I honestly felt that one song would be Caro Emerald's actually :lol: I actually listened to the Blank's album, it was me who said it was up for free download btw :P , it was nothing special, can't remember Shirt Off definitely though. Erik Hassle, Anna Bergendahl, Boyzone - all the albums i never listenbed to despite having them downloaded :lol: This The Pipettes song is really awful, but i'd really look at it ina different way had i known the title beforehand! The anonymity idea is very good, and really doesn't distract from music itself. <3

 

Indeed, it is good as you listen to stuff with more of an open mind! Glad you made some discoveries that you loved anyway :D Especially Believe Again and Stadt :wub:

Alot of tracks are pre-1990, so I'm thinking the person who made this CD is much older than the average BJ person. My guess would be thisispop, as he seems to be the ultimate music guru and only someone who knows their $h!t would be able to put this mixed CD together.

I've got to say, I'm so fortunate to have gotten this CD. I love a mix of old and new, and this has a bit of here and there of the past 50 years in England.

And not just one genre of music, this is covering quite a range of catergories. This was made for people for people who love music in general, with no restrictions. Plus, I think this CD is appropriate for me, seeing that I'm not/haven't been exposed to much English music over the years until just recently.

Overall, I've got to say the calibar of the music on this CD is pretty high, there's no 2nd/3rd rate artists. Good quality music!

I've thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this and I'm probably going to look into at least half of the artists on these tracks to check out more greatness.

Thank you so much!

 

Overall rating: 8.3/10

 

You were spot on. I'm glad you really liked it.

 

 

England

 

Track 1: Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen. One of the most controversial songs in the UK and started the punk rock movement to what it is today. It still doesn't get old for me, after listening to it on daily basis back in the day when I discovered who the Sex Pistols were. Is there really anything bad that can be said about this piece of music history? 10/10

 

Of course - this UK#2 from 1977 in time for the Queen's Silver Jubilee that was famously stopped from being allowed to be #1 in the official charts due to the disqualification of a number of independent retailers. Hopefully the team responsible for RATM beating X-Factor to #1 last Xmas, will try and ensure this is UK#1 in 2.5 weeks time.

 

Track 2: Reminds me of a psychedelic rock song that'd great to hear live, maybe from the late 70's? I like the vocals but that one vocal-instrument (can't remember what it is?) does become a little annoying as the song progresses, this is still quite good. 7.5/10

 

Pink Floyd - Corporal Clegg. Written by Roger Waters from their 2nd album 1968's Saucerful of Secrets. It was the proto Radiohead's first lyrical mention of war in one of their own songs. The annoying vocal instrument is the kazoo.

 

Track 3: I really enjoy the back & forth male/female vocals on this song and the production seems pretty basic, allowing for stipped down instrumentals and giving the song a moody/haunting tone to it. 8/10

 

Kate Bush - Army Dreamers. This near acoustic folk UK#16 1980 anti-war single taken for the first ever studio album (Never For Ever) by a UK female artist full of original material to top the UK album chart. Little wonder Smash Hits magazine nicknamed her "The Mighty Bush".

 

Track 4: Happy pop/rock of the mid-60's, it always lifts my spirits! Great sing-along-song that is catchy as hell. Nice melody and pleasant-sounding vocals. Seems like it could be a solo male heart-throb, but with actual credibility! 8.5/10

 

Bluetones - Keep The Home Fires Burning. This very melodic and tuneful UK#13 single in 2000(!) taken from Mark Morriss' Brit-Poppers third album Science & Nature. One of my favourite underrated UK acts.

 

Track 5: Another mid-60's track, I'm thinking this is The Kinks?! I've heard this before on oldies radio. The chorus seems like it's a mouthful, but this was typical during this era. This is pretty darn good. 8/10

 

The Kinks - The Village Green Preservation Society. Title track of the 1968 seminal double concept album about life in the English Countryside, that flopped at the time, but is now regarded as Ray Davies' band's best album. The accompanying single to it was "Days". And both this track, "Picture Book"; and "Starstruck" have been used in adverts in the last decade.

 

Track 6: Early 60's pop group perhaps? Curious to know who these are, I love this track! Talent-wise, these guys must be up there cause this is pretty amazing. Excellent vocals/harmonies and snappy lyrics. Even the added quirky voices after each chorus is a nice touch. Perfection. 9.5/10

 

The Who - Dogs. This 1968 UK#25 hit single is one of their least well known singles. The lyrics of Dogs are a loose Pete Townshend narrative centering on romance and beer at a Greyhound racing track (a quarter of a century before Blur did it). The recording features mockney vocals from Roger Daltrey in tribute to friends and fellow mod rivals ............

 

Track 7: Pure instrumental track, feels very hypnotic. Must be pre-Pink Floyd, as the production is less refined and it has that 'hippie' feel. This isreally, really good, much appreciation for a song that uses little technology to create a trippy song like this. 9/10

 

... The Small Faces - Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake. This is the psychedelic instrumental title track of the 1968 UK#1 (for 6 weeks) concept album by the Steve Marriott & Ronnie Lane led mod outfit ("All Or Nothing; Itchycoo Park; Lazy Sunday; Tin Soldier; etc") released shortly before they split.

 

Track 8: This song just doesn't go anywhere for me. Vocals are fairly monotone and difficult to decipher what is being sung, but I do like the piano nature of the song. Maybe the song is more lyric-driven than anything else; I haven't figured it out yet. 5/10

 

Nick Drake - Northern Sky. This legendary folk singer/songwriter known for his sombre pieces. Although he failed to find a wide audience during his lifetime (he committed suicide at the age of 25 - having long suffered depression which is symptons are consistent with Aspergers syndrome which Joy Division's Ian Curtis also suffered), Drake's work has gradually achieved wider notice and recognition; he now ranks among the most influential English singer-songwriters of the last 50 years. Taken from his second of three albums 1970's Bryter Layter.

 

Track 9: Lyrically this song is a little bit out there, the repeative line "if wishes were horses" doesn't make sense or seem witty (unless she's saying something else). But the song does get points for being plenty catchy and having a great instrumental ending. 7/10

 

???????? - ?????????? A very possible Nonsuch BJSC 27 entry. This demo (posted on her ThinkSpace) was co-written and recorded in March 2010 by an English North-Western female singer/songwriter/pianist/keyboard player at the studio of a former guitarist/tunesmith from a seminal 1990s BritPop band; whom in the last five years is now an Ivor Novello award winning songwriter & BRIT award winning producer. The former whom blogged that she had a sore throat at the time, so it does not quite sound like her, as she clearly sounds husky and loses it a bit vocally at the top end, does some wonderful Rick Wakeman meets Abba piano flourishes; as the latter does a hybrid guitar riff that Mick Ronson and Dave Gilmour would have been proud of. Both songwriters have known what its like to be overhyped, then watch as less talented acts go on and have far greater success. In March this year this female singer/songwriter said her 2nd album "will be rawer and a bit more down-to-earth. It'll still be magical, but quite dark and spooky at the same time." She added that she has drawn inspiration from the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe .... and listening to one line in the song an ALW BBC1 talent show! :lol:

 

Track 10: This track sounds like it could be Rancid, if they were a band back in the 70's! Love this song, happens to be just the right amount of odd vocals and laid-back instrumentals that pulls this together so nicely. I feel I need to discover who this band is, I'm sure I'd enjoy their catalog. 9/10

 

The Clash - Guns Of Brixton. Taken from the punk rockers third album, London Calling, released in 1979. It was written and sung by bassist Paul Simonon, who grew up in Brixton, south London.

The song has a strong reggae influence. "The Guns of Brixton" bass line became famous when Norman Cook (a.k.a. Fatboy Slim) sampled it for Beats International's hit 1990 UK#1 hit "Dub Be Good to Me".

 

Track 11: This track feels a kinda silly and light-hearted, and that's definitely not a bad thing. The lyrics are just plain fun and it seems like a good song to sing when you're drunk! I also really enjoy the organ/synthesizers on this track. 8/10

 

The Specials - Friday Night, Saturday Morning. Penned by Terry Hall (who went onto Fun Boy Three, The Colourfield; etc). This was the b-side of the Specials 1981 UK#1 hit Ghost Town. The last single released by the original line up.

 

Track 12: Guitar riffs? Yes please. Incredible song, I'm sure I must've come across this over the years, as this seems like it could've been a staple for British-punk in the 80's. The bridge of nah-nah-nah's into the chorus screams punk! 9/10

 

The Jam - Saturday's Kids Taken from the post-punk trio's third album 1979's Setting Sons. This is a brilliant stab of youthful suburbia by the legendary Paul Weller.

 

Track 13: Another instrumental, but it's not a sleeper and is quite good. Normally I wouldn't think of a saxophone/piano combo being that interesting, but this is surprising. It's got enough jazzy melody to keep it going, without coming off cheesy. 8/10

 

Madness - Walking With Mr Wheeze. B-side of their only UK#1 hit single 1982's "House Of Fun". I fondly remember Radio 1 DJ Peter Powell using this track as an instrumental bed to talk over.

 

Track 14: Lily Allen - Chinese. Now we jump a couple of decades to my second favourite track (Everyone's At It is #1) from Lily Allen's It's Not Me, It's You. Vocals and lyrics are tight on this, simply amazing, how does she do it! Really hope Lily isn't retiring from recording music, she's one of the few young, authentic female artists out there! 9.5/10

 

Yep. My 2nd favourite track (behind f*** You) from the Ivor Novello Award winning artist's second album.

 

Track 15: This sounds like a slice of mid 90's pop. Even though this is my first time hearing this track, it sounds like it could've been a big Hot AC radio hit back in the day, a la Donna Lewis/Sophie B. Hawkins, which is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. 8/10

 

Cathy Dennis - West End Cab. This Brit Pop influenced 1996 UK#25 hit was written by the future top songwriter for hire, with another future songwriter for hire ... Guy Chambers. It was her final UK Top 40 hit as a performer.

 

Track 16: I love songs that tell stories. The ability to convey a story into a song and actually have the song be bearable is a bit of a rarity. I do like this quite a bit, more so for it's lyrics rather than the structure of the song. 7.5/10

 

Kirsty MacColl - England 2 Columbia 0. Tragically taken from her final album in 2000 Tropical Brainstorm, the same year she was killed in a speedboat incident in Mexico. This track is crying out for some hurt WAG who runs off to PR parasite guru Max Clifford to get paid £100K from the tabloids to cover.

 

Track 17: This must be a singer-songwriter of the 90's. Vocals sound quite vulnerable and innocent on this track. Quite good, I may have possibly heard

this on radio way back in the day, but there's so much great UK talent that doesn't get beyond their own shores, unfortunately. 8/10

 

Dubstar - St. Swithin's Day. This Newcastle based Indie Dream Pop band featuring future Client vocalist Sarah Blackwood's cover of an old Billy Bragg song. Taken from their quite brilliant debut album 1995's Disgraceful.

 

Track 18: I want to know who this is. Smooth female vocals, reminds me of early 90's alternative dance-pop, with that whole tranquil/calming feel to it.

