Scritti Politti - Boom Boom Bap (Rough Trade) 26/06/2006

Returning to the label that first introduced this band, and following seven years since we last heard the, Green Gartside returns with a strong album, and this the first single that aims to become another memorable tune.

T: They're sounding rather like 10cc these days aren't they? Not that there's anything wrong with that; after all they were a damn fine bunch of songwriters, and this is at least a worthy comeback single. If you're a fan of classic songwriters, then this is definitely for you.

N: With a massive soundstage and the vocalist's memorably sung lyrics that hit a chord with what I expect is his experience of the music industry. Certainly more "Asylums..." than "Wood Beez". 8/10

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Gossip - Listen Up (Back Yard) 26/06/06

T: A refreshingly understated intro builds with calypso like cowbells through a dance like middle, a la Tori Amos's "Professional Widow", with a marvellous hook and tremendously empowering bassline. I realise I'm gibbering inanely, but this really is quite splendid.

N: I don't quite know what to make of that. What comes with this number is a solid musical drive, but whereas the lyrics do hit a notable tone, it just fails to inspire.

T: I'll do a deal then - if you let me have it, you can mark it.

N: Take it! (Although something of Kubrick's "Strangelove", Tone catches in his manic glare). 4/10

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Belle & Sebastian - White Collar Boy (Rough Trade) 26/06/06

N: I'll take back my earlier lacklustre review of this band's latest album. Single on single, it just gets better and better, and "White Collar Boy" is no exception.

T: ...in which the guys continue their fascination with all things T.Rex, and do a damn good job of convincing me that it wasn't really Bolan in the car that fateful day. This could be the great man himself, although I must confess the lyrics have got better!

N: What do you mean Marc Bolan died in a car crash? He was seen in an episode of "Life On Mars" wasn't he? 9/10

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Aberfeldy - Hypnotised (Rough Trade) 26/06/06

T: I'm actually quite in the mood for some gentle folk-pop at the moment, so Aberfeldy are coming across as a much needed breath of fresh air at this moment in time. Catchy, cheerful and well written, "Hypnotised" bodes well for the new album.

N: I'm thinking another Magic Numbers. Light folk-pop hits the nail firmly on the head. Doesn't do quite the same for me. Appears to lack heart and soul unfortunately. 7/10

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Fortune Drive - My Girlfriend's An Arsonist (Shy Records) 26/06/2006

T: Great title, and a bloody noisy bugger of a single. Quite entertaining stuff but nothing new. I should imagine these guys are pretty frenetic and worth seeing live though!

N: I agree with a great line in "My Girlfriend is an Arsonist". This five piece cut a sharp tune in this number, with a riding bassline, solid drums and a wash of electric guitar, Fortune Drvie certainly deserve future inspection. Whereas you say "nothing new", I think the live circuit is where they'll hone their trade. 7/10

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The Rifles - She's Got Standards (Red Ink/Right Hook) 26/06/2006

T: I like the fact that this appears to launch a scathing attack on the pretension of the music industry. Lyrically this is great, and it has a pretty pulsating melody to go with it. Like it.

N: Mod culture lives on in the lines and spirits of these boys, with lyrics as pin sharp as their suits. With their album due next month, let's hope for good things from this four piece. 7/10

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Fatboy Slim - That Old Pair of Jeans (Skint Records) 26/06/2006

N: Methinks Norman has been listening to the new Primal Scream album.

T: Perhaps along with a touch of Jamiroquai and, going by certain moments on the other tracks here, "O Superman" by Laurie Anderson as well. The thing is though, is this really as effective as Gillespie's mob, or is it something of a pastiche? That's how it comes across to me, and while it's undeniably listenable, it's hardly as inspiring as his initial dance music investigations.

N: Love the suggestion the title and lyric gives, and the mixes certainly settle down to a more recognised form, but definitely not Mr. Slim's best work. 6/10

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Sohodolls - Stripper (Filthy Pretty Records) 19/06/06

T: There's one of the best comparisons I have ever seen on the accompanying press release here - it likens "Stripper" to a handcuffed Cheryl Tweedy being dragged down to a torture chamber by a crazed Alison Goldfrapp. If ever you wanted a perfect description of what something sounds like, that is exactly it! And hey, I LIKE that imagery!

