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IndieLondon gleefully checks out the cream of the week's singles.
All you have to do is click on the pictures to order them...
MONDAY, AUGUST 25:
 SINGLE
OF THE WEEK - UNKLE - EYE FOR AN EYE: It's taken ages, but
the boys from Unkle have finally taken a break from remixing other
people's tracks to turn out something new themselves... and the
wait was most definitely worth it. Even though they are back without
DJ Shadow (and, hence, the hip-hop influence), Eye for an Eye,
the first track to be taken from the Never Neverland long-player
is a truly epic record, complete with a stunning video, which,
once seen, is impossible to forget. Beginning with a classic music
sample, the track then slowly builds into a collection of jaw-dropping
beats and guitar loops, backed by the type of bluesy vocals that
hark back to the heady days of Motown. It all works a treat, which
makes the prospect of the new long-player something that is genuinely
worth getting excited about. (Editor's note: We thought this was
out last week, so apologise for raising anyone's hopes early!)
 TIM
BURGESS - I BELIEVE IN THE SPIRIT: While The Charlatans take
a break for the moment, Tim Burgess has been going it solo and,
on the evidence of this, could well aspire to a life outside of
the band, should the unthinkable ever happen (ie, they split up).
Retaining elements of The Charlatans sound (most notably, through
its oh-so distinctive vocals), I Believe In The Spirit is
a very promising solo debut, which owes a lot, in vocal style,
to The Charlies of Wonderland, while also retaining the
acoustic folk of tracks such as North Country Boy. That
said, the presence of a saxophone marks something of a departure,
and perhaps more of an expansion of range for Burgess, although
you can't help but wonder whether those who haven't been paying
attention will merely dismiss it as the latest output from the
band. This is, in the final analysis, about as much of a departure
from one signature sound, as Billy Corgan's Zwan is from that
of The Smashing Pumpkins. Nonetheless, it remains an impressive
insight into the solo album. Click here
to pre-order the album, I Believe, or here
for a sneak peek at what to expect.
 GRANDADDY
- EL CAMINOS IN THE WEST: Fresh from their Glastonbury work-out,
and boasting one of the funniest videos in ages (in which a bunch
of schoolchildren don Grandaddy beards and create havoc, while
the real band is all at sea), Grandaddy return with the second
single to be lifted from their bliss-filled Sumday
LP. Packed with the band's trademark, lush lullabies and sun-drenched
melodies, El Caminos in the West finds them feeling a long
way from home, and needing a break (rather like the sensation
they experienced following their last tour). Yet the underlying
sweetness to the track is truly infectious, making this another
compulsive reason why to go out and buy the album. Click here
for a review of Sumday, or here to
watch the video in our AV Room...
 LFO
- FREAK: After seven years away (spent working with the likes
of Bjork and Depeche Mode), LFO, aka Mark Bell, returns with an
absolute beast of a dance anthem; one for the really late night
crowd, who get their kicks from the type of bleep 'n' bass sounds
that have become LFO's trademark. Probably too full-on for the
mainstream listener base, this is the type of track which takes
no prisoners and probably sounds better in a club than in CD format.
That said, it's good to have LFO back after so long and this ought
to whet the appetite for his fanbase, ahead of the release of
his new album, Sheath. Click here
for more details...
 SPEEDWAY
- SAVE YOURSELF/GENIE IN A BOTTLE: Being likened by many to
a contemporary Texas, Speedway unveil their debut single, the
double-A side Save Yourself and Genie In A Bottle
in considerable pop-rock style. Save Yourself actually
provides a better insight into what to expect from Speedway themselves,
with its lively guitars and strong chorus; but their Genie
In A Bottle cover is a thousand times better than Christina
Aguilera's take on it, and should make a fair impression on the
charts. Fun in a throwaway sort of way. For the record, Speedway
hail from Scotland and are the brainchild of 23-year-old singer/guitarist
Jill Jackson and drummer, Jim Duguid. They cite The Pretenders
as being among their influences and both tracks do bear a resemblance.
 MEL
BLATT - DO ME WRONG: Following in the slipstream of Appleton,
comes another of the remaining All Saints, Mel Blatt, trying to
prove that there is life after one of the better girl bands of
recent times. And, surprise, surprise, Do Me Wrong doesn't
really sound like that much of a departure from what we had come
to expect from the All Saints, in that it is a catchy slice of
pop, boasting slick production values, and a distinctive set of
vocals. Slightly more sassier than the breezy Appleton sisters,
this is one of those records that sounds ok on a hot Summer's
day but, unless you're in love, or yet to break free from the
teens, won't be one that appears in too many of the more discerning
record collections. Still, it's much better than much of the manufactured
pap clogging up the charts at the moment.
