single review

Single Review: Jealousy - Roisin Murphy

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With Roisin Murphy About to unleash her new album Hairless Toys, the first since 2008's fantastic Overpowered, it feels like the perfect time for this new release on Crosstown Rebels.

Jealousy isn't featured on the new album - instead it is somewhat of a one-off tribute from Murphy to fans of deep house and disco. Cowritten and produced by DJ Parrot AKA The Crooked Man (formerly of Sweet Exorcist and All Seeing I), this is a bit of a meeting of minds for the two Sheffield legends. In Murphy's own words, "Parrot understands dancing music and he understands me. This is fast and furious; he says it's roller­disco music. The backing track sounded so frantic, the lyric wasn't long coming to me, all I had to do was try to create a vocal as demented as the music!"

The track features in two forms, and I find it impossible to decide which is my favourite. The house mix is sinister and minimal, Murphy's vocal deranged and striking, the bass hook irresistible.

In comparison the disco mix plays like a pitched up Nile Rodgers production, packed with glamour, funk guitar riffs and strings. Murphy's vocal seems to taunt the listener with the insistent repetition of the track's title. My only complaint would be it could do with slowing down just a little... Like, what's the rush guys?

Still - Murphy demonstrates her continuing taste and Parrot demonstrates Sheffield's still got it... What's not to like?

‘Jealousy’ is recorded especially for Crosstown Rebels and additional to Roisin's forthcoming album. This is an unashamed slice of dance-floor hedonism from the acclaimed singer, featuring Roisin’s compelling vocals in both a house and disco workout. Co-written and produced by the great-unsung modern day house hero, The Crooked Man AKA DJ Parrot, formally of Sweet Exorcist (Warp) and All Seeing I amongst many other aliases, he has been a bastion of the Sheffield sound since the late '80's. The single is also mixed by the legendary Eric Kupper, who was a production partner with Frankie Knuckles and Dave Morales and whose K-Scope releases were a staple of 90's American NY House. "Parrot understands dancing music and he understands me. This is fast and furious; he says it's roller-disco music. The backing track sounded so frantic, the lyric wasn't long coming to me, all I had to do was try to create a vocal as demented as the music!" Roisin Murphy Murphy has become one of the most competent, enduring and influential figures in the pop, disco and electronic music worlds. The Irish singer-songwriter originally broke into the charts as the front woman for Moloko, delivering music that was leftfield electronic and pop-orientated. Her consequent output, two stunning solo albums, and the beautiful EP with The Vinyl Factory alongside guest vocal presence on labels like Hot Creations and Permanent Vacation have ensured Roisin’s enduring legacy and constant evolution as an artist.

‘Jealousy’ is recorded especially for Crosstown Rebels and additional to Roisin's forthcoming album. This is an unashamed slice of dance-floor hedonism from the acclaimed singer, featuring Roisin’s compelling vocals in both a house and disco workout. Co-written and produced by the great-unsung modern day house hero, The Crooked Man AKA DJ Parrot, formally of Sweet Exorcist (Warp) and All Seeing I amongst many other aliases, he has been a bastion of the Sheffield sound since the late '80's. The single is also mixed by the legendary Eric Kupper, who was a production partner with Frankie Knuckles and Dave Morales and whose K-Scope releases were a staple of 90's American NY House. "Parrot understands dancing music and he understands me. This is fast and furious; he says it's roller-disco music. The backing track sounded so frantic, the lyric wasn't long coming to me, all I had to do was try to create a vocal as demented as the music!" Roisin Murphy Murphy has become one of the most competent, enduring and influential figures in the pop, disco and electronic music worlds. The Irish singer-songwriter originally broke into the charts as the front woman for Moloko, delivering music that was leftfield electronic and pop-orientated. Her consequent output, two stunning solo albums, and the beautiful EP with The Vinyl Factory alongside guest vocal presence on labels like Hot Creations and Permanent Vacation have ensured Roisin’s enduring legacy and constant evolution as an artist.

Video / Single Review: Us - Movement

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This new sophomore release from Sydney's Movement has been out for a few weeks now but I've only just had time to really digest it and it's deserving of a listen.

Us - Movement

Us is a deep and sexy tangle of 90s R&B and rough rumbling bass dance music. Movement wear their hearts on their sleeves and this is a record that gives a voice to the inner thoughts of one half of a couple on the brink of… well, something. A confidence exudes as the vocals define the inevitability of reciprocated feelings and yet there is a nervous anxiousness - "And I could take you right now", the falsetto male vocals assert one moment, shortly before questioning "Did I push it too much". As a result the track bristles with a sort of confidence undermined by a very real sounding uncertainty and a sense of gender politics, the hollow and ambient sound only adding to the sense of mis-firing connections.

Us also includes two remixes. San Francisco's Giraffage lays down a sea of complex synth stabs, bass and glossy funk keys that opens the track up to create something a little more sensual. Kowton provides the concluding mix, moving in the other direction, offering up an intense bass-heavy version threaded with steel drums and urban intensity.

Us is out now through Modular, available to purchase on MP3 from Amazon.co.uk [affiliate link]. Check out the video on YouTube above or listen to the EP in full through Spotify: