Fall Out Boy – Believers Never Die
Obligatory Greatest Hits compilation following a fifteen minutes of fame but that’s now lasted 6 years and apparently sold 12 million (!) records. Remains predominantly for people who like their emo sugary; or their pop angsty – teenagers, then – but the best ones (those from Under the Cork Tree and ‘Thnks fr th Mmrs’) at least threaten to challenge the homogeneous arse-end of Generation Y appeal. And in spite of myself I find a toe tapping away to the ‘Beat It’ cover, providing I ignore the John Mayer co-credit. Docked a point for the nauseatingly twee/ clever-clever-but-not-actually-that-clever song titles, but overall not too bad.
Best Tracks: 'Sugar, We're Goin Down', 'Thnks fr th Mmrs'
6/10
The Bravery – Stir The Blood
A case study in overwrought try-hardiness and affected vocals, Sam Endicott still believes he’s Marc Almond playing in a punk band. Sure, it’s outmoded, jaded, and self-important, but you’ll hear far worse than the first half of this record. Whilst side B is weaker, the derision with which these lot are treated does rather beg the question – why is everyone making such a big deal about The Big Pink when they so often sound EXACTLY THE SAME? Prophetic line: “I can still remember your sound, it’s cut cut cutting me down, like slow poison” – food for thought Mr Endicott...
Best Tracks: 'Slow Poison', 'Adored'
6/10
NOFX – Cokie The Clown E.P.
Fat Mike is convinced he’s best at doing clumsy politics or clumsier sex/drugs montages. Of course, anyone with any sense knows his most relevant songs are increasingly the personal anecdotes sparingly sprinkled across a NOFX record. And so, skip to a tender acoustic version of ‘My Orphan Year’ – the best song from recent full-length Coaster – and enjoy the title track’s music without bothering with the lyrics sheet.
Best Tracks: 'Cokie the Clown', 'My Orphan Year (Acoustic)'
6.5/10
Seal – Hits
Seal has undergone the familiar regression from interesting, occasionally vital artist to adult-contemporary inconsequence, a fact documented by this second Greatest Hits compilation. As such, revel in early techno-infused hits ‘Crazy’ and ‘Killer’, marvel at the untouchable ‘Kiss from a Rose’, and use ‘I Am Your Man’ as a ticket to unhurriedly relieve yourself. That said; enjoy Seal’s soulful tone even whilst wading through the MOR debris. Destined, perhaps unfairly, to peak as every third auntie’s Christmas present.
Best Tracks: 'Crazy', 'Kiss from a Rose'
7/10
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