Latest releases reviewed
CORINNE BAILEY RAE Put Your Records On Good Groove ***
She's from Leeds, she's been hailed as the reincarnation of Billie Holiday, and she makes Joss Stone sound like Billie Piper. Here's a succulent taster from her upcoming debut album, backed by an instrumental version. Er, we'd just rather hear you sing it again, Corinne.
CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH In This Home on Ice Wichita ***
Is Alec Ounsworth whining about having to live in a freezing cold igloo? No, but this Brooklyn band's cool quotient is so high, you could figurskate on it. Strangely reminiscent of Where the Streets Have No Name as sung by a p***ed-off sea lion.
THE ULTRA MONTANES Dirty Blood Saved Our Town EP No Label ***
The Dublin band return with a new girl on keyboards and a new razor-edged sound. You won't recognise Rory's rasp on Speedwalker and I Don't Care, but his Tom Verlaine tremelo returns on Sterilised, a song that calls for a national programme to eradicate perfect people. That's me f***ed, then.
MICAH P HINSON Yard of Blonde Girls Full Time Hobby ****
Ever wake up and find your backyard full of blondes? No, me neither. This tune was originally by The Nymphs, and brought to life by Jeff Buckley. Hinson puts his Smog-meets-Johnny Cash croak on this alternative classic, from the tribute album Dream Brother: The Songs of Jeff and Tim Buckley. Very sexy.
THE DELAYS Valentine Rough Trade ***
From their (presumably) long-awaited second album, here's a timely, electronically tested tune from those Southampton pretenders to the Stone Roses' throne. They're playing Dublin's Village tomorrow night - don't delay, get a ticket.
WE ARE SCIENTISTS It's a Hit Virgin ***
They may look like nerdy salesmen from the 1970s, but there's nothing geeky about this trio's sharp-suited brand of powerpop. It'll definitely be a hit with the indie kids.
MOCRAC Happy Reekus ***
MoCrac is Maurice Ferriter and, in true Autamata style, he's recruited some fine friends to help him realise his alt.electropop vision. Happy is the first single from the debut album, Cash Is King, and features the unmistakeable voice of Cathy Davey. It's also on the soundtrack for the film of Maeve Binchy's Tara Road.
