The Charlatans were the first mainstream band to announce that they were going to offer their next album for free. Unfortunately for them, Radiohead then announced their pay-as-you-like scheme which took up all of the headlines. In many ways it is fitting that one of the UK's most under-appreciated and unlucky bands were trumped of their moment of glory. But in amongst all the furore surrounding Radiohead's In Rainbows release, they quietly released their next single as a taster via the Xfm website.
‘You Cross My Path' is the said song and the verdict is...disappointing. I certainly hope that the rest of the album is better than this. OK, so many reviewers didn't get their last release Simpatico. I can understand this, but at least that had ‘Blackened Blue Eyes', their best song since their heyday in the mid-1990s. Compared to that and many of the other songs on Simpatico, it sounds like a simple ditty which quickly tires. Let us hope that the rest of this free album sounds a little more fresh and exciting than this song. And that 'free' doesn't equal 'shit'. I and many of their fans would be most upset if it did.
Official Site | MySpace Site | Download the song for free | Simpatico review
The Tailors - ‘What You Say Does Not Go' (Trash Aesthetics, 2007)
The Tailors are back with this sneak preview from their forthcoming second album, Come Dig Me Up. This track oozes rock and roll, with the country element that so characterised most of the upbeat songs on their 2007 debut Wakey Wakey put aside somewhat. Whether this is a temporary move or something more permanent, only time, and the full release of this album, will tell.
This has radio-friendly rock written all over it, with a chorus as catchy as anything on Xfm during prime-time. The sound shows how the Tailors have developed musically over the last few months - more mature, more together and with a harder/rockier edge. A great mouthwatering preview to their album which we hope is as good as this track. Go to their MySpace now to hear the song.
The Tailors are headlining the Borderline, London on Thursday 22nd November 2007. Click here for more information.
MySpace Site | Official Site | Trash Aesthetics | Wakey Wakey Review | The Tailors interview
Peter, Björn & John - ‘Young Folks' & Jack Peñate - 'Second, Minute Or Hour'
This review is shared between 'Young Folks' by the Swedish three piece Peter, Bjorn and John and 'Second, Minute Or Hour', by indie rocker Jack Peñate.
Both tracks have instantly recognisable chorus lines and riffs which make any indie hit and can transfer into the mainstream. Jack's vocals instantly blend with the guitar riffs as does Peter's with the chorus line of whistling in 'Young Folks.' P,B&J's infectious bass line makes you want to jump out of your seat and move as does Jack's. Video wise both are excellent and nominees for video of the year. 'Young Folks' has a brilliant retro style animation while 'Second Minute Or Hour' sees Jack legging it down Brighton Pier while the traffic passes below him.
Go out and buy both!
Peter, Björn & John Site | Jack Peñate Site | 'Young Folks' alternative review