Gillingham, Kent, UK (By Mikey:
[email protected])
RECORD OF THE WEEK
Good Charlotte - Girls and Boys Storming follow-up to 'Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous'. The intro sounds like a Prefab Sprout record right at the very start, when the song gets going its really brilliant. Having exploded onto the international rock scene with their brilliant debut single, 'Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous', US punk-poppers the Good Charlotte return with another similarly bouncy follow-up, in the shape of 'Girls & Boys'. Managing to tread the fine line between the rock underground and overground with relative ease, GC's latest is only gonna add to the band's fanbase and further cements their rep as one of the most talented new punk outfits on the block.
HOT SHOT RECORD
R. Kelly - Ignition Never very far from the spotlight over the last six months or so (but not entirely for the right reasons), R Kelly gets back to business this week and returns with 'Ignition', the first single from the new album 'Chocolate Factory'. A definite return to good form, 'Ignition' (well, it's remixed form here) is an upbeat urban banger that's already ripping up the floors right across the r'n'b scene on both sides of the Atlantic.
ALSO RELEASED
The Androids - Do it with Madonna They've been number one in their native Australia, are already creating a bit of a buzz Stateside and the likes of Kerrang! Are beginning to get excited about them, but who are the Androids? Well, their four lads from down-under and their tongue-in-cheek ode to the world's most iconic pop star is looking likely to launch them firmly onto the UK's musical radar.
Bhangra Knights vs. Husan - Husan Positiva return after the massive success of Room 5's 'Make Luv' with another potentially huge crossover tune. Best known as the exotic Bhangra flavoured music from the current Peugot 206 ads, the head-nodding, funk-tinted 'Hussan' finally receives a full UK release alongside a clubbier, slightly tougher new version from the Bhangra Knights. Already a smash on the dancefloor (regularly appearing in the sets of Tong, Jules and Graeme Park, amongst others), 'Husan' has summer written all over it and should be a big hit when Ibiza season gets under way.
Big Brovaz - Favourite Things It's impossible to come up with a new production sound these days. Even the likes of Dre and Timbaland rely on a mixture of technology and samples. However, occasionally a new mould is created - a la Nelly and the Dirty South sound - and music makes a great leap forward. Thus, the sound brought to the fore by Big Brovaz is as exciting as it is innovative. Having already recorded a high chart score with their debut single 'Nu Flow', and the follow-up 'OK', the latest, 'Favourite Things', only cements their reputation as the most exciting new act to emerge on the UK's urban scene in....well, years.
The Cheeky Girls - Take Your Shoes off Oh well, it had to happen the follow up single to 'Cheeky Song (touch my bum)'. Another party novelty, I thought the Vengaboys were as bad, but what happened to them, maybe the Cheeky Girls will do the same vanishing act. Having rocked the charts, and the discotheques, with their catchy Euro-tinted debut, 'Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)', the Cheeky Girls return this week with...well, more of the same really. Another irresistible slab of catchy pop-dance from the continental duo, 'Take Your Shoes Off' might not be rocket science, but it's great fun, and it's already looking like it could be another big hit for the sisters.
The Dandy Warhols - We Used To Be Friends The Dandy Warhols return in sparkling form with 'We Used To Be Friends', the first single from their long-awaited forthcoming album. Backed by taut bass, electronic bleeps and Courtney Taylor-Taylor's come hither vocals, this single finds the band on the kind of catchy rock form they displayed on their superb number one single, 'Bohemian Like You'.
Dead or Alive - You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) What can be said about this record that's never been said before? A bona-fide 80's classic (which incidentally was produced by Pete Waterman), 'You Spin Me Round' resurfaces this week - along with new mixes - for all those that missed out on it first time around. The original is present and correct, and still sounding as fresh as ever, whilst the new versions pay homage to a classic whilst at the same time giving it a distinctly up-to-date flavour.