Almost 8 minutes long, I never once wanted to skip. A song must be pretty damn good if you'll stick around that long! 9.5/10

 

St. Etienne - Avenue. Formed by former music journalists Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs; and featuring the divine Sarah Cracknell on vocals. Whom combined the grooviness of Swinging Sixties London with a post-acid house backbeat. This epic 1992 single only reached UK#40. A true lost classic IMHO.

 

Track 19: A hip pop-folk record, I love the simplicity of this song. It isn't bogged down by production and over-done vocals. And a nice chorus to hold it

together. You know you've created a great song when anyone with an acoustic guitar could play and sing it. 8.5/10

 

Squeeze - Maidstone. Another non album B-side of the 1991 Sunday Street single which failed to reach the UK Top 75. This formmer 1970s New wavers Difford & Tilbrook penned track features a member of The Levellers on Mandolin; and Elvis Costello's pianist Steve Nieve.

 

Track 20: Everything about this song is divine. It has everything going for it. The right formula of electric guitar, synthesizers and vocals put together.

I will be listening to this quite often, me thinks. Brilliant. 10/10

 

David Bowie - Buddha Of Suburbia. The theme song to the BBC TV series (written by fellow Bromley pupil Hanif Kureishi about his life growing up in the 1970s/early 1980s intermittent with characters based on fellow Bromley Contingent schoolmates including Siouxsie Sioux; Billy Idol; Steve Severin & Adam Ant) of the same name, released by David Bowie in 1993. This title track is taken from IMHO his best album he has released since 1980s Scary Monsters. its nostalgic lyrics were matched by a sound that was something of a pastiche of Bowie's past work, while retaining a fresh sound. Two places in the song there are references to older Bowie songs, the guitar break from "Space Oddity" and the line "Zane, zane, zane, ouvre le chien" from "All the Madmen".

 

Track 21: Sounds 80's new-wave to me. The song keeps building towards a climax, but never gets there. Plus the vocals on this are too layered and all over the place. Logical tells me that I should like this song, it just doesn't hold up as well against other music of this time. 6/10

 

XTC - Chalkhills and Children. There's no place like home! Title track of the biography written about Swindon's finest band. This trippy Andy Partridge track is the closing track from their 1989 album Oranges & Lemons. "I`m skating over thin ice, while some nonsuch net holds me aloft..."

 

Track 9: Lyrically this song is a little bit out there, the repeative line "if wishes were horses" doesn't make sense or seem witty (unless she's saying something else). But the song does get points for being plenty catchy and having a great instrumental ending. 7/10

 

???????? - ?????????? A very possible Nonsuch BJSC 27 entry. This demo (posted on her ThinkSpace) was co-written and recorded in March 2010 by an English North-Western female singer/songwriter/pianist/keyboard player at the studio of a former guitarist/tunesmith from a seminal 1990s BritPop band; whom in the last five years is now an Ivor Novello award winning songwriter & BRIT award winning producer. The former whom blogged that she had a sore throat at the time, so it does not quite sound like her, as she clearly sounds husky and loses it a bit vocally at the top end, does some wonderful Rick Wakeman meets Abba piano flourishes; as the latter does a hybrid guitar riff that Mick Ronson and Dave Gilmour would have been proud of. Both songwriters have known what its like to be overhyped, then watch as less talented acts go on and have far greater success. In March this year this female singer/songwriter said her 2nd album "will be rawer and a bit more down-to-earth. It'll still be magical, but quite dark and spooky at the same time." She added that she has drawn inspiration from the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe .... and listening to one line in the song an ALW BBC1 talent show! :lol:

Is Track 9 Little Boots?! If so, I would've had no idea, her sore vocals really did a number to her!

Is Track 9 Little Boots?! If so, I would've had no idea, her sore vocals really did a number to her!

 

 

It is. So no doubt three people will nominate it to be banned from the BJSC, even though it has flown very low on the radar - with no mension on Popjustice, and to my knowledge little mention anywhere else (bar one place). Funnily enough with a really sore throat I think she sounds like Blondie's Deborah Harry trying to sound English!

 

But I love it, because like most acts that I love she has been brave and recorded something that musically sounds like nothing from her debut album, and is a million miles away from her big hit "Remedy".

 

So no doubt her useless record company will stall releasing the finished item. Then Lady GaGa will doubtless release something very 21st Century Century progressive pop themed; and then she'll be accused of jumping on another artists bandwagon by music punters.

 

 

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kxu6wySgRh1qb0fpwo1_400.jpg

My Review Of 'Enjoy!'

 

This CD seemed to be split down the middle, the first half being composed with a majority of poppy songs and then after Track 14 it seems to go more indie.

 

Track 1 - catchy asian-pop song, unfortunately not really my thing. Nice hip-hop-esque beat

Track 2 - Another catchy, up tempo song, this time with a slight country feel to it. Nothing Groundbreaking but nice vocals.

Track 3 - Shakira's unique voice was spotted instantly, but the song wasn't recognised. Parts of this sound like 'I'll Stand By Me'. I like this. very catchy and summery. This one is heading for the MP3.

Track 4 - Don't like this. Very repeditive pop song and it sounds very manufactured. The vocals are very weak too. This just isn't my song.

track 5 - this was a nice break from the 4 pop songs previous. This is a slow rock ballad with basic guitar and sex related lyrics (which are always good :kink:) Sounds like Allstar.

Track 6 - Back to pop now. This is slower but sounds very similar to Track 4 vocally. Once again nothing groundbreaking. but then again this ain't my favourite genre

Track 7 - This is a foreign language pop song with a rock edge. reminds me of Las Ketchup. I like the chorus but thats it. Once again not for me.

Track 8 - Sounds almost identical to Track 4 & 6. I'm not a fan of this either. but its the same slow tempo pop female vocals pop song.

Track 9 - Next song is a foreign language ballad. i like this actually. the vocals are beautiful and catchy. Nothing Jaw Dropping but still enjoyable.

Track 10 - Now tbh I'm rubbish an genrenising things, but this is a slow techno-pop (glam pop :???: ) with a quite repeditive and annoying chorus. I counldn't listen to this i'm afraid

Track 11 - This sounds like Jewel, i know her from the BJSC. she falls into the same genre as all the other songs except with a more rocky edge and prominent drums. but yet again, nothing exciting me.

Track 12 - I was so relieved when i heard track 12 i listened to it 5 times in a row. Simon Curtis - Beat Drop. i had only hear it twice before. Geat song. Sounds like it samples some opera song or something. Great techno beat. best song on the CD :)

Track 13 - When i first heard the beat i was hoping it was going to be Beat Drop part II but i was sadly diappointed when i heard female vocals. The rest of the song didn't meet my now considerably higher standards and just sounded like 6 others on the album.

Track 14 - Wonderful Life by HURTS, Nice song, very catchy always reminds me of a Duran Duran's 'A View To A Kill'. Nice change from the glam pop rampage earlier on in the CD

Track 15 - Probably the secong best on the CD. Definetly an MP3er. a Paolo Nutini/Jason Mraz esque, foot tapping, head popping, summer song. Big Thumbs Up

Track 16 - Now were getting more Rocky. if i can recall its Lifehouse - Last Goodbye. But they sound like Daughtry and Rooney combined. Its good. One of the better off the albums.

Track 17 - A huge surprise when i heard Dolly's voice next. Travelling Through :wub: brilliant country track. This is an MP3er for sure

Track 18 - slow piano ballad with a RnB beat, very distinctive voice, sound like early 00s RnB, which i don't really like. nice string work though.

Track 19 - Another slow piano ballad with a very distinctive voice, Reminds me of The Voice Within except 2 minutes longer and with a gossip choir at the end. I still can't find any hook, or anything appealing about the song except for its nice vocals.

Track 20 - A faster song that is quite boring up until 3 minutes in when there is a huge explosion of noise which doesnt add much. the 3 boring song in a row.

 

I think i was the wrong recipient for this CD, it has a lot of euro/asian pop, but all the indie songs they chose were good and would like to hear a full indie CD from them. Only 4 or 5 will end up on my MP3 which doesn't say much for a 20 track CD. What i liked i LOVED how ever the rest just failed to tickle my taste buds. Thanks for the person who put all the time in, and im sorry i wasn't the perfect recipient for you :)

Edited May 20, 201015 yr by CianS

It is. So no doubt three people will nominate it to be banned from the BJSC, even though it has flown very low on the radar - with no mension on Popjustice, and to my knowledge little mention anywhere else (bar one place). Funnily enough with a really sore throat I think she sounds like Blondie's Deborah Harry trying to sound English!

 

But I love it, because like most acts that I love she has been brave and recorded something that musically sounds like nothing from her debut album, and is a million miles away from her big hit "Remedy".

 

So no doubt her useless record company will stall releasing the finished item. Then Lady GaGa will doubtless release something very 21st Century Century progressive pop themed; and then she'll be accused of jumping on another artists bandwagon by music punters.

 

 

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kxu6wySgRh1qb0fpwo1_400.jpg

Awesome. Even if her sound on the new album is a big departure from her debut, I'm sure it'll still be amazing. Someone as talented and authentic as Victoria can pretty much do what and we would still be blown away by it.

 

Unfortunately she'll always be in the shadow of Gaga and never have the breakout success she deserves, but at least her music is reaching people who appreciate it.

England

 

Track 1: Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen. One of the most controversial songs in the UK and started the punk rock movement to what it is today. It still doesn't get old for me, after listening to it on daily basis back in the day when I discovered who the Sex Pistols were. Is there really anything bad that can be said about this piece of music history? 10/10

 

Of course - this UK#2 from 1977 in time for the Queen's Silver Jubilee that was famously stopped from being allowed to be #1 in the official charts due to the disqualification of a number of independent retailers. Hopefully the team responsible for RATM beating X-Factor to #1 last Xmas, will try and ensure this is UK#1 in 2.5 weeks time.

 

If there's ever a time for a FB campaign to get a song to #1, this should be it :)

 

Track 2: Reminds me of a psychedelic rock song that'd great to hear live, maybe from the late 70's? I like the vocals but that one vocal-instrument (can't remember what it is?) does become a little annoying as the song progresses, this is still quite good. 7.5/10

 

Pink Floyd - Corporal Clegg. Written by Roger Waters from their 2nd album 1968's Saucerful of Secrets. It was the proto Radiohead's first lyrical mention of war in one of their own songs. The annoying vocal instrument is the kazoo.

 

I own Dark Side of the Moon and have a couple of their biggest hits, but I've never heard this. I should check out earlier Pink Floyd. Kazoo's are not an instrument for me.

 

Track 3: I really enjoy the back & forth male/female vocals on this song and the production seems pretty basic, allowing for stipped down instrumentals and giving the song a moody/haunting tone to it. 8/10

 

Kate Bush - Army Dreamers. This near acoustic folk UK#16 1980 anti-war single taken for the first ever studio album (Never For Ever) by a UK female artist full of original material to top the UK album chart. Little wonder Smash Hits magazine nicknamed her "The Mighty Bush".

 

I've never listened to a Kate Bush song. Heard so many great things about her and being so critically acclaimed in the UK. Maybe that's a sign I should YouTube her!

