by Jenny (London, UK)
RECORD OF THE WEEK
Outkast - Roses: Both Andre and Big Boi appear on the third single from the highly acclaimed Speakerboxxx/The Love Below album."Hey Ya" was the track that got everyone singing, everyone loved "The Way You Move" and I don't see "Roses" being any different.
Outkast do not follow any trend. This is a track which sounds like nothing you've heard. Roses is a fantastic track which I'm sure will another hit from the Oukast boys. Funny song, funny video and... "the time it took to look inside, realize that real guys, go for real down to mars girls" that's a great line!
With a funked up, infectious chorus, instantly triggers memories of that ubiquitous person who loves them self a little too much. A definite hit that will make you realise that love isn't all rose.
HOT SHOT RECORD
Bic Runga - Something Good: Bic Runga is hugely popular in her native New Zealand. The hype here is trying so hard, you can practically hear her record label guys saying, "We found a new Norah Jones!" So while its "lite" enough to be a like an breeze through a window in summer, it's also strong enough to hit repeat and play this track again, or take along album again as part of your daily soundtrack!
"Something Good" is the most radio-friendly track of this week. Bic Runga possesses a pure, smooth, and strong voice and her talents extend beyond the vocals, she not only wrote and produced, but also played guitars, piano, Wurlitzer, harmonica, dobro, and drums on it as well.
Mojo Magazine voted her album one of the best of the year. Uncut 5 star album review: "One of the loveliest collections of songs in recent history". The Sunday Times Culture named her album one of the best of 2003 and claim "Kiwi songwriter Bic Runga will make the airwaves hum with her new single". Night and Day Magazine (The Mail On Sunday) said she is going to be "Bigger than Dido." (And then the 'Mail On Sunday' stuff woke up! - ok, don't upset with Bic Runga, she remains the hot shot record of the week!)
Alarm - New Home, New Life: An Alarm track has always been an emotional rollercoaster of passion, and after 10 years it's nice to see that Mike Peters has not lost his touch! With Eddie, Dave and Twist all gone, the new line up features such people as Craig Adams(The Mission), and Steve Grantley(Stiff little fingers). Straight away one can notice that Peters is gelling well with his new Alarm members!
The style of the music has definitely changed, but then it's been 15 years! If it weren't for Peter's voice, you'd never know it was the Alarm, but what a fine group of creative guitar riffs!
Angel City featuring Lara McAllen - Touch Me: Lara McAllen aka Angel City is releasing her new effort 'Touch Me'. The remix of the Cathy Denis isn't a bad effort. The original version by Cathy peaked at No.2 in 1991 and also topped the US charts.
Lara McAllen, 21, born and brought up in Guildford, she was former Shakira backing vocals singer. It's a radio-friendly sing-along dance track. It's about how a woman feels about a man when she imagines being with him... y'know what I mean!
She's currently in the studio finishing the recording on her debut album with the hit songwriter/producers Grammy winner Bruce Elliot-Smith (Kylie), Phil Larson and Pete Hammond - it's coming out in the August.
Belle & Sebastian - Your Cover's Blown/Wrapped Up In Books: Just when they seemed sure to fade away into twee-pop irrelevance, this obscure Scottish indie-pop act releases their strongest album in seven years. With lots of help from uber-commercial producer Trevor Horn (ABC, Yes, Pet Shop Boys, t.A.T.u.), singer-songwriter Stuart Murdoch finally gets back to leading his band. 'Wrapped Up In Books' sounds a bit like the old Belle. The new single will spell an unlikely payday for CLiff Richard (the band have owned up to 'Wrapped Up In Books'' similarity to 'In The Country' by Cliff Richard, and handed over 20% of the royalties from the track).
Beverley Knight - Come As You Are: Now in the 2004, the RnB/Soul has become the new pop. So, its a perfect time to make Beverly a comeback with her smooth sounds. The Wolverhampton one marks her comeback with this stunning slice of funk-tinged rock! Beverley's gospel credentials are not forgotten either, with a trademark interlude of feel-good soul thrown into the mix.
