Gillingham, Kent, UK (By Mikey)
RECORD OF THE WEEK
Travis - Re-Offender Fran, Dougie, Andy and Neil have a lot to live up to, but this proves that they haven't forgotten how to write a cracking tune. The first single to be taken from the band's "12 Memories" album, their first since 2001's massive-selling 'The Invisible Band' is a poignant love song about being trapped in a brutal relationship. 'Re-Offender' sounds like the Travis we know and love, with a grittier, 'Coldplay-ish' edge and gets better and better the more times you hear it.
HOT SHOT RECORD
Milk & Sugar - Let The Sunshine In Milk & Sugar is the brainchild of German DJs/remixers/producers Steven Sugar and Mike Milk and formed around ten years ago to shake up the local house music scene and establish themselves as a household name in clubland. Probably most famously known for their breakthrough single 'Higher and Higher', this new remix/single is no less catchy and it makes you think that you are lying on a beach, sipping a cocktail made from exotic fruit due to its Latin dance beats. Go on, re-capture that magic from the last holiday in the comfort of your own home!
50 Cent ft. Snoop Dogg - P.I.M.P. 50 Cent, G-Unit, or Curtis Jackson, however you want to refer to him, is a shining example of one who has had a horrendous life yet was still able to turn things around and become a successful phenomenon. 50 returns with another slamming tune called 'PIMP' off his critically acclaimed album 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. PIMP starts off with a steel drum, most likely influenced by 50's birth in Jamaica, and continues on with a solid syncopated backbeat that makes for a perfect head-nodding feeling. The lyrics profess to the world how 50 doesn't care so much for women as he does for money - as women come and go. Deep lyrics they aren't - but the song is still fun nonetheless.
The Ataris - The Boys Of Summer 'Boys Of Summer' is a straight-ahead killer rendition of the Don Henley 1980's number 5 classic and second single to be released from the bands debut album `So Long Astoria'. The Ataris, going since 1994, are usually heavily punk-pop based, but this sees a move towards a more mature and emo-like sound. Bonus points are to be awarded, as Kris Roe updates the 'Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac' line to 'Black Flag sticker', genius!
David Bowie - New Killer Star The album opener 'New Killer Star' has the great hook line and musical genius created in an almost Ziggy like atmosphere. The new single nicks the guitar part from Blur's 'Coffee and TV', throws in some sinister lyrics and finishes it off with David's most intense vocal performance with a bassline etched indelibly within our genetic make-up. It's instantly recognizable and irresistible, and once the hook is set, a deluge of static-hazed background singers, weird robo-choruses, and a shaky treble riff that easily sets the track up as another Bowie classic.
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Manhood Dexy's Midnight Runners are no strangers in the chart, they have had two No.1s in the early 80s with 'Geno' and the best selling single of 1982 with 'Come on Eileen'. This single 'Manhood' sees them return to this modern age of the music industry, taken from the soon-to-be-release 'Greatest Hits' album. Dexy's Midnight Runners are back on the road, touring the London circuit this coming autumn.
DJ Tiesto - Traffic Tiesto drops his first single 'Traffic' from his forthcoming second album, which has been pencilled in for 2004. 'Traffic' is a minimal trance/techno hybrid with an awesome riff that is already an anthem for cooler clubbers across the UK and Europe. Max Walder is one of the new school of European techno and has released massive techno anthems on Belgian label Lupp amongst others. Here he turns in one of his trademark no prisoner slamming tech grooves for the masses.
DMX - Where Da Hood At? DMX releases a quick follow-up to take advantage of the success of "X Gonna Give It To Ya". And just to be sure he uses the same samples and techniques on Where The Hood At? As he used in the last single. The thin horns, which worked so well on the previous hit sound a little, stretched now though. And DMX's gravely shout doesn't help things at all. If you're looking for aggression without interesting rhythms or singable tunes, then this is the track for you.
Longview - Can't Explain 'Can't Explain' is the second single from the critically acclaimed debut album 'Mercury' from the Manchester lads that are Longview. The album 'Mercury' is breathtaking in every way possible, each track serves a purpose and takes you away to another place, the feelings you will draw from 'Can't Explain' will, without a doubt, turn your world upside down for the moment at least, but will also achieve Longview' s aim to touch you emotionally. 'Can't Explain' almost immediately loses you inside the passionate and emotional lyrics, which wrap themselves around you, making you feel sad and tearful, but in a happy sense. Sheer brilliance!
Morjac ft. Raz - Conway A driving mixture of house, pop r'n'b and soul sees these refined gents come into their own on their debut track for Credence. An unusual and extremely musical arrangement makes the track stand out from the crowd, and sums up the expertise to be found within this Danish duo. With a stunning vocal from Raz Conway, and an instrumental that sees the songs surpass anyone's expectations of what a house/pop hit should be.
