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Little Boots - 'Remedy'

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Vicki | 10:15 UK time, Friday, 31 July 2009

Little Boots

I'm not a superstitious person, but when this week's horoscope told me I'd be torn over whether to follow my heart or my head, I was a little bit worried. You see, I have this sort of war with myself constantly. It's like I've got two little guys, one on each shoulder, each telling me to do or think things. And the result is usually a terrible mess. How else would I end up trying bourbon biccies dipped in humous?

(They're surprisingly good, actually)

So anyway, if this is a daily occurrence for me, I figured maybe a HUGE dilemma was in my stars. I had been torn recently over whether or not to get a Disney Princess duvet set, but this felt like it was bigger than that. Maybe this would be something at work? Or something hot boy-related? Of course, I more than slightly hoped it would be the latter (any hot boy dilemma is always welcome), but upon listening to Little Boots new single, I realised that I had been wrong. My dilemma was something far more serious. It was, and is, clearly: do I give this song five stars or not?

Right shoulder guy? Left Shoulder guy? Brace yourselves. This. Means. War.

(Here's the video. Aw...I miss kaleidoscopes.)

The voice on my right shoulder is the first to pipe up (he's the little guy who speaks my heart. Oddly, he looks a lot like Bill Oddie, which is either because Oddie's a bit of a maverick who follows his heart (an inspiration to us all), or just because I like Autumnwatch a lot more than I have consciously realised). He tells me this song is an awesome, fun little pop ditty that'll fill floors from here to Andorra (Timbuktu is so overrated). "5 STAR! 5 STAR!" He screams.

But before he can get any further, the John Snow from Channel 4 News-a-like on my left shoulder (I can't explain that one), in true logical, head over heart style, has interrupted telling me to read the press release before I make any rash decisions.

So I do. Big mistake.

This release says that Little Boots wanted the song to be: "a really dark dance pop song a bit like 'Toxic' by Britney." Why would she say this? Why?! Because up until I'd read these words, I was convinced it was a corker, but this song is never going to be as good as 'Toxic'. Ever.

But then the voice on my right shoulder chimes in: "Why does it matter if it'd not as good as 'Toxic'? 'Toxic' is not now, 'Remedy' is now, and 'Remedy' is here and 'Remedy' is awesome. It's dark, it's addictive and it's proper catchy."

Of course, John Snow's got something to say about that: "It's catchy, of course, but that might be something to do with the fact it feels like you've heard this song before. Because you have, and that song is Boogie Pimp's version of 'Somebody To Love'."

Now Oddie's back again: "Yes, this is true, but does this stop it being good? Vocally it's gorgeous. She's all breathy and intimate during the verses and then big and loud during the chorus."

"Come on, she's not that good a singer", points out a sneering Snow, "she's been hyped to the max, but is she really that different? This sounds like The Saturdays."

Oddie's straight in there. "Yes, John, but a) hype is a load of media rubbish anyway and b) none of that changes how good this song is! Trust your heart...your HEART!"

To settle the matter, I consider a duel, but I end up getting side-tracked... Snow with his crazy ties... Oddie with his wild badgers... Bruce Forsyth there as adjudicator... Little Boots not having a clue what she's done to cause this...

Before I can decide, Snow makes the decision for me: "You do realise that Little Boots is called Victoria don't you? As are you. She is stealing your name thunder. STEALING IT."

Well, it's clearly got to be heart, hasn't it? Mostly because that last argument doesn't even work. But also because really, my little Bill Oddie is quite charming and a whole lot more fun than crabby old Snow.

But mainly, it's because the song itself is really, really, REALLY good.

Five stars Download: Out now
CD Released: August 3rd
www.littlebootsmusic.co.uk
BBC Music page

(Vicki Lutas)

Comments

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  • 1. At 1:14pm on 31 Jul 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    Yes! Im well happy this got the 5 star treatment. I too think its a geat record.

    Im staggered at how many decent solo female artists Britain is churning out at the moment. I read an article on Little Boots before hearing anything of hers and instantly decided I wasnt going to like her. Who needs ANOTHER female solo artist that wont be as .....

    1)Witty/lyrically good as Lily Allen
    2)Good a singer as Amy Winehouse
    3)Have Adele's charm and presence
    4)Be as soulful as Duffy
    etc etc the list could go on (Adele is more soulful then Duffy for one but anyway Im in a rush)

    Yet here is Little Boots. With her synths, average pop voice and not particuarly original songs ... and I love it. Why? Im not sure. But I think this track is even better than New in Town and I'm looking forward to the album :)

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  • 2. At 1:20pm on 31 Jul 2009, U14087591 wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 3. At 2:13pm on 31 Jul 2009, thranjax wrote:

    Not my favourite Little Boots song - but still great pop. What's with the bizarre hair do, it seems to be an attempt to make her into some futuristic pop android type thing. Four stars rather than five for the song. Five stars for being Little Boots :)

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  • 4. At 5:29pm on 31 Jul 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    Hey JAX .. the opening line is...

