The
Hotlist 
THE HOT AND NOT
LIST as of November 18th 2001
Le Mec:
Hotlist
- Billy
Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins has announced that he's forming
a new band with an album slated for release next year. Him being the primary force in the
Pumpkins this can only mean yet another album filled with painful rock anthems - probably
along the more sensitive lines like the great "Adore" album. To finally close
the era of the Pumpkins, the band have released their greatest hits package containing the
more commercial side of the band. The songs on the compilation are in no way
representative for the band's entire production but they serve as a good introduction to
the Pumpkins universe. And if you're gonna get it, get it while it comes with a special
bonus disc containing previously unreleased material.
- Sing-Sing:
"The Joy Of Sing-Sing". Brilliant indie pop from former Lush member Emma
Andersen and her partner in crime Lisa O'Neill. If you're into bands like Lush or
Morcheeba there's plenty of goodies for you on this album. A small pearl in its own right.
- Lloyd Cole is about to release two new albums.
One, "Etc...", is the man as we know him, while the other, "Plastic
Wood", is supposedly a collection of ambient instrumental pieces. I don't know what
to expect from the latter, but I'm sure that "Etc..." will provide the world
with yet another bunch of mature bittersweet pop songs.
- Pet Shop Boys have completed their new album due
out in March next year. I can't wait for new stuff from the best duo ever! Apparently,
Johnny Marr is playing on most of the album which is a great indicator for quality. Also,
Suede and Del Amitri will have new albums out just on the other side of New Year's...I
think 2002 will be a better year album-wise than 2001 has been.
- Turin
Brakes: "The Optimist LP". This album has received great reviews
and is one of the important corner stones of the new acoustic era. It took me a while to
appreciate the album - I found it rather boring at times - but it slowly opens up and
should be enjoyed in one of your more relaxed moods. Try it out!
- It's the season for greatest hits compilation albums and this year is no
exception. However, quite a few of the more interesting sorts are surfacing this next
month or so. Substancial bands like The Cure, Simple Minds and Pink Floyd are all squeezing the money mellon.
While the first two have released a great number of important singles over the years which
make for great compilation albums, I find it harder to capture the universe of Pink Floyd
this way....Anyway, for all three artists: if you like the hits packages, go look for the
original albums - there's much more brilliance to be found there.
Notlist
- Singer Tim
Booth has announced that he's leaving James. Very sad news and definitely the end of an
era. Although Booth will be releasing solo material, things will never be the same again
in the James camp and the musical qualities will certainly suffer.
- The British
hype over American bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes. The craze
is clearly aimed at the younger generation since us older folks find the bands alright if
but just new brew on old bottles. Most of what's on their albums can be found elsewhere
with the great rock/punk bands from the late '70's. Even so, they may be an indicator of
where popular rock music is headed.
- Radiohead's new live album "I Might Be
Wrong". The album might be an okay live release but, frankly, these guys need to move
on!
- Robbie
Williams: "Swing When You're Winning". With all the media
attention, it had to happen: the Williams dude has finally lost touch with reality and is
giving his best shots at classic tunes originally immortalised by legends like Frank
Sinatra and the Rat Pack. As much as I like Robbie Williams, he should realise that he is
about pop music and keep doing just that. Now that's something he's good at.
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