Single Review: “Dynasty” – Jenna Pemkowski

What struck me about this track is how quickly it changed within its 3:32 length. It starts off with a fast paced kick drum giving me the impression that it was going to be a bit of a rock track. But then it settles into a steady rhythm based around a snare, kick and high …

Single Review: “Why Can’t I Wake Up With You?” – Take That

Today is the Mercury Music Awards and they are being hosted at @abbeyroadstudios @freshonthenet asked a question on his fabulous #nowplaying show on @bbc6music – what album in the past got nominated but never won? Naturally there are so many, but one I didn’t realise was nominated when looking for my favourite was Take That’s …

Single Review: “No Future” – The Great Leslie

The Great Leslie are back with a track that’s an absolute stomper! Big rock drums that swing on the toms, big vocals, big crunchy guitars… well what do you expect from the great Leslie? A lot and then some. This is a message with several layers – let’s start with the cover – a picture …

Single Review: “World Happy” – Michelle Ward

Michelle Ward is back with a new single “World Happy” – I played it on my show and I’m absolutely in love with it. It’s an indie pop tune heavy on the pop elements – catchy melody that brings sunshine – lyrics that get to the point – the world needs more happiness.First verse: God’s …

Single Review: “Money” – Ahmala

Well! This combines jazz, hip hop, neo soul, a touch of Motown and some gospel into this lovely track! There’s a flute to kick off proceedings over a bass that I’m suspecting is played live on the recording – it’s got some depth to it. Add to that a Rhodes piano and an upright piano, …

Single Review: “Last Call” – Summer Lee Carlson X Mute Speaker

Keeping with their overall vibes of old school soul Summer Lee Carlson and producer Mute Speaker are back. This takes a drop in tempo but maintains the same temperature, there are snare drum rolls with ghost notes as well as some sneaky percussion to keep the groove going – there are some synth pads in …

Single Review: “Kitty Paw” – Shook

This track is full of 80s goodness! What do I mean? Well, this track has what I reckon is a LinnDrum machine – very much that synth pop vibe, combined with synth chords with a touch of vibrato, and that bass line is part of the Yamaha DX7 playbook – Lately Bass at least? This …

Single Review: “Dream On” – Aerosmith

I’m gutted to hear about Steven Tyler’s decision to retire. It’s epic. The vocals at the point that I’ve picked where he goes full on banshee wail gives me goosebumps! Admittedly the first time I heard this song was when Eminem sampled it for “Sing” but when I went back and listened to the original …