    "I can see you stalking like a predator ! "

    I wonder who Vicky is singing about....

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  • 5. At 7:53pm on 31 Jul 2009, flatknees wrote:

    yea its pretty good... love the 'hhhhheeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy' noise used in flo riders 'low' and by many other artists in the chorus.. symmetry will be the next single methinks..

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  • 6. At 7:37pm on 01 Aug 2009, Rowan wrote:

    This deserves the 5 stars...fell in love with Remedy, Mathematics,Symmetry and many others by Little Boots the instant I heard them and am now eagerly awaiting her album which is in the post.

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  • 7. At 00:30am on 03 Aug 2009, jlrake wrote:

    This's far better'n Boogie Pimp nicking from Jefferson Airplane, and Little Boots in that hairdo looks like she could be little sister to A Flock of Seaguls' lead singer (sorry, for got his name) and with a song at least as good as their "Telecommunication."

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  • 8. At 00:38am on 03 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    Mike Score was the lead singer of A Flock Of Seagulls .

    It's good to see Remedy in the top 40 !

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  • 9. At 1:04pm on 04 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    Anyway back to the gorgeous Little Boots , due to the physical release of Remedy , this song sounds for all the world like a top 20 single , and I hope it now has the impetus , due to it's strong chorus , and t.v and radio airplay to get there .

    Go Team Boots !

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  • 10. At 9:24pm on 04 Aug 2009, superscott2006 wrote:

    It's *bound* to climb way up the charts this week! It's so damn catchy! Plus T4 On The Beach used it for all their shows.

    She's #12 in the iTunes chart right now.

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  • 11. At 3:24pm on 08 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    I cant stop playing this. Its fantastic!

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  • 12. At 6:46pm on 08 Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:

    I was inspired to join this blog after reading the best online debate ever on the Killers post.

    What I love about Little Boots is that she doesn't pull off 'body-based Pyrotechnics' while dry-humping her back up dancers or takes piggy backs on James Allen's back while dressed in Morticia Addam's dress (and bragging about her drug-taking antics) to make herself stand out. She's a humble girl from Blackpool who just loves pop music. She doesn't dress up in her kooky little outfits and play a Tenori-On for attention as such. It's just because she loves it, and you can really tell in her interviews.

    And the album is fab-ola :)

    (Just a note: I don't hate the artists I described above, I like the music, but they do grate a bit in that way)

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  • 13. At 8:14pm on 08 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    Hey Moz Foz , it's great to have you join us.

    I totally agree that The Killers debate was absolutely fantastic.

    From a personal viewpoint after hearing Day and Age 4 times , I thought my view on it was sorted .

    Then when I saw so many passionate and articulate posts totally questioning the review , I thought to myself that all these really intelligent people full of love for the album, couldn't all be wrong .

    The other day I was talking to a figure in the music business , and I mentioned despite Day and Age being an average album , how had it gone 3 times platinum and still remained generally in the top 30 after 36 weeks ? E very time I looked it was refusing to budge.



    His reply was that Day and Age was a fantastic album , simple as that.

    All those brilliant , articulate posts from Day and age fans against Hazel's barb wire review , made me listen to Day and age with fresh ears .

    I have not stopped playing it since , and yes I do now think that it's a fantastic album , and I really like many tracks .

    And yes , A Dustland Fairytale is superb !

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  • 14. At 03:43am on 09 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    Big fat I told you so tossed Spirit's way! Who knows, I may even like BEP's latest offering soon.

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  • 15. At 12:33pm on 09 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    Well Liam , that performance of A Dustland Fairytale on Letterman ,was to me , the moment when I realised just how superb the song was .

    What a superb rendition .

    I have no problem with holding my hands up and saying , yes my feelings on this song has changed .

    I am now wondering if Hazel has watched it......

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  • 16. At 6:48pm on 09 Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:

    Thanks Spirit :) and yes I agree totally, being a big Killers fan myself.

    However I think it's time they took a break and focused on more a rock orientated sound. They've got to let loose a bit more. I love Brandon's lyrics but I want them to get a bit more rough around the edges, like earlier on in their career.

    Anyway this is Little Boots, who is also a big Killers fan, but deserves more comments for this little gem
    Everyone buy Hands now!

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  • 17. At 7:36pm on 09 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    OK heres a comment saying congratulations to Miss Boots for another top 20 single !

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  • 18. At 8:37pm on 09 Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:

    There's been some comments about her underperforming when compared to La Roux, Florence etc. BUT she's a different artist doing her own thing. and 2 Top 20s is solid :)

    I reckon Meddle next. It would be a great single.