 SEAN
PAUL - LIKE GLUE: Sean Paul continues his quest to be the
urban name of the Summer with another simple chartbound effort
that is likely to send the Ibiza crowd wild, without appealing
to a single other person. Bearing a certain similarity to the
Shaggy school of songwriting, Like Glue is another ode
to women, packed with attitude and the type of video which gives
the artist the blatant opportunity to dance with several sexy
women. But it's nowhere near as sexy, or as listener friendly
as it thinks it is, making it one to avoid rather than seek out.
MONDAY, AUGUST 18:
 BLACK
REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB - STOP: The long-awaited return of Black
Rebel Motorcycle Club is marked in fine style, with this barnstorming
first single to be taken from the upcoming album, Take
Them On, On Your Own (which has already been hailed by the
NME as a masterpiece). Packed with distorted guitars and a heavy
drum beat, this is anthem songwriting of the highest order, which
feels like it might greatly have been influenced by the big numbers
of early Oasis (particularly as BRMC toured with the Gallaghers
last year). Compulsively listenable, and downright feelgood, this
is everything every BRMC could have wished for and more in a return.
Roll on the long-player. Click here
for a special feature on the band.
 RADIOHEAD
- GO TO SLEEP: Further proof, if any were needed, that Radiohead
are back to the type of form approaching The
Bends, Go To Sleep is another guitar-based anthem,
like its predecessor, There There, which benefits from
a slightly more upbeat direction that usual. Go To Sleep begins
with some lush acoustic guitars, before continually building towards
its crescendo of guitars and brilliant drums. Thom Yorke's vocals
are as mesmerising as ever, though backed by the suitably rousing,
if haunting, guitars, feel less melancholic than usual - a defining
feature of the new album. A typically solid effort from a real
class act. Click here to order Hail
To The Thief.
 LIBERTINES:
DON'T LOOK BACK INTO THE SUN: Fast making a name for themselves
for creating havoc in everything they do, The Libertines deliver
another catchy slice of rock, that is sure to have people jumping
around the room, or acting foolishly in some way, shape or form.
Simple, fresh and fun, this is a suitably punky record, that owes
a lot in style to the current 80s pop-punk revival, but which
manages to sound invigorating all the same. Think Hot, Hot Heat,
mixed with early Cure and with a touch of The Smiths thrown in,
and you'll be getting somewhere close to what to expect, vocally,
while the manic guitar work is nothing short of inspired. Not
bad for a band whose co-founder, Pete Doherty, bailed from rehab,
went missing and then robbed his former partner in musical crime,
Carl, earlier this Summer.
 QUEENS
OF THE STONE AGE - FIRST IT GIVETH: After a lull in recent
months, Queens of the Stone Age deliver a timely reminder of why
their latest album, Songs
for the Deaf, was so highly-regarded as one of the rock albums
of last year. First It Giveth is a suitably heavy slice of QUOTSA
material, with foreboding guitars, an incessant drum loop, and
those unmistakeable vocals. The chorus is particularly strong,
making the most of Josh Homme's distinctive style, while evoking
memories of Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl at his finest. Less plodding
than No One Knows, this is a really great rock out for anyone
who needs to let it all go after a long, hard day. It probably
sounds great live, too. Click here
for a review of Songs for the Deaf.
 HOOGIBEAST
- DARK HORSE: Can't really make my mind up about this one.
Musically, Hoogibeast sound quite accomplished, harking back to
the early 90s indie scene, while the vocals, particularly during
the verse, do the same. Yet during the chorus, frontman, Dave
Castell, has an alarming tendency to sound like Robbie Williams,
which is good for mainstream ears, but pretty darn bad for just
about everyone else. The bass is particularly good, though, evoking
memories of some really funky Lalo Schiffrin, while some of the
guitar riffs display initial signs of promise for the future (and
live sets). It's worth keeping an eye on this London-based five-piece.
The remainder of the band, for the record, consists of Neil Sullivan,
John Dennis, Andy Wood and James Knight. No link available as
yet.
 GOOD
CHARLOTTE - THE ANTHEM: Lifted from the American Pie: The
Wedding soundtrack, Good Charlotte's The Anthem is a suitably
boisterous slab of American punk-rock, which comes from the same
school of songwriting as Sum 41 and Blink 182. And while it's
a familiar sound at the moment, there is a certain charm about
it, which elevates it above some of the more mundane wannabes
now emerging from across the Pond to try and cash in on the undisputed
success of this genre. Headbanging, infantile, but fun, this is
a worthy follow-up to both Girls and Boys and Lifestyles
of the Rich & Famous.
