November 23rd, 2005
Frou Frou - Psychobabble
Frou Frou. We never knew you. This band was a collaboration between the vocals of Imogen Heap and the production of Guy Sigsworth. Their music, though well received, flopped pretty badly, and they disbanded the project to concentrate on on other musical attempts. Then the movie Garden State, directed by Zach ‘Zac’ Braff, comes along and features the song ‘Let Go’. Everyone piles onto the internet looking for them and finds their site and the news of their untimely demise (artistically). Anyways. That’s the history. Psychobabble is one of their darkest songs, but is still accessible, with a beautiful Indian strings instrumental break. Try Frou Frou. Though we’re unlikely to get any new material from them, we can still appreciate what they produced when they were around. Some lyrics:
P.S. Another one of their songs, Maddening Shroud might be a lovely song for your Christmas party playlist. Just a little tip from your friendly play new songs (it has some lovely bells in it).
Posted on Wednesday 23rd November | No Comments »
November 22nd, 2005
Madonna - Hung Up
One reviewer called this song ‘foxy’, and we would have to agree. Madonna’s new single tells the story of a lover who never called back. In Hung Up, she shouts:
She takes his call near the end of the song and tells him where to stick his relationship:
Note: that last bit was a lie. It’s a good song.
Posted on Tuesday 22nd November | No Comments »
November 15th, 2005
Mariah Carey - Don’t Forget About Us
This feels like 90s R&B come back to haunt us. In this single, Mariah recollects a previous relationship and although the guy is now with someone else, the lyrics are very clear:
Not a huge leap for Mariah, one critic from Billboard said: “On its own, “Forget” is a soulful, satisfying track, but it suggests that Carey has hit a creative wall.” We have to agree.
Posted on Tuesday 15th November | 7 Comments »
November 13th, 2005
Heard Em Say - Kanye West feat. Adam Levine
How does Kanye West top the understated cool of ‘Gold Digger’ featuring Jamie Foxx? The short answer: he doesn’t try. Instead, Mr. West’s new single takes a departure into more reflective territory, featuring Adam Levine’s wonderful vocals. The lyrics talk of low-wage living, cigarette addiction, the government, among many other things. The original video, filmed by Michel Gondry who directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was scrapped at the last minute and replaced by a hand-drawn animation by Bill Plympton. There has been no official word as to why this was.
Posted on Sunday 13th November | 1 Comment »
November 7th, 2005
Keith Urban - You’ll Think Of Me
Anyone just stumbling across this page from a Google search: Keith Urban is NOT urban. Seriously. He’s sugary and cuddly and emotional and all that stuff. And he is Australian. This song is about someone who broke up with him. ‘You’ll Think of Me’, he is saying. ‘You Heartless Wench, You Ruined Me and I Can’t Stop Crying’, he doesn’t add (though that may have improved things).
Posted on Monday 7th November | 1 Comment »
David Banner - Play
The Mississippi rapper is back with his biggest hit so far. The reason for this is due to the radio-friendly nature of the (edited version of the) song and the MTV-friendly nature of the video. The lyrics are still thought through, and the album, Certified, contains many of the deeper tracks that fans have come to expect from David Banner. It should be pointed out, though, that the version of ‘Play’ on the album is much more dirty (I mean, dirrty) than the one you’ll hear on the radio on the way to the shops with your folks. Just a heads up.
Posted on Monday 7th November | No Comments »
November 1st, 2005
Nelly - Fly Away
Ashanti’s current squeeze Nelly releases his latest which is also part of the soundtrack from Adam Sandler’s latest train-wreck ‘The Longest Yard’. It’s a slower number from Nelly, and actually is about being locked up (like the film) and what he would do if he was given another chance outside.
Posted on Tuesday 1st November | 9 Comments »
October 24th, 2005
Ryan Cabrera - Shine On
Ryan Cabrera is a very serious kind of singer. Lots of strained voices, sharp breathing in and out, and it always sounds like he about to burst into tears. You wouldn’t see his ex-ladyfriend bursting into tears, would you? No, exactly. We quite like this track, though, quite poppy and fun. Just chill out a bit, Ryan.
Posted on Monday 24th October | No Comments »
Ashlee Simpson - Boyfriend
Well, welcome back Ash, how’s it going? Just heard your new song, Boyfriend. We liked it. You sound cool. We always liked you better than your sister. We are linking to your video. Please don’t beat us up.
Posted on Monday 24th October | 2 Comments »
Gavin DeGraw - Follow Through
Gavin sounds a bit like Adam Levine from Maroon 5, so that’s a good thing. Follow Through, unfortunately, is nothing like a Maroon 5 song. It’s not fun, it’s not infectious, it’s not catchy. Still, it has an OK chorus, but there’s no feeling there. Pop songs can have feeling, you just have to try. Still might be worth checking out his album, Chariot. A short clip is below if you want to judge for yourself.
Posted on Monday 24th October | No Comments »
