cinco071802

The Coral - "The Ballad of Simon Diamond" Yes, there are a few bands it seems that are being set up as THE NEXT BIG THING without Strokes-like Verve and Vines-esque thrashing. In fact, critics are wetting themselves in contriving oddball influence pairs (say, Donovan meets DJ Shadow). As the young genre-benders prepare for their first album's release, this song is the most quaint version of a grandious story song you'll ever hear. And as Simon Diamond proves, when in doubt, always go the "dabba-do" vocal coda.
Off The Coral's debut album, "The Coral"

The Beatles - "Yes it Is" First discovered by yours truly on "Beatles Anthology 2," this B-side helps answer one of those pesky trivia questions concerning Beatles three-part harmony and wah-wah pedal usage. But what those anomalies create is a perfect transition between the simple rock tunes from the first three albums and the subtle shift into songwriting emotion which began in the "soundtrack" albums. It's one of those songs that will break your heart, even if braced for such an occurance.
Off The Beatles' "Past Masters Volume One"

Mooney Suzuki - "My Dear Persephone" If the folks that make those "how to survive" manuals expand to the world of pop culture, there's only one worthy antidote to sugar pop overdose. These "Nuggets"-era psychedelic rockers forego outlandish production for a driving drum beat, an organ solo and a great plaintive vocal. Now, if only girls actually were named Persephone any more ...
Off Mooney Suzuki's "People Get Ready"

Johnny Marr - "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" Yes, bands still cover Bob Dylan's stuff, obviously making up for the lack of Turtles output these last few years. And what a choice to cover! Dylan's underrated (yes, those words can exist in the same sentence) gem of self-pity and seeting spite is slowed down by the Smiths guitarist. The result gives the song more of a meloncholy air, and while it shouldn't be forgiven for changing one of the best lines ("Goodbye's too good a word, babe/ So I'll just say fare thee well") the melody waves its wand and all is forgotten.
Off the magazine Uncut's "Hard Rain Vol 1"

Coldplay - "In My Place" Around for a year on the band's live circuit, this uptempo ballad garnered immediate attention as a breakout song by devoted fans - and with good reason. The chiming guitar, a head-bobbing beat and lyrics you just want to yell out the car window -- it's all there. The next "Yellow"? Probably not. But if this is any indication of the band's new album due in August, earnest rock may just crack American airwaves again .. and without the need for WB show soundtracks. Meet Coldplay, arriving from the purgatory of one-hitsville as the real deal.
Off Coldplay's "Rush of Blood to the Head," due in August.