CDs 2002 (1)

Doves : The Last Broadcast. Number one, critically acclaimed,etc. But is it really that good ? Well, there's definitely a few wonderful euphoric songs like 'words', 'there goes the fear' and 'pounding', a couple of decent enough and calmer songs and, I think, a reasonably low number of instantly forgettable numbers. So overall, as an album, I think I prefer the first one, but the 3 uplifting songs mentioned above are definitely worth a summer listen.

The Soundtrack of Our Lives : Beyond the Music. Swedish psychedelic rock music. Apparently great live. Definitely a very good record. Not that thrilling but solid. (update, well they are fantastic live)

Weezer : Maladroit. Emo-rock noisy pop thingy. A few brilliant songs, no frills sound, but somehow this kind of record never stay very long in my mind. So very good but I don't know, I still think it sounds a bit offensive on the ear.

Hundred Reasons : Ideas above Our Station. The English version of the same template. Although it does sound similarly american. Noise, raw saturated guitar sound, a few tunes, and a voice that tends to get on my nerves a bit after a while. File next to Weezer or Rival Schools. Competent, not moving.

The Promise Ring : Wood/Water. Ex-emo-rock band. Slightly more melodic and more downbeat than the previous two, makes for a pleasant listen, but still, I'm afraid, instantly forgettable. Yes, there's a lot of very goodr ecords that I can't quite get into these days.

Angelica : The seven year Itch. Now this is great. Nearly 3 years after their debut (ironically ?) titled 'The End of a Beautiful Career', the best girl-rock band (goodbye Sahara Hotnights) around are back. Recorded in 7 days ? Must have been 7 days of unadulterated fun. This is joyous,just how any guitar-based music should be. Frankly this is great rock-pop.

Melys : Suikerspin. Compilation of old and new tracks. Shame that I already had all but 4 then. But that's another band that will stay in the underground despite writing better music than 90% of people. I'd die happy if I could write songs like these. Guitars, keyboards, a few electronic sounds and a delicate voice. If you don't think 'you should have been there' is a beautiful song, then I can't do anything for you anymore. One of my all-time favourite underrated band.

Eminem : The Eminem Show. Do you call that hip-hop ? Rap ? Do these words still conjure up images of big gangstas wearing chains and threatening you ? The world has moved on. And Eminem is the definitive cartoon-rapper. Listening to this album, you can't picture anything mean or harmful. It'sjust very good and pacy, the delivery is nearly faultless; not minding the lyrics themselves (which I guess isn't right when listening to Eminem but nevermind....) this really sounds like inoffensive fun. And if you'veseen the 'Without Me' video, you will probably agree that the best bit is Eminem dressed up as Bin Laden and dancing. Forget it, Mr Bush, this is really hilarious !

Easyworld : Better Ways to Self-Destruct. A slight casting mistake as I thought I was buying their newest album but it wasn't out yet. So this was last year's cut-price release. No regret though, this is quite fine. Pop-rock again, you will like it if you like K's choice I think. It makes sense, a fine listen, raw production and still better than most music out these days.

Dot Allison : We are Science. Her first solo album was great, but this is highly disappointing. Sort of 80s electro-gothic rock, very basic, quite boring, it's OK-ish but frankly underwhelming. I saw her live cos I had a free ticket with the CD. But the gig lasted only 45 minutes, and didn'treally make me listen to the album again. A couple of OK-tunes, but I definitely recommend you listen to 'Afterglow' instead.

Faultline : Your Love Means Everything. How do you classify that ? I don't know. Producer makes music, a bit electronic, a bit guitary, gets Chris Martin (Coldplay), Wayne Coyne (The Flaming Lips) and Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) round for tea and makes a cracking album. Yes it's very good, especially the non-instrumental tracks. And it also makes me look forward to the new Coldplay album.......

Mùm : Finally we are No-one. Nice ambient electronica stuff from Iceland. But far from essential.