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Here we go again, as many of you enjoyed the original post, The Worst Album Sleeves Ever!! I thought you would like to see more of the same;

Paddy Roberts, Songs for Gay Dogs

I,ve heard it all now

Christian Crusaders with Al Davies
They were an early influence on Kraftwerks Image.

Quim Barreirds, Reeebi Om Convite A Casa Da Joquina
One of Borats early albums

The Frivolous Five, Sour Cream & Uther Delights
Would you take a rose from any of these ladies?

Bitch Slapped, Breaks
Enough said.

Gary Dee Bradford, Sing for You and You and You
I hope he made enough money from this album to have his eye corrected

The Amazon Twins, Hallelujah!
George Doors early band with brother William Windows

Geraldine and Ricky, Trees Talk Too!
Looks like they have just arrived at Fantasy Island

The Cooper Family, I´m Gods Child
What is the alien from Mars Attack doing with this family

Various, My Pussy Belongs To Daddy
I cant believe the song titles on this album.

Johhny Houston, Makin Bacon
I,m scrapping the barel with this one.

Keane My Shadow Remix by Danny Dance 2010
This is interesting; one of our own Sparkle members has remixed one of the tracks from Keane´s new album- reviewed in the May album reviews here.
An excellent piece of work Danny, love the radio sound at the end of the track.

Check out his site   here

LCD Soundsystem, This Is Happening, 2010

This is the third LCD Soundsystem album and is defiantly their best. James Murphy the main man here has also stated that this maybe their last.
I haven’t stopped playing this now for three weeks and it just gets better and better with hooks galore and inspired instrumentation throughout.

At times you get the feeling James has been listening an lot to Bowie, Eno and Iggy circa ¨77-¨78.
The standout tracks are the Iggy influenced “Somebody’s Calling Me” which could have been lifted of “The Idiot”, “I Can Change” is a new wave/synth influenced tune which evokes memories of “Love Is A Stranger” by the Eurythmics and  “Pow Pow” which was released as a single for this year’s Record Store Day and is punky funky and fun.

You Wanted A Hit starts off all atmospheric then turns into an infectious art dance floor song ripped from the early eighties with a fantastic vocal inflections throughout.  Drunk Girls another single is almost a rewrite of Bowie´s Boys Keep Swinging featuring  lyrics “Drunk Girls, Drunk girls cause a couple of heart attacks, Drunk girls are unusually mild, Drunk boys keep in pace with the pedophiles, Drunk girls are boringly wild”.
Another stand out track is Dance Yourself Clean which crawls along for three minutes eight seconds till a big fat bass reverb kicks and lifts the track track to a whole new level.
Don’t be put off by all the musical references here as they don’t distract from the songs which stand tall in their own right.  Lets hope James changes his mind and records another album in the future.
Sparkle Rating 9 out of 10

Macy Gray, The Sellout, 2010
I absolutely love this album. Macy has such a distinctive raspy voice and has a wonderful way in which she expresses herself, her lyrics, her look she is definatly  real deal.
This album her first for three years has so many good songs and in many different styles;  Still Hurts is Macy the torch singer and features Romika,  Kissed it is almost a 70´s Glam anthem were she rocks out with Velvet Revolver and it’s just Glamtastic!!
There is a sweet ballad called Real Love with ex Mr Houston Bobby Brown , Stalker is brilliant with fantastic lyrics from Macy and Let You Win is a lifting musically with Macy sounding oh so good.

Another highlight is That Man which uses the 60´s Batman TV theme perfectly. Beauty In The World is the first single from the album and deserves to be a hit.
Go out and buy this album, highly recommended.
Sparkle Rating 8 out of 10

Broken Bells, Broken Bells, 2010
The Broken Bells are James Mercer from the Shins and Brian Burton AKA Danger Mouse. This is their first album together which is an interesting listen.
The album is a bit of a slow burner but you reap the rewards tenfold with repeated plays. At times the album almost sounds cinematic with its lush production.