 

Track 4: Happy pop/rock of the mid-60's, it always lifts my spirits! Great sing-along-song that is catchy as hell. Nice melody and pleasant-sounding vocals. Seems like it could be a solo male heart-throb, but with actual credibility! 8.5/10

 

Bluetones - Keep The Home Fires Burning. This very melodic and tuneful UK#13 single in 2000(!) taken from Mark Morriss' Brit-Poppers third album Science & Nature. One of my favourite underrated UK acts.

 

Woah, I was way off on this track :lol: Definitely sounds like a throw back to the 60's.

 

Track 5: Another mid-60's track, I'm thinking this is The Kinks?! I've heard this before on oldies radio. The chorus seems like it's a mouthful, but this was typical during this era. This is pretty darn good. 8/10

 

The Kinks - The Village Green Preservation Society. Title track of the 1968 seminal double concept album about life in the English Countryside, that flopped at the time, but is now regarded as Ray Davies' band's best album. The accompanying single to it was "Days". And both this track, "Picture Book"; and "Starstruck" have been used in adverts in the last decade.

 

I was on the right track with this one :)

 

Track 6: Early 60's pop group perhaps? Curious to know who these are, I love this track! Talent-wise, these guys must be up there cause this is pretty amazing. Excellent vocals/harmonies and snappy lyrics. Even the added quirky voices after each chorus is a nice touch. Perfection. 9.5/10

 

The Who - Dogs. This 1968 UK#25 hit single is one of their least well known singles. The lyrics of Dogs are a loose Pete Townshend narrative centering on romance and beer at a Greyhound racing track (a quarter of a century before Blur did it). The recording features mockney vocals from Roger Daltrey in tribute to friends and fellow mod rivals ............

 

Ahh, The Who! I've certainly heard Magic Bus and My Generation, but this is new to me. Extremely good.

 

Track 7: Pure instrumental track, feels very hypnotic. Must be pre-Pink Floyd, as the production is less refined and it has that 'hippie' feel. This isreally, really good, much appreciation for a song that uses little technology to create a trippy song like this. 9/10

 

... The Small Faces - Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake. This is the psychedelic instrumental title track of the 1968 UK#1 (for 6 weeks) concept album by the Steve Marriott & Ronnie Lane led mod outfit ("All Or Nothing; Itchycoo Park; Lazy Sunday; Tin Soldier; etc") released shortly before they split.

 

Track 8: This song just doesn't go anywhere for me. Vocals are fairly monotone and difficult to decipher what is being sung, but I do like the piano nature of the song. Maybe the song is more lyric-driven than anything else; I haven't figured it out yet. 5/10

 

Nick Drake - Northern Sky. This legendary folk singer/songwriter known for his sombre pieces. Although he failed to find a wide audience during his lifetime (he committed suicide at the age of 25 - having long suffered depression which is symptons are consistent with Aspergers syndrome which Joy Division's Ian Curtis also suffered), Drake's work has gradually achieved wider notice and recognition; he now ranks among the most influential English singer-songwriters of the last 50 years. Taken from his second of three albums 1970's Bryter Layter.

 

Track 9: Lyrically this song is a little bit out there, the repeative line "if wishes were horses" doesn't make sense or seem witty (unless she's saying something else). But the song does get points for being plenty catchy and having a great instrumental ending. 7/10

 

???????? - ?????????? A very possible Nonsuch BJSC 27 entry. This demo (posted on her ThinkSpace) was co-written and recorded in March 2010 by an English North-Western female singer/songwriter/pianist/keyboard player at the studio of a former guitarist/tunesmith from a seminal 1990s BritPop band; whom in the last five years is now an Ivor Novello award winning songwriter & BRIT award winning producer. The former whom blogged that she had a sore throat at the time, so it does not quite sound like her, as she clearly sounds husky and loses it a bit vocally at the top end, does some wonderful Rick Wakeman meets Abba piano flourishes; as the latter does a hybrid guitar riff that Mick Ronson and Dave Gilmour would have been proud of. Both songwriters have known what its like to be overhyped, then watch as less talented acts go on and have far greater success. In March this year this female singer/songwriter said her 2nd album "will be rawer and a bit more down-to-earth. It'll still be magical, but quite dark and spooky at the same time." She added that she has drawn inspiration from the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe .... and listening to one line in the song an ALW BBC1 talent show! :lol:

 

If this makes her album, maybe a final version will be more refined. At least I know now where the song is lyrically trying to go :lol:

 

Track 10: This track sounds like it could be Rancid, if they were a band back in the 70's! Love this song, happens to be just the right amount of odd vocals and laid-back instrumentals that pulls this together so nicely. I feel I need to discover who this band is, I'm sure I'd enjoy their catalog. 9/10

 

The Clash - Guns Of Brixton. Taken from the punk rockers third album, London Calling, released in 1979. It was written and sung by bassist Paul Simonon, who grew up in Brixton, south London.

The song has a strong reggae influence. "The Guns of Brixton" bass line became famous when Norman Cook (a.k.a. Fatboy Slim) sampled it for Beats International's hit 1990 UK#1 hit "Dub Be Good to Me".

 

Haven't really gotten into The Clash, but Guns Of Brixton is so good I can't ignore it, I'll be downloading this :). Unfortunately Professor Green sampled this and will be infecting our brains soon enough.

 

Track 11: This track feels a kinda silly and light-hearted, and that's definitely not a bad thing. The lyrics are just plain fun and it seems like a good song to sing when you're drunk! I also really enjoy the organ/synthesizers on this track. 8/10

 

The Specials - Friday Night, Saturday Morning. Penned by Terry Hall (who went onto Fun Boy Three, The Colourfield; etc). This was the b-side of the Specials 1981 UK#1 hit Ghost Town. The last single released by the original line up.

 

Track 12: Guitar riffs? Yes please. Incredible song, I'm sure I must've come across this over the years, as this seems like it could've been a staple for British-punk in the 80's. The bridge of nah-nah-nah's into the chorus screams punk! 9/10

 

The Jam - Saturday's Kids Taken from the post-punk trio's third album 1979's Setting Sons. This is a brilliant stab of youthful suburbia by the legendary Paul Weller.

 

So many great punk rock gems on here, love it.

 

Track 13: Another instrumental, but it's not a sleeper and is quite good. Normally I wouldn't think of a saxophone/piano combo being that interesting, but this is surprising. It's got enough jazzy melody to keep it going, without coming off cheesy. 8/10

 

Madness - Walking With Mr Wheeze. B-side of their only UK#1 hit single 1982's "House Of Fun". I fondly remember Radio 1 DJ Peter Powell using this track as an instrumental bed to talk over.

 

Track 14: Lily Allen - Chinese. Now we jump a couple of decades to my second favourite track (Everyone's At It is #1) from Lily Allen's It's Not Me, It's You. Vocals and lyrics are tight on this, simply amazing, how does she do it! Really hope Lily isn't retiring from recording music, she's one of the few young, authentic female artists out there! 9.5/10

 

Yep. My 2nd favourite track (behind f*** You) from the Ivor Novello Award winning artist's second album.

 

Well deserved awards, songwriters need more recognition.

 

Track 15: This sounds like a slice of mid 90's pop. Even though this is my first time hearing this track, it sounds like it could've been a big Hot AC radio hit back in the day, a la Donna Lewis/Sophie B. Hawkins, which is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. 8/10

 

Cathy Dennis - West End Cab. This Brit Pop influenced 1996 UK#25 hit was written by the future top songwriter for hire, with another future songwriter for hire ... Guy Chambers. It was her final UK Top 40 hit as a performer.

 

I had no idea Cathy was such a great performer, I really hope Little Boots doesn't become a songwriting-only artist like her, but I'm sure Cathy's loving the royalities.

 

Track 16: I love songs that tell stories. The ability to convey a story into a song and actually have the song be bearable is a bit of a rarity. I do like this quite a bit, more so for it's lyrics rather than the structure of the song. 7.5/10

 

Kirsty MacColl - England 2 Columbia 0. Tragically taken from her final album in 2000 Tropical Brainstorm, the same year she was killed in a speedboat incident in Mexico. This track is crying out for some hurt WAG who runs off to PR parasite guru Max Clifford to get paid £100K from the tabloids to cover.

 

Kirsty MacColl, from Fairytale Of New York. This must be soccer/football related I'm assuming? Unfortunately I don't follow, the sport is not well-known/popular here. It's all hockey in the Great White North!

 

Track 17: This must be a singer-songwriter of the 90's. Vocals sound quite vulnerable and innocent on this track. Quite good, I may have possibly heard

this on radio way back in the day, but there's so much great UK talent that doesn't get beyond their own shores, unfortunately. 8/10

 

Dubstar - St. Swithin's Day. This Newcastle based Indie Dream Pop band featuring future Client vocalist Sarah Blackwood's cover of an old Billy Bragg song. Taken from their quite brilliant debut album 1995's Disgraceful.

 

Track 18: I want to know who this is. Smooth female vocals, reminds me of early 90's alternative dance-pop, with that whole tranquil/calming feel to it.

Almost 8 minutes long, I never once wanted to skip. A song must be pretty damn good if you'll stick around that long! 9.5/10

 

St. Etienne - Avenue. Formed by former music journalists Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs; and featuring the divine Sarah Cracknell on vocals. Whom combined the grooviness of Swinging Sixties London with a post-acid house backbeat. This epic 1992 single only reached UK#40. A true lost classic IMHO.

 

Can't believe this only peaked at #40, it surely deserved Top 5 back in the early 90's. Wow.

 

Track 19: A hip pop-folk record, I love the simplicity of this song. It isn't bogged down by production and over-done vocals. And a nice chorus to hold it

together. You know you've created a great song when anyone with an acoustic guitar could play and sing it. 8.5/10

 

Squeeze - Maidstone. Another non album B-side of the 1991 Sunday Street single which failed to reach the UK Top 75. This formmer 1970s New wavers Difford & Tilbrook penned track features a member of The Levellers on Mandolin; and Elvis Costello's pianist Steve Nieve.

 

Surprised this was a B-side, it seems like it had potential to be at least a 'charting' single. Love the folksy feel to it!

 

Track 20: Everything about this song is divine. It has everything going for it. The right formula of electric guitar, synthesizers and vocals put together.

I will be listening to this quite often, me thinks. Brilliant. 10/10

 

David Bowie - Buddha Of Suburbia. The theme song to the BBC TV series (written by fellow Bromley pupil Hanif Kureishi about his life growing up in the 1970s/early 1980s intermittent with characters based on fellow Bromley Contingent schoolmates including Siouxsie Sioux; Billy Idol; Steve Severin & Adam Ant) of the same name, released by David Bowie in 1993. This title track is taken from IMHO his best album he has released since 1980s Scary Monsters. its nostalgic lyrics were matched by a sound that was something of a pastiche of Bowie's past work, while retaining a fresh sound. Two places in the song there are references to older Bowie songs, the guitar break from "Space Oddity" and the line "Zane, zane, zane, ouvre le chien" from "All the Madmen".

