Singles Reviews
Air – Once Upon a Time
Unfortunate choice of title. Propelled into fame by Sofia Coppola and monopolisers of the ‘memorable ad music franchise’ Air, once upon a time, were arguably quite good. It makes you wonder where that inspired decision to release a filler-sounding track as their first single came from. Perhaps Jean-Benoit’s comment on his own track will shed
LCD Soundsytem – North American Scum
With an opening reminiscent of the Buffy theme and lyrics relishing, “I would love to bite your neck”, it’d be easy to say, “nuff said”, right there. Unfortunately, Marty’s Dracula-clad-in-60s-Mod and insouciant cigarette ‘look’ on the cover manages to jolt even the most indolent into passing comment. Watch out, he’s a dangerous kitty.
Sophie Ellis Bextor - Catch You
In which Sophie discovers electro-pop and becomes better than anyone ever imagined she could be. After having a baby and getting married to that bloke from The Feeling, Bex is back with the first single from her new album Trip The Light Fantastic. Catch You is like a slice of Goldfrapp coated in pop icing, and her best effort by a long way.
The Klaxons- Golden Skans
In which The Klaxons continue to edge towards being as good as the NME tells you they are. Falsetto oohs and aahs drag the single towards a chorus just earnest enough to distract you from the fact that it nicks its melody from Hot Chip’s ‘Over and Over’. More focused than previous singles, this is the sound of a band hitting their stride.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen - Kingdom of Doom
When a band has such remarkable credentials, Albarn of Blur, the Clash’s Simonon…you start to worry a little. Even Slash’s fro-mane couldn’t save Velvet Revolver. Thankfully, this time we were pleasantly surprised and just a little dazzled. Mixing haunting balladry reminiscent of the Beatles’ White Album with a melodious, catchy refrain, Albarn has again proven himself to be no one trick pony. As one review succinctly extolled Albarn’s talents: “Jammy bastard”.
