Graham Coxon - Love Travels At Illegal Speeds

If you're like me, one of your fonder memories of Blur is not really about the poppy "Country House" or "Girls & Boys", nor that gospel-tinged "Tender", maybe a little on that ditty called "Song 2" but that one earnest ballad called "You're So Great". The lyrics and melody may be simple but even the coldest hearts would give in a little when they hear Coxon croon "You're so great and i love you.." Back to the present then and back to Graham Coxon's sixth (yes not second..SIXTH!) solo outing "Love Travels At Illegal Speeds". Probably the question is can he sustain a similar standard after possibly his most accomplished effort "Happiness In Magazines".

The album opens with a typical Coxon track "Standing On My Own Again" which probably serves as his anthem considering all the reports linking him with a reunion with his former band, Blur. Every track from then on doesn't let up, all with that thumping drum beat and driving guitar. "Gimme Some Love" retains the energy of "Song 2" but with more depth, "Don't Let Your Man Know" is downright clever Can i see you in the bathroom tonite?..Don't let your man know.. (talk about cheeky!) and if you can't get enough Coxon humour, there's "What's He Got?" What's he got that i haven't got..guess he's just better looking than me. And for those who cannot get enough of "You're So Great", check out ballads like "Just A State Of Mind", "Flights To The Sea (Lovely Rain)" and "See A Better Day". It may not exactly be an improvement on "Happiness.." but it retains very much the same standard and that isn't such a bad thing now is it?
- Reviewed by: addy.

Rating: 8 (out of 10)

Tracklisting:
1. Standing On My Own Again
2. I Can't Look At Your Skin
3. Don't Let Your Man Down
4. Just A State Of Mind
5. You & I
6. Gimme Some Love
7. I Don't Wanna Go Out
8. Don't Believe Anything I Say
9. Tell It Like It Is
10. Flights To The Sea (Lovely Rain)
11. What's He Got?
12. You Always Let Me Down
13. See A Better Day

For samples, Click Here
Available at: HMV, Gramophone and all major music retailers

The Vines - Vision Valley

Much was expected of The Vines after their their 2002 debut LP "Highly Evolved" - the album which churned out hits such as "Highly Evolved", "Get Free" and "Outtathaway" among others. After a much disappointing sophomore outing, they are back with their third studio album "Vision Valley" and less one band member, Patrick Matthews.

Overall, the production is more stripped down compared to their first two albums. This really helps the ballads like "Vision Valley", "Take Me Back" and "Going Gone" stand out in here. While those expecting anything as energetic as "Highly Evolved" will be disappointed, there is a wider variety on offer. "Don't Listen To The Radio" is a mid-tempo clap-along number, "F*k Yeh" is as close as you'd get to "Highly Evolved" and "Spaceship" (the longest track by far at 6min) is an extended atmospheric jam which provides an excellent album closer. While "Vision Valley" is a listenable album on the whole, it lacks an outstanding factor to really stay in your playlist. Not the worst album ever - one you'd listen to for a while but probably not that little bit longer.
- Reviewed by: addy.

Rating: 6 (out of 10)

Tracklisting:
1. Anysound
2. Nothin's Comin'
3. Candy Daze
4. Vision Valley
5. Don't Listen To The Radio
6. Gross Out
7. Take Me Back
8. Going Gone
9. F*k Yeh
10. Futuretarded
11. Dope Train
12. Atmos
13. Spaceship

For samples, Click Here
Available at: HMV, Gramophone and all major music retailers