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2000 Music Reviews
2001 Music Reviews
A
Air Premiers Symptomes (Source)
Horace Andy Living in the Flood (Virgin/Melankolic)
Apollo Four Forty Gettin' High On Your Own Supply Sony)
Arling & Cameron SWARTE SOUND SHOPPING (Basta Audio/Visuals)
C
The Chemical Brothers Surrender (Virgin)
Clinton Disco & The Halfway Discontent (Meccico)
D
Daddy Long Legs Horse (Pussyfoot)
E
Everything But The Girl Temperamental (Virgin)
G
Gatecrasher Red (INCredible)
Gomez Liquid Skin (Hut)
Groove Armada Vertigo (Pepper)
I
Indian Ropeman Elephant Sound (Skint)
J
Jackknife Lee Muy Rico! (Pussyfoot)
K
Kulay Burn (INCredible)
M
Macy Gray On How Life Is (Epic)
Madness Wonderful (Virgin)
George Michael Songs From The Last Century (Virgin/Aegean)
P
Presence All Systems Gone (Pagan)
S
Space Raiders Don't Be Daft (Skint)
Suede Head Music (Nude)
Super Collider Darn (Cold Way O' Lovin') (Loaded)
T
Texas The Hush (Mercury)
W
Wall of Sound Presents Bustin' Loose (Wall of Sound)
Josh Wink Profound Sounds Vol 1 (Ruffhouse)
Z
Zap Mama À Ma Zone(Virgin)AIR PREMIERS SYMPTOMES (Source)
reviewed 01-10-99
A mini album of 'rare' air and a must for every Airhead: the rare singles collection consists of seven, predominantly instrumental tracks that take you on one mellow space trip... A fascinating documentation of Air's repertoire along with beautiful diversions on the journey as one piece of music suddenly turns into familar passages from hit single, All I Need on Professionnels, or you come across subtle extracts from Sexy Boy on Californië (which also ends with a beautiful piano arrangement). Le Soleil Est Près De Moi is my own personal favourite, however. All in all, aesthetic and charming.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexHORACE ANDY LIVING IN THE FLOOD (Virgin/Melankolic)
reviewed 16-10-99
Horace Andy - best known to a broader audience perhaps for his guest vocals in 1990 for Massive Attack - firmly grooves his Jamaican roots on this album. Though personally not a great fan of reggae it is excellent for its genre and enjoyable (not quite the weather for it now though...). Interestingly, it includes a song written by Massive Attack, Doldrums, as well as the title track Living in the Flood written by Joe Strummer (Andy's own favourite off the album). And watch out for the 'hidden track' at the end of the album.
Pip Farquharson
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APOLLO FOUR FORTY GETTIN' HIGH ON YOUR OWN SUPPLY (Sony)
reviewed 16-10-99
George Clinton once asked: 'Who said a dance band can't play rock music?' which succinctly sums up Gettin' High On Your Own Supply by eight-piece group Apollo Four Forty. One of the first dance music bands to use guitars and take their set live, this album perhaps captures that immense live power they exude with their trademark duelling drummers and legendary Byker frontman Mary Mary (not gaye and not on acid). Gritty and powerful, Gettin' High On Your Own Supply is, at times, an ode to The Osmonds or The Chemical Brothers, and at others, The Beastie Boys or northern soul. What's more, the album is great for those, who like myself, love contemporary dance music but rarely dare to admit they still play their Meatloaf and Pink Floyd albums. Fabulous! N.B: As an extra, the CD is PC and Mac compatible and features DV stills and movie clips of the making of the album.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexARLING CAMERON SWARTE SOUND SHOPPING (Basta Audio/Visuals)
reviewed 16-07-99
Arling & Cameron are a formidable duo when it comes to world class easy tune (or maybe more accurately 'world music'). Already big in Japan (no pun intended), having collaborated with the likes of Pizzicato Five, and with two fab CDs All-In and the excellent Stereo Showcase by Popcorn to their credit (amongst many other releases too numerous to mention), this is their latest 'project'. Perhaps a step away from the direction in which they are heading, Sound Shopping is the result of their collaboration with well-known cartoonist and designer Joost Swarte (who incidentally extended his talents to co-writing three of the songs). Swarte also developed the CD package which consists of pull-out 3D cubist puzzles. And the music? Light, danceable, quirky with excellent pseudo-French vocals by Fay Lovsky on Jealousie. Quite a collector's item.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexTHE CHEMICAL BROTHERS SURRENDER (Virgin)
