Single Releases 24/09/07

I can't find my usual list of singles, so this might be a short one.

That new Katie Melua one, If I Were A Sailboat, is a bit saucy for her isn't it? It's crap of course, but you have to give a modicum of respect where it's due.

It's miles better than Shayne Ward's new one mind you. But then he is useless, so really you don't expect anything from him do you?

Spooky by the Puppini Sisters is ok. Maybe the joke is wearing thin now though. Enjoy it whilst it lasts Sisters.

Annie Lennox really does annoy me. But then I have a thing against rock/pop stars telling me how I should lead my life, so it's nothing that personal love.

I was surprised to see the Stereophonics are still plugging away...ok I kid. I know they're successful, I just don't see why they are! It Means Nothing is another in that long of line of Stereophonics songs that are alright but don't exactly rock my world.

The problem with Duke Special and Ed Harcourt is that I don't think they're as quite as good as a lot of people tell me. Thus it is the same with their new singles. Good, but not great.

Colbie Caillat's Bubbly hits the singles market this week. It's nice and pleasant but nothing that will be staying with you for that long.

Coco - Colbie Caillat

America's Lily Allen? Well at least in terms of using Myspace as a springboard to success. Musically, whereas Allen offered something new, Colbie Caillat could well be any one of a hundred cookie cutter singer-songwriters currently plying their trade. Now before we start, that's not necessarily a criticism of any great depth, just an observation that Caillat offers us nothing new.

What she does offer us though are perfectly pleasant pop songs, which are both easy-going and extremely radio-friendly. Indeed, I'm not aware if she's been playlisted on Radio 2 yet, but if not it can only be a matter of time.

Indeed there is an undeniable charm surrounding tracks such as Bubbly, the reggae tinged The Little Things and the understated Oxygen that will keep you listening, but not exactly having you reach for the repeat button when the album is over.

The standout may well be Midnight Bottle. It's not the catchiest of songs on the album, but seems the most "together" and has the most absorbing lyrical content.

So whilst this album is impossible to hate, it's also extremely hard to love. Like maybe, but not love. It's the musical equivalent of that sweet girl who lives down your street. You like her, and on a hot summer's evening you may even wonder whether you could ever love her, but deep down you know you will never think of her as anything more than a friend.

But perhaps the last word should go to Caillat herself from Bubbly; “You make me smile, please stay for a while" just about sums up her appeal. I certainly wouldn't be against hearing what she comes up with next.