The Queen of UK Soul is back with new single and I'm pleased to hear that while other British R&B females, such as Gabrielle, are sticking to familiar territory; Beverley's managing evolve successfully. 'Come As You Are' is yet another release from an artist who refuses to stay complacent. A perfect, unsurpressable summer anthem!
Blink-182 - Down: "Down" is a beautiful song, full of gorgeous harmonies and gushing lyrics anylove-lorn teenage boy will identify with (the reverb is still here, echoing with the piano). Very catchy track, a good combination of chorus and verses and my only complaint is that it's too short!
The guitar intro is lovely and in the verses you can hear the light beat of the drums. According to a BBC Radio 2 producer (don't remember the name), "this is an amazingly heartfelt song!". The music and lyrics goes perfectly: "the drops of rain they fall all over.. this haunted silence drives me crazy.. I swear I'll kiss you if you let me!".
McFly - Obviously: If you thought "5 Colours in Her Hair" was good then you should listen to this! This song is taken from McFly's first album (not yet released) "Room on The Third Floor" and I can honestly say that it will kill your childrens' hearts!
Without giving too much away, the video of the song is being filmed on a golf course and the boys are caddie's for a girl (and her boyfriend) who is so out of their league. Sounds like another fantastic vid on it's way. The McFly have also been back in the studio making finishing touches to their debut album 'Room on the 3rd Floor' and hanging out with new US mates Foolproof.
Phixx - Wild Boys: Foxy five-piece Phixx, spawn of the Popstars: The Rivals TV show, have cultivated a sexy bad-boy image and an 80s sound. They've covered Duran Duran's 1984 chart topper 'Wild Boys' for their new single, out on Monday.
No points, only one word: MISERABLE.
Sheryl Crow - Light In Your Eyes: 'Light in your eyes' is the brand new single from Sheryl Crow, taken from the multi-platinum 'Very Best Of' album. This song harks back to the days of the Beatles and George Harrison, and has been warmly received by the American musical press, including Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines. Upbeat and totally catchy its a old fashioned rock song that will be in your head for ages!
"Light In Your Eyes" is a great track about how we see the past and the future in our life. How we take the advantage of a new relationship or we are going deeper in our memories... Are we stacked on them or are we moving forward? Many Sheryl's fans supports that "Light In Your Eyes" is worthy of a Grammy Award!
Twista - Overnight Celebrity: Twista, arguably the fastest coherent rhyming emcee, is back with the release of his second single project entitled 'Overnight Celebrity'. Twista and Kanye West strike gold twice on this new track (they collaborated also in the first single 'Slow Jamz.'
'Overnight Celebrity' is another game orientated track in which Kanye spits and infectious chorus over a smooth beat that will having females working it hard to a slow pace.
Undercover - Viva England: Well, it could have been worse. As footie songs go, it is no 'Three Lions', but it isn't bad. I thought it okay but I did find the "Engla-la-la" chorus bloody annoying. 'Viva England' has been set to the theme tune of the multi award winning TV show 'Only Fools and Horses'.
The track is the brainchild of John Matthews, lead singer with Undercover. 'Viva England!' is a football song but if this week England go out of Euro (England-Croatia at 19:45, 21/6) - you 'll never remember it again. Monday is the 'big' day not only for England football team but also for climbing this song on the UK Singles Chart.
The Zutons - Remember Me: This Liverpudlian quintet and chief Zuton Dave McCabe sure can holler, and here they pull off merseybeat ('Remember Me'). They've got a bloody sax player, and it seems like the best idea ever! at first seemed to belong to the former camp, but owing more to their label mates the Coral than either band can surely have felt comfortable with.
However, the most immediately endearing track and a potentially superb summer implosion is the La's-esque 'Remember Me' which despite it's jauntyness is a rather perverse eulogy to a best mate lost to romance. Sort of sums the Zutons up, really; great with a tune, but probably not the best characters to hang with in the search of a wholesome life...
