XX Teens - Welcome To Goon Island (Mute) 28/07/2008

T: Now, I know you're a big fan of visiting websites that say XX Teens, so I'll et you go first...

N: This is for research purposes only. Running a site does involve keeping an eye on the competition.

T: Oh yes? And Pete Townshend helps, no doubt...

N: Now some sites are out of bounds you must understand.

T: The ones you were blocked from?

N: Did you not hear me correctly, some sites are obviously out of bounds. Anyway this was an album I first viewed with a little caution, but then spied the label, was reassured and found this a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

T: Little bit Talking Heads, little bit Devo. Nothing wrong with that at all. Not much else to say except yeah, good album.

N: In true rock''roll fashion, the band met whilst studying at Art College in Southend, makes a change from Manchester or Liverpool I suppose. But mixing up elements of ska with rock, this album slipped down as easily as that 11th pint in the union bar.

T: 11th pint? You're anybody's after two.

N: I'm a cheap date.

T: And I should know. Er... 8/10

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Alice Cooper - Along Came A Spider (RSK/Spv) 28/07/2008

T: And so the Cooperman returns with his 25th album. The press release describes it as "dark and menacing", and whilst I'd like to agree with this, because I like Alice, the fact remains that it sounds more like Ugly Kid Joe struggling after someone's sat on them...

N: Either that, or Alice is having difficulty kicking the smoking habit. His GP has refused to provide him with another month's script for "Nicorette" gum and it's 30 days until the next one is due! Perhaps the original 'shock rock', Marilyn Manson has nothing on the lengths this artist has gone to in the course of his performance and his musical backdrop is rock'n'roll through and through. In a 70's cum 80's kinda fashion.

T: Not much to write home about, but not unlistenable. 5/10

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Oceanlab - Sirens Of The Sea (Anjunabeats) 21/07/2008

N: Ok, this is bleeding annoying - I'm listening to the album here, then some girl voices over "You're listening to a promotional copy of Oceanlab's album 'Silence Of The Sea" - argh! Now piracy is a bad thing, I think we'd all agree, but the lengths paranoid record companies have now decended to is ridiculous. What's next? Fitting us with child reins to ensure we don't cross the road without looking! Alright, the album sound's a little like Way Out West, but I'm not putting up with anymore of Orwell's writings.

T: Not as good as Way Out West.

N: Fair point.

T: And I refuse to listen to it any longer because it's just bloody irritating. 3/10

[Please note that the album was ruined by constant voiceovers]

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The Vichy Government - White Elephant (Filthy Little Angels) 21/07/2008

N: Probably the most poignant remark I've heard all year, if not ever in these failing times was "...all music is free and all music is worthless." However you feel, this is a fair point, if not taken to the extreme, although surely music is worth what it is worth to you - not in monetary terms, but in how it makes you feel and feed the soul, in some ways this makes certain works priceless. This remark was one found within the lines of the press release that accompanied this album from Filthy Little Angels' The Vichy Government. Now you might well be inclined to switch off and remark that you are here to listen to some great music, not enter into a politics discussion, well obviously this band wish to engage you in both activities and if you're up for it, then we certainly are. This is the 3rd and it has been commented "difficult album" the band have put out, but none of that seems to matter when you're engrossed in this band's lo-fi presentation, it's what they do.

T: Fair comments. But how long can they continue with their "Irish Trainspotting voiceover" set to retro instrumentation like Casio keyboards and Bontempi organs? At the moment, the poetry still seems to work, but I fear it may become less palatable the more you hear of it...

N: Fair point, but I think they'll point you back toward the comment made at the start of this review, "...all music is free and all music is worthless." I see where you're coming from, I'm not entirely convinced at how thrilling their live performance would be?

T: Still, a worthwhile listen. 7/10

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The Hold Steady - Stay Positive (Vagrant/Rough Trade) 14/07/2008

T: As bizarre as this may sound for a musical work, the only way I can describe The Hold Steady's fourth album is as "a cinematic masterpiece". Readers of Uncut magazine will have already witnessed the over-excited Allan Jones waxing lyrical about its brilliance, and really it's going to be difficult not to just reiterate what he's already said. But I'll try. The rousing opening track "Constructive Summer" brims over with fist pumping energy and optimism, part Springsteen and part Bob Mould before the ludicrously catchy "Sequestered In Memphis" kicks in, leaving you already in no doubt that you are in the throes of listening to a band at the peak of their powers. If The Stranglers had taken a large quantity of speed before writing "Golden Brown", it may well have ended up sounding like the rather askew intro to the grim "One For the Cutters", a song which contains some of Craig Finn's most memorable prose, my favourite being "Dad, do you know where your kids are? Sniffing at crystals in cute little cars, getting nailed against dumpsters behind townie bars". Nick, I'd better let you say something, otherwise I'm going to waffle on for ages...

N: Well this one sounds like Irene Cara...

