HeadCleaner Single Reviews

7th April, 1997

"Song 2" by Blur

Song of the year so far, without a doubt. Alternating between an almost childlike indie strumalong and an atomic bomb of a chorus, "Song 2" sees Blur in full metal racket mode, guitars turned up to 12. A few seconds longer than 2 minutes, it is over far too quickly and a perfect length all at the same time. Play this to the people that thought Blur were all parklives and country houses and watch them run away with their ears bleeding...

Blur have reinvented themselves marvellously with their new material, and "Song 2" is their new theme, more so than the impressive yet slightly safe "Beetlebum". It may lose them fans, but it should win them plenty.

Two new songs on the b-side: "Get Out Of Cities" is a gloriously messy new wave thing, all buzzing electric guitars and Sonic Youth-type experimentalism; and "Polished Stone" is a gentle ballad hijacked by Graham Coxon's weird effects pedals.

Do you realise that if you jump around your room to "Song 2" too much you fall over?? Wonderful.

Rating: 10/10

The Rest

"The Saint" by Orbital

Eventually, someone in Hollywood is going to remake The Waltons, with Ewan MacGregor as John Boy, Drew Barrymore as Mary Ellen and Lily Savage as Grandma. When that day comes, some hip dance band will take the theme tune, twist it around a drum n bass backing, and let it loose upon the world, scampering out like an aged and familiar relative drunk on Hooch at Christmas time.

Which, together with the fact that it is wonderful, tells you all you need to know about "The Saint".

"The Sinner" on the b-side takes Simon Templar outside and turns him into a bad mutha.

Rating: 9/10

"Lazy" by Suede

Brett and his cohorts swagger around again with this, the third single from the excellent "Coming Up" LP. Featuring more faded and wasted young things from the "flats and the maisonettes", "Lazy" sees the band in full-on glam mode, echoing the early days of "The Drowners" and "Animal Nitrate". Richard Oakes' guitar runs through this like a vein of gold, Brett's vocals are typically langourous, and you can almost see Neil Codling just sitting there and looking pretty.

Four new tracks to mention. "These Are The Sad Songs" features a strong guitar refrain over which Brett weaves a slow, melting tune. "Feel" is an epic (8 minutes plus), with a dance-influenced beat and metal guru guitars. On the second CD are "Sadie", a melancholic torch song, and "Digging A Hole", a spooky piano-based lament written by Neil Codling, and featuring him on vocals.

A wonderfully romantic and preposterously pompous crew, Suede are a mighty fine band to have around.

Rating: 8/10

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