As a result of the so-called loudness wars, mainstream pop releases are being pushed onto CD and into mp3 files at such high levels they’re technically much ‘hotter’ than some of the loudest acts in history, in an attempt to make them stand out from the competition
What Liam does here, is take an anthem and give the singing a detacment, he sings it out but he doesnt give himself, the result is a godlike distance from the childhood memory. The title is great as well -it is not just our neighborhood or our kids, it is the way we do it – A+
Rumor – Chloe Howl – a bluesy banger but saved from anything approaching ordinariness by that thick accent and smart words, no it isn’t “No Strings” but it will do – B+
Screw Coldplay and Michael Jackson, the thrill here is the return of Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, otherwise known as the Beautiful South. I saw the Beautiful South in the 1990s at the tiny Supper Club and they were terrific. My fave band at the time (I never remember them when I am considering greatest bands of the 1990s) I am very very excited to hear there is a new album though I have only heard one song off it, “DIY”. I sure wish they’d release it here and then tour. So good to have these guys back. very very thrilling.
ATLiens – Outkast – The title track of their first album and it still sounds other worldly. Nearly 20 years ago and it is the template for Atlanta rap and neo soul, with two great rappers and a doomy bass. Really like another planet – A
Oasis rode this sound hard for years and years to great effect. It was like my bloody valentine without the artiness, the Beatles without the soul, the new art school of punk burnt to the ground and rebuilt. Like punk, it was working class, grimy boots nowhere land. You know how young Morrissey was bullied in his youth? Noel and Liam were the boys doing the bullying
Time Forgot – Conor Oberst – Not a bad little folkie whiner but he comes across as such a prick it’s a turn off. He wants to not shave and not have to be nice to people; from what I hear that would be business as usual – B+
Which means they will be missing the 20th anniversary of “Definitely Maybe” though the last thing I heard was they are reforming for Glastonbury and the fighting brothers in the Kinks might join em as well!