 

:heart: Can't get enough of this! Now I see why he's Lady Gaga's mentor :lol:

 

Track 21: Sounds 80's new-wave to me. The song keeps building towards a climax, but never gets there. Plus the vocals on this are too layered and all over the place. Logical tells me that I should like this song, it just doesn't hold up as well against other music of this time. 6/10

 

XTC - Chalkhills and Children. There's no place like home! Title track of the biography written about Swindon's finest band. This trippy Andy Partridge track is the closing track from their 1989 album Oranges & Lemons. "I`m skating over thin ice, while some nonsuch net holds me aloft..."

Edited May 21, 201015 yr by West

I think i was the wrong recipient for this CD, it has a lot of euro/asian pop, but all the indie songs they chose were good and would like to hear a full indie CD from them. Only 4 or 5 will end up on my MP3 which doesn't say much for a 20 track CD. What i liked i LOVED how ever the rest just failed to tickle my taste buds. Thanks for the person who put all the time in, and im sorry i wasn't the perfect recipient for you :)

lol don't apologize. We can't help our tastes. I was fortunate enough to really like most of the songs on my disc despite them not being my usual tastes. But I realize this probably wouldnt be the case for who ever got my cd. I'm really glad you like the songs you did though as I really love them too. Okay here's the artist and names.

 

Track 1 - catchy asian-pop song, unfortunately not really my thing. Nice hip-hop-esque beat

Utada - On & On

I think this is just such a great club song. And Utada's lyrics are just clever and great! "Honeys if you're gay burn it up like a gay parade!" The song actually wasn't really my taste either until I heard it live. It served as the intro to her "In The Flesh" tour and I totally fell in love with it. Thought it'd serve as a great intro to this album.

 

Track 2 - Another catchy, up tempo song, this time with a slight country feel to it. Nothing Groundbreaking but nice vocals.

Mandy Moore - I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week

Love this song! Mandy's vocals are great on this one. Such a feel good, country sounding song!

 

Track 3 - Shakira's unique voice was spotted instantly, but the song wasn't recognised. Parts of this sound like 'I'll Stand By Me'. I like this. very catchy and summery. This one is heading for the MP3.

Shakira - Estoy Aqui

This was Shakira's first international hit from way back in 1995. I think this song is just perfect. Glad you enjoyed it as it's probably my favorite from this collection. It always brings back soo many memories <3

 

Track 4 - Don't like this. Very repeditive pop song and it sounds very manufactured. The vocals are very weak too. This just isn't my song.

Wonder Girls - Nobody

Can't believe you don't like this. It's just sooo catchy. It's definitely very manufactured and repetitive but I think its just soo catchy and cute. Love the rap at the end as well.

 

track 5 - this was a nice break from the 4 pop songs previous. This is a slow rock ballad with basic guitar and sex related lyrics (which are always good ) Sounds like Allstar.

Stroke 9 - Do It Again

I discovered this band soo randomnly at a record store a few years back. I love this song, it's soo sexy!

 

Track 6 - Back to pop now. This is slower but sounds very similar to Track 4 vocally. Once again nothing groundbreaking. but then again this ain't my favourite genre

Heidi Montag - Blackout

LOL. I put this on here to see what reaction it would get if someone didn't know it's her as I think she makes pretty decent music despte her ridiculousness.

 

Track 7 - This is a foreign language pop song with a rock edge. reminds me of Las Ketchup. I like the chorus but thats it. Once again not for me.

Paulina Rubio - Ni Una Solo Palabra

I've come to love this Latin superstar in the last few years. This is from her album Ananda. It's such gorgeous pop/rock song. What I love about it is that it's so restrained compared to her previous singles.

 

Track 8 - Sounds almost identical to Track 4 & 6. I'm not a fan of this either. but its the same slow tempo pop female vocals pop song.

Queensberry - Every Now And Then

I totallt see how this fails to stand out from other songs. In hind sight I probably wouldn't have included this on the album. Still, it's a lovely pop song.

 

Track 9 - Next song is a foreign language ballad. i like this actually. the vocals are beautiful and catchy. Nothing Jaw Dropping but still enjoyable.

Thalia - No Me Enseñaste

Thalia is another huge superstar in the Latin world. This is my favorite song by her. It's sooo painful, sad and beautiful. Her vocals are top notch on this one.

 

 

Track 10 - Now tbh I'm rubbish an genrenising things, but this is a slow techno-pop (glam pop ) with a quite repeditive and annoying chorus. I counldn't listen to this i'm afraid

Alizee - Les Collines

This is French popstar Alizee. This is a completely new direction for her but it paid off imo obviously. I personally love the chorus and the ooh's. the lyrics are lovely as well.

 

Track 11 - This sounds like Jewel, i know her from the BJSC. she falls into the same genre as all the other songs except with a more rocky edge and prominent drums. but yet again, nothing exciting me.

Jewel - Haunted

One of my faves from Jewel's 0304 album. I'll have to disagree I think the song is totally exciting and different from the other songs on the album. I love how dark it is. The song is sung from a kidnapper/rapist/stalker's point of view and it builds up to an amazing climax! Lyrically it is also brilliant, “ I will crush you with the burden of sight”

 

Track 12 - I was so relieved when i heard track 12 i listened to it 5 times in a row. Simon Curtis - Beat Drop. i had only hear it twice before. Geat song. Sounds like it samples some opera song or something. Great techno beat. best song on the CD

Simon Curtis – Beat Drop

This song is epic from beginning to end. The rest of his album is awesome as well

 

Track 13 - When i first heard the beat i was hoping it was going to be Beat Drop part II but i was sadly diappointed when i heard female vocals. The rest of the song didn't meet my now considerably higher standards and just sounded like 6 others on the album.

Brown Eyed Girls – Abracadabra

Lol it kind of sounds the fact that it’s sung by females makes the song not as good… I love this song the verses are soo fierce and the breakdown is awesome. The video and dance is amazing too, I highly recommend.

 

Track 14 - Wonderful Life by HURTS, Nice song, very catchy always reminds me of a Duran Duran's 'A View To A Kill'. Nice change from the glam pop rampage earlier on in the CD

HURTS – Wonderful Life

This is such a beautiful song. I love the lyrics and the singer’s voice. Can’t wait till their album

 

Track 15 - Probably the secong best on the CD. Definetly an MP3er. a Paolo Nutini/Jason Mraz esque, foot tapping, head popping, summer song. Big Thumbs Up

Eric Hutchinson – Rock & Roll

This is such a feel good, and like you said, summer song. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

Track 16 - Now were getting more Rocky. if i can recall its Lifehouse - Last Goodbye. But they sound like Daughtry and Rooney combined. Its good. One of the better off the albums.

Stroke 9 – Feel The Summer

Another song from the California band. I love this one soo much. It’s soo sad and uplifting at the same time. I’m glad you like their stuff. Definitely recommend Washin + Wonderin, Little Black Backpack, Vacuum Bag. Actually just download the albums lol Rip It Off and The Last of the International Playboys especially!

 

Track 17 - A huge surprise when i heard Dolly's voice next. Travelling Through brilliant country track. This is an MP3er for sure

Dolly Parton - Travellin Thru

I love my Dolly. IDK why this song didn’t win for best song at the Oscars where it was nominated for the film Transamerica.

Lyrically this song is amazing, I mean hello its by the same women that gave us I Will Always Love You <3

Track 18 - slow piano ballad with a RnB beat, very distinctive voice, sound like early 00s RnB, which i don't really like. nice string work though.

All Saints – Fundamental

The standout track from their comeback flop album. I love Shaznay’s voice on this one. Lyrics are great as well.

 

Track 19 - Another slow piano ballad with a very distinctive voice, Reminds me of The Voice Within except 2 minutes longer and with a gossip choir at the end. I still can't find any hook, or anything appealing about the song except for its nice vocals.

India.Arie – This Too Shall Pass

I can see why this would seem boring, it definitely takes a few listens. I love the song’s message though.

 

Track 20 - A faster song that is quite boring up until 3 minutes in when there is a huge explosion of noise which doesnt add much. the 3 boring song in a row.

Utada – Kremlin Dusk

I would definitely not call this song boring. I first heard this live on her tour and was immediately captivated. The lyrics are sooo beautiful. I love the references to Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.” I feel like this track really takes one on a journey as it leads to the epic explosion and the beautiful ending. Shame you didn’t like it. Lyrically it is divine!

 

 

i shal definetly check out Stroke 9, and maybe Eric Hutchinson too, any other songs by him?

Just out of interest, who did make the CD 'Joyce'?

It must be Shoat, surely?

Just out of interest, who did make the CD 'Joyce'?

 

 

It must be Shoat, surely?

 

 

Yeah 'Joyce' was my attempt at a masterpiece! Sorry I've taken so long to respond, I've been on holiday for the past 10 days!

 

I've got the album "Lust For Life" which I'll be listening to tomorrow.

 

"Joyce" [sorry it's not a lengthy review, but now is the only time where I can write one]

 

01 // Very Goldfrapp-sounding. The breathy vocals offer a nice touch to the mellow-haunting production. Not going to lie, not the best album starter; it sounds like a filler on an album to me, but still a nice enough track! 06/10

 

02 // This track opens where the first track finished off. Similar production wise, but it compliments the album opener well. However I prefer this due to her quirky accent & vocals, plus it has a dead simple but catchy chorus. Would REALLY like to know what this is! 8/10

 

03 // LOL! I think I recognise this as that 'Safety Dance' song? Such a random addition to the album! Especially after the first soothing, soft tracks on the album. It's definitely one I'm going to keep on my iTunes, as I've never got round to downloading it! 07/10

 

04 // I find the track to be very Kate Nash-esque. There's not really that much structure to the song. 05/10

 

05 // Similar to track one, another Goldfrapp sounding track, with its breathy soft vocals and harmonious structure. Again, not very appealing to my sort of music taste. 06/10

 

06 // I nice instrumental/interlude(?). It's has a variety of different music styles, especially when it turns a bit electro in the middle alongside the violins(?). Much better than something on any Pendulum album! 07.5/10

 

07 // Is it Muse? I don't have a clue, but I REALLY like it. It's more darker than all the tracks on the album so far. 8.5/10

 

08 // Eek. A non-English track! Surprisingly though, It's not too bad. I've always been hesitant to non-english singers, the furthest that I can bear is Shakira's 'Ojos Asi'. <3 But anyway, this is a nice hindu-summer type track. I may be wrong but it's the feeling I get from the track. 07/10

 

09 // One of my most favourite tracks on the album! It sounds like Bjork on acid! It could be, but I'm really intrigued to know what it is. It has crazy vocals and sublime production, the thunderous drums and dirty synths. Loves it. <3 9.5/10

 

10 // Didn't really connect with this until it picked up. It has a nice rock/pop essence quality to it. And I like the Bono-style vocals to. 07/10

 

11 // Being honest, I only really like the stuttering Xylophone(?) beat. The vocals aren't that interesting and the song sounds pretty fillerish. It goes well with track 10 however. 5.5/10

 

12 // It's in similar vain to track 10 & 11, just more interesting and a bit more upbeat, even if it is pretty slow. Another one I'm interested in finding out who it is by. 08/10

 

13 // The two voices compliment each other really nicely. It's a pretty nice American track (I'm guessing it's American by the accent and lyrics :L ). The soft electric guitars are charming. 8.5/10

 

14 // When it first started, I thought it was a football track! :L But then the beat really got in alongside the synths. It sounds incredibly 80's. It's a really decent face-paced track. 08/10

 

15 // hahaaaa this gives it all away! It's The Corrs! Andrea Corr has such a good voice, it's a shame she lets it go to waste on songs like this - not that this is bad! The chorus is memorable and the production is nifty, but all their songs sound the same. Didn't think I'd like it, but I'm surprised that I do! 07/10

 

16 // It reminds me of a Sinead O'Connor-style song, except for the vocals. I'm not hooked straight away; it's pretty forgettable except for the fact the she woman is a really good singer. 06/10

 

17 // A nice touch to finish of the album with an orchestral piece. Not as good as track six, but like I put, it's a good way to finish of the album. 5/5

Overall // 07/10 [According to my trusty calculator! :o ]

 

A decent album! Quite a few slow tracks, but track nine is a stomper of a song! And I'd really like to know what tracks two, seven & thirteen are! Definitely ones that will be staying in my iTunes Library. And I have a hunch that this may be Shoats album? :heehee: It's very 80's & 90's sounding and plus it features a Corrs track :heehee:

 

 

I'm very pleased that at least some of those tracks got the thumbs up, I wasn't really expecting many people on here to be appreciating of my middle-aged housewife taste!

