Singled Out

Kicking off this week is Taz with his debut full length single ‘Can’t Contain Me’. Taz is most famous for his production of ‘Just a Rascal’ by The Mercury Music Prize Winner Dizzee Rascal, and is now ready to put a face to his well known name. UK Hip Hop has been steadily losing out to its American counterpart for some time now but Taz is about to change all this with his eclectic take on the genre. ‘Can’t Contain Me’ is guided along by a fast, pulsing electronic beat that would be at home in the car or on the dance floor, lyrically Taz is socially provocative whilst providing the pleasure that should be gained by listening to a talented MC. Touted as the UK’s answer to Kayne West, Taz is definitely one to watch.

Aberfeldy are named after a small Scottish coastal holiday town, their debut single ‘Vegetarian Restaurant’ is an introduction to their forthcoming album, ‘Young Forever’. Recently signed to Rough Trade these five boys and girls are like a more boring and laid back Scottish Thrills. ‘Vegetarian Restaurant’ (?) is a folky track with overlaid breathy backing harmonies. Jam packed with acoustic guitars, and sweet voices Aberfeldy tunes were made for singing round those cold Scottish camp fires.

Blind Jackson are six blokes from London who have come up with a quirky, infectious, indie pop sound that has been thrilling live audiences everywhere. Their new EP ‘Stop The Clock’ has been released by the band themselves and features three bonus tracks which all sound fresh, energetic and make you wanna jump around a bit. This is cheeky, bluesy rock and roll done well with just a sprinkling of The Coral. A very good investment, you can buy it from their website www.blindjackson.com

‘Misread’ is the first release from the Kings of Convenience’s new album ‘Riot on an Empty Street’. Norwegians Eirik Glambek Boe and Erland Oye have found time between releasing solo albums and studying for university to record the follow up album to the critically acclaimed ‘Quiet is the New Loud’. ‘Misread’ is a soulful lullaby, led by a piano and continuing The Kings passion for acoustic tracks and simple but beautiful melodies. These boys could be accused of being bland but they are musically talented and able to turn their hand to any genre they choose (Erland being a part time DJ and releasing a dance compilation album last year). This single will hit the spot with new and old fans alike.

With a glut of female singer/songwriters currently venturing out into the charts, Cambridge graduate Polly Paulusma will have to make a big impact to even be noticed. ‘Give it Back’ is the second single from her debut album ‘Scissors in my Pocket’; it is an acoustic but atmospheric track with Paulusma singing in a voice that is a cross between Norah Jones and whatsherface from The Cardigans. This is a catchy summer tune with trumpets and saxophones and overall is a surprisingly powerful track. After going on tour with Jamie Cullum she is due to support Bob Dylan in Ireland which will inevitably bring her voice and songs to a wider audience. She really is an easy listener’s wet dream.

The Holiday Plan are four friends from East London who have been described as ‘emo, but not as we know it’. After having toured the UK relentlessly and releasing a couple of EP’s, ‘Stories’ is the first single release taken from their forthcoming debut album. These punk rockers are already making a name for themselves with the rawness of their music appealing to likeminded teens. ‘Stories’ is a tune that could have been written by any number of similar bands, in an industry flooded with like minded wannabe punks The Holiday Plan will stand out, for about five minutes.

New Yorker Jesse Malin has a new album out ‘The Heat’ and a taster of this second album is the single ‘Mona Lisa’. Jesse Malin is a musician, friend to Ryan Adams and with buckets loads of charisma and talent is ready to take on the UK, ‘Mona Lisa’ is about people who hate their jobs, something that Malin would know nothing about having toured since he was thirteen. Malins electric guitar and an ensemble of instrumentation including a harpsichord has the classic rough but finely tuned style of Malin, a style which is emphasised by his gruff vocals that complete this distinct sound.