soundsxp - alternative music webzine

MANIC STREET PREACHERS Let Robeson Sing

Few bands attempt political songs in these apathetic days and few beyond the Manics pull it off. A wonderful stirring ballad from the boys that features oratory from 60s black activist Paul Robeson. Terrific.

COSMIC ROUGH RIDERS Pain Inside

Another melodic summery release from the band that everyone calls the new Teenage Fanclub. And just like the Fannies, they’ve picked up their influences from earlier combos from way across that big stretch of pond. Nice, catchy, radio friendly pop, not as good as their earlier releases but well worth the 99p that Alan McGee will probably charge for it..

THERAPY? I am the Money

A reasonable stop/start bass led release from the veteran Northern Irish punkers.

CRANBERRIES Analyse

A few years ago this band were as hot as a firefly’s bum – sold records worldwide by the shedload and bought the whole of the West of Ireland. Probably. They also attempted a political song (Zombie) that was as cack handed an effort as any illiterate 8 year old could muster. Since then they’ve limped along with occasional releases and frankly no-one now gives a damn. Average.

TOMPAULIN my life at the movies

Excellent release from the tipped Blackburn combo. Certainly hints of Belle and Sebastian with the accoustic/keyboard combination over a shuffling horn backing whilst girly vocals list a selection of period stars such as Sally Thomsett. B-sides are good too. Most promising new Brit act I've heard for a while.

BLINK 182 First Date

I thought for a one trick pony this Dobbin was a bit useful for 3 minutes a couple of years ago. Singalongapunky football chanty nonsense that had you tapping your foot before you realised what it was and then had you claiming it was just a nervous twitch anyway. That was then, this is now and this is just crap.

LOWGOLD Beauty Dies Young

Absurd re-release of a dirgy plodding number by a band that’s probably sold more T-shirts than records. The record's alright really but I'd be surprised if any new fans were gained by its reissue. Pointless.

BISCUIT BOY Mitch

New band for Beautiful South main man Paul Heaton. It’s all harmonicas, banjos and wind instruments and sounds like he's relocated to an alligator infested swamp somewhere and married his sister. As infectious as foot and mouth though it’s novelty factor will no doubt soon wear as thin as Stretch Armstrong’s love truncheon.

STARSAILOR alcoholic

Earnest muso types will no doubt gather round, stroke their wispy goatees and claim these are the natural heirs to the Buckley dynasty with their folky tunes and doleful lyrics and vocals and that they must be revered and respected. I say get a life you miserable sods. A depressing waste of plastic that will have you reaching for Radiohead for a pick me up. Starsailor are better than this.

GORKY'S ZYGOTIC MYNCI Stood on Gold

Splendid, I do love a bit of Gorky's. Being a fan of Dexys helps and although they do occasionally keep the fiddles in the cases even now, I prefer it when they are er unleashed, if you can really unleash a dainty string instrument. Anyway, this is another lovely little plodding tune, snare accompaniment to keyboards, accoustic and possibly even a harp. Sadly it will not worry the chart compilers too much. Which is a shame.

CRACKOUT You Dumb Fu*k

Oi mind your language! The yoof have heard a Green Day record and want you to know it. They’re probably from Guildford, go to the local art college and wear Pennywise T-shirts. Formulaic, unimaginative and dross, they’ll appeal to 13 year old baggy shorted skatepunks for a couple of weeks till Resident Shit III comes out on the Playstation or they take over daddy’s frothy coffee shop chain.

PERNICE BROTHERS Working Girls

A lovely Beach Boys tinged pop song, all swirling harmonies, that would go straight to number 1 if it was by the Lightning Seeds. Instead it’s by a band whose name sounds like something a Frenchman might call his old fella so pick it up at a Record and Tape Exchange for 10p.

GOLDRUSH Love is Here

Aw bless those Goldrush chaps as they proclaim Love is Here Again over their backward guitar effects. I wouldn’t count on it stopping for more than a quick lusty hand shandy though as this is average in the extreme.