Highlights include the excellent first single The High Road, Trap Door and The Ghost Inside which is an up-tempo number and sounds like a Gorillaz track , also the post punk influenced track The Mall and Misery is fantastic
A good debut album worth investigating let’s hope this duo work together again in the future.
Sparkle Rating, 7 out of 10

Smooth The Parade, 2010
Smooth are an Electro Lounge act from France. The album is a melodic and dynamic affair. Each track has something different to offer from Downtempo coolness , 80´s New Wave to lush Synthpop.
The Parades stand out track is I Know which features the sultry vocals of Dominique A and it’s just stunning.
Other highlights include the opening track Friendly Yours featuring a scratchy record intro-love that-, and the Trip Hop Manson featuring Alain Chauvet.

The piano  ballad This World is also a stand out song and the gorgeous synth song Another Life which I just love.
I have been listening to this album for a couple of months now and it has become one of my favourites releases this year.
Sparkle Rating 8 out of 10

Christina Aguilera, Bionic, 2010
I approached this album with more than a little caution after looking at the sleeve Christina’s face is half robot and reading who she has collaborated with for the album, Ladytron, and M.I.A. it just smacks of her not being comfortable  and doesn’t quiet ring true.
Some of the songs here sound a little forced ie; the title track and Elastic Love. Other  low points are I Hate Boys and Vanity- swearing is just not you Christina- and the track Glam is very Vogue era Madonna.

The songs which work best are the ballads; I Am, All I Need and Lift Me Up written by Linda Perry is what this girl is really about and my favourite song here You Lost Me which really shows off her voice.
It seems to me that Lady Gaga has had an effect on Lady Aguilera and I don’t think it is for the best.

Sparkle Rating 5 out of 10

Tracey Thorn, Love And It´s Opposite, 2010
Putting on a new Tracey Thorn album is like getting into a newly changed bed with crisp sheets and a duvet so soft and warm that you loose yourself into it.
I fell in love with Tracey’s voice in 1984 when I first heard Each And Everyone then she was with her now husband Ben Watt in Everything But The Girl.
This is only Tracey´s third solo album and follows up the excellent Out Of the Woods from 2007. That album had a dancey felling about it, where Love And It´s Opposite is wrapped in a friendly intimacy and makes for a cosier listen.
The album contains eight new tracks and two covers,  Come On Home To Me by Lee Hazlewood which is one of the albums highlights as Tracey duets with Jens Lekman-simply dazzling- and You Are A Lover by the wonderfully named The Unbending Trees.
Other memorable songs are “Long White Dress”, Singles Bar which includes the line “Can you guess my age in this light?”, another favourite is Late In The Afternoon with its sparse backing which has Traceys sublime vocals painting a melancholy picture. Oh! The Divorces is also a strange but a good song to be singing when she only recently married.

So pull down the blinds curl up in your bed with a loved one and prepare to fall in love with Tracey all over  again.
Sparkle Rating 8 out of 10

The National, High Violet, 2010
This is the National´s fifth album and is a little darker than previous outings, if you enjoy Joy Division you may like they’re blend of slow burning  emotive songs full of tension.

The stand out tracks are England , Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks and the amazing Sorrow which includes the lines “Sorrow found me when I was young, sorrow waited , sorrow won, sorrow put me on the pills” sung over jangly guitars. Afraid of Everyon is my favourite track here which builds from its humble atmospheric almost acapella vocals to a crescendo of rampant drums and raucous guitars.  Anyone´s Ghost is also a song of note with a welcome upbeat air about it.

I recommend this album, at times sad and bleak but also wonderfully magnificent.
Sparkle Rating 8 out of 10

Eli Paperboy Reed, Come and Get It, 2010
When listening to this new album by twenty six year old Eli Paperboy Reed  it is  like listening to Motown by numbers.
Everything is in its right place, horns a plenty,  soulful backing vocals and Eli has a very good voice.  It´s just there is no originality in the songs they are just 60´s pastiches lacking any real sparks.

