This week we've got the latest offerings from Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, Nine Black Alps and Ed Harcourt. Have a read and let me know what you think...
Amy Winehouse – Valerie
At last it seems Ms Winehouse’s personal life may be playing second fiddle to her genuine talent. Her new collaboration with Mark Ronson bears all his trademarks. Mournful vocals. Check. Spector-tinged details. Check. Chiming bells. Check. It sounds slick, polished and entirely fantastic.
But, beneath it all, the thing that really shines through is the song. As I listened to it again and again I found myself longing for the original, craving the grittiness of Dave McCabe’s soaring vocals, Abi’s smooth sax, the sound that marks The Zutons out as truly exceptional.
3/5
Nine Black Alps – ‘The Bitter End/Overdrive’ - Single. Island Records
Melancholy melodious tunery and lyrics, The Bitter End starts with some exquisite acoustic guitar playing, before slamming into a vibratory sound that is reminiscent of ‘How Soon Is Now?’ and something by George Harrison, while Overdramatic has a surprising, poignantly raucous quality that reminds us of the huge creative gap left by Kurt Cobain. Nine Black Alps are back with a howlingly good guitar driven single that sees them living up to their early promise.
Reviewed by Rikki Wright 4/5
Britney Spears – ‘Gimme More’ – Single. RCA
Are we going to join the finger pointers and criticise the freakshow that surrounds her, or are we going to listen to the music…?
Slick, saucy, multilayered viral sounds weave in and out with her sweetly emotive angelic voice, creating another slice of Britney’s trademark superior trashy pop magic, in a single that sounds like she doesn’t have a care in the world. 3/5
Revierwed by Rikki Wright 3/5
Ed Harcourt – Album ‘Until Tomorrow Then (Best of…)’ - Album. Heavenly Recordings
There’s something reminiscent of Billy Joel and Jona Lewie, in this album, though without Joel’s characteristic Bronx wit, or any kitchens or cavalry. Some tracks, notably ‘Visit From The Dead Dog’ are as moribund as its title, while others, such as ‘You Put a Spell On Me’ and ‘Loneliness’ are much more lively and interesting.
Reviewed by Josh Green 2/5