| CD Reviews The Chicarones: When
Pigs Fly
By Grainne McLoughlin
Not many bands name themselves after pork scratchings, but these two
— hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia and Vancouver — have done just that.
Brilliant! But, what is the album like? Personally, this reviewer dislikes
pork scratchings; their consistency is awful on the palette, but The Chicharones
have proven that to be a fallacy.
This is a superb album. Now, whilst not proclaiming to have enough hip-hop
knowledge, When Pigs Fly fits snugly between The Beasties and Jurassic 5.
It’s a laid-back album, leaning on some Yoda-style samples at times.
Little By Little is a gigantic song, but it’s merely a taster for the
superlative Bully Bully. This is a standout song, one of the better hip-hop
songs I’ve heard since the Jurassic 5 EP way back when. Grab this album
whilst we still have some sunny days left. It’s perfect lazy day listening.
Sandi Thom: I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker
By Grainne McLoughlin
Very little prepares you for Sandi Thom’s debut single, I Wish I Was
A Punk Rocker.
With one of the stronger vocal female voices I’ve heard of recently,
she marks an originality that’s like a breath of fresh air to the contemporary
music industry.
A lively up-tempo track, I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker is sung largely unaccompanied
with only percussion added to Sandi’s voice. And her voice will leave you
stunned and the lyrics ring so true there’s something for everyone.
Reminiscent of rock chick Pink and country/pop artist Sheryl Crow, Thom
will no doubt make more than a ripple in the music industry.
The Scottish singer was discovered by independent Orkney label, Legacy
whilst performing in Glasgow. And whilst in a seven-piece urban outfit she
reached the semi-finals of Radio 1’s Urban Music Awards.
I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker is set for release September 19. Recommended.
Katie Melua: Nine Million Bicycles
By Grainne McLoughlin
Katie Melua’s single Nine Million Bicycles which is set to be released
on September 19 precedes her long-awaited second album, Piece By Piece.
And if this single is anything to go by, the wait will have been worth
it.
Nine Million Bicycles shows off Melua’s distinctive voice and extraordinary
singing talent.
Inspired by a trip to Beijing the single received its first radio play
on Radio 2 to a fantastic response from listeners.
You can hear her voice has matured while still remaining true to her
blues-based tone.
Included on the single are tracks Stardust and Market Day In Guernica,
which is particularly poignant.
Certainly not one to listen to before a night on the town but if it’s
a cosy night in you’re after, then it could very well be a winner.
Melua’s album release is scheduled for September 26.
Various Artistes: Golden Oldies
By Phil Savva
A real nostalgia trip on offer here as a collection of 63 tracks from
the ’40, ’50s and ’60s come together.
With such legends as Dean Martin Cliff Richard, Doris Day and Matt Monro
to name but a few this is one your grandparents — or even your mum or dad
— would love to own.
Hits include The Everly Brothers’ All I Have To Do Is Dream, Johnnie
Ray’s Just Walking In The Rain, Little Eva’s Locomotion and Frank Sinatra’s
Young At Heart as well as many others (see competition listing) it is definitely
a collection for the conossieur.
Go buy it and enjoy.
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