N: A ballsy take on the subject of the stripper. This is like Marilyn Manson saluting the girls of the oldest profession, with lyrics written from both the sides of the protagonist and voyeur. The four mixes available here range wildly from the great to the not so great, but I'd like to stay a little longer with your image of Alison Goldfrsapp if you don't mind.
7/10

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Drunk With Joy - The Beginning (A Maze records) 19/06/06

T: Obviously the band name is meant to be ironic here, as they sound anything BUT joyful. It sounds like a teenage sister sulking in her room after her brother has poked fun at her new boyfriend's hairstyle. It's not an unpleasant listen, to be fair, but doesn't quite hold my attention enough to merit much positive comment.

N: I have to disagree. I've never heard of A Maze Records before, let alone Drunk With Joy, but as what would appear to be a dance influenced tune, this is great. Sounds Alan Moulder produced Curve that floats leadenlike through sounds predominantly electronicc. Looks like we're going to have to agree to differ here.

T: You're not kidding. I'd take this along on my headphones if I was taking part in a yawning competition.

N: You sceptic. The darker side of this one is refreshing in its darkness. To avoid conflict of interest, it gets 8/10 and 5/10 respectively

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Fry & Wilson - England (Win With Ease) 19/06/06

T: I don't want to sound too stuffy and serious about something which is, after all, just a bit of fun, but I have to say it irks me to an extreme measure that there have been so many bad rehashes and poorly written football "anthems" that have reached the charts this year, while Young Stanley's effort - the best one by a mile - languishes on the subs bench without ever getting a touch of the ball. If you really WANT a football version of 'Ebeneezer Goode", look no further...

N: When Mr. C joined The Shamen, the dance act dived into obscurity to my mind, and "Ebeneezer Goode" was one of those songs that although capturing sales, lost them their credibility. As has been suggested before, this too is horrible, and an affront to football fans everywhere. 0/10

Nylon - Losing a Friend (Believer Music) 19/06/06

T: Why would you buy this? I mean why? Sure, there have been some fine exports from Iceland in the past, but this is like the stock that must be cleared. It's the Bovril of Iceland, and the fact that they are supporting Westlife should be reason enough to set alarm bells ringing before you even hear it. I can't believe we just played it all the way through; it's like the Sugababes but with only 5 per cent of the talent.

N: Nylon appear as the record company's wet dream. Four mildly attractive females doing what The Corrs do so much better. Sappy comes to mind. This'll have you reaching for those lighters but only in a bid to spark that hit of nicotine to see you through this one.

T: Nicotine? I think I'd need heroin... 0/10

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Circuits - Radio Silence (Try Science Records) 12/06/2006

T: Aside from completely stealing the vocal melody from the verses of The Jam's "Absolute Beginners", "Radio Silence" is a fairly gutsy, not unappealing romp through a very "now" single. File under Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight and their ilk.

N: Indie of the noughties rubs shoulders with New Wave of the early eighties. Although the quirkiness of this single did at first wear, I found I warmed to Circuits in a fairly non-committal manner. Anyone for bread and jam? 6/10

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Radio 4 - Enemies Like This (EMI) 12/06/2006

N: Radio 4 have come out with a subtly different and thumping new single, lifted from the group's forthcoming album. Described as a band with an explosive and rejuvenated purpose, the group are firing on all cylinders, and with this, a new alum will be eagerly awaited.

T: For some reason that I really can't put my finger on, this track, though it's a rollocking belter of a tune, comes across as quite pretentious, which puts me off it a bit. I'm not saying they ARE pretentious, but every time I hear it, it seems to irk me a bit for that very reason. Ok, gibberish over, so I'll pass you back to Nick, although I must confess I prefer the instrumental version included.

N: I think this is what the group are about - a slight detachment from reality. And with a straing into the distance, I'll leave you (I'd still predict though that the forthcoming album WILL be eagerly awaited). 8/10

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The Divine Comedy - Diva Lady (Parlophone) 12/06/2006

T: You've probably heard this LOADS on the radio as it's picked up a lot of airplay already, probably due to the fact that it's one of the strongest singles Hannon's come up with for quite some time. Glorious and celestial sounding pianos merge with a simple melody that even folk who focus only on the mainstream will be able to enjoy. Should be a big hit.

N: Ditto for myself. Nice to hear Hannon back on form, and writing great music. 9/10

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The Research - The Hard Times (At Large) 05/06/2006

N: With a debut album in the bag, and having recently returned from their first live dates in the US, The Research release their new single "The Hard Times" (not of course to be confused with "Hard Times")...

