Global financial crisis has huge negative effects on Iceland, and many British charities and local councils who had invested in high interest Icelandic banks fear for their savings.
1. Oasis-Dig Out Your SoulBit of a winner by default, as it was the only album this month that superseded my expectations. I actually think it's their best in a long time, after not expecting much at all. Noel Gallagher is a good songwriter, and his work is most definately the strong point of this album. The first 4 tracks are awesome, guitar led beasts, and all incidentally written by Noel. I'm Outta Time, though lauded by some, is trying a little too hard to be a classic Oasis ballad, and fails. Falling Down is undoubtedly one of the album highlights, and shows the continued disparity in songwriting talent between the brothers. Come to think of it, I love all the Noel written songs on the album, and am indifferent to the rest! Oasis wouldn't work without Liam though...
Heading out on a huge stadium tour this summer, bound to be full of twats, but probably great anyway! Check out tickets here, there are quite a few left...
Best track:
Oasis-Bag it up
Metacritic (66)
2. Snow Patrol-A Hundred Million Suns
I was so excited for this album, and it was a big disappointment for me. I am one of the Snow Patrol fans who jumped on the bandwagon when Final Straw was released (one of my favourite albums ever). I enjoyed Eyes Open, I think its a good album, but in reflection it has nothing on Final Straw. It is a fairly bland album, and unfortunately AHMS is similar, but worse. There are some good tunes on it, but only the closer and opener show what this band are really capable of. The album doesnt show progression, and almost plays into the hands of their haters, those who label them boring Coldplay rip-offs. Its painful to be that critical, there are some enjoyable songs on it (the last track is epic for the record), but that is my perception. oh and take back the city is a big tune.
Best track: Snow Patrol-If there's a rocket tie me to it
Metacritic (67)
3. Sway-The Signature LP
This album doesnt really deserve to have a number next to it tbh. Its that bad imo. It has really depressed me to write that Snow Patrol bashing, so ill start on the good parts of the album:
Good bits: Fit 4 a King is a brilliant, almost epic build up tune, reminiscent of "this is my demo" (track) and F Ur X is an awesomely produced boy-girl sparring that plays right into sways lyrical wit and flow. Thats it.
Bad bits: Saturday Night Hustle is not the sort of track Sway should be on...its awful. Silver and Gold is possibly the worst song of 2008, Akon is so fucking annoying and fins it necessary to moan all over Sways verses and the production is horrible. All the other tracks. Even Upload (produced by the same guy who produced download) is weak.
The most annoying thing about this album is the fact that Sway is so damn talented. This is my demo is a great album, and in my view Sway (along with Kano) is the most talented rapper the UK has. In terms of lyrical wit, he has no competitior (see his feature on Harvey Nicks), but this album is godawful. Where was the rumoured Kanye production?!!! Cant see much improving as Sway is now signed to Akons label. Its not like he has even gained commercial success, the album debuted at no.51. grrr
Best track: Sway-Fit 4 a King
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