T: Nick, that's the radio.

N: Phew. I was wondering what it was I'd slipped into your tea this morning. Health and Safety would have a field day. Yes, now listening to the album, I can see exactly why you're referring to Springsteen and Mould; it's almost uncanny. This album is sounding like an exhilarating funfair ride, with the highs, that leave you feeling light headed and the lows, that put your stomach in your mouth, not at all as you might expect, other than Craig Finn's recognisable drawl, spinning these macabre tales.

T: Some of the tracks are devastating too. The final words of the remarkably sad "Lord, I'm Discouraged" are "I know it's unlikely she'll ever be mine, so mostly I just pray she don't die", which really is heartbreaking. Plus, despite being a ballad of sorts, and featuring an old school guitar solo, it never becomes at all twee or cringeworthy. Oh, look, let's just be honest here - every track is brilliant. I need say no more.

N: .... 'silence' ....

T: See? He's speechless. 10/10

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Various Artists - A Sketch For Summer (CatCutter Records) 03/07/2008

N: What is it they say? "There's no such thing as a free lunch...", but I've never noticed 'records' mentioned there and this is what we have, free music, from and I quote "...some of the hotest bands in the UK". Alright this might be streching the fact a little, but let's be fair, this is a pretty well conceived album, 14 tunes, from 14 different artists. A huge boon for those featured here, Tone your thoughts?

T: My thoughts are that we ought to have a machine which makes it hot and sunny every day, and that the egg and spoon race should be banned from school sportsdays.

N: Alright, I gather you're not quite tuned into the programme yet. And the music?

T: Ah, the music, you mean? Ok, well, despite the fact that you were not taken with the opener, "It's Ridiculous, Adam" by Foxes! I, on the other hand, was quite enchanted by its retro Bontempi organ feel. Like all compilations, certain tracks resonate with you more than others, and so far, Team Waterpolo's "Problematic Girls" is the one that's tickling my fancy the most. It is though, it must be said, an easy to embrace set of tunes.

N: The bands featured here are apparently from across the UK, rather than just one particular area and as such do possess a wider appeal. The general feel of this compilation is of independant bands from 15 or 20 years ago, but there's nothing wrong with this and I would even go as far as saying that this might be a backlash at the somewhat staid nature of some of today's music.

T: Possibly, but then if you dig deep enough, there's a wealth of brilliant music out there right now, maybe even more so than at any other time. Or are you saying that if you just scratch the surface of the present music scene, you just get 100 Franz Ferdinands or Kaiser Chiefs?

N: You've hit the nail on the head. Then again you'll always get the copyists who are seized by the big labels. I tend to feel you get a wider and more varied dish from the independants.

T: One thing that we'd neglected to inform our readers is that this album is available for FREE in CD form from over 40 independent shops and is also available charge free as a download. Visit the website below for more details. 8/10

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Micah P Hinson - And The Red Empire Orchestra (Full Time Hobby) 21/07/2008

N: Hinson's road weary swagger through these numbers, may remind of an artist in his late fifties, which is incredible when you consider that this man is only 27. But experience is something that rings out when introduced to this album and even more improbable is the fact he was a teenage addict and was caught forging presciptions for painkillers to feed his addiction, back then. But this gifted singer/songwriter was saved from incarceration and working telemarketing by his talent and has to be said voice that rings of Neil Diamond, deep and husky.

T: Although I can see where you're coming from with the Diamond reference, I have to disagree. Hinson's is a far more leftfield vocal, and his compositions are often sweeping melodic epics, escpecially "Sunrise Over The Olympic Mons" on his latest offering. There is a warmth and a depth here which is hardly comparable to bloody "Sweet Caroline".

N: It can't be denied that both artists are talented singer/songwriters, albeit certainly "more leftfield" in terms of Micah. But both singers have an ability in terms of the god given vocal depth they both possess. Horses for courses, I can't see Neil's audience necessarily 'getting' Micah's work, perhaps if he were playing support to Tom Waits they may, Hinson I mean, not Diamond - that really would be silly!

T: Anyway, back to this album, and there's more of the seering majesty throughout, peppered with little Spaghetti Western type guitar breaks like that at the beginning of "You Will Find Me", and a downcast desperation which inhibits many of his finest tunes. Another strong album.

N: But something I've realised, is that I keep forgetting this artist is only the tender age of 27! He certainly bears the marks of a weathered life. 9/10

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Royal Treatment Plant - Hope Is Not Enough (Light) 14/07/2008

N: No, not the effluent facilities for Buckingham Palace, these are actually a band. Fronted by singer-songwriter, Paula Steel, or PP as she is affectionatly known, this girl makes sure 'edgy' is the mainstay of her songwriting. This mighty debut album may only last 30 minutes, but these obviously autobiographical numbers, coupled with the solid mainstay of a band who excel here with pop/punk pretences, are eloquently palatable.

