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01 August 2010
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11 July 2010
04 July 2010
27 June 2010
20 June 2010
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30 May 2010
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09 May 2010
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07 February 2010
Spring has finally sprung and all of your favourite indie-pop bands are out tiptoeing through the tulips, far too busy to be doing all that dull stuff like making records. Hence a slimmed down pile of singles for you to digest this week. There's still some gems to be found though...
Jeff The Brotherhood – U Got The Look
This is the third of the Too Pure singles club releases for 2010 and it’s a belter from Nashville brothers Jake and Jamin (ex Be Your Own Pet) Orrall. It isn’t (as I originally thought) a version of the Prince and Sheena Easton track, it is however a dirgey pop/rock masterclass. Those of you planning on attending SXSW this year should check them out. (AM)
Luther Russell - Motorbike
Motorbike, debut single from Brooklyn singer-songwriter Luther Russell is like cruising along Highway 66 with the top down and music blaring as the scenery flashes by. Laid-back and cool with Russell’s husky voice edging it along, the song is reminiscent of Howl era BRMC, folky-blues with a nice little psychedelic flourish at the end. The rest of the songs from this six-track EP, two lovely instrumental pieces Dead Sun Blues and Et Al, the 70’s era Clapton blues belter A World Unknown, college-radio rocker Tomorrow’s Papers and the Lou Reed meets Paul Westerberg Somehow Or Another (featuring Sarabeth Tucek) are all strong tracks that showcase Russell’s distinctive vocals and dreamy songwriting skills. Good times. (OS)
Kyle Hall – Kaychunk
Kyle sprung into the world of electronica after posting some Darkstar remixes last year. This is his first official release on the hyperdub label and it’s a corker. Both sides ebb and flow gorgeously with a chilled and almost subdued confidence. There’s so much going on here it’s impossible to tie it to any genre – which adds even more to it’s charm. (AM)
She & Him – In The Sun
The clouds have parted for M Ward and Zooey Deschanel to come together again. This is the first salvo from their second collaboration album and they’ve managed to bottle sunshine with this warm and adorable twang-heavy vintage pop gem. (AM)
Delorentos – Secret
This Irish four-piece produce inoffensive radio friendly indie pop that will no doubt keep the punters happy. It’s nothing special, but it’s better than sitting in silence watching the wallpaper. (AM)
Dub Pistols feat. Rodney P - 'Ganja'
This tribute to the herb sets Rodney P's rapping against an uplifting reggae backing, but it's not quite memorable enough to get Frank's knickers in a twist.
Matthew Glenn Thompson - 'I Get Lost'
'I Get Lost' is the perfect introduction to Matthew Glenn Thompson's laidback sound. Backed by a jaunty acoustic guitar instrumental, the track is on the whole a pretty forgettable affair but enjoyable while it lasts. (IS)
Yes Giantess: The Ruins
A new, darker sound for the resolutely poptastic Boston four piece which is disturbingly reminiscent of a funked uo, electro version of Scritti Politti. (SB)
Delphic: Halcyon
Another single from the prolific Delphic lads who mash up some Mancunian heritage, via the Clyde Stubblefield funky drumbeat so adored by the Roses, with D:Ream style pop which appears to represent an all out assault on the top 40. (SB)
Vanilla Ace – Bebe Bush / Chillin’
Despite having quite possibly the worst band name in history Vanilla Ace's track does confound expectations by not being too bad on the first few spins, but it soon outstays its welcome. After the first day it begins to grate and annoy. After a week you’ll want to hurl it off a tall building. (AM)
Four Tet – Sing
This is the sound of all your gadgets organising a party and bleeping in time with one another whilst you sleep. This is one of the finest tracks from Kieran Hebden’s amazing album There Is Love In You. And if that wasn’t enough this twelve inch is backed a fantastic Floating Points remix. (AM)
Low Limit Vs. Lando Kal (Lazer Sword) - The Golden Handshake EP
Low Limit and Lando Kai team up to become Lazer Sword - producing six tracks as the debut release for the newly formed Scottish NMBRS label. Each of these cutting edge electro anthems could easily stand alone, but as a package their wonky beats, funky synths and gunshot snares tick all the boxes. This is the label to watch in 2010. (AM)
