Parka – Disco Dancer
Usually when you see a group of young men have a song called “Disco Dancer” it could only be a few things really. Parka’s new version of “Disco Dancer” is a fun track but it feels a bit all to familiar. it is a rather fast and infectious little punk track. Comparisons can easily be made to The Dead 60s as the track at times does sound like “Riot Radio.” The saxophone is a dead give away. But, the track is got a good tune to it and you cant help but tap your foot to it and sing along to it. It is not the most original song out there but the saxophone infused punk is always nice to hear from time to time. It was hard for me to shed the toned down Dead 60s that it kept reminding me of.
By John Siwicki
Basia Bulat – Oh, My Darling
Female singers are a dime a dozen but once this young Canadian was signed to Rough Trade you knew she must be something really special. The singer/songwriter is based in London, Ontario and she brings a bit of elegance to her songs that you don’t often see. The album’s opening track “Before I Know” is one of the simplest songs on the album but it really sums up the beauty of Basia. Her vocals are very wide and have great range. They actually sound a bit like a rougher Sarah McLachlan. “Little Waltz” is just as the title says a sweeping little dance tune with some crunchy strings. “Oh My Darling” has 60s feel with the simple acoustic guitar and those back up singers just humming. “The Pilgriming Vine” is a very interesting track musically, the marriage of hard strings with Basia’s storytelling make a really fascinating listen.
“Oh My Darling” had a lot of moments, the first half of the album was very punchy and quick but some of the track in the final few might make you stray. Basia has a classic voice and her songwriting at times is breathtaking. All the pieces where not here yet but she will get them.
By John Siwicki
Adele – Chasing Pavements
This will a trend that becomes much more predominate but Adele was discovered via myspace so naturally some comparisons to fellow myspacers Kate Nash and Lilly Allen will happen. She is according to wikipedia best friends with Jack Penate so that will have helped her as well. We can try to avoid them but lets just get the out of the way. Adele is a much different singer then the other ladies. Her style is very soulful , strong and rich. You can tell her voice can carry her own and it would sound out of place on a rap song unlike Kate and Lilly who have done that well. “Chasing Pavements” is surely on set to be a massive pop song. It has wide appeal everyone from Mom to a 20 something males will like this song. It has the feel of elegent and classy pop that is usualy made by people way beyond the years of Adele. It is surely a song to track down and have a listen but I have a feeling it will be all over very soon.
By John Siwicki
Blood Red Shoes – You Bring Me Down
The Brighton duo originally released this single back in late ’06. The band claimed that is version is heavier and louder than that release a year and half ago. After, countless seven inch singles, this will be the bands first on CD and a nice preview of what we will get on the debut album in April. The band are just Steven Ansell (vocals and drums) and Laura-Mary Carter (vocals and guitar) so for the two of them they can make a lot of noise. The sound like the correct balance of The White Stripes and The Kills. There songs are bang, bang but they still have a fun danceable quality to some of them. The song has it all memorable riffs and a great shout worthy hook that made me keep replaying it over and over again. This is a excellent single and I like the fact that its got some more meat and bones than the original. This duo is going to have a massive ’08.
By John Siwicki