OTHER SINGLES RELEASED THIS WEEK
Alarm - New Home, New Life
Angel City featuring Lara McAllen - Touch Me
Belle & Sebastian - Your Cover's Blown/Wrapped Up In Books
Beverley Knight - Come As You Are
Bic Runga - Something Good
Blink-182 - Down
Cassius Henry - The One
Daniel Wylie - Maybe I've Changed
Diverse featuring Vast Aire - Big Game
Do Me Bad Things - Song Rides
F:X - Under Pressure
Fall - Theme From Sparta FC
Feist - One Evening
Girls Of FHM - Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?
Gisli - How About That?
Hiding Place - (What If) The Truth Looks Clearer Empty
I Am Kloot - Proof
James Carrington - Only For You
Jay Sean featuring The Rishi Rich Project - Eyes On You
Jentina - Bad Ass Strippa
Junk TV - Oh England (We're Gonna Win The Cup)
Lemonescent - All Right Now
Lucky Jim - You're Lovely To Me
Master Blaster - Hypnotic Tango
McFly - Obviously
Michelle Williams - Do You Know
The Open - I Just Want To Live
Outkast - Roses
Phixx - Wild Boys
RikRok featuring Shaggy - Your Eyes
Sam Roberts - Don't Walk Away Eileen
Sheryl Crow - Light In Your Eyes
Spankox - To The Club
Rob Tissera vs Vinylgroover & The Red Hed - Stay
Twista - Overnight Celebrity
Undercover - Viva England
X Is Loaded - Thirteen Days
The Zutons - Remember Me
Single Release Schedule
June 28
22-20s - Shoot Your Gun
Air - Alpha Beta Gaga
Amy Winehouse - Help Yourself
Barely Legal - The Future
Basement Jaxx - Good Luck
Bastian - You've Got My Love
Black Eyed Peas - Let's Get It Started
Blue - Bubblin'
Eighties Matchbox B Line Disaster - I Could Be An Angle
Eleanor McEvoy - I'll Be Willing
Ferry Corsten - It's Time
George Michael - Flawless (Go To The City)
Girls Aloud - The Show
Hinda Hicks - Up, Up
Jason Downs - Shut Up (Let's Hook Up)
Jem - It All Starts Here
Junior Jack - Stupidisco
Kylie Minogue - Chocolate
Lee Cabrera - Voodoo Love
Lockdown Project - Down In One
Longview - In A Dream
Loose Cannons - I Like It When Ya
Magnus - Summer's Here
Mellow - Drifting Out Of Sight
Mission Of Burma - Four Hands EP
Mocky - How Will I Know You
Naila Boss - La La La
Norah Jones - What Am I To You?
Pete Murray - Feeler
Prince - Cinnamon Girl
The Roots - Don't Say Nuthin'
Ryan Adams - Wonderwall
Savana - Pretty Lady
Scooter - Jigga Jigga
Selfish c**t - Authority Confrontation
Terra Diablo - Satellites
Tim Booth - Down To The Sea
TV On The Radio - Staring At The Sun
The Upper Room - All Over This Town
Usher - Burn
Walkmen - Little House Of Savages
July 5
4 Strings - Turn It Round
The 5678s - Woo Hoo
Archie Bronson Outfit - Islands
Ben Kweller - Rules
Camera Obscura - Keep It Clean
Counting Crows - Accidentally In Love
Damien Rice - Cannonball
Dogs Die In Hot Cars - I Love You 'Cause I Have To
Dub Pistols - World Gone Crazy
Elvis Presley - That's Alright
Fiery Furnaces - Single Again
Flip & Fill featuring Karen Parry - Discoland
Ghostface featuring Missy Elliott - Push
The Hives - Walk Idiot Walk
Ian Van Dahl - Believe
JC Chasez - All Day Long I Dream About Sex
Jennifer Ellison - Bye Bye Boy
Mark Morrison - Just A Man
Matt Goss - Fly
Max Sedgley - Happy
Mia - Sunshowers
