Published: Thursday, 6th November, 2008 8:30am

Singles Reviews

by Matt Meade

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M83 – We Own The Sky

We Own The Sky? M83? The Press"s interest is immediately piqued. What was this – a new exciting corporate road aviation project that we could be part of? Sure enough, the song starts with a thick electronic bedding track that would suit an assured American voiceover speaking convincingly about how this "M83" project could very well change our life and the rules of travel as we know it. But here at The Press, we call a spade a spade, unless Roget suggests suitable alternatives. I passed a copy of the CD to an elderly relative for an (almost literal) grey whistle test. The song failed, but he wanted to know how he could change his will to invest the money 'in this new sky project thing'. Sounds to cool for the likes of us. NME can have "em.

3/5

ABERFELDY – Come On, Claire

Recently signed to Cowdenbeath based label 17 seconds, Edinburgh based Aberfeldy have never knowingly released a bad tune. Starting with a cute Brendan Benson-esque synth line, singer Riley Briggs writes his new character based storyline with considerable charm and aplomb. Having participated in the annual Burnsong series of concerts it"s easy to see why he"s receiving kudos as one of Scotland"s top pop writers. Come On, Claire won"t trouble the charts, it has too much melody, heart and knowing whimsy for the fickle British public. Aberfeldy: not only a smashing short break destination (and a toothsome whisky) – also a very fine band indeed.

4/5

SCOOTER (featuring Status Quo) – Jump That Rock

As far as unlikely bedfellows go, Status Quo collaborating with shouting trance idiots Scooter is up there with the late 1970s David Bowie & Bing Crosby Christmas collaboration. Fortunately, Scooter"s sampling of 1979 hit "Whatever You Want" will not taint your liking of the original, because this is forgettable. Remember, we"re talking about Scooter here: a peroxide blonde man in his 40s shouting "Scooter in the House!" like he means it, is not to be trusted. There is a place for this stuff though; the Slam Tent at T in the Park, which is only put there to keep the bare chested proles penned in safely for the three days. Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt: where did it all go wrong?

1/5