LONDON, UK
by Jenny (Staff Writer)
RECORD OF THE WEEK
OutKast - Prototype/Ghettomusick: this is a double A-Side single, with two fantastic tracks! "Prototype" is a Prince-esque ballad about "the perfect woman" in Andre's view. It sounds a lot like Ohio Players (my moms favorite song)... Lyrically, it's all about the extreme of hyper-romanticism and it becomes a full-on funk-soul-jazz vocalist who mostly sings about items of love and female adoration("I hope that you're the one/If not, you are the prototype"). For me, it is the slower paced song than the rest of the album. Good though!
Ghettomusik is beautiful, I pump this loudly, I just didn't understand why so much of Dre was on here, not that I minded. This track is a Bootsy Collins-level funkfest, with sultry lyrics, a sexy bassline, and nasty ideas dripping from every syllable... though the song itself is pretty darn sincere, the same mixed-emotion style of Bootsy. Reminds me a lot of Bootsy's "Munchies for Your Love," though Andre's is definitely its own song.
Big Boi raps probably the best verse we've ever heard (once again, no exaggeration) within 2004. His flow & speed are nearly unmatchable, the only rapper who surpasses Big Boi in those categories is Twista. "Ghettomusick" is constantly changing, it starts fast, then slows down with a nice Patti LaBelle sample, then speeds up again.
HOT SHOT RECORD
The Donnas - Fall Behind Me: A real female rock band, that tells everything. One of the most eagerly awaited releases of 2004, The Donnas' 'Gold Medal' takes the top prize for vital, edgy, modern rock 'n' roll at it's finest! Having broken into the mainstream with their 2002 debut 'Spend The Night', the Bay Area-based combo now raise the bar, as musicians and songwriters, to deliver the best work of their career so far.
The new Donnas single sounds quite like most of the other Donnas tracks you might have heard, if a little more polished and doesn't quite capture the energy they have live. It's a bitchy rocker about a love rival. It's a simple, yet infectious three minute stomper, the kind that lodges deep in your subconscious by the third chorus and you find yourself humming unexpectedly hours later. Definitely gives hope for their album, Gold Medal, due in a few weeks. The 7" version includes an acoustic version of the title track which is produced by Butch Walker (Avril Lavigne, Injected).
The Beautiful South - Livin' Thing: The Beautiful South have been one of the funniest and most melodic bands in the world for nearly 15 years now, even people who don't like pop music that much don't mind them. This track is the 'pop' cover of the ELO classic and it is the first single from The Beautiful South's 'Gold Diggas Head Nodders & Pholk Songs' - features their own inimitable take on classic pop songs. Includes versions of songs made famous by the Ramones, S Club 7 and John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John.
Brand New Heavies - Boogie: IT IS THE REAL BRITISH SOUL/FUNK SOUND! Com'on gyus and girls, listen it on the inernet and go bguy it! You are MOST clever than the STUPID UK Radio Managers who they are not included on their lists... Smooth flowing funky dance courtesy of Eric Kupper, whilst retaining the Brand New Heavies trademark sound underneath.
The vocals of latest Brand New Heavies' vocalist Nicole Russo also add a degree of sweetness to the track. It is a great comeback single on their new label.
The Datsuns - Girl's Best Friend: Here's a cool idea: A band that straddles the fence between garage rock and hard-rock. It has no gimmick, save that the band members all call themselves "Datsun." The Datsuns: Christian Datsun (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Phil Datsun (vocals, guitar); Dolf De Datsun (vocals, bass guitar); Matt Datsun (vocals, drums). They don't have funny costumes. They don't have a theme. They don't openly imitate retro bands, though they are influenced. They love adrenaline-charged guitar'n'bass rock, and that's what they play. What do you call that? I call it the roots of rock'n'roll - back when it was all about the turbocharged music. After a solid self-titled debut, the New Zealand rockers return with an equally solid sophomore album, "Outta Sight Outta Mind." They still have that wonderful bass-heavy, slightly fuzzy sound, reminiscent of Led Zeppelin at their peak - which isn't hurt by the fact that John Paul Jones (of Led Zeppelin) produced 'Outta Sight' and the new track 'Gir's Best Friend.'
Dirty Vegas - Walk Into The Sun: The modern sound of London, today. Grammy Award winners Dirty Vegas return in style with the lead single 'Walk Into The Sun', featuring remixes from King Unique and Dirty Vegas themselves, ahead of the release of 'One' - it seems we'll be thinking about them all over again this week! Featuring gorgeous chiming guitars, a New Order-esque bass line and a chorus so huge it can be seen from Space, 'Walk Into The Sun' heralds the re-birth of Dirty Vegas.
