Music - The Singles Collection

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, JULY 26

SINGLE OF THE WEEK - THE CHARLATANS - TRY AGAIN TODAY: Arguably one of the best songs to emerge from The Charlatans’ latest album, Up At The Lake, the chilled Try Again Today is evidence of the band at its breezy best, while also hinting at some of the inspirations behind the style of their latest work. The acoustic-psychedelia contained within the track is perfect for the chilled out days of Summer, harking back, no doubt, to Burgess’ new-found love affair with the sun-drenched state of California, and working far better than the urgent rhythms of former single and title track, Up At The Lake. Indeed, there is even a hint of the Beach Boys in the chorus, which is likely to have Charlies’ fans singing at the top of their voices in their droves. Click here for a review of the album, or here for a special feature on the new material...

GRAHAM COXON - SPECTACULAR: Probably the weakest track to emerge from Coxon’s latest album thus far, Spectacular nevertheless continues to provide a fitting showcase for the artists’ guitar-playing prowess, while giving fans of early Blur punk-rock tracks a taste of what they feel may be missing from that band’s newer material. It’s raw, fast and full of energy, and seems to underline the new-found confidence Coxon has in his own solo ability, but it lacks the ambition and finesse of Freakin' Out, or the shimmering brilliance of Bittersweet Bundle of Misery. Fans of Coxon’s spiky guitars and gutsy lyrics, however, will no doubt have a blast. Click here to order the album.

MOBY AND PUBLIC ENEMY - MAKE LOVE FUCK WAR: Moby and Public Enemy may not seem the likeliest of bed-fellows, but this collaboration marks a suitably rousing anti-war message, with lyrics such as 'power to the people, cos the people love peace'. The music for the track, which was penned especially to appear on the forthcoming Unity album, The Official Athens 2004 Olympic Games Album compilation, was written by Moby, while the lyrics were penned by Chuck D and Flavor Flav, of Public Enemy. The beat contains all the hallmarks of Go-era Moby, while the in-yer-face delivery, courtesy of the Public Enemy duo, serve to ensure that there is no getting away from the message involved. And who can ignore it? This is well worth taking notice of, and supporting. Click here to watch the video.

THE FUTUREHEADS - DECENT DAYS AND NIGHTS: The Futureheads are quickly carving out a niche for themselves with their fresh-faced avant-pop, which automatically provokes comparisons with the likes of The Jam and, more recently, The Ordinary Boys, but, if anything, sounds better. Decent Days and Nights is a perpetually upbeat affair, encompassing slashing guitars, barbershop harmonies and some intelligent lyrics - all delivered in a jerky but catchy style. You may initially think you've heard it all before, but give it a couple of listens, and you'll find plenty to admire from the Sunderland outfit. The track is taken from the self-titled debut album, which is available by clicking here...

BREED 77 - WORLD'S ON FIRE: The new kids on the metal block, Breed 77, deliver another heady brew of guitar-powered rock, which marks one of the heavier moments on the Cultura album. Gone is the slow-building, more rewarding style of The River, replaced instead by an out-and-out assault on the ear-drums, courtesy of yelled out vocals, unrelenting guitar solos, and, of course, those crashing drums. It's not quite as heavy as, say, Metallica, and is nowhere near as accomplished as Pearl Jam at their heaviest, making this a fairly routine entry into the genre. But then I guess, given the name of the track, and the style of the performers, we couldn't really have expected anything other than a musical equivalent of a riot. Click here for our verdict on the long-player...

CORNERSHOP - TOPKNOT: It's been a while since the Cornershop boys rocked our worlds with the timeless Brimful of Asha and that line ('everyone needs a bosom for a pillow'). But they're finally back with new single, Topknot, and it's a welcome return. Released through Rough Trade, the single blends the outfit's trademark Punjabi folk music with some typically funky beats, as well as the sugar-coated vocals of Bubbley Kaur. Lead track, Topknot, has already become a favourite at Indian weddings, clubs and with John Peel, and it's easy to see why. The beats seem tailor-made for the Summer, while the lush vocals provide quite a soothing effect. The sitars running through it also provide a welcome change from the norm. Think Lemon Jelly, with a Punjabi influence, and you'll be somewhere close.

