Nerina Pallot // All Bets Are Off

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The latest single to be lifted from Nerina Pallot’s fourth studio album, Year Of The Wolf (although we see there is a re-release called New Year Of The Wolf but we’ll save discussion of that for another post!), is All Bets Are Off.

This time round we’re going for a nice little ballad with what seems like very simple instrumentation. The only concern that we have is that it seems when it’s playing, it seems rather short. We’re not sure why it feels like that. Maybe it’s because the verse, seems like the chorus in melody just with strings attached. Maybe it’s because the chorus is repeated a few times before it finishes. It’s missing something but we’re not sure what.

Despite it’s negatives though we still like it and we’re sure that fans will too.

Rating:3.5/5

Nerina Pallot // Put Your Hands Up

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Put Your Hands Up is the first offering in 2011 from Nerina Pallot from her forthcoming studio album, The Year Of The Wolf (set to be released at the end of May).

With a 60's feeling with a bit of a modern twist, the song is one of those that instantly becomes likable on first hearing. It light, bright and classy with fantastic melodies that complement Nerina's vocals. It's a lovable tune perfect for the recent sunny weather and may be an indication of what we can expect from the full album later next month.

A highly recommended listen. A chart return for one Nerina Pallot? We'll have to wait and see.

Rating: 4.5/5

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

Nerina Pallot // Real Late Starter

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Real Late Starter is the first song to be lifted from Nerina Pallot’s newest album, The Graduate. The song is a brilliant little number that could basically sum up how those of who haven’t found their place in life see things if things did go right. Or another option is how people see life but carry on regardless. This mix (We Are The Chatterleys) only adds to the song

Also on this release is a previously digitally released track Peg, which in turn is a cover of the Steely Dan track. Of course, Nerina bring her unique vocal talents to this song to give it justice.

The final track on this release is My Last Tango, another previously released track, this time from her debut album, Dear Frustrated Superstar. However this is an acoustic version of the song, previously available on the Acoustic Sessions cd (that has been available to buy at her recent concerts)

Overall a nice little EP, assuming that you haven’t previously downloaded Track 2 or previously  bought the CD for track 3.

Rating: 4/5

Nerina Pallot // The Graduate

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Buy @ Play.com | Download @ iTunes

It’s been a long three years since we last heard anything from this lovely woman, but finally, the new album has been released and it has been worth the wait. Teasing fans with possible tracks on her myspace and in the weeks running up to the release, showcasing acoustic versions of the final tracks.

Everything’s Illuminated! is a great opening track lulling you into a false sense of security that it’s a run of the mill pop song, but ultimately builds up to a powerful chorus. With gentle vocals on the verses and more powerful ones on the chorus, the track sets the stage for the rest of the album. Real Late Starter is a brilliant little number that could basically sum up how those of who haven’t found their place in life see things if things did go right.

The Right Side is another brilliant track with misdirecting lyrics (“How can we lose when we’re on the right side”) and would probably do well as a single. Human is a beautiful guitar driven ballad and a calm moment in the track listing.

After our moment of calm, the pace is brought back up with an easy going, rebelliously written song about going against what others are doing…partying! Coming home is an emotional song about the supportive family. The lyrics read what every parent thinks: “I’m all grown up now but I’m still your kid…and I know you’ll love me anyway.”

It Starts is this album’s Sophia. A beautiful piano driven ballad with the lyrics to match about love. Then comes the album shocker, When Did I Become Such A Bitch. Somehow you will find yourself singing along with it. It’s catchy, it sticks in your head and it realisation that you may be bitching when you don’t realise it and how it takes over. Cigarette is one of those little strange songs where each you listen to it, she seems to be singing something different. Works on so many levels. It Was Me is a beautiful little ballad which round the album off beautifully,

Overall a brilliant album that’s been well worth the teasing over and full of promising tracks that could do well as singles. The wait has been worth it and hopefully this will be the album that gets Nerina the attention she deserves

Rating: 5/5