T: Why would anyone confuse the band's new single with one of your secret porno videos?

N: They were only the ones that you lent me. Under protest I hasten to add, but back to my story...

T: You've had them a year...

N: That's because I burnt them. They were filth ridden scum. and a man of your inclining years, I'm surprised you even get up the passion still...ANYWAY...."The Hard Times", not to be confused with "Hard Times", which was of course by the Human League, when cash strapped funds would send them racing to the post office each week to cash their giros. Phil couldn't even afford a full haircut.But really I digress. What was it you were saying?

T: I think we ought to press the Play button now...right, my view, in a nutshell , is that this is a fairly quirky and entertaining tune whose only downfall is that it is a little weedy in production. Then again, the lyrics are quite clearly the focal part of the song and the vocals are quite rightly much higher in the mix than anything else. Pretty enjoyable anyway.

N: Do you mean weedy...or lo-fi? Because this would stand them head and shoulders above your initial comment, but then again, that wouldn't be hard. Lo-fi and well versed, the lyricist seems well practised in his musical history. 7/10

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The Needles - Dianne (Dangerous Records) 05/06/2006

T: Top band, The Needles. I don't think I've ever heard anything I haven't liked by them. This is as tuneful as Costello, has the balls of early Supergrass, and the whole thing feel like a throughly enjoyable thunderstorm. Great single.

N: I can't quite go as weak at the knees as you. Certainly catchy riffs and well penned lyrics, but at this point I can't quite open my mind enough to catch the infection you are obviously suffering from. That's not to say I won't, maybe sometime soon. 8/10

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The Automatic - Monster (B-Unique) 05/06/2006

T: Sounds EXACTLY like the Gang of Four in the verses, but features a big, thumping, playful chorus that will delight children and adults alike because of its potential for piss taking. The Automatic are starting to climb the "Best Welsh Band" ladder extremely quickly, presently only being a couple of rungs from the top.

N: The Automatic's homage to the B-movie maybe? However you choose to take this, the single is filled with solid sounds, a great riff, and without a leak in sight. 9/10

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The Fallout Trust- When We Are Gone (At Large Recordings) 29/05/2006

T: "In Case of the Flood" showcased several damn good tunes within its very varied content, and this was one of the better tracks from it - possibly even the best one, so it's good to hear it again. It's a bit like taking the catchiest moments from Crowded House in a butterfly net, and locking them in a dark room to give them a slightly more intense feel. Quite ingenious.

N: Another great tune from The Fallout Trust. Described as the band's "live signature tune", this translates extremely well to our listening room, and only misses the flashing lights, the sweat of the crowd, and several decibels seem to have gone missing along the way.

T: Well I'M pretty sweaty.

N: Yes but maybe that's what you've been looking at on the web. 7/10

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GTA - Feel (Label) 29/05/2006

T: I don't want to put this down too much, because after all, it's all for a very good cause - the Teenage Cancer Trust - and everyone really should get behind it. I'll happily buy it for that reason, but quite honestly, the song's a fucking piece of shit.

N: My feelings exactly. A band who, on this occasion, have produced a record for a well meaning cause, doesn't mean that it's necessarily going to be any good. A release ripe for Eurovision.

T: Eurovision? Have you HEARD of Lordi? 1/10

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The Fiery Furnaces - Benton Harbour Blues (Rough Trade) 22/05/2006

N: I do recall some time back that we were not too kind to this group, but how do we feel now?

T: Actually I'm warming towards them. This sounds like several different Motown records - I could sing the Foundations' "Build Me Up Buttercup" and Detroit Spinners "Working My Way Back To You" over the top of the backing track here and get away with it, but somehow this does in fact have quite a bit of appeal. Doesn't sound so twee now either, the band.

N: Mmm, fair enough, but I'd rather listen to The Concretes.

T: Hmmm...perhaps next time you can review the Concretes and I'll do the Fiery Furnaces... 6/10

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Morning Runner - The Great Escape (Faith & Hope) 15/05/2006

T: I'm a tad surprised this never made a dent in the charts, as Morning Runner did seem to be a band on a roll and very much one to watch. For that reason I think it's good that we're bringing it back to the attention of the public within these pages. This is a bright and breezy feelgood tune that is further evidence that these guys have something a bit different to offer.

N: I felt that this started off in a rather lacklustre way, but does get going, and by the chorus the band have entered into a swirling mass of sinister guitars and desperate vocal. 7/10

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