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SINGLE REVIEWS
ROBBIE WILLIAMS: Let Me Entertain You (Chrysalis CDCHS 5080). Having initially seen Life Thru A Lens and the album chart staging their own version of Brief Encounter, Robbie Williams suddenly cannot put a foot wrong. One huge hit single behind him (Angels) and he now finds himself a successful solo star - a position that will only be reinforced by this storming follow-up which opens with Pinball Wizard-style piano chords before an adrenaline-filled Williams comes crashing in and hardly dares take a breath. On its own merits this would be a sizeable hit, but with the inclusion of his stunning Brits medley with Tom Jones on one of the formats, it should be unstoppable.
SKINNY: Failure (Cheeky CHEKCD023). This addictive paean to self-pity marks a departure from Cheeky's familiar Faithless house sound towards a loping, Serge Gainsbourg-style groove. Appropriately remixed by David Holmes, it's reminiscent of the Irishman's recent work - albeit with Paul Herman's catchy, downbeat vocals. Failure never sounded so sweet.
KRISTINE BLOND: Love Shy (Beautiful Noise! BNOISE1CD). Danish 22-year-old Blond's distinctive voice is showcased by a variety of house, speed garage, disco and hip hop mixes aimed to please everyone. The Tuff Jam mix wins, serving up a slice of radio-friendly pop with enough groove to move any crowd. It's been playlisted on Kiss FM for the past three months, so prepare for its naggingly familiar refrain to blare out from trannies everywhere.
AFTERLIFE: A Way (Ripe RIPEXD218). This chugging little techno-disco stomper, originally released to a degree of acclaim in 1995, has been remixed by Matthew and Leon Roberts. Three years later the end result is nothing new, combining common-or-garden elements in an accomplished if unoriginal manner. The War Dance mix will get some play as a warm-up tune, but nothing in the five-mix package spells hit.
GOLDIE: Believe (ffrr FCD332). There is a mellow mood on this muted, horn-led - almost disco - tune which acts as a showcase for Diane Charlamagne's vocal talents and Goldie's fluffier side. The anthemic quality and soulful delivery will win radio play, which will help broaden its appeal beyond the confines of Goldie's drum & bass constituency.
THE AMALGAMATION OF SOUNDZ: Keyvan's Paper (Filter FIL027). This slice of hypnotic, warm, laid-back...