reviewed 01-07-99
Don't let the current single Hey Boy, Hey Girl (note: sung 'Hey Girl, Hey Boy') be in anyway indicative of The Chemical Brothers' new album. Apart from this, frankly, pretty painful song (appalling vocals, silly lyrics, but no doubt good to dance to if you're all drugged-up) this is one excellent album. Seems more like a compilation album as contributing lead vocalists include Bernard Sumner (New Order), Bobby Gillepsie (Primal Scream), Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) and last and least Noel Gallagher (Oasis) - each of whom bring their own unique sound to the album. One of the best releases of this year.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexCLINTON DISCO & THE HALF WAY TO DISCONTENT (Meccico)
reviewed 16-10-99
The joy of having one's own record label is that one can release one's own music on it which is exactly what Cornershop's singer/songwriter/producer Tjinder Singh and Benedict Ayres have done. Disco & The Half Way to Discontent is a strange album of very varied tracks and musical styles - from French nu house to 80s hip hop - with several humorous puns along the way. It opens with the quirky People Power in the Disco Hour followed by disco-poppy Saturday Night & Dancing, and a Pizzicato Five-esque Buttoned Down Disco (their current single). And apart from these, plus Hip Hop Bricks and the closing track Welcome To Tokyo, Otis Clay (which Bran van 3000 could have done better...) it starts to get on your nerves a little. It sounds like the kids have broken into the studio and are recording their Fisher Price efforts. But can the adults get away with it?
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexDADDYLONGLEGS HORSE (Pussyfoot)
reviewed 01-11-99
Daddylonglegs is a pseudonym for musical duo ubiquitous producer Howie B (whose label this is released on) and guitarist and analogue sythn specialist, Jeremy Shaw. Horse has an an equine theme throughout - from the beautiful yet simple graphics of the cover to the way the music audibly gallops on the first track Pony Express, before slowing down to a more Tricky-esque shuffle on the Pink Floyd-esque When Betty Comes To Town, and to the song titles such as They Shag Horses Don't They? (featuring a sample of John Martyn's Solid Air). This album is clearly self-indulgent: Shaw and B collaborating in creative freedom and experimentation. Mostly interesting and mostly intelligent.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexEVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL Temperamental (Virgin)
reviewed 01-11-99
It's hard to write a less than excellent review for the musical duo you admire the most - for their musical talent, their overcoming of huge personal struggles, and because they are simply genuinely lovely (and modest) people. However, asides a handful of songs over the years nothing has ever grabbed me as much as their first album, the jazz-inspired Eden. Critics talk of Temperamental as being the culmination of successfully reinventing themselves and of them having 'found their niche' as their journey into clubland continues. But I don't agree. I think Ben Watt needs to write less mediocre house/jungle songs for Tracey Thorn and less (tired) 'stories'. For those who liked Todd Terry's remix of Missing you'll like most of the album: Five Fathoms, Blame, Lullaby of Clubland, title track Temperamental, and the rather excellent The Future of the Future (Stay Gold) (with Deep Dish); whilst Downhill Racer might suit the pace of earlier EBTG fans.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexGATECRASHER RED (INCredible)
reviewed 01-09-99
This complilation, the second released by UK dance club of the same name, starts rather oddly with Fatboy Slim's Praise You, and Garbage's When I Grow Up (Danny Tenaglia's Club Mix). Oddly, because they don't really blend with the rest of the tracks which are all mainly full-on club beats. Regardless, a great mix (and remix) of current dance music including tracks by Summer Spirit, Jam & Spoon, and DJ Tiesto. Only a party pooper would object to this particular gatecrasher...