Poloroid - So Damm Beautiful Poloroid is the alter ego of Essex born singer songwriter Dan Rowe. It's one of the biggest tunes of the Northern summer so far, you heard it on the Radio One Ibiza stage in early August; you heard it as Dave Pearce's tune of the week; you also heard it on Human Traffic; on Dave Seaman's Global Underground album and you've even heard it at the World Cup when England beat Argentina last year�now hear it on your stereo!
S Club 8 - Sundown A very catchy little number, S Club 8 always deliver, but they always seem to fail to reach the top somehow, maybe this new release might set them on the right track. The S Club 8 gang are being hailed as the saviours of pop, taking over the S Club mantel with a fresh sound. Now S Club 8 is preparing to chase that elusive number one spot with the single of the year 'Sundown'. This infectious tune is pure pop with a hint of disco and funk. As a sizzling summer comes to an end 'Sundown' evokes fond memories of fun in the sun. With an edgy beat and a catchy chorus 'Sundown' has monster hit written all over it.
Amy Studt - Under The Thumb 'Under The Thumb' is the second single to be released from Amy's debut album 'False Smiles' and is strongly following in the footsteps of her first chart topping singles 'Just A Little Girl' and 'Misfit'. This song starts off lazily slow, building into a stormer of a track. The sounds are largely influenced by her co-writer Karen Poole (Alisha's Attic) as it tells a story of a troubled relationship. There's no denying the genuine talent at work here.
Turin Brakes - 5 Mile (These Are The Days) Off the back of their incredible performances at Glastonbury and V2003 summer festivals comes the single '5 Mile (These Are The Days)', which has previously been unavailable. The ex-Balham church choir boys seem to have had a change in direction as they focus on exposing a more prosaic reality. Apparently originally intended for their next album they liked it so much they insisted it was released immediately!! This is a classy acoustic guitar led track with such a catchy jingly-jangly hook they willcertainly give The Thrills a run for their money.
OTHER SINGLES RELEASED THIS WEEK
Marc Almond - Gone But Not Forgotten
Blackcube - Breve
The Broken Family Band - At The Back Of The Chapel
Eva Cassidy - You Take My Breath Away
Chicks On Speed - We Don't Play Guitars
Dem Lott Family - Weekend
Echoboy - Good On TV
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - Mow The Lawn
Hope Of The States - Enemies/Friends
Hanoi Rocks - A Day Late A Dollar Short
Incognito - Can't Get You Out Of My Head
Jehst - Run Hard
The Killers - Mr Brightside
Lowgold - We Don't Have Much Time
Jason Mraz - The Remedy (I Won't Worry)
Pest - Chicken Spit
Plastikman - Disconnect
The Rock Of Travolta - Everything's Opened Up
Carina Round - Into My Blood
Senor Coconut - Smooth Operator
Six By Seven - Bochum
Stagecoach feat. Penny Foster - Angel Looking Through
Sugar Daddy - Sweet Soca Music
This Girl - Demos For The Family
Single Release Schedule
October 6
Ashiva - Sunrise
B2K - Uh Huh
Beyonce featuring Sean Paul - Baby Boy
Blondie - Good Boys
Blur - Good Song
Butterfly Butcher - I Can't Make Me Love You
Chingy - Right Thurr
The Coral - Secret Kiss
Easy World - Second Amendment
Fabolous featuring Tamia - Into You
Fast Food Rockers - Say Cheese (Smile Please)
Foggy - Come (Into My Dream)
Funeral For A Friend - She Drove Me To Daytime Television/Bullet Theory
Matt Goss - I'm Comin' With Ya
Gus Gus - David
Hazzards - Gay Boyfriend
I Monster - Who Is She?
Kealer - Missing For Days
Killing Joke - Seeing Red
Michelle Lawson - I Just Wanna Say
Lovebug - Who's The Daddy?
