The Cribs� Ryan Jarman makes a brilliant debut as a producer for a Wakefield
band wHO sound like Aztec Camera, only with massive drums. Breathtaking. 4.5
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK � Summertime. Rather than go for an
embarrassing hip-hop-style makeover, the reunited boyband return after 15
years with a nervy, catchy unmarried. A proper, guilty pleasure. 3.5
MASTER SHORTIE � Rope Chain. Promising debut by a London teenage
rapper who crafts a crunk anthem that�s creepy and cinematic, only with
commercial-grade appeal excessively. Very smart. 4
YOUNG KNIVES � Dyed In The Wool. More wild-eyed hysterical pop
from their under-rated sec album, this short, acute shock deserves to see
them back up in the chart. 4
BRITISH SEA POWER � Waving Flags. From the wonderful Do You Like
Rock Music? album, the song title of respect is really appropriate � it packs such a
huge chorus it deserves to be the new national hymn. 4.5
BRENDAN CAMPBELL � Pirate Song. Whoever thought this was a single
should walk the plank. It may be nice, rakish Scottish folk, but it�s too
soft: It�s claptrap, Jim chap, blah. 2.5
CUT COPY � Hearts On Fire. Blistering synthpop worthy of Pet Shop
Boys� finest from the Aussies, mixed with early sign music euphory. 4.5
SAM BEETON � What You Look For. Debut from a Nottingham
singer-songwriter whose vintage Sixties somebody is straight from Duffy � just
whose squeaky vocals make him sound like a cute chipmunk. 3
MOBY VS FREEMASONS � Disco Lies. If Moby�s Last Night album is
under-rated rave, this remix is shoddy identikit club crassitude that could
be by anyone. 2.5
ROYWORLD � Brakes. The finest moment from a striation who often
resemble Scouting For Girls� binned demos, but here they pull off a classy
Peter Gabriel-style prog-pop song. 3.5
JACQUI SWIFT
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