18th November, 1996
Not very much out this week, but what was there was good.|
"Mondo Cane" by Drugstore"No More Tears", on the b-side, is a quieter, more introspective number; a gospel-tinged ballad with some nice sounds. "The Adventures of Isabel", inspired by an Ogden Nash poem, is a bit of a laugh too with its exuberantly-strummed guitar and sing-song lyrics. Rating: 10/10 The Rest"Fluorescences" by StereolabHaving said that, "Fluoresences" is one of their more accessible tracks, with typically laid-back vocals from Laetitia and a catchy tune. Unlikely to chart due to the band's relative obscurity, it is nevertheless better than the majority of songs to be found in the top 40. "Pinball" on the b-side sounds like its title; a tune that is flipped around a perky electro rhythm, with French vocals. Like Kraftwerk relaxing in a Parisian cafe. "You Used To Call Me Sadness" is more imaginary film music - all dreamy "dum de dums" and swirling brass. The 13-minute "Soop Groove #1" closes this impressive EP, and is mesmeric Stereolab at their best. A house-tinged track, it still contains all their trademark sounds, making it a classy kinky sci-fi frug. Rating: 9/10
"Bleed" by Catatonia"Bleed" is another impressive track from Wales second-best band, all fiery driving guitars and powerful female vocals. Perhaps if lead singer Cerys became as outspoken and loudmouthed as Louise Wener, this would go top 20. The best of the b-sides is a shiver-inducing version of "Do You Believe In Me?" from the Reading Festival. Rating: 8/10 |
