Album Reviews: Britpop Rocks!
The Bluetones - Expecting to Fly
| Marion - This World and Body | Shed Seven - A Maximum High | Pulp - Different ClassThe Bluetones - Expecting to Fly
 Chester
Interview with The Bluetones |
Hmmm. OK, this is obviously a very good album, but
I'm afraid it's going to lose points for its lack of
consistency. The album opens with its best offering
'Talking to Clarry' and never quite reaches those heights
again and therefore your left feeling cheated. Still, some others come close, like the big single 'Slight Return', the rollicking 'Bluetonic', and the heavier 'Cut Some Rug', all good and worthwhile listens. But apart from these (and a few others) nothing else grabs you and screams "The Bluetones are special", rather this album indicates the Bluetones are capable of things very special. I for one am sure they will deliver, however they need more time to develop and when they do, well look out Oasis - these guys are going to be big. To be honest though, 'Talking to Clarry' and 'Bluetonic' are worth the price of the album alone and while I'm only giving this one three stars (er, I mean trainers) that's simply because some of the tracks sound rushed and even unfinished. God help us if they take time out to record an Album properly. Rating (out of 5 trainers) |
Marion - This World and Body
| Although Marion hail from Manchester their musical
heritage lies more with early eighties angst rock (early
U2, Smiths, Cure, Joy Division) than the Stone Roses or
Happy Mondays. The guitars are tougher, the lyrics
angrier than the "Madchester" scene, or indeed
most of of the current Britpop crop. With the opening urgency of 'fallen through' the album starts off well, as the listener is instantly transfixed by the powerful music and unnerving wail of singer Jaime Harding. This pace continues with the two excellent singles 'sleep' and 'let's all go together', the later similar to Jeff Buckley in full flight. The tension is slowed down with 'wait' and 'all for love' but mostly the songs are a fusion of fast, edgy guitars, solid rhythms and histrionic vocals courtesy of Harding, a cross between Brett Anderson, and Bono. Other notable tracks include 'vanessa', which despite it's intro riff being suspeciously close to the Cure's 'just like heaven', is another gem, and of course the current single 'time'. A dazzling display of enthusiam, raw talent and emotion makes this debut disc of the year so far. Rating (out of 5 trainers) |
 Official Homepage |
Shed Seven - A Maximum High
 |
The first time I ever heard Shed Seven it was while
watching Rage. 'Dolphin' came on and the next few weeks
were spent harassing my local record store for a copy of
their album and upon receipt I was not disappointed. But
then something strange happened. I started listening to
it less and less until I began making jokes about it.
Enter A Maximum High the second album. This time
I did not rush out in haste to purchase, instead I sat
back with thoughts like "nah, not worth it".
Then I was given the task of writing a review and well,
this is my second attempt. My first was a "don't
bother" style piece, but now after a few more
listens I suggest "try before you buy". A
Maximum High is very different from Change Giver;
gone are the standout pop singles such as 'Dolphin' and
'Speak Easy' instead we find a kind of Britpop elevator
music, as this album is very easy to listen but lacks
substance. The Shed's seem to have added a greater depth to their music, which may have something to do with their introduction of a large horn section, but regardless of the cause the outcome is pleasant. All in all a Maximum High is a collection of songs meant to be played as an album. I doubt whether you'll end up placing many of the songs on a compilation tape but you will have it stuck on the metaphorical turntable for weeks on end. If you have Change Giver get this one, if you don't, have a listen first. Rating (out of 5 trainers) |
Pulp - Different Class
| Really, what more can be said about this album,
except A) It was voted in many polls as LP of last year,
because of B) the simply fact that it is quite
B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T. If you haven't got it by now, shame on
you, but in case you need further prodding, read on... You should all know the singles : the revenge of the geeks tune 'Mis-Shapes', the classic anthem to end all anthems 'Common People', the stomping Gloria rip off 'Disco 2000', the romantic 'Something Changed'; but the other songs are the ones that demand repeated listens - 'Pencil Skirt', 'I Spy' and 'FEELING CALLED LOVE', in fact every song could have, nay should have, been a single. As good as the music is (and it's very, very good) it's Jarvis Cocker's lyrics and delivery which elevates this from good to sublime stature. Cocker writes as (and for) the underdog, the underclass the misunderstood, the screw ups and the screwed up. A different class? Definately! Rating (out of 5 trainers) |
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