Singles
Jim Noir, Eanie Meanie
Well, this song is well timed if nothing else. Noir’s JCB-esque summer song bops along nicely for three minutes without either seriously offending or being particularly satisfactory. So if the middle of the road’s your position, then this song’s a winner.
Jamie T, Sheila
As Pulp once said “this is hardcore”. Jamie T tells of a night out so wild that eponymous protagonist Sheila ends up in the morgue. He’s got the lyrical comedy Mike Skinner owns the copyrights for - “Her lingo went from the cockney to the gringo” - AND a decent tune. This is worth a listen.
Larrikin Love, Downing St Kindling
One thing. If you don’t like it here then jog on. Larrikin Love spend three minutes wining about how crap things have got since 1984. A quick refresher course: in the 80s we had Thatcherism, looming recession, famine in Africa and awful music. This Albion decadance was done far better (and earlier) by the Libertines. This lot are completely average.
The Long Blondes, Another Weekend Without Makeup
The Long Blondes’ latest tells another of their tales of loss and betrayal. This slightly standard (though eminently danceable) indie tune is vastly improved by Kate Jackson’s vocals, which as usual, are impressively laconic and passionate by turns. The music picks up on repeated listenings, too, although too many more singles could see the Blondes’ sparkling formula sounding a little tired.
Mogwai, Travel is Dangerous
The first single to be taken from Mr. Beast, ‘Travel is Dangerous’ builds slowly, of course, to a mighty cresendo. So far, so Mogwai. There’s nothing drastically new on offer here, but the powerful quiet/loud dynamic should keep established fans happy, even if it doesn’t win any new admirers.
Belle and Sebastian, White Collar Boy
Hitherto feyer than thou, indie favorites Belle and Sebastian have been showing unprecedented levels of testosterone on the singles from their latest album, The Life Pursuit. ‘White Collar Boy’ is no exception, but maintains a beautifully summery sense of joy in its tale of a young office worker led astray and into criminality by a femme fatale.
Singles this week were reviewed by Jenni Marsh and Robin Seaton.
