The Grates - Science Is Golden (Dew Process/Cherrytree/Polydor) 30/10/2006

T: Nope. I still can't understand the immense plaudits being lavished upon this band. They continue to remind me of a poor man's Sleeper, Elastica or any other of those girl-fronted Britpop bands of the mid-nineties. I have heard they are one of the best live bands on the circuit at present however, so maybe I need to do a Grates gig before I can honestly give my opinion. For now though, this still leaves me as cold as a big wet kipper.

N: This single features two remixes of the one A-side, and I love the description of the first "Grandma Approved Radio Edit", and am intrigued to hear exactly what the second "Mouth Of Fire Album Remix" is going to be? Oh...she uses the F-word. Wow!? You hear more coming from me when the computer plays up. 6/10

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Klaxons - Magick (Polydor) 30/10/2006

T: This starts like me and Nick shouting things at each other in stupid voices to wind one another up, and soon explodes into a kitchen sink bursting rage hard with unexpectedly melodic verse interludes. A very original release indeed and I personally love it.

N: I've yet to see this band's appeal, and cannot reconcile the spunk that's been written about them.

T: Well, I like Marmite and hate liquorice. I bet you LOVE Bertie Bassetts then.

N: Especially the ones with the hundreds and thousands on them!

(Nick steps out of the room) 9/10

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Sohodolls - No Regrets (FilthyPretty) 30/10/2006

T: Sounds like a more sultry version of Kelis's "Milkshake" at the beginning, perhaps with vocals from Sarah Cracknell. A shagging song if ever I've heard one. You won't be playing it very often then...

N: "No Regrets" goes to show that their last sexually charged single, "Stripper", was no flash in the pan. This is another charged rock-pop affair with vocals that take their lead from Alison Goldfrapp (or in some minds Sarah Cracknell).

T: I BET this has got a pervy video hasn't it?

N: Sure hope so, I'll download this one too! Want a copy? 7/10

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Babyshambles & Friends - Janie Jones (B-Unique) 30/10/2006

T: How do you improve upon perfection? You can't, of course, is the ultimate answer, and that's never more clear than here. Probably one of the greatest opening tracks from one of the greatest all time debut albums, this version includes contributions from Carl Barat, The Rakes, Mystery Jets, Kooks, Guillemots and several other "name" artists, as well as a number of relatively "unknown" artists. The single is released in aid of "Strummerville", which is the Joe Strummer Foundation For New Music, but this begs the question - why not let these new breakthrough acts record one or two of their own compositions instead of showcasing their talents by releasing a vastly inferior cover version? Surely that's not the best way to put them in the limelight.

N: The self styled anti-icon, Pete Doherty, once again tries to recreate what wasn't broken, and rewrite history in his own image. Whether this was for a good cause or not, this lacks anything that once made it great, and has literally crucified a good song. What will he next hoist onto the crucifix? 3/10

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Dorp - London Out There (Caned And Able) 23/10/2006

T: The funny thing is, the chap on the front cover with the scribbled out head is a dead ringer for Mick Hucknall, and in PARTICULAR the scribbled out bit. The song's relatively catchy, if not particularly exciting, although the cacophony of screeching guitars that runs through the track is quite appealing. And no, it doesn't sound like Mick.

N: There certainly is enougb going on in this band's composition. Described as "grinding glam punk attitude, crushing electric rhythms..." (blah blah blah), this about sums it up. Maybe "rhythmic noise" has to be nearer to the point. They undoubtedly scream a good tune. 5/10

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Fell City Girl - February Snow EP (Lavolta) 23/10/2006

T: Apparently drawing influences from the likes of Muse and Sigur Ros, Fellcitygirl actually remind me more of the early noughties "emo" bands than anything else. Not that they're bad at it of course, but they don't really "do it" for me quite as much as the previously mentioned bands. They remind me very much of a band from 2000/2001 whose name I can't remember and I feel that says it all.

N: You have most certainly hit the nail on the proverbial head, this band are just too derivative. It's not like they're bad or anything like that, they just sound like someone else and this band are themselves too mainstream, not enough meat on their bones. Have you got it yet?

T: Shh I'm watching this paint dry. 3/10

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Tina Dico – Give In (Finest Gramophone) 16/10/2006

I really want to like Tina Dico’s music, because it’s always nice to give good reviews to women you fancy the arse off…

The problem for me though is that this sounds rather like The Corrs, although the part that seems to drift into an echo chamber is somewhat pleasing to the ear. A gentle, slightly folksy tune that I am 100 per cent sure my missus would love. Perhaps I should have let HER review it…then again if she read my opening gambit, she’d probably shoot it down in flames. Anyway, this is neither particularly inspiring nor even remotely offensive. 6/10

Tone E

Editor: As much as we are in agreement most of the time, I have to step in here and say that if Tina Dico sounds like The Corrs, then I'll be a Smurf (please no comments!). Tina has a wonderfully rich vocal palette, here she has a tonal leaning toward that of Alanis Morrisette, although musically I can hear what it is that Tone dislikes, this is the musical equivalent of a 'chick-flick' and perhaps the fact that the backing is a ringer for Keene may also put some off.

