Out This Week

Another week, another batch of fledgling singles are born into the big bad world of pop. So let's see if anyone's got a hope of kicking Mika off his perch, because frankly it's getting boring...

Plan B 'No Good' (679)
Any song that opens with the line, "I'll stab you in the eye, yo, with a f***ing biro" is bound to make you stand up and take notice. Or at least leg it down the highstreet as fast as you can. But Ben performs his usual volte-face trick of turning such stereotypical rap bragadocio into a Guardian-esque critique of The Youth Of Today. All the while borrowing a generous portion of Oxide & Neutrino's 'You're No Good For Me' to reference. The video's rather good too. Which is convenient, because he sat down and spoke to us about it. Those of infirm ears may need to be accompanied by an adult.



Click here to watch the video to 'No Good' with an exclusive commentary by Plan B himself.

Badly Drawn Boy 'A Journey From A To B' (EMI)
He's knocking on the door but will anyone let him in?
Kaiser Chiefs 'Ruby' (Polydor)
Does the joy of repetition work a treat for Ricky's boys?
Secret Show 'Lovers' (Atlantic)
Can the Funeral For A Friend crooner go authentic country?
Mumm-Ra 'What Would Steve Do?' (Columbia)
Steve would probably try a bit harder.
Lil' Chris 'Figure It Out' (RCA)
Has the lustre worn off for our pint-sized friend?
Bat For Lashes 'Prescilla' (Echo)
Re-recorded and still as good?
Willy Mason 'Save Myself' (Virgin)
Has he improved on his bear-beating days?
Dragonette 'Jesus Don't Love Me' (Mercury)
Have the Canadians hit on the pop blueprint?
Sophie Ellis-Bextor 'Catch You' (Fascination)
Kylie and Madonna take note: could it be catch-up time?

» Reviewed by: Mark
» Talk on boards