Music reviews - Singles Bar early 2003

	2003 Single Reviews
	Pippa - I Don't Want To Miss a Thing Another one of the Fame Academy hopeless (David, Sinead and Ainsley not included) Pippa releases one of the worst danced up covers I've heard for a long time. The song features the same old dance loops which usually means a sure fire hit, but not this time. You will want to miss this thing.
	VBirds - Virtuality Cartoon characters should stick to being cartoon characters and not try to be pop stars. This is just a tv channel trying to make a fast buck. It's a one dimensional song from a one dimensional band.
	Bon Jovi - All About Lovin' You Hurrah Something half decent at last (after listening to the three above) this is a classic Bon Jovi ballad, a sure fire top 10
	Richard X V Liberty X - Being_Nobody The original was brilliant and this is too. Monster hit... turn up the volume
	Caesars - Jerk it out Simple pop, that has a modish feel, a little 60's with hammond organs but also a little like some of the late 70's ska stuff. Catchy and different.
	Atomic Kitten - Love doesn't have to hurt Middle of the road pop and non-descript, lacking in originality and overproduced. It's got that feel good factor, but there is only so much of this you can listen to.
	Hot Hot Heat - Bandages ooh! these are god, with a very retro Ska meets punk sound (some say like the Cure and I can see there point) this song will do well and the band are going to be huge, don't say I told you so.
	Linkin' Park - Somewhere I belong Here we go again, same old guitar sound same sort of lyrics and chorus, are they becoming this decades Status Quo ?
	Ricky - Sunset View With a name like Ricky you would thing this was a boy band, which it is in the sense of they are all boys. With a summer sound and good harmonies a hit is on the horizon (a bit short though at 2mins 24 secs)
	Mis-teeq - Scandalous Long awaited single from the barmy trio. Very good song and with the amount of TV appearances over the last few weeks,a sure fire hit.
	Ja Rulefeat. Ashanti - Mesmerize Even if you don't like Ja Rule's material you'll probably like ths one as it's very catchy and Ashanti's soft vocals contrast really well with Ja Rule's drone...a definite hit.
	Blue - UMakeMeWanna Sounding like everything else done by them and Take That, even a bit like Craig David, this one also sounds like there in a bit of a hurry to finish the track. Easy listening, but ultimately blandand sickly.
	Drew - Under the Weather compelling single from new band Drew and the supporting tracks are quite encouraging too. A little bit like Crowded House, but much more interesting, with a pop/folk/rock feel. Definitely interested in hearing more from this band and hope the single does well.
	The Thrills - One Horse Town The popiest song I've heard since 'Wake up Boo'. Great song, definite hit.
	The Burn - Drunken Fool The Burn are new and refreshing. Drunken fool is superb smooth rock track, can't wait for the album.
	Royksopp - Eple A very funky track from the band that bought us 'Poor Leno'. Very catchy tune this, especially the Fatboy Slim remixes.
	Turin Brakes - Pain Killer One of the best singles of the year. Just the right balance of rock and melody. It has a familiar sound though... couldn't help thinking of LOLA
	PolyPhonic Spree - Light and Day This lot seem to be getting a bigger and bigger following and I have to say the music is growing on me, especially the Bee's mix of this single. I'll be buying a white gown next!
	Uncut - Midnight Featuring a well known and well used backing track and sounding like a modern day Brand New Heavies. This smooth dance track is a cut above the rest.
	Jody Lei - Showdown A above average R&B dance track a bright up and coming star. The only thing that spoils this release is they 'B side' track "I Dare You" which reminds you 500 times they Jody Lei is her name. Other than that this should be a top 10 hit Showdown: real audio \| media player website: www.jodylei.com
	Mull Historical Society - The Final Arrears As soon as you hear the vocals it feels like you have put on your favourite winter coat for the first time this year. A superb new track from this class band. Can't wait for the album to come out.
	Sean Paul - Gimme The Light This track benefits from the Buster Rhymes treatment. A Sure fire hit especially with it's deep beats and eastern undertones.
