Paul Weller shakes off those dad-rock accusations, Still Flyin’ relive their trick or treating days and Filthy Dukes get old skool on our ass – what else could it be but the singles round up?
Single Of The Week
Paul Weller – Sea Spray / 22 Dreams
Rage, rage against the dying off the light. With accusations of pedalling soft-core dad rock labelled against him for the past decade, few expected Paul Weller to return with the ambitious, cyclical requiem that was ’22 Dreams’. A double A-side ‘Sea Spray’ is a mandolin driven campfire lament, while ’22 Dreams’ is a snarly Mod pop monster driven by the ghost of Keith Moon. He may well belong to the touch of grey, ‘proper music’ generation, but with tracks like this Weller can still cut it. Dad rock maybe but then, some dads rock.
Jason Donovan – Dreamboats And Petticoats
This warrants inclusion in this week’s list by virtue of a Brian Eno production credit. Yes, you read that correctly – sonic alchemist and all round musical visionary Eno is now working with former Kylie-kisser Jason Donovan. Someone must have made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, but we hope there wasn’t violence involved in producing this pop pap.
Filthy Dukes – Tupac Robot Club Rock
London electro rockers leave their brain at the door and shake some serious booty. Joined by humorous hip hop types Plastic Little (who remember a time when rap involved silly costumes and Chic samples) this is big dumb fun. With some seriously daft rhymes and a club friendly backing, ‘Tupac Robot Club Rock’ will put a goofy grin on your face faster than you can say ‘Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five’.
Broken Records – Lies
With Glasvegas and The Twilight Sad both releasing epic works this year, it seems that Simple Minds syndrome has caught hold in the Scottish indie scene. Edinburgh group Broken Records are the latest name to throw their hats in the ring, but they have fallen short of their peers. Stunning live, ‘Lies’ has been reduced to a whisper in the studio, its slick production recalling The Waterboys. Assured songwriting, but Broken Records are capable of much more.
Psapp – Monster Song
Utterly charming single from returning mavericks Psapp, ‘Monster Song’ couldn’t be more off the wall if it was humpty dumpty. The lo-fi backing and gently coo-ed vocals disguise a song that is actually about bitterness and jealousy. It may be the week after Halloween, but no one seems to have told the monsters under Psapp’s bed to take off their masks.
Still Flyin’ – Good Thing It’s A Ghost Town Around Here
Not due to be released physically until December, Moshi Moshi sneaked this out on download just in time for Halloween. Full of lyrical tricks and melodic treats, it’s a typical Moshi Moshi single – fun, daft and twee as a middle aged Geography teacher with a Spongebob lunchbox. That carved pumpkin might be starting to smell a bit iffy, but with songs as joyously catchy as this it worth revisiting those Halloween memories.
