More songs, more words, and if you’re interested in adding audio then click here for our Spotify playlist of this week’s singles. Apologies for the slight tardiness (two days!) this week, normal service will be resumed next week.

SINGLE OF THE WEEK

Snow Patrol: Just Say Yes (Polydor)

It’s quite amazing how one band can be panned for being dreary (see the rest of the reviews), yet the kings of dreariness have somehow come up trumps this week with a rousing new song as part of their greatest hits package. It marks a complete departure for the band and hopefully is a positive sign of what’s to come. If not, then let them have their moment with Just Say Yes – they’ve earned it.

Camera Obscura: The Sweetest Thing (4AD)

Glasgow’s Camera Obscura have so far evaded mainstream praise, despite this year’s My Maudlin Career being jam-packed with classics such as the almost-single-of-the-week The Sweetest Thing. It’s a jaunty little number packed to the brim with tight harmonies and a feel-good tone, but the sugary-sweetness of it all does grind after quite a few listens – and that’s all there is between the best two songs this week.

Royksopp: This Must Be It (Wall Of Sound)

Almost from the off Royksopp’s Karin Dreijer Andersson-aided track brings across the image of a packed Ibiza dancefloor, and does a good job of invoking a club feel – but that’s about it. The vocals are the best thing on it, which is understandable given Andersson’s Knife and Fever Ray background, but everything else is utterly forgettable. Bound to get party feet moving, but precious little else.

Dead Confederate: The Rat (Kartel)

A sub Kings Of Leon/Nickelback attempt, which does nothing to try and elevate Dead Confederate above the masses of copycat bands trying to cash in on the Followill/Kroeger success. Again, it’s a forgettable couple of minutes – only picking up for the final 30 or 40 seconds… which isn’t really enough in these hard-to-please days. Hopefully the album isn’t this dreary throughout.

Daniel Merriweather feat Adele: Water And A Flame (Columbia)

There’s no doubting that Aussie Merriweather has talent but, much like a lot of his debut album Love & War, this is another dreary ballad that chugs along hopelessly devoid of direction. It’s prime for a mid-afternoon slot on Radio 2 – which isn’t too bad a thing – and even comes with added Adele to aid the subtle slip into a coma. Water And A Flame disappears into the background from the very first chord, which is a shame as both have shown in the past that they’re brilliant vocalists. This is just the wrong song.