Hot Hot Heat: "Elevator" This Canadian band is quite well known in college campuses around the U.S. from their previous indie release, the powerful "Make Up The Breakdown" which came out in 2003. Their newest release, "Elevator" finds them in familiar territory of great new wave influenced modern rock music with catchy melodies and lyrics. "Dirty Mouth" is my favourite song on this CD, and it confirms my belief that Hot Hot Heat have been listening to the Davies brothers' The Kinks a good deal. Not that this is a bad thing! "Goodnight, Goodnight" can be heard in many radio stations, while "Running Out Of Time", "You Owe Me An IOU", "Island Of An Honest Man", and "Elevator" will keep any party going.
Q Magazine describes M.I.A. as "Miss Dynamite". They're not off the mark at all. M.I.A. is actually London-based "Tamil Tigress" Maya Arul, and on her infectious debut CD, "Arular", she incorporates such diverse styles as dancehall, bhangra, and electro. There are comparisons to Missy Elliot, and there's the whole question as to whether some of the lines in her songs were intentionally chosen as a joke, ("Like PLO, I don't surrender") or whether they are just plain dumb. Still M.I.A. delivers a very listenable and entertaining, albeit ephemeral CD.
Niko: "Life On Earth" from GrandCentral Records
A strangely compelling recording. Niko has a strong voice, whether singing jazz, soul, hip hop or funk. Well worth the 10 GBP directly from GrandCentral.
Kate Rogers: "Seconds" from GrandCentral Records
Kate's collaborations with DJ and producer Aim from the same label as Niko are legendary, and her debut CD, "St. Eustacia" one of the best CDs I've heard this young decade. In this collection, Kate sings covers of some of her favourite artists, from The Smiths, to Neil Young, and the Pixies.
New Order: "Waiting for the Sirens' Call"
What can one say about NO's new CD? It is well crafted, with thoughtful lyrics. It's not very easy to pick favourite songs,but for now I'm spinning the title track, "I Told You So", "Hey Now What You Doing", "Dracula's Castle", "Guilt Is A Useless Emotion" and "Turn". These songs might not be "Bizarre Love Triangle", or "Regret", but I thank the group for still writing quality music!
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