5th January, 1998

Happy New Year. I'd advise you to come back next week.

Single of the Week

"Untouchable" by Rialto

With its knowing nods and winks, "do you think I'd give you a dose" nudge-nudge lyrics and big production backing, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was Pulp's new offering. Fortunately, Rialto aren't quite that smug (though give them time and they could be) and "Untouchable" is a perfectly acceptable piece of passionate pop, with a nicely grubby behind-closed-doors feel. Hardly crashing through any barriers, however (let Idlewild and Ultrasound do that - 98 looks like it's going to be good).

"Lipstick Letters" is the first b-side and is less derivative, almost 60s-ish in style with a grandoise faded romantic sweep that hints at fine things from Rialto if they are brave enough to follow this kind of Tindersticks meets The Shangri-Las direction. "King Of Karaoke" is last, and because it has a jingly-jangly fairground waltz backing, sounds like one of those bizarre Blur b-sides, or The Beautiful South back when they were good.

Rialto are at the fork in the path. If they go one way, they will be Britpop hangovers; if they have the courage to go the other they could be vital.

Rating: 7/10

The Rest

"Stay" by Bernard Butler

When Big n Bouncy Bernie left top glam gloomsmiths Suede (I could write for The Sun, me), calamaties just short of the end of the world were predicted. What actually happened was one great single with McAlmont, whispered allegations of homophobia, and Butler's ex-band going on to become even greater than before. No one noticed, in other words.

Now, Butler returns with this pleasantly subtle and old-fashioned (in a 70s prog way) song, a slow burner on which he plays his instrument and flexes a particlularly gentle set of vocal chords. A million miles away from Suede's stack-heeled stomp, "Stay" is a smouldering incense stick in your older cousin's bedroom: it looks interesting, but you know you should really be concentrating on things more up-to-date.

"Hotel Splendide" on the b-side is even more adrift on topographical oceans, with tye-dye t-shirts and flares that flap audibly in the mix. "The Sea" is a piano-based track that would not be out of place on a Rush LP. And that is not a compliment.

Rating: 6/10

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