James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
The UK's official number 1, and one of a slew of 'ft' songs in this weeks top five. Calm down economics students, this isn't the result of an effort by your favorite venerable newspaper to cut its way into pop culture. Rather it is the sound of three established (read:old) artists gripping young talent with their wizened hands and forcing $100 bills into their trousers until they agree to get into the studio (except for Cheryl Cole - but more on that later). In this case the Bride of Dracula herself has come up with a Grade A Blood Doner quality product which she can spray all over the dancefloor. Just think, though, of all the poor deprived young female artists this mutated-brass led stomper could have gone to...
This, however, is a different kettle of fish. With a catchy repetitive nature that ensures in a few weeks it will be universally hated, Rolex is nevertheless the best tune currently on the Gallery playlist. If you don't love it yet, one glance at this tasteful fan-made video is sure to give it a place in your heart. Remember Paul, as the great man might have said: "All women are crazy, some are just more crazy than others."
As the world turns towards a food production disaster whilst simultaneously advertising becomes sneakier, with viral ads popping up all over the shop, Sam Sparro provides the first connection between the two. Distinct "Black and Gold" branding? A worry that he's lacking in energy - "Now I'm looking for a reason why / You even set my world into motion" - followed by a restless energy tinged with paranoia - "I looked up into the grey sky / And see a thousand eyes staring back"? It's clear that the most stylish representative of Nescafe has been sent to wrestle the 'enjoys shiny but generic electro pop' demographic away from Kenco - the new raver's caffeinated beverage of choice.
A double barreled 'ft.' to finish - with Cheryl Cole's three lines in this song stretching the meaning of 'featuring' to such extents that Will.I.Am's next single could easily be by "Will.I.Am ft his crackly little beard and Nike trainers". Given that most Black Eyed Peas tunes could also be relabeled Will.I.Am ft Fergie and the Other Ones, this is predictably turgid. Most of the excitement here comes from Cheryl, who recorded this song during her extended break from Ashley "nasty rumours" Cole. Can you hear the emotion of recording a song about heartbreak on a sojourn from a cheating husband flowing through her performance? Of course not.
There's little more that can be said about this song than already has been here; a trailblazing deconstruction of a pop song by Peter Robinson. Otherwise this appears to be just another step on the road for Usher to become R Kelly. All that's missing is charges for sex offending, more songs on the subject of 'oneself finding things difficult but getting through them because one is good like that' and, of course, the touch of postmodern genius that it's Trapped in the Closet. Until then, Mr Usher, you're not going to get away with this innovation-less sub-club balladry.
lol that video's awesome.
Great idea for an article, I'm so out of touch with the charts - pretty much only hear about new music through friends or last.fm. Will it become a regular feature?
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