this week's post ...

Pendulum
The Other Side new single 28 July
Well Charli XCX was going to be my number one this week, until I heard the 137bpm radio mix of this - another excellent top quality tune from what is right now possibly the most exciting band on the planet

Like A Fox
A Little new single 11 August
Wow this is a fab tune, from Philadelphia comes a rather different sound from Like A Fox, 'A Little' is a catchy well written well produced single, big potential!

Jim Noir
Don't You Worry new single 28 July
I like this, Jim Noir's is back with more trademark psychadelic sixties for 2008, 'Don't You Worry' is the latest in a long line of tunes from Jim that could easily go Top 40

Skepta
Rolex Sweep new single 4 August
A little less frenzied than Wiley's chart stormer, and that probably makes it more accesible to alien ears. I'm just learning the dance now so I'm prepared, a massive hit!

Prego
Cause & Resolve new single 4 August
NME buzz band, Lamaqc faves Prego debut here with 'Cause & Resolve' and it's an impressive first outing which bodes well for future releases. Hit potential

Annie
Don't Stop new album 14 July
I like this, I think's the allure of Annie's rather cold personna. The vid for 'Girlfriend' is a turn on and 'My Love Is Better' is a little further up the skirt .. hmm nice (tracks 3-5 are a little less sexy, but all the same good fayre)

MadCon
So Dark The Con Of Man new album 21 July
Mad Conspiracy eh? I'm not sure how the pop trax like 'Beggin' will go with the more soulful heartfelt tunes like 'Dandylion' and 'Me & My Brother'. There's a sure sign of quality here, however I'm not sure that the feel of some of the trax let it down, a little tacky if you like almost two different acts. Nevertheless full of Norwegian promise

Big Linda
Jenny Don't new single 11 August
I really like Big Linda, they've played our Mad4it night a couple of times and I was struck by their energy and professionalism. 'Jenny Don't' is another great track packed with energy and perfect design. I hope the band find some gimmick to hitch a ride into the charts with, they're great

Jack Johnson
Sleep Through The Static (Edit) new single 28 July
By Curious George, that monkey's gone too heaven ... this is a fine single, for some reason the radio edits seem to appeal to me more on many occasions - this a reduction from 3'40 to 2'40 makes the song more compact and for me much more listenable. It's a good song, and hopefully many people will be joining Jack in going Green but hopefully not with envy. A No.1 album and hopefully a Top 20 single

G Love & Special Sauce
Peace, Love & Understanding new single 4 August
See these G Love typesw supporting Jack Johnson on his UK tour. This is not a cover of the classic Nick Lowe song, but it is in the same spirit. I love that percussion sound, loosely reminiscent of the 'Sympathy For The Devil' intro. Strong vocals and a good tuneful sentiment - possible hit potential

Mason Jennings
Fighter Girl new single 18 August
More Jack Johnson tour support here and a very strong accoustic guitar based vocal performance from singer songwriter Mason, great lyric, great production good record

MGMT
Electric Feel Justice Remix new single 23 June
MGMT have cracked a unique notch out for themselves, there is nothing really like them and 'Time To Pretend' seems to hit each demographic. 'Electric Feel' has been much requested and now as a single at 22 in the chart it's reaching a bigger audience. Combine them with the talents of Justice for a remix and you'd think bingo ... however with 'We Are Your Friends' and DANCE' still filling the floor I'm a little disappointed in the stoccato sound of this remix, in fact I prefer the MGMT original

Forever The Sickest Kids
She's A Lady new single 14 July
Here's another band hot on the tails of Fall Out Boy and Panic At The Disco, these Kids could easily follow them into the top twenty, this is a powerful emo styled anthem. Hit Potential

Madonna
Give It To Me Remixes new single 7 July
How does she do it, she is a phenomenon - she is unique. The Janet's and Paula's have fallen away Madonna continues blazing a trail right out there on the edge somewhere pretty well every time. Give It To Me is an inspirational song, and the remix package is top notch, made for the dancefloor made for the subconscious ... eight bmixes to choose from here and ... Oakenfold gets my vote. Staggeringly brilliant!

The Days
The Days new album 1 August
A good start, 'Jane' a little Kooks-ish then a big drum intro, choppy Mr Blue Sky/Hoosiers type feel for 'Notes' bimmin 'eck there's even the ELO Blue Sky guitar sound. Ello track 3 and it's Keane-ish 'Carry Me' - that's the piano line style isn't it? Less obvious is the Peter Bjorn & John drums on track 4 'Confessions' .... it's no bad thing to be immediately recogniseable as similar to quality hits ... however I'm not sure about this band, the songs are quite skilled but maybe too derivative. having said that maybe it's in their name - differnt bands for different Days ... maybe