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexGOMEZ LIQUID SKIN (Hut) reviewed 16-09-99
Last year after recording a demo tape, Gomez were labelled 'the band that the entire A&R community had been salivating over' by the NME; just a few months after releasing their debut album Bring It On they won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize for '1998 Album of the Year', leaving the likes of Massive Attack and Verve in their wake; received a Q award for 'Best Newcomer of 1998', two NME awards for 'Radio 1 Evening Session of the Year' and 'Best Newcomer', and were also nominated for 'Best British Group', 'Best British Album', and 'Best British Newcomer' in the 1999 BRITS awards. And so far, Liquid Skin has received rave reviews in various press from Time Out to Het Parool. So why didn't I like it? Probably simply a matter of taste (my temporary flat mate liked it). And as for the actual music? Tennessee, U.S.A. You're stuck on the back of a cart pulled by Ned the donkey, with a load of old geezers in jeans and dirty vests drunk on moonshine, and the irritating twanging of a slide guitar. Just when you think things couldn't get any worse… you spot Shania Twain on the horizon. Liquid Skin provides the perfect soundtrack.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexGROOVE ARMADA VERTIGO (Pepper)
reviewed 16-07-99
This is the second album by this London duo, recorded in a remote cottage in the Lake District which probably has a lot to do with the largely laid-back and mellow vibe of the album. A fusion of trip-hop, hip-hop, lounge, and pop, it's been compared to Air's Moon Safari but I don't think it quite gets there. A great mood-setting album however it is with a good range of vocalists and the addition of breezy trombones, inspired by their stint in 80s brass combo, the Kickhorns. Highlights are rap song Whatever, Whenever, the catchy dancefloor tracks If Everybody Looked The Same and I See You Baby, and the beautifully chilled At The River - the ultimate track if you're stuck in a traffic jam on the way to the beach - "If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air, quaint little feelings just here and there...". An ideal summer purchase.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexINDIAN ROPEMAN ELEPHANT SOUND (Skint)
reviewed 17-06-99
Another release off the Skint label (home to Fatboy Slim) this is the debut album by Indian Ropeman (aka Sanjiv Sen) who recently supported Fun Lovin' Criminals on their European tour. The music is a mixture of Indian trip-hop and hazy breakbeat with influences from Brighton to Bombay. Although personally not a great fan of the citar the east-west fusion is a subtle one and the instrument takes on a force of its own on the excellent cover of Sunshine of Your Love. Favourite tracks for me were the highly-laid back Your Own Enemy, 66 Metres (Indian Ropeman's recent single), Dominant Tonic and Mission To the Moog Pt.II. Wicked.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexJACKNIFE LEE MUY RICO! (Pussyfoot)
reviewed 16-05-99
In a similar vein to Space Raiders this is relentless foot-tapping stuff. Dublin-born Jacknife Lee (who has worked on production for Björk and Shed Seven amongst others) brings his worldwide, decade-crossing influences and mixes them all up - funk, easy tune, bossanova, and the hammond organ... everything is thrown in resulting in a humorous eclectic album that includes a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-inspired song, Toot Sweet Boogie Woogie. Fine by me. Also strongly recommended.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexKULAY BURN (INCredible)
reviewed 01-09-99
A fabulous funky single by this dance act from The Philippines, the follow-up from their club hit Delicious, and off their forthcoming album Vibestation (to be released mid-Sept). The CD-maxi also includes an extra long version of the remix by Norman Cook. However, despite being a Fatboy Slim devotee, couldn't say which version I preferred, and the remix doesn't seem to have the usual ingredients that make the unique mark of a Cook remix. Still excellent though...
