Hot tracks ft Sarah Cracknell
MARK BROWN ft SARAH CRACKNELL – The Journey Continues. Rating ****
The angelic chorus gives a classical feel and the laid-back, breathy voice of 
Ex-Saint Etienne vocalist Cracknell, right, combines perfectly with the 
track’s gentle electronica. With massive exposure as the soundtrack to a 
memorable ad, it’s a sure hit. 
CARBON/SILICON – Why Do Men Fight? Rating ***1/2
Superduo’s pounding guitars and rousing chorus are proof rock’s not just a 
young man’s game. 
THE MARS VOLTA – Wax Simulacra. Rating ***
Thrashing guitars from the LA eight-piece. Like a prog-rock free-form freakout 
. . . speeded up. 
BADLY DRAWN BOY – Time of Times.Rating ****
Reworking of a standout track from 2006 album Born In The UK. Gentle, acoustic 
and yearning, with genius melody. On the soundtrack to upcoming flick 
Definitely Maybe. 
RIHANNA – Don’t Stop The Music.Rating ***
Disco anthem with sample of Jacko’s Wanna Be Startin’ Something. 
I WAS A CUB SCOUT – Pink Squares/Echoes.Rating ****
Ethereal vocals occasionally erupt. Chiming guitars and a rhythm section that 
sounds like an enormous insect. Weirdly beautiful. 
BLOOD RED SHOES – You Bring Me Down. 
Rating ***1/2
Behind the spiky guitars and punk vocals, a gritty attitude will take this 
Brighton two-piece far. 3.5 
MORRISSEY – That’s How People Grow Up.Rating ****
Still breathing life into his formula of matching a strong melody to a poetic 
chronicle of frustration and loneliness. 
ATTIC LIGHTS – Never Sick Of The Sea. Rating ***
Produced by Teenage Fanclub’s Francis MacDonald, latest in a long line of 
Scots influenced by Sixties’ psychedelia. Vocal harmonies weave in and out 
of this perfect pop. 
DAVID JORDAN – Sun Goes Down.Rating ***1/2
Debuted at the Royal Variety Showand produced by Trevor Horn, this singer has 
friends in high places. With a marching rhythm and carnival feel, his track 
stands out as an unusual but successful pop moment. 3.5