The Paddingtons - 'Back To The Bus' (DMC) Released 24/07/06

If Spinal Tap were to release a compilation album there's a feeling it would turn out a little like The Paddingtons' 'Back to the Bus'. Starting with Iggy and the Stooges (Search and Destroy) it then moves, of course towards The Libertines. Afterall The Paddingtons have based their whole career on being 'a friend of Pete Doherty' so The Libertines is an obvious nod in the right direction. The Cribs are no surprise either with their out of tune, chanting vocals also accompanied by indie flops 5'o'Clock Heroes who sound uncomfortably like The Paddingtons.
 
This is also presented alongside Graham Coxon and The Rakes but neither are their best tracks to date, especially The Rakes' 'We Are All Animals' which consists of a stripped down, low tuneless track which puts the band to shame.
 
These are joined though by some of the best bands of the past. Joy Division and The Clash make an appearance alongside The Buzzcocks though all the tracks seem far too obvious, and another listen of 'Ever Fallen In Love' doesn't really appeal. Something which does appeal however is the Hawaii Five O theme tune which is stuck between Graham Coxon and The Buzzcocks and unsurprisingly stands out like a sore thumb. The Mouldy Peaches is a breath of fresh air as it's the only track on the album which isn't loud, brash guitars and contains a little variety.
 
We then, having suffered the worst of the present and the best of the past, have to endure the first of The Paddingtons new material. 'Kill A Fashion Killer 'is actually quite a surprise after the starting out of tune vocals but the band bring it together creating quite a catchy chorus before its snarls away into the distance. This album builds up to The Paddingtons new material yet the song barely lasts a minute. It hardly seems worth it.
 
Oh and the next in the series to look forward to? Babyshambles.