Kevin Lyttle - Turn Me On
Planet Funk - Inside All The People
The Pretenders - The Losing
Santana featuring Alex Band - Why Don't You And I
The Strokes - 12:51
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Coma Girl
Suede - Attitude
System featuring Kerri B - If You Leave Me Now
Texas - Carnival Girl
Amy Winehouse - Stronger Than Me
October 13
50 Cent featuring Snoop Dogg - P.I.M.P.
Aqualung - Brighter Than Sunshine
The Beautiful South - Just A Few Things That I Ain't
Da Brat featuring Cherish - In Love Wit Chu
Craig David - World Filled With Love
DJ Bobo - Chihuahua
The Donnas - Too Bad About Your Girl
Hilary Duff - So Yesterday
Electric Six - Dance Commander
Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Mixed Up World
Emma - Maybe
Erasure - Oh L'Amour
David Guetta featuring Chris Willis - Just A Little More Love
Keane - This Is The Last Time
Kira - Two Hearts On Fire
Kosheen - Wasting My Time
Nodesha - Get It Whilst It's Hot
Pharrell featuring Busta Rhymes - Light Your Ass On Fire
REM - Bad Day
Billie Ray Martin - Dead Again
Mark Ronson featuring Ghostface & Nate Dogg - Ooh Wee
Scooter - Maria (I Like It Loud)
Sugababes - Hole In The Head
Super Furry Animals - Hello Sunshine
Tatjana - Santa Maria 2003
Thicke - When I Get You Alone
Tindersticks - Sweet Oblivion
Tomcraft - Brainwashed
Twen2y 4 Se7en - Patiently Waiting
UB40 - Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Luther Vandross - Lovely Day/Dance With My Father
Wyclef - Industry
October 20
Acoustic Love Experience - Painted Pony
Angel City featuring Lara McAllen - Love Me Right
Ashanti - Rain On Me
Basement Jaxx featuring Dizzee Rascal - Lucky Star
Daniel Bedingfield - Friday
Big Ang featuring Siobhan - It's Over Now
Blue - Guilty
Sheryl Crow - The First Cut Is The Deepest
Fatman Scoop featuring The Crooklyn Clan - Be Faithful
Kings Of Leon - Wasted Time
Liberty X - Jumpin'
Kym Marsh - Sentimental
Morcheeba - Can't Stand It
Space Cowboy - Crazy Talk
Stacie Orrico - (There's Gotta Be) More To Life
Outlandish - Aicha
Simply Red - You Make Me Feel New
Obie Trice - Got Some Teeth
Ian Van Dahl - I Can't Let You Go
Maria Willson - Mr. Alibi
October 27
Atomic Kitten - If You Come To Me
Matt Darey featuring Marcella Woods - Voice Of An Angel
Delays - Long Time Coming
Eagle Eye Cherry - Skull Tattoo
Elbow - Fugitive Motel
Hundred Reasons - The Great Test
iio - Smooth
Kelis - Milkshake
Lumidee - Crashin' A Party
Maroon 5 - Harder To Breathe
Mark Owen - Alone Without You
Pink - Trouble
Phixx - Hold On Me
Primal Scream - Some Velvet Morning
David Sneddon - Baby Get Higher
Underworld - Born Slippy 2003
Holly Valance - State Of Mind
Wayne Wonder - Friend Like Me
November 3
Blazin' Squad - Flip Reverse
The Cooper Temple Clause - Blind Pilot
Fight Club featuring Laurent Konrad - Spread Love
Gabrielle - You Used To Love Me
Javine - Surrender
Jet - Rollover DJ
John Mayer - Bigger Than My Body
Kylie Minogue - Slow
Ozzy & Kelly Osbourne - Changes
Pet Shop Boys - Miracles
Britney Spears featuring Madonna - Me Against The Music
Triple Eight - You And I
Robbie Williams - Sexed Up
November 10
Abs - 7 Ways...
Belle & Sebastian - Step Into My Office
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - We're All In Love
Busted - Crashed The Wedding
Melanie C - Yeh Yeh Yeh/Melt
Electric Soft Parade - Lose Your Frown
Delta Goodrem - Not Me, Not I
Enrique Iglesias - Addicted
Iron Maiden - Rain Maker
Lemar - 50:50/Lullaby
Lorna - Papi Chulo...Te Traigo El Mmmm
Love Inc - Into The Night
Madonna - Nothing Fails
Muse - Hysteria
Outkast - Hey Ya
Room 5 featuring Oliver Cheatham - Music And You
Stereophonics - Since I Told You It's Over
Usher - Confessions
November 17
Jennifer Ellison - Bye Bye Boy
Fame Academy Winner - TBA
Flip & Fill - Irish Blue
Alicia Keys - U Don't Know My Name
Lady May featuring Blu Cantrell - Round Up
Linkin Park - From The Inside
Lisa Scott-Lee - I'll Wait For You/U Sure Do
Mis-Teeq - Crossroads
Alanis Morrisette - Eight Easy Steps
Rachel Stevens - Funky Dory
Starsailor - Born Again
November 24
Kelly Clarkson - Low
Girls Aloud - Jump
Radical Noiz featuring Adeva - In And Out
Will Young - Leave It Right Now
December 1
Harry Diamond & Lost Boys - I Need You Now
Nelly Furtado - Powerless (Say What You Want)
December 8
Big Brovaz - It Ain't What You Do
Cliff Richard - Santa's List
Justin Timberlake - I'm Lovin' It
December 15
The Darkness - Christmas Time (When Will The Bells End?)/Friday Night
Craig David - You Don't Miss Your Water
Avid Merrion - Little Drummer Boy
December 22
Blue & Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