 

The Joyce tracklist;

 

01. Black Box Recorder - The English Motorway System

Well you're right, this was an album track!

If I recall correctly, it was actually Dandy who advised me to get this album a couple of years back, after I'd mentioned how much I loved the "The Facts Of Life" single. And God was he right. It remains one of my favourite albums of all time. Chilled, mellow, magical, and perfectly suited for Sarah Nixon's posh-bird diction. She reminds me very much of a more alternative Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

 

02. Zero 7 & Sia - The Pageant Of The Bizarre

I'm especially glad to see you liking this, as Zero 7 aren't a traditional Buzzjack favourite (bar Jester). They've worked on many a track with Sia over the years, and they just work together so well. Sia's lazy drawl with Zero 7's mellow magic.

 

03. Men Without Hats - The Safety Dance

You're absolutely correct! I've only really been appreciating this recently after randomly coming across it on Spotify. It's such a feel-good but positively silly track. I heard a rumour that Glee are soon to be featuring this, but I'm dubious.

 

04. Abraham - What Gives With You

I know f*** all about Abraham to be honest. I only know this track because it appeared on the Acoustic 3 compliation I bought a couple of years ago. I'm glad but bewildered why it appeared, because there's nothing acoustic about it all! It's along similar lines to Black Box Recorder and Zero 7, but with a random oriental influence.

 

05. Delerium & Kirsty Thirsk - Flowers Become Screens

They're only really known in the UK for "Silence", but Delerium actually have a pretty good back catalogue and are particularly good for chillout tracks. The vocals make this one, especially in the chorus where Kirsty jumps from a deep growl to issuing high, ethereal cries of "rain". Absolutely gorgeous, and never fails to give me the goosebumps.

 

06. NemesisTheory - Polar Groove

I'll be honest, this is actually some random DIY YouTube thing that a friend randomly forwarded to me. Made by some geek in an attic. It's apparantly based on the music for one of the stages on the Sonic 3 Mega Drive game (Ice Cap). My first geek moment.

It's pretty fine though - I agree that it's strength is the way it seemingly jumps from style to style in a matter of seconds. Ambient chillout a la Delerium one minute, hard dance a la Pendulum at the end.

 

07. Mortiis - Flux (Mental Maelstrom)

Mortiis are a rather bizarre techno-metal act fronted by a bloke who likes to dress up as a deformed goblin. This would normally be the sort of thing I'd turn my nose up, but I heard my brother (metal fan) playing this a few years ago, and I actually liked. I suppose it's just pop/dance enough to appeal to my sensibilities, but still dark enough for the Metal Hammer and Kerrang crowds.

 

08. Sa DingDing - Ha Ha Lili

Some random Chinese singer who I know bugger all about. I actually heard of this through my father of all people, who occasionally deviates from his dad rock and shocks me with some oddball musical choices. Chill-out world music, that I suppose wouldn't have sounded out of place wedged in between Abraham and Delerium.

 

09. Yoko Ono - Open Your Box (The Orange Factory Remix)

I am kind of shocked that this is your favourite, as I kind of included it as a joke!

Actually this is another inspired by my dear old dad. I only discovered this a few weeks back when he told me how as a teenager he had found this as the B-side on a John Lennon record. He played it unaware that he would have Yoko Ono screeching "open your legs" and making orgasm noises from his bedroom. My Salvation Army grandparents had a collective heart attack.

Unfortunately I couldn't find the original, so had to make do with the dance remix.

 

10. Empire Of The Sun - Without You (Radio Edit)

The remixed version of the closing track of the "Walking On A Dream" album. I believe this was released as a single a couple of months ago to know fanfare whatsoever. The original is more chilled and classic-sounding, the remix more bouncy and gay. This lot were the best pop act of last year.

 

11. Gentle Touch - The View

A random discovery via Spotify. It reminded me very much of Depeche Mode, so I was shocked to see that this was only recorded in 2008 (according to I-Tunes anyway).

 

12. Erasure - You Surround Me

This did make the top 20 back in 1989, but isn't one of their most well-known of hits. I think it's unfairly overlooked; it showcases a more serious side to them, when usually they run about in silly wigs singing Abba songs. I love how it builds up, until the final chorus with Andy Bell's falsetto just layering and layering up until it sounds quite frantic and menacing. A gloriously dark electropop number.

 

13. Northern Pikes - Worlds Away

I don't think they were ever huge business in the UK; a Canadian soft-rock outfit from the early 90s - they'd probably be best known in the UK for being the band responsible for the theme tune for "Due South", that frankly marvellous 90s drama series about a hot Canadian mountie and his wolf.

I discovered this track after it was also featured in a "Due South" episode, and I found it just beautiful. Mellow soft-rock building to a nice dramatic climax.

 

14. Level 42 - Heaven In My Hands

Overblown 80s rock; kind of Bon Jovi but with more singing, less screaming. I absolutely love this, it's just rousing, and the semi-falsetto in the chorus makes it. I included this after decided I needed something fast-paced and energetic, to break up the mellow moments.

 

15. The Corrs - Closer

I knew this would give me away, given I've bleated on about this on Buzzjack for the past month, but I simply could not resist! Probably my favourite song of all time. I won't bang on too much as I already have done elsewhere, but the final couple of minutes make this when it builds into a dramatic and sweeping climax with a quick burst of electric guitar. This was on their first album, "Forgiven Not Forgotten", and came before they began cynically chasing radio playlists and were actually putting thought into their music. A fantastic power ballad.

 

16. Sheryl Crow - I Shall Believe

This one probably does take a while to take hold. It's probably too long and mellow to make an immediate impact. But I find it stunning. Sheryl still had a bluesy rather than poppy edge voice here, which gives the track a bit more soul and emotion. From her breakthrough "Tuesday Night Music Club" album.

 

17. Nobuo Uetsamu - Aerith's Theme (Orchestral Version)

After tracks derived from Sonic, this is my second geek moment - this is based on the Final Fantasy VII track where one of the lead characters gets bumped off. For me, this is proof that there CAN be substance to geeky computer game music, a lovely classical piece.

01. Black Box Recorder - The English Motorway System

Well you're right, this was an album track!

If I recall correctly, it was actually Dandy who advised me to get this album a couple of years back, after I'd mentioned how much I loved the "The Facts Of Life" single. And God was he right. It remains one of my favourite albums of all time. Chilled, mellow, magical, and perfectly suited for Sarah Nixon's posh-bird diction. She reminds me very much of a more alternative Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

 

I always(ish) wondered whether you liked it or not, glad you did!

 

12. Erasure - You Surround Me

This did make the top 20 back in 1989, but isn't one of their most well-known of hits. I think it's unfairly overlooked; it showcases a more serious side to them, when usually they run about in silly wigs singing Abba songs. I love how it builds up, until the final chorus with Andy Bell's falsetto just layering and layering up until it sounds quite frantic and menacing. A gloriously dark electropop number.

:heart:

 

You Surround Me is very good and underrated. When Erasure hit the mark they were as good as any pop band that ever existed - ABBA and PSB included.

again sorry for all the delaying, even though it's still ages to the deadline, just feels like everyone else has done theres already. hopefully my review will be up wednesday/thursday.

Thanks Shoat :D Quite shocked at Yoko Ono! :o I've never liked her music!

Running From Main Street – The Review

 

1. Kicking off proceedings on this compilation is the sound of steel drums. Lovely!!! :D At least it’s not ‘Crank That (Soulja Boy)’. Next comes the guitar chords which for some reason remind me of Guns N’ Roses in their big power ballads. Then along come falsetto vocals asking, “can you hear the knocking in your soul?” Once all the different instruments come together the song is pretty much the same apart from a nice steel drum breakdown three quarters into the song. Overall, a pleasant start to the album. 7/10

 

2. This sounds very early 90s indie disco. A bit like what Jesus Jones sounded like. The vocals on this track are almost whispered and I wasn’t able to identify what was being sung. The chorus is a bit flat and doesn’t really lift the song. I do like the different drum styles used between the verses and chorus though. Finally we get some “oooohh” backing vocals towards the end but overall this song didn’t quite impact on in the same way as track 1. 5/10

 

3. Nice piano melody and subtle bass start off track 3. Eventually the song transcends into a rock ballad. Some nice elements in this track like 1:33 after the second chorus with what I assume is some guitar effects playing over the instrumental bit? The vocals don’t quite appeal to me – there’s a bit in the chorus where the singer sounds like he’s struggling to hit one of the notes. I always cringe when I hear someone trying to sing a song they clearly can’t. At least it’s not Chris Brown singing. :P Overall, I’d say this is on par with track 2. It’s ok but by the fade out I was already awaiting track 4 to start. 5/10

 

4. This track starts off with a heavy synth bass, a slow chilled house dance track similar to Groove Armada in their early days. The vocals don’t really appeal to me and sound slightly whiney. :lol: However, like track 3 it’s the instrumental sections in this track I find myself liking more. As the track fades out, I’m thinking I might’ve enjoyed this track more had it been a full 3 minute instrumental. The vocals didn’t do anything for me but still fairly decent. 6/10

 

5. Midtempo drum machine introduction. Interesting lyrics and the singers vocals are much better than those vocals I heard on the previous track. The chorus reminds me of ‘Strong’ by Robbie Williams only with a different vocal melody. :lol: I’d actually say this is better. :P Actually I’m quite liking this track as it continues to play. Best song so far. 8/10

 

6. One fingered piano note introduction that a 10 year old could play. :lol: Male vocalist and big drums. Despite the hi hat and grand piano breakdown the overall song hardly changes throughout and I did actually find myself becoming a little restless wondering when it was going to finish. Oh, and then it ends quite abruptly. Not really my cup of tea if I’m being honest. 4/10

 