Where´s Amy Whinehouse and Plan –B bring something new to the classic 60´s sound Eli has added nothing and I would rather go and listen to some of the original Motown or Stax songs from that era.
Best song “Come and Get It” download this and forget the rest.
Sparkle Rating 4 out of 10

Jakob Dylan, Women and Country, 2010
I used to love the Wallflowers Jakobs former band who are probably best known for their excellent single One Headlight. At the time I didn’t realize Jakob was the son of music legend Bob Dylan.
So with this his second solo album Jakob has produced an enjoyable taste of folk driven American music.

The opening song Nothing But The Whole Wide World is a pleasant tune with sweeping strings and Jacobs vocal is perfectly harmonized with Neko Case. Everybody’s Hurting is also a highlight here with its peddle steel and Fiddle.
Truth For A Truth is one of my favourite tracks as it´s a little more upbeat than many of the songs on the album. Smile When You Call Me That is a lovely romantic song and both Standing Eight Count and Thevé Trapped Us Like Boys are both quality songs.
The production of Women and Country by T Bone Brunette is excellent throughout and makes for a pleasurable listen.
Sparkle Rating 7 out of 10

Faithless, The Dance, 2010
With The Dance Faithless seem to have gone back in time. The album could easily of been released at their 90´s peak.
They have tried to vary their sound on a couple of tracks notably the reggae paced  Crazy Bal’heads and for some reason there is a remixed Blancmange track Feel Me-great tune but so out of place here-

Tweek Your Nipple sounds like a watered down poor man’s Insomnia and because Maxi  Jazz´s voice is so distinctive it can wear a little thin.
The best track is probably North Star which features Maxi and Dido.
Sparkle Rating  5 out of 10

Now the world cup has started and is in full swing- lets hope there are no more hand of cod moments for England- Id like to look at some the songs surounding this years tornament the good and the bad;

Here is the offical world cup song as featured in the opening celebrations,theire are also versions in different languages which is a nice touch.

“Wavin  Flag” by K´ naan (Official World Cup Theme Song)

In England we have “Shout For England” fromDizzee Rascal and wanna be comedian James Corden which is a cover of the old Tears For Fears track Shout.

We also have that old chestnut “Three Lions” run out again with Russell Brand and Robbie (im desperate for a hit and ill try anything) Willams.

There is also “This My Dear England”, which I actually quiet like,

Pitbull featuring TKZ ee and Dario G, have released the officail FIFA Mascot song “Game On”

R. Kelly featuring Soweto Gospel Choir, “Sign of Victory  “Official FIFA World Cup Anthem

Shakira and Freshlyground, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”

Official FIFA World Cup Song this is getting confusing now whats official and whats not, but a good song all the same

England World Cup Song FABIO by UKFF Girls featuring The Mighty Mascots. Awfull!! as is the video, but the young lads out there will love it.

And how to spoil a great song in one easy lesson; Chris Martini “When England Rule the World”

I could go on as there are many many more out there but Im sure you get the picture,  whats your favourite football song?

Mine is (not strictly a football song but a slab of synth pop )  footballers Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle Diamond Lights.

And as the DJ presenter says at the end of this clip, “not a bad song, but not a good song either” But hey you gotta admire Glen´s mullet!!

There are 39 countries taking part and from the two semi-finals on 25 and 27 May 2010, twenty five countries have made it to the final which is being held tonight Saturday the 29th of May .
My tip to win is the alternative sounding  Estonia entry which has Malcom Lincoln singing Siren.

This is the second year with Graham Norton hosting the show – I do miss Terry-  and this year’s UK entry is written by Pete Waterman and Mike Stock-oh dear!- and sung by 19 years old Josh Dubovie (is he even English?) The song called That Sounds Good to Me (it doesn´t) has been panned by fans of the show and Ladbrokes stated this week that only one hundred pounds had been bet on the UK entry to win.

