Gillingham, Kent, UK (By Mikey)
RECORD OF THE WEEK
Dido - White Flag The biggest-selling female artist of 2001 is back with this long awaited new single, taken from her equally long awaited new album 'Life For Rent', which set for release in September. The dreamy melody, ethereal keyboards and gentle beats, topped by Dido's haunting vocals, all conspire to create a shimmeringly beautiful pop song that'll be floating around your head for months. She's not lost her gift for writing a damn good tune, that's for sure. 
'White Flag' is a gentle trip hoppy lullaby and it's a nice, soft, melodic song that send goosebumps all over your skin, that wouldn't have sounded at all out of place on 'No Angel', which can't be bad - that album went platinum in no fewer than 35 countries. Welcome back, Dido!
HOT SHOT RECORD
Big Brovaz - Baby Boy I reckon this band will clean up at the MOBO awards this year, if they do, it be a hell of a year for them, they are young, fresh and talented and they have only been in the music business for the past 12 months. The girls (Cherise, Dion, Nadia) and the boys (Flawless, J-Rock and Randy) that make up the Big Brovaz continue their domination of the UK urban music scene with another chunk of good vibes music. Kind of a change of pace and with the girls handling lead vocals, 'Baby Boy' finds the Brovaz in full-on ballad mode.
Barndance Boys - Yippie-I-Oh First we had the Cheeky Girls then the Fast Food Rockers now it's the turn of the Barndance Boys, what the hell is going on with these novelty songs. This is a song, which is getting a huge support from the music channels, and airplay is boycotting it, this song is so baa baa and it's so highly irritating to listen to. I could swear it's Mark and Lard from Radio 1 are singing on this song.
This has to be the stinker single of the week.
Black Eyed Peas ft. Justin Timberlake - Where Is The Love? If this record didn't have Justin attached to it, I would have chose it as my hot shot record, this song would have worked much better without Justin. Having been around the block more then a few times, it looks like the Black Eyed Peas are finally going to get the break they so richly deserve. The 'Where Is The Love' track is just the kind of laidback, hip-hop groove the Peas do so well but what might just tip the balance here is the fact that the song's hook is provided by none other than Justin Timberlake.
Cooper Temple Cause - Promises Promises Taken from the forthcoming 'Kick Up A Fire and Let the Flames Break Loose album, 'Promises Promises' more than furthers The Clause's cause, firing as it does on the kind of cylinders that other bands can only ever dream of getting hold of.
Dare - Chihuahua The most annoying single of the summer will have to be the 'Chihuahua' song, its big all over Europe, you either like it or hate it, this is surely gonna be a massive hit, and its very catchy number, you could easily get addicted to it and join in with the dance moves, probably even No.1. This time last year we had the awful Las Ketchup, it seems this year it's going to be Dare as the most annoying single of the year. But brace yourselves; there is another version of this song released next week by DJ Bobo. Here we go again pop fans, it seems novelty records will never die, I wish! Somebody pass me a loaded gun!
Macy Gray - She Ain't Right For You Dupe The follow-up single to 'When I See You', Macy's first from her latest album, 'The Trouble With Being Myself', 'She Ain't Right For You' is another sassy slice of smoky r'n'b from the gravely voiced diva. Sophisticated and typically well delivered, the wonderfully laidback original also comes with a firing new mix from Erick Sermon (featuring Method Man on guest rap) alongside a cool bonus track and a typically polished video.
Iron Maiden - Wildest Dreams 'Wildest Dreams is the first single to be taken from Ver Maiden's forthcoming 'Dance of Death' set and is a strictly limited release. A classic slice of Maiden, as relevant to the die-hard fans as it is to the new rock generation, 'Wildest Dreams' is just one more reason why the band have been such a massive influence on the nu-metal scene.
Marilyn Manson - This Is The New S*** Vicious, uncompromising and right down your throat, `This Is The New S***' is a stand-out electrorock smash. The single is available in two formats - CD and 10" picture disc, one side of which is a painting by Manson himself. Both formats feature an amazing mix by UK avante-guardists Goldfrapp (check the ending - pure dirty cabaret genius). The CD also includes the previously unreleased track 'Mind Of A Lunatic' and the video.
Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil Those ageing rockers from the swinging sixties are back with a vengeance with 'Sympathy for the devil'. First it was Elvis, now it's another hallowed name in the Rock 'n' Roll hall of fame that's been given the remix treatment. Top remixers The Neptunes have given the Rolling Stones legendary 'Sympathy For The Devil' the full works. Coming to a dancefloor/wedding/office party near you soon.
