This week, Matt thinks twice.

Eels – Saturday Morning (Dreamworks)

Eels are back and they’re in a bloody good mood. Mr E may have come across as a bit of a miserable git in the past, but he’s got a new spring in his step and a youthful glow about him. People who’ve heard this will say he’s monkeying around, but he’s far too busy singing to put anybody down. Saturday Morning is the first taste of their fifth album Shootenanny! which comes out in a couple of weeks. On this evidence it should be a great summer album.

Ilya – The Revelation EP (Virgin)

This Bristolian three-piece easily fill the Shirley Bassey-shaped hole left by Goldfrapp’s shift towards electro. A sexy, Bond-esque blend of funky basslines, drum ‘n’ bass beats, latino spirit and cinematic orchestration, it’s epic easy listening which they like to call “desert noir”. Powered by Jo Swan’s smouldering, passion-drenched vocal, this lot follow in the Bristol tradition of genre-fusing and deserve to get noticed. They’re currently putting the finishing touches to their debut and are preparing their first fully orchestrated live shows.

Ralph Myerz And The Jack Herren Band – Think Twice (Emperor Norton)

An excellent Norwegian funky-arsed dance tune, and a favourite with Mr Scruff and Gilles Peterson. Originally released as a limited 12-inch, it’s now been given a proper release ahead of Myerz’ promising debut, A Special Album. Containing a supercool walking bassline and some deeply fuzzed-up keyboards, it boasts a catchy vocal hook: “Maybe we ought to think twice, before we start something nice” – good advice to us all methinks. It’s backed with reworkings by Swag, Attaboy and producers of the moment, DFA.

Common – New Wave (MCA)

One of the standout tracks from hip-hop giants Common’s Electric Circus album, New Wave features the vocal talents of Laetitia Sadier from Sterolab. Recorded at Hendrix’s famous Electric Ladyland Studios, it’s psychedelic hip-hop with a catchy fluffy chorus and a brooding, sinister verse. The album is definitely worth hearing if you like soulful hip-hop with a twist.

Stellastarr* – Somewhere Across Forever (20-20 Recordings)

Stellastarr are another band from New York but don’t fit into the usual skinny-tied, tight-trouser wearing mould. They’re a fun pop-punk band, but better than that probably sounds. In places they’re a bit Pulpy, flamboyantly glam and slightly kitsch. Like a more melodic version of Electric 6. But probably better than that sounds, too.
Matt Walton 16 May 03

All singles released 19 May 03.