Breakbot – Baby I’m Yours
What starts out sounding like an audition for the X-Factor soon mutates into a fleshed out dance floor filled. Check your watch, its disco o’clock. (AM)
Cosmo Jarvis - Crazy Screwed Up Lady
When a song is five seconds either side of the 3:33 mark, it is either going to be pure pop brilliance or mindnumbingly awful. This song lasts 3:37 and it is not pure pop brilliance. (JN)
Bearfoot Beware – The Elegant Philanthropist
The debut single from this Leeds four piece is a fun but rather ramshackle piece of bonkers alt-pop that rather peters out towards the end. A promising enough start that makes this a band worth keeping an eye out for. (GB)
Rox - My Baby Left Me
By no means, a brand new release, London soulstress Rox debut single has been around in various forms since 2008. Now officially due for a re-release with an added layer of polish being added by Al Shux, My Baby Left Me is likely to see the singer hit the mainstream. Offering more depth than the usual pop release, it could be easily placed alongside the likes of Alicia Keys with an exciting sound that doesn't suffer from over-production. We like it. A lot.
David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi - Memories
Guetta's latest is a remarkably dull affair for a track that should be aiming to get much of the nation's clubbers up onto the dance floor. Lyrically poor with disappointing musical backing, there isn't much more than a beat and Kid Cudi's very dreary vocals. The remixes are unable to add anything to improve the track either.
Fending off some strident competition from Rox this week's single of the week goes to:
Paloma Faith - 'Upside Down'
One of the highlights from Paloma Faith's debut album, 'Upside Down' is camp, jazzy and oodles of fun. Showcasing another musical side of Paloma after the heartfelt balladry of 'Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?', the track won't fail to raise a smile or nod a head and, if it doesn't, you might want to check your pulse. (IS)
Jeff The Brotherhood – U Got The Look
This is the third of the Too Pure singles club releases for 2010 and it’s a belter from Nashville brothers Jake and Jamin (ex Be Your Own Pet) Orrall. It isn’t (as I originally thought) a version of the Prince and Sheena Easton track, it is however a dirgey pop/rock masterclass. Those of you planning on attending SXSW this year should check them out. (AM)
Luther Russell - Motorbike
Motorbike, debut single from Brooklyn singer-songwriter Luther Russell is like cruising along Highway 66 with the top down and music blaring as the scenery flashes by. Laid-back and cool with Russell’s husky voice edging it along, the song is reminiscent of Howl era BRMC, folky-blues with a nice little psychedelic flourish at the end. The rest of the songs from this six-track EP, two lovely instrumental pieces Dead Sun Blues and Et Al, the 70’s era Clapton blues belter A World Unknown, college-radio rocker Tomorrow’s Papers and the Lou Reed meets Paul Westerberg Somehow Or Another (featuring Sarabeth Tucek) are all strong tracks that showcase Russell’s distinctive vocals and dreamy songwriting skills. Good times. (OS)
Luther Russell 'Motorbike' Video by Cam Archer from harvey west on Vimeo.
Kyle Hall – Kaychunk
Kyle sprung into the world of electronica after posting some Darkstar remixes last year. This is his first official release on the hyperdub label and it’s a corker. Both sides ebb and flow gorgeously with a chilled and almost subdued confidence. There’s so much going on here it’s impossible to tie it to any genre – which adds even more to it’s charm. (AM)
She & Him – In The Sun
The clouds have parted for M Ward and Zooey Deschanel to come together again. This is the first salvo from their second collaboration album and they’ve managed to bottle sunshine with this warm and adorable twang-heavy vintage pop gem. (AM)
Delorentos – Secret
This Irish four-piece produce inoffensive radio friendly indie pop that will no doubt keep the punters happy. It’s nothing special, but it’s better than sitting in silence watching the wallpaper. (AM)
Dub Pistols feat. Rodney P - 'Ganja'
This tribute to the herb sets Rodney P's rapping against an uplifting reggae backing, but it's not quite memorable enough to get Frank's knickers in a twist.