THE POLYPHONIC SPREE - HOLD ME NOW: The first single to emerge from the Polyphonic Spree's overblown second album, Hold Me Now harks back to all that was great about hearing this 25-strong, robe-wearing outfit for the first time. Epic in an almost choral, preachy way, but oh-so uplifting to boot, Hold Me Now is terrific to sing along to, like some outside member of the Spree's congregation. If only the rest of the album, Together, We're Heavy, was as crisp and accessible, we might have been faced with another classic from Tim Delaughter and co. As it is, the whole thing sounds very familiar and occasionally a little excessive. Stick with the single for now, cos this is the sound of the Spree at their best. Click here for our verdict on the album...

DEEYAH - I SAW YOU: Born and raised in Norway, and trained in classical Indian singing, Deeyah is being hotly tipped for great things in 2004, given that she is currently working with US producer, Darin Prindle, of Destiny's Child, Usher and Madonna fame. The Usher influence is particularly apparent during the Dirty South remix of I Saw You, which contains the same sort of opening groove that made Yeah so infectious, and a guest rap from Maylay (which recalls memories of Ludacris' segment). Indeed, the remix is better than the radio edit, which should, nevertheless, slip easily into the mainstream, for anyone with a penchant for the sort of pop-tinged r'n'b that has helped to make the likes of Britney and co so popular. The Indian influence is also apparent during the bangra-laden grooves of the Badshah Khan mix, which, once more, brings a lot more to the track than the flat radio version. Expect to hear lots from this 26-year-old in the future.

COLOUR OF FIRE - EXILE EP: York-based quartet Colour of Fire have attracted the attention of radio luminaries, Ian Camfield and Claire Sturgess, of XFM, for their gritty-sleazy-guitar based rock, which evokes memories of the radio-friendly style of Idlewild and Hundred Reasons, with a slightly harder edge. They've already performed well in support slots alongside Placebo and Silverchair, and with the release of the Exile EP seem poised to enjoy their time in the spotlight. Lead track, The Exile, is a suitably fiery affair which comes backed with some smooth production from Steve Osborne (of U2 and Suede fame). It is slick, fast and fiery, and provides a neat appetiser for what to expect from the forthcoming album, Pearl Necklace. Accomplished more than ground-breaking, there is enough about the single to suggest Colour of Fire are capable of big things in the future. Watch this space... Click here to pre-order the album.

D12 - HOW COME: Eminem and co get back to basics for this second single to emerge from the massive D12 World long-player. Gone is the self-deprecating humour of former single, My Band, to be replaced by a grittier, urban hip-hop sound, born out of the frustrations of a failed love affair. Eminem features prominently, even though the controversial rapper appears to have since left the band. But the song certainly owes more in style to Eminem’s solo material, given its bitter, angry tone. It is undoubtedly one of the better tracks on the hit-and-miss long-player, and it includes the exclusive first release of the video to 40 Oz, which is not available anywhere else. Click here for our verdict on the album...

SECRET MACHINES - NOWHERE AGAIN: Another of the hotly-tipped bands of the moment is the Secret Machines, whose driving Nowhere Again certainly shows potential for the future. Their epic style of indie song-writing has been compared with the likes of The Flaming Lips and Spiritualized, albeit with a slightly more electronic backdrop, while the urgency of the track helps to ensure that you take notice of it, whenever it arrives on the radio. The track is taken from the album, Now Here Is Nowhere, which, by all accounts, is well worth a listen - and the fact that the likes of Xfm’s Claire Sturgess and Radio One’s Zane Lowe are raving about it, can only be a good thing. Certainly, it doesn’t seem as though it will be long before the word gets out about these Secret Machines. Click here to order the album...

BUSTED - THUNDERBIRDS/ 3AM: Busted provide a suitably bland title track for a suitably bland children’s movie, in this poor excuse for a movie cash-in single. The boy band’s limp excuse for punk-pop seems tailor-made for a film which continually fails to do justice to its source material, arriving like an unwanted reminder of all that was wrong about the film. The kids who love the film will no doubt buy the single, but for anyone with any musical taste whatsoever, this is just another soulless mainstream effort that shouldn’t be rescued from the bottom of the bin. Click here for a review of the movie...