Everyone at Sparkle wishes Josh well, he´s young and people will forget in time that he was our 2010 entry, look at Samantha Janus who was our entry in 1991 and is now in Eastenders.

The Eurovision is not for the serious music buffs but one championed by the poofs!!

Eurovision Results, Lena from Germany Wins and the UK comes in last place with just 10 points, bad luck Josh.

Turin Brakes, Outbursts, 2010
It´s been a while since Turin Brakes made their must-have debut The Optimist in 2001.
Well this album is again full of must-have songs delivered with a new self belief in their song craft and has an edgier production than their overproduced last offering.
Highlights include Rocket which has frantic strumming guitars and lofty vocals, Radio Silence and Mirror which I have on repeat.
The album also includes Paper Heart which is a seductive ballad which features the line “you shake the ground, rearrange the sunsets and terrorize the town”. I´m loving this track.

Outbursts’ leading track has to be the single Sea Change which has a compelling beat that turns into a crescendo singing “if we don’t do this nobody else will” complete with delightful strings.
An album full of acoustic, folk based gorgeousness that sparkles lyrically; a must have.
Sparkle Rating 8 of of 10

Keane, Night Train, 2010
Keane’s new album has the sounds of a band really enjoying their music and experimenting with their sound.
With only eight tracks the album has no fillers and has various styles not usually associated with the band.
Night Train opens with a brief instrumental, House Lights before the album kicks in proper with the first of two synth influenced tracks. Back In Time has agitated synth riffs and frantic drumming, Your Love is straight out of the 80´s an alluring tune which is wrapped with engaging vocals from Tom and has echoes of Ah Ha.
Following on from the 80´s influenced tracks Keane cover the Yellow Magic Orchestras Ishin Denshin (You´ve Got to Help Yourself) which is delightful and includes Tigarah sharing vocals giving Keane again a different dynamic to their sound.

Stop for a Moment has a piano driven melody featuring a collaboration with rapper K¨Naam who is used to great effect towards the end of the song. My Shadow is a typical graceful Keane ballad which they are so good at, beautifully sung by Tom.
The stand out track for me is Clear Skies which begins with handclaps and acoustic guitars and eventually escalates into almost a Radiohead style song, just mesmerizing.
Keane have surprised me with this one and it makes for an entertaining impressive listen.
Sparkle Rating 8 out of 10

Babybird, Ex-Maniac, 2010
Stephen Jones is back with his tenth album with a featured cameo from Hollywood actor Johnny Depp who apparently talked Stephen into recording again.
Probably still best known for the hit single You re Gorgeous from the 90´s, Ex-Maniac includes darkly twisted lyrics and beautifully commercial crafted tunes, one the best here being Failed Suicide Club a song which is about aborted suicides.

Drug Time which has the opening line of “Can’t get the smack out of arms, can’t get the coke out of my nose, can’t get the drink out of my liver, can’t get the smoke out of my clothes.” As with all the songs on the album they all feature uplifting music at odds with the lyrics which work impeccably.
Unlovable which features Johnny Depp on guitar and a gorgeous melody which builds to a crescendo with Stephen exclaiming “you can’t love me I’m unlovable, but baby you could try.” Also check out the video which Johnny directed.
I’d forgotten how good Babybird were and this album ranks as one of their best, highly recommended.
Sparkle Rating 8 out of 10

Plan B, The Deformation Of Strickland Banks. 2010
Plan B´s second album the follow up to their acclaimed 2006 debut, Ben Drew then a hoodie rapper now a sharp suited soul singer.
The Deformation of Strickland Banks tells the story of a singer who falls on hard times and features the already well known singles, Stay Too Long, She Said and the excellent new single Prayin.
The album includes so many potential singles, What Yo Gonna Do, The Recluse, Free which has touches of the Fine Young Cannibals with its faux Mowtown and Welcome To Hell, this could well be the soundtrack for this summer.