Matthew Glenn Thompson - 'I Get Lost'
'I Get Lost' is the perfect introduction to Matthew Glenn Thompson's laidback sound. Backed by a jaunty acoustic guitar instrumental, the track is on the whole a pretty forgettable affair but enjoyable while it lasts. (IS)
Yes Giantess: The Ruins
A new, darker sound for the resolutely poptastic Boston four piece which is disturbingly reminiscent of a funked uo, electro version of Scritti Politti. (SB)
Delphic: Halcyon
Another single from the prolific Delphic lads who mash up some Mancunian heritage, via the Clyde Stubblefield funky drumbeat so adored by the Roses, with D:Ream style pop which appears to represent an all out assault on the top 40. (SB)
Vanilla Ace – Bebe Bush / Chillin’
Despite having quite possibly the worst band name in history Vanilla Ace's track does confound expectations by not being too bad on the first few spins, but it soon outstays its welcome. After the first day it begins to grate and annoy. After a week you’ll want to hurl it off a tall building. (AM)
Four Tet – Sing
This is the sound of all your gadgets organising a party and bleeping in time with one another whilst you sleep. This is one of the finest tracks from Kieran Hebden’s amazing album There Is Love In You. And if that wasn’t enough this twelve inch is backed a fantastic Floating Points remix. (AM)
Low Limit Vs. Lando Kal (Lazer Sword) - The Golden Handshake EP
Low Limit and Lando Kai team up to become Lazer Sword - producing six tracks as the debut release for the newly formed Scottish NMBRS label. Each of these cutting edge electro anthems could easily stand alone, but as a package their wonky beats, funky synths and gunshot snares tick all the boxes. This is the label to watch in 2010. (AM)
Breakbot – Baby I’m Yours
What starts out sounding like an audition for the X-Factor soon mutates into a fleshed out dance floor filled. Check your watch, its disco o’clock. (AM)
Cosmo Jarvis - Crazy Screwed Up Lady
When a song is five seconds either side of the 3:33 mark, it is either going to be pure pop brilliance or mindnumbingly awful. This song lasts 3:37 and it is not pure pop brilliance. (JN)
Bearfoot Beware – The Elegant Philanthropist
The debut single from this Leeds four piece is a fun but rather ramshackle piece of bonkers alt-pop that rather peters out towards the end. A promising enough start that makes this a band worth keeping an eye out for. (GB)
Rox - My Baby Left Me
By no means, a brand new release, London soulstress Rox debut single has been around in various forms since 2008. Now officially due for a re-release with an added layer of polish being added by Al Shux, My Baby Left Me is likely to see the singer hit the mainstream. Offering more depth than the usual pop release, it could be easily placed alongside the likes of Alicia Keys with an exciting sound that doesn't suffer from over-production. We like it. A lot.
David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi - Memories
Guetta's latest is a remarkably dull affair for a track that should be aiming to get much of the nation's clubbers up onto the dance floor. Lyrically poor with disappointing musical backing, there isn't much more than a beat and Kid Cudi's very dreary vocals. The remixes are unable to add anything to improve the track either.
Fending off some strident competition from Rox this week's single of the week goes to:
Paloma Faith - 'Upside Down'
One of the highlights from Paloma Faith's debut album, 'Upside Down' is camp, jazzy and oodles of fun. Showcasing another musical side of Paloma after the heartfelt balladry of 'Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?', the track won't fail to raise a smile or nod a head and, if it doesn't, you might want to check your pulse. (IS)