MONDAY, JULY 19

SINGLE OF THE WEEK - ASH - STARCROSSED: New album, Meltdown, may be their hardest yet, but Starcrossed provides an apt reminder that Ash are in no way simply about the head-banging, or metal-aspiring antics of singles such as Morpheus or Burn Baby Burn. Like Shining Light, on the Free All Angels predecessor, it is an uplifting, beautifully-realised love song, that recalls the heady excitement of falling for someone for the first time. Epic in the style that old-school Oasis anthems used to be, Starcrossed is a majestic track in every sense of the word, and a welcome relief from some of the headier excesses on the excellent Meltdown LP. If the sun ever does shine this Summer, then this captures, almost effortlessly, that warm glow which accompanies the arrival of those bright days. Click here to listen to the track, or here for our verdict on the long-player.

THE CURE - END OF THE WORLD: Hot-off-the-heels of their excellent new self-titled album, The Cure release the debut single, and demonstrate why, after so many years, they continue to be at the forefront of their profession. Robert Smith and co are true music icons, and continue to provide the inspiration for countless imitators (some good, some bad). With End of the World, they cheekily manage to combine elements of the characteristics which have helped to turn hits such as Friday, I’m In Love and Just Like Heaven into such timeless classics (catchy hooks and cheeky lyrics), with elements of the harder style of the album (brought courtesy of new producer, Ross Robinson, of Slipknot and Limp Bizkit fame). It makes for a heady mix (almost as heady as Smith’s own hair), and it should serve to ensure that The Cure can conquer the mainstream once again. Click here for a review of the album, here to listen to the single or tracks from the album, or here for a special feature on the band.

STREETS - DRY YOUR EYES: Having been adopted, almost inevitably, by football fans seeking an anthem to sob to after the Euro 2004 disappointments, Streets’ latest release, Dry Your Eyes, has probably earned a much bigger profile than it might have done otherwise. It is, undoubtedly, the best thing this urban artist has done - but is it really as good as people are saying? Probably not. There is no doubting, however, the poignant sincerity of the lyrics, or the melancholy nature of the strings and acoustic guitar arrangements which trickle through it, demonstrating a far greater maturity than has been displayed by Mike Skinner until now. The desperation in Skinner’s voice and choice of words is probably something that every guy can relate to, while women are bound to want to take him back. Simple, effective, just not as good as everyone is saying. Click here to order the album...

VERRA CRUZ - SOUL COLLIDES: Verra Cruz look set to follow in the footsteps of Pearl Jam and The Foo Fighters as hard-rocking icons, who are also capable of displaying an emotional side. And the good thing is that they hail from St Albans, just north of London! Yet, while they have yet to make a huge impact in their homeland, America seems to be lapping them up, having courted the attention of stations such as K-ROQ and US rock producer, Jason Corsaro (of Soundgarden/Soulfly fame). Evidence of their diversity is aptly demonstrated in the Soul Collides EP. The title track is an out-and-out rock number, which is probably the weakest of the trio, while the driving Air That I Breathe finds Marc James’ gritty vocal style tipping its hat to Eddie Vedder. Best of all, however, is the brooding ballad, Rise, which demonstrates a depth of maturity reserved for all the best of the big rock groups. In truth, their sound is probably more tailored towards American success, but there's no denying the power in some of their records, making the Verra Cruz poised to become Britain's hottest Seattle-style rock act since Bush. Click here to listen to the track, or here for more details on the band.

PJ HARVEY - YOU COME THROUGH: A rapid second single to emerge from Polly Jean's latest long-player, You Come Through is a far more brooding, atmospheric affair that its predecessor, The Letter. The yearning, tortured vocal style is still in evidence, but the guitars are more restrained and the violins in the background represent a slight departure from much of the rest of the album. Indeed, it's safe to say that this is probably one of the best tracks on the album, one which gets under your skin and becomes completely addictive from the first moment you hear it. Ms Harvey, it seems, has lost none of her ability to mix things up a little, while providing compelling reasons as to why she remains one of the UK's most consistently prominent female artists. A class act. Click here for our verdict on the long-player, here to listen to the track, or here for a feature on PJ Harvey.

