NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

  GARBAGE   "GARBAGE" 1995 SUPERVIXEN - Awesome opener to the album, singer Shirley Manson delivers a languid, moody, angry vocal over a high octane crash of searing guitars backdrop.  Garbage liked to push boundaries of genres and this is no exception.  Almost Punk in attitude and Grunge in style. Only released as a promotional single but a class track. QUEER - The band's first big hit in the UK reaching number 13.  This track is a gem and another mix of styles.  There is the Trip Hop vibe of Morcheeba, the Grunge Rock of Nirvana and also the angst and Alternative Pop akin to Alanis Morissette and Alisha's Attic.  Simply brilliant. ONLY HAPPY WHEN IT RAINS - The single that got Garbage noticed in the UK reaching the Top 30 for the first time peaking at number 29.  A great slice of Alternative/Electronic Rock, more sing-a-long than the previous tracks it has become a favourite of Garbage fans and many artists have covered the song.  One of my favourite tracks of the

SOPHIE B. HAWKINS "TONGUES AND TAILS"   1992     DAMN I WISH I WAS YOUR LOVER - The massive hit and Sophie's break out song.  Starts off like a usual Pop song akin to Madonna (at the time) and Natalie Imbruglia but then the drums kick in and it turns into a rocker.  Class song.     CALIFORNIA HERE I COME - A slow tempo ballad with the occasional big vocals, a dreamy song for the most part, laid back and cool similar to Sheryl Crow's half Rock, half Pop style. MYSTERIES WE UNDERSTAND - Funky Pop with different genres incorporated into the song.  Uptempo backing and hints of Rock and Soul and a kind of Rap in between.  Lots going on, listen in headphones and try to pick out all the complex experimental arrangements. SAVIOUR CHILD - A jazzy Pop song that is engaging for the most part but gets a little annoyingly repetitive. CARRY ME - A very strange track, experimental, involves orgasmic moans, strange "loving mother"

VIRGINIA HAZE "GENUINE"   2006   BREAKABLE - Great foot stomper to open the album, complete with catchy chorus and an early 80s Heart style.  Almost a Pat Benatar/Joan Jett hybrid, this is uptempo Classic Rock at its best. GENUINE - A sombre beginning to this track and an almost Cher-like vocal akin to the American star's late 80s excursion into Rock territory.  More classic Heart hints make this a really beautiful song from start to finish. WHAT'S GOIN' ON - Blues Rock, somehow reminding me of Free and Lynyrd Skynyrd and those style of bands from the mid 70s era.  A subtle hint of Fleetwood Mac's early years is also present. THE COMING OF THE FAIRIES - Love this track as a fan of The Bangles, reminiscent of the girls' debut album "All Over The Place".  A raw, Psychedelic hippie Rock track that has a great feel good vibe. GOSPEL SINGERS - Soft, gentle ballad as Virginia plays the Chanteuse in a smoky bar.  A littl

THE BESSER 3 "TIME TRAVELS " 2018     WHO'S COUNTING? - The opening track is a kind of march style song with full force.  Very dramatic and mysterious, clever off beat and off tune elements which reminds me of a soundtrack to a movie thriller.  A mix of light piano and heavier, angry chops and the Swing style slow, jagged tempo set us up for a rollercoaster ride of experiments to come. KLEZMATIZED - Uptempo foot tapping track, sounds like a real Jazz jamming session.  Gives the feeling of happiness and fun and the funky bass gives this a real lift.  Really love this track, all musicians give the impression that this was a good time! SWINGTIME OUT - Gentle, bass and piano in this real Swing Jazz chilled out track.  Minimal sounding but very casual and easy on the ears.  I can imagine being in an old style bar late at night with the band playing on stage in the cool, smokey air. STEP FIVE - Romantic and emotive sounding track, again would be a

CYNDI LAUPER "SHE'S SO UNUSUAL" 1983     MONEY CHANGES EVERYTHING - The opening track of Cyndi's debut album was a cover of The Brains'  1980 underground hit.  New Wave Rock Pop, Cyndi explores her vocal range to the hilt with some ear piercing, amazing high notes, which critics' adored later on her career.  Great uptempo start to a great album. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN - One of Cyndi's signature tunes and became a feminist anthem and a hit all over the globe.  Perfect 80s Pop, with elements of Dance and Rock, and an unbelievably catchy sing along chorus.  One of the best and most memorable songs of the 80s decade. WHEN YOU WERE MINE - As a Prince fan I recognised this cover version on first listen.  A brilliant 80s Synthpop style track where she kept all of the he/him/his pronouns in the lyrics.  A mid tempo ballad that stands on its own and gives Cyndi's album a more mature track amid the hits.   TIME AFTER TIME

