The Streets – Dry Your Eyes
Now no matter what you think of The Streets please do take note. “Dry Your Eyes” is unlike anything really out there. It’s the story of a fallen relationship, and our hero, Mike is struggling to accept his surroundings. The scenes he so vividly describes are not fanciful descriptions; instead, they are gritty interpretations of reality. The single is much more grown up and has the possible to transcend the fans and touch a whole new group of people. This song is truly something and is simply brilliant.
By John Siwicki
Nouvelle Vague – EP 1
Covers are tricky. They could be amazing and make people remember a classic song. Or just be embarrassing for an example of that check Orgy’s cover of Blue Monday. Nouvelle Vague are to release an album of all covers “Bande A Part.” We get a two track taster in the form of a Billy Idol and Echo and the Bunnymen covers. “The Killing Moon” by Echo is first on the table. This one really surprised me. The striped it down. A very soothing female vocal and is a very chilled and relaxed song it came as a complete surprise. As a big fan of the original there version was quite impressive. Now they couldn’t tackle the almighty “Dancing with Myself”? This bunch seems to be proving me wrong. Its starts off with a simple acoustic guitar and then horns kick and there appears to be handclaps! There version makes it a nice classy pop tune. Going into these songs, the expectations were low but they made these songs there own and brought out a new dimension of them. But, they do a version of “Blue Monday” which, I am a little scared to listen to.
By John Siwicki
Kaiser Chiefs – Oh My God
This track was originally released last year on the Drowned In Sound label. Now, getting its proper full release on the B-Unique label and it feels like its 1996 all over again. “Oh My God” starts off with a bouncy drum and just keeps building until the huge chorus. The hook grabs you in, it’s so catchy and fun you can’t help but sing. The very over the top keyboards and rather silly lyrics just add to the overall fun and charm of this one.
By John Siwicki
The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come For Free
The Streets hit back in 2001 with “Original Pirate Material” it was something different and fresh and knock everyone off their feet. But they had the daughting task of following up such a unique album. So they come up with a concept album about losing an grand and having so relationship problems.
“It was supposed to be so easy” the first track which begins are story. Now I never thought I would hear a song about going threw a day and taking money out of a machine. The song sets the stage for the album very well. “Could Well Be In” is such a lovely song which shows Mike more or less falling in love with a young lady. “Not Addticed” is the next chapter in our story and the song deals with gambling issues that our hero faces. “Blinded By The Lights” is clearly one of the standout tracks on the album. The track is our hero in the bathroom dropping his drugs and explains his feelings and reactions so well. The beats and the lovely backing vocals almost make you feel like your tripping yourself. “Get Out Of My House” feels more like a domestic argument more than a song. But the tracks so different and unlike anything you will hear out their. Also must be noted C-Note does a brilliant guest job on here.
Now we just talked about the first half of the record so we don’t ruin much of the ending the album is a story that flows all together oh so well. The Streets have created an album like no other. The album is so strong from start to finish. Brilliant lyrics, production its all hear. Is this one of the albums of the year? Well I think we will see this in everyone’s top 10s. If you’re a fan of any type of music this can be appreciated.
By John Siwicki