THE SHINS - FIGHTING IN A SACK: Albuquerque foursome, The Shins, finally deliver one of the stand-out tracks from their excellent Chutes Too Narrow long-player, which has helped to turn them into one of the hottest indie acts in America at the moment. The effortlessly breezy Fighting In A Sack effectively taps into the band's knack for writing short, catchy moments of indie-pop perfection, wrapped in a slightly Sixties style. The mouth organs, which are another feature of the album, are here in abundance, while the chiming guitars are designed to brighten the drabbest of days. Their T-Rex cover, Baby Boomerang, even manages to sound as though Marc Bolan could be singing along with them, and is sure to become a much sought-after track, while New Slang is proof positive that they can even deliver a telling live track. If you haven't tapped into The Shins yet, then now's the time to do so. Click here to order the single, here for our verdict on the long-player, or here for further details on the band.

ROYAL GIGOLOS - CALIFORNIA DREAMIN': At a time when it seems fashionable to put a thumbing dance anthem underneath any classic song in return for instant commercial gain, it comes as little surprise to find this vexing retread of the Mama's and Papas' classic winging its way into the European dancefloors of the clubbing fraternity. What is a surprise, however, is that it represents the first club version of the track ever authorised by the Mama's and Papa's estate. Needless to say, it's a drab, soulless version, which only rarely recalls the breezy Summer style of the original. The track spent over 10 weeks at the top of the German club charts and has also gone down a storm in Spain. The UK version comes backed with a new remix package from Hardknock and current clubland kings, Flip and Fill. They merely represent another reason to avoid it!

THE UNISEX - WATCHING TRAFFIC EP: Scandinavian six-piece, The Unisex, should continue to turn heads with this welcome new EP, Watching Traffic. Comprised of four accomplished tracks and a video, the quality should come as no surprise to listeners who caught their support slots alongside the likes of The Libertines, Snow Patrol and Andy Bell. Spending time in such quality indie company has obviously paid off, for much of the guitar riffs, rhythms and indie chimes owe a lot, in style, to some of the best acts of the moment. The dark, lingering vocals of Jonas Linde remain as compulsive as ever, while several of the guitar solos provide some stirring interludes, demonstrating the talent which seems to run throughout the band. The demo version of Break The Silence is particularly memorable, harking back to classic indie/rock, while lead track, Go Again, is a suitably bouncy addition to the band's growing number of quality records. Live favourite, La Familia, even provides an insight into how great the band sound live. One can only hope for a long-player soon...

SATELLITE OF LOVE 2004 - LOU REED: A timely release from the Lou Reed back catalogue, which has never actually been released as a single until now, but which has been covered by several bands, over the ages. Based on an idea from South Coast production team, Groovefinder, and brought to life by Dab Hands, the London remix collective, this remix of the Transformer original will probably appeal more to the dance crowd than genuine Lou Reed die-hards, although you can understand why it has been done, given the success of other high-profile makeovers (most notably Elvis). For me, the thumping dance beats simply render it tacky. The remixes come thick and fast, having been crafted from the original multi-track recording of the song, which also feature backing vocals from a certain David Bowie. Interestingly, approval for the release was given after a keen record executive sent Lou Reed the track and he was completely bowled over. There’s no accounting for taste!

ALANIS MORISSETTE - OUT IS THROUGH: Canadian singer-songwriter, Alanis Morissette, may still be struggling to achieve the career-high that represented her acclaimed debut, Jagged Little Pill, but she has lost none of her ability to conjure catchy, jangle-laden tunes, which belie a massive songwriting talent. Out Is Through, taken from the latest album, So Called Chaos, is as upbeat a track as you are ever likely to hear from her, which seems tailor-made to bring chart success, but which also displays that consistent ability to deliver lyrics that provoke some thought as well. Some may argue that her sound hasn’t changed all that much since the early days, but even a routine sounding Morissette track is a million times better than most mainstream divas of the moment, and her gritty style still sets the benchmark for the likes of Avril Lavigne and co to rise to. Click here to order the album...

KATIE MELUA - CRAWLING UP THAT HILL: Despite trailing in the wake of Norah Jones, Katie Melua is earning herself a reputation for being just as accomplished a singer as Jones, as Crawling Up That Hill suggests. Taken from the debut album, Call Off The Search, this chilled out blend of jazz and blues is actually the third single to emerge thus far, and, yet again, demonstrates the seductive power of Melua’s sultry vocals, while also keeping things a little more upbeat than Jones. The single includes a live version of the title track which, for anyone who caught her recent, acclaimed tour, will offer an excellent opportunity to revisit some old memories. All eyes now remain firmly fixed on the follow-up. Click here to order the album...

