And that vampiric theme song “Bad Things” is just too sexy for words, but I think the lyrics speak for themselves. “When you came in the air went out/ And every shadow filled up with doubt/ I don't know who you think you are/ But before the night is through/ I wanna do bad things with you.” Those lyrics mixed with the slow-burning sexual tension in his voice and the hot, sweaty music to match certainly illicit a strong carnal response in me.
Imelda May – Love Tattoo
If Paloma Faith is the face/sound of modern poptastic retro-jazz, then Imelda May is the real thing. Modern but retro, pop without bubblegum, honest-to-god vocals to die for. A little bit big swing band style jazz, a little blues, a lot rockabilly, this Irish songstress is equal measures of style and substance. One moment she will have a belter of a track, all power and epic vocals and that big band rockabilly sound (“Feel Me”, “Love Tattoo” and my personal favourite “Smokers Song”); the next moment May is all silky-smooth, romantic vocals with more beatnik jazz and tinkly piano sounds (“Knock 123”, “Meet You At The Moon”, and “Falling In Love With You Again”) to fall in love to. Give Imelda May and Love Tattoo one good listen and her eclectic charms will soon have you under their power too.
The Saturdays – Chasing Lights
Okay, yes, I admit that The Saturdays are nothing more than a manufactured, chart-ready girl group, but sometimes that's not a bad thing – and to support this assertion I would offer the following as evidence: Martha and the Vandellas, The Supremes, and the Sugababes. The Saturdays have that extra, nearly indefinable something. I know it has something to do with their sound – electro-pop and dance-pop – and their interesting mix of voices without the overly produced feel, and over sexualised look, of girl groups like Girls Aloud – who I hate with the heat and intensity of a million burning stars – and Pussycat Dolls.
Chasing Lights is more straightforward both lyrically and musically than Girls Aloud, and ALL the girls can actually hold a tune, unlike PCD, and it's a consistently good album from beginning to end. I would certainly consider this a strong contender for pop album of the year. Most impressive is that they have only been a band for less than a year now and yet have no trouble competing easily with other UK girl groups who have had much more time to develop. The Saturdays' future looks bright.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
I love Peyroux and so far she has done no wrong by me. I recommend her if she comes to town.
On the other hand, you must be joking with KoL. Glad you like it, but it's the band's worst album. They used the studio to polish off all their rough edges and personality and created a pop album to sell to pre-teens.
2 - A.L. Harper
I am sorry you don't agree with me about Ko, but I'm not actually surprised at all by that.