The album dose lose its way at times and I feel that it is also over long and at times samey but you do get a rest from this with Traded in My Cigarettes and my favourite track I Know a Song.
So if you’re bored waiting for the new Amy Winehouse album, go grab this, you won’t be disappointed.
Sparkle Rating 7 out of 10

Meat Loaf, Hang Cool Teddy Bear, 2010
I remember buying Bat Out of Hell on the same day I bought Never Mind the Bollocks by the Sex Pistols. I loved and still love both albums, it was cool to like The Pistols in 1977 but you never admitted to liking Meatloaf in the school common room.
I have followed his career with interest (please don’t ask him to appear as a judge on TV again!!) over the years and bought many of his not so good Bat out of Hell follow up albums which have included the odd good track. I think the problem has been how to follow up a 43 million mega selling over the top album without writer and producer Jim Steinman.
Well he may have just done that with his eleventh album by trying something a little different. The album is based on a short story by Kilian Kerwin . Sure you have Meat singing his heart out like his life depends on it and it includes guests, Brian May, Justin Hawkins, Jack Black and oddly enough actor Hugh Laurie.
This time around the production credits belong to Rob Cavallo who has also produced The Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day and Kid Rock.

But it’s the songs which make this album from the piano ballad pomp of If I Can’t Have You , which Meat duets with Kara Dioguardi, Like a Rose which reminds me of Run DMC and Aerosmith with guest Jack Black- great song- and Elvis in Vegas in which Meat blatantly rips off Springsteen .
So is cool to like Meatloaf today, maybe–it will never be cool- but if you have enjoyed any of his previous albums buy this, it’s a new crisp sounding Meatloaf who sounds like he’s having a blast.
Sparkle Rating 6 out of 10

Jonsi, Go, 2010.
Go is the solo debut from Sigur Ros front man Jonsi Birgisson and its a sweeping epic with layers upon layers of textures featuring strings electronics and harmonies throughout.
Jonsi really does have an incredible voice which never ceases to delight as he gives feeling and warmth to the songs.
High lights include Tornado, Go Do and Kolnidor in which he sings in his native tongue -simply beautiful-

If you download one song from the album make it the magnificent Boy Lilikoi which makes me feel like spring and summer rolled into one.
Go is a sometimes challenging but always a rewarding listen.
Sparkle Rating, 7 out of 10

Avi Buffalo, Avi Buffalo, 2010

Occasionally an artist comes along and delivers an album far beyond their years. At 19 Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg and his band have achieved that with this their debut album.
At times the songs evoke the late 60s in their instrumentation and the vocals of Avi and Rebbeca remind me of the Flaming Lips. It is also a pleasure to hear a simpler acoustic sounding retro that’s not 80’s electro.

Songs to cherish here are Where’s Your Dirty Mind, Jessica which is a love song with the lightest melody, Summer Cum with the lyrics “I’ve waited for your love, I’ve got lost in your summer cum leave all your stains with me”
The stand out track though is What’s It In For? That has impressive lyrics and a clever melody where you’re left feeling you already know the song.
A lovely album that evokes memories of lost young love with long hot summers and times when we were lost in our innocence.
Sparkle Rating 7out of 10.

Pink Floyd, Synthpop, Indie Music

New Wave, Dance Music, The White Stripes

Chillout Music, Glam Rock , Grace Jones

New Romantics, Obscure 80´s, It Should Have Been A Hit.

You can also go to our main Sparkle Music page where you can chat, read about the latest news, charts and get involved with the latest hot topics. So come on and add some Sparkle Music to your life

I was sad to hear of the death of Malcolm McLaren who died yesterday in New York aged 64 from cancer. His body is expected to be brought home to be buried in Highgate cemetery London.