MONDAY, JULY 12

MODEST MOUSE - FLOAT ON: America’s latest imports, Modest Mouse, have actually been around since the Nineties, although you wouldn’t think it to listen to the clamour surrounding their excellent new release, Float On. Packed with the high-pitched vocals and catchy guitar hooks that have become something of a trademark, the single is one of those which catches the attention from the moment it begins, and refuses to let go of your sub-conscious (the underlying guitar hook will probably be playing in your head for days). Think about the retro-style of StellaStarr* mixed with an altogether more light-hearted, frothy approach, and you’ll be somewhere close. It is little wonder that it has featured as a record of the week on several of Xfm’s premiere shows. Click here to order the album, Good News For People Who Like Bad News, or here to find out more about them…

SNOW PATROL - SPITTING GAMES: The rise and rise of Snow Patrol looks set to continue, courtesy of this third track to emerge from the band’s excellent Final Straw album. Spitting Games is another of those instantly catchy indie anthems, which expertly finds the band tapping into the sound of the Summer. The guitars hook you from the opening moments, while the chorus is as catchy and feel-good as that which made Chocolate such a humdinger. Yet, the grit of another former single, Run, is also present, making this another musical tour-de-force for Scotland’s newest musical heroes. One website declared that indie’s annual under-achievers had risten butterfly-like from their cocoon of obscurity. It’s hard not to disagree, for 2004 looks to be the year that they realise greatness. Click here to order the long-player.

LENNY KRAVITZ - CALIFORNIA: Lenny Kravitz delivers an old-school slice of rock ‘n’ roll that aplty sums up the style of his latest album, with California. Like its name suggests, the track comes packed with a sun-drenched vibe that makes it great for playing loud on a hot Summer’s day, while serving as a neat little musical homage to many of the artist’s inspirations. It is also an excellent reminder of why Kravitz, on this form, continues to be one of the most celebrated rock ‘n’ roll artists of his generation, for both his voice and his guitar ability. If you haven’t already checked out the long-player, Baptism, then we suggest you do so in a hurry. Click here or here for our verdict on the long-player.

PHOENIX - EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING: Having received some of the critical and commercial acclaim they were overdue, following the success of previous single, Run, Run, Run, Phoenix deliver their follow-up - another supremely well-crafted slice of Summer pop, which provides an excellent taster of what to expect from the album, Alphabetical. Everything is Everything may not have the same durability as the previous single, but it remains a supremely laidback effort, which hooks you from the first moment you hear it, courtesy of its excellent acoustic guitars and well-worked chorus. If folk-inspired electro-pop is your thing, then make sure you pick up the single, and then invest in the album. It's well worth shelling out for. Click here for our verdict on the long-player.

SOPHIA - HOLIDAYS ARE NICE: Is there a better time to release a track entitled Holidays Are Nice? We think not, particularly as I have recently got back from a wonderful holiday myself! Expertly tapping into the lazy sound of the Summer, Sophia's latest single is an absolute breeze; as perfectly constructed as Filter's Take A Picture, and with a chorus that's every bit as catchy, this is probably one of the feelgood records of the moment. Curiously, it hasn't received even half of the radio play it deserves. This is a re-worked version of that which appears on the excellent album, and it aptly fits the band's habit of being described as Mogwai performing the songs of Coldplay. The Daily Telegraph puts it best, however, by stating that 'this is easily a match for the big, universal songs of Flaming Lips and deserves to be massive'. It's a description which hits the nail on the head perfectly. Click here for our verdict on the long-player.

VELVET REVOLVER - SLITHER: This is as heavy as you would expect from a super-group comprised of ex-Stone Temple Pilots frontman, Scott Weiland, and Slash, and, needless to say, arrives like a metallers’ wet dream. The grunge-factor is present, along with the fiery metal riffs, making this an epic rock ‘n’ roll anthem for anyone who likes their rock to be hard. Expect to be running for cover by the time the album comes out, for Slither is not for the faint-hearted. Click here to order the album, Contraband...

