Singles & Albums: May 4th

May 4 2008 By Mickey Mcmonagle & Avril Cadden

Singles & Albums: May 4th

ATTIC LIGHTS GOD *****

A storming debut from one of Scotland's hottest new outfits. There's more to this Glasgow band than a controversial video, as this cheery indiepop tune proves. They are no doubt destined for massive things. This is a festival anthem in the making. MM

WILEY WEARING MY ROLEX *****

This pioneering effort melds house beats, a tough, minimal electro bassline and a tasty sample from DSK hit What Would We Do? Its simple lyrics and neat delivery really draw you in. MM

THE CHARLATANS MISBEGOTTEN *****

Another stunning single from the definitive indie band. This is a highlight of cracking new album You Cross My Path. There is plenty of their trademark Hammond organ and Tim Burgess's vocals build to a big climax. MM

NOAH AND THE WHALE SHAPE OF MY HEART *****

This upbeat, charming song has a laid-back, folky feel, while singer Charlie Fink's lyrics echo childhood. The band are tipped for big things and will appeal to Belle & Sebastian fans. AC

THE STEERS JULIA *****

This Britpop-tinged single has plently of swagger and big guitar riffs and is certain to fill dancefloors. It is a vibrant, catchy, anthemic track that follows in the footsteps of The Pigeon Detectives, The Enemy and Supergrass. AC

EDDIE HALLIWELL FIRE IT UP *****

The exciting young DJ is the toast of clubland thanks to his frantic, high-speed cutting and scratching. His own club night, Fire It Up, inspired this mix album, a succession of big, loud, tough tunes. It may be too hard for some but Halliwell's talent is unmistakable. MM

VARIOUS ARTISTS SMASH HITS:THE 80S *****

Another 80s album, this one celebrating the much-loved music bible Smash Hits. Better tracks include New Order's Blue Monday and Prince's Purple Rain, while cheesy tunes best forgotten are Peter Cetera's The Glory Of Love and Jennifer Rush's The Power Of Love. AC

DELAYS EVERYTHING'S THE RUSH *****

This is a glorious album full of jangly and unashamedly shiny pop tunes with dark lyrics. Kicking off with the stomping Girl's On Fire, the pace keeps up throughout and the stunning falsetto vocals of Greg Gilbert shine on every track. A must-own album. AC