	Teri Walker - Guess You Didn't Love Me Nice voice, very smooth and soulfull track, sounds a little bit like Brand New Heavies. Would like to here more
	the delgados - All You Need is Hate Another good track from this band, the cd includes a nice cober of ELO's "Mr Blue Sky"
	Sinead Quinn - I can't Break Down Fame Academy runner up releases her first single and boy what a single. Penned by herself this is a passionate and powerful single and proves the voting public know a star when they see one. If she keeps churning out songs like this she will give Dido a run for her money.
	Jaimeson - True 27-year-old Londoner Jamie Williams, delivers a top garage tune with funky beats, great melody and featuring sassy vocals from new talent Angel Blu. A sure dancefloor hit!
	Lemon Jelly - Nice Weather for Ducks If this track doesn't brighten up your day then nothing will. It jumps out at you and whether you love or hate it, you'll certainly remember the track. It's a great mixture of jangly guitar, up-tempo beats, trumpets & a bit of scratching, embellished with a bizarre chorus and if that doesn't fire your imagination... you need to get out more. Here's the bonus, not only do you get a good single, you get the even better track 2 - ‘Soft’, which samples ‘If You Leave Me Now’ by soft-rockers Chicago http://www.lemonjelly.com
	INXS - Tight Funky, uptempo and punchy, with a blues feel and nice guitar work. It's INXS, so if you liked the old stuff, you'll like this too.
	Default - Wasting My Time Canadian rockers , Default, deliver a decent single that effectively balances rawness with subtle melody and melodic guitar work with just enough edge. The band will be hoping to emulate their recent US success with this single
	The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles Not a bad single this which is taken from their acclaimed recently released album. This although strange in parts is a good electropop meets rock. Well worth a listen. It may even inspire you to buy the album. Watch the video or send an ecard
	Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Psychosis Safari Raw, chainsaw guitar riffs embellish demonic vocals to bring us the infectiously catchy psychosis Safari. It's pure mosh pit stuff but also refreshingly good, scarey and alarmingly likable.
	Zoe Birkett - Treat me like a lady Good song, great vocals, close your eyes and you can imagine this being sung by Kylie... who knows it could be a good year for the 17 year old Darlington starlet. http://www.zbirkett.com
	Rosie Ribbons - A Little Bit Great vocals, that can't be denied. It's even a fairly catch pop tune, but it's a bit relentless and not quite powerful enough for move over Britney. This little bit goes on a little bit too much. Remixes are a bit funkier offering more depth and a bit easier on the ear.
	David Sneddon - Stop Living the Lie This is the first single from the winner of BBC's Fame Academy. David has proved both in the show and with this single that he has a talent for songwriting. He's not a bad singer either, and this is a good strong song which will put him in the top 10. The video to this song is one of the most selected on channels like the Hits and Smash Hits. Not bad for a reserve finalist.
	Craig David - HiddenAgenda This is fairly cathcy, but overall just a bit dull. Nice guitar work brings it to life a bit and it would probably sound a lot better on a sunny day
	Erasure - Solsbury Hill It's been a long time coming but it seems Vince and Andy have finally realised the fact that they need to bring out something a bit more upbeat. This cover the Peter Gabriel classic is not as good as the original but is very catchy and is very much in the Erasure tradition. The single has various mixes from slow to dance and is worth of a good chart position. Mind you I'll be very surprised if Radio 1 stick it on their play list as you have to be called Eminem these days to get your single played!!!
	Peter Gabriel - More than this 'More Than This', is the second single to be taken from his critically acclaimed album 'UP' . Recently featured on Jools Holland's TV show 'Later', the single is an uptempo groove laden track, which is currently proving a huge hit on Gabriel's US tour dates his spectacular 'Growingp' Live Show.
	Rolling Stones - Don't Stop One of the new tracks from the 40 Licks album, and surprisingly, it merits its place there, with a good strong typical Stones performance. It re-captures something of their older material with quite a 60's rock feel. Only problem is who's interested anymore?
	Bon Jovi - Misunderstood Easy listening rock, full of melody with the essential power chords and anthemic chorus. This a return to form and a step in the right direction if they are ever to reach their 90's popularity.
	Atomic Kitten - Be With You "Be With You" is the other half of the "The Last Goodbye" double A side release from the kittens. It features some stomping disco remixes of the track, but it's not one of there strongets releases.