Malcolm will probably remembered best as the manager of punk rock group the Sex Pistols.
Among his achievements was the clothes shop he opened with Vivian Westwood called Let It Rock on London’s Kings Road which originally sold Teddy boy gear. In 1975 he renamed the store SEX and sold S&M clothes.

After the Sex Pistols split up Malcolm created Bow Wow Wow which featured a young Annabelle Lwin to promote his and Vivian’s New Romantic fashion lines.

He also forged a solo career and had a number of hit singles including Buffalo Gals, Carmen, Madam Butterfly and his biggest single Double Dutch in 1983.
This is my favourite track by Malcolm the beautiful Madame Butterfly.

Malcolm McLaren died Aged 64, 8th April 2010.

Goldfrapp, Headfirst, 2010
After their last album, the folk-influenced Seventh Tree, I´m pleased that Will Gregory and Alison Goldfrapp have returned to their electronic roots with Headfirst.
At times Alison sounds dangerously like Olivia Newton John especially on Head First which is not the best track from the album.

Goldfrapp’s best moments here are tracks Alive which has shades of Abba, Shiny And Warm harks back to Strict Machine days but is all the better for that . Dreaming reminds me of Giorgio Moroder and Fleetwood Mac at the same time, and it’s my favorite track on offer here.
While Goldfrapp have been away there have been many girl singers who have taken inspiration from where they started.  Alison and Will seem to have been left behind a little.
The album is full-on glossy 80’s influenced music – sometimes a little too sugary produced but a good pop album with hooks galore.
Sparkle Rating 6 out of 10

MGMT, Congratulations, 2010
Following up  a debut album is never easy especially when your debut album was a massive success like Oracular Spectacular. So you would think that MGMT would have stuck to that winning formula for this, their sophomore release.
But not MGMT. Gone are the synths for most part and as a casual listener or even fan you could easily mistake these tunes to be from an altogether different band. I’m not saying it’s a bad album but it’s just not the MGMT record I wanted or expected.
The title track is an excellent song, a lovely slow laid back tune; I also like the epic Siberian Breaks with its change in tempo, as the track builds and falls it seems to get a little lost and ends up actually going nowhere. Which brings to mind prog rock-
Brian Eno is a great idea but could have been a better song but I do like the chorus and the fact that they get his full name Brian Peter George St. John Baptiste de la Salle Eno into the song; maybe my choice for a single.
As there is no  obvious single on the album the record company must be worried that this album is going to kill the band’s popularity.
I´d like to say congratulations to the band for bravely changing direction but I do think they may have shot themselves in their own dancing shoes.
Sparkle Rating 5 out of 10

Sharleen Spiteri, The Movie Songbook, 2010
What happens when you leave a successful band and begin a career as a solo artist? Your first solo album performs ok but no high profile hit singles. You then follow it up with this artist – desperate for a hit -dirge of an album.
Sharleen has turned into the female equivalent of John Barrowman with this collection of soulless songs from the Movies.
Now I like a good cover version but these songs have added nothing to the originals and they sound like a poor woman’s Karaoke.
Songs slaughtered by Sharleen are, Take My Breath Away, Xanadu, What’s New Pussycat, Sound Of Silence - which had me reaching for the skip button- and Windmills Of My Mind.
But the two worst offenders have to be If You Can’t Have Me in which she sounds like it’s a chore to sing- as reviewing this album has been -and the what were you thinking cover of Bowie’s Cat People (Putting Out the Fire) not even worthy of an X-Factor performance.
Sometimes bad can so bad it’s good, sadly this is just plain bad, avoid at all cost.
Sparkle Rating, 0 out of 10

Class Actress, Journal of Ardency EP 2010
One time folk singer Elizabeth Harper has teamed up with producers Mark Richardson and Scott Rosenthal to form electro pop band Class Actress.
From folk to electro pop seems a strange choice but they pull it off majestically with five songs you will want to hear again and again.
Let Me Take You Out has echoes of New Order / The Cure with Elizabeth’s breathy vocals not dissimilar to Debbie Harry, which is the stand out track here.