 D
KAY EPSILON feat STAMINA MC - BARCELONA: A pop-garage crossover
that is currently going down a storm on radio stations such as
Kiss FM, this mildly diverting mainstream effort made sound like
an ode to the Spanish city of Barcelona, but it has its eye far
more on the sweaty crowds of Ibiza and the Greek islands. It's
a dance song, first and foremost, albeit enlivened by the background
Spanish guitars and the stronger than usual male vocals. But it
is a Summer anthem only, designed to titilate the party-crowd
towards the end of another big night.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 11:
 SINGLE
OF THE WEEK - SOUTH - LOOSEN YOUR HOLD: At long last, the
new single from South has finally arrived and, surprise, surprise,
it is our record of the week! IndieLondon has long been fans of
the band, and this is the reason why. An epic, beautiful and completely
entrancing record, Loosen Your Hold is typical of the quality
the band is used to delivering, but is given new levels of perfection
by the intoxicating blend of banjo and harpischord running throughout
it. Beginning with echoes of Simon and Garfunkel, the track then
gives way into a simple, but quite stunning, chorus that is as
inspiring as it is uplifting. We can only wait with baited breath
for the new album. Click here
for a special feature on South, or here
for a Q&A with the band, recorded at 93 Feet East earlier
this Summer.
 CLARKESVILLE
- SECRET FILE: Having released his debut album, The
Half Chapter, to widespread acclaim a couple of weeks ago,
Clarkesville finally unveils his first single - and what an upbeat,
joyful record it is! Twenty-two-year-old Michael Clarke proves
himself to be quite adept at turning out a catchy slice of guitar
pop that should put a smile on your face, and have you investigating
what delights await on the album. His vocals are particularly
strong, while the song itself is packed with delicious lyrics.
Bonus track, Holding On, merely serves to confirm that
this is a classy young singer/songwriter to watch. Packed with
chirpy beats, lush melodies, and some entrancing piano, it is
another feelgood record that beautifully sums up why the vibe
is so strong surrounding this artist. Click here
for our verdict on the album, or here
for a special feature on Clarkesville. Or click here
to listen to some material....
 RICHARD
X feat. KELIS - FINEST DREAMS: Richard X is probably one of
the finest exponents of pop currently doing the rounds. Having
leant his talents to both the Sugababes and Liberty X (to winning
effect), he now unites with Kelis for a suitably enjoyable mainstream
throwaway, which comes with a funky backbeat and some suitably
sultry, Diva-like vocals. It's not as good as his Sugababes number,
but it is stronger than the Liberty X collaboration, and effortlessly
captures the sound of this long, hot Summer. Expect it to be massive.
Oh, and the remixes aren't bad, either!
 KINGS
OF LEON - MOLLYS CHAMBERS: XFM favourites, Kings of Leon,
deliver another straight-forward nostalgia trip, harking back
to the 70s era, which occasionally sounds great; but is frequently
overplayed. The guitar solo, midway through, certainly belongs
in a bygone era, probably resided in by Derek and the Dominos,
while the band themselves look as though they have emerged from
the Deep South, or been sharing campfire stories with ZZ Top.
As a retro cut that doesn't hark back to the current 80s revival,
it makes a refreshing change, but it certainly aint all that it's
cracked up to be!
 MACY
GRAY - SHE AINT RIGHT FOR YOU DUPE: After listening to the
latest slice of sassy r'n'b from Macy Gray, you might ponder just
how much more husky the female singer's vocals can get. Dripping
sex appeal, and evoking memories of Tina Turner in her heyday,
this is a wonderfully sultry daydream of a record, packed with
aching lyrics about a love rival deemed not good enough for the
man who has broken her heart. The beat compliments the vocals
well, while the strings which form the backdrop lend it an epic
feel. It is another great reason to go out and buy the current
album, The
Trouble With Being Myself.
 R
KELLY - SNAKE: Having enjoyed one of his biggest hits to date
with the none-too-special Ignition, R Kelly returns with
Snake, an altogether different affair. Faster, sexier and
evoking memories of recent Sean Paul efforts, this is another
urban anthem which looks destined to become a huge chart hit,
while filling the dancefloors of countless clubs this Summer.
The Eastern/Sahara vibe fuses well with the more traditional urban
attitude to create a track that is certainly listenable, but certainly
not worth paying out for.
MONDAY, AUGUST 4:
 ELBOW
- FALLEN ANGEL: Recorded and produced by the band with Ben
Hillier, Fallen Angel marks a welcome return for Elbow,
and a promising insight into the forthcoming long-player, Cast
of Thousands. Packed with indie-based guitars and the type
of riffs which wouldn't feel out of place on a Doves' track, the
record also boasts another of Guy Garvey's fragile, slightly melancholy,
vocal turns, which evokes memories of the indie movement during
its early 90s heyday. The scything guitar work, which is a feature
of the track, also lends proceedings a grittier, more anthemic
edge, making this a memorable musical excursion whenever it is
played. Classy stuff, from a class act. Bonus track, Loss,
is a dreamy, piano-based, mellow number, while Whisper Grass
is another typically beautifully constructed effort. Click here
for a reivew of Cast of Thousands.