Jimmy Eat World - Pain: The band's new album, 'Futures,' is a sprawling, gorgeous, heavy-yet-quiet epic with songs ranging from ambitious hard rock to epic ballads. With the hard driving first single "Pain" kicking off the campaign for it.
'Pain' is a real signal of Jimmy Eat World's intent to take their already cut-above-the-rest rock to the next level. 'Pain' comes in at an impressively short 2:51 with Jimmy Eat World pushing more feeling into three mintues than most bands manage in a whole album. The track is about a guy who breaks up with someone and get addicted to drugs trying to forget the pain.
At least that's what I got from it. The second singer Jim Adkins opens the track with the lyrics 'I don't feel the way I've ever felt', while a edgy guitar chord paves the way for the huge drums and bass to kick in, it's instantly recognisable as Jimmy Eat World, full of the emotion that the band are renowned for wearing on their sleeve.
Modest Mouse - Ocean Breathes Salty: "Ocean Breathes Salty" is slightly darker than "Float On", but remains uncharacteristically upbeat. Here, Weikel's drumming proves particularly indispensable, his tight, regular playing adding extra emphasis to the song's powerful dynamics changes. Lyrically, as with most resignation-themed singles by philosophically minded bands, it concerns itself largely with death and the afterlife. At times, Brock's lyrics threaten to approach cliche, but "Ocean Breathes Salty" redeems itself with its strong vocal melodies and convincing delivery.
Except Virgin Radio, you can't listen it anywhere else in UK airwaves. In the same time this is one of the most fav full-list tracks in the most European Pop radios like NRG... You have to choose, recommended!
Nancy Sinatra - Let Me Kiss You: In "Let Me Kiss You", which incidentally features the most romantically melodic quasi-Marr guitar, Morrissey pulls the mask off an ostensible smooching ballad with the desperate gob of, "And then you open your eyes and you see someone you physically despise but my heart is open."
Let Me Kiss You, recently covered by Nancy Sinatra on her comeback album, was one of the many highlights of the new album 'Nancy Sinatra.' I have to say that I like it mostly than Morrisey's authentic version.
Also, Morissey is going to release this track tommorrow! And the question to the Chart-freaks: I don't remember EVER, If the SAME track has been released by TWO differnt artists in the UK in the SAME WEEK and charted on Official Top75 Singles Chart (OCC not NME or other charts)...
Scissor Sisters - Mary: The only down side is when the Sisters slow it down - the sleepy ballad 'Mary.' The Elton John comparisons grow even stronger on songs like "Mary". It is a completely grand piano ballad, on which lead singer Jake Shears turns off the camp button and goes for some honest-to-goodness. The song i sa tender, memorable ballad that shines with unquestionable flawlessness, the type of song that digs deep into your psyche and hibernates there for an extended period of time. Thankfully, this is one a few examples where the band explores the opposite end of their musical spectrum without overmilking the disco machine.
Hate ballads? Mary is impactful enough to dispel your distaste for them. The acoustic guitar driven chorus effectively backs Shears' wholehearted vocals and one can't help but be captivated by the cascades of hypnotic electric piano and the passionate sax solo as the song fades out.
Tiesto - Just Be/Goldrush: I had heard mixed reviews about the guy over the years, even though he won DJ Magazine's prestigious No 1 DJ in the World award. I still didn't believe the hype. His stuff just sounded too monotonous for me. If you are a fan of deep/progressive trance in general, you will find this single to be a valuable addition to your collection.
'Just Be' is a classic dance floor epic with a strong melody and haunting vocals from co-writer and Delerium vocalist, Kristy Hawkshaw. One thing is for sure, Kirsty Hawkshaw is amazing, I'm an instant fan of her vocal.
Young Buck - Let Me In: 50 Cent's mate, Young Buck (G-Unit) is releasing his first single in UK. "Let Me In" is damn catchy, a hood-banger in the tradition of Lloyd Banks' "On Fire". the single is produced by Needlz, is almost textbook G-Unit: a hard beat that sounds like a car door slamming, popping handclaps, and subtle violin vamps in the background. And just in case you forget who's paying the bills, the funky guitar from "In Da Club" drops in along with 50 himself, who drops his famous "go shorty" couplet towards the end of the song.
'Let Me In' is pretty good for what it is, but it is just too cookie cutter for me to like it.
OTHER SINGLES RELEASED THIS WEEK
October 11
A-Studio - S.O.S.
