Latest CD releases reviewed
Supermassive Black Hole WEA ****
Matt Bellamy and his Muse-boys are back with a straightforward electro-disco tune that manages to be sleazier than Depeche Mode, more pretentious than U2 and funkier than a robot from 1984. And you don't need to be Radiohead to play along, either. Supermassive big hit? Absolutely.
Hips Don't Lie Epic ***
Here's a message from Ms Ripoll to all the guys: if you wanna know if she loves you so, it's in her hips. The airplay figures don't lie either - this latest tune from the Columbian chica has broken records for the most-played tune on US radio. And we won't even get into the number of feverish thumbs on the video button as Shakira shakes those truth-tellers.
Dirty Little Secret Interscope **
Ah, teenage love. All shame, guilt, furtive fumbling and getting caught in the broom cupboard with the class minger. God be with the days. Here's another tune destined to feature in the next American Pie-style teen flick, probably followed by an embarrassing episode featuring Jason Biggs, underpants and a pizza.
Rock Bottom Riser Domino ****
Plucking a lonesome blues guitar, Bill Callahan pledges his love for someone who's lifted him from bottom-feeder to top of the world. As usual, Callahan's compelling croak holds you in thrall right through the four tracks on this EP, which include Fool's Lament and I Feel Like the Mother of the World.
Feels Like Love Positiva ***
Amazing: a house tune that doesn't seem to be sampling a cheesy 1980s pop hit. Clubbers will faint with fright on the dancefloor. This is the team that brought you Morjac's Stars and Marly's You Never Know, but this string-driving groove thang should get them a result.
Don't Tell Your Friends 1 by 15 Records ***
No, it's not the return of the UK indie band from the 1980s who had a minor hit with Broken Land. This Irish group used to languish under the uninspiring name of Pedestrian, but wisely decided to go for a more adventurous moniker. They've also gone for a zingier, riffier sound on this tune, so if the other lot don't want their name back, this could be the beginning of a great adventure.
