Calvin Harris - Ready For The Weekend (
out now on BMG)
Probably one of the funniest people on Twitter right now, but as much as I feel I like him as a bloke, I'm not massively feeling his latest masterpiece. The first three singles were all simply written, effective, and solid performers in the charts, but there's little else on here that will win any accolades as far as my ears can tell me. He's unlikely to be nominated for an Ivor Novello any time soon as the actual songwriting is of a very basic standard. An interesting listen nevertheless. 6/10
Basment Jaxx - Scars (
out now on XL Recordings)
As you've come to expect from Simon and Felix, a solid LP full of well written, well orchestrated hits, that will more than satisfy both the commercial daytime radio listener and the clubbing crowd's taste buds. Some impressive collaborations with the likes of Kelis, Amp Fiddler, Santigold, Sam Sparro, Yo Majesty, Jose James and (Toddla T's hype man), Serocee. 8/10
Dizzee Rascal - Tongue 'N' Cheek (out now on Dirtee Stank)
Unfortunately not what I was hoping for from Dizzee. 'Dance Wiv Me' left me with a good vibe for the forthcoming album when I first heard it all those months back, but for me the album just hasn't lived up to my expectations. 'Bonkers' is an undeniably good club cut, but we have Van Helden to thank for that. 'Holiday' was a good call on the trancey instrumental from Calvin Harris, but the rest of the album didn't really capture my attention, or scream 'hit' at any further point. Shame, as I was expecting a 2009 version of 'Maths and English.' 5/10
M