MORRISSEY - FIRST OF THE GANG TO DIE: Arguably the best song on Morrissey’s critically-acclaimed comeback album, You Are The Quarry, this catchy slice of indie-pop recalls some of the artist’s earlier solo work, not to mention some of the classic style of The Smiths. First of the Gang to Die chronicles the life (and death) of anti-hero, Hector, and his role in Mexican youth culture, which Morrissey became fascinated with when he moved to America. It bears all the sophisticated hallmarks of the artist’s song-writing style, with typically provocative lyrics, but succeeds all the more by managing to keep things a little less downbeat. As good as the rest of the album is, it pales by comparison to this particular track. Click here for our verdict on the long-player, or here for a special feature on Morrissey.

ELBOW - GRACE UNDER PRESSURE/SWITCHING OFF: Taken from last year’s acclaimed album, Cast of Thousands, the double-A sided Grace Under Pressure/Switching Off is a timely reminder of why Elbow remain one of this country’s greatest acts. Grace Under Pressure is a beguiling, somewhat melancholy sounding epic, that still manages to inspire because of its lively beat, which kicks in after the tranquil opening, and which drives the song forwards, into ever-expanding pastures new. By the time it finds its stride, it's a choral, sweeping number, that epitomises all that is great about the long-player. The double-A side, Switching Off, in contrast, keeps things low-key, and even evokes memories of the shimmering brilliance of Peter Gabriel, in his story-telling, So days. Click here for our verdict on the long-player.

NELLY FURTADO – FORCA: Forca is the official song of Euro 2004 (which has been strangely released after the tournament has finished) and the third track to be lifted from Nelly Furtado’s glorious second album, Folklore. It comes packed with the trademark Furtado vocals (all Portuguese style laced with Latino feistiness), as well as some excellent banjo interludes (which are a feature of the long-player). It’s fast, pacy and accompanies the football well, particularly as the chorus is sung in her native language. And it should ensure that, hot off the back of her live date in the capital, the Furtado success story continues. This, at the end of the day, is a great deal of fun to listen to, and pop music at its best. Click here for a review of the album, or here for a review of the Hammersmith Apollo gig.

THE COUNTING CROWS - ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE: Taken from the soundtrack to Shrek 2 (for which it was specifically written for), Counting Crow’s hopelessly catchy Accidentally in Love is tailor-made to recapture the feel-good nature of the movie, while also providing one of the mainstream rock anthems for the summer. It’s little surprise to find the track creeping up on a honeymoon montage between the two lead characters (on film), as it eschews all the values of a really good soundtrack song, while also tapping into that Californian sound that is so definitively the Counting Crows. Fans will lap it up, while its prominence in the movie may even ensure that the band has the biggest hit on its hands in years. It would be deserved if that proved to be the case. Click here to order the soundtrack...

DEATH FROM ABOVE - BLOOD ON OUR HANDS: Death From Above are two friends, Jesse F Keeler and Sebastian Grainger, who live in a funeral parlour in Toronto. They liken their militant sound to early Queen and rely solely on the bass and drum for their instruments. But boy do they like to make some noise! Blood on our Hands is a suitably angry effort, driven by sharp, edgy guitars and a shouty style that occasionally gets in the way of the lyrics. They may hail from a funeral parlour, but it seems that with some of their material, they are keen on waking up the dead. Blood on Our Hands is single number one, and is taken from the upcoming long-player, You're A Woman, I'm A Machine. And, yes, you can expect more of the same from the album. These guys don't like to hold back, for, as they keenly note in their PR, 'we're not very good at restraining ourselves, but we have tremendous will power'. It's an acquired taste, but one that the headbang crowd may feel like checking out.

BEATS FOR BEGINNERS - SUMMER LOVERS: Hip new five-piece, Beats for Beginners, are beginning to attract quite a following, thanks to the success of limited edition singles, such as Kill All DJs, and current single, Summer Lovers. Touted by Xfm as artists to watch, and described by Logo as 'what might have resulted had Todd Rundgren written for The Monkees', Beats For Beginners seem to have a knack for delivering effortlessly breezy, chilled out slices of psychedelia-laced pop records, that really ought to provide the perfect soundtrack to the summer (were it not for the rain). Summer Lovers is excellent for evoking memories of young lovers frolicking in sun-drenched parks, while bonus tracks, Below The Radar and Dead Dogs in Space, provoke comparions with the folk-inspired electro-pop of Phoenix and the ballad-style of Coldplay. The latter, in particular, could easily be Chris Martin singing, stripped of the more lavish sound provided by his band, while Below The Radar hits the spot almost perfectly. IndieLondon will be featuring Beats for Beginners more prominently on its pages very soon, so watch this space.

