Brilliance and Blandness in Singled Out!

Polysics are ready to invade the UK starting with the release of ‘Kaja Kaja Goo’ which features the talents of Nick Beggs. This Japanese trio are half 5, 6, 7, 8’s and half Kraftwerk, the outcome of this strange blend of music is different to say the very least but surprisingly effective. The track is catchy, totally rocking and destined to have a massive impact in the UK. It is so refreshing to have a single that is so different, tracks like this are normally confined to the deepest reaches of an obscure album. Hopefully we will be seeing a lot more of these nutters before the year is out!

‘Standing Watching’ is the new single from the kings of bland, Cherryfalls. This track is another pitch perfect but boring as hell tune. Arrrggghhh!!! I am at a loss as to why any band would.phpire to sound like Feeder??? Once again there is nothing wrong with this sort of music but it requires so little creativity it sounds like what a group of accountants would come up with if they competed on Pop Stars The Rivals. No more of this shit please!!!

The Shins continue their trend of kicking everyone’s ass with new single ‘Fighting In A Sack’. This is a guitar led classic pop track that is unbelievably catchy. Despite this the overall recording is raw and live without the over produced sound that is about so much at the moment. (See Above) The guitars, harmonica, drums etc are all complemented by the moorish vocals from frontman James Mercer. Rather then putting on more of an American accent like so many others he has lost his altogether and this makes me love them even more.

The Mark Lanegan Band has found time to release a download only single available www.beggars.com ‘Sideways in Reverse’ is a rocked up rock track, reminiscent of the time Mark Lanegan spent working with the likes of Queens of the Stoneage.  The opening leads us into a set of thumping drums transcending into gritty guitars that are consistent throughout the entire track. Taken from his forthcoming album ‘Bubblegum’, this track and b-side ‘Driving Death Valley Blues’ are both dirty and furious, just how we like it.

Short songs are so much better then self indulgent tripe that like the Duracell bunny just won’t fucking stop. ‘Porn Star’ by Earth The Californian Love Dream is one of these small but perfectly formed gems. It is 90 seconds worth of Texas rock that gradually builds up with the use of psychedelic guitars to eventually burn itself out with its own ferociousness. After this hearing a b-side that could easily be The Coral in disguise is surprising but sounds fantastic, expect big things from these guys.

The Polyphonic Spree return with ‘Hold Me Now’ and are ready to let their ambient tones take over once again. This track is jam packed full of the harmonies that only 20 angelic voices can create. With the help of bells, trumpets and good vibes The Spree have managed to bag another feel good tune without being too cheesy. Nice.

‘Sex Beat’ is the latest offering from Two Lone Swordsmen and the title means exactly what it says on the tin. This Tenniswood and Weatherall material just keeps on getting better and better. Made for the masses but loved by all. With a Funky electronic sound and rocky guitars this track should appeal to various genres at once and with the lyrics like ‘We can fuck forever but you’ll never get my soul’ even the perv’s are catered for. Can’t wait to see this on TOTP.

The Colour Of Fire return with latest single ‘The Exile’ which is wannabe emo at its best. Whining guitars go with the whining voice. It really does just keep on getting worse with a breakdown of 4 men repeatedly asking ‘Who wrote the letter, who wrote it?’. I don’t know nor do I care, the only good bit is the ending which is abrupt, just what this track deserves.

Thank god for The Futureheads who just about manage to restore my faith in music. ‘Decent Days and Nights’ is a Jam influenced infectious track that with its one chord melody will have you panting for more. The Geordie accents ferment throughout the whole track and the little giggle at the end make these cheeky chappies even more loveable as well as talented.

‘You Came Through’ is the second single from PJ Harvey’s new album. This is a very ambient track that is enhanced by the inclusion of a glockenspiel and accordion. It is unfortunately lacking in substance and Harvey’s normally strong voice sounds as limp as a wet lettuce. There is a delicate beauty about the melody of this track but there simply is not enough here to warrant grabbing anyone’s attention and was probably not a very wise choice for a single. Oops!

Graham Coxon continues his solo jaunt in ‘Spectacular’ fashion. Rocking like a true guitar genius he rips his way through this track which has been one of the highlights of his live shows. That voice is still there retching out his lyrics in an unnatural fashion that I just love. This track is a slice of the pop punk that Coxon does so well, riffs that you could cut yourself on and over soon enough to leave you gagging for more...Damon who?