	Ceasars - Fun and Games EP Ceasars are a well established band from Stockholm, Sweden and this is there first venture into UK waters. The EP contains 4 well crafted 60's influenced pop tracks, but blink & you'll miss them as a couple of tracks are just over 2 mins long. Watch out for them touring in December.
	Darius - Rushes Not as good as Colourblind, but still quite catchy.... CD 2 contains a remix of coulour blind so you can kill two birds with one stone if you'venot already got it.
	The Thrills - Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far) Very catchy 4 track cd. If you like bands such as the Bluetones, then you'll appreciate this poppy offereing from this hotly rated band from Dublin
	De Nuit - All That Mattered If you like good dance music with catchy guitar riffs, this is up there with the best
	Paul Weller - Leafy Mysteries Very smooth, very catchy, very good!!
	The Music - Getaway Good enough and loud enough to make your head explode - with pleasure
	Shy FX & T-Power featuring DI & Skibadee - Don't Wanna Know Well this track has all the elements for a great dance record and it uses them to full effect - this will be come a can't get it outta your head classic. LIsten for your self \| www.shyfxandtpower.com
	Ashanti - Happy Murder Inc's Princess returns with a brand new single from her No.1, double platinum album. The second release from the acclaimed "Ashanti" is a feel good love groove entitled "Happy" released on 11th November http://www.hyperlaunch.com/ashanti/
	Queens of the Stone Age - KNow one knows Ignoring all the critical acclaim and hype over whether the album is as good as the previous 'Rated R', this single, although alittle intense, is a pretty good rock track. Great drums and straightforward headbangin' stuff.
	Dolly Parton - If WHat's going on here then? A bit of a revival? Well who can blame her and this cover of Bread's 70's soft rock track, gets the Dolly treatment and comes up smelling of roses.
	Martin Grech - Open Heart Zoo Well here's bizarre, good use of piano and a superb voice, but I think he needs help, as this song sounds like he is about to commit a murder. Good though
	The Polyphonic Spree - Hanging Around This lot are starting to grow on me, not a bad single. I don't think they are going to get the exposeure they need
	Badly Drawn Boy - You Were Right This is a good single, his previous few singles have not been quite up to his usual standard but this from his new album "Have You Fed the Fish" is spot on
	DJ Shadow - Six Days Sounds like it should be from the Moulin Rouge Soundtrack, but it's brilliantly put together track which is mixed by Mos Def on track1 and Billy Conkel for the Radio edit. Good for dancing to with a bottle a' bud
	Doves - Caught by the River Well it's pure class as always
	The Measures - the Universe is Mine Sounds a bit 70ish which isn't a bad thing, they have polished sound, it probably won't chart high but will get buckets of airplay
	Jetplane Landing - Els Quatre Gats EP Good raw no frills rock tracks, worth seeing live
	The Coral - Dreaming of You This toe tapping slightly offbeat smiley tune which is not to far from Madness style will be a huge hit on air-play alone. At last a bloody good song
	Darius - Rushes It's a pop song, it's a good pop song and it has glimpses of Erasure in it. This proves Mr D is here to stay, and also shows how poor Gareth actually is.
	My Computer - Vulnerabilia An interesting and unusually mellow track from My Computer, sounds a bit Mobyish' a pleasant listen. There hasn't been a single like this for a while so it should pop up the charts
	Frou Frou - Must Be Dreaming Not a bad follow up to the reasonably successful 1st single. It's not sure whether it's a dance or chill track, but good none the less
	Bon Jovi - Everyday Well Bon Jovi are Bon Jovi and this single is a credible offereing from a band that has consistently knocked out good old rock tracks for the last 20 years or so. Win a copy of the single by telling us Jon Bon Jovi's character in Ally McBeal
	Richard Ashcroft - Check The Meaning Introspective new single, from the former Verve vocalist. His most accessible solo release to date, with trademark 'Bittersweet' strings softening the taut instrumentation. Quasi-Religious lyrics pose the questions, only your inner soul could answer. A Moby style Remix from Chris Potter, a new track - The Miracle, and an alternative 'Performance' Video completes this strong package. The original 'Dead Angel' Video is available on a companion DVD single.
	Longview - When You Sleep Where have these lot come from, a brilliant song, roll on the album
	Turin Brakes - Long Distance The first single from their forthcoming album. Melodic and reflective with jest enough edge, offering real competition to the likes of Coldplay & Travis.