7. Lovely acoustic guitar introduction. Simon & Garfunkel-esque vocals. I’m wondering if this could be an old song from the 70s? Has a retro vibe about the track. Or maybe it’s The Rumour Said Fire who I included on my album? :w00t: Really like this song. There’s hardly anything going on apart from the acoustic guitar but this is an example of less is more. The track doesn’t need expensive production to make the song sound really blissful. It works exactly as it is. Really nice vocal harmonies on the track too. 8/10

 

8. This song sounds like it’s an ode to The Beatles. The chorus includes the lyrics “Lady Madonna let it be” and “yesterday, all you need is love”. Interesting lyrical content and it does actually sound like it’s The Beatles performing but I’m sure it isn’t. Maybe it’s the Bootleg Beatles!!! :lol: One of the better tracks I’ve listened to anyways. 7/10

 

9. Can’t beat a bit of “na na na naaa” vocals. ^_^ Follows on nicely from the previous track – similar tempo and once again sounds like this band have been influenced by The Beatles – or maybe I’m reading way too much into the whole Beatles thing? I’ve found myself preferring this song to track 8 after all. Another great addition to this compilation. 8/10

 

10. Whilst the introduction sounds nothing like them, listening to this song the style of the backing track in the verses and chorus reminds me of mid 90s Manic Street Preachers for some reason but I’m sure it’s not them. Like the way the verse builds up to the chorus – it’s the use of strings in this midtempo rock track that’s making me think of ‘A Design For Life’. Pretty decent song. 7/10

 

11. Bouncy uplifting piano melody and sound effects introduce track 11 before the male vocalist starts singing. The only thing I would say is there are far too many tempo changes throughout the song but I guess that’s just me. :lol: Have to admit I again started to lose a bit of interest towards the end. 6/10

 

12. Great introduction combining funky slapbass (?) and backing vocals – sounds very catchy straight away. “Put the dog outside, put the devil in the oven on high”. :lol: Musically this is a great track. Lyrically interesting and the vocals sound familiar for some reason – I kept thinking Vampire Weekend but I’m sure it’s not them. 7/10

 

13. Old skool rhythm n’ blues guitar and organ style introduction. Sounds promising when the drums kick in at 0:22. Admittedly the vocals really didn’t do much for me on this song. The chorus is also a bit of a non-event just repeating the music from the intro. “He’s a star”. I’m sure there are others who would love this song but for me it just didn’t appeal to me despite me liking the first 40 seconds. 5/10

 

14. More rock music only with a harder edge this time. “My heart, my lover, my soul”. Beavis & Butthead would approve of this guitar solo. :D Despite two key changes during the song, it was pretty much the same all the way through. Sadly didn’t leave much to the imagination by the time of its abrupt ending. 6/10

 

15. Shock. More guitars!!! :P Hmm, already a minute into this song and I’m getting nothing from this song. :( There’s a breakdown already and going off the length of song we’re not even halfway through yet. Back to the fast singing vocals. Not sure what the lyrics are supposed to be. :lol: In fact, is this song even in English? Listening to these vocals again in the last minute it sounds Italian? Maybe it is. 4/10

 

16. I think it’s safe to say that all these songs are going to be performed by rock acts although track 4 remains the most dance based. Another track with a heavier rock edge similar to the last two tracks. Once again, I really struggled to get into this track. As much as I do like rock music, I like a great killer hook which this song seems to lack. It’s just guitar strumming with semi-aggressive male vocals. Probably my least fave song so far. :( 3/10

 

17. I’m sure I’ve heard this before. Possibly on Radio 1 in the late 90s? Does sound familiar but I can’t identify who this is. The breakdown at 1:56 is brilliant but it’s not exactly a personal fave of mine. 6/10

 

18. “Hey everybody, everybody”. ** shimmies ** Another retro sounding track – very much in the “Swinging 60s” vein. The second track that has more of an indie dance style about it and I suspect I’ll know who this group is. Possibly!!! Even the instrumental segments sound great in this track. 8/10

 

19. Another song I recognise only this time I’m sure this was entered into Unknown Pleasures on ChC maybe in 2008. As soon as the track got going at 0:22 I thought “I rememeber this” and iirc I gave this 7 points. :D Great song if only I could remember the artist name. :drama: 8/10

 

20. “Bonus Track”. Aww, right at the start I thought it was going to be ‘Devil’s Haircut’ by Beck. Quickly I realise it’s nothing of the sort. A cluster of different samples and some rapping that sounds like Goldie Lookin’ Chain. I was never a fan of their music which explains why this isn’t making any impact on me. It’s another song where I’m trying to listen to the rapping but I can’t figure what the hell they’re actually saying. Ironically, the best part of the song is from 2:43 onwards with the funky bass, the guitar riff and clashing drums. The lack of dodgy rapping makes this section automatically better. :D Overall, not the best of songs that could’ve closed this album but nevermind, eh. 2/10

 

Safe to say, if you love rock music then 'Running From Main Street' would be right up your street. If your musical tastes are a bit more commercial, radio friendly or perhaps European based then you’d probably struggle listening to this. I’m not sure who has already had their albums reviewed but I get the impression this album was compiled by none other than Gordon Brown himself (aka BLVD who I know from ChC). A solid effort with some great tracks thrown into the mix – the tracks that had the biggest impact on me were 5, 7, 9, 18 and 19.

Track 20: Delta Goodrem – Believe Again. Again, rather surprisingly, I had never heard this song before I got this CD, despite constant bumping into discussion about it in very various topics in here! The song grows and grows with every second, definitely see the anger of some people who say that the radio version (which is apparently much shorter in length) does not represent the song. And they are right. Climax on 5-minute mark is absolutely stunning. Now I see the appeal. The melody is beautiful, Delta sings extremely well too, such structure of the song is my favourite to be honest!

10/10

First Bones, now Believe Again. You should listen to me more often when i say something is truly orgasmic :kink:

 

Thanks Pavel - amazing review!!! I shall put the name of the song/artist and why I chose it below

 

Track 1: Acoustic-ish song sung by a male about war if i'm not mistaken. It is pretty amazing! Although after several listens i noticed the "he took off his clothes and pissed in his hands, i told them to stop but then i joined in" lyric started to put me off slightly LOL. Maybe i didn't understand the whole/true meaning of this expression, i don't know. Anyway, quite a gorgeous song. Couldn't have thought this CD was compiled by this person at all when i heard it.

10/10

 

Rise Against - Hero Of War - A rock ballad by a US band - this was a hit in Sweden recently, and I got hold of it on an Absolute Music compilation I ordered - very pleasant, not my sort of thing but I like it. I put it first here because I knew it would throw off whoever got my CD - everyone knows I don't listen to this sort of thing!!!

 

Track 2: Here's a remix of 'Killing In The Name Of' of the recent UK Xmas number one! I can't identify which band/artist remixed it though. It slightly reminds me of Passion Pit but still quite far from them. The song sounds so soft and electronic. The 'f*** you, i won't do what you tell me' phrase is sung in the way like it's something as usual as spring after winter.

5/10

 

FM Belfast - Lotus - As you said, an electro cover of Killing In The Name. It's a bit bizarre and indeed, she sings it like it's a soft phrase :lol: But it's different! And topical - or at least it would have been 5 months ago :lol:

 

Track 3: Kids of 88 - Just A Little Bit. Accompanied by a quite marvellous lesbian-tastic video this song is even more good! The title obviously reminds you of one UK ESC entry. In fact at first i thought they did some kind of cover for that. Anyway, the song is pretty much a guilty pleasure for me personally. The production is quite lazy, these 'orgasm' sounds throughout the song are cheap, lyrics are not the work of a genius as well. Oh and not to forget average vocals. However as i said i like it as a whole.

8.5/10

 

Kids of 88 - Just A Little Bit - Bang on, an electro pop tune from a male New Zealand duo. So catchy, but indeed very tacky and cheap sounding at times.

 

Track 4: Sounds like some remix as well. And sung by a much better version of Cascada. Not really having much tp say about it, the lyrics are quite frankly awful, but the song is catchy. IF ONLY THERE WAS AN ACCORDION. :(

7/10

 

La Vuvuvzela feat Tarryn - Be Mine Tonight - An electro pop song that was a former #1 single in South Africa about 6 months ago! The band are a female trio who are indeed South African. The song's a bit generic but I like it!

 

Track 5: "I got my shirt off". Quite annoying lyric repeated about 160 times during the whole song. Lyrics are really awful sorry... "This shirt is too hot for me".. really? ): The melody is pretty catchy though, however third-rate-Chris-Brown-meets-Akon vocals spoil it too.

4/10

 

Blank feat Young Ivy - Shirt Off - Of I'm Going For Your Brother fame, this is my second favourite song of theirs :lol: clearly you're not a fan so I wouldn't recommend the album!

 

Track 6: I don't know what the genre of this song is, so correct if i'm wrong. It sounds pop jazzy though. Quite a great track! At least comparing to the couple of previous ones. Not a fan of such songs but this one is melodic and just easy to listen to. Vocals were nice.

8/10

 

Caro Emerald - Back It Up - The Dutch jazz legend herself - she has 4 good songs, this is one of them, I sent another to BJSC - the other two you'll have to find for yourself :kink: Love this though, and her!

 

Track 7: This is awful. Not only the vocals sound out of tune for me, but the background music is quite terrible. Sounds so cheap and done in two hours. ): Maybe it is not a 'this era' track in which case i'd understand, but if it's another This 'Sounds Good To Me' I really don't know what to say...

3/10

 

The Pipettes - So I'll Say Goodbye - this is the b-side to their new single :lol: I love it but oh dear at that reaction :drama:

 

Track 8: Uffie - MCs Can Kiss. Never been a fan of Uffie. This song is a total mess for me, as pretty much everything she does. I really don't see the appeal in this song, all she does is speaks throughout the whole thing. Not keen on the melody and especially on the chorus even though i am believed to like some sort of stuff. However sometimes artists just don't click. Uffie lacks of something that makes her special in my opinion. This song made me closer to knowing whose CD i got by the way.

6.5/10

 

Uffie - MCs Can Kiss - I love Uffie! This is catchy and different but indeed it's a bit all over the place...

 

Track 9: Stromae - Alors On Danse. Incredible hypnotic European anthem. No wonder it became so huge in Europe because the song is truly outstanding! Not only french is a very friendly language for producing hits but the music is very memorable. If you find yourself humming it in the shower/public transport/on a lecture or awkwardly trying to stand under the spot from where you can only hear it in a crowded and noisy clothes shop - it's alright!

10/10

 

Stromae - Alors On Danse - Got it in one, you know how much I love this! My favourite French language song since Divine and Ella Elle L'a both in 2008...

 

Track 10: The song is in German and called 'Stadt'. I've never heard it before but it was mentiined in the BJSC forum in one of the participant's thread (who allegedly happens to be the creator of this CD), i seemed to miss it, and that's a shame, because it's totally incredible! This song's is performed by a male-female duo which works for them like magic. The powerful female vocal and dramatic ESCtastic back music is wonderful! Also, the harshness of German doesn't appear here almost at all. I love such duos, when voices of BOTH singers can be distinguished and heard clearly.

