Singles & Albums

Jul 6 2008 By Mickey Mcmonagle & Avril Cadden

Reviews

THE KOOKS

SHINE ON ***

Luke Pritchard warbles his way through more incomprehensible lyrics in his own unique style. The slower pace means it could spark singalongs galore at festivals but I hope the boys stretch their musical legs more on the next album. MM

SHARLEEN SPITERI

ALL THE TIMES I CRIED ***

This is a taster for the Texas star's solo album and it has a Duffy-style, retro 50s/60s sound that suits Spiteri's soulful voice. It is a personal song with emotive lyrics but is upbeat rather than downtrodden. AC

BASSHUNTER

ALL I EVER WANTED

Utter dross of the sort I hoped had been laid to rest in the bad old days of happy hardcore. An inane, childish melody is looped endlessly and teamed with a chipmunk-style vocal. This song has no musical merit whatsoever and is criminally bad. MM

SALON SOCIETY

UNDONE ****

The Glasgow-based band recorded this debut single at the Chemikal Underground studio. It's a beautiful, melodic track that is simple and understated with a gorgeous interplay of harmonies from the three female vocalists. AC

VARIOUS ARTISTS

70SDINNER PARTY: MUSIC TO FONDUE TO ***

Get your flares out for this trip back to the 70s. There are a lot of forgotten gems on this triple album and it is a great nostalgia trip. You'll find Demis Roussos, Telly Savalas, Manhattan Transfer, Frankie Valli, Baccara, Donna Summer and many more. AC

VARIOUS ARTISTS

R&B LOVE COLLECTION ***

A decent mix of R&B hits that is perfect for summer. There's a mix of old and new with Rhinna's Take A Bow and Dru Hill's How Deep Is Your Love. Less well-known artists such as India Arie are a good addition. AC

BLACK KIDS

PARTIE TRAUMATIC *****

This is the most innovative, exciting album of the year. Debut single I'm Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You displayed staggering talent and bravado and this album carries on where that song left off, with stunning pop/ indie/dance crossover funk-ups such as I've Underestimated My Charms Again, second single Hurricane Jane and Look At Me. MM

BOWLING FOR SOUP

LIVE AND VERY ATTRACTIVE ****

The band are a novelty twist on the pop-punk genre, with the same tongue-in-cheek, frat boy humour as Blink 182. They team silly lyrics and power chords to create fun, anthemic tunes. This album was recorded last year in Manchester's Apollo Theatre and really captures their mix of humour and rock. MM