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexMACY GRAY ON HOW LIFE IS (Epic)
reviewed 16-07-99
A fantastic debut album by the Aretha Franklin of the 90s borne out of her days of running an after-hours coffeeshop session in Los Angeles, the 'We Ours' (visited by the likes of Tricky, and The Roots). As the album kicks in with her raspy vocals on Why Didn't You Call Me followed by the hit single Do Something you realise that Gray is one sassy chick - and a force to be reckoned with. A melting pot of hip-hop, R&B, old school soul and blues and not to my usual musical taste (it's almost like admitting you secretly quite like Tina Turner) this album got played over and over: a gem from start to finish It's indescribable but I'll try: Gray's lyrics just reach inside you and move you immensely. Especially the hit single I Try about putting a front on despite your pain, and the particularly emotive Still, a brave and realistic statement about being in an abusive relationship. Lyrics, simply summed up as 'On How Life Is' .
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexMADNESS WONDERFUL (Virgin)
reviewed 16-11-99
Madness are well and truly back and in fine form! A fabulous album, a treat for both new fans and old fans of the 'nutty boys' who have brought out their first studio album in 14 years. It opens with Lovestruck their current single released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first hit single (of which they had 21 between 1979 and 1986). One of many excellent tunes including the brilliant Saturday Night, Sunday Morning . Ska mixed up with energetic dance rhythms of classic Motown: familiar melodic, melancholic, madness with vaudeville touches, and flourishing piano crescendos. In their own words: 'Wonderful'.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexGEORGE MICHAEL SONGS FROM THE LAST CENTURY (Virgi/Aegean)
reviewed 01-12-99
Having got a message on my ansafone a few weeks ago asking if I wanted to work on a 'pop video being shot in the Red Light District'; not pursuing it and throwing the number away a couple of days later, it is with some pain that I write this, as the video turned out to be that (controversial) one by George Michael... The song was the old Police hit Roxanne, one of many familiar covers found on his latest album. Obviously a highly personal, self-indulgent venture (though we can assume the one about the female prostiture isn't quite...), the result is a smooth, slickly-produced late-night, jazzy CD. However, nothing particularly remarkable about George Michael's interpretations of the covers and some songs just can't compare to the original/popularised versions such as My Baby Just Cares For Me, Wild is the Wind and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Still, quality late-night jazz and a must for George Michael fans but next time George just get yourself a karaoke machine...
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexPRESENCE ALL SYSTEMS GONE (Pagan)
reviewed 16-05-99
Despite high acclaim from the music press in general, a disappointing, bland, over-produced and too slick debut album by Charles Webster. Even the two songs which Shara Nelson appears on (including one she co-wrote with Webster, Sense of Danger) do little justice to her incredible voice. And, although there are a couple of good tracks - the mesmerising Your Spirit, and one with Sara Jay on vocals, Far Far Away From My Heart, most of it is pretty forgettable.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexSPACE RAIDERS DON'T BE DAFT (Skint)
reviewed 16-05-99
From the same label as Fat Boy Slim, and Indian Ropeman (the latter who recently performed with the Space Raiders at the Paradiso) the band were formed 'during the mushroom season of '97' and named themselves after an empty packet of Space Raider crisps that blew through one of their doors on a windy Middlesborough day. This is a fabulous debut album a culmination of the wide range of influences the three members admit to (including Shirley Bassey and Frank Sinatra, as well as 70s music and Fats Domino) with their own original percussion sounds and bizarre samples thrown in. Particularly memorable are Song For Dot (my favourite), Dance, Glam Raid, and (I Need The) Disko Doctor. Danceable, happy and highly recommended.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexSUEDE HEAD MUSIC (Nude)
reviewed 01-05-99
The first Hendrixesque strains of the CD make you question what CD you just popped in the player and Head Music doesn't get much better (or any more intelligent: "she live in a house, she's stupid as a mouse") until the fourth song, Everything Will Flow when it becomes slightly more bearable. The rather good Down is more typical of earlier Suede (i.e. particularly depressing instead of just plain depressing), as is He's Gone (also rather good) which is a song purely for self-indulgent purposes if your boyfriend's just left. The upbeat (yes, upbeat) She's in Fashion is a catchy, pop song, and Elephant Man is just absolutely nauseous and the point where you want to throw the CD (complete with player) out the window. Recommended for Suede fans, depressheads and Morrissey. Others: proceed with caution.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexSUPER COLLIDER DARN (COLD WAY O' LOVIN') (Loaded)
reviewed 16-08-99 Off their debut album Head On this is one excellent funky cut by Brighton-based duo Christian Vogel and Jamie Lidell - despite their background in cutting edge, dark, moody techno. As well as the original album version and edit, the CD also contains two additional remixes - Harvey's Collision Course Mix and my favourite, Dawn. (N.B: The CD also contains extra free multi-media for both Macs and PCs.) Darn good!