A Girl Called Eddy - Long Goodbye
The Beautiful South - Livin' Thing
Brad Carter - Morning Always Comes Too Soon
Brand New Heavies - Boogie
The Datsuns - Girl's Best Friend
Decemberists - Billy Liar
Dirty Vegas - Walk Into The Sun
The Donnas - Fall Behind Me
Duncan James & Keedie - I Believe My Heart
Eighties Matchbox B Line Disaster - Rise Of The Eagles
Ella Guru - Park Lane Speakers
Faint - I Disappear
Ignition X - U Sure Do/It's My Life
Ikara Colt - Modern Feeling
James Maker feat. Noko 440 - Born That Way
Jimmy Eat World - Pain
Jobriath - I Love A Good Fight
Kasabian - Processed Beats
Malibu Stacey - Invasion
Modest Mouse - Ocean Breathes Salty
Maria Mena - You're The Only One
Morrissey - Let Me Kiss You
Nancy Sinatra - Let Me Kiss You
Neo Cortex - Elements
Oceansize - Music For Nurses
The Others - Stan Bowles
OutKast - Prototype/Ghettomusick
Paddingtons - 22/Some Old Girl
Paddy Milner - Unsquare Dance
Remma - Worry Young
Rhian Benson - Say How I Feel
Rooster - Come Get Some
Scissor Sisters - Mary
Sugarcult - She's The Blade
Systematik - Endless Road/If You Leave Me Now
Tiesto - Just Be/Goldrush
Tokyo Dragons - Get 'Em Off
Tracey Cole - In The Shadows
Velvet Revolver - Fall To Pieces
VS - Make It Hot
Wonder Stuff - Better Get Ready For A Fist Fight
Young Buck - Let Me In
Single Release Schedule
October 18
Anita Baker - You're My Everything
Black Moth Connection - Shake Ur Booty
Bonnie Prince Billy - No More Workhorse Blues
The Casuals - Good People
Cliff Richard - Something's Goin' On
The Cure - Taking Off
Danzel - Pump It Up
Darius - Kinda Love
The Departure - Be My Enemy
Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence '04
The Dualers - Kiss On The Lips
Eastern Lane - I Said Pig On Friday
Flash Brothers - Amen (Don't Be Afraid)
Freeform Five - Eeeeaaoowww
Good Size - Pineapple Song (Turn Around And Let Me See)
Grand National - Drink To Moving On
Hidden Cameras - I Believe In The Good Of Life
Hollywood Ending - Beginning Of The Middle
The Hives - Two-Timing Touch And Broken Bones
James Blunt - High
Jay Sean - Stolen
Kate Aumonier - Beautiful Girl
Kelis feat. Andre 3000 - Millionaire
The Libertines - What Became Of The Likely Lads
Lil' Flip - Sunshine
Manic Street Preachers - Love Of Richard Nixon
Marble Index - I Believe
Marjorie Fair - Waves
Mark Joseph - Lady Lady/Volcano
Marshmallow - Any Time Soon
Mylo - Drop The Pressure
Nizlopi - Fine Story
Others - Stan Bowles
Petey Pablo - Freek-A-Leek
Placebo - 20 Years
Polly Paulusma - Over The Hill
R Kelly - Happy People
Rammstein - Amerika
The Roots - I Don't Care
Roxy Saint - Firecracker
Seventh Sun - Melody
Shaznay Lewis - You
Slipknot - Vermilion
Travis - Walking In The Sun
Way Out West - Anything But You
The Zutons - Don't Ever Think
October 25
4 Rising Stars - Feelin' Me
Agent Blue - Crossbreed
Alex Cuba Band With Ron Sexsmith - Lo Mismo Que Yo (If Only)
All Eyes - She's A Vision
Ana Johnsson - Don't Cry For Pain
The Basement - Do You Think You're Moving On?