Starsailor - Silence Is Easy Starsailor have been away from the music scene for almost a year now, but now they make a welcome return with their brilliant single 'Silence Is Easy'. The first single to be taken from the forthcoming 'Silence Is Easy' album finds Starsailor working with legendary Wall of Sound (as in the original musical concept, not the record label) producer and musical icon, Phil Spector.
Spiritualized - She Kiss Me (It Felt Like A Hit) The lead single from 'Amazing Grace', the brilliant new album from Spiritualized, tipped by many to be their greatest yet following 1997's Top 5 'Ladies and Gentlemen...' and 2001's Top 3 'Let It Come Down'. 'She Kissed Me' follows the release of three strictly limited vinyl only releases of album tracks in the run up to the album's release. Recorded in under three weeks at Rockfield Studios with minimal overdubs, 'She Kissed Me' represents Spiritualized at their most exciting, energized, raw and heartfelt.
The White Stripes - I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself The White Stripes' choice of cover versions have always given other bands cause to rush to their rock encyclopaedia in a bid to catch up with the duo's unerring knowledge of music's foundations. Previous covers have included work from Bob Dylan and Robert Johnson and now it's the turn of revered songwriters Bacharach and David.
OTHER SINGLES RELEASED THIS WEEK
A - Good Times
Alfie - Stuntman
Audio Bullys - Way Too Long
Roy Ayres - Good Vibrations
Barbs - Massive Crush
The Clams - Cut Me Loose
Dallas Superstars - Helium
The Fiery Furnaces - Crystal Clear
The Free Association - Sugarman
Freeland - We Want Your Soul
Fun Lovin' Criminals - Too Hot
Gay Dad - Joy
J Xaverre - Saturday
Norah Jones - Don't Know Why / I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Kid Koala - Basin Street Blues
Lacquer - Behind
Master-H - C'est La Vie
Keith Murray featuring Def Squad - Yeah Yeah U Know It
Oceansize - Remember Where You Are
Akayzia Parker - Tuesday's Girl
Damien Rice - Volcano
Seal - Get It Together
Simple Kid - The Average Man
Snow Patrol - Spitting Games
Sonique - Alive
Billy Talent - Try Honesty
Martina Topley-Bird - Anything
Violent Delight - Transmission
Walkerman - Listen To Mama
Zoot Woman - It's Automatic
Single Release Schedule
September 8
AFI - The Leaving Song
Christina Aguilera featuring Lil' Kim - Can't Hold Us Down
The Ataris - The Boys Of Summer
Barbara Baldieri - Todo Lo Que Quiero (All I Want Is You)
Buju Banton - Paid Not Played
Eagle-Eye Cherry - Don't Give Up/Skull Tattoo
Chunking - Let The Love In
Cosmic Rough Riders - Justify The Rain
Culture Beat - Mr. Vain Recall
Deftones - Bloody Cape
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Manhood
Celine Dion - One Heart
DJ Bobo - Chihuahua
Drunkenmunkey - E
Dutch featuring Crystal Waters - This Is My Time
Elviss - Comodose
Gareth Gates - Sunshine
Delta Goodrem - Innocent Eyes
HIM - Sacriment
Interpol - Obstacle 1
Kontakt - Show Me A Sign
Linkin Park - Numb
Lowgold - We Don't Have Much Time
Massive Attack - What Your Soul Sings
Metallica - Frantic
Million Dan - Dogz And Sledgez
Muse - Time Is Running Out
Mya - My Love Is Like... Wo
Nas - Get Down
Nelly, P Diddy & Murphy Lee - Shake Ya Tailfeather
Placebo - Special Needs
Rishi Rich Project - Dance With You (Nachna Tere Naal)
Lisa Scott-Lee - Too Far Gone
Skin - Faithfulness
System & Kerri B - If You Leave Me Now
Luther Vandross featuring Busta Rhymes - Lovely Day
September 15
Alien Ant Farm - These Days
Ateed - Come To Me
Audioslave - Show Me How To Live
Mary J Blige featuring Method Man - Love @ 1st Sight
Chemical Brothers featuring Flaming Lips - Golden Path
Chicane - Locking Down
Clea - Download It
Tim Deluxe - Less Talk, More Action
Electric Soft Parade - Things I've Done Before
Evanescence - Going Under
Foo Fighters - Have It All
Fountains Of Wayne - Stacey's Mom
I Monster - Who Is She?
