Nerina Pallot // I Don’t Want To Go Out

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EP 1 iTunes | EP2 iTunes | EP3 iTunes

Described as a joyful revolt against the recession and the joys of the sofa, Nerina Pallot brings us single number 2 from her latest album, The Graduate .  It’s a fun little track which many will be able to relate with the whole credit crunch (then again, the recent weather has provided plenty of reason to stay in!) And with it’s memorable chorus and easy beat, you’ll soon be singing and dancing along.

The release also includes  Buckminster Fuller (a track from the rare Buckminster Fuller EP) which is a lovely little ballad. The final track is the version of I Don’t Want To Go Out taken from the ‘I Digress’ Sessions which Nerina carried out on Youtube in the weeks prior to the album release where she played alternate versions of the songs.

On other versions, there is a previously unreleased track called Girl On A Wire (again, from the Buckminster Fuller EP) which has more of The Graduate feel to it, and one that wouldn’t see out of place had it been on the album.  There is also the video to the single available with this version. Another version of the EP includes a cover of Lily Allen’s single The Fear, in which Nerina brings her own unique vocals to and makes a exceptional cover of it. Included with this is the video to the last single Real Late Starter.

Overall, another lovely little track and definitely one that is required to lift the moods of the country in these testing times (and not only cause of the credit crunch). If you liked this, I highly recommend the album

Rating: 4.5/5

Timbaland Feat. Katy Perry // If We Ever Meet Again

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There’s something about this track that just draws you in. If you’re not attempting to join in with the chorus by the end of the first one, then there’s something wrong. Like previous songs, it’s built on simple beats and melodies and easy lyrics. It’s one of those songs that if it came on at party or in a club people would be up dancing to it.  It’s a fun little track and there’s no issue with the vocals. Both Katy’s and Timbaland’s work well in harmony for the chorus and overall.

Even if you aren’t a fan of either of these artists or maybe have only dabbled in a few of their works, this is a collaboration not to be missed. It is definitely a track that has slipped the radar and should be around for quite a while.

Rating: 4/5

Leona Lewis // I Got You

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Download @ iTunes

Single no. 2 from album number 2 and have to say that from the outset, this is 10 times the single that the depressing and bizzarely named Happy was.

It’s a fun little number more upbeat more pleasant sounding on the ears. The chorus lyrics appear to be broken in to 2 syllable words and where this would normally annoy, this actually works. Gently sung verse lyrics into the broken sounds of the chorus are not an issue. Actually, this might be one of the few good tracks on the album as a whole.

The single is backed with the song Heartbeat, a slower tempo song in contrast to the main track and roughly on the same kinda wavelength subject wise.
Overall this is a great single choice, especially for the time of year and may entice those who struggled with happy back for another listen should they not have bought the album (Echo) Fans may have thought that the next single may have been My Hands, which as gamers will know, is the theme to the English / European version of the latest instalment of Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XIII. (due to be released 9th March 2010)

Rating:4/5

Jedward // Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)

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Brace yourself! The twins have released a single! Just when you’d thought you’d seen the last of them, they go and release a version of  Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby) as performed on X-Factor. Except this time, they’ve got Vanilla Ice himself on the record. Unfortunately though, doesn’t help them out any. It’s still nails on a chalk board and the video proves that their chorography hasn’t improved either.

It feels as if these boys are being given false hope that they have any chance at a proper career in the music business. They are a novelty act that can only run so long before something more interesting comes along.

Fans will rush out and buy this but anyone with an ounce of sense will avoid this like the plague!

Rating: 0.5/5