Oasis – Let There Be Love

The third release from Don’t Believe The Truth is quite different from the others from the album. It doesn’t match up to “The Importance Of Being Idle” nor the rest of the album to be honest. I don’t know why they have decided to release this as it sounds like an Oasis B-Side at most and is one of weakest tracks from the album. Lyrically it is one of their worst for a long time, the song doesn’t go away from the title of the single very much and gets too repetitive. It also goes on for twice as long as it should do. The song certainly won’t win over any new fans and is just an odd choice of song to release really. Shame because there is some much stronger tracks on the album that deserve to be released instead of this.

By Helen Daw

The Darkness – Girlfriend

There is one problem with forming a band based at least partly as a satire

Paul McCartney – Jenny Wren

It is a nice enough song but not exactly McCartney standard. This seems a million miles away from the genius of the Beatles and could be by anyone frankly. It is a very gentle song with an acoustic guitar being the main instrument played. There is also an instrumental piece which is quite nice. McCartney’s voice is also fairly weak on the song and not as powerful as it can be. It is an odd choice for a single as it is not a stand out immediate track at all. I like it because it is not mainstream music and will not get much promotion or airplay but it is still nice and relaxing. We all know Paul McCartney is capable of so much more than this and I hope he returns to form soon

By Helen Daw

Royksopp – What Else Is There?

“What Else Is There?” is the third single lifted off “The Understanding?” It’s featuring Karin Dreijer from The Knife on the vocals. Karin again does such a fabulous job here. Her vocals are so invigorating; it has me in almost a trance. Karin sounds like a combination of Bjork but with a little bit more of a pop twist on here. The dark and slight scary beat behind it fits in so well with the vocals. Karin sounds absolutely perfect, and this song has overtaken me. It’s great to see this get the full proper release so everyone can enjoy it. Easily, in one of the top songs of the year, a must have.

By John Siwicki

Boris – Pink

Veteran underground rockers Boris are back with their new album, “Pink.” Sticking with their hard-rocking alternative sound, “Pink” delivers a punchy package that’s sure to please old fans and draw new ones.

Boris has been playing the underside of rock since 1996, so there’s no surprise that “Pink” sounds on the most part mature and refined. There are songs however that did not impress, reminding me of a rambling old man, and losing my attention. “Afterburner” for example should be ended half way through, the last two minutes are repetitive, winding, and quite boring. Also, the last thirteen minutes on “Just Abandoned My-Self

The Pipettes – Dirty Mind

The vocals on this sound like the band consists of a group of girls all about 10. The vocals would suit a novelty record but not for what they are trying to be on this record. Lyrically it is just as bad “He’s got a dirty mind, don’t know what you’re gonna find.” Some might find them a light hearted laugh and I can understand that but I just don’t and find them very irritating. Ok, they sound different from the average girl group and musically they have a dancey fun record here but…I still find them too irritating.

By Helen Daw

Kaiser Chiefs – Modern Way

Recently, if it’s not bands lazily re-releasing tracks off albums (which the Kaisers are culprits of) it’s lazily releasing one (or two or three) too many tracks off of one album. Notably a debut album. Strike two, for the Chief’s. However all that aside, Modern Way is my favourite track off of

Priestess – Blood/Everything That You Are

Wholesome Canadian grunge flirting rockers, Priestess showcase the lingering, forlorn and anxious vocals of percussionist Vince Nudo. He gives usual lead man Mikey Heppner the chance to concentrate on providing the spiralling guitars. It’s easy to see through

Redjetson – This, Everyday, For The Rest Of Your Life

This song starts out very quiet and the builds up as it progresses. Nice vocals and this is something a bit different from most mainstream music. When the song hits 4 minutes long it turns into a different song entirely. At this point it turns into a rock song then gently retreats back to the gentle guitar it begins with. Despite already being over 5 minutes long, it seem like it could go on forever and I think the main part of the song is perhaps a little too short. I think it is a brilliant album track but I don’t really see it as a single because of the length and nature of the song. It would be hard to get radio play because of the length and the quietness of the beginning and the end. Brilliant song, shame it won’t get the airplay is deserves though.

By Helen Daw