(1-track promo/ 2003/ 'SONY MUSIC')
Gruff Rhys and cohorts return, they do, with more muso-pop that Blur maybe tempted to rip-off. Good thing SFA frontman Gruff realises that his Welsh boys and Blur do fleetingly share similar musical tastes and so sings 'You need protection from every direction.' Just as you do when you're a band of SFA's worth and hardcore fans might just be tempted to rip off their music via the Internet and Napster. Yeah, maybe that's what he's talking about�
This short-sweet, 145-second 'Golden Retriever' wonder sure is the dog's bollox - which is apt� pleasantly and politely served with lush backing vocals and a gorgeous summery vibe. Which is criteria in their favour as they have been known to alienate people in the past on occasions when they've taken their love for 'being alternative' to ridiculous degrees of tweeness and have once or twice self-indulged a little too wickedly in self-indulgence.
This song then is set to reclaim any fans they may have 'lost' en route. And hopefully it will provide the perfect introduction to a whole host of new SFA followers. God bless 'em all. (STEVE RUDD)
www.sonymusic.co.uk