RADIO 4 - PARTY CRASHERS: Radio 4 are being trumpeted about as being at the forefront of the New-Wave guitar movement and, on the strength of this lively taster single, it's easy to see why. The band seem to be able to marry the guitars with some upbeat dance rhythms with an effortless abandon, which makes the prospect of their next album, in September, something that is worth getting excited about. The track is produced by Max Heyes (of Primal Scream and Doves fame), and comes backed with mixes from from Ashley Beedle and Headman. It is well worth tuning into for anyone with an ear for new and exciting music.

MONDAY, JULY 5

THE HIVES - WALK IDIOT WALK: It’s been a while, but The Hives burst back on to the scene with another of those head-butting rock ‘n’ roll workouts of pure unadulterated flamboyance, which confirms that they are no mere one-album wonders. It’s typically fast and furious, but also insanely sing-along, and it provides a neat alternative to some of the softer, more gentle indie elements doing the rounds at the moment. If this is an indication of what to expect from the third album, then bring it on immediately. Click here to pre-order the album, or here to listen to the track...

DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS - I LOVE YOU COS I HAVE TO: Second time out for this game little performer, which expertly taps into the same sort of edgy, post-punk style that has helped the likes of Franz Ferdinand and co make a name for themselves. Needless to say, Dogs Die in Hot Cars are being hotly-tipped to follow in the former’s footsteps - although the fact that this is a re-release could suggest that the record-buying public is beginning to tire of this sort of thing at the moment. That said, its catchy, downright infectious and fun, so it would be a shame if it were overlooked a second time. Fans of the Hot Hot Heat/Ima Robot brigade will have a riot. Click here to order the album, or here for our verdict on the long-player...

5,6,7,8s - WOO HOO: Buoyed by the success of their appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume One (they were the band performing in the bar before the Crazy 88 massacre), Japan’s eccentric, but fun, 5,6,7,8s now seem to be everywhere, thanks to the incessantly catchy ‘woo hoo’s’ of this infectious single. Carling have already picked it up for their Euro 2004 advertising campaign, while several Djs are using it for their beds - and it’s easy to see why. It’s fun, manic, easy to sing and/or whistle along to, and it carries the cool vibe of being attached to a Tarantino product. It’s success should not be as surprising as it is! Click here to order the album...

YOUNG HEART ATTACK - STARLITE: The third single to emerge from Young Heart Attack’s debut album, Mouthful of Love, might just be their best - although that’s not saying too much. Although they are being hailed, by many, as the ‘greatest rock ‘n’ rollers on the planet’ at the moment, courtesy of their powerhouse guitars and screeching vocals, there is something a little too raw and ragged about them, while they also remain part of a movement that has become all too familiar at the moment. They’re not really doing anything original, even though, during the chorus to Starlite, they would appear to be doing it quite well. Rocksound described them as being ‘like the B52s’ being force-fed viagra and cheap brandy with an extra helping of rock, roll and soul’ - it’s an apt description. Click here to order the album...

LUCKY JIM - YOU’RE LOVELY TO ME: One of the stand-out tracks from Lucky Jim’s acclaimed debut album, Our Troubles End Tonight, You’re Lovely To Me is a tenderly written, and completely soothing, track which is capable of bring some light into the dullest of days. Conjuring the blues-folk vocal style of Dylan with the acoustic sound of, say, Turin Brakes, the track expertly weaves its magic in a quiet, unspectacular way, slowly creeping into your subconscious like only the best tracks can. The long-player is well worth checking out. Click here for our verdict on it...

FREEFORM FIVE - STRANGEST THINGS: London-based four-piece, Freeform Five, are one of the capital's best-kept secrets, having restricted their releases, thus far, to low-key, vinyl-only singles. Strangest Things, however, marks a change of pace for them, as they make their bid for mainstream glory, with this upbeat slice of electronica. The track has a somewhat retro-style about it, and seems designed with the remixes in mind, but it could yet succeed in throwing the spotlight on them, and there are moments when the female vocals evoke memories of early Garbage, which is no bad thing. Strangest Things won't set the world on fire, but it just might be worth keeping an eye on this outfit in the future.

