Goldie Lookin' Chain - Asbo 4 Life (Put label) 30/03/2009

T: That's odd, we reviewed "New Day" as the first single from this album, and now it appears that "By Any Means Necessary" is the lead release, which is a far better choice, as we were rather underwhelmed by the former track. Is it just me or have they concentrated more on the music this time around than the humour? Don't get me wrong, there are comedic peaks, but the truth is, GLC seem to have "gone serious', or at least as far as they can be.

N: Well taking the second number here as an example, surely "the kids" will relate to the trouble of getting their next "score", but serious the number "Disguise" certainly is not. However, I think by dropping the lyrics you'd have a soundtrack that Antonio Fargas (Huggy Bear) might be able to adopt.

T: "Everybody Is a DJ" has rather more humour than the other tracks we've had so far, although they've pretty much nicked the title from The Hold Steady's "Most People Are DJs". The thieving bastards. 7/10

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Pet Shop Boys - Yes (Parlophone) 23/03/2009

T: Legends they may be, but no doubt this album and its maiden single "Love Etc" will sink without trace within a fortnight, as they are wont to do after the initial flurry of hardcore fans have propelled them into a mid-table chart position. Should the rest of us be sitting up and taking more notice though? Let's see...

N: Alright, I bought "Please" on its release, but hardcore in this sense I am certainly not.

T: You are "hardcore" in other respects though?

N: If it's my gardening practises to which you refer, I think our readers can take that as read...

T: Uphill gardening?

N: NO! Peas should not come in plastic bags out of the freezer. It's from pods they are born and should you really be making homophobic comments on a Pet Shop Boys review? You'll get yourself into trouble like Moyles did.

T: Good point. It wasn't intended as offensive.

N: Neil and Chris in the past may have been accused of making music suitable for watching paint dry, but this time around, the pair have gathered such luminaries as Johnny Marr and Tchaikovsky. Sadly on this occasion it was only Marr who managed to make it into the studio.

T: Most of the album has a kind of mid-tempo, laid back beat which does little to inspire, to be frank. It's a sin but they're being boring a little too much and it's always on my mind that they haven't taken their opportunities to make lots of money. It can't be so hard. 6/10

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The Wow Signal - Infinity's Lobby (Wow Records) 23/03/2009

T: I think perhaps these days we place too much importance upon bands and artists being original, ignoring the fact that the music is actually very effective. The Wow Signal take remnants of various artists such as Bowie, Primal Scream, U2 and Wire amongst others, and meld them into something of their own. In short, we've heard it all before, but they do it brilliantly. Actually it sounds rather like Fatima Mansions at times, and that can only be a good thing.

N: I'm not quite sure where I should place this, through searing guitar, that vocal influenced by so many, and as has already been said, why should it be so necessary to do so? Is it not more important to stress how involving this album is? I'm struck that from out of nowhere, to my consciousness, a band have donned their retro shirts and made such a beautiful noise.

T: That's Faith No More AND Neil Diamond you've quoted in one sentence. Bloody plagiarist.

N: Hey, if the shoe fits (they really don't sound like Neil Diamond). 9/10

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Filthy Dukes - Nonsense In The Dark (Fiction) 16/03/2009

T: Well this is all very eighties isn't it?

N: Tremendously eighties, and when you realise that this was recorded on the mixing desk of legendary Krautrock producer Conny Plank, the pieces slot into place. It's an album choc full of collaborations from the likes of Orlando Weeks to Samuel Dust and more.

T: It's like Talk Talk have swallowed a happy pill...

N: I think Talk Talk were unaware of such pills.

T: I, for one, am quite glad about that. Having said that, this is a most enjoyable romp through a naked electro bedroom.

N: Hmmm...now there's a thought - I was only talking to a friend about the "Girls On Film" video yesterday.

T: I prefer the "Blonde On Blonde" video, the one without Dylan on it.

N: Ummmm (raises eyebrows).

T: Er...I think I'll leave you alone with your thoughts there Nick. 7/10

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Chris Cornell - Scream (Mosley Music/Interscope Records) 23/03/2009

T: Say what you like about Timbaland - love him or hate him, you can't deny that his productional style is unmistakeable and as much a part of the early 21st century sound as anybody else. Of course, Chris Cornell himself has been part of the furniture since year dot, but while it was a tatty old armchair in Soundgarden days, these days he's moved on to golden chaise longues, while the latter producer oversees proceedings from his platinum certified sofa.
To the matter at hand then, and yes, it works. With each track seamlessly leading into the next, Cornell delivers a dramatic showcase of songs which demonstrate further why he was chosen for the recent James Bond project.

N: Bringing together one of rock music's most powerful vocalists and dance music's funkiest producer, this project was always going to cry out "Look at me!", and as my collegue has aready pointed out, this works. If one were to assume the obvious, Cornell's work with David Arnold on "Casino Royale" points clearly toward this album. 7/10

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Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Beware (Domino) 09/03/2009

T: You're a fan of Big Willy's aren't you Nick?

N: In true schoolboy fashion, you just said that because the man's called Billy now didn't you?

T: Well DUH!

N: Accepting that your first comment should be voided, "Prince" Billy's take on Americana is somewhat easy to consume and this present album is no exception.

T: On occasion, he evokes memories of Johnny Cash, whilst on others, he harks back to the likes of Frank Ifield or Willie Nelson. Whilst it has been said that this is Billy's most "ambitious album", the truth is that it is by far his most accessible, mainstream album. You can't really dislike this album even if you try, but neither does it set the world alight. 6/10

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The Answer - Everyday Demons (Albert Productions) 02/03/2009

T: Sounds like Brian Johnson split AC/DC up to form a heavier band. Actually, having just read up on them, it would appear they did in fact open for the Aussie rockers on their US tour. What's the point in that? That's like watching AC/DC twice...

N: I had heard of this band previously - I think we may've reviewed an earlier single in fact - but it was of their breaking into the US following the part they played in touring with AC/DC that was most recent. Certainly think of the most classic of UK rock and this band are doing a great job to remind people. I quite like their dirgy, dirty presentation and without Robert Plant in tow, they do a great take on Led Zep.

T: Not really my thing but I can see you're smitten, so I'll let you star me, kitten.

N: WTF?

T: I meant I'll let you mark it!

N: Before we go into that I think it should be said that of course Reef did their take on this side of British rock a decade or so ago, but so far I do feel that this is a fuller sound. We'll see how they mature? 8/10

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Anil Chawla & Dale Anderson - Roadhouse (GU Music) 23/02/2009

T: Chillout stuff.

N: That's a big review.

T: Isn't it?

N: "Global Underground presents" and that's pretty much what I'm left with. 6/10

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