As with the album reviews, most of these singles are pretty out of date. But we're working on some new ones and will be sure to let you know when they're up and running. In the meantime, here's what we looked at for the last issue:
All instrumental tracks far off the beaten path, "Perspectives Musicales" is not for those looking for a "Kool Thing" or "100%". But it's also four of the greatest tracks they've ever recorded. The songs that clock in at over 20 minutes are slightly experimental, yet not so completely discordant that they'll lose people. Should suit most everyone's whims and fancies. (DW)
I've been a Lilys fan from the very start - I've seen Mr Heasley through every move, every line-up change, and every musical tendency. And honestly, I think he's found his calling with this one - a Monkeesian blend of The Kinks, The Beatles, and, especially on the first track, The Beach Boys. I think it's about time the world caught on to the Lilys - because you never know how much longer they'll sound like this. And if you need an introduction to the band, you need no better one than this. (DW)
This is a combo that challenges you to find a pigeonhole for 'em. Obviously they fit quite nicely into the electronica niche, but they also incorporate their enthusiasm for hiphop, r&b, etc. all the while looking like your friendly indie band from next door. It's an incredible ep that even the jaded should seek out. The second single from these innovate techno groovesters features a sample from the Breeders' "Cannonball" coupled with a heavy bass-driven strike at a dance-attacking beat. It's more in-your-face techno that "Kool Rok Bass", yet it's still not straight-by-the-book "electronica". I'll be singing Lo-Fidelity Allstars' praises for a long time indeed. Cant wait for that albumÉ (DW)
Before 4/5 of the members of Comet Gain walked to form their new outfit, Velocette, they recorded their best single ever - the poppiest of pop in all it's ShangriLas influenced glory. But still, it's nothing in comparison to "Get Yourself Together." It's p-o-p, POP. It's a perfect example of how pop songs should be written. And with a French translation too, it's surely will be welcome in the stereos of Francoise and Brigitte fans. (DW)
Although "Division Day" hints at Elliott's apparent fondness for Motown, sounding as if it's had a run-in with a few Temptations tunes, the flipside "No Name #6", on the other hand, is a more traditional Elliott track, laid-back and comfortable in its acoustic brilliance. Fans of the lyrical mastermind won't want to miss out on this one for sure. (DW)
Mark my word, these boys are going to be superstars. "Sometimes I See" is a radio hit that the Britpoppers across the US of A are going to eat up. Could they be just as popular as Oasis? Quite possibly. Only time will tell...(DW)
Secret Stars' frontman Geoff Farina is just a big sap isn't he? He always seems to be the guy with the broken heart, the one who incessantly gets the short end of the love stick. And on "Sanity Assassins", Geoff's strong, albeit vulnerable, vocals backed by an unobtrusive acoustical twang makes The Secret Stars' track a surefire favorite for the lovelorn and wistful. And although Ida's never really been my cup of tea (they're just a little too mellow for my liking), I can't help admiring Elizabeth Mitchell's voice, which sounds incredibly beautiful on "Truxton Park". It's a great split single, yet it's just that all these romantic sentiments can be a little too much for me sometimes. (DW)
Melissa Farris and Phil Satlof of Tuscadero have teamed up with the man about town, Mark Robinson, to release a single that contains both sweet pop and sassy disco. "Celluloid Dreams" is precisely what one would expect from a collaboration such as this--an inoffensive, relatively innocuous tune that finds the saccharin sweet Melissa taking the mic. However, "In The Drink" threw me for quite a loop with its vivacious strobe-lighted, platform-heeled disco style. Prepare yourself --disco's not dead yet. It's not even close. (DW)
Even though I love 'em, I know that Ash may not be the most mind-blowingly phenomenal band out there. But one thing's for certain: they sure know how to charm the pants off of you. Their newest single (the first in about a year) is the title track to the latest but rather bland Trainspotting-team film. And although this isn't the band's finest moment ("Goldfinger" holds that title), "A Life Less Ordinary" comes pretty darn close. It's a single that should keep fans more than satiated until their sophomore long-player is released in '98...(DW)
Starry Eyes' debut single isn't as jingly jangly, make you feel dandy as Velocity Girl, but the three members that went on to form Starry Eyes didn't abandon their earlier melodic pop stylings entirely either (although their new sound isn't nearly as enjoyable for me). The guitars by VG drummer Jim Spellman are more straightforward rock than fuzzy or twee and Sarah Shannon doesn't fall on her operatic training for these tracks. Perhaps my heart lies solely with Velocity Girl. Or perhaps Starry Eyes need to release a few more singles before I decide whether or not I truly love this new outfit. It's just that this single doesn't sit well with me for the time being. (DW) (Note: Apparently Starry Eyes have broken up. I'm certainly not crying over that one. Sorry)
Former Hey, Hullabaloo! cover stars are back with their first single in two years. They still sound the same - guitars wail, drums pound, and the vocals still waver back and forth from brightly melodic to gut-wrenching angst - but if they ever changed, it just wouldn't work. (DW)
have a look at diana's picks and
pans yeah! or
nea!
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