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexTEXAS THE HUSH (Mercury)
reviewed 01-06-99
Could my love life be any worse? Well, yes - if I listen to Texas' singer, Sharleen Spiteri. Why is she so miserable? And why do Texas never quite get there? Another bland, poppy offering from the group who frustratingly could do so much better if Spiteri didn't even attempt the high notes or maybe simply collaborated with Massive. Having said that though Track 12 (the last on the album) The Day Before I Went Away is pretty damn fine and includes a sample of the excellent Windmills of Your Mind performed by La Chorale des Enfants de l'Opera de Paris. Apparently. I didn't notice it. Just as well they point these things out eh?
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexWALL OF SOUND PRESENTS BUSTIN' LOOSE (Wall of Sound)
reviewed 01-10-99
A special compilation to celebrate the 5th anniversary of UK independent dance label, Wall of Sound, whose most associated signing to date is the Propellerheads who start the album off with the hit single History Repeating featuring Ms. Shirley Bassey. The label that once shared stages with Brighton's Skint (Fatboy Slim's label) at festivals in London, Brighton and Reading, proves that it has some fine talent and is a force to be reckoned with. Dynamic and danceable, highlights are Mekon with Skool's Out (featuring Schoolly D), The Wiseguys with Ooh Lah Lah, an innovative invasion by alien soundscaper Wreckage Inc with Chase, and jazzadelics from Akasha with Crazy Baby who round off the album nicely. Slightly disappointing is Zoot Woman It's Automatic and unusually, Les Rhythmes Digitales Dreamin' which, for me, recalls the most insipid and bland 80s music (which is deliberate I'm told). Still, a seriously good purchase for your music collection.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexJOSH WINK PROFOUND SOUNDS VOL. 1 (Ruffhouse)
reviewed 16-08-99
The first in a series of 'sonic journeys' by Philadelphia-born, internationally renowned DJ/producer/ remixer/Ovum Recordings co-founder, Wink, (who has remixed for Moby and had a European hit with his gritty, electro romp Higher State of Consciousness in 1995). On Profound Sounds Vol. 1 Wink has literally mixed his current favourite records out of his collection including Sylk 130 When The Funk Hits the Fan (Mood II Swing When the Dub Hits the Fan Mix); Merio's Dubwork Meets Kathy Lee's K-Mart Shopping (Hi-Fi Mix); and Detroit luminary Stacey Pullen presents Black Odyssey's Sweat. The CD, which also includes an exclusive untitled track by Wink, is a mixture of tech-house, house and techno all seamlessly blended together without becoming too heavy in any one style. An eclectic mix of this dance music genre.
Pip Farquharson
Back to IndexZAP MAMA ā MA ZONE (Virgin)
reviewed 01-06-99
Zap Mama have come up with yet another class album. Manu Dibango guests (sax and vocals) on the opening track Allo 'Allo and it just gets better and better from the beautiful Björk-esque Call Waiting to Ya Solo and the final track My Own Zero. A bi-lingual beaut of a CD.
Pip Farquharson
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