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Album Reviews

09th November 2006

Front reviews some of the forthcoming album releases, with help from Pete Hayman, Roz Moger and Amy Wilkinson.

Various Artists - 'Kiss Does… Funky House'

6 October

The first in a new series of Kiss Does… compilations, this collection of seductive funky house tunes serves up a dazzling array of talent, with the likes of Bob Sinclar, Basement Jaxx and Erick Morillo all featuring. Some of the biggest dance anthems are seamlessly mixed into a sleek and silky double-album and some tracks like, for example, the Freemasons mix of Fatboy Slim's Right Here Right Now, are irresistible. It's something that will definitely have you pulling your wildest moves on the dancefloor.

Pete Hayman

My Chemical Romance - 'The Black Parade'

23 October

This concept album that focuses primarily on the theme of death, The Black Parade reflects on the innermost turmoil within the band's lives. What is now their third album went in at number two on the album chart, and the lead single Welcome To The Black Parade went straight to the top of the UK singles chart, showing that this is a band ready to take on the world. With immense tracks such as Famous Last Words, this album will definitely push My Chemical Romance into the limelight. Listen out for Mama as a massive track.

Roz Moger

The Ordinary Boys - 'How to Get Everything You Ever Wanted in 10 Easy Steps'

23 October

The Ordinary Boys' first album since the exploits of Preston and Chantelle earned E4 hours of endless scheduling solutions, you immediately get the sense that the punky attitude of their two previous albums has been replaced by a piece of work that seems to have overdosed on 1980s kitsch; Nine2Five could even pass as a Madness b-side! It's depressing to think that a band that was once considered the perfect halfway house between The Jam and The Clash could return with something so flat.

Pete Hayman

Unkle Bob - 'Sugar and Spite'

23 October

Whilst the Fratellis offer their own depiction of Glasgow life with their anthemic sing-a-longs about backstairs and some bird called Chelsea, an altogether alternative direction is provided by the debut album from fellow Glaswegians, Unkle Bob. Sugar and Spite follows successful tours with Paolo Nutini and The Spinto Band that raised considerable interest in this band. The delicate acoustic-rock approach is impressively complimented by the inimitable vocals of lead-singer Rick Webster. The start of something truly exceptional? It could well be.

Pete Hayman

Amy Winehouse - 'Back to Black'

30 October

Back to Black is the assured second album from Amy Winehouse, almost exactly three years after her debut offering Frank was met with a wave of critical acclaim. Back to Black takes a much more direct approach, with the Winehouse taking a more soulful approach as her unique vocal style flows through each track with passion and style. Refreshingly, her ability to project lyrics that convey such honesty seems as assured as ever.

Pete Hayman

The Clash - 'The Singles'

30 October

One of the most important British bands to emerge over the last 30 years, The Clash are set to release a new boxset containing each of their 19 UK singles. Including well-known classics such as I Fought The Law, Should I Stay or Should I Go and Tommy Gun - all packaged with their original artwork - this collection comes with every B-side, previously unreleased bonus material and extended sleeve-notes. Ultimately, it all adds up to making this a must-have for any Clash fan.

Pete Hayman

The Deftones - 'Saturday Night Wrist'

30 October

Front man Chino Moreno claims that this may be the most diverse record that Deftones have ever done. Combing heavier riffs with more aggressive vocals it results in a good album – however considering this is the band's fifth studio album they could have produced something a bit more different instead of bringing about something that is just that bit too similar to previous album, 'White Pony'.

Amy Wilkinson

The Holloways - 'So This Is Great Britain'

30 October

In the post-Libertines era, still no-one is fooled by the Blairite myth that somehow Britain is now this utopia of modern living. Oh how we have, therefore, been crying out for the vitriolic, yet delightfully charming debut album from The Holloways. Opening with a brief shambolic rendition of Land of Hope and Glory, it sets up the cards that are ceremoniously knocked down by the defiant, despairing assessment of British society. It's perverse to think how rubbish Britain probably is, oh but how we love it so.

Pete Hayman

The Who - 'Endless Wire'

30 October

With 21 songs, Endless Wire is an epic. But given that it's been nearly a quarter of a century since The Who last released a studio album, clearly there's some lost time being made up here. There is no doubt that it's an ambitious project to undertake, with the second half of the album comprising a mini-opera. Endless Wire comes entwined in The Who's original spirit kept alive by Daltrey and Townshend, but it lacks the crucial charisma to appeal to a new generation.

Pete Hayman

McFly - 'Motion in the Ocean'

6 November

A year on from their last UK studio album, McFly's return is very much in the same mould as their previous releases. Their commitment to making upbeat, energetic pop music shows no signs of fading and the band will be hoping for a third album chart-topper here. The effervescent Star Girl is what McFly is all about, although Lose It sounds punky in its approach and Home is Where the Heart is could almost pass off as grunge. At the end of the day, it's just what you would come to expect from McFly.

Pete Hayman

Manic Street Preachers - 'Everything Must Go'

6 November

After iconic lyricist Richey Edwards disappeared, to return with such confidence would have probably seemed unfathomable for the Manic Street Preachers. But a decade on from the comeback album that reignited their career, this anniversary edition is as much about the triumph over adversity as it is about simply making a great album. It may not have topped the charts but sometimes that isn't the only thing that really matters.

Pete Hayman

Moby – 'Go - The Very Best Of Moby'

6 November

Including brand new single 'New, York, New York' with vocals from Debbie Harry, Moby brings together previous singles and six unreleased tracks on this Best Of album. Bringing together Moby's finesse for monotonous beats and tiresome vocals this new release simply reminds you of those songs which you were happy to forget. Briefly shining with emotive single 'Natural Blues' the rest of the album just fails to impress.

Amy Wilkinson

The Magic Numbers - 'Those the Brokes'

6 November

The Magic Numbers' penchant for poppy feel-good melodies disguising lyrics that spoke of heartache and love-induced torment was the magic ingredient that made their 2005 debut album such an irrepressible success. But at the same time, it could prove to be their undoing in this follow-up effort that lacks a convincing idea of where they go next. Recent single Take a Chance displays remarkable similarities to Love Me Like You, and for that reason, it's hard to see anything special here.

Waterfront Online