Basically this is 'pop', the tune will hang on in there and fills a space where other more recognised female singers have left absent for a while. But Tone, do stop thinking with your Dic(o)! Ummm, mark wise though I think I'm in agreement. However if you have any uncertainties then pop along to the artist's MySpace page and hear for yourself, I'll welcome your thoughts.

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Humanzi – Out On A Wire (Fiction) 16/10/2006

I don’t know WHY this track reminds me of The Beat but it does. It’s not even vaguely ska-like, but still, it reminds me of Wakeling and co singing the songs of British Sea Power in a doubly poppy, lightweight way. It’s very infectious actually – you could probably throw mid-career New Order into the mix as well and it’s all very pleasing to the ear. Urgent, blustery and cool – this is the sound of a band really coming into their own. Great track. 8/10

Tone E

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James Morrison – Wonderful World (Polydor) 16/10/2006

Well, you know my feelings on this bloke – nice guy, fairly affable tunes but wavers a LITTLE too closely to the James Blunt peninsular. I’ll give him his dues – he does whimsical summer feelgood tunes very well. I’m just not a big fan of whimsical summer feelgood tunes, that’s all.
There is a note on the back of the press release here from the ed, saying “Can I have this back please?” and claiming it’s for his sister. Yeah RIGHT. 6/10

Tone E

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The Blueskins – Change My Mind (Domino) 16/10/2006

You’ll know this song well by now, due to its use on the popular recent Lynx advert. It’s a 100mph romp through Slide Guitar Park and is the sort of thing you could possibly expect to find on an acoustic Guns ‘N’ Roses B-side. Not unpleasant – it definitely gets your foot tapping if nothing else, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this track propelled the Blueskins into the UK top 20 in the very near future. 7/10

Tone E

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IV Thieves – The Day is a Downer EP (One Little Indian) 09/10/2006

The 4 thieves who were originally known as Nic Armstrong and the thieves release their debut EP called the day is a downer. Due to their previous work they already have friends in high places – Noel Gallagher for one – he said “they’ll be one of the biggest bands in Britain” To be honest he would, the 4 Thieves sound very reminiscent of Oasis and have toured with them and Paul Weller.

The EP itself is pretty good – the title track is bouncy guitar based music rather like Oasis and is probably the weakest of the tracks. The second track – Catastrophe has potential – it has a more complex arrangement and shows the band pushing themselves to achieve more. Has more of an American feel to it, which is no surprise as they had relocated to texas in a bid to improve their writing. The third track is called Chase me off/out is a catchy little number which makes you sing along after a few listens, which is good because this is the taster for their up and coming album entitled ‘ if we can’t escape my pretty’ due for release in the spring next year. Personally give it a go I say, but don’t just take my word for it ask your uncle Noel. 7/10

Cornell Frasier Digby Chicken Ceaser

Album retail link - If We Can't Escape My Pretty

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Jurassic 5 – Work It Out (Interscope Records) 09/10/2006

Featuring the Dave Matthews Band, this is about a million miles away from how I was expecting it to sound. Musically it owes more to the likes of De La Soul and Arrested Development than any of the cutting edge hip-hop that the band first carved their name in. It’s impossible to dislike it though, and the political undertones are still rife. What’s more, I can never bring myself to have anything against a band who uses Fisher-Price style samplers instead of any new, ultra cool gadgets to impress everyone with.
I think the greatest appeal of Jurassic 5 though is the ability to take the piss out of themselves – something many of their peers sadly lack. 7/10

Tone E

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Sean Lennon – Dead Meat (Parlophone) 09/10/2006

Ok, so its Sean Lennon. We might as well get the obvious question out of the way first – no it doesn’t sound like his dad. The other question that should be asked; is did Yoko have any influence of involvement in this project and the answer again is no.

Sean Lennon has grown up in the most difficult of musical circumstances, and having to dig his own line can not have been easy, but I feel that with this track ‘Dead Meat’, he has achieved it. This is the first track of the new album ‘Friendly Fire’, which is self produced and features a wealth of talent in the backing band – such as Matt Chamberlain ex – Pearl Jam drummer, I could go on, but it's read like a who's who in music.

The track itself starts with a child like piano introduction, which is followed by the bemoanings of a spoilt little rich kid who is finding life too difficult. On second listening you begin to understand that this young man is disillusioned with the whole music industry and media circus he is doomed to spend his life in.

