In this week's review section we have the latest offerings from James, The Children of Agape Choir, Scouting For Girls and Ben's Brother...
The Children of Agape Choir – We Are Together – Songs from the motion picture
South African sunshine suffuses this slice of raw aural joy from a choir that is introduced by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and features them on several tracks, alongside the likes of Paul Simon. Solo and complex multi – vocal tracks are simply exquisite, relaxing, uplifting, and life affirming. This is an absolute treat that gives you chills and puts a smile on your face. That the children who made this wonderful music are orphans from the Agape children’s home, and have overcome hardship and loss that we can scarcely imagine, gives the music even greater depth and beauty.
www.wearetogether.org 5/5
Rikki Wright
James – Hey Ma
A cracking good album from the mighty James. Intelligent, poetic lyrics, Tim Booth’s lovely voice, superb music andan exuberance that fills your head with light. ‘Hey, Ma’ deals with the aftermath of 9/11 ‘Hey, Ma the boys in body bags, coming home in pieces’ is bleakly insightful. ‘Boom Boom’s sensational chiming guitar riffy anthemic magic reminds of ‘Sit Down’ and has you singing along first time you hear it, and the haunting ‘Semaphore’ is quietly captivating. The whole album is stuffed to bursting with superb tracks, wave after wave of beautiful music that washes over you and bewitches. If there was ever an instant classic, it’s this.
5/5
Rikki Wright
Ben’s Brother - Stuttering
Lovely emotive vocals in a slightly Radiohead/Crowded House vein soar over a rich instrumental tapestry of sound and rythmn, to make an engaging sound that intrigues and touches the heart. 3/5
Josh Green
Scouting for Girls – Heartbeat
Oo-ee-ooo vernacular piano heavy cheerily rueful lovesong for a fatale femme from indie popsters Scouting For Girls.
‘Always up for a laugh, she’s a pain in the ****, Every time that we meet, I skip a heartbeat’.
This is where a lot of pop is at these days, and you either love it or you don’t really see the point of it.
Not inventive, profound or memorable, but it will please those who enjoy this sort of bland well polished Schoolband fare. 2/5
Jessie Allison