Kevin Courtney's guide to singles, downloads and free audiostreams
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB Weapon of Choice ****
No relation to the Fatboy Slim tune, so don't expect to see Christopher Walken dancing on the ceiling. Come to think of it, this tune, the first single from their upcoming album (Baby 81), would nicely soundtrack Walken's Russian roulette scene in The Deer Hunter. Listen to it on www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com
FEIST My Moon, My Man Polydor *
Had you forgotten this feisty French-Canadian chanteuse? Well, here's a reminder for you, a chugging tune from her upcoming album, A Reminder. Hear it on www.listentofeist. com; if you live in France you can even download it.
LADY SOVEREIGN Those Were the Days Island ***
Love her or hate her, you have to concede that young Louise Harman is one pint-sized ball of r'n'b dynamite. She's busy trying to conquer the US with the help of her new bigshot pals, but she hasn't forgotten those days when she was just Louise from the tower block. After all, she might have to go back to Blighty someday.
OCEAN COLOUR SCENE I Told You So Moseley Shoals Records ***
Before jungle there was jangle, and these Brummie lads were the kingpins. Times have changed, though, but OCS can still rely on the Irish crowd to give them a warm welcome. This slice of 1960s guitar pop is from their new album, On the Leyline. Er, is that near the District line?
HANSON Go 3CG *
Yes, it's that Hanson, the US tweeny trio behind MMMBop. The puppy fat is gone, their voices have broken, and they've grown up to be a rather pedestrian pop-rock outfit. Silverchair won't be quaking in their docs. Visit their website www.hanson- europe.info and get a special download bundle deal.
PETER BJORN AND JOHN Objects of My Affection V2 ***
Three little Swedish boys discover a treasure trove of hip, groovy tunes from the 1960s, so they form a band and dedicate themselves to recreating those innocent sounds. This is one of the best tracks from their Writer's Block album, a relentless wash of beats and reminiscences.
