Single Review: Jealousy - Roisin Murphy

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.