Must hear 4
ARCTIC MONKEYS - WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM, THAT’S WHAT I’M NOT
NEED TO KNOW
Two members of the UK-based quartet were given guitars as Christmas presents in 2002 before forming the top selling band and later releasing their warehouse-recorded songs onto the Internet. Media-hype surrounding the group spiralled out of control before helping them to achieve the fastest selling debut album in UK chart history.
BEST TRACK
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor is a true lyrical anthem.
WORST TRACK
Riot Van jars with the rest of the fast-paced rhythms.
ONE FOR THE COLLECTION?
They’ve bagged a decent cabinet of awards for a reason. This is a collection of raw modern musical masterpieces that belong on everyone’s iPod. JF
BANANARAMA - DRAMA
NEED TO KNOW
They were the best-selling girl band before the Spice Girls stole their title, and have now drawn upon the help of producers behind the likes of Girls Aloud, Sugababes and Danni Minogue to give them a more up-to-date sound.
BEST TRACK
A remix of past hit Venus is a new take on an old classic.
WORST TRACK
Waterfall fails to make a splash with its samey-same synthesised beats.
ONE FOR THE COLLECTION?
It’s a strange mix of sometimes bland, dance-floor inspired pop tunes that doesn’t live up to the group’s original material – but 20 years on it’s worth a listen if for no other reason than to reminisce of days gone by. JF