	Sondre Lerche - Sleep on Needles Distinctive well crafted song from this Norwegian talent....could do well but might be a bit too distictive for some radios stations.. although I have already heard it on Radio1.
	Camp Actor - Ultrafashion Gym cycle machine music with a Knight Rider machine twist.
	Rosie Ribbons - Blink It's Holly Vallance all over again with a irritating pop tune, annoyingly likely to be a hit
	Dog - Jerusalem an unlikely rendition of the hymn Jerusalem, won't be to everyones taste.
	Ashton Lane - yesterday's too late Cheryl Crow style vocal mixed with a Nelly Furtado pop song makes for pleasant lisening should get regular air play
	Puddle of Mud - She Hates Me Catchy track that just spirals our of control into a bit of a frenzied rant towatrds the end
	The Vines - Outtathaway Rock 'n' roll anarchy that that sounds about 25 years out of date.
	Elvis Costello - 45 EC returns to a rockier sound that's slightly reminiscent of the good old days of Oliver's Army. Strong melody and lots of edge. additional tracks are good too.
	Gemma Hayes - Back of My Hand Poppy luurve song that's a bit ballad-ish with an instantly catchy chorus.
	Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Whatever Happened to My Rock 'N' Roll (Punk Song) Irresistable, strong, powerful track full of energy. Putting the ooomph back into guitar music.
	The Shining - Young Again The shining are shining once more with this fab single. The song builds from the first note into a loud, powerful anthomic ending. A top donkey track
	Deadly Avenger - We Took Pelham This is taken from an album of music written to be used for tv/films/radio, this the first single souds like it ought to be the backing track for a Rocky type film. This aside We Took Pelham is a very powerful tune and will be remixed and sampled to death. It will do ok in the charts as well
	Bon Jovi - Everyday First single for a while from Mr John Bon thingy ma bob. It sounds like classic Bon Jovi, good guitars, stong vocals, and a catchy chorus. Sure fore hit!!!
	Paul Weller - Written in the Stars Paul is back with a superb single which has tinges of the Style Council but is different enough to make everybody sit up and listen. The album is due out at the end of the month, if the songs are as good as this it will be another Weller Classic. WATCH & LISTEN FOR YOURSELF: real \| windows media SEND AND ECARD
	4 Strings - Diving If you didn't know better you'd think this was Ian Van Dahl. Catchy and punchy with lot's of stop - start build up bits.
	Aswad - Feat. Easther Bennett- Shy Guy Hmmmm. Catchy cover of the Diana King Classic, featuring ex. Eternal singer Easther Bennett. It's Ok but didn't light my fire. There's a good cover of 'Roxanne' on the single though
	Ben Kweller - Wasted and Ready Another quality song from Ben's recently released album, the single makes sure he will not be a one hit wonder WATCH THE VIDEO
	David Guetta - Love Don't Let Me Go Is this a dancy pop song or a poppy dance song... I'm not sure, either way it's pretty good.
	the Music - take the long road and walk it this the original debut single now re-released and remixed is a modern classic waiting to happen.
	Kosheen - Harder Kosheen just get better and better, this a superb single danced and funked up in various mixes, a hit and no mistake
	Dot Allison - Strung Out Good song with lots of depth and anthemic hooks.
	Hell is for Heroes - I can climb Mountains Good, melodic pop/rock track. Very catchy and deserves to be noticed but there's a lot of competition out there.
	Nightmares on Wax - Know My Name Catchy for about 30 seconds, then it becomes totally irratating. Repetition upon repetition.
	Sondre lerche - Dead Passengers You hear lots of material that is marketed on being different and original, but 9/10 it's also rubbish. This however, is an exception. Not only has it got originality, but also that special ingredient that shows real talent. A bit undescribable, but light credible pop with Bowie \ Beatles feel at times.
	My Vitriol - Moodswings This is what we want! good honest to god rock - Superb
	Snowblind - Easy Girl Well how brilliant are these, a superb uplifting tune that has all the hallmarks of a massive hit
	Doves - Pounding Well what can you say, other than Doves = class
	FC Kahuna - Machine Says Yes This is a bit of a inde/electropop dance track and to be honest it's quite catchy. After a couple of plays it makes ya wanna dance
	Audiobullys - Real Life EP "Real Life" is a good dance floor filler, "Hit the Ceiling" is a bit repetitive, "Intro"does sound a as if it's been recorded on e-jay and "The Tyson Shuffle" sounds like the theme tune to a 80's spooky cartoon.