 PHARRELL
(feat. JAY-Z) - FRONTIN': Yet another Curtis Mayfield falsetto
from Pharrell makes this a suitably stylish r'n'b track, but nothing
special, when compared with some of The Neptunes earlier work
(think Nelly's Hot In Herre, to Britney Spears' I'm
A Slave 4 U), this is a plesant enough Summer record, and
one which also comes with a guest rap from Jay-Z (who seems to
be cropping up on just about every other r'n'b/hip-hop track at
the moment). Funky, laidback and effortlessly capturing the sound
of the Summer, Frontin' maintains a feelgood vibe, without
ever really feeling that special.
 KELLY
ROWLAND - TRAIN ON A TRACK: The Destiny's Child solo
ventures continue to churn out some of the best examples of pop-tinged
r'n'b records currently doing the rounds. Hot-on-the-heels of
Beyonce Knowles' Crazy
in Love, comes the third single to be taken from Rowland's
debut solo album, Simply
Deep. Train on a Track is simple enough, featuring
a shimmering set of acoustic guitars and a sly, effective beat,
but it is Rowland's strong, uplifting vocals which set it apart
from the rest, making this always worth listening to and capable
of bringing a breath of fresh air into the dullest day.
 DOGS
DIE IN HOT CARS - I LOVE YOU COS I HAVE TO: A ska-based, hopelessly
feelgood punk-pop crossover that looks set to mark the arrival
of another emerging talent in the oddly named Dogs Die In Hot
Cars. I Love You Cos I Have To boasts a vocal turn ripped
straight out of early Cure records, as well as some catchy hooks
and melodies, making this an instantly catchy quick fix. The band
hails from Glasgow, and have a feelgood vibe around them at the
moment, which is being picked up and touted by the likes of XFM.
Bonus tracks, Celebrity Sanctum (which is more acoustic
based), keeps the momentum going well, and is a sweet, retro cut
in the 80s style, while the dreamy Somewhat Off The Way,
shows that they can write some pretty serious stuff when they
need to. Definitely a band to watch. Think Hot Hot Heat, only
more restrained, and you'll be in the right musical neighbourhood.
 SUPERGRASS
- RUSH HOUR SOUL: Another suitably fast and Seventies psychedelia-tinged
effort from Supergrass which has become a rapid favourite among
fans, Rush Hour Soul is a typically upbeat record from
the band, which doesn't really sound much of a departure from
earlier efforts. Fun while it lasts, and containing a catchy hook,
but ultimately forgettable - making it one for the die-hards only.
 BLUE
MAN GROUP (feat. GAVIN ROSSDALE) - THE CURRENT: Another alternative
rock act from America, Blue Man Group are huge across the pond,
but have yet to tackle the UK shores. The Current marks
their UK debut, and is lifted from the Terminator
3 movie. As such, it contains a soundtrack feel, but is helped
considerably by a typically impressive, and fiery, vocal turn
from Bush's lead singer, Gavin Rossdale. The lyrics seem designed
to fit in with the movie ('I've been thinking about the future'),
but the guitars are as strong as ever, making this rock out a
better-than-average record from the States. Expect to hear more
from Blue Man Group in the very near future. And, fingers crossed,
from Bush too! Click here
to order the album...
 ROOTS
- BREAK YOU OFF: It's been a while, but Roots finally follow-up
the sublime hip-hop record, The Seed, with this soulful
number, featuring Musiq on vocals. Featuring a slightly r'n'b
feel during its 'I'm going to break you off' chorus, and effortlessly
fusing a genuinely funky vibe with its attitude-laden, hip-hop
values, Break You Off is a typically classy record from
an outfit described as 'the greatest ever live hop-hop band'.
The album its taken from is called Phrenology and you can order
it by clicking here...
Needless to say, it has been widely acclaimed.
 JASON
NEVINS & HOLLY JAMES - I'M IN HEAVEN: The only time Michael
Jackson seems to sound good anymore is when he is being sampled.
Hence, the sample of Human Nature contained in Nevins'
I'm In Heaven adds a touch of class to one of those otherwise
simplistic Summer pop records that is designed, purely, to appeal
to the sun-drenched, Ibiza party crowd. Ex-Tymes4 singer, James'
vocals sound like any Cream-tinged dancefloor filler, while the
beat is nothing special from Nevins, who has turned out some impressive
remixes for the likes of Run DMC and N.E.R.D. Yet this is where
the money is and I guess Nevins is just playing the get-rich-quick
game right now. Distinctly throwaway, but not without some charm
for this sort of thing.
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