this album is far from that sort of pop dribble. Sing Song is a cheerful sounding west-coast, guitar, indie-pop, album...kind of. Throughout the record you hear snippets of all sorts of influences yet at no time sound like they're trying to be anyone else but themselves. I feel that a lot of the enjoyableness of the Little Ones comes from what they call "Uncle Lee's Rule of Feet, if a song makes us move our feet -literally- then it was good." When listening to Sing Song you realise they've adopted this philosophy on every track and whether you like what they're doing or not you can't help but move your limbs along with their catchy chorus'.This American Five piece should definitely not be underestimated; their addictive sound is sure to grab your attention. They're little Ones, but big sound.
8/10 Willston
12-Feb-2007
Hed Kandi Presents Twisted Disco (Hed Kandi)
Electro is back, and bigger than ever, but don't be whipping your Adam Ant costume out just yet, it's evolved for the 21st century, and has taken a different route. No longer thwart with bad dance routines and Toya Wilcox, electro has been revived and given a 2007 makeover, but not too extreme, why fix it if it aint broke right. Not just electro, but disco too, with groups like Scissor Sisters (you can see where I'm going with this) storming the charts with their almost Bee Gee's on speed sound, who could resist brining the two together... Hed Kandi. Once again, taking tracks that are, lets face it, already pretty good, and work, they remix them, jumble them about a bit and say 'Hey, check this album out, because we're sure you haven't heard any of this before'. Unfortunately in this case, I preferred the tracks the way they were, I'm all up for experimenting, variety is the spice of life and all that but come on, we're the general public, the punters, the sexy people in the clubs, dancing to the beat more than the song just to keep going past 3am, we can't be fooled again you naughty little Kandi monkeys.
3/10 Taloola
12-Feb-2007
The Bees - Octopus (Virgin)
Upon listening to this unique album I felt instantly transported to a time of simplicity, with bluesy, folk choruses, and the kind of strumming that'd make your fingers bleed. Yes, I I had entered into a Coen Brothers moveAll at once the mood changed and I realised I wasn't listening to a band trying to bring folk back, calling it nu wave folk or what ever the hell The Culture Show said last week but something quite different. For starters I was now listening to music laced with funk, soul, motown, dub, and jazz, floating through beautifully sung harmonies, saxophonist work so funky and keyboard taps so flowery, for a brief moment I was at my very own little alternative jazzy Woodstock. The Mama's and Papa's, Four Tops and the Beatles all rolled up into one little super ball of freshness for the 21st century. This album was recorded in their very own little Abbey Road, The Steamrooms, it got the name from looking like a hill top Scandinavian Sauna, but better than that as they built it themselves. Only then did they feel ready to lay down the lose sounding tracks that form Octopus, in their own time, on their terms. The authenticity only heightened when they filled it with vintage instruments, amps, recording equipment and an early 1960s mixing desk from a Swedish radio station, ebay became extremely useful. This is the Isle Of White based six-piece's third album, yet the first to be recorded in The Steamrooms. Octopus describes the album perfectly; an eclectic mix of individuals, genres, music and people, all moving in their own way and at their own speed, interesting on their own, but so much more collectively.
10/10 Abi Kahs
12-Feb-2007
The Hours - Narcissus Road (A&M)
Described by the NME as wet, and note this from the same publication (Heat with music) that falls over itself to praise Coldplay when Chris Martin and co., have something new out, so I think it's safe to cry double standards at this point. But I won't because this is so much more than what they lead you to believe. From the moment you lay your eyes on the Damien Hirst cover 'Narcissus Road', it oozes class, Ant Green and Martin Slattery have captured a moment in time on the 11 tracks contained within. Whether they rock out, on 'Love You More Than', or wrench at the heart strings on 'Dive In', there's a nouse that's unsurpassed on anything of it's ilk, that I've heard over the last few years. So that's a big affirmative to Keane or even that nice Mr Martin and his mates. Your numbers up, time to come in. The singles 'Ali In The Jungle' and 'Back When You Were Good' are on here but there's 9 other tracks that stand as tall and proud alongside them, they are all reasons you should own this album
8.5/10 David Gray
12-Feb-2007
Lady Sovereign - Public Warning (Island)
After hearing the first few tracks of this album it's easy to see why Lady Sovereign is signed to Island. A big company that will pump tens of thousands of pounds into an band or artiste, knowing the act will in time make them millions due to its 'cut above the rest' factor. This album is instantly catchy with more than a handful of potential hit singles on it. It's as simple as that. Although difficult to categorize there's elements of Hip Hop, Rn'b, Grime, Punk, Pop & Garage, mashed together with often infectious rhymes, covering subjects such as Tango, Shepherds Pie and Tony Blair. Although Lady Sovereign has spent most of 2006 working out in the states, (selling out shows, shifting 125,000 digital units in the American charts and rubbing noses with Jay-Z and Missy Elliot, who guests on her next single 'Love Me or Hate Me'), it's certainly paid off. Public Warning is so much more than a humble debut, it is going to be big on play-lists in 2007, no question. It's funny really, 'cos I never thought this would be my bag. Ok, so the 'Nine2Five' single with the Ordinary Boys had summer written all over it and was a really catchy track, but I was sure that a young Melanie C look-a-like, spitting versus more venomous than Dizzy Rascal would really grind my gears, but she didn't, I found myself hooked on her social comment & comedic out-take on youth culture in Blair's Britain. A definite thumbs-up from me.
