Late of the Pier - Heartbreak
Late of the Pier were a piece up themselves on Nokia Green Room recently, merely we'll forgive them on the grounds that they're currently making some vaguely interesting noises with guitars. Sure, most of these noises go "bleep" or "burble" and are the result of pressing a button on a synthesiser, but you've got to give encouragement to anyone bravely venturing through a post-Klaxons indie universe. Quick note to band, though: if you're scrawny and "indie", please don't take your tiptop off in the video. I wouldn't do it, and neither should you.
Magistrates � Make This Work
Sounding wish Starsailor canful do funny things to a band. Previously known as devout retro-outfit Echelon, these guys have accomplished the errors of their ways so much so that they've turned into, um, a funky Justin Timberlake testimonial act who've zipped up their flies in a rush. To be fair � and fairness is our independent concern in Singles Club � this has got quite a nice DIY-vibe going on with the keyboards and they for sure know their way around a pop hook. There's a academic degree of pleasance here, simply as a magistrate mightiness say, it's a guilty one.
Ashlee Simpson � Little Miss Obsessive
"Am I the reason why you toss?" Now, I'm not trying to be overtly prim here, but is that actually any way for a young girl to start out a pop lyric? I don't care if the next tune is "and turn, at night" - the terms has been done! Actually, no, the damage is done at the chorus line when the Big Guitars come tabu and it's impossible to think of anything apart from 38-year-old co-songwriters called Chad, gurning themselves into a fury while encircled by expensive studio gear. Gross.
Hear Little Miss Obsessive
Santogold � Lights Out
More proof that the continual comparisons to MIA designate half the UK music press up to be a crowd of lazy old racists. The tangible problem with Santogold is that she's not often more exciting than your average guitar band � she just wears brighter trousers. Lights Out is decent sufficiency, though � gently psychedelic pop that wins an extra shiny Guardian/Music star for the passable Liz Fraser impression in the chorus.
Listen to Lights Out
Roots Manuva � Again & Again
How to abide by up a forward-thinking, bottom-rupturing bass craze like Buff Nuff? With a slice of retro reggae, manifestly. This brings to head the relaxed vibe of Burning Spear while Rodney raps about his musical struggle and pisses off the odd irate pensioner in the video. Also, if The Music Industry's reading � start flogging Roots Manuva cricket around the bend NOW, someone's missing out on a killing hither.
Batman is away
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