Stephen Malkmus - Kindling For The Master (Domino Recordings) 28/08/2006

T: Now this is something I didn't expect. Malkmus turns to funk of the seventies such as Parliament or the Ohio Players for inspiration. It works to an extent, but occasionally it NEARLY sounds like Jamiroquai, thankfully never quite plumbing that depth. Cracking bassline and a melody not unlike Gang of Four's "Entertainment" period, and I have to give him credit for trying something new, but if we're comparing it to the heady heights of Pavement or the brilliant solo stuff such as "Jenny and the Ess-Dog", it doesn't really come close.

N: Likewise, this is quite unlike the Stephen Malkmus I'd have expected. Instead something of a zoned out alternative trip into the heart of seventies flick. Down and dirty and heavy on the retro substance. Not so much a song as it is an experience. 7/10

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Astrid Williamson - Shhh (One Little Indian) 28/08/2006

T: This is the sort of thing that Daft Punk could turn into an outstanding dance tune. It reminds me, for some reason, of a busy airport and would probably work quite well as a take-off tune. Pretty catchy stuff, and it'll appeal to the kids and the grannies alike.

N: All that, but you forgot to mention this artist's confident swagger that just oozes from the speakers as you play this number. Undoubtedly rock 'n' roll but hardly rock in the sense of a denim and leather variety. 8/10

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Firebrand Boy - Orange (Pale Fox Records) 21/08/2006

I have in front of me a rather attractive Orange vinyl 7", now in 2006, with iPod's, mp3's and various other digital formats and players at hand, this was somewhat of a novelty and therein lies the problem. Tone is no longer vinyl savvy, he's not even resurrected the old turntable I'd given him some year's ago, tsch! But rising to the challenge and still with a fair weight of vinyl on my shelves, I chomped at the bit in anticipation of hearing this contribution from Pale Fox Record's Firebrand Boy, the Glasgow two piece who it is said "have been turning heads on the Scottish gig circuit" with their "unique brand of fired-up electronica-with-a-heart".

I'll be honest, I'd forgotten how long the lead-in groove was, but in time reached the sweet sounds and understood exactly what had been meant by "electronica-with-a-heart". Electronic music can quite often be described as rather cold cold and in the case of band's like Nottingham's Ultraviolence, damn scary, but this was something quite different. From the childish laughter that introduced 'Orange', to the hillock of melodica that branded the main structure of the song, was simply beautiful. Vocalist Gordon Turner's words were filled with an honesty that seemed refreshing in their brightness. Coming to the end of the single, I found myself returning to the start to catch another play. This happened a number of times and still I wasn't afraid to do so, but after what must've been the 6th time of my doing this I considered that it was about time I ventured to the B-side.

Busier was my initial reaction, somewhat like walking into an arcade some 25 years ago, dozens of machine heads doing their best to beat the high score, their concentration so absorbed, not a word can be heard. So no lyrics then. This is definitely what I would term a B-side and considering this is a 7", is a term I can confidently resurrect. In short brilliant A-side (great composition and highly enjoyable), however with a Friday afternoon B-side, but I won't hold that against it and actually the more you hear this, the more you'll yearn for Friday afternoon. 9/10

Please note: It was the 7" single I reviewed here, however with the limited CD single, 2 further remixes are provided. One of these, the 'Kerwin Orange Remix' can be heard on the group's MySpace link.

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The Rapture - Get Myself Into It (Vertigo) 21/08/2006

T: I have no idea why, but I love this track. Perhaps you might enlighten me as to why it appeals so much? I'm quite surprised I like it so much, especially considering the musical backing sounds not too far off Spandau Ballet's "Chant No.1"...

N: "Chant No.1"? Shades of this number appear to have a similar ska tinged nature as did The Police circa 1979-1980. The music was filled with depth, although lyrics, it had to be said, were mildly thin, certainly varying the pace that drives the number, although the rising, falling bassline was somewhat unnerving. Altogether, much as yourself. 8/10

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Dashboard Confessional - Don't Wait (Vagrant) 21/08/2006

T: I remember when we reviewed the album, I was saying that although these guys don't exactly make the kind of music I would choose to listen to on a regular basis, I still think it was a damn good album for what it was. I still feel the same, and I do believe they've made a wise decision, as this is easily the most palatable track to release from the album. I would imagine they can win over some new fans here. There's no lack of emotion, and they can clearly write a good catchy pop ballad, which is, in essence, what this IS.

N: Yeah, in essence, I think you've said it all. A number filled with passion that ebbs and flows throughout the song. It's perhaps not going to change the world, but for what it is, okay. 7/10

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Arctic Monkeys - Leave Before The Lights Come On (Domino) 14/08/2006

T: Despite the inevitable backlash, you have to admire Arctic Monkeys. What other band would only release two proper singles from their mega-selling debut album, before releasing a third track from it along with a whole host of new songs that they knew would make it ineligible to chart? Not only that, but fairly quickly they have returned with a brand new single that every clubgoer can relate to - how many of us have "pulled" someone who looks like a supermodel through our late night beer goggles and then look rather more like a tramp in the cold light of day? As it pans out, I don't think this is the Monkeys' strongest single by any stretch of the imagination, but the entertainment value, the humour and the catchy-after-three-listens hook is still unquestionably there. I'll eat all my clothes if this doesn't become the bands third number one.

N: Arctic Monkeys certainly seem to have mastered the skill of writing a good song. The meaning of this number creeps up on you, while in the meantime the musical onslaught grabs your attention, but when you reach the point, it hits home like only the Arctic Monkeys can. I'd agree with your comment - it really isn't their most memorable release, but still enjoyable all the same. As far as reaching number one, mmm, not quite certain of that.

T: I'll bet you lunch that it does.

