iPod: Sight & Sound - The Singles

Sight & Sound (Blondie)
This is the first of a somewhat Greatest Hits laden blog post! First up is Blondie; the iconic original NY punk band. Whether you are a fan or not, you have to admit that their music is legendary and defined a generation. All of the songs you would expect to be on here are on here. As is standard these days the package comes with two songs that were 'new' at time of release. My personal favourite favourite song is here: Maria. It reminds me of being at school and listening to it on walkman on the bus, after listening to the radio for hours just so I could record it! It's just a shame that, seemingly, no effort or passion has gone into this album - all you get is the cd and a dvd of the videos - no good sleeve notes or anything. Money money money...

Recommended Track: Heart of Glass
There is no competition for a song that sums-up Blondie and Debbie Harris better than this, in my opinion. You may, somehow, never have heard of Blondie in your life before - but you will instantly recognise this song. Love.


Silver Side Up (Nickleback)
I suspect that, like many, I bought this cd on the strength of the How You Remind Me single? I haven't listened to this album in years and, listening back to it now, I have no idea why I own it - it is nothing like my usual musical taste. In fact, it almost stands for everything I don't: that generic American singing voice. I hate it. I do, however, like the colours in the artwork. I don't really have much else to say about it.

Recommended Track: How You Remind Me
I can't really recommend anything else on this cd, as I don't particularly like it, not have I really listened to it since 2001! So, I suggest that if you like American radio-rock that you give this song a whirl; I'm sure you'll recognise it. It spawned a generation of imitations... Or, if you wanna try a catchy non-single track, try Woke Up This Morning.


Simply Deep (Kelly Rowland)
The debut solo cd from the over-shadowed member of Destiny's Child. It annoys me that Beyonce friggin Knowles got all the attention at the time. I think Kelly has more talent. Having said this, this is very much a 'first album'; whilst there are many good songs here, there is certainly room for improvement. The album opens with her Stole single; a beautiful catchy mid-tempo ballad, not dissimilar to her DC work. Before moving into that massive Nelly duet she did. There is more passion in this album than there ever was in any of the DC albums; and you can tell this just from the first track: you get the impression that Kelly sat down and thought about her lyrics - she cared. A beautiful first effort.

Recommended Track: Train On A Track
I can't remember if this was a single or not? It's a nice light-hearted up-tempo yet calm song. The acoustic guitar makes me like it -very subtle. Also shows off the purity of her voice.


The Singles (Basement Jaxx)
Dance music isn't really my thing; but I got this cd as Basement Jaxx were pretty much played in every club I ever went to as a student. So, it's more for nostalgic reasons. That said, it's really only the first half of the cd that I recognise - were all of these singles? Maybe it's because I started going off clubs in my 3rd/4th year, rather opting for bars instead, where you could talk and see each other! I guess this would be good for a party, but it's not the kinda cd I would listen to continuously.

Recommeded Track: Romeo
I almost picked out Where's Your Head At, but it just reminds me of the CBBC ads these days! So I've gone with Romeo, which reminds me the most of going out and drinking ridiculous quantities of ABVs and then falling over (why do people do it?!). Anyway, it is rather listenable and typical of what Basement Jaxx do.


The Singles (Prodigy)
Another cd that I bought for nostalgic value. A mate in school was into Prodigy in quite a big way and similarly, when I left and was working while at uni, a girl I worked with was also into them, so I guess I grewe up listening to their stuff by default! Nevertheless, it is dance music, not really my thing, but some of it is rather catchy. When they toured to support this cd in 2005, I tried to get tickets, but they had sold out...would have been interesting. Also they have the funniest song title ever: Smack My Bitch Up.

Recommended Track:Breathe
Certainly my favorite song by them. I loved the music and the effects. Quite possibly also their biggest commercial hit? Check it out.