SINGLE OF THE WEEK

Bad For Lazarus: Old Rats On A New Ship (Shit Chic)

Normally songs that feature a distorted, shouty vocal tend to drift away from me fairly quickly, however I’m surprised to find that Bad For Lazarus’ single is, actually, pretty good. There’s an edge to the band, and it comes across on this raw introduction. It’s offbeat, catchy, and definitely one of the more unique offerings this time round – meaning it’s this week’s best song.

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Detachments: Circles (Thisisnotanexit)

I half expected the intro to Circles to lapse into Funky Town at points, which would have improved the song ten-fold as it happens. Four minutes of the same plodding synth and bass is just dull, and Detachments seem somewhat lacking in inspiration. It doesn’t go anywhere, and could definitely have done with being at least half the length.

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Lily Allen: Who’d Have Known (Regal)

Lily Allen’s attempt at an everywoman ballad – “who’d have known, when you flash up on my phone, I no longer feel alone” – just doesn’t wash here. The everyday banality of her lyrics is exposed horribly when it’s not backed up by a half-decent tune, ala Smile and It’s Not Fair. This low tempo affair is one of the worst things she’s ever released… so avoid at all costs.

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Newton Faulkner: Over And Out (RCA)

It’s strange that Newton’s label choose to release his attempts at pop ballads. The brilliant Dream Catch Me aside, it’s just not what this incrediby talented individual is about. This latest effort is standard chart fare – good vocal, catchy melody, powerful chorus. But considering this is a man who was tutored by the late Eric Roche (who mentored Faulkner in his unique percussion style of guitar playing), then surely his guitar playing should be given more room to shine? A good song, but you get the feeling they’re trying to turn him into an everyday popstar.

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