THE FIREFLYS "THE ILLUMINATION OF EVERYTHING" 2016 ILLUMINATION - Rip-roaring opening of frenzied heavy guitars before launching into classic Fireflys territory, the melodious, incredibly catchy chorus! At 2 minutes 12 seconds we get an atmospheric electronic/guitar break, almost psychedelic before heading back to an epic finish. RELEASE/REPEAT - This light Folk Rock track is already a fan favourite before the album launch due to its prior single outing. One of those tracks you just need to keep playing, a first namer on any Flys hit team sheet! BRANCHES - This song was played to death in our house, and to our friends! A beautifully crafted song, melancholic and light, the guitars remind me of Prince's Purple Rain solo, it sings of sadness and hope. Sheer class, I called it a lilting mixed masterpiece in a first review, I wasn't wrong.   ANGEL OF THE NORTH - A chilled and relaxing number, a little 70s Prog Rock, a little 90s Stone

SUPPORT LESBIENS "REGENERATION" 2001     BET MY SOUL -The song that got me hooked, it just sounded so unusual.  An almost mostly Folk Acoustic Pop with a manic Rock ending.       FISHERMAN'S FRIEND - Full of Classic Rock riffs with a slight Blues Country hint.  Great "as live" sound production.     BUBBLEBROWN - A very bluesy track with moments of Country twang throughout and some excellent atmospheric Classic Rock guitars. PLEASE LOOK AT ME -  This brings the tempo down a little, a really lovely almost Acoustic Rock ballad with lots of emotion. HER EYES -  A Pop Rock track that isn't one of my favourites, it kind of meanders along a little too much, although it has some tender moments. LET'S JUST SING - An almost Jazz Blues hybrid complete with "do do do do" singalong vocals.  The guitars are very summery and it gives off a good feeling vibe.  Let's just sing!   TEAR BUT NOT TORN - This s

RED HOT CHILI PEPPER S "CALIFORNICATION"   1999     AROUND THE WORLD - A frenetic start to the album with the usual Rap Funk Rock as is the Chilis well known style.  With the searing guitar riffs, pumping percussion and Anthony Kiedis' variety of vocal styles this is the perfect beginning. PARALLEL UNIVERSE - With its unusual Europop throbbing Electro beat merging into the blasting Hard Rock chorus.  Clever, experimental and top stuff. SCAR TISSUE - One of my favourite Chili's tracks.  A laid back almost Acoustic Blues Rock track with a little Folk style vocals.  Awesome anthemic guitars.     OTHERSIDE - A classy Alternative Rock track, almost Grunge style of the 90s.  This apparently deals with addicts' problems with their previous addictions.  A dark meaning but a great song. GET ON TOP - Classic Chili Peppers simialr to "Give It Away", hard Funk Rock with Rap interludes and exquisite funky bass from Flea.

  CLEAN CUT KID "FELT" 2017 VITAMIN C - This debut album by the Liverpool band opens with their first single.  It's an atmospheric, simple funky Progressive Rock track with hints of Classic 60s styles.  Great melodies and clever compostion this is a catchy little upbeat track to kick off the set. RUNAWAY - Similar upbeat style to the opening track but a more poppy infuence complete with melodious chants and thumping beat.  Reminds me of a hybrid of The Coral and Sheppard.  Irresistibly catchy and memorable. LEAVING YOU BEHIND - A 60s Simon and Garfunkel or The Everly Brothers meets Fleetwood Mac meets 90s Pop.  Another chorus you can't get out of your head and its energy and positive vibe gives you a good feeling. STAY - The Fleetwood Mac influence and some 80s Rock outfits like Africa, REO Speedwagon and Foreigner give you a feel of this track.  Its emotional vocals mix with typical guitar riffs of the 80s decade still give a positive vibe despite the sad lyrics.

  MICHELLE BRANCH "THE SPIRIT ROOM" 2001   EVERYWHERE - The opening track on Michelle's second album and debut single is a great Pop Rock track, considering the lady was only 18 years old on release, her vocals are exceptional.  Searing guitar riffs, pulsating drums, light and angry vocals and melodies make this a top track.  Reaching number 18 in the UK chart this was a gem.   YOU GET ME - A slightly slower tempo than the opener but no less quality.  This is an easy going Pop ballad with a catchy chorus.  Reminds me in style of Natalie Imbruglia and No Doubt.  Proving that the young singer can emit emotion in her vocals.   ALL YOU WANTED - The second single from the album is a slinky guitar based Rock ballad similar in vein to Avril Lavigne.  Another big chorus and heavy guitar riffs make it the perfect follow-up to the debut track.  Criminally only reaching number 33 in the UK chart but a great track.   YOU SET ME FREE - A light and breezy summery Pop track with bea

LYNX DELUXE  "JUNGLELAND" 2021   JANE GOODALL - The opening track is presumably about the renowned primatalogist and anthropologist noting the "queen of the jungle" reference.  It's a booming Gothic/Punk hybrid with a pounding beat that conveys a "jungle" background to your ears.  It's a plethora of sounds converging as one to make a cool first listen on this album.   THE STRUGGLE - I love the relentless drums on this track and the accompaniments remind me of The Jam and The Clash if they played together.  It has that almost funky rhythm with jangly guitars that were reminiscent of Bow Wow Wow (although with more "oomph") with some low toned and chanted vocals. Atmospheric at time, sounds really cool in earphones! MERCY - A nice slice of laid back bluesy Rock, a little like Van Morrison or Joe Cocker in style.  Ticks along at a mid tempo pace with a great chorus and powerful Rock vocals. SAINTS - This track is one of my favourites, a

