ACTUALLY IT'S DARKNESS

Idlewild

Actually it's rubbish. Standard issue rock thrown out with the regulation requirement angry bloke doing the singing, to be exact. The only thing Idlewild really have going for them is their song titles. Let's be honest, if you haven't heard When I Argue I See Shapes, you'd want to hear it just to find out what relevance the title has to the song, wouldn't you? Well, I would, but I've heard it and it's more of the same, so that's saved you the effort. One final point, Angry Bloke sings "Why can't you be more cynical?" Don't go down that road with me sir, it's a battle I will win and handsomely.

NB. This has to be possibly the worst review I've ever had printed. It seemed alright when I wrote it, but the minute I saw it in the paper a few days later I knew I'd lost the plot on this one. There is a reason why I decided to keep the review instead of just ditching it and forgetting about it and if you click on the link below you'll find out what it is.

Here's the link. It leads onto something of a surprise...

A SONG FOR THE LOVERS

Richard Ashcroft

You remember Richard Ashcroft. The lanky one who sang in The Verve before they went boom shortly after Urban Hymns came out, still one of the most depressing albums I've ever heard and I've sat through Now albums so I know my stuff here. Listening to this it's obvious who had the most say in the band's musical direction, because this could be a Verve song except for one difference. It's happy. Seriously. It's faster, cheerier and by golly it's all the better for it I tell you. This is a surefire No1 and remember, I said Mel C would get there weeks ago. I'm feeling confident about this because if Mr Ashcroft can have a song in his heart and a spring in his step then there's hope for all of us. Richard Ashcroft is the way to a better life. Eiffel 65 are not.

THE VIDEOS 86>98

Depeche Mode (DVD)

Now, it may have taken a while, but finally I've found a music DVD that's worth reviewing. I may be slightly biased in that I believe the Mode are the Finest Band In Creation TM, but this is still stunning value for money. 21 videos and 2 mini-documentaries for under twenty quid? You'd be mad to turn it down. And the sound quality's tons better than VHS too. One final point, it gives you the chance to see Dave Gahan roaming round the world dressed as a king and carrying a deckchair (like you do when you're royalty). Music video directors, they're kerazee!