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We've listed singles/EPs/demos in order of star rating. Best first.
THE MOVE Flowers In The Rain
Released to celebrate 40 years of BBC Radio One, this was the first ever song played on Radio 1 by DJ Tony Blackburn. Of course back in 1967 this single caused a storm with the then Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the band were sued and donated all proceeds from this single to charity. It really is one of the band's finest moments and there are three other songs on here as well.
'Beautiful Daughter' is typical 60's flower power pop, whilst 'Feel Too Good' has a soul/gospel feel with PP Arnold guesting on vocals and by this time Jeff Lynne was a member of the Move. Great song and the full version will appear on an upcoming Move boxset. The final track is exclusive to this CD single and is an instrumental version of 'Fire Brigade'.
This is a fascinating insight as too how the band produced their classic sound as you only have backing vocals plus of course the music.
After the Move Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan formed ELO with Move bassist Rick Price helping in the initial ELO sessions. Carl Wayne went onto the West End stage most notably in 'Blood Brothers' and then as the lead singer with the Hollies. Sadly he passed away a couple of years ago. Bev Bevan does keep the Move alive though as he still tours playing the Move classics. ****½
Review by Jason Ritchie
THE MAGIC NUMBERS Undecided (EMI)
They're back! Yes, the cuddly quartet return with a 6 (yes, six!) track EP. Unfortunately I can't tell you an awful lot about it. For those who follow the band, you'll recognise the lead track - Undecided - as lifted from the band's last, excellent, album - Those The Brokes.
And Undecided was one of the highlights of the album - a piece of vintage, vibrant soul with Angela taking lead vocals. Also lifted of the album is an alternative (with strings) version of Let Somebody In.
But the main selling point has to be the inclusion of 4 brand new tracks - Tonight, Fear Of Sleep, The Shooter, and Sissy And The Silent Kid. I'd like to tell you that these make the EP an essential purchase, but those clever chappies at EMI - in their infinite wisdom - have only seen fit to send out promos featuring the two previously released album tracks.
Which frankly, is about as much use as a skimmed milk to those who prefer full fat. ****
Review by Pete Whalley
CANDIE PAYNE One More Chance (Deltasonic)
'One More Chance' by Candie Payne more than anything in the recent musical past, is an example of how musical styles tend to be cyclical. For while the sweeping chorus and bright and breezy pop of this perfect single 'One More Chance' might fit perfectly into the bright young thing, contemporary music scene that finds room for everything from recycled 60's pop onwards, this single undoubtedly conjures up the ghost of the late Dusty Springfield circa '64.
And in the following three minutes plus, we are also reminded of Sandie Shaw. And while Lounge music has made a comeback, and Andy Williams has been recycled as a cool icon, 'One More Chance' suggests the cycle has already moved on to embrace pure pop.
Everything about the single suggests a happy summer's day, and recalls a time when the transistor radio would belt out a few lines of a song like this, and it would lead to huge demands for the single at local record shop.
Of course the same effect might happen this time round via downloads, as this is a Mark Ronson produced classic pop song of the highest order.
Candie sings it straight, with the addition of some lavish 60's style orchestration and there's even room for a post psychedelic guitar line that is heavy on the melody, and might have been lifted from the B side of a Move single.
So what is there left to say? This is really how it used to be, and pop this good could land Candie with one of the hits of the year. The accompanying instrumental version of the song further emphasises the melodic sweep of the whole project which is really cool in a retro kind of way. ****
Review by Pete Feenstra
NATALIE IMBRUGLIA Glorious
Glorious. A fairly apt title for the lead single and title tracks from Nat's soon to be released hybrid best of (9 tracks) and new (5 tracks) album.
For some reason she's never quite captured the public's imagination to the same degree as fellow Neighbour's hot tottie, Kylie. But Natalie is, at least all things to all men - soap star, film actress, the face of L'Oreal, singer, songwriter and regular Top 10 nominee for most beautiful woman in the world.
And while she's never quite re-scaled the peaks of Torn - one of the biggest and best hits of the nineties, Glorious has all the hallmarks of a big hit - an acoustic opening, a subtle hint of country, huge chorus and sultry vocals. Perfect radio fodder.
What could be better in (only) Christmas stockings than Natalie Imbruglia. Glorious indeed. ****
Review by Pete Whalley
30 SECONDS TO MARS The Kill
Already a big hit in the US the single gets a UK release and it is very well crafted and produced song. The tune has a strong melody and will appeal to rock fans in general, which is most probably why it has proved such a big hit in the US.
Not heard any of the band’s other songs but this tune is well worth getting hold of. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
DARKWATER 1920 (Up Next Records)
Interesting and enthralling electro rock. '1920' features an alternative metal punch aided and abetted by Anthrax's Scott Ian, who mixed the track.
Frontwoman and model Lora (recently voted 'Super Vixen') in Bizarre Magazine, has a voice to match her body.
Different, a touch alternative, but decent rock all the same, and the 3 track single I have here also comes with 2 videos on CD-Rom.
Check out. ****
Review by Joe Geesin
THE CORAL Jacqueline (Deltasonic)
The new Coral album 'Roots and Echoes' has split their fans down the middle. Some may think they've sold out to the mainstream. They seem more subdued and less rumbustious than of late.