SINNOBER    "LITTLE WARS" 2016   EVERYTHING WE NEVER ASKED FOR - The debut album by Sinnober (multi-instrumentalist songwriters Sebastian and Natalie Brice) opens with a smooth Folk Pop ballad.  Beautiful harmonies and light melodies ease you into this album.  Reminds me a little of Simon and Garfunkel in its composition. MARIA - A little more stripped back than the previous track, this Everly Brothers styled track focuses on the brilliant vocal arrangements before reaching a minor crescendo towards the end.  Nice and mellow.   GO BACK - Another really polished song from this debut album.  Its 60s style Alternative Pop has slight hints of Swing and Jazz. REALITY TV - This slow Pop Rock ballad reminds me of Bon Jovi's Acoustic numbers where they slow everything down and its almost grass roots.  Really lovely song. TALK ME DOWN - A pure, live sounding Acoustic Pop ballad with hints of Rock.  Just sounds amazing and even better in headphones, its like you're in the

  THE TIME   "THE TIME" 1981 GET IT UP - Although this debut album by the Prince proteges is basically a Prince recording (all instruments except a Dr Fink synth solo on "Cool") , Morris Day does sing the vocals.  The Time became a popular live band on Prince tours and became a band in their own right.  This opener is a funky soul workout with keyboards and guitar solos at the fore.   GIRL - A pretty basic slow soul ballad, sadly the vocals of Morris Day cannot lift this like Prince probably could.  Average track. AFTER HI SCHOOL - In the vein of Prince's quirky fast paced sparse funky tracks such as "Gotta Stop (Messin' About)" and "Jack U Off".  Its a decent song but nothing great despite being written by former Prince guitarist, Dez Dickerson. COOL - 10 minutes of classic Prince Funk, a throbbing beat, the aforementioned Dr Fink synth solo make this a very "cool" track indeed.  Best track on the album for me.  Co-written

YUNA  "YUNA" 2012 LULLABIES - Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna opens her first international debut album with a laid back ballad.  Yuna's gentle, soothing voice echoes eerily over a slow tempo Trip Hop style beat.  Lovely introduction to this lady. FAVOURITE THING -  An engaging, captivating vocal drifts through a slow melodious Synth Pop styled backing .  Dreamy Pop. REMEMBER MY NAME - This track has a delightfully quirky and sparse backing but reminds me of the style of Simon and Garfunkel.  A little upbeat and uplifting Folk Pop for your ears. DECORATE - Another soulful slow Pop ballad with stunning vocals.  This was also the title of her debut Malaysian album. PLANES - Straight forward Pop this time, almost Acoustic backing and a really catchy chorus.  One of my favourites. BAD IDEA - An unusual switch after the Pop of the previous track.  This is a jazzy, chanteuse styled track that has a "musical" feel to it.  Yuna is no one trick pony and even on thi

  ECHOBELLY  "ON" 1995   CAR FICTION - The opening track of this second album by the band has a distinct Punk vibe and very similar to a Blondie track.  The thumping, crashing rhythm of the guitars and drums back up singer Sonya Madan's unique vocals brilliantly. KING OF THE KERB - The second single from the album is predominantly Brit Pop with hints of Blur and Supergrass and the Gothic arena style guitars.  Great track with a catchy chorus, it reached number 25 in the UK chart. GREAT THINGS - The track that got me hooked on the band and the debut single from this set that reached number 13 in the UK chart and remains their highest chart hit to date. It is Pop, Rock and has a little Bangles style vocals and guitars.  Chirpy, catchy and brilliant.   NATURAL ANIMAL - A little more harder than the previous tracks.  This is a Grunge Rock style, big guitar driven stadium rocky song.  Has some nice, softer Acoustic moments but then hits it with the big noise.  Top track. G

  THE THE   "INFECTED"   1986 INFECTED - The second album by Matt Johnson's The The following "Soul Mining" opens with this brilliant track.  Kicking off almost with a gospel intro before hitting an infectious Synth Pop style beat, add some snarling Billy Idol-like vocals and it's already reaching "hit" status.  An infectious (no pun intended) chorus emerges into a Synth Rock/New Wave hybrid.  Just a class track.  Criminally ignored only reaching 48 on the UK chart. OUT OF THE BLUE (INTO THE FIRE) - An engaging Punk Pop ballad, the musical intro reminds me of The Pretenders but quickly kicks into a track Iggy Pop would be proud of.  Another gem merging New Wave with classic Punk elements.  HEARTLAND - This single release reached number 29 on the UK chart.  It is a beautifully composed track with an orchestral style backing.  Add an awesome piano solo, some Soul driven vocals from Matt and a lovely harmonised chorus it makes for a great listen.