Incoming Distractions

Last week's Incoming Distractions noted the release of Kaiser Chief's 'Never Miss A Beat ', reviewed here.

So it seems only fitting that the album getting us hot under the collar this week is 'Off With Their Heads'. Not only is the record produced by million pound wedding DJ, Mark Ronson, but replete with contributions from Sway, Lily Allen, New Young Pony Club and David Arnold. Unfortunate for any Kaiserites, the album has been delayed until October 20th. Still, let the aural cock-teasing continue.

Our best picks also include British soloist, Eugene McGuinness, as he applies soulful wisps to a self titled LP, marking his first major release. Elsewhere, a revamped Keane visited Clash recently to discuss their highly billed comeback (Read It Here) and new album 'Perfect Symmetry' which they will finally unleash on Monday.

What IS that repetitive beeping noise that starts out unbearable, before penetrating your cranium and embedding itself within the area of your brain that stimulates dance? No it's not a car alarm, it's electronic music my dear, and there is more electro than mildly racist tabloids hitting the shelves next week. The Count & Sinden are firing out a gloriously infectious single, bettered only by debut albums from Chase & Status (buy this only for 'Pieces' if nothing else) and Crazy P.

Looking at our singles highlights this week feels like we are months late. Didn't these come out months ago? No, I'm afraid massively over-saturated airplay has fooled your mind. On the brighter side, your musical St Nick - Clashmusic.com, will be sticking up some Kooks and The Music related treats next week. So don't forget to check back.

That's it surely. I have covered albums and singles. This is where we finish. But no! I have more for you. Next week will see two compilations come out that I implore you to investigate. If turning his willy inside out was not enough to get your attention (it was!), then Bruce Parry should earn it with his assembled compilation written alongside and inspired by African tribes music. If the concept itself is not enough to ensnare you, then the inclusion of artists like Hot Chip, Go! Team and Jonny Borrell makes it 'must-buy' material.

Dapper Arctic Monkey, Matt Helders, wraps up this week's look ahead with his assortment of 'Late Night Tales'. The vibe aims to sum up what a drunken Helders would make you listen to if you ended up at his gaff after a sordid night out. And to think some people spend years building up to their conceptual pieces. Maybe John Warburton will release his soundtrack to baking, or can we expect Alistair Darling's 'Tunes of a Chancellor'. All that said, its actually a rather intriguing little mix, ranging from dirty little dance tracks over to hip hop and all inbetween.

Check back next week for another dose of all that sparkles ahead.

Released 13/10/08 unless noted.

Singles

Kooks - Sway
The Music – Drugs
The Count & Sinden – Hardcore Girls
The Ting Tings – Be The One
MGMT - Kids

Albums

Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
Eugene McGuinness - Eugene McGuinness
Keane – Perfect Symmetry
Chase And Status – More Than a lot
Crazy P – Stop Space Return