This is the second single from the CD, and it's classic pop, perfect for a fading summer's day. There are hints of Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel but, really, it's just a great pop single.
The band tour in October and if the single converts you, explore the album. ****
Review by David Randall
CHUNGKING Stay Up Forever
Brighton based, born and bred, Chungking (Sean Hennessey and Jessie Banks) have mixed past and present to come up, yet again, with another huge slice of frenetic pop. We described their last outing as 'Goldfrapp and The Banshees meeting Twisted Scissor Sisters down the disco'.
Well, this time it's Lene Lovich meets Frans Ferdinand (whatever happened to LL?). Trademark LL vocals, and a catchy choppy rythmn and a great production and Chungking have another potential hit. ***½
Review by Pete Whalley
KENELIS Nobody Sees Me (But You)
Feisty and angsty, Keneleis are a 5 piece alt rock outfit from Farnborough. In your face and thankfully not sounding anything like Evanescence.
Lead singer Mel Sanson delivers her vocals rough and edgy and the band kicks out with attitude - imagine Shirley Manson after a really bad day at the office and you get the idea. Nobody Sees You Like Me roughs you up like a mugging, while Calm To Free shows the band can have a more melodic side - although it's loaded with menace. ***½
Review by Pete Whalley
THE STEERS Rewind Repeat (KIDS)
Why would a band from Cardiff put out a single that sounds like they come from the East End? A mystery, but that's rock and roll for you. Rewind Repeat is post indie pop rock reminiscent of Supergrass or Blur at their most energetic with a few Sting like 'waayyy oohhhs' thrown in for good measure.
The pace is urgent and the journey an enjoyable one, but the vocal delivery kept (unfortunately) bringing Jilted John to mind.
If you ask me, there's too many bands trying to sound like they're from 'down the smoke'. Me, I'd have preferred a few more of those soft Welsh tones. Know what I mean, boyo? ***
Review by Pete Whalley
REASONABLE DOUBT Built To Resist (Casket)
Oldschool thrash with a hard core touch with unnecessarily rough vocals even Lemmy couldn't match without a sore throat.
Think Metallica, Trivium and Pantera all in one.
In the odd (rare) musical flash, there's a hint of Iron Maiden to the guitar. The vocals, though, are never that coherent.
Chunky riffs, good timing, high energy. Five excellent tracks that, bar the vocals, are guaranteed to please the extreme metal fan. ***
Review by Joe Geesin
The CRUCIBLE Maybe Reality, One Day
Polished hard rock from this East London three piece. Melodic space prog; think recent Marillion with a spaced Hawkwind touch and at times heavy crunchy guitars too.
An NME review talks of Led Zeppelin and Gomez, well at Zep's more whimsical there is a touch of that too.
A young rock band that's not embracing extreme or guitar pop, it's a breath of fresh air. ***
Review by Joe Geesin
BLACKTIE BRAWL A Heart Shaped Scar
Take the guitar pop essence, add in some extreme metal / hardcore and a nod at The Misfits (with whom they have toured), you get something heavy with a rhythm you can nod to.
Look out for the forthcoming tour and album - well worth checking out. ***
Review by Joe Geesin
GALLOWS In The Belly Of The Beast
Punk rock band (in the modern sense of punk) who are building a steady following and seem to gig relentlessly. It is not a bad tune and vocally it reminded me of long lost Christian punk band One Bad Pig in that the vocalist has a very gravely vocal.
Doubtless their fans will love it but for me I have heard better. ***
Review by Jason Ritchie
THE KILLIN KINGS Visions Of Confusion EP
Rock that's strong on drum beats and bass lines, and touched of Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam.
Noisy guitar and tuneless but whimsical and coherent vocals. Heavy crunchy guitar too.
Interesting, it's ok , it's different, but not overly grabbing. ***
Review by Joe Geesin
JOSEPH ARTHUR Enough To Getaway
Set to release his last two albums - Nuclear Daydream & Let's Just Be - simultaneously in the UK, and Enough To Getaway the lead single taken from Nucler Daydream - the more accessible of the pair.
To be honest, Enough To Getaway wouldn't have been my choice as a taster, not that it's a bad track by any means - a mid tempo sub 3 minute workout. Pleasant enough, but a long way short of the best the album has to offer. ***
Review by Pete Whalley
MALCOLM KAKSOIS Sexy Dentist
Oral fixation? I thought it was Shakira who had a monoply in the dental department. Apparently not, because the self confessed 'internationally unknown' Malcolm Kakois is also, as they say 'up for it'. Malcolm clearly has the extreme hots for his dentist, and not averse, infact welcoming of insufferable pain. Unfortunately for his dentist (assuming she is indeed as sexy as Malcolm makes out), Malcolm appears to have the charm of Lemmy. But then again Lemmy does portay himself as a 'ladies' man, so who knows?
A lo-fi flamenco shuffle recoreded in a portaloo with Malcolm's 'unfiltered' vocals, this is clearly aimed at the working man's club circuit where Malcolm moonlights – and no doubt goes down a storm (probably unlike his sexy dentist). **
Review by Pete Whalley
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