Jamelia - Superstar
JD - Jelly In The Truck
Kinesis - One Way Mirror
Lab 4 - Candyman
Lamya - Black Mona Lisa
Limp Bizkit - Eat You Alive
Louise - Pandora's Kiss
Mankato - Pictures Of The Other Side
Lene Marlin - You Weren't There
Nickelback - Someday
Peppercorn - Nice To You
Iggy Pop - Little Know It All
Lisa Marie Presley - Sinking In
So Solid Crew - Broken Silence
Spooks - Faster Than You Know
Stain'd - So Far Away
Sting - Send Your Love
Justin Timberlake - Se�orita
Tindersticks - Sweet Oblivion
Turin Brakes - 5 Mile (These Are The Days)
The UD Project vs Sunclub - Summer Jam 2003
Westlife - Hey Whatever
September 22
Athlete - You Got The Style
The Bandits - 2 Step Rock
B2K - Uh-Huh
Blondie - Good Boys
Michelle Branch - Breathe
Butterfly Boucher - I Can't Make Me Love You
Melanie C - Yeh Yeh Yeh
The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love
Deftones - Hectogram
Siobhan Donaghy - Twist Of Fate
Feeder - Find The Colour
Har Mar Superstar - Brothers And Sisters
Emma Holland - Sunshine
Junior Jack - E Samba
Kelis - Milkshake
Longview - Can't Explain
Nodesha - Get It While It's Hot
Outkast - Ghetto Music
Polaroid - So Damn Beautiful
Elvis Presley - Rubberneckin'
Joe Strummer - Coma Girl
Amy Studt - Under The Thumb
Svenson & Gielen featuring Jan Johnston - Beachbreeze (Remember The Summer)
The Thorns - Runaway Feeling
Jurgen Vries - Wilderness
Warrior - X
Wayne Wonder - Friend Like Me
September 29
50 Cent - P.I.M.P.
The Coral - Secret Kiss
Divine Inspiration - What Will Be Will Be
DJ Tiesto - Traffic
Europa XL introducing Natalie James - Rooms On Fire
Robin Gibb - A Lover's Prayer
Lovebug - Who's The Daddy?
Milk & Sugar - Let The Sunshine In
Finley Quaye featuring Beth Orton - Dice
Scooter - Maria (I Like It Loud)
Rachel Stevens - Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex
Travis - Re-Offender
Paul Van Dyk - Time Of Our Lives / Connected
October 6
Beyonc� featuring Sean Paul - Baby Boy
Erasure - Oh L'Amour
Fast Food Rockers - Say Cheese (Smile Please)
Foggy - Come (Into My Dream)
Hazzards - Gay Boyfriend
Outlandish - Aicha
The Pretenders - The Losing
Santana featuring Alex Band - Why Don't You And I
The Strokes - 12:51
S Club 8 - Sundown
Suede - Attitude
Texas - Carnival Girl
Ian Van Dahl - I Can't Let You Go
Maria Willson - Mr. Alibi
October 13
Blu Cantrell - Make me wanna scream
Craig David - World Filled With Love
Hilary Duff - So Yesterday
Electric Six - Dance Commander
Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Mixed Up World
Emma - Maybe
David Guetta featuring Chris Willis - Just A Little More Love
Kings Of Leon - Wasted Time
Kira - Two Hearts On Fire
Kosheen - Wasting My Time
Stacie Orrico - (There's Gotta Be) More To Life
Pharrell featuring Busta Rhymes - Light Your Ass On Fire
REM - Bad Day
Soil - Pride
David Sneddon - Baby Get Higher
Sugababes - Hole In The Head
Super Furry Animals - Hello Sunshine
Tatjana - Santa Maria 2003
Thursday - Signals Over The Air
October 20
Abs - 7 Ways...
Ashanti - Rain On Me
Daniel Bedingfield - Friday
Blue - Guilty
Liberty X - Jumpin'
Mark Owen - Alone Without You
October 27
Atomic Kitten - If You Come To Me
Hundred Reasons - The Great Test
R Kelly - Thoia Thong
Maroon 5 - Harder To Breathe
Pink - God Is A DJ
November 3
Mel Blatt - Blue
The Cooper Temple Clause - Blind Pilot
Javine - Don't Walk Away
November 10
Basement Jaxx featuring Dizzee Rascal - Lucky Star
Love Inc - Into The Night
Stereophonics - Since I Told You It's Over
Usher - Confessions