SHAZNAY LEWIS - NEVER FELT LIKE THIS BEFORE: It had to happen sooner or later, former All Saint, Shaznay Lewis (whom many credit as being the true talent behind the all-girl group), releases her first solo offering, a soul ballad for the pop crowd, which contains all the hallmarks of the All Saints sound. The Appletons may have emerged first, with some of their catchy, throwaway singles, but Never Felt Like This Before hints at a more mature style which, if successful, could yet see Lewis justifying her reputation as the All Saint to watch. The commercial overtones to tend to drag this one down a little, though. Click here to pre-order the album...

BILLY TALENT - RIVER BELOW: Toronto-based rockers, Billy Talent, release their third single, and its just as angry as their previous material. The ragged, off-kilter guitars are back, along with another fiery hook, which serves to drive the forceful vocals. It's probably the best track from the band thus far, courtesy of its catchy, Green Day-style chorus, but it still lacks a certain something - maybe the heart of better bands in this genre. And that's curious, given that the track is supposed to inspire you to ponder whether it's been inspired by the Columbine Massacre offshoot, or more recent terrorist attrocities around the world. Kerrang like them, though, describing River Below as 'a dynamic, muscular modern rock song, designed and executed to the highest possible standard'. If this description grabs you, then rush out to buy it! The B-side, Lies, fares slightly better, courtesy of its acoustic style. Click here to order the album, which contains both tracks, or here for a special feature on the band.

DAMIEN RICE - CANNONBALL: Damien Rice re-releases this evocative single from his acclaimed album, O, after it curiously failed to ignite with the record-buying public on the first time of asking. It’s all heartfelt, sincere stuff, fuelled by lyrics such as ‘love taught me to lie, life taught me to die’, and rife with the well-conceived melodies for which Rice has become known for. And it’s been picked up by Radio 1 and Xfm (not to mention initial champions, Virgin), which should go some way in serving to ensure that it won’t become overlooked for a second time. It provides some indication as to why Rice is so highly-rated, and his album was so well-received. Click here to order the album...

ELVIS PRESLEY - THAT’S ALL RIGHT: Following the timely success of the makeover given to A Little Less Conversation, the powers that he have decided to offer the chance to allow Elvis Presley to break yet more records, by re-releasing his first-ever single - which has been credited with giving birth to rock ‘n’ roll. That’s All Right was recorded on July 5, 1954, and marked the start of a 17-month association with Sun Records that would change both popular music and popular culture forever. The track is being released to mark the Golden Anniversary release of that original Sun recording, ‘to remind the world just how remarkable it all was’. Interestingly, That's All Right was only ever released as a single in the US and has never actually been released in the UK as a single before – until now, where a number one in the charts would present the late icon with his 19th top-spot, a UK record. Mind you, only 5,000 copies will be pressed.

THE FIERY FURNACES - SINGLE AGAIN: Following their successful supporting slots for Franz Ferdinand, and a sold-out headline show at London's Scala, the brother-sister duo that are The Fiery Furnaces release another off-kilter effort, from their forthcoming album, Blueberry Boat. This one is a wistful, yet chirpy, song about wanting to be single again, that contains a quirkly melody, and some fairly scuzzy electronica. The double-A side, Evergreen, is actually the better of the two tracks, led by some nice piano and a really good baseline. It feels a much more accomplished effort than Single Again, which has been a live favourite. Click here to order the album...

SHYSTIE - ONE WISH: It's no mistake that Shystie recently supported The Streets on their UK dates, for she comes from a similar style. The 21-year-old, dubbed the fastest MC in the UK, is a suitably feisty, fast-talking put-down to everyone who's ever pissed her off. It's also a great deal angrier than any of The Streets work. It has been taken from her forthcoming debut album, Diamond in the Dirt, which promises more of the same. It's an acquired taste, however, and it remains to be seen whether she has the ability to rise above her underground sound, into the mainstream, as the likes of Dizzee Rascal and co have. Some of the remixes are worth checking out, as they serve to intensify the attitude. Shystie is already sounding old beyond her years. Click here to pre-order the album, or here for our verdict on the long-player.