Feeder - Forget About Tomorrow After the sad death of drummer Jon Lee Feeder really seem to have found their stride. Off the back of the brilliant 'Just The Way I'm Feeling' the lads return with a single that's widely regarded, as one of the albums finest. Definitely one for the fanbase as well as those not yet converted to the Feeder sound.
Holden & Thompson - Nothing 'Nothing' is already a bit of a classic in progressive circles thanks to top jocks like Tiesto ('my biggest tune of 2002') and Sasha playing it relentlessly off CDR for months before Loaded finally managed to sign it. A vocal collaboration with singer Julie Thompson, this beautifully haunting song is turned into dancefloor dynamite by James Holden's typically awesome production. Whilst 93 Returning and Silver City turn up with the remixes on a package that's a must for all prog/trance fans. 'Nothing' is already looking like a huge crossover tune on the dance underground - don't miss!
Saffron Hill ft. Ben Onono - My Love I Always With summer written all over it, 'My Love Is Always' is not only shaping up to become a big dancefloor anthem it could also launch the career of a brilliant new vocalist in the shape of the wonderful Ben Onono. Produced by Tim Deluxe (of last year's 'It Just Won't Do') and bearing all the filtered-up disco-tinged funk that we like in our house cuts, 'My Love Is Always' is, even at this early stage, looking like a contender for the coveted 'tune of the summer' accolade.
Snap! - Rhythm Is A Dancer 2003 Released in August '92 (and the biggest selling UK single of that year), Snap's brilliant 'Rhythm Is A Dancer' resurfaces on Data Recordings this week with some fresh new mixes for today's dancefloors. Retaining the heady feel of the original, the new style inspires a bountiful package packed full of pumping basslines and euphoric, uplifting arrangements. CJ Stone's mix is a pumping ride along rushing synths and THAT vocal hook, The Friday Night Posse don't mess around with a furious version, Magik Muzik deliver a superb bassline beneath the beats and Rezonance Q deliver more catchy trance. Something for all tastes!
Terri Walker - Ching Ching Terri's individual style has attracted a lot of attention from all the right areas. She has firmly established herself, as an organically grown UK artist who, without the obligatory mention of legendary producers and guest vocalists, is making music that requires real musicians and not produced backbeats to create a buzz. Her latest, 'Ching Ching', can only be described as a breath of fresh air. Terri mixes Motown class with a contemporary feel and she includes just the right amount of ingredients to make it a fine slice of summer soul. Whilst the mixes add different flavours for a whole host of dancefloors.
And the following acts are also releasing, but probably won't penetrate the Top 40
Ambershades - Clap Clap Clap
Bone Thugs 'N' Harmony featuring Phil Collins - Home
Broadcast - Pendulum EP
Groove Armada - Easy
Richard Hawley - Run For Me
Hell Is For Heroes - Retreat
HIM - Buried Alive By Love
Jasper Street Company - Another Day
Matchbox Twenty - Unwell
McKay - Tell Him
Murk - Alright
Oceansize - One Day All This Could Be Yours EP
P*Nut - The Don/Ain't Missin U
Robin S - Luv 4 Luv
Senor Coconut - Smoke On The Water
Serafin - Things Fall Apart
Tindersticks - Don't Even Go There EP
The Vessels - Don't Waste Your Time
Single Release Schedule
May 12
The Applicators - Mercy Kiss
Audio Bullys - Turned Away
Bon Jovi - All About Loving You
Bonobo - Pick Up
Boomkat - The Wreckoning
Clipse featuring Faith Evans - Ma, I Don't Love Her
The Crimea - White Russian Galaxy
Eyes Adrift - Alaska
Deftones - Minerva
Fallacy - Big 'N' Bashy
Girls Aloud - No Good Advice
George Harrison - Any Road
Kealer - Superman
Keane - Everybody's Changing
Less Than Jake - She's Gonna Break
Tom McRae - Karaoke Soul
Mint Royale - I Don't Know / Dancehall Places
Mitchell & Dewbury - Globetrotter
Mr Reds vs DJ Skribble - Everybody Come On (Can You Feel It)
Nada Surf - Inside Of Love
Yoko Ono - Walking On Thin Ice
Sean Paul - Get Busy
The Pretenders - You Know Who Your Friends Are
Red & White Machines - Southampton Boys
Robin S - Luv 4 Luv 2003
Lisa Scott-Lee - Lately
Shed Seven - Why Can't I Be With You?
