Singles: 1 February 2010

I might rename this column as 'I listen to Jedward so you don't have to' but that'd just be a lie. Especially as I thought their single was surprisingly fun. Marina And The Diamonds are the centerpiece this week though.

Marina And The Diamonds - Hollywood



"I'm obsessed with the mess that's America". Well, that's just shot yourself in the foot for any kind of future American breakthrough. But on this side of the pond, this looks set to be Marina's moment, almost inspite of her distinctive vocals. 'Hollywood' bubbles along with a variety of melodies and hooks, and with a glamourous video to match Marina's glamourous looks. A splendid pop single.

Now to decide whether "OH MAI GAWD! YOU LOOK JUST LIKE SHAKIRA, NO NO, CATHERINE ZETA...ACK-CHA-LLY, MY NAME'S MARINA" is the greatest or worst lyric of 2010 so far...."puking American dreams" definitely isn't though.

Jedward ft. Vanilla Ice - Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)

Jedward - Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)

The original was pretty amazing. The Vanilla Ice version was a lot of fun. This X Factor spin off combines the two and adds a couple of oddball identical twins - the cultural phenomenon that is Jedward. With some studio magic and Vanilla Ice actually laying down some of his rhymes, it's surprisingly entertaining. And undoubtedly divisive. Regardless, check out the video for a hearty chuckle then confusion.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons


I didn't fall in love with the latest Yeah Yeah Yeahs album in the same way that many critics did. But one of the outstanding highlights of that was the beautiful 'Skeletons'. Recalling the fragility of 'Maps' but with a more epic soundscape. Be sure to check out this enrapturing cello cover by Andrew Carter.

Hot Chip - One Life Stand

One Life Stand (Radio Edit) by HOTCHIP

Hot Chip are back with a smooth grooves-disco-ballad which is far too reminiscent of Laid Back's 'White Horse' and consequently has me singing "If you wanna be rich, you've got to be a bitch" along to Hot Chip. Which is a bit weird.

Swanton Bombs - Viktoria



Continuing the garage rock revival (but in a good way) although slightly lacking in the energy and effervescence of last single 'Shock'. For a two-piece, they don't half make a racket. Also, thumbs up for including a b-side called 'Anaconda Vice', which like the band's name is a wrestling move. Look out for the album, due out on Feb 15th.

Cha-Cha - Phonographic Love



Who releases a single on a Sunday?! Cha-Cha, that's who. And they're bringing back disco pop. Well, after a minute of stadium indie rock anyway. Didn't really do much for me. More importantly however, I wish they'd stop calling themselves "London's best kept secret".

Egyptian Hip Hop - Wild Human Child/Heavenly

Egyptian Hip Hop - Heavenly by Pure Groove

Double A-side from the hotly tipped youngsters. I prefer the ambient electronica of 'Heavenly' over 'Wild Human Child' and its sub-Late Of The Pier stylings. Not sure about the vocals though. Bit grating. Still, they're one single away from exploding.

Other Notable Releases

The Victorian English Gentlemens Club - Bored In Belgium

Mirrorkicks - Anything

I Blame Coco ft. Robyn - Caesar

Factory Kids - THey Used To Call Me Baby EP

Ash - Neon

Basia Bulat - Run