Latest releases reviewed.
WEEZER We Are all on Drugs Geffen ****
"This is not a pro-drugs song," insists Rivers Cuomo, but who cares - it's Weezer's own feel-high hit of the summer, and besides, we're all too whacked out to see the irony of it.
THE ANSWER Keep Believin' EP Albert Productions **
This apostrophe-lovin' band from Downpatrick were discovered by The Darkness and are signed to AC/DC's label. Think Led Zep, Foreigner and Free, but with the songwriting ability of The Music.
SIMON CASEY Here Comes my Baby Universal *
The Irish record industry is suing file sharers - and then sinking good money into farragoes like this cover of a Tremeloes song by a You're a Star also-ran. Who's really killing the music, eh?
LEAVES Good Enough Island ***
They hail from Iceland, so expect a few puns on "cold" and "play" to appear in some of the reviews. Still, there's a bit of Doves there, too, so that's okay. A not-unwelcome rush of new blood to the scene.
MADNESS Shame & Scandal V2 ***
On the Dangermen sessions, The Nutty Boys go back to their ska, reggae and rock roots, covering chestnuts such as this twisted tale of illegitimacy, originally done by Lord Tanamo. Sure beats Annie, I'm not your Daddy.
SOFT CUDDLY TOYS Higher Ground EP www.softcuddlytoys.com **
This Irish five-piece got together to play a tribute gig to a dear departed friend, and got such a good reaction they decided to keep going. The songs are well crafted with good vocal interplay, but it's all too, well, soft and cuddly.
LESLEY ROY There'll Be Angels Religion **
But will there be any beer? This Dublin teen rocker with a big voice has the whole Avril/Evanescence thing nailed down - all she needs now is the devil's own luck.