Stain'd - Price To Pay
Stylophonic - Soul Reply
Supergrass - Rush Hour Soul
Wayne Williams - Anything Is Possible
Zutons - Creepin' An' A Crawlin'
May 19
Anotherside - This Is Your Night
Ataris - In My Diary
The Basement - The Only Mr. Lonely
Biffy Clyro - Questions & Answers
Common - New Wave
Evan Dando - Stop My Head
Ed Harcourt - Watching The Sun Come Up
Flip & Fill - Field Of Dreams
Hot Action Cop On Lava - Fever For The Flava
Jemini - Cry Baby
Love Inc. - Broken Bones
Sam Obernik - Mr. Butterfly
Outlandish - Guantanamo
Resource - I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight
Sonique - Can't Make Up My Mind
Andy Stochansky - Wonderful (It's Superman)
Tantalize - Body Rockin'
t.A.T.u. - Not Gonna Get Us
Justin Timberlake - Rock Your Body
Paul Van Dyk featuring Jan Johnston - Nothing But You
XTM featuring Annia - Fly On The Wings Of Love
May 26
Abs - Stop Sign
Blak Beatniks - One Day At A Time
DJ Chrome - Who's Crying Now?
Emma - Free Me
Ginuwine - Hell Yeah
Grandaddy - Now It's On
Ashley Hamilton - Wimmin
International Pony - Leaving Home
Massive Attack - Butterfly Caught
John Mayer - Your Body Is A Wonderland
P.O.D. - Sleeping Away
Radiohead - There There
Busta Rhymes & Mariah Carey featuring Flipmode Squad - I Know What You Want
S Club - Say Goodbye / Love Ain't Gonna Wait For You
Shy FX & T Power featuring Kele Le Roc - Feelin' U
Skin - Trashed
Stereophonics - Madame Helga
Alexis Strum - Addicted
Martina Toplay - Need One
3 Drives - Carrera
Train - Calling All The Angels
Turin Brakes - Average Man
Violent Delight - All You Ever Do
Michael Woods featuring Imogen Bailey - If U Want Me
June 2
AFI - Girl's Not Grey
Christina Aguilera - Fighter
Blur - Crazy Beat
Burning Brides - Arctic Snow
Melanie C - On The Horizon
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - He Wants You / Babe I'm On Fire
The Darkness - Growing On Me
Electric Six - Gay Bar
Jennifer Ellison - Baby I Don't Care
Eminem - Superman
Evanescence - Bring Me To Life
Fast Food Rockers - Fast Food Song
The Foundation featuring Natalie Rossi - All Out Of Love
Delta Goodrem - Lost Without You
iio - At The End
Junkie XL - Catch Up To My Step
Kings Of Leon - Red Morning Light
Jennifer Lopez - I'm Glad
Marilyn Manson - Mobscene
Nu - Any Other Girl
Nylon Pylon - Foot In Mouth
One True Voice - Shakespeare's (Way With) Words
Placebo - This Picture
Space Cowboy - Just Put Your Hand In Mine
Shania Twain - Forever And For Always
Stone Sour - Inhale
Amy Studt - Misfit
Wayne Wonder - No Letting Go
June 9
Apollo 440 - Dude Descending A Staircase
Aurora - Sleeping Satellite
B2K - Girlfriend
Darius - Girl In The Moon
DJ Sammy - Sunlight
Foo Fighters - Low
Linkin Park - Faint
Liquid People vs Talk Talk - It's My Life
Dannii Minogue - Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling
NRC - Here Comes The Rain Again
Peppercorn - Hyperventilating
Wheatus - I'm An American In Amsterdam
The Wildhearts - So Into You
