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| Record of the week |
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| A new must-have album every week! |
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| "CUSTOM MADE HIT PARADE" SHUTTERSPEED Was the Modfather's first "Record of the Week" ever going to be anything but Custom Made Hit Parade? Of course not! The second album from these local Brisbane rockers lives up to its name in every sense imaginable... a superb blend of toe tappin', good time rock n roll, and the seedy underbelly of life on the fringe of greatness. First single and album opener "Come Out Swingin" leaves the listener in no doubt as to this band's intentions. Full of in your face bravado, fiery guitars and bone rattling bass, this track should have been the song of the summer after it's release late last year. Somehow, it managed to slip under the radar of public awareness. They don't know what they missed! One can only hope second single "Under Control" is not destined for the same fate. Undeniably catchy, inexplicably groovy, impossibly brilliant! Enought said! Every track on this album deserves individual attention and dissection, but I will leave the analysis for the listener to enjoy themselves. The Modfather must acknowledge one more track, however, the stunning "Dark Forces", which brings the record to a close. These six minutes will change your life. If you were one of the lucky punters who saw this performed live at the album launch, I'm sure you too were transfixed, eyes glassy and mouth agape, at the power of this band. It was one of those all too rare defining moments, when a few hundred people realised just how lucky they were. For the sake of music, for the sake of your soul, for the sake of having a damn good time... buy this record. |
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| "YOU GOTTA GO THERE TO COME BACK" STEREOPHONICS One can draw quite a few comparisons between the careers of the Stereophonics and Oasis. A debut album that took the world by storm, full of big rock riffs. A follow up that was a little more reflective, but full of catchy hooks. A third LP that was not quite as well received by the masses, but was arguably their most complete album to date. And then comes the challenging fourth album, in the 'Phonics case, "You Gotta Go There To Come Back". After my first listen, I didn't quite know what to make of this record. I was already a fan of first single "Madame Helga", a big, dirty rock track that evoked memories of "Bartender and the Thief". But I felt a little unfulfilled by the remainder of the album. Upon repeated investigation, however, I began to get hooked by the charm of this record. It is not as instantly accessible as previous releases, but there are treats for the dedicated listener. "You Stole My Money Honey" and "Nothing Precious At All" have that aforementioned charm in bucketloads. "Jealousy" sounds like Lennon singing "Cold Turkey" in a gospel hall in America's deep south. "Rainbows and Pots of Gold" recalls Heliocentric-era Weller, and almost beats the "original" Modfather at his own game. Album closer, "Since I Told you It's Over", probably would have benefited from not being released so closely following Jones' cover of the Sinead O'Connor classic "Nothing Compares 2U", as the two sound almost identical in parts. It is a pity this detracts from what is probably his finest ballad since "Billy Davies' Daughter". Give this record the chance to pull you in. Jones has earnt it. It got me. |
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| "ELEVEN REASONS TO SING" DAVID LANE I am the first to admit that I'm no expert on the backcatalogue of the Aussie songwriter... in fact, this was a "blind purchase", based solely on a review I read about 3 days ago. His third LP, this was to be my first taste. I must say, then, that I was completely satisfied with the results. A georgous little record, "Eleven Reasons To Sing" provides you with just that. It's chock full of uplifting melodies, heart warming lyrics and hope for a brighter day. Its not all sweetness, but the aftertaste puts a spring in your step and a twinkle in your eye. "Feeling Frail" is absolutely one of the best songs I've heard in a long time, an apologetic tale pleeding for "second chance number ten". "Superstar" and "Moon Over Water" will have you clicking your fingers and crooning respectively. "Faded T-Shirt" is a touch more energentic, but loses none of the sentiment, while "Molly Matthews" dreams of a better world, perhaps Lane's answer to "Imagine". Unlike Lennon, though, Lane seems resigned to the fact it will never be. This is a record you really should listen to... it reminds you of all that's good about music. Check out the Social Engagements page for a chance to see David Lane live! |