The rest of this EP is very much 80’s retro synth-pop at its best. Careful What You Say is the lead song here and probably the most radio friendly; Journal of Ardency has such a sexy slow groove, Prince would be proud.
And the dance-influenced Someone Real does get under your skin with its incestuous bleeps and swirling synthesizer sounds.
With just five songs on offer here there is enough variation to keep you interested and bodes well for a full album in the future.
Sparkle Rating 4 out of 5

Groove Armada, Black Light 2010
When I first played Black Light I had to check the sleeve to see if this was the same band who gave us “I See You Baby” with its crashing guitars on the opener, “Look Me in the Eyes Sister” and on “Cards to the Night” with its dirty synth sound. This sees the band making a move forward from their last effort and both tracks are highlights on the album.
The use of guest vocalists works well with Nick Littlemore from synth band Empire of the Sun singing on four songs. I especially love him on “Look Me in the Eyes Sister” and, would you believe, Will Young sounding like Jimmy Somerville at his 80’s best on “History” -  this really should be a single.
Bryan Ferry also puts in the album’s best performance on the wonderful “Shameless”, singing as only he can over a slow electro beat with atmospheric touches, the song just seduces you-beautiful.

Also good to hear Saint Saviour on two  tracks  “I Won’t Kneel”  and “Time and Space “; she really has a unique voice and these two tracks are quiet infectious.
A good album from Groove Armada who takes on a lot of past and present influences with at times stunning results.

Sparkle Rating  7out of 10

Gorillaz, Plastic Beach 2010
After the Blur’s magnificent reunion,  you may have thought Damon Albarn would be back with a new group album, but instead he is back with the fanciful Gorillaz.
Plastic Beach has much to enjoy with some unique guest vocals from Lou Reed, Gruf Rhys, Mark E Smith, Snoop Dog and Bobby Womack.
That said, I also think some of the strongest songs with Damon singing including , Broken which has a slow rhythmic beat and is nearest to a Blur song, and On Melancholy Hill which is one of the prettiest songs I’ve heard in a long time- just delightful.
What master strokes to have Lou Reed appear with Damon on his self penned Some Kind Of Nature, and brings a welcome relief to the sometimes same self vocals. I also like the Glam stomper in which Mark E Smith asks “Where´s north from here” – class.
But the real treasure to be found on the Plastic Beach is the electro pop Stylo which has a fantastic deranged Bobby Womack vocal as a foil to Albarn’s sweet vocal. The single has no immediate chorus hook but you are drawn into the song with repeated listening, yeah “Right Now”.

A very good album but a little on the long side, if they had made a few cuts it would have been a much stronger album.
Sparkle rating 7 out of 10

New Young Pony Club ,The Optimist 2010
Back with their much anticipated second album the Optimist is a fine body of work and a darker album than its predecessor.
The band sound more confident and have matured –vocally and musically – since their last outing. I love Tahita Bulmers dead pan vocals which are a definite highlight.

Lost a Girl is a shiny bright pop song which starts and stops throughout its driving beat and has hooks galore. Chaos is a tremendous song which has echos of Ice Cream in which Tahita’s vocals are sharp and tight.
On Rapture they sing “Big on the outside, small on the inside” a highlight of this diverse collection of interesting charismatic songs.
Other highlights include, Oh Cherie, Before The Light- reminiscent of the Banshees- and the title track The Optimist.
An admirable second album, time to go and join the New Young Pony Club.
Sparkle rating 8 out of 10

