Singles
Thursday, 28 Aug 2008 11:35
Katy Perry finally gets to kiss a girl in physical form this week
Katy Perry, Mariah Carey and New Kids on the Block in this week's biggest and best new singles.
Single of the Week
Brendan Campbell: Pirate Song
Everybody's Records; out September 1st
Utterly wonderful stomping alt-country from the Scottish folkster - there's a new Ryan Adams on the scene, full of paeans of wasted youth and lost love.
Katy Perry: I Kissed A Girl
Capitol; out September 1st
You've probably already heard this one, given that's it been number one for nearly a month on downloads alone. A catchy, coy pop diamond, it's how you'd imagine Pink would sound if she wasn't obsessed with sounding tough.
Gym Class Heroes: Cookie Jar feat. The Dream
Fueled by Ramen; out September 1st
Talking of Katy Perry, here's her boyfriend Travis McCoy as Gym Class Heroes move from clever hip-hop/emo jams into Billboard chart-friendly witless R 'n' B.
The Invisible: Monster's Waltz
Accidental Records; out August 28th
Beck-esque vocals on an intriguing electronic mix that seems to have jumped out of the score of an 80s buddy comedy until a soaring chorus.
Gentleman's Agreement presents Stretch Carter; The Rabbit
Pieces of Eight; out September 1st
A fearsome, foreboding electro throb that would be right at home in a grimy club, probably the kind that you have to enter through a tiny door in an alley.
Black Daniel; Say Hello
Pieces of Eight; out September 1st
A sun-drenched indie pop nugget that seems fantastic during its world-weary spoken word verses, but like a small drill to your forehead as the nasal, nagging chorus arrives.
Sisters of Transistors: The Don
This Is Music; out September 1st
Brilliant, brooding organ from 808 State founder Graham Massey, as a four-and-a-half minute track seems to take you on a terrifying descent into hell.
Jason Mraz: Make It Mine
Atlantic; out September 1st
Horn-laden summer grooves from the San Diego troubadour and if only the weather wasn't so temperamental, this would go perfect with a barbeque and a deckchair.
Natalia; Perfect Day
Upper 11 Records; out September 1st
Silky smooth vocals wasted on a mediocre R 'n' B ballad that would be an album filler from the likes of Rihanna and belongs alongside ringtone adverts on Channel U.
Johnny Flynn: Brown Trout Blues
Vertigo; out September 1st
A mournful Nick Drake-esque meander from the nu-folk poster boy as he brings a lump to your throat with a sorry story of unrealised dreams.
Sister: Lovers of Today
Pure Groove; out September 1st
Think Siouxsie Sioux fronting Joy Division and you've got a taste of this magnificent, muted slice of New Wave… which isn't very 'today', but lovely all the same.
Drever, McCusker and Woomble: Silver and Gold
Navigator Records; out September 1st
Roddy Woomble proves that he needs another outlet for his REM obsession on a beautifully-crafted folk effort that washes over you like a summer breeze.
Nemo: Poison the Chalice
Shangri-La Music; out September 1st
Angular French indie that meshes the Smiths and the Strokes with well-intentioned but forgettable results.
Mariah Carey: I'll be Lovin' U Long Time
Mercury; out September 1st
Yes, that's really the title. A super-slick production, it's entirely mediocre but will no doubt continue Mariah's interminable assault on the Billboard top ten. The only remarkable thing about the track is that it's been so long since she bothered to sing properly that you keep finding yourself thinking 'that's not Mariah'.
Royworld: Brakes
Virgin; out September 1st
Slow-building, radio-friendly rock from Rod Futrille and co - Radio 2 will lap this up and if you like a bit of Peter Gabriel - as you really should - so will you.
New Kids on the Block: Summer Time
Interscope; out September 1st
They 'hang tough'. They've got the 'right stuff'. And they're back, and unconcerned that 'summertime' is normally a single word.
Oddly enough, it's excellent, if ten years out of time. Hakin Abdulsamad's production jitters like Timbaland without the annoying "whoa" noises, Jordan Knight's still the best singer and it's a guilty pleasure of epic proportions.
To watch the hilarious 'getting the band back together' video, click here
Lewis Bazley
The nippy Peugeot 207 CC is the perfect car for zipping about town or for long drives in the country with the top down. Thanks to the sleek folding metal roof above your head you can feel secure when it's up and feel the freedom of the road when it's down. The Peugeot 207 CC features a turbocharged petrol engine which, as well as sounding cool, means that you'll have a smooth and quiet drive. This sporty car also has the advantage of having four seats so you and your mates can enjoy the sheer pleasure of such a slick car! With 5 airbags, a spacious boot and sporty seats, the Peugeot 207 CC really does have everything you need in a convertible. Closes 31/12/2008
Click here to enter