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Reviews by Paul White, Jack Foley & Simon Pinion
INDIELONDON is proud to present its rundown of the singles we have been listening to over recent weeks, complete with release dates, our verdict, and a link to buy them (just click on the record cover).
MONDAY, MAY 27
PUDDLE
OF MUD - BLURRY: ENHANCED:
Already massive in America, Puddle of Mud arrive in the UK with expectations
high and - on the strength of this - look set to deliver. Another massive
anthemic rock track reminiscent of the likes of Nickelback, Puddle of Mud's
Blurry is a glorious slow-builder, the type of which also harks back to early
Pearl Jam. Typical of all that is good about the resurgence of rock music,
this also benefits from having that distinctly American big band feel. Surely
bound for the top 10, despite going up against every England World Cup single
under the sun! Our single of the week.
MONDAY, MAY 20
DJ
SHADOW - YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN:
THE first DJ Shadow single in five years, You Can't Go Home Again was certainly
worth the wait. The trademark sound is there; terrific beats and loops, an
instantly likeable listen and a perfect compliment to a hot summer's day,
this proves that Josh Davis has lost none of his touch behind the decks. Without
doubt, Indielondon's single of the week and a contender for one of the singles
of the year - expect this to crop up on some advert or as a backdrop to some
sporting (probably football) play-out track as part of a highlights round-up.
This one's made for dancing. Can't wait for the new album.
MS
DYNAMITE - IT TAKES MORE: ENHANCED:
A veteran of the So Solid Crew and Sticky, Ms Dynamite's funky debut is another
of those all-too rare singles which has the distinction of being able to crossover
several genres - r 'n' b, hip-hop and raw street funk - and is more than likely
to pop up on XfM as well as the likes of Kiss and Capital. Certainly a grower,
this boasts a terrific set of vocals from a charismatic star, plenty of attitude,
a distinctive flat beat and some really good accordian-sounding background
music. Expect the tune to be massive and to hear a lot of Ms Dynamite in the
future.
EMINEM
- WITHOUT ME:
THE world's most controversial rap singer returns with another set of mouthy
lyrics, more bad attitude and a killer video to match - it's just a shame
that the single itself isn't up to much. People rave about this track, but
it strikes me as a lazy, unspectacular attempt to cash in on the tidlewave
of success currently being enjoyed by the Detroit-based bad boy. Poking fun
at Moby does him no favours, either. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against
Eminem (I thought Stan was superb), but compared to some of his earlier work,
Without Me pales into insignificance. It'll be huge, though.
BLACK
REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB - SPREAD YOUR LOVE:
ONE of the hottest new rock acts of the moment, BRMC follow up the sublime
Love Burns with another quality single, combining the band's trademark haunting
melodies, guitar-driven aggression and distinctive vocal performances. While
not quite as good as the previous single, this remains a worthy follow-up
and a definite indication of why everyone within the music industry is currently
raving about the band's debut album. Catchy chorus, great rift and, for me,
an opening section which brings back memories of the Rhubarb cartoons. Could
give Eminem a run for his money (but then again, maybe not - ed).
(Reviews by Jack Foley)
MONDAY, MAY 13
A
- STARBUCKS (London):
THE current trend to sound as much like Offspring as possible continues with
this UK band, whose second single looks set to be as big a smash as the first.
Undeniably catchy in a laddish, trashy sort of way, this is great while it
lasts (played loud) but instantly forgettable and, in years to come, will
sound nothing more than what it is - a better-than-average attempt to cash
in on the current musical trend. If you don't believe me, then try counting
the number of bands which currently sound alike - American Hi-Fi, Offspring,
POD, Linkin Park... It's still fun, though, so enjoy it while it lasts...
PINK
- DON'T LET ME GET ME: ENHANCED:
Pink burst onto the music scene with the frustratingly catchy Get The Party
Started and follows it up with another chart-friendly number here. Certainly
the best of the current crop of pop breakthroughs with an eye firmly on the
charts, Pink manages to come across a little more feisty, a little less innocent
and far more daring than the Britney/Will/Gareth 'here today, gone tomorrow'
teeny-bopper sensations. The artist cites Madonna as one of her biggest musical
influences. While nowhere near the same league, however, there is enough to
suggest that Pink could yet have the same sort of staying power (I mean, Holiday
was no classic, was it?).
MONDAY, MAY 6
COOPER TEMPLE CLAUSE - WHO NEEDS ENEMIES? (Mute):
A pulsating rock anthem which sounds uncannily like Oasis, Cooper Temple Clause's
latest single is the type of track which really makes you sit up and take
notice. Critical acclaim, widespread radio play and a strong, word-of-mouth
first album have so far failed to impress me; but this is really something.
Gutsy, loud, bolshy and essential for fans of Ben Gautrey's terrific, Liam-inspired
vocals, this is also backed by some truly seering guitars. Indielondon's single
of the week.
P.O.D.
- THE YOUTH OF THE NATION (Atlantic):
The follow-up single to Alive is just as good, if not better, than its predecessor;
a loud, gutsy, band-against-the-world track which has plenty to say for itself.
Featuring a classic chorus, some really good guitar-build-ups (reminiscent
of the Limp Bizkit school of slow-building rock), this is also distinctive
because of its use of children on the latter choruses. Played loud, this is
terrific value and yet another example of the current resurgence of big rock
tracks.
SILVER - HUNDRED REASONS (Hut):
After a string of effective singles, Hundred Reasons unleash yet another on
the masses, so could this be the breakthrough the UK-based rockers finally
deserve? A heady mix of hard and soft metal sounds, backed by some steely
guitar rifts and an uplifting chorus, this is another one to turn the stereo
up for and sing along loud. CD also features the bonus tracks, Aerogramme,
Rush-In plus the Silver video, with exclusive photo gallery and European tour
diary.
HIVES
- MAIN OFFENDER:
Along with The Strokes, everyone seems to be raving about Hives and their
reinvention of the rock 'n' roll/punk movement. Thus far, I've failed to get
swept up in the hype. Main Offender, however, is catchy enough - a swaggering
garage/punk combination full of gutsy energy and a really sing-a-long chorus.
The type of tune which sends drunken Australians at Outback bars across London
into sweaty abandon (no doubt fuelled by images of their own sexpot, Kylie
Minogue, in that lingerie advert, which used this track as backing). CD also
features extra tracks Lost & Found and Hate To Say I Told You So (Live
on Top Of The Pops), as well as the video of the TOTP performance.
PHANTOM PLANET - CALIFORNIA:
Notable for being written by actor Jason Schwartzman, of Rushmore fame, together
with Alexander Greenwald, this is also one hell of a cool song to own for
the summer; one which effortlessly conjures up memories of cruising along
the 101 on the way to Frisco, or LA, or something. Laid back, chilled out,
with a great set of vocals and a simple but oh-so effective piano rift (you'll
know it as soon as the track begins), this is made for hot days. The single
features a special version of the track adapted from the forthcoming Epic/Daylight
release The
Guest. Click here
to buy it.
(Reviews compiled by Jack Foley)
Click here to see April's
singles of the month...