The Fratellis - Costello Music

I have to admit that when I first heard of an album called “Costello Music” by a band called The Fratellis, I thought that it was an album’s worth of Elvis Costello covers. Nothing could be further from the truth, because there is nothing even remotely prolific about this album which, of course, could not be stated about Mr. Costello’s catalogue. The album is a lot of fun, and it’s quite catchy, but overall it’s a little bit forgettable. It travels a territory very similar to the one that Jet had traveled a few years ago, to great success. A lot of the riffs you’ve heard before, but that’s not to say that there aren’t a few standouts. The lead-off single, “Flathead” has a slightly rockabilly rhythm section, and the songs’ hooks are definitely catching. I actually really like the song “Whistle For The Choir,” which is probably the lowest key song on the album but it has a terrific melody and takes me back to the early days of brit-pop. “For The Girl” is another happy-go-lucky kind of 60’s style rock song with lots and lots of handclaps and “la-la-la’s!” It’s also a lot of fun. The CD has sold really well in the U.K. and it will likely do the same here, but for me, I don’t think it’s an album that I’ll be pulling out on a regular basis. It probably translates very well to the live stage, and the individual songs will likely sound better when listening to my music on shuffle, where it’ll be interspersed between other songs by other artists.

Listen to their music on myspace and purchase the CD at their online shop.

Quick Notes featuring The Fratellis, Santa Dog, Ragni & Chance

The Fratellis’ “Costello Music” was one of the UK’s most praised releases last year. It will finally make it’s way to North American shores on March 13^th. I’ll definitely be telling you more about it when I get the CD, but in the meantime be sure to check out the insanely infectious tune, “Flathead" You can either watch the video or stream the song.

The Fratellis on myspace.

Canadian Music Week has already begun in the city and there are a lot of great performances taking place. The one that I would highly recommend the most is Santa Dog from the UK. I’ve talked about them and their classic pre-Oasis brit-pop sound before, but I have this sinking feeling that after the release of their full length in the near future, you won’t be able to see them for $8 at a tiny club anymore. So don’t miss this one, OK? Download the song "Rosa" to see what I mean.

Santa Dog on myspace.

The mesmerizing and atmospheric Ragni are going to playing The Savannah Room in Toronto on April 3rd. I’m not sure about the price just yet, but they’re another band we don’t see around these parts all that much so I’m anxiously awaiting that show. It’s bound to be a little bit on the mind-blowing side. Here’s an edited version of “The North Sea Epoch.”

Ragni on myspace.

One of my favourite artists, Chance, has recently released his latest single, entitled “Life And Life Only" He only releases a few singles a year, and he is very particular about what he chooses to release to the public. So each new single really is an event of sorts. This new one is probably his most personal one to date. Test drive the song by watching the video, and then purchase the song for only 99 cents over here.

Chance on myspace.