| Music
New releases reviewed
by Miles Cleret
CAN’T STOP LISTENING
TO...
Bubblegum
by Mark Lanegan Band
Reviewed by: Julian Deane, Brighton Institute of Modern
Music (BIMM). Tel: 01273 626666
Bubblegum is not a pop record;
it’s a metaphor for a fragile state of mind. Mark
Lannegan was the frontman with Seattle also-rans Screaming
Trees before teaming up with Queens of the Stone Age on
Songs for the Deaf. The latest in a string of low-key solo
albums, it might prove to be the crowning glory of a chequered
career. Lanegan has persuaded an A-list cast to help him
realise his vision, including Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri,
PJ Harvey, and Izzy and Duff from Guns ‘n’ Roses.
The vibe is lo-fi, dark and brooding, making it one of the
coolest sounding records of recent times. “When Your
Number Isn’t Up” sets the mood: a crappy drum
machine, cheap Farfisa organ and low-fi guitars blend with
ragged but beautiful vocals. “Hit the City”
features PJ Harvey and has the dirtiest bass line I’ve
heard in years. Other highlights are “Methamphetamine
Blues”, “Bombed” and “Like Little
TP ORCHESTRA
POLY-RYTHMO
on SOUNDWAY RECORDS
Rating: *****
 This
latest – and to this ear most interesting –
compilation released by the Brighton-based Soundway label
takes us to Benin, a small west-African country bordering
Nigeria and the home of TP Orchestra Poly-Rythmo. Although
Poly-Rythmo are one of the most prolific bands of all time
in west Africa, producing more than 50 albums and hundreds
of singles, they are virtually unknown outside their home
country. This compilation highlights the exceptionally wide
range of rhythmic styles (their drummer is outstanding),
and their high standard of musicianship. Rich and vibrant,
this album contains some knockout grooves. Matthew Clark
STEP FORWARD
by JUAN DE MARCOS
on DM AHORA!
Rating: *****
 Juan
de Marcos Gonzales is the bandleader, composer, tres-player
(a small Cuban guitar) and musical brain behind the Buena
Vista Social Club. Step Forward is the first album to be
released on his label – the first independent label
in Cuba. Employing the expertise of five professional arrangers
and several classical musicians, over 50 musicians (loosely
assembled under the Afro Cuban All Star banner), who are
mostly young, rising jazz and salsa stars, rip through a
collection of new compositions. The playing is tight and
the arrangements are dynamite. Cuban music doesn’t
come much better than this. MC
Where The Humans
Eat
by Willy Mason
Rating: *****
 The
brilliant Willy Mason, who released his star-quality debut
single Oxygen earlier this month, serves up an entire album
oozing sheer quality. Merging a suggestion of folk, a hint
of blues and a rather hefty dash of young talent, Massachusetts-born
Mason dips a brush into his palette and delivers a stylish,
foot-tapping, success-bound piece of musical artistry. Confined
to a 40-minute canvas, the ability of the 20-year-old is
astoundingly apparent, not more so than in tracks “Still
A Fly” and “Oxygen”. Released 28 February.
You can catch Willy Mason live at Brighton’s Concorde2
on 13 April. Mark Deakin
Capture
by Grinning Souls
independently released
Rating: *****
Ex Cutting Crew member Nick van Eede, et al formed the band
Grinning Souls, whose blend of captivating rock, mellow
interludes and bitter-sweet melodies dictate the flow of
this enchanting debut album. Propelled by a wealth of instrumentation
and Nick’s vocals, Grinning Souls sail effortlessly
into the realms of audible class governed by the likes of
Franz Ferdinand and White Stripes – different styles
ok, but same class. A self-financed, independently released
album – not at all bad. MD
ROOSTER
by ROOSTER
on BRIGHTSIDE RECORDINGS
Rating: *****
 Four
young lads in almost identical dark T-shirts, jeans and
haircuts; guitar, bass, drums and a vocalist – it
is, of course, a new British rock band. This is Rooster’s
debut album, and although nothing new, it is perhaps one
of the most competent of any similar albums that have been
released recently. Their guitar-player is nifty enough,
has a great tone and has clearly spent ages in his bedroom
perfecting Deep Purple, Led Zep and the like. The band is
tight, the vocals are particularly strong and, unlike many
bands of a similar ilk, Rooster have written some great
tunes – check out the Free-like “Standing In
Line” MC
SECRET LOVE
by CLAIRE MARTIN
on LINN RECORDS
Rating: *****
 Since
she moved to Brighton 10 years ago, Claire’s career
as a jazz singer has blossomed. Her latest album continues
a 12-year association with Glasgow’s Linn Records
which has produced a series of outstanding CDs. This may
well be her best to date, with outstanding contributions
from guitarist Jim Mullen. Richard Rodney Bennett appears
on two tracks and provides a superb accompaniment on “Something
Cool”. Claire’s duet with Mullen on “Where
Do You Start?” is the outstanding track, but the strength
and full quality of her voice is beautifully captured throughout.
Take note! A major Jazz singer lives in Brighton. Peter
Batten
copyright The Insight 2005
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