Manic Street Preachers – The Love Of Richard Nixion

Finally they are back. In the year which is full of great comeback stories the Manics unless a new record. Its been 3 years since “Know Your Enemy” and this has been a long awaited release. Now as you noticed the song is about Richard Nixion. They always seem to pick a odd song topic. “The Love Of Richard Nixion” is truly something. It sounds like its fresh out of the 80s. Following on the theme of “There By The Grace Of God” they have been listening to a lot of New Order which isn’t really a bad thing. James’ voice here is something special to. It shows he has one of the best voices in rock. They are back folks and damn they didn’t disappoint.

By John Siwicki

Travis – Walking In The Sun

Travis listened to my calls stop trying to be uber political and morph into Radiohead. “Walking In The Sun” is a bright cheer little tune. Yet, it sounds like Travis could have released this song in 1999 and nobody would know the difference. But, given that it is much better than their previous effort. It’s a good single for a greatest hits album. Now take some time off boys and come back with some impressive we all know you still got it.

By John Siwicki

The Zutons – Don’t Ever Think (To Much)

Saxophones, sing along choruses, hand clapping – yes, it’s all here on The Zutons’ brand new single. The song is a little different than most on their first album. It’s a bit funk and ska all mixed up here. There are some very fun, yet satirical lyrics: “‘Don’t ever think, ever think, ever think too much.” What could this song be about? Well, regardless, The Zutons show they are not just a one dimensional band and that comparisons to The Coral just don’t apply anymore.

By John Siwicki

The Paddingtons – 21

The Paddingtons are one those bands being tossed around in the new London scene. They have supported Babyshambles a number of times. “21″ is a full-on blast of energy; it’s raw, fast, and catchy. This being The Paddingtons first official effort makes for a very exciting record of which I can’t wait to hear more.

By John Siwicki

Super Furry Animals – Songbook: The Singles Volume 1

The Super Furries have been on the scene since 1996 and make some of the best music in the world, without question. After eight years, its time for a Greatest Hits album. Now, you might ask if they have enough material to fill up a record after being together only eight years. “Songbook,” however, features twenty one amazing songs spanning their whole career starting with their 1996 debut Fuzzy Logic up until last year’s Phantom Power. Also included are a few tracks from their album completely sung in Welsh.
It would be daft to list all the great tracks that the Super Furries have, but some include such classics as “Something 4 The Weekend,” “Do Or Die,” “Herman Loves Pauline,” “Ice Hockey Hair,” “Hello Sunshine,” and of course “Rings Around The World.” If you don’t own any of their records here is a great place to start. You will be hooked by the second song.

By John Siwicki