	Blowfelt - Backup Backup Predictable raster gangster stuff
	Queenadreena - Pretty Like Drugs This has great potential, it won't get mainstream airplay (apart from Steve Lamaq on Radio1) but fame is calling me thinks.
	Ja Rule - Livin' it up (feat Case) The hook line for this is from Stevie Wonder's 'Do I Do', and this is the strongest part of what is otherwise a bit of a rant. I know everyone covers everyone else these days, but what about something original for a change.
	Darius - Colourblind This could easily have competed as our song for the Eurovision Song Contest, with it's poppy, middle of the road feel and summery vocals. Despite the lack of edge though, the single is also very catchy and I wouldn't be surprised to see at the top of the charts.
	Papa Roach - She loves me not OK, so this is going to frustrate true 'Roach' fans as this offering is lacking in raw energy and originality. But hey, lifes's not fair and this release whilst predictable is catchy and will appeal to loads of pop/ rock fans and may go towards establishing them as a major mainstream act.
	Toploader - Time of my Life The boys are back with a uplifting summer hit, it's classic Toploader and the album is just as good. Our album review is coming soon
	Mcalmont & Buttler - Falling You hear nothing from these two for ages then they appear and blow us away, this Phil Spector style track is nothing more than stunning, this will be huge, the album features 10 tracks as good as this one
	Ben Kweller - EP Phone Home This is a very good EP and features different styles from BK. The songs switch from gentle ballad to good solid rock. This guy has a huge talent waiting to emerge. Watch out for Ben, we think he is going to be huge.
4	Frou Frou - Breathe In This is a stunning track with superb vocals and has a really catchy chorus. It's getting loads of airplay it should push it's way into the top 10.
	Cassius and Jocelyn Brown - I'm a Woman This is a noughty's style 70's disco track and is a sure fire dance floor smash, I've not heard it on the radio yet but I'm sure its just a matter of time
	Lenny Kravitz - Believe in Me Quite a gentle song from Lenny, the song has a strong repetitive beat and is a bit of a change from his normal stuff
	Badly Drawn Boy - Something to Talk About Charming and catchy with a splashing of Indie Credibility. Already has loads of exposure and has all the ingredients to be a big hit
	Lighthouse Family - Happy New single from the album "whatever gets you through the Day". Very catchy feel good song that hits that middle of the road pop/dance sector. Watch out for the Rui Da Sylva Mix
	Crackout - I am the One "I Am The One" is Crackout's first single of 2002 and taken from the band's debut LP "This Is Really Neat". Hard hitting and catchy. The Single also contains a pretty lively version of of Kelis' "Caught Out There" www.crackout.com www.the-raft.com
	Goldrush - Same Picture A catchy single building on the strength of 'Pioneers', that has the potential to do well. Press Release & biog
	Bomfunk MC's - Live your Life Bubbly & catchy with slight techno edge. It uses the same formula as Freesyler and has lots of potential to be a summer hit
	Ian Van Dahl - Reason Along the same lines as the superbly successful 'Castles' and almost as catchy.
	Beat Foundation - Save Me A couple of excellent remixes of the classic dance track produced by Andy Cato and Mike Monday. The first mix is fairly true to the House classic, whilst the second is a 'trancier' offering, both sure dance floor fillers.
	Hives - Main Offender Rather dated sounding rock track that's catchy but lacking in originality
	Dot Allison - Substance A couple of good electronic mixes with flashbacks to the days of Depeche Mode. It's a lot funkier though but not necessarily as catchy.
	The Streets - Let's Push Things Forward Irritatingly good, a mix of ska and rap. The tracks have clever lyrics and seem to be a Mickey take on the So Solid sound.
	Scumfrog vs Bowie - Loving the Alien This is a bit of a poor attempt at turning a Bowie track which is not a classic into a dance track. This isn't a dance floor filler more of a end of the night clearer.
	2003 Single Reviews