Pop Shop 90’s

Beautiful Intentions is Melanie Chisholm’s latest milestone that, with nine months of production one could easily refer to it as her baby – and not a bad sounding baby at that. Probably a little less known to South African audiences, Melanie has made quite a name for herself back in blighty with record sales of her previous singles reaching the millions as well as co-writing 11 of the ones that happened to appear on the U.K. chart at number 1. All of this sounds very impressive – and indeed it is – as she dwarfs her female contemporaries with a style of rock that is both moving and melodious.

Album highlights include ‘Better Alone’, a smooth, angelic sounding song that fits snugly into an album that would otherwise comprise of mostly the usual pop/rock that one hears on the radio. Speaking of radio, ‘Next Best Superstar’ is sure to be played on most frequencies, along with a number of others from the album, so be sure to keep an ear open for the latest melodies from our favorite former spice girl.

After touring Europe, supporting numerous bands in the U.K., and a gig at Glastonbury KT Tunstall has finally released her very own debut album ‘Eye to the Telescope’. Hailing from the rolling hills of Scotland, KT (Kate) has been influenced by all sorts of musical greats yet her sound is undoubtedly unique. Its almost country-like feel combines with rock and folk leaving it difficult to place it into any one genre yet instead of detracting from this album, these eclectic roots make the album positively upbeat.

Whilst some of the songs straddle the border between casual love songs and pop ballads others such as ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’ and ‘Suddenly I See’ give the album a type of buoyancy that is sorely lacking in many contemporary singer/songwriters that are unwilling to take risks with new sounds. This obviously does not bother Tunstall who, at the beginning her music career has created an album that is a pleasure to listen to and one that’s going to be difficult to surpass.

We all remember them. Some of us would probably prefer to forget the time that we actually enjoyed listening to such songs as ‘Kiss me’ by Indecent Obsession or Snow’s ‘Informer’. But love or hate them they’re back, and this time to stay. Even though the 90’s are over (thank the Lord), no one can prevent the re-release of pop classics like Mr. Wendal and Return of the Mack. Pop Shop 90’s brings it all back to taunt those that have tried to escape their musical past.

With no remixes involved, these blasts from the past are pure and unadulterated, the way we originally heard and remember them. Undoubtedly this is the album that should be taken to one’s high school reunion and, if it doesn’t make everyone feel young again it will certainly make them feel old.