WHAT I AM

Tin Tin Out featuring Emma Bunton

Oh my God, they’re all at it now. First one, then another and now the chart’s fast becoming saturated with Solo Spices. Anyway, Emma, Baby Spice, whatever, she can sing a bit too. Of this fact let there be absolutely no doubt – any faults with this single are in no way down to the singer. No, the blame lies squarely at the door of Tin Tin Out. It was only a couple of years ago that the Outs were churning out dancey singles like Strings For Yasmin and doing high quality remixes for other people. Then came the lethargic tripe that was Here’s Where The Story Ends. It sold loads, stayed in the charts forever and the magic words Winning and Formula came into their heads. As a result every song they’ve done since has followed the same basic kiddie-friendly pattern. This is no different, following the Edie Brickell 1989 original to the letter and without even threatening to do anything interesting. What a waste. Still, despite all that, it’s four down, one to go. I doubt Victoria’ll be releasing anything yet, after all she’ll need to help her hubby get over the fact that, no matter how unlikely it may seem, there is absolutely nothing in the FA rules that says Manchester United aren’t allowed to get thrashed occasionally.

SINGLES 1 – 6, 7 – 12, 13 - 18

Depeche Mode (box sets)

Covering the early years, 1981-86, Box 1 starts off with Vince Clarke writing the songs ("Operating, generating / new life, new life", yeah, cheers Vince) then leaving, then Martin Gore taking over. Box 2 then follows, taking in Everything Counts and also proving that the Mode were one of the first bands to use samplers properly. Finally, there’s Box 3 which covers the rest of the singles up to 1986 plus the French import, Little 15. If you’re a long-time fan, then you’ll already have this, but if you thought their career started with Violator, this is one hell of a re-education. Personally, I think it’s great, but then I like bands that keep pushing themselves.