Issue 151

Singles Reviews - Jan 2007

29th January 2007

Annuals – 'Big Zeus EP'

The time has come for this North Carolina six-piece to make the journey across the pond in the wake of the critical success that their US debut album Be He Me attracted in late 2006. 'Big Zeus EP' is the UK debut of a band that has been heralded as the next big thing, and they are freely mentioned in the same breath as The Arcade Fire. But The Arcade Fire were probably once heralded as the next big thing too and there's nothing here that really suggests that Annuals won't also fall into indie obscurity during 2007 after this initial hype.
Released: 5 February
Label: Ace Fu Records
Rating: 2/5

Pete Hayman

Beyonce – 'Listen'

Beyonce steers away from the recent unfortunately titled album 'B-Day' and releases 'Listen', from the motion picture 'Dreamgirls', at the end of February. With a soaring chorus and a heartfelt melody, Beyonce belts out the lyrics to the best of her ability for this soulful ballad. 'Listen' should please fans but would just about manage to impress everybody else on Beyonce's vocal ability alone. Just another single from the American diva.
Released: 19 February
Label: RCA
Rating: 3/5

Amy Wilkinson

Fall Out Boy – 'This Aint A Scene, It's An Arms Race'

First single from Fall Out Boy's forthcoming third album, 'This Ain't A Scene, Its An Arms Race', this has a heavier feel than much of their previous work but somehow also manages to keep a sound well within the pop bracket. The opening is strangely reminiscent of Maroon 5, but in some odd way this works. Already proving to be a massive success, this fantastically catchy song will appeal to old and new fans alike.
Released: 29 January
Label: Mercury
Rating: 5/5

Roz Moger

Kaiser Chiefs – 'Ruby'

Kaiser Chief's latest single since 2005, 'Ruby' lives up to their rhythmic, catchy beats and lyrics. Their conventional anthem style song follows suit in this latest track. The repetitive title chorus will inevitably stick in your head from the moment you hear it. If you've always liked the Chiefs this song is a must, but for those who aren't the biggest fans you're not missing anything new.
Released: 19 February
Label: Polydor
Rating: 3/5

Jennie Craddock

Lady Sovereign – 'Love Me or Hate Me'

Lady Sovereign's latest single again raps about her strong focused views on the modern world in her typical outspoken manner. Whatever you think of Lady Sovereign, you can't deny the talent of this artist. The track is dominated by Lady's signature rapping and lyrics about life's experiences, current issues and news. However, I can't see these songs filling many dance floors in town. She's good at what she does but that's the extent of this single.
Released: 29 January
Label: Island
Rating: 2/5

Jennie Craddock

Mumm-ra – 'What Would Steve Do?'

It would seem as if 2007 has already been set aside for Mumm-ra to make their presence felt, if, that is, you haven't already heard of them. The NME clearly saw fit to plonk them on the bill of their Shockwaves New Rock tour that begins in Belfast on 29 January alongside The View, The Automatic and The Horrors. 'What Would Steve Do?' was originally self-released by the band back in April 2006 but their ascent from then has been a rapid one to say the least. The song itself explodes into life from the outset but there's still a nagging doubt at the back of the mind as to whether they really can live up to their hype. On the face of it, one suspects they may just do it.
Released: 19 February
Label: Columbia
Rating: 4/5

Pete Hayman

Red Hot Chilli Peppers – 'Desecration Smile'

At first listening to 'Desecration Smile', you could be entirely forgiven for thinking that it had been lifted off 'Californication', and not 'Stadium Arcadium'. It is scarily reminiscent of both 'Road Trippin' and, musically, 'Scar Tissue' in places, which gives rise to the idea that the Red Hot Chili Peppers are starting to run out of ideas. Essentially an insubstantial, melancholic dirge lacking inspiration, you can sense that there is something straining to be released in the vocals of Anthony Kiedis but it never quite makes the fore.
Released: 12 February
Label: Warner Bros
Rating: 2/5

Pete Hayman

The Good, The Bad and The Queen – 'Kingdom of Doom'

Damon Albarn's latest project reveals yet another aspect of his eclectic musical range. Those expecting a similar sound to the Gorillaz will be surprised, as this track is reminiscent of early rock n roll offerings, but with Albarn's characteristic indie twist. The track seems structurally similar to early Beatles song 'Eleanor Rigby', mainly due to its strong bass riff. The input of Gnarls Barkley's Danger Mouse allows for further modernisation, resulting in this track's unique sound. If the Beatles and Oasis were to have a lovechild, the result would be 'Kingdom of Doom', with Albarn's melodic vocals combining with dynamic and retro guitar sounds. Although not an instant hit, this song will appeal to a wide audience, as it is not possible to specifically classify this unorthodox musical genre.
Released: 15 January
Label: Parlophone
Rating: 4/5

Gemma Taylor

The Long Blondes – 'Giddy Stratospheres'

The Long Blondes have been described as making 'fantasy pop' and once again show it here. It starts a little slow but soon springs to life. Kate Jackson's passionate lyrics overlay frantic guitars as she attempts to convince that guy that "she'll never take you to giddy stratospheres" imploring him to "just turn around and walk away". This is simply pop perfection.
Released: 5 February
Label: Rough Trade
Rating: 4/5

Rebecca Lamberth

Willy Mason – 'Save Myself'

Willy Mason shot to fame in 2004 after releasing his debut album. Here he returns with a single in the same vein as his previous work, his husky voice over simple acoustic guitars and occasional drum beats. It swings from being something of a protest song to him pleading "baby won't you come back?" It's not as striking as his signature tune 'Oxygen', and you are unlikely to get excited unless you're a fan. Nevertheless this is a pleasant and listenable offering from Mr Mason
Released: 19 February
Label: Virgin
Rating: 3/5

Rebecca Lamberth

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