N: I'll just enjoy you trying to eat your own clothes. 7/10

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Junior Boys - In The Morning (Domino) 14/08/2006

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The Needles - Summer Girls (Dangerous) 14/08/2006

T: Seeing as last time we reviewed anything by this band you got on your high horse and were saying how rubbish they were while I was singing their praises and saying they were one of the best bands around at the moment, I'm quite intrigued to hear your comments this time around. For me, this is a darkly intense belter of a tune, so I'm wondering - do you believe you were still taking those "stupid pills" last time, or are you intending to take it home as toilet roll?

N: Well, in answer to your comment, this single is really nothing to write home about, and comes across in the same vain as other Scottish rock bands such as Travis...

T: TRAVIS? How can you say that? They sound absolutely nothing like Travis...

N: I'm just saying that it wasn't anything special. Not necessarily bad. I'm not saying it was bad, I'm not saying any of their output is bad; I'm just saying it didn't float my boat. 7/10

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The Scaramanga Six - Baggage (Wrath Records) 28/08/2006

T: I would quite happily marry Wrath Records you know...

N: That would make you a bigamist then. Do you really want to spend time at Her Majesty's pleasure? Trying to be serious for a moment, if this label were a leggy blonde (or brunette, I'm not fussed) then marriage might be on the cards, but living in the proverbial sin is far more exiting (alright, cheaper). Where were we?

T: I think what we are trying to say - or at least I am - is that The Scaramanga Six are an astonishingly brilliant band that never fail to unearth diamonds from nowhere. "Baggage" is a bastardised version of ELO to my ears, and is all the better for it. What can I say? Just utterly superb. As usual.

N: A truly majestic release from the Six - even shades of Gary Moore in places. A single that comes spitting molten lava from its pores, and is certainly a worthy ride, if not a little exhausting (or maybe that's got nothing to do with the single, and maybe I should try sleeping for a change).

T: Ooh you're so ROCK. 9/10

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Assembly Now - It's Magnetic/Out on 24s (Kids) 28/08/2006

T: Better than I was expecting it to be, if I'm totally honest. Assembly Now would appear to make the same kind of music as the likes of the Young Knives and Elle Milano, which in turn appeals to the artrocker crowd, so I guess if you're pigeonholing them, that's where they'd be filed. They're not quite as instant as the latter two bands but it's a pretty good stab. I'd say while they were both Premiership bands, Assembly Now are sitting at the top of the old First Division, planning the next step up in class.

N: Touche! A very apt description. A lively double A-sided single with plenty of spunk and a very presentable demeanour. 7/10

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Piskie Sits - What Is The Point? (Wrath Records) 21/08/2006

T: Kind of reminds me of the Flaming Lips and Pavement in particular, but there's definitely an underlying Dylan influence there too. Obviously when you have those three artists as a blueprint, it's pretty damn evident that it's going to be good. So it proves here and...you appear to be staring at me for some reason. I mean, I know I have nice legs but...

N: My colleague mentioned that this band was leaning towards Pavement. In fact they could very nearly BE Pavement, or even Stephen Malkmus. The only critical downfall in this respect is that they are neither of these. Not wanting to leave a negative slant on this band, they really are as good as either of the artists mentioned. Hell, this home grown talent is great. Flipping marvellous. 8/10

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The Reverse - A Clean Incision (Run Out Records) 21/08/2006

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Buzzcocks - Sell You Everything (Cooking Vinyl) 14/08/2006

T: Now come on, be honest - are you telling me this doesn't climb up on the highest diving board available and piss all over the limp figures of Orson who were doggy paddling below. The band still has an ultra vibrant sound, Shelley has his trademark incisive wit and the group continues to make top quality pop songs. Long live the 'cocks.

N: That's a certainty, but one thing that does come across is that Pete Shelley is holding on to his youth and punk roots (I reference track two, "16") and Steve Diggle, who was responsible for the lead track, isn't. Not that Steve's contribution is any less for it - more musical maybe - but the fact these two stars exist here is pretty good. Contrasts like black against white, sweet against sour. No, point taken - these guys still have it. 8/10

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Orson - Happiness (Mercury) 07/08/2006

T: Ok I admit - they've stopped reminding me of Curiosity Killed the Cat, and moved on to sounding like Hothouse Flowers and Hue and Cry. Except worse. They're actually beginning to irritate me now as much as Maroon 5. In fact, IS this Maroon 5?

N: What ARE you talking about? One word - awesome. Oh alright I'll expand - do you remember a band in the early nineties from Scotland...Glasgow I think it was...named Gun? A little cliched, it might at first appear, but these were a band with their feet (and heads) firmly planted in what is rock. Their vocalist had a tremendous presence and when this single started out, I felt the same impact. Admittedly, as it proceeded, some of this initial impact was lost, and I felt, as your comment suggests, suffered for it, but give them their dues...

T: Give them their dues? I'd rather give them their bus fare home! You use the word "awesome" - well at least the word I'd use starts with the same two letters. They're the sort of band who are destined to assault my ears on a ten minutely basis while I'm at work with folk who think "local radio" is the cutting edge of music. And since when has sounding like Gun been a good thing? Contrary to what you say I thought they were an embarrassing excuse for rock music. My earlier suspicions have been confirmed too, now that I've just read they'll be supporting Robbie Williams on tour. This song makes me want to throw my stereo out of my bedroom window.

N: However trite you may feel these - and others mentioned - are, these guys did have tremendous impact, and whether they annoy you or not, I think it's fairly evident that others won't think the same, and when has a tour with one of the biggest selling artists ever been a handicap?

T: That's like defending Westlife mate.

N: I am NOT defending Westlife.

Scoring is difficult here - but it's somewhere between 2/10 and 7/10 - take your pick.

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