I Was A Cub Scout – Pink Squares

A good friend Bobby sent me this song and when I went to play it for a second time the

The Zutons – Its The Little Things We Do

The latest single lifted from The Zutons sophomore release “Tired of Hanging Around” just might be their strongest song from that record. The track carries on in their tradition of combining blues/rockabilly/soul/funk. Its a catchy little number about booze, women, going out and having a good time. It is standard Zutons affair, very well made and completely harmless tune.

By John Siwicki

The Feeling – Love It When You Call

This might sound weird but bare with me. I was watching and episode of South Park where Cartman sings Asia’s “Heat Of The Moment.” The intro of “Love It” almost reminded me of Asia. I was almost caught into the spell that is The Feeling. But after that 10 seconds of hope here is what was going through my mind as I listen to this little bit of “pop.

“I Love it when you call but you never call at all, whats the complication its only conversation” this is what they are trying to sell me. How is this on a major label? I love how the band is called “The Feeling” because I feel awful right now. This is the longest pop song ever. I am starting to get ill. I can not make it through the whole way. This should never be purchased ever, even as a gag gift for a mate, because you should never to this to another person. This song just won’t end.

By John Siwicki

Fields – If We Fail, We All Fail

Following, ‘Song for the Fields’ and ‘4 from the Village’ comes ‘If you fail, we all fail’. The first minute of this song sounds so similar to something, I just can’t put my finger on it. Singer Nick Peill, sounds like combination of Wayne of the Flaming Lips and Murry from The Dears. Thorunn Antonia keyboards and angelic backing vocals add a needed touch that helps bring this song up above the rest. “If You Fail We All Fail” will surely begin a great run for a band who are poised for big things in ‘07.

By John Siwicki

The Unbearables – Rock

Austin, Tx based four piece The Unbearables release a new EP “Rock.” “Rock” is the first in a companion set with the second due later this year. In their promo shots they are sitting around a table eating and I just have to give them points for that. These four songs were very enjoyable. “The Shape” starts off the album, it’s got a some very thick and chunky bass, something you’d think you would hear in some post punk. The vocals are almost inaudible but they sound quite cool. “Parking Meter” is the song we have all been waiting for. Again, some very heavy bass, but the guitars and vocals have a bit of pop feel to them. The band again get it right, this formula is incredible. “Charity” has a bit of 50s style bop to it. This EP was very enjoyable and quite a surprise. The recordings had a very raw feel but it really adds to the songs. The band is definitely one to keep an eye out for.

By John Siwicki

Depeche Mode – The Best Of Depeche Mode Volume 1

The Mode are back with another ‘best of’ they released a huge career spanning set back in 1998. But this one is beefer and bigger. They have added there stellar out put over the last few years onto the new compilation. The main problem with Mode is that they have to many essential tunes. It is very hard to boil down their best work onto one disc. Yes, I realize that it is “volume 1″ but why not release a “volume 2″ at the same time. But we still get treated to eighteen delicates slices of pop. For, most of us we all know and love the tunes and this set really isn’t for us. There is a new single to go along with this “Martyr” and yes, its out on i tunes so those don’t have to by the album to just get the song.

For, the newbies to this band this is the best place to start. All the essential ingredients are here. You get the recent goodies like “Dream On” and “Precious” which, are just as good as any of their older material. The essential hits like “Enjoy The Silence” “Personal Jesus” “Just Can’t Get Enough” are all here to fill your need for the Depeche. Its a great item to throw on the holiday lists or by the younger person in your life as you try to teach them the ways. But otherwise just buy the new single.

By John Siwicki

The Charlatans – Forever: The Singles

The first Charlatans album, I had the privilege of listening to was their self titled album from 1995. I was still in my musical youth at the time. A few years later, I picked it back up again and the rest was history. Through the years, I snapped up everything the band released. I am probably not the best person to be critical of the band because I have been a fan for so long and they have been instrumental in my life.

“Forever” throws done eighteen singles from the band in chronological order. The band has released roughly 28 singles to date so a few of them had to be left off. “Tremelo Song” is left off but other than that you get all the juicy big singles.

From start to finish this collection just blows you away. The Charlatans always were great at reinventing themselves. “Indian Rope” starts us off its the band first single and you can tell its from 1990, its got that very distinctive Manchester sound from the early 90s. Heavy heavy keyboards and Tim almost sounds like Ian Brown at moment. “The Only One I know” is next and it was the bands first big hit. It shows the band branching out more and coming into their own. Then “Weirdo” comes up and that tune will always be a special one for me. Then the Charlatans hit a bit stretch where there fame and stock just rose. “Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over” “One to Another” “North Country Boy” and “How High” where a huge string of big singles. These singles were out in the 1995-97 era which, of course was the hight of the brit pop era but, it was still one of the best moments for the band. Their self titled album and “Tellin Stories” are simply masterpieces and are some of the most under rated records of the 90s. The 7 and half minute “Forever” is here as long as “My Beautiful Friend” from “Us and Us Only. “Love is The Key” “A Man Needs to Be Told” and a new version of “You’re So Pretty” come in from “Wonderland.” Another great things is that it makes you appreciate some of the bands albums as well. “Wonderland” was such a change for the band but they really managed to make it work.

I love the Charlatans and finally they have a nice compressive greatest hits package. The band have been going at for 16 years now and while it was not all amazing. They certainly have earned an important place on my shelve.

By John Siwicki

Snow Patrol – Set The Fire To The Third Bar

“Eyes Open” was a bit of a let down for me. But, you got to give credit were it is due and the boys got it right with this song. “Set The Fire To The Third Bar” features Martha Wainwright on vocals. If any are unfamiliar with Martha she is the sister of Rufus. But what makes this song work so well is the vocal interplay of Martha and Gary. They could not of found a better choice than Martha as her voice just fits in with Gary’s so well. It sounds natural its a perfect fit. Now we need to is get more songs like this on on the next record boys. It is songs like this which, make singles still relevant. Grab the single but forget the album.

By John Siwicki

!!! – Heart Of Hearts

CHK CHK CHK you could just say that all day can’t you. New single “Heart of Hearts” is a funky six minute little romp. It follows right where previous album “Lounden Up Now” left off. “Heart Of Hearts” is sexy, tingly and just drip with eroticism, made that is a little much because at times it comes across a little over the top but that has always been the bands niche. The bass line could kill you and those vocals are slightly cheesy but its good fun.

By John Siwicki

Damien Rice – Rootless Tree

Damien Rice’s latest single from his album “9″ is not quite as good as his first single “9 crimes” which, as some of you know blew me away. But, his latest single just doesn’t have the appeal of his previous single. “Rootless Tree” is just so predictable, and the chorus of “Fuck you and all we’ve been through,” ends up sounding so forced and almost a bit laughable. It is still got a bit of emotion into it but it just leaves you wanting a bit more.

By John Siwicki

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