this week's Roundtable (02/06)

trying to get back into the swing of things for Roundtable reviewing. this week's wasn't particularly glowing (*cough*new Arctic Monkeys*cough*) but I will soldier on...

Bella Union boss Simon Raymonde, Radio2's "Whispering" Bob Harris and Tom Gray of Gomez

1. Kaiser Chiefs - 'Little Shocks' - it's interesting the reaction to this new one from a band that's known for laddish, shouty rock. I rather like it, even if it doesn't have the immediacy of 'Never Miss a Beat'.

2. the Goodnatured - 'Skeleton' - despite this panel's slating of it, I love this record. I think the problem is...they're all blokes. they don't get what this is. yes, it's suggestive, but that's the point. yet Cheryl Cole, Katy Perry or Gaga can get away with it and you're telling Sarah McIntosh can't? there's always been a bit of subversiveness with Sarah and she's not going to change. "what you see is what you get."

3. Little Roy - 'Silver' - the winner - why do the British love reggae so much? ::fast forwards::

4. Milk Maid - 'Not Me' - this is like surf pop on drugs. the guitars don't do a thing for me, they're too slow.

5. Tame Impala - 'Solitude is Bliss' - I've never been a fan of psychedelia, so when there's a new band trying to do that sound, I have to ask myself, is this any better than what's come before? I'm sorry, this isn't. oh god, go away.

6. the King Blues - 'I Want You' - this is kind of funny. isn't this band supposed to be political? this sounds like something anyone could have written. ummm...? it's ok. I don't hate it. it's just not ringing any bells for me, that's all.

7. Arctic Monkeys new album - why did Lammo choose the worst song, 'The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala' to play? ick.