Singles reviews - 15th October 2007

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Singles released w/c 15th October 2007

Jack Rokka Vs Betty Boo - Take Off
Jack Rokka is a new alias of producers Steve Cornish & Nick Mace, who (under the name Digital Dog) did a few class remixes for artist like Therese and Rihanna. Now they've teamed up with the legendary Betty Boo on "Take Off", a great, catchy, electro-pop tune with a sexy, Dannii Minogue-esque vocal. The single comes with a cute, cartoon-esque video, with Betty driving around in a rather wacky car. If you enjoyed Mason Vs Princess Superstar's "Perfect (Exceeder)", you'll love this one as well - and in which case, you'll be pleased to know that Jack Rokka and Betty Boo are reportedly already working together for the next single.
(Saruman_78)

Amy MacDonald - L.A.
On the surface, Amy MacDonald may seem like another typical, kooky, coffee shop singer/songwriter, à la Phoebe Buffay in "Friends" - after all, she's armed with guitar and a thoughtful, reflective look on her face on her album cover. What you do in fact get, however, are thought-provoking, happy little folk-pop ditties, such as this second single of hers. While the vocal may not exactly be ground-breaking, it's worth a shot for anyone who'll give her the time of day.
(Alex MacGregor)

Mika - Happy Ending
With an album as brilliant as "Life In Cartoon Motion", in which every track could be a potential single, it's not surprising that Mika releases singles quite quickly after each other. Following the poppy happiness of "Relax, Take It Easy", "Grace Kelly", "Love Today" and "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)", it's now up to "Happy Ending". The official closing track of the album (if you don't count the hidden track), this is more down-tempo than its predecessors. However, it's still a true Mika song, with a video that has him floating through space in a pink jacket while holding a balloon, and joined by a full gospel choir towards the end. Mention should also be made of the prominent female backing vocals in the chorus, courtesy of Ida Winland. Yet again, a great tune.
(Saruman_78)
Just before the year ends, one of 2007's biggest newcomers releases another song off his hit album. "Happy Ending" is, all in all, a quality piece of pop from the Mika factory - it's catchy and the falsettos are back. The song is slightly different from the songs we've come to know him for, and the melody personally reminds me of "Get Along With You" by Kelis more than anything. Still, you can definitely sense the emotion in the guy's voice.
(Tiger)

Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse - Valerie
Receiving ecstatic reactions at pretty much every festival he's played this summer, Mr Ronson returns with the third single from his "Version" album. This time he's decided to plum for his take on The Zutons' "Valerie" with Amy Winehouse on vocals, replacing the original's Scouse rock overtones with some girly, 60s pop, Supremes-style flavours. It works perfectly, and serves to remind us all what Amy should be remembered for, before she becomes a tabloid puppet (à la Pete Doherty).
(Alex MacGregor)
If there's anyone this year who has nothing to prove, it's Mark Ronson. The talented DJ has really come into superstardom in 2007 with his album "Version", containing cover songs produced in his unique, jazzy style. The current single, featuring his fellow comeback-y Amy Winehouse, is a cover of The Zutons' recent hit "Valerie". You'd guess right to think it would work, because it does! Amy's signature horns and vocals blend with Mark's old school feel to create yet another good song.
(Tiger)

Shapeshifters - New Day
Max Reich and Simon Marlin, aka Shapeshifters, are set to release their second artist album "Do Not Disturb". The preceding single "New Day", unlike its slightly disappointing predecessor "Pusher", sees them return to the style of "Lola's Theme" and "Back To Basics", including the euphoric backing track and its sweeping strings. The new permanent singer Jenna Gibbons has a strong, soulful voice, and for me, this is one of the best dance tracks of 2007. Bring on the album.
(Saruman_78)

Shibuya Crossings - Can You Prove (Something To Me)
Initially a solo project for founder Declan Harrington, Shibuya Crossings (named after a pedestrian crossing in Tokyo) are an indie band of the old-fashioned kind. They jingle and jangle in a manner all of the sixties obsessed eighties/early nineties bands did. The lead track here is competent but uninspired sub-Mock Turtles/Supergrass material. The b-side goes for acoustic Lennon-ish vibes and is at least a strong melody.
This promo is dated 2007 yet they still seem to be promoting these songs on their MySpace. I wouldn't recommend them.
(Blondini)

The Wombats - Let's Dance To Joy Division
They may not come from Australia, but Scouse trio The Wombats have slowly risen to popularity over the last six months. The follow up to July's Top 40 hit "Kill The Director", this is a catchy and uptempo indie pop song, which sounds very unlike Joy Division! Much in the vein of contemporaries such as Jack Peñate and The Rumble Strips, the song makes use of some very interesting lyrics and excellent vocal harmonies. Hopefully support from radio stations and a highly anticipated debut album will give them a big hit.
(Dave Kirkham)

Other singles released this week

4 Hero - Morning Child
Alberta Cross - Leave Us Or Forgive Us
Alter Bridge - Rise Today
Avenged Sevenfold - Almost Easy
Wallis Bird - Blossoms In The Street
The Bishops - Higher Now
The Cloud Room - Hey Now Now
Common feat. Lily Allen - Drivin' Me Wild
Stephen Duffy & The Lilac Time - Driving Somewhere
Emigrate - New York City
Richard Hawley - Serious
Nine Black Alps - Bitter End
Orson - Ain't No Party
Phuture - Rise From Your Grave
Elvis Presley - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
Robots In Disguise - The Sex Has Made Me Stupid
Sex Pistols - Pretty Vacant
Shocking Pinks - End Of The World
Sky Larkin - Molten / Keepsakes
Serj Tankian - Empty Walls
Tunng - Bullets

The ratings explained:
 - awful, unbearable!;    - pretty poor effort;     - average, passable;      - good stuff;       - awesome, love it!