Wednesday, July 1, 2009

WOO and BOO: EP edition

Two of our favorite artists released EPs just yesterday, and while they not only meet the requirements of this website (one from the States, one from the UK), they also have been artists we've been following for quite some time. Unfortunately, only one passed our strict screening test to go on to become a "WOO," while the other one fell a wee bit flat...

And the
WOO goes to: drum roll please...... Jamie T for his EP Sticks 'n' Stones! This EP is the stepping stone between Jamie's disgustingly perfect debut, Panic Prevention, which was released over two years ago, and his upcoming sophomore release, Kings and Queens. With just four songs, the EP gives you a preview of what to expect on his upcoming album. It is clear that while Jamie is still true to his Panic Prevention roots, he is going in an entirely new direction with both this EP and Kings and Queens.

The namesake for this EP, and Jamie's first single, "Sticks 'n' Stones" eases his fans into the new direction he's going by being equal parts
Panic Prevention and Kings and Queens! Both "St. Christopher" and "On the Green" are different versions of the same Jamie T we've always known and loved. "St. Christopher" is stripped down, and while I hate to say this, a little bit Razorlight! "On the Green" is Jamie's take on country/blues, and to be completely honest, it's incredible! It's as if Jamie went to the South, chewed straw, and sat on a porch with a banjo in hand. "The Dance of the Young Professionals" is gypsy punk, so much so that Gogol Bordello should watch their backs! This EP should tide everyone over 'til the release of Kings and Queens and while Jamie just announced a crop of UK tour dates, we really need him back in the States, so buy this EP, PLEASE!!!

Then we have the
BOO award, which regrettably belongs to the now very famous Spoon, with their newest EP, Got Nuffin. Now, we here at NYC2LON have been fans of Spoon for as long as our young lives would allow it, so it comes with great remorse that they've made the BOO list. But with only three songs, and one that is instrumental, it's hard to forgive this EP. While their single "Got Nuffin" is the Spoon we all know and love, the rest of the EP leaves much to be desired. The only other song with lyrics, "Stroke Their Brains," while typical in Spoon fashion, does seem a bit drawn out with Britt doing what I like to call "reverb voice" a little too much on the track. I suppose this EP is meant to whet our Spoon appetites, as Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is already two years old, and they've been M.I.A. for quite some time. Unfortunately, it just doesn't fill the gap that those two years has created, and we're hoping their next full length release will be out sooner rather than later.

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