El Presidente
If you're a Scissor Sisters fan who is looking for something to keep you busy in between albums, and haven't checked out El Presidente yet, make this the week you do so.
It makes a nice change to be writing about indie tracks that have a sound that is reminiscent of the Seventies and Eighties, and not be talking about Gang of Four, Joy Division, New Order and co. Obviously I've nothing against those bands or the music their legacy has created, but El Presidente's new single 'Turn This Thing Around' is a refreshing listen as it is unashamedly pop yet very cool at the same time.
This latest release from their critically acclaimed, self titled 2005 debut album is a catchy, feel good hit in the making. It has a funk about it but is in no way cheesy, with it's simple tune and melody, thriving off it's classic disco beat. This isn't ground breaking music but there's nothing wrong with that.
Strangely while this song puts a smile on my face, it also depresses me at the same time. Nothing to do with the song itself but the fact that I'm certain it will be overlooked and won't become the anthem it deserves to be.
'Turn This Thing Around' is perfect for radio, commercially accessible and would certainly be a big hit if it were given the chance. The reality is that for a record to become a well loved pop classic it needs radio play and I don't think there is enough imagination in mainstream music radio to pick up on a track like this: I'd love to be proved wrong.