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