So amazing.

10/10

Cassandra Steen and Adel Tawil - Stadt - Glad you got to hear it eventually, I probably should have sent it to BJSC but I doubt it would have got out of the semis. I would have probably done it if we'd had the 'one big final' format back then though :o Pleased that you like it, this was #1 in my personal chart for 2 weeks last year and spent about 3 months at #2 in Germany, never quite reaching #1 :lol: :(

Track 11: Timoteij - Vild. Another germanic language song. Swedish to be precise. This year's Melodifestivalen's wonder, Timoteij, released their debut album and this is the song from it. It's much better than 'Kom', actually it's easy to topple 'Kom' as i wasn't fan of it. What i love about this band and this song is that Timoteij use modern sound mixed with instruments (violin and accordion <3) and use it so profesionally so that you wouldn't say they are not experienced at all. The girls' voices are amazingly trained as well and they're hardly younger than myself!

10/10

 

Timoteij - Vild - Right again, my highlight of an album which I was expecting to be slightly better if I'm being honest...Thought a foreign language section would be nice though so three in a row for you!

 

Track 12: Lena Meyer-Landrut - Bee. This track has strengthened my confidence about the owner of this compilation even more! (Who would loon over this year's ESC german Lena? Find out in the end :kink: ). The track is better than Satellite, although i'm not a huge fan of her at all, but she seems really nice and trying her best on the song! I think i know why Bee wasn't chosen as the song for Eurovision this yer, it lacks something, i don't know what and why and everything but despite the (amazing!) keychange and very fitting-the-live-performance vocals it felt like so! Oh and i think it's worth mentioning that the claps are wonderful, so biased when there're claps in a song. :lol:

9.5/10

 

Lena Meyer-Landrut - Bee - Yep, right again. This reminded me of Missy Higgins meets Colbie Caillat (youtube Missy if you don't know her - she's truly amazing :wub:). Nice breezy song but I do prefer Satellite...

 

Track 13: Quite an interesting beginning. Sounds jazzy and soundtrack-to-some-old-musical-ish! The singer sounds very much like Christina Aguilera, although obviously not as great as her. But the voices are really similar. I’d say it’s the song from about 2006, but if it’s from 2009 – I’d still not be surprised because some artists have their goal to recreate the sound of the last decade(s).

7/10

 

Anna Bergendahl - Got My Heart In Your Pocket - Not downloaded Anna's album yet? Her voice sounds drastically different on this than on This Is My Life, I can hardly believe it's the same singer, and obviously you couldn't tell either. This song took a while to grow on me but it's one of my favourites on her album - I see the Christina comparisons too, it's like a more commercial take on her Back To Basics era.

 

Track14: A1 – Don’t Wanna Lose You Again. Ok, everybody watched Norge Melodi Grand Prix 2010 and know that they came second in the battle for representing Norway in Eurovision Song Contest 2010, don’t you? If not, then you know now! Amazing song. Very boyband-ish, modern production fits it perfectly, definitely good return in form for A1. Here’s hoping they will attempt to represent the country that most of the line-up members are from next year.

9.5/10

 

A1 - Don't Wanna Lose You Again - Right again! Who could have thought that A1 of all bands would come back with a mature, very strong and catchy pop song. Sorry Didrik, A1 were robbed -_- One of my favourite songs of 2010 thus far...

 

Track 15: Salem Al Fakir – Keep On Walking. Now we’re over to the song that finished second in Melodifestivalen 2010! Melodifestivalen is amazing, but Swedish voters suck. This was clearly the best song of the whole contest but yet it only finished second, which made me (and the person who made this CD :kink: ) sad even more after last year’s Snälla Snälla similar ‘runner-up being the best song’ curse! Anyway, this piano-led song is so atmospheric and dramatic in places! Vocals are amazing as well although many people might find Salem’s voice irritating/annoying/Mika-alike.

10/10

 

Salem Al Fakir - Keep On Walking - What a star :wub: the best song from MF 2010, I'm distraught that Sweden sent This Is My Life over this very respectable and quirky song that the juries would have fallen in love with.

 

Track 16: This song is sung by a female/male duo. Apparently it’s about cheating/breaking up. Hence the deep sad melody which sets the mood and if you listen more attentively it shall most likely affect you. I didn’t.like the vocals. But (old! lol) Whitney Houston/Mariah wouldn’t really fit here so I guess it was for the best. However I don’t know any other songs by this duo/group so I can’t say anything for sure.

8/10

 

Erik Hassle & Malin Dahlstrom - Who's Gonna Walk You Home - One of the UK bonus tracks from Erik's debut album. I really love this but it's quite subtle so takes a few listens.

 

Track 17: Florence + The Machine – Swimming. Amusingly, I’ve never heard it before even though I have the album downloaded, and with this particular song too. Swimming is absolutely amazing, but I can’t judge properly though as I’m quite a big fan of hers. However this song really stands out, I’m surprised it wasn’t included into the album. The 2 minute mark is the best thing in the whole song closely followed by the ending. The song shows off Florence’s amazing vocals perfectly. I’d describe it as ‘Florence-type’ of song if I hadn’t known that it was sung by her (although it’s hardly possibly as she’s quite frankly remarkable and unique)

10/10

 

Florence + The Machine - Swimming - I couldn't exclude Florence! Lungs is my favourite album of the last 18 months, aside from The Fame/Monster...This bonus track from iTunes and her box set is better than half of the album in my opinion, and would hardly have sounded out of place on it...God knows why she didn't include it. Reminds me of my holiday to Wales last August, I was playing it non-stop :lol: Can't believe you've never heard it before now!

 

Track 18: Another pop track, this time led by acoustic guitar and keyboards as far as I hear it correctly. Sounds alright, it’s soft and pleasant (I feel I’d already used this word combination lolz) to listen to again. Simple by structure, it doesn’t require attentive listening, and the melody instantly goes straight into your head.

8/10

 

Burning Hearts - Night Animal - some random Finnish indie-pop track I stumbled across earlier in the year. I really like it but don't know much about them.

Track 19: An instrumental song. At the beginning full of nature sounds, like water falling, birds and trees. Then it gradually grows into the combination of different musical instruments, with violin (or violin-alike instrument). Very melodic and moody at the same time. Also it’s nice to hear an instrumental in the CD!

8.5/10

 

One More Time - Den Vilda-Forsen Om Våren - tsk tsk, fancy not recognising the instrumental/extended/added atmosphere version of Sweden's 1996 ESC entry which finished 3rd :wub: I had a minor re-obsession with the song a few months back and downloaded a couple of mixes of it from iTunes, the English version, and this version, which considering it's 14 years old still sounds incredible. I guess new-age instrumentals don't age as quickly as other songs :lol: Nice to see the girls pop up on that amazing interval in the MF final too!

 

Track 20: Delta Goodrem – Believe Again. Again, rather surprisingly, I had never heard this song before I got this CD, despite constant bumping into discussion about it in very various topics in here! The song grows and grows with every second, definitely see the anger of some people who say that the radio version (which is apparently much shorter in length) does not represent the song. And they are right. Climax on 5-minute mark is absolutely stunning. Now I see the appeal. The melody is beautiful, Delta sings extremely well too, such structure of the song is my favourite to be honest!

10/10

 

Delta Goodrem - Believe Again - I rarely leave this out of my CD Swap's. As my favourite song of the noughties, I do try to spread the love around, although most people ignore me, until they actually do listen to it. I've found few people who've disliked this epic, it's like a song Disney could only wished to have on one of their soundtracks. The intro and outro, 'I believe the impossible, is possible to overcome' middle 8 and basically everything else about the song are amazing. It's literally musical perfection, and in retrospect I'm glad it never got released in the UK, I don't think I could have coped with it limping in at #43 :drama: Came an incredible 17th out of 24 place in BJSCI - the home of the Delta curse :nocheer: I suppose it didn't help that I sent a slightly imperfect live version though...Avoid the radio edit, it snips off almost the entire intro as well as other vital parts of the song.

 

Track 21: Another 5+ minute song, not that it is some kind of an obstacle for me, it’s quite the opposite. It sounds like some old album track by Take That. “Watch The World Fall Down” is assumingly the title of it. Not a fan of the song overall, especially of the ending which strongly reminds me of gospel choir! Same ‘black female’ sounds, piano is crazy, people screaming/singing on the top of their lungs. lolz

5.5/10

 

Boyzone - Let Your Wall Fall Down - LOL, sorry to do this to you, I had to share a bit of BROTHER-ly love, from Boyzone's amazing new album. I'm probably the only person aside from housewives and James that finds it amazing but there we go...I think this is fantastic, surprised you didn't recognise Ronan Keating's voice, it's rather distinctive :o

 

Overall: Very good! Some amazing discoveries for me here and even though I already knew about 40% of all the songs on this CD, it doesn’t decrease the quality or my overall impression from the compilation in a bit. Mostly because I absolutely loved all of these song I know in here before and would’ve included some of them in my own CD had I had some free space!

Tghe best new songs for me are definitely 'Stadt', 'Swimming', 'Believe Again', Tracks 1 and 19.

Oh and if you haven’t already guessed the author I might give a clue. HAI GOODDELTA.

The ‘my’ rate: 9/10

The technical rate: precisely 8/10

 

Thank you for the CD Rich! I really enjoyed it! (and glad that the 'BJ CD Swap' worked literally on us :kink: ) <3

1.8k words! :o

 

Thanks Pavel, so pleased that you liked it and received it - and that I received yours! I was dreading it going to somebody who would despise and pan it, but I did try to cover a lot of genres/genders/nationalities here to give as much choice as possible!

