The Noisettes

I am torn about the new Noisettes single/video. When I saw them a few years ago, one of the things that excited me about them, was their punk edge. They were a bit noisy and in-your-face, and really demanded attention. With this new single, the sound has totally changed.

I don't want to be the kind of fan who requires that a band stand in place and rehash the same sound over and over again. But I do fear that this new direction is calculated, and maybe even "suggested," more than organic. In the post Winehouse/Duffy/Adele world, this might have been the big reach for the brass ring.

Luckily, the song is pretty good, and it's definitely catchy. So, it's not a total loss. But I reserve the right to give it a jaundiced eye. See what you think...

Adele

Instead of making you wait forever for the next post, I think I should also tag other pieces I write around the web, and re-purpose them here for our enjoyment. Let's start with my review of Adele's, 19. If I had to give a on2ten, I'd say it's a "at first glance" 6, with a longer term 8.

Adele- Chasing Pavements
Adele- Tired

And grab that Strokes cover mp3 for Last Night on the Tripwire page, it's good.

For even more about her check her site.

Duffy

So when it rains, it pours. Amy Winehouse found a way to hit it big in the US, so now of course all the labels are going to strike it rich again in th aftermath. Plus, I'm sure many folks are trying to find a new one once the old one wears out, and that looks like it may happen any day now.

Duffy is that second chance. And no slight to her, as she does have a great voice and her own schtick as well. Think more Dusty Springfield than Motown. And she has this video:



I love it. Mainly because I am enamored with the idea of the Wigan Casino (youtube that and see what I mean) and all in all the song is well written and fun. Good song (a strong 7) and a fun British rock history checking video (a f'n 9.5) and for now, Duffy you have my attention.

Duffy- Mercy

Amy Winehouse

So I posted about Amy Winehouse a few months ago, in reference to Mylo. But she has a new record coming out in the UK now, and it sounds like it will be out in the US in March. So I figured I'd give you the early heads up...

Now sometimes, I have to admit that an artist's appeal is more than just the basic musical allure. Sometimes the songs and the music aren't what make an artist compelling. Sometimes it's that artist's attitude or timing or just the context of when their record is released. Sometimes it's just the fact that there is nothing else around that is remotely interesting. Sometimes, it's just that X factor.

Now, I think Amy Winehouse has good songs, I think her voice is unique and interesting, and I think the songs are catchy. But while I think casual listeners could easily lump her with Joss Stone, Nelly Furtado, Nikka Costa or even Macy Gray, something separates her from the rest. Besides her painfully topical and skewering British witticisms, it's really just all about "her." But I can't explain it as well as she can try this:



So she's a loon. Plus she's a drunk and hella sassy. I don't need much more than that. Her new record, Back to Black gets an 8. Her first record, Frank gets an 8.5. But again these scores may go up, they are still new to me.

Amy Winehouse- Rehab
Amy Winehouse- Fuck Me Pumps