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Phil Strongman brings us the latest and strangest noises from beyond the pale...
OASIS Dig Out Your Soul (Big Brother) Or you could call it, Get Your Ya-Yas Out! Tired of doing a sneery, punky take on the Beatles circa 1966, the mad Mancs have finally moved on – to parodying the Beatles circa 1968. No, that isn't quite fair. There are a fair few things going on here mid the updated psychedelic and nods to the Fab Four. Lyrics and arrangements seem to have had a bit more thought thrown into them and there's definitely a more fluid feel to a lot of the music. Which doesn't always translate into excitement though (the much-leaked 'Ain't Got Nothing On Me' still seems jerky for the sake of it). And so, all in all…? So, for a seventh album…a bit better than could have justifiably been expected. (6/10)
VARIOUS Sinner's Prayer (Rounder/Decca) Rounder is undoubtedly one of America's finer indie labels and this 22 strong compilation is amazingly strong. Indie, acoustic, blues and singer-songwriter stuff all get an atmospheric airing while names such as Linda Thompson and Solomon Burke mingle with virtual unknowns – to great effect. Irma Thomas' 'Another Man Done Gone' and Slaid Cleaves' title track are two highlights but, really, it's all pretty damn good. Buy it and be impressed. (8/10)
DIGITONAL Save Your Light For Darker Days (Just Music) A moody filmcore album from the Andy Dobson led band that could be the ultimate background set for those planning arty parties for the hectic season ahead. Synths weave and duck as dancey type rhythms shuffle around the wide soundstage. 'But is it any good?' I hear a strangled voice cry from the back of the class. Yes, it is actually. Played loud or quiet it still creates a mood of its own. (7/10)
JACKIE MITTO Rides On (JRCD) Jackie Mitto was once one of the top Jamaican keyboard men and this reggae album catches him at the height of his 1970s powers. By turns soulful, rhythmic, cheesey and romantic, 'Rides On' also has the bonus of containing a wonderful version of 'Taking You Somewhere' which you may heard as either 'Liquidator' or 'I'll Take You There. The bizarre 'No Get Dub Over' is probably the best thing here. (6/10) |