C&C Music Factory - Sweat 2004
Cherubs - Hey Bunny
Chikinki - All Eyes
Christina Aguilera feat. Missy Elliot - Car Wash
Clinic - Circle Of Fifths
Daniel Bedingfield - Nothing Hurts Like Love
Dannii Minogue vs. Flowerpower - You Won't Forget About Me
Delays - Lost In A Melody
Ellements - Walk Right Now
Eyeopener - Hungry Eyes
Flash Brothers - Amen (Don't Be Afraid)
Gabrielle - You Used To Love Me
George Michael - Round Here
Graham Coxon - Freakin' Out/All Over Me
goldielookinchain - Your Mother
Hoobastank - The Reason (Remix)
I Dream feat. Calvin & Frankie - Dreaming
Ja Rule feat. R Kelly & Ashanti - Wonderful
Jill Scott - Golden
Jolie Holland - Amen
Kings Of Leon - The Bucket
Marques Houston - Because Of You
Ma$e feat. P. Diddy - Breathe, Stretch, Shake
Michelle Lawson - Beautiful Thing
Mick Jagger & Dave Stewart - Old Habits Die Hard
Noise Next Door - Lock Up Your Daughters/Ministry Of Mayhem
Phixx - Strange Love
Prodigy - Hotride
Punish The Atom - Filthy Boy
Rachel McFarlane - Lover
Snow Patrol - How To Be Dead
Supatonic - I Wish It Wasn't True
Tamara - Take My Breath Away/Hero
Taz - Cowboy Film
Tina Turner - Open Arms
Tom Baxter - My Declaration
Wee Phillie vs. DJ Gotti - Bang The Drum
Whyte Seeds - Lost My Love
November 1
Alex Gold - Stranded In Paradise
Ash - Renegade Calvacade
Ashanti - Only You
Avril Lavigne - Nobody's Home
Britney Spears - My Prerogative
The Calling - Anything
Candee Jay - Back For Me
Chingy - Balla Baby
Death From Above - Romantic Rights
Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath
Elton John - All That I'm Allowed (I'm Thankful)
Ethix - Give It 2 Me
Fabolous - Breathe
Il Divo - Regressa Mi
Jamelia - DJ/Stop
Jesse Malin - Since You're In Love
JoJo feat. Bow Wow - Baby It's You
King Quadra - Pink Champagne
Landaus - What Ya Cryin' For?
Lost Witness feat. Andrea Britton - Wait For You
MIA - Galang
Michael Gray - The Weekend
Mutiny feat. Lorraine Cato - Holding On
Portobella - Viva La Difference!
Patrizio Buanne - Il Mondo
The Rasmus - First Day Of My Life
Richard Beavis - Hold Down The Shadows
Silver Sun - Bubblegum
The Strokes - The End Has No End
Tyler James - Why Do I Do
The Unstrung - Contrary Mary
Usher - Confessions Part II/My Boo
Vanessa Carlton - White Houses
Westlife - Ain't That A Kick In The Head
Wet Wet Wet - All I Want
XTM & DJ Chucky feat. Annia - Give Me Your Love
November 8
Babyshambles - Killamangiro
Bjork - Who Is It?
Bloc Party - Helicopter
Blue - Curtain Falls
The Dears - Lost The Plot
Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan - Silence 2004
Delta Goodrem - Out Of The Blue
Dizzee Rascal - Dream
Dragonheart - Video Killed The Radio Star
Eminem - Just Lose It
Finn Brothers - Nothing Wrong With You
Groove Coverage - Poison
Gwen Stefani - What Are You Waiting For
Har Mar Superstar - Body Request
Kristian Leontiou - Some Say
Lethal B - Forward
Paul Weller - Thinking Of You
Soulwax - E-Talking
Steriogram - Walkie Talkie Man
Stonebridge feat. Ultra Nate - Freak On
Tears For Fears - Closest Thing To Heaven
Twista feat. R Kelly - So Sexy
U2 - Vertigo
Urban Cookie Collective - The Key, The Secret 2004
V - You Stood Up
The Wedding Present - Interstate 5
November 15
2Play feat. Thomas Jules and Jucxi D - Careless Whisper
The 411 - Teardrops
Anastacia - Welcome To My Truth
The Black Eyed Peas - Don't Mess With My Heart
Doves - Black And White Town
Geri Halliwell - Ride It
Intenso Project featuring Lisa Scott-Lee - Get It On
McFly - Room On The 3rd Floor
Lemar - If There's Any Justice
Mercury Rev - In A Funny Way
The Music - Bleed From Within
Nas feat. Olu Dara - Bridging The Gap
Onyx feat. Gemma J - Every Little Time
Raghav - Angel Eyes
Twilight Singers - Too Tough To Die
November 22
Brian McFadden - Irish Son
The Corrs - Long Night
Darren Hayes - Darkness
Girls Aloud - I'll Stand By You
Green Day - Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
Keane - This Is The Last Time
Sugababes - Overload 2004
The Thrills - Not For All The Love In The World
November 29
Fat Joe - Things Of That Nature
Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten
REM - Aftermath
The Streets - Could Well Be In
December 6
Beastie Boys - Open Letter To NYC
Fever - Bridge And Tunnel
Kylie Minogue - I Believe In You
Robbie Williams - Misunderstood
