New music this week: October 5 2008

Oct 5 2008 By Mickey McMonagle & Avril Cadden

KAISER CHIEFS - NEVER MISS A BEAT ****
The first single from the new album finally unveils super-producer Mark Ronson's impact on the Leeds outfit. But instead of his usual horns,brass and northern soul feel,it's the brash pop of the first Kaisers album brought bang up to date. Fantastic. MM

ATTIC LIGHTS - WENDY ****
This song - with the lyric "Wendy it's over"was cheekily aired over farewell footage of ex-Labour leader Wendy Alexander. There are hints of Teenage Fanclub on the Glasgow band's upbeat,chirpy single with its hazy singalong harmonies. AC

SUGABABES - GIRLS ***
A pointless cover of a song from the "here come the girls"Boots ad is a bizarre step for the pop temptresses. It'll get people talking about them again and it works well with the usual Sugas treatment,all polished production and stacked-up vocals and harmonies. It's just a little bit random. MM

ALLY KERR - AMORINO ****
This is a gentle,acoustic guitar-led song which reminds of Simon and Garfunkel. It's gentle and light as a feather with a folk feel but it's not wishy washy and holds your attention due to the genuine emotional vocal delivery. AC

FOALS - OLYMPIC AIRWAYS ****

This catchy single is on the Fifa 09 football game soundtrack. The vocals remind at times of Robert Smith and there's a darkness and spiky angular feel that evokes Joy Division. The lyrics baffle but it's a great track from an innovative band.

AC DOGHOUSE ROSES - HOW'VE YOU BEEN (ALL THIS TIME) ****
The chemistry is obvious between Scots country-blues duo Paul Tasker and Iona Macdonald. Tasker's guitar plucking is a perfect backdrop to Macdonald's crystalline vocals. The mood is sombre and reflective but Border Hills and the jaunty Happiness lift the mood. A great debut album. AC

BRUCE PARRY - AMAZON TRIBE ****
Big names collaborate with the coolest man on TV by using his recordings made while living with tribes around the world. This unique album will raise awareness about the plight of the tribes. Artists include KT Tunstall,will.i.am, Johnny Borrell, Mystery Jets, Jason Mraz, Yusuf Islam, Hot Chip, the Go! Team and Mike Oldfield. MM

CHICANE - BEST OF *****
One of the finest outfits from the heyday of dance music return with a compilation of the genre's greatest moments.  Chicane producer Nick Bracegirdle has a deft touch for melody which is his music's hallmark.  Offshore, Saltwater, Sunstroke, Stoned In Love and Don't Give Up are all superb. MM