 

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http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/6633/musicartexpression.jpg

 

1. Rise Against - Hero Of War

2. FM Belfast - Lotus

3. Kids Of 88 - Just A Little Bit

4. La Vuvuzela feat Tarryn - Be Mine Tonight

5. Blänk feat Young Ivy - Shirt Off

6. Caro Emerald - Back It Up

7. The Pipettes - So I’ll Say Goodbye

8. Uffie - MC’s Can Kiss

9. Stromae - Alors On Danse

10. Cassandra Steen feat Adel Tawil - Stadt

11. Timoteij - Vild

12. Lena Meyer-Landrut - Bee

13. Anna Bergendahl - Got My Heart In Your Pocket

14. A1 - Don’t Wanna Lose You Again

15. Salem Al Fakir - Keep On Walking

16. Erik Hassle & Malin Dahlstrom - Who’s Gonna Walk You Home

17. Florence + The Machine - Swimming

18. Burning Hearts - Night Animal

19. One More Time - Den Vilda-Forsen Om Våren

20. Delta Goodrem - Believe Again

21. Boyzone - Let Your Wall Fall Down

I want this CD :kink:

 

Running From Main Street – The Review

 

1. Kicking off proceedings on this compilation is the sound of steel drums. Lovely!!! :D At least it’s not ‘Crank That (Soulja Boy)’. Next comes the guitar chords which for some reason remind me of Guns N’ Roses in their big power ballads. Then along come falsetto vocals asking, “can you hear the knocking in your soul?” Once all the different instruments come together the song is pretty much the same apart from a nice steel drum breakdown three quarters into the song. Overall, a pleasant start to the album. 7/10

 

2. This sounds very early 90s indie disco. A bit like what Jesus Jones sounded like. The vocals on this track are almost whispered and I wasn’t able to identify what was being sung. The chorus is a bit flat and doesn’t really lift the song. I do like the different drum styles used between the verses and chorus though. Finally we get some “oooohh” backing vocals towards the end but overall this song didn’t quite impact on in the same way as track 1. 5/10

 

3. Nice piano melody and subtle bass start off track 3. Eventually the song transcends into a rock ballad. Some nice elements in this track like 1:33 after the second chorus with what I assume is some guitar effects playing over the instrumental bit? The vocals don’t quite appeal to me – there’s a bit in the chorus where the singer sounds like he’s struggling to hit one of the notes. I always cringe when I hear someone trying to sing a song they clearly can’t. At least it’s not Chris Brown singing. :P Overall, I’d say this is on par with track 2. It’s ok but by the fade out I was already awaiting track 4 to start. 5/10

 

4. This track starts off with a heavy synth bass, a slow chilled house dance track similar to Groove Armada in their early days. The vocals don’t really appeal to me and sound slightly whiney. :lol: However, like track 3 it’s the instrumental sections in this track I find myself liking more. As the track fades out, I’m thinking I might’ve enjoyed this track more had it been a full 3 minute instrumental. The vocals didn’t do anything for me but still fairly decent. 6/10

 

5. Midtempo drum machine introduction. Interesting lyrics and the singers vocals are much better than those vocals I heard on the previous track. The chorus reminds me of ‘Strong’ by Robbie Williams only with a different vocal melody. :lol: I’d actually say this is better. :P Actually I’m quite liking this track as it continues to play. Best song so far. 8/10

 

6. One fingered piano note introduction that a 10 year old could play. :lol: Male vocalist and big drums. Despite the hi hat and grand piano breakdown the overall song hardly changes throughout and I did actually find myself becoming a little restless wondering when it was going to finish. Oh, and then it ends quite abruptly. Not really my cup of tea if I’m being honest. 4/10

 

7. Lovely acoustic guitar introduction. Simon & Garfunkel-esque vocals. I’m wondering if this could be an old song from the 70s? Has a retro vibe about the track. Or maybe it’s The Rumour Said Fire who I included on my album? :w00t: Really like this song. There’s hardly anything going on apart from the acoustic guitar but this is an example of less is more. The track doesn’t need expensive production to make the song sound really blissful. It works exactly as it is. Really nice vocal harmonies on the track too. 8/10

 

8. This song sounds like it’s an ode to The Beatles. The chorus includes the lyrics “Lady Madonna let it be” and “yesterday, all you need is love”. Interesting lyrical content and it does actually sound like it’s The Beatles performing but I’m sure it isn’t. Maybe it’s the Bootleg Beatles!!! :lol: One of the better tracks I’ve listened to anyways. 7/10

 

9. Can’t beat a bit of “na na na naaa” vocals. ^_^ Follows on nicely from the previous track – similar tempo and once again sounds like this band have been influenced by The Beatles – or maybe I’m reading way too much into the whole Beatles thing? I’ve found myself preferring this song to track 8 after all. Another great addition to this compilation. 8/10

 

10. Whilst the introduction sounds nothing like them, listening to this song the style of the backing track in the verses and chorus reminds me of mid 90s Manic Street Preachers for some reason but I’m sure it’s not them. Like the way the verse builds up to the chorus – it’s the use of strings in this midtempo rock track that’s making me think of ‘A Design For Life’. Pretty decent song. 7/10

 

11. Bouncy uplifting piano melody and sound effects introduce track 11 before the male vocalist starts singing. The only thing I would say is there are far too many tempo changes throughout the song but I guess that’s just me. :lol: Have to admit I again started to lose a bit of interest towards the end. 6/10

 

12. Great introduction combining funky slapbass (?) and backing vocals – sounds very catchy straight away. “Put the dog outside, put the devil in the oven on high”. :lol: Musically this is a great track. Lyrically interesting and the vocals sound familiar for some reason – I kept thinking Vampire Weekend but I’m sure it’s not them. 7/10

 

13. Old skool rhythm n’ blues guitar and organ style introduction. Sounds promising when the drums kick in at 0:22. Admittedly the vocals really didn’t do much for me on this song. The chorus is also a bit of a non-event just repeating the music from the intro. “He’s a star”. I’m sure there are others who would love this song but for me it just didn’t appeal to me despite me liking the first 40 seconds. 5/10

 

14. More rock music only with a harder edge this time. “My heart, my lover, my soul”. Beavis & Butthead would approve of this guitar solo. :D Despite two key changes during the song, it was pretty much the same all the way through. Sadly didn’t leave much to the imagination by the time of its abrupt ending. 6/10

 

15. Shock. More guitars!!! :P Hmm, already a minute into this song and I’m getting nothing from this song. :( There’s a breakdown already and going off the length of song we’re not even halfway through yet. Back to the fast singing vocals. Not sure what the lyrics are supposed to be. :lol: In fact, is this song even in English? Listening to these vocals again in the last minute it sounds Italian? Maybe it is. 4/10

 

16. I think it’s safe to say that all these songs are going to be performed by rock acts although track 4 remains the most dance based. Another track with a heavier rock edge similar to the last two tracks. Once again, I really struggled to get into this track. As much as I do like rock music, I like a great killer hook which this song seems to lack. It’s just guitar strumming with semi-aggressive male vocals. Probably my least fave song so far. :( 3/10

 

17. I’m sure I’ve heard this before. Possibly on Radio 1 in the late 90s? Does sound familiar but I can’t identify who this is. The breakdown at 1:56 is brilliant but it’s not exactly a personal fave of mine. 6/10

 

18. “Hey everybody, everybody”. ** shimmies ** Another retro sounding track – very much in the “Swinging 60s” vein. The second track that has more of an indie dance style about it and I suspect I’ll know who this group is. Possibly!!! Even the instrumental segments sound great in this track. 8/10

 

19. Another song I recognise only this time I’m sure this was entered into Unknown Pleasures on ChC maybe in 2008. As soon as the track got going at 0:22 I thought “I rememeber this” and iirc I gave this 7 points. :D Great song if only I could remember the artist name. :drama: 8/10

 

20. “Bonus Track”. Aww, right at the start I thought it was going to be ‘Devil’s Haircut’ by Beck. Quickly I realise it’s nothing of the sort. A cluster of different samples and some rapping that sounds like Goldie Lookin’ Chain. I was never a fan of their music which explains why this isn’t making any impact on me. It’s another song where I’m trying to listen to the rapping but I can’t figure what the hell they’re actually saying. Ironically, the best part of the song is from 2:43 onwards with the funky bass, the guitar riff and clashing drums. The lack of dodgy rapping makes this section automatically better. :D Overall, not the best of songs that could’ve closed this album but nevermind, eh. 2/10

 

Safe to say, if you love rock music then 'Running From Main Street' would be right up your street. If your musical tastes are a bit more commercial, radio friendly or perhaps European based then you’d probably struggle listening to this. I’m not sure who has already had their albums reviewed but I get the impression this album was compiled by none other than Gordon Brown himself (aka BLVD who I know from ChC). A solid effort with some great tracks thrown into the mix – the tracks that had the biggest impact on me were 5, 7, 9, 18 and 19.

 

Running from Main Street was my compilation. Looks like we got a straight swap there. :D The artwork for the compilation was taken from the Japanese anime Paprika, I couldn't resist putting it in. The playlist was as follows:

 

1. The Delays – Wanderlust: They used this song to open their live set, which is why I chose it to open the compilation.

2. Chapterhouse – Pearl: early 90s indie disco indeed. Chapterhouse were one of the leading lights of the short lived ‘shoegaze’ scene of the period. It was also a big influence on the Big Pink’s Dominos.

3. Mercury Rev – Goddess on a Hiway: a top 40 hit back in 1999, produced by David Fridman, who plays bass on the track and was also responsible for producing The Flaming Lips and MGMT.

4. Washed Out – Feel it All Around: Perhaps the defining anthem of the so-called ‘chillwave’ scene. It probably would’ve worked better as an instrumental in hindsight, but I still love it

5. Suede – Superstar: I couldn’t not include these guys, could I? This was the b-side to their ‘Positivity’ single, and is perhaps the most ‘pop’ single they’ve ever written. Didn’t notice the similarity to Strong until you pointed it out. Glad you enjoyed this one.

6. Rams’ Pocket Radio – Dogs Run in Packs: RPR is a Belfast based group whom I’m rather fond of, so it’s a pity you didn’t enjoy it. It was no.9 in my favourite songs of 2009.

7. Harper Simon – Berkeley Girl: amazingly, this song is from 2010. Harper Simon is the son of Paul Simon, so I’m not surprised you thought it was a S&G track.

8. Barclay James Harvest – Titles: This song was constructed using only titles of Beatles songs for the lyrics. Also the oldest song on the compilation, dating back to 1976.

9. Rialto – Dream Another Dream: These guys arrived too late to capitalize on the Britpop scene, but they did give us a stunning self-titled debut album. This is the best track on the album, and the most Beatles-esque.

10. Geneva – Tranquilizer: more Britpop also-rans, although more in the Suede/Manics mode than the Oasis/Blur. They released two great albums and deserved a lot more success than they deserved.

11. Paul Shevlin – Goodmorning: He’s an 18-year old Bangor based singer/songwriter. Great stuff.

12. The Voluntary Butler Scheme – Tabasco Sole: my 2nd favourite song of 2009, this one gets stuck in my head every time I listen to it.

13. Lucky Elephant – Reverend Tisley & His Magic Lantern: They’re signed to Rob da Bank’s record label and is quite retro. It’s a real marmite song, you either love it or hate it.

14. The Perils – The River: they’re an unsigned Brighton based rock group, and the heaviest song on the album.

15. Master in France – Yn y Ddinas : The song is in Welsh, not Italian.

16. Night Marchers – Whose Lady R U?: This was a last minute addition, and in hindsight I should’ve left it off.

17. Eels – Last Stop: This Town: this is from their 2nd album Electro-Shock Blues. The album deals with the deal of frontman E’s sister and mother in quick succession, and in this song he imagines his sister taking one last look at her hometown before passing on.

18. Teenage Fanclub – Kickabout: this was the b-side to their ‘Ain’t that Enough’ single, and was also used in Glastonbury highlights at the time.

19. Codes – This Is Goodbye: yeah, I submitted this into the Unknown Pleasures back in 2008, but the song was too good to leave there. I recently interviewed the guys for my radio show, and they’re the loveliest bunch of guys you could hope to meet.

20. Team Fresh – Last Orders: Portrush based rap/rock seven-piece. I couldn’t find an appropriate place to fit this into the compilation, hence its status as a ‘BONUS TRACK.’

 

Knowing that you’re more into your dance and pop than rock and indie, I was a bit worried when you ended up with my compilation, but I’m glad you found some bits on it that you enjoyed.

Edited May 26, 201015 yr by Brett-Butler

any chance of a link to Brett Butler's cd or have all the links died now?