8/10 B Funk
05-Feb-2007
Fall Out Boy - Infinity On High (Mercury)
F.O.B as Jay-Z calls them on the opener, are back to take over the world that's being force-fed music as a consumerists wet dream and all whilst we don't realize it. So by the time you're reading this, the punk pop classic single that is 'This Ain't Scene' is everywhere you turn and that's no problem after all the world needs more songs to sing-a-long to. Following up on the worldwide devotion produced by the uber-selling 'From under The Cork Tree'. F.O.B (saves on typing good work Jay) utilized the it ain't broke don't fix it mantra. 'Hum Hallelujah' ,'Thanks For The Mmrs (sic)' and 'Don't You Know' press the dissafected rock button down and hold it there. It doesn't really matter what anyone now thinks of F.O.B because their fanbase is so huge, but if they continue to produce albums of such a high standard then, you won't see that fanbase diminish and that's whatever the cooler kids say. I always hated the cooler kids, anyway.
7/10 David Gray
05-Feb-2007
Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future (Rinse/Polydor)
This album is number one by the time you read this. And about that time the genre coined as Nu-Rave is dead. It's dead because the band hampered by millstone of the imaginary scene leaders have thrown off the shackles and delivered the goods. Swiftly leaving the fluro clad others behind in the wave of dropped glo-sticks.Originally taking the hedonistic serotonin pumping rush of the original rave movement The Klaxons have side stepped the road that led that genre to the trustafarian riddled prog nonsense that killed the scene dead. They've done that by developing a nose for a classic tune that can crossover to every media outlet. Come on, current single Golden Skans is everywhere from Sky TV to local commercial radio but there's no sell out in this collection. Coming on strong like their forbearers from the Madchester scene who used ecstasy culture blended with the traditional band based idiom to produce guitar music to dance to. In the briefest possible 35 minutes that takes you from the brutal drum looped opener Two Receivers till Four Horsemen Of 2012 signals the apocalyptical final shout. Along the way the charged pure pop take on Grace's Not Over Yet nestles comfortably next to the kick out message to the mundane indie that is former single Atlantis To Interzone. All sirens and chants that scream vitality and youth. Just when this starts to go all intense the whole scheme of things is pulled back from the edge of madness to a pop understanding that knows that the tune is everything, as the aforementioned Golden Skans and Magick prove to mesmerising effect.Full of variety but without losing any focus this could well be as defining a release as The Stone Roses debut. If the youth of Britain pick up this ball an run with it, heaven knows where it will all stop. The past is ours, the future is theirs.
8.5/10 David Gray
05-Feb-2007
Bloc Party - A Weekend In The City (Wichita)
The dreaded second album can often be a stumbling block for bands that rise to fame as quickly as Bloc Party. When a debut album has achieved such hype and praise as Silent Alarm did, the second album can make or break a band. I first saw Bloc Party on the NME Tour at the UEA at the beginning of 2005 and met lead singer Kele Okereke backstage and have to say that he was a very charming man. However, this was at the beginning of their journey and unfortunately the second time I saw them at the intimate fan club gig at the Waterfront, they didn't hold so much charm. They played their well-known tracks with such speed that before you got into a track it was all over. Yet thankfully, I am more than happy to state that this second offering, A Weekend In The City, is definitely not a disappointment. Bloc Party have a truly distinctive sound. Tracks such as The Prayer, the debut track from this second album, have a theatrical element that makes them stand out from the overwhelming amount of indie bands arising from God knows where. Many of the tracks have a darker, yet more mature and subdued sound than the first album. I am chuffed to be able to say that Bloc Party's newest collection of songs is a stunning, intense and brilliant follow-up.
