The biggest selling UK single of the 21st century? Evergreen/Anything is Possible by talent show fella Will Young. The biggest selling single in UK chart history? That would be Candle in the Wind '97 from that chubby, formerly talented fella Elton John. What does this tell us? Two things; the singles chart doesn't accurately reflect R13's favourites very often (quelle surprise) and the British public do weird things in big numbers. To illustrate that last point, 2011 saw the biggest sales of singles. Ever (120 million). So to give R13's skewed perspective here's a review of some of January's singles.
The Bloogs - Freezing Rain
The Bloogs, named after a Dr Seuss creation, prove that any further appropriation or adaptation of the author's work should be stopped. Despite the horrible name the band sketch out a mid-60's pop hit somewhere between The Kinks and some late 80's Scouse jangle merchants. Freezing Rain is easy on the ear - Johnnie Walker would probably like it and to echo the band's sentiments, "I can't complain."
The Cramatics - Like Gold
The subtitle of single must be missing, surely but Actually Spray Painted Plastic has been omitted. No matter, The Cramatics start off with some T4 On The Beach type synths and punchy guitars before getting down to the serious bit: the endless 'ooo, ooo's. After all that they still get in a power ballad referencing guitar solo before the end of the 2:41 running time. Given all this cack they will probably sell the most copies of any of these singles. Good work, gents.
The Moons - Something Soon (Featuring Paul Weller)
Swirling organ atop strummable acoustic backing and some neatly woven harmony singing between Woking's finest and singer Andy Crofts, The Moons offer up an enjoyable if supremely old fashioned slice of Laurel Canyon rock. The future this certainly is not but there are no Dr Seuss references so that's a step in the right direction. B-side, that's right B-side, Revolutionary Lovers is even more summery - like Katrina and the Waves cheering up The Move's Blackberry Way - but it's dark outside and it snowed a bit earlier. Next!
Mary at Midnight - Heads Will Roll (Featuring Talvin Singh)
Continuing the collaboration theme is newcomer Mary at Midnight who's aided and abetted on tablas by former Mercury Prize winner Talvin Singh. Eschewing the hoary guitars employed elsewhere Heads Will Roll is an atmospheric love song falling just the right side of Tori Amos. Appearing fragile but actually exhibiting surefooted strength of her convictions Mary at Midnight has crafted whoozy, multi-layered gem. This will surely sell the least copies.
Martyr De Mona - Memento/Contagion
Back on R13's home turf (or should that be slag heap?) is this release from Midland's hard rockers Martyr De Mona. Memento kicks off with a sort of overdriven Foo Fighters riff before roughing it up further with some metallic crunch and building false security with the soaring clean vocals of singer Louis as the song collects riffs after riff as it motors along. Melody and muscle are combined with style; the music isn't terribly distinctive but does what it does well - another promising release from the young rockers.
Revere - Keep This Channel Open
Finally, talent show (ok, music competition) fellas Revere, collaborate with Malian kora playing legend Toumani Diabate for a package that neatly summarises this month's selection of singles. The wobbly post-punk of A-side Keep This Channel Open bounces along rightly with an insistent rhythm, jerky guitars and catchy vocals anchored by chilly synths. The reworked Love Will Tear Us Apart with Diabate manages to not be as half as horrendous as it could have been revealing the ways a great song can be bent without losing its defining qualities with Diabate's kora skittling over the low sweeps of cello, finger picked acoustic guitar and melodica.
That's your lot for this month. I wonder if there will be more collaboration next time?