T: Yep. Fast, furious power pop in the spirit of Operator Please, but with a vocal more palpably comparable to Tanya Donnelly than that of their teenage Aussie counterparts. This album bursts at the seams with tunes that are just screaming to be let loose and is a very satisfying debut indeed. And when I say let loose, i must point out that I don't mean the band Let Loose. 8/10

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Stone Gods - Silver Spoons & Broken Bones (PIAS) 07/07/2008

T: The Darkness without their former frontman, in essence, and as a result they're nowhere near as cheesy. In fact, they've more in common with the bands that the erstwhile pantomime spandex outfit were eagerly trying to emulate before turning things upside down and pretending they were taking the piss all along. Think Sabbath, think Purple, think Saxon and think Priest. This is rock of a bygone era being held up and championed by men who should know better, but damn they do it well.

N: "An entirely tougher, edgier and heavier beast than their former band..." to use the description given in the press release. Stone Gods are certainly a powerful outfit, both musically and vocally. The band would appear to have taken a wealth of hours spent listening to classic rock, and taken the heart from this when weaving their own cloth. Vocally? Well Richie Edwards himself (no, not that one) is a ballsier and more convincing frontman. At heart, this band have captured what for both of us was, and still is, heavy metal. 8/10

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Circuits - Bright As Midnight (Try Science!) 07/07/2008

T: Reminiscent musically of various Police B-sides on "City Of Lights", especially where the bass playing is concerned, Circuits clearly have their head in the seventies and early eighties where their influences are concerned, as opposed to all these Kaiser Ferdinand copyists, and this is very much to their credit. A bunch of persistently infectious tunes that effortlessly ingrain themselves in your brain and which are remarkably easy to swallow. I've even forgiven them for dropping their first "t" on the chorus to "Before It's Over" now, which was formerly something of a bugbear for me. That said, I'm not jumping for joy at its brilliance; it's more a case of appreciating the good solid work that makes up their impressive debut album.

N: Infectious and easy to swallow are the key words that will live on when referring to this album. Not necessarily groundbreaking, but a band who you can believe, when hearing their music. 8/10

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Tricky - Knowle West Boy (Domino) 07/07/2008

T: I never thought I'd see the day when Tricky would sound like Tom Waits..

N: I think the clue could be that both artists share 2 letters in their names.

T: There speaks a man who is not really a connoisseur of Waits' music...

N: Or it could be that they do actually share 2 letters in their names.

T: Readers, please ignore Nick. But at the beginning of "Puppy Toy", the opening track here, that smoky jazz bar is revisited sevenfold and the California great's sense of humour has been emulated to such an extent that Tricky even finishes the track with a cheeky female retort of "Piss off". All this harks at the barflies, late night parasites and the fascinating lowlifes that Waits has made such a colourful career out of. The rest of the album doesn't sound like him, however, but is still rich with intoxicating melodies, wonderfully leftfield compositions and an urgency that can't herald Tricky's return to the fold as anything other than magnificently triumphant. Compelling and essential, and proof, as if it were needed, that he has lost none of his vital edge. Outstanding.

N: It's been a while since we heard from Tricky Kid. Five years can pass like breath on the cheek, but when it comes to this artist, five years can be the time it has taken for the living required to produce something enough to make jaws drop and for time to stand still. From his first single here, "Council Estate", a number where the urgency in the music and true life lyric speak clearly for this faction of society, to the realistic tale told in "School Gates", a poignant autobiographicl tale of teen pregnancy. One thing is for certain, Tricky is back on the block.

T: Did I mention this is outstanding? Absolutely stunning in fact. 10/10

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Naturally 7 - Ready II Fly (Absolute) 30/06/2008

T: Well, it hasn't started as badly as I expected it to. From the album sleeve, it appeared as though this was going to be the black East 17, but then they proceeded to sound like Naughty By Nature. By the time we get to track two, "Open Your Eyes", however, they've started doing that incredibly irritating warbly "I love my voice - listen to how emotional I am" crap and I've lost all the respect I briefly thought I was beginning to build up. This is actually horrible. Of course, their latest single is a take on "In The Air Tonight". Well boys, I can feel my finger wavering over the off switch today.

N: Naturally 7, or to put it another way, 1 for each day of the week. Admittedly, this band, or troupe, are a more convincing New Kids On The Block in all but age, as one of them certainly looks as though middle aged spread has already arrived. Ok, on the positive side, production is as you would expect - slickly done, and the boys harmonise well, but at the end of the day, this is a girls' album, and loses any credibility it might garner for the drivel they are promoting.

T: I wouldn't discredit girls with being as stupid as that...

N: Neither would I, but I think when they sat down and conceived this concept, this was their target audience.

T: So what you're saying is, in essence, they're just out for a shag.

N: You might say that. I cannot possibly comment.

T: Fair play then. 3/10

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