Jarvis Cocker once described much of modern lyricism as “sophisticated shopping lists”, which is somewhat kind to some of this week’s singles club. While Glasvegas are heartfelt dealing with teenage murder and the Pussycat Dolls presumably meaningful when slating their misgivings about men, the lines don’t rise above the mundane. The Hot Melts don’t exactly prove themselves to be wordsmiths supreme either. Thankfully, First Aid Kit set their sights above poultry - more words about words below, read on ladies and gents.
Glasvegas – Flowers and Football Tops
This is a song of laudable intentions, which Digital Spy awards 8/10 for being “heartbreaking and haunting”. Comfort Comes picks up on the grating rendition of You Are My Sunshine the song ends with, which “seems a little hokey and unnecessary part to an otherwise cracking tune”. City Life believes it “conjures up the kind of sonic experience that earned all those My Bloody Valentine and Jesus & Mary Chain comparisons” and gives 8/10. However, there is nothing as intelligent here – this is basic, bereft of musical ideas and gets 3/10.
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The Hot Melts - Edith
Lyrics this bad must take some serious thought. “I head to the kitchen/well yeah, what a surprise/overcooked the chicken” – watch out Cohen and co. Still Glasswerk is right to call Edith “an adrenaline fuelled foot stomper”. Daily Music Guide observes the group “aren’t really breaking free from their comfort zone here”. Subba Cultcha is far more taken, proclaiming it “A sterling effort from the Melts, like U2’s perfect three minute singles, only rockier and more fun”. It sounds like being 15, which is fine as far as it goes, but only worth 5/10.
First Aid Kit – Drunken Trees
The debut EP from this precocious duo is subtle triumph. The Music Magazine gives it 9/10 for “sheer gorgeousness” and comments that “raw and improv style echoes firmly around” the record. The vocal accomplishment is highlighted by There Goes The Fear, which states: “Its melodic yet weird vocals and scales flow through the record making for a captivating listen”. The Beat Surrender is less convinced, giving 6/10 but admitting it “can certainly hear enough here to see why they are being touted as [a] big breakthrough”. It is full of dark, simple pleasures and lands 8/10 here.
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Pussycat Dolls - Whatcha Think About That
Corsets, flying on giant swings, a guest spot from Missy Elliot, Pussycat Dolls are nailing the girl group clichés here. Tengaged calls it “an addictive song which is too catchy for its own good” and gives it 6.5/10. Digital Spy presents a 6/10 mark for “a vibrant slice of danceable R&B, all bhangra-style beats and spunky attitude”, while MSN commends the “clap happy…latest catchy little ditty”. Is bad boyfriend baiting, “he got to go” faux girl power really still sellable? Apparently so - it isn’t very good though, it’s 4/10 material.
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