9/10 Bella
26-Mar-2007
Justin Nozuka - Holly (Outcaste)
Born in New York City to a Japanese father and Canadian Mother, Toronto-based Justin Nozuka moved to Canada at the age of 8, and has been writing songs since he was 12. Still only 18 years of age, Justin sounds a little like a more soulful Jamie Cullum or a younger James Morrison. He certainly sounds older than his years, with a mature voice and an established bluesy sound. Yet, it is all a little too safe for my liking. He doesn't take any risks and the album is fairly formulaic. However, his lyrics, although sometimes too old for his years, have some interesting concepts. Such as 'Down In a Cold Dirty Well', in which he sings from the perspective of a man stuck in the bottom of a well as his life flashes before him. He also puts himself into the shoes of someone overhearing the abusive relationship that goes on in the flat next door on the intense and harrowing 'Save Him'. Justin Nozuka is definitely a talent, I just believe that it will be a few more years before he grows into the gift that he quite obviously has.
6/10 Bella
26-Mar-2007
Brett Anderson - Brett Anderson (Drowned in Sound)
Former Suede frontman Brett Anderson's eponymous debut sees him employ haunting pianos, shimmering acoustics and atmospheric strings to convey his unsettled view of 21st century life. Opening song and lead single, the magnificent Love is Dead, slowly introduces its multiple layers, before reaching a clilmax you don't often see this side of Kaiser Chiefs. At the other end of the spectrum is the equally good Colour of the Night: an eerie, piano led ode to a "love like a cruel disease". It's brilliance is in its subtlety: the strings creep in behind Anderson's breathless vocals, and intensify the apocalyptic mood that defines the song. Unfortunately, the album is almost let down by the simple, derivative To the Winter. Aiming for a sweet pop tune, Anderson ends up producing the kind of dull MOR that many lead singers gone solo end up churning out as they go old and senile. But as long as he can veer away from this style of song, Anderson's future looks bright. Standout trac! k Dust and Rain has the stunning chorus that much of the album lacks. With the potential to be a true classic, the song is only prevented from greatness by the messy production which is the album's main flaw. But, despite this, 'Brett Anderson' is on the whole a strong debut which will without a doubt keep anticipant Suede fans happy until album two.
7/10 Jazz
26-Mar-2007
GOOD SHOES - Think Before You Speak (Brille)
As the Rakes seem to have taken their tunes home and presented us with a second album that disappoints to the max Good Shoes have found a nice big gaping hole to fill in the indie kids record collection.Although recorded in Sweden this album has tales of London all over it, all hurried along by that all so now familiar Libertines, Monochrome Set sound that still seems to be popular at your local student night. Good Shoes have produced a debut that's lyrically astute but not too much so and the same goes for the artsy nature of the tunes. Twin guitars twist and wrap themselves around taut little pop ditties that soundtrack life in the capital for young cardigan wearers. The best tracks of course are the singles that preceded this set and they are all tunes that better the output of the vastly over-rated View and to be frank deserves a bigger audience than they currently get. So the balls in your court music buyer put down that Fratellis cd and try some Good Shoes.
7/10 David Gray
19-Mar-2007
Various Artists - Beginners GuideTo Latin Lounge (Nascente)
Hola! Latin Lounge is a sexy, stylish 30-track, 3CD Boxset. It's the kind of impulse purchase you grab before entering the airport departure lounge. We have Quantic & Nikodemus bringing an infectious rosy cheeked jigger with 'Mi Swing Es Tropical', which is the sort of melody you'd visualise hearing in Puerto Rico. Then there's the dreamy 'Non Te Vaya' for that Hed Kandi, beach house moment. Plus, many a traditional Latino sound with subtle modern tweaks. Thankfully you can expect laidback rhythms mingling with more up tempo club grooves giving you a mixture that's interspersed with harmonises in Spanish, Portuguese and similar sounding dialects. So if you know your artists such as Ojos De Brujo, Thunderball, Gecko Turner and Los Rumbers then good for you although being a beginners guide the diversity of music is the key focus here. Summer may be way off, but if you're bored of grey skies and have a vivid imagination then press play, pour yourself a medium dark Havana Club over crushed ice, add some fresh lime and then smile smugly as your mates go on about how sophisticated you are.
8/10 Fit Boy
19-Mar-2007
The Sounds - Dying To Say This To You (Korova)
Bit worried here, I checked the label of this one in the bunker that is the Outline HQ and commented that it was on Echo and the Bunneyman's old label and the Ed just looked blankly at me, either I need to get out more or I'm getting old, answers on a £10 to the main address please. Then again, hold your money. A £10 will get you nearer owning a nice little slab of Scandi-alt-pop and that's at least a grand from the NME if they want to use it to describe another scene that doesn't exist. So I better cut to the chase. The Sounds are from Helsingborg in Sweden unofficial twin town of Burnley, and display that distant sheen of cool that matches their synth-pop with classy tunes to the fore and they're far more accessible to mainstream than many of their peers. Guitars sweep past of the electronic beats without ever shocking. This is in no way challenging but tracks like Ego, forthcoming single Tony The Beat and opener Song With A Mission are good wholesome fun for everyone who remembers the good