Villa Nah, Origin, 2010
This band from Scandinavia has produced a stunning debut album that is retro, romantic, brooding and intoxicating.
I’m sure the duo have found an old recording studio dating back to 1981-82 with the name Vince Clark somewhere scribbled on a mixing desk.
The album starts with a gorgeous instrumental only two minutes six seconds in length and lures you into their world. Running on follows with a treated vocal and is a pure hedonistic dance track.
The next song is Ways to Be- which was their first single, an engaging song about thinking of ways to be with one’s partner. Some Kind of Dream is a song the Human League would be proud of (I can even see Susanne and Joanne doing their awful 80’s dance moves to this)
The other two singles from the album are Rainmaker, a wonderful disco drenched tune which has touches of The Associates within its glittering beats; and their latest single the addictive romantic  Remains Of Love.
There is not a bad track on this album with the exquisitely enchanting Autumn Gone being the standout song –Vince would be proud.
The sounds are a pure analogue feast and if released in the early 80’s would now be regarded as a classic of its genre.
Go buy it now.
Sparkle rating 10 out of 10

Number 1, A Flock Of Seagulls, Mike Score.

You won’t be surprised to learn that Mike was a former hairdresser-enough said! You may be pleased to hear Mike now has a shaven head-sweet justice.
Then

Now

Number 2 , Kajagoogoo´s Limahl.

It looks like Limahl has had a flock of seagulls flying overhead! This haircut seemed to be a Never Ending Story with Limahl as he used to don a wig in this style when he was doing Pa´s in the early 90´s. Now the original band are back together he has gone for a more grown up look.
Then

Now

Number 3, Howard Jones.

Howard Jones used to have this weird guy dancing round him with chains and a painted bald head doing an impression of a bad mime artist. I don’t know about a New Song I think a new haircut would have made a better act.
Then

Now

Number 4, Bananarma

Bananarama, always looked like they had been dragged through a corn field backwards. They didn’t look very ladylike at the beginning of their career, but time has treated them well; they look gorgeous and glamorous today and scored a number 44 hit single this year with Love Comes.
Then

Now

Number 5, Tik & Tok

Tik & Tok started off as a mime dance group as Shock, then made their own music under the name Tik & Tok. They were more famous for their robotic dancing in the early 80´s than their music and even appeared in the Star Wars film Return Of The Jedi .They also supported Gary Numan on his Warriors tour.
Then

Now

It´s interesting to note that all these artists are still working today and releasing new material, must be something in the hair!

I have my own thoughts on this subject. I feel a band has to have some original members and must have the original singer.
But you could argue – say the singer has died and if you were an original member of the band and you wrote the material surely you have the right to perform your material?

I would agree but don’t use the original band’s name or at least tie your name together with the band’s name e.g. Queen & Paul Rodgers works, you know exactly who you are seeing.
I wouldn’t be pleased say if I´d bought tickets to see ABBA and Frida & Agnetha weren’t the lead vocalists!

Many 70´s & 80´s bands are reuniting just for concert tours. Recently we have had The Police, Yazoo (would loved to have seen Alison and Vince together again) Led Zeppelin, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, The Motels, Mott The Hoople, Kajagoogoo and many more…

From left to right clockwise, Led Zeppelin, Mott The Hoople, Kajagoogoo, Yazoo, Spandau Ballet and Ultravox.

Some of the bands have released new material. Spandau Ballet have a new album with a couple of new songs and reworked some of their older material-to varying results.The Motels have also released a new album which is actually very good.

Vh1 have run a show called Bands Reunited and they follow a band and try to reform them for a one off concert. Some bands reformed, A Flock of Seagulls, Berlin and Haircut 100;  some bands didn’t – Frankie Goes To Hollywood -Holly Johnson declined and Squeeze – Glen Tilbrook and Jools Holland expressed reservations.

So where do you stand on bands reuniting and what bands would you like to see reform?
Me I´d love to see obscure 80´s synth duo Eddie & Sunshine and 70´s art rock band Deaf School and for a more main stream act I’d like to see Adam and the Ants.