Michelle Lawson - Beautiful Thing
Modest Mouse - Float On
Nick Skitz vs The Choirboys - Run To Paradise
Nina Skye - Move Ya Body
The Orbital - One Perfect Sunrise
The Polyphonic Spree - Hold Me Now
Princess Paragon - I Don't Wanna Know
Royal Gigolos - California Dreamin'
Seether featuring Amy Lee - Broken
Shaznay Lewis - Never Felt Like This Before
Shystie - One Wish
Tejo, Black Alien & Speed - Follow Me, Follow Me
Velvet Revolver - Slither
Warren Suicide - Warren Suicide
Will Young - Friday's Child
Young Heart Attack - Starlite
July 12
Ash - Starcross'd
B-Boys - Shake Da Body
Beats For Beginners - Summer Lovers
Bellefire - Spin The Wheel
Bloc Party - Little Thoughts/Tulips
Cornershop - Topknot
Ed Real & The Coalition - 20,000 Hardcore Members
Fifth Avenue - Spanish Eyes
Fried - When You Get Out Of Jail
FYA - Too Hot
Hypo Psycho - Public Enemy No.1
J-Kwon - Tipsy
Jamelia - See It In A Boy's Eyes
Kimberley Locke - Eighth World Wonder
Mania - Looking For A Place To Go
Marillion - Don't Hurt Yourself
Michelle Gayle - Don't Want It
Minimal Chic featuring Matt Goss - I Need The Key
Morrissey - First Of The Gang To Die
Mull Historical Society - How 'Bout I Love You More?
Nelly Furtado - For�a
Rachel Stevens - Some Girls
ShapeShifters - Lola's Theme
Sigur R�s - Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do
Snow Patrol - Spitting Games
Soda Club - Ain't No Love (Ain't No Use)
Styles & Breeze - You're Shining
Zena featuring Beenie Man - Been Around The World
July 19
Aloud - Sex And Sand
Ana - We Are
Badly Drawn Boy - Year Of The Rat
Eamon - I Love Them Hos
Estelle - 1980
Franz Ferdinand - Michael
Lou Reed - Satellite Of Love (Dab Hands Remix)
Magnolia - It's All Vain
Marly - You Never Know
Marques Houston featuring Jermaine "JD" Dupri - Pop That Booty
Monroe - Smile
Music - Welcome To The North
Nic Armstrong - Natural Flair Down Home Girl
PJ Harvey - You Come Through
Rodney P - Trouble
Smuji - K.O.
The Streets - Dry Your Eyes
July 26
Alex Carta�� - Lost Ur Mind?
Anastacia - Sick And Tired
Busted - Thunderbirds/3AM
The Charlatans - Try Again Today
Deeyah - I Saw You
Houston featuring Chingy, I-20 & Nat� Dogg - I Like That
Kane - Rain Down On Me
Katie Melua - Crawling Up A Hill
Moby & Public Enemy - MKLVFKWR
Timbaland & Magoo - Indian Flute
Vinylgroover & The Red Hed - The Answer
August 2
ATL - Make It Up With Love
Dido - Sand In My Shoes
Innocence Mission - One For Sorrow, Two For Joy
Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved
Sugababes - Nasty Ghetto
V - Hip To Hip
August 9
Avril Lavigne - My Happy Ending
Britney Spears - Outrageous
Keane - Bedshaped
Madrugada - Blood Shot Adult Commitment
The Rasmus - Guilty
Skandinavia - Never Too Late
August 16
Deepest Blue - Shooting Star
Gabrielle - Latchkey Kid
Jet - Cold Hard Bitch
Sondre Lerche - Two Way Monologue
Usher & Alicia Keys - My Boo
August 23
Candice - Hello
Darren Hayes - Popular
Kings Of Convenience - I'd Rather Dance With You
August 30
Embrace - Gravity
Paul Weller - Wishing On A Star
Prodigy - Girls/Memphis Bells
The Thrills - Whatever Happened To Corey Haim?