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  • 19. At 11:01pm on 09 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    This is well top 5 material. I hope it storms up the chart next week :/

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  • 20. At 6:51pm on 13 Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:

    Currently number 7 on iTunes chart, definite top 10 I hope. She deserves it.

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  • 21. At 11:54pm on 13 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    A few days on and Im still playing it a stupid ammount. Its gotta be one of my favourite releases this year. Its up there with Bulletproof!

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  • 22. At 2:09pm on 14 Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:

    On the topic of La Roux, do you see I'm Not Your Toy charting as high as the other two? What's your opinion on it?

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  • 23. At 4:45pm on 14 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    There is a review out there of Remedy , by a girl called Daisy where she crucifies this song and gives it 2 STARS .
    She got it so wrong , this is an immense slice of frothy commercial pop that will crash into the top 10 !

    Go Team Boots and let the download generation give a verdict on this great pop song !

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  • 24. At 10:16pm on 14 Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:

    It's beating Peter Andre in the iTunes chart. I'm made.

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  • 25. At 11:17pm on 14 Aug 2009, thranjax wrote:

    Where Spirit? Show us a link to the evil Daisy and her minions!

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  • 26. At 01:24am on 15 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    6 in the iTunes chart at the moment. Its easily my favourite in the list though. Currently being beaten by the repetive BEP, average Tinchy track, predictable Calvin Harris (I do like it but its not getting any marks for originality), get a new song writer Beyonce and the ok Mr Hudson. Very glad its going to stomp over Peter Andre though.

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  • 27. At 01:29am on 15 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    My good friend Daisy works for a very popular daily newspaper in their Something For The Weekend section .

    We don't see eye to eye on the Little Boots track .

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  • 28. At 01:33am on 15 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    Ha HA ..Liam you have just upset 6 artists that I had you pencilled in my diary to interview !

    I am gonna have to ask Danny to do the Beyonce interview now !

    If he wants it ...... ?

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  • 29. At 01:37am on 15 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    Check my post on the Beyonce song. You might as well chalk he up to me as well. I can take down the entire top 5-10 (minus the brilliant Miss. Boots) in one interview string.

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  • 30. At 01:38am on 15 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    Chalk her up to me*

    (Chartblog improvement .. an edit button please)

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  • 31. At 11:43pm on 16 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    Top ten :)

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  • 32. At 11:52pm on 16 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    Great stuff Liam ,Little Boots in the top ten , as many of us predicted !

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  • 33. At 01:51am on 19 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    This song is now getting blanket t.v and radio play everywhere now...

    Expect it to climb !

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  • 34. At 10:32am on 20 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    Little Boots fans , you must hear her version of JLS'S Beat again , which she recorded in the Radio 1 Live Lounge .

    It's VERY GOOD ...

    Anyone heard it ?

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  • 35. At 10:16pm on 20 Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    Its very enjoyable. Im not a massive fan of the song but the cover is good.

    Remedy at 5 in the iTunes chart!

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  • 36. At 11:16pm on 20 Aug 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    watch it climb the top ten . Will be close to the top five on sunday .

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  • 37. At 2:58pm on 21 Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:

    I heard the cover on Jo Whiley the other day, definitely a better version than the original. I'm not a fan of the song though anyway, a bit of lyrical laziness stopped it being a great pop song. Remedy is now the most played song on my iPod- I haven't had it very long mind you -but it's passed my Overplay test. I still like it even though I've listened to it so much. Not many songs can do that.

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  • 38. At 10:41pm on 01 Sep 2009, kingshleppy wrote:

    BEST SONG OF THE YEAR SO FAR!!!!!Up there with drumming song and a dustland fairytale on my list anyway.

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  • 39. At 7:02pm on 30 Sep 2009, thespiritwarrior wrote:

    The next LITTLE BOOTS single will be..........


    EARTHQUAKE !

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  • 40. At 08:42am on 02 Oct 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    I prefere Meddle. Or Stuck on Repeat. Earthquake will do though!!

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  • 41. At 00:55am on 03 Oct 2009, thranjax wrote:

    Little Boots covering anything is great. I would love to write a hit song just so she could cover me...

    Predator-Like Thranjax.

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  • 42. At 02:06am on 03 Oct 2009, thranjax wrote:

    Also this http://mathematicschart.start4all.com/

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  • 43. At 02:08am on 03 Oct 2009, thranjax wrote:

    "Not my air of the month Little Boots performance - but stationary high-minded drop out. "

    "Where Spirit? Show us a liaison to the dire Daisy and her minions! Complain on every side this regard"

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  • 44. At 4:09pm on 03 Oct 2009, -RachelS- wrote:

    Thranjax, you are mad... and fond of the thesaurus!

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  • 45. At 10:41pm on 20 Oct 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:

    "You've got me stuck on repeat.." Ive got Little Boots on repeat at the moment!

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