I feel that this track in itself is enough to make me want to hear the album – and that is what the single is for. I just hope it doesn’t disappear in the rush of the crowd trying to purchase the new Beatles album, but you get the feeling that that is inevitable. 6/10

Cornell Frasier Digby Chicken Ceaser

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Shut Your Eyes And You’ll Burst Into Flames – Drop The Decade (Dance To The Radio) 09/10/2006

Like ABO, this is an art-rocker tune reminiscent of Robert Smith on speed, roughly equalling a faintly paranoid version of Bloc Party. Plus, even though I’ve just this minute mentioned Elle Milano in another review, I just HAVE to mention them again; their chanty/shouty style is utilised to great effect here and confirms once again that Dance To The Radio are one of the most reliable labels doing the rounds at present, with a roster of quality acts consistently putting out top notch entertainment. Can’t fault ‘em. 8/10

Tone E

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Archie Bronson Outfit – Cherry Lips (Domino) 09/10/2006

This is like a cross between Elle Milano and the early work of The Cure, mixed in with a pumping and jangly guitar sound not too far removed from the 22-20s. This, as you would expect, makes the whole thing very listenable indeed. Dark, dirty and very noisy, but with a slight undercurrent of an inferiority complex. And what IS that at the end? It sounds like a highly irritable saxophone, and that, in turn, makes this one of THE essential singles of 2006. Brilliant. 9/10

Tone E

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IV Thieves – The Day is a Downer EP (One Little Indian) 09/10/2006

Whether having Noel Gallagher proclaim that you’re going to be “one of the biggest bands in Britain” is a blessing or the kiss of death remains to be seen. I seem to remember, after all, one Steven Patrick Morrissey bestowing similar acclaim upon 80s doom merchants Bradford at the height of his early fame and watching as they slipped quickly from the public eye without ever really even catching it.

IV Thieves though have something completely different. I was astounded to learn that the frontman is none other than Nic Armstrong, the man who “Dylaned” his way through his album “The Greatest White Liar” a couple of years ago. This time around, his voice sounds more like James Blunt but don’t let that put you off, honestly, it’s not as bad as it seems! Whereas the squawking major opts for festering yawnfests as his weapon of choice, Armstrong thankfully elects to use scintillating, relatively dark pop songs as his tour de force. The brooding finale, “Chase Me Off/Out” is a particular gem and this release does indeed echo the sentiments of the Oasis man, in that this is a band poised for success sooner rather than later. 8/10

Tone E

Album retail link - If We Can't Escape My Pretty

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Gossip – Standing In The Way Of Control (Back Yard Recordings) 02/10/2006

The NME have proclaimed Gossip as the “best live band in the universe”. Well I’ll have to catch a gig before I can answer that, because at the moment, all I can hear is “formulaic and relatively dull band performing frighteningly uninspiring songs”. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh, but this whole anti-Bush thing – while morally sound – is getting rather tired and overdone.
I honestly preferred Hot Gossip… 4/10

Tone E

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Imogen Heap – Headlock (White Rabbit) 02/10/2006

A very cinematic, radio friendly electronic pop song. It’s not, if I’m being totally honest, entirely my cup of tea. I like the churchlike “Bong bong” vocals in the background, and I can’t deny it’s a cleverly written tune that will appeal to fans of more mainstream music. To me though, it’s a background noise. 6/10

Tone E

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Clinic – Harvest (Within You) (Domino) 02/10/2006

Whilst I love Clinic both as people and as a band, this new single does sound rather like a rehashed, slower version of several of their earlier tracks. The addition of some stomping World beats adds an interesting pulse however that prevents it from falling flat and there is a mildly sinister feel about proceedings too.
On the other hand, the lunacy of instrumental track “You Can’t Hurt You Anymore” is a riotous affair that proves that Clinic still have the necessary imagination to cut it with today’s musical heroes.
“Lee Shan” is another catchy, off kilter tune that completes proceedings nicely. 7/10

Tone E

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Razorlight – America (Mercury) 02/10/2006

When I started to write this review some weeks ago I wrote, "Razorlight – America; this will be a big hit." A week or so later and I am informed it has hit number 1. Not surprising really – it is a bloody good song and it is a bloody good trailer for the bands' platinum selling album.

The song itself has elements of U2, particularly in their Joshua Tree era, mainly because of the use of space within the chords which allows movement a chance to get inside the song – BB King did tell The Edge that he plays too much and that complicates everything, whereas Razorlight have worked out how not to strangle their audience and allow them to go with them.

This will be an anthem on their coming tour which coincidentally starts on the 20th of October in Aberdeen and finishes on the 1st of November at Wembley.

Razorlight cannot go up as they have hit number one, but I think they will get bigger – just like U2. 8/10

Cornell Frasier Digby Chicken Ceaser

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Sound Team - Born To Please (Parlophone) 18/09/2006

T: Big, soaring sounds boom out from under a cloudy grey sky, and once again, the wonderous sounds of a Jeff Lynne at the height of his creativity shine through as a likely source of inspiration. After the travesties thrown up in our faces by the Bush dynasty, we NEEDED something good to come out of Texas, and Sound Team would appear to be the first step to retribution.

N: Having already reviewed this band's debut album, this, their first single, released one week earlier, once again confirms these guys can hold a tune; wheras "Born To Please" is without a doubt the lead track, those other two offered here show vast ability. 9/10

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