Christmas time is in fact the only time of the year that the music industry willingly bends over, onto its hands and knees, and takes one right between the cheeks for the pleasure of the public. I for one will not, so don’t expect any yuletide tunes in this round up. No mention of Metro Station’s decision to gang rape Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’, Camera Obscura’s rarely brilliant attempt at festive cheer, or that song Terry Wogan has released that you should probably buy to make you feel like a good person and rescind all the evil you usually leave in your wake.
SINGLE OF THE WEEK
Music Go Music – Just Me
This song kidnapped my ears and violated them, it rattled around for days, torturing me in repetition with its relentless melodic optimism. During this time I developed an aggressive Stockholm syndrome compassion for my intangible captor, and now… I love this song. Its great! Opening with a extravagant, psychedelic intro, comparable to an upbeat take on Jefferson Airplane’s ‘White Rabbit’, our charming lead singer actively reciprocates every emotion the lyrics describe, culminating in glorious bursts of 70’s diva disco choruses.
—
The Cribs – We Share The Same Skies
If ever the integration of Johnny Marr into The Cribs set up was so blatantly (and splendidly) evident, then it is on their latest single. Marr’s chiming guitar melodies cruise throughout, now in the form of those trademark enduring Crib’s hooks, that forge further clarity and sense on every listen. Gary Jarman’s vocals do feel strained at points, but as a fellow Clash scribe previously stated “this just projects brother Ryan as the star of the band, his vocal interjections are the highlights of ‘Ignore The Ignorant’ whilst his guitar playing more than holds up against the ominously talented Marr”. And for the Cribs-inclined Smiths veterans – visual similarities to The Smith’s ‘How Soon Is Now‘?.
—
Uffie – Pop The Glock
At first it was tolerable, but now my inner cynic is becoming slightly irritated by this elitist show face/name-drop nature of certain corners of the electronic music scene. We can’t direct it all at Uffie’s ‘Pop The Glock’, as it isn’t the first. Lyrical arrogance will/has always walked the line between either, A) a fresh air of confidence, or, B) a fart of egocentrism. Recently I’ve been noticing it more than usual. Be it, L.A. Man-about-town, Steve Aoki’s countless video appearances, Busy P’s ‘To Protect And Entertain’ lyrics or Uffie’s current re-release. ‘Pop The Glock’ goes down route B), managing to mention the fact that the popular DJ Feadz made the beats for it on a total of eleven separate occasions, whilst also mentioning that Uffie (herself) is ‘banging’ on countless more. And then, in the last 5 seconds of the video, who would you know to appear on screen but Steve Aoki and Busy P. It’s a pity, because this inter-label nepotism is overshadowing the music a little. Apparently it’s ‘who you know’ these days. Aside from the scene culture sexy party video and aforementioned qualms, ‘Pop The Glock’ has its moments of kitsch-pop charm, especially when the percussion steps up and the vocal conviction with it. With Mr Oizo, Sebastian, Mirwais and Feadz (make that twelve mentions) all on her album production, the foundations are there. Just build it by yourself.
—
Husky Rescue – We Shall Burn Bright
At a party sized two minutes, ‘We Shall Burn…’ feels like an aural courier, shifting the tempo between album tracks or, perhaps, culminating a film scene. So as a standalone single, it’s a bit… well, unexplained? However, it is rather stunning how much build up and punch Husky Rescue have managed to cram in, and thanks to it’s bantam form, you’ll find yourself yearning to repeat on several occasions.
—
Riton & Primary 1 – Radiates
More fantastic tones of b-movie horror and low budget gore-flicks from this electronic duo. Previous single ‘Who’s There?’ grew on you like facial hair in a steroid binge, and the early playful bounce, sampled squeaks/beeps and pop lyricism’s of ‘Radiates’ suggest more of the same. As with their last release – await the remixes!
—
The Count & Sinden – Strange Things
In a club, this would probably sound rather amazing. In reality, many songs would probably be moderately improved if every time you flicked it on, you became sufficiently intoxicated , surrounded by 500 other enthusiastic dancing drunks and the lights began flashing. So in the harsh setting of daytime, you can really analyse this song. The sample of John Holt’s same titled reggae classic is a nice touch, but unlike Prodigy’s ‘Out of Space’ or Prodigy’s ‘Thunder’ the sample and consequent drop feel like completely separate fixtures, making no effort to harmonise. It’s d’n’b mediocrity that will not usurp ‘Mega’.
