MAMBAONLINE SPINS

Mambaonline’s resident music fundi, Christo Valentyn, wraps up ’07 with a to-the-point marathon review of some of the final music releases of last year.

SURE BETS

BLOW YOUR MIND – LOYISO

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most talented male vocalists, Loyiso is phenomenal on his latest album, Blow Your Mind. It’s pop-influenced R&B and hip-hop and will get any party going! Try I Want You and Take Me Back.

ONE CHANCE – PAUL POTTS

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Paul Potts is extraordinary. His dream of becoming an opera star came true when his version of Nessun Dorma blew the socks off Simon Cowell in Britain’s Got Talent. All 10 opera interpretations on One Chance impressed me.

SUPERSTAR: THE HITS – JAMELIA

Marketed and distributed by EMI South Africa

A collection of Jamelia’s biggest hits, including Superstar, Thank You, See It In A Boy’s Eyes, Stop, Something About You and the brilliant Beware Of The Dog. Not a very large hit-count, but extremely memorable nonetheless!

LIVE (CD/DVD) – REM

Marketed and distributed by Warner Music Gallo Africa

An exceptional live performance from Dublin featuring 22 of REM’s best-loved songs, captured on CD and DVD for your complete audiovisual pleasure: Everybody Hurts, Leaving New York, Losing My Religion, Man On The Moon and many more.

THE GREATEST DUETS – VARIOUS ARTISTS

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Definitely aimed at the romantics, this double-album will take you on a trip back in time as it looks at some of the greatest duets ever recorded. An excellent mix of familiar and forgotten, this is nostalgia at its best.

12PM VOLUME 2 – F & MARTINENGO

Marketed and distributed by Warner Music Gallo Africa

One of radio’s most successful presenter duo’s, Ian F and Sasha Martinengo are also legends in the world of dance, as writers, producers and DJs. 12PM is their latest venture, and Volume 2 is even better than the first! Perfect for summer!

RIOT! – PARAMORE

Marketed and distributed by Warner Music Gallo Africa

What an awesome surprise! Paramore’s music is driven by guitars, drums and great vocals by Hayley Williams. As such it is hard and fast but really impressed me with how listenable it is. Excellent!

100 BEST CLUB ANTHEMS – VARIOUS ARTISTS

Marketed and distributed by EMI South Africa

If you pride yourself as a master of the dance floor, this is definitely the album for you: five discs, 100 tracks, one awesome anthology of the dance music that has kept us on the floor for the past decade!

MODERN MINDS AND PASTIMES – THE CLICK FIVE

Marketed and distributed by Warner Music Gallo Africa

The cover fooled me – I expected odd-sounding rubbish. I couldn’t have been more wrong! It’s pop-friendly rock with exceptional music and lyrics, like on Flipside, Jenny and When I’m Gone. I almost missed out on a remarkable album.

THE WORLD’S GREATEST 90’s ALBUM – VARIOUS ARTISTS

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

The ‘90s are considered to be the decade of musical confusion, but on this three-disc collection, there’s no confusing the best and most memorable hits of that time that dominated the airwaves. Fifty-two excellent songs!

NOT NECESSARILY BAD, BUT…

SONGS ABOUT GIRLS – WILL.I.AM

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Songs About Girls is an eclectic mix that tries to show off will.i.am’s remarkable hip-hop creative versatility. It’s listenable, but I expected something much more groundbreaking and memorable.

CAN’T HOLD YOU BACK – MARK BELING

Marketed and distributed by Warner Music Gallo Africa

Even though the second album from local singer Mark Beling just didn’t get under my skin, it impressed me more than his debut. It’s middle-of-the road pop-rock that will get consistent radio airplay.

MANTARAY – SIOUXSIE

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Depending on your age you might remember Siouxsie & The Banshees. Mantaray is a surprisingly impressive return by Siouxsie, combining rock instrumentation with deep and dreamy vocals and lyrics.

PAPER WALLS – YELLOWCARD

Marketed and distributed by EMI Music SA

A rather fast-paced, guitar-heavy collection of songs from American rockers Yellowcard that remains remarkably melodic and listenable. However, the band really shines on some of the slower songs.

HATS OFF TO THE BUSKERS – THE VIEW

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Hats Off To The Buskers is a surprisingly fun collection of retro-inspired rock tunes that remind of Australian band Jet. The lyrics aren’t exactly works of art, but the listenable songs generally work.

KEVIN MICHAEL – KEVIN MICHAEL

Marketed and distributed by Warner Music Gallo Africa

Kevin’s unique voice is the first thing you’ll notice. Only then will the thumping beats and groovy basslines register. It’s fresh, out-of-the-box and super catchy, covering everything from R&B to funk. It’s almost as cool as his afro!

CHASE THIS LIGHT – JIMMY EAT WORLD

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Jimmy Eat World have been around for quite a while, not making a massive mainstream impact, but slowly building up a loyal fan base. Chase This Light is very radio-friendly and surprisingly enjoyable.

LIFE WITH YOU – THE PROCLAIMERS

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

If you thought The Proclaimers died with 1,000 Miles, think again. Life With You is a surprisingly entertaining return from the brothers Reid. The title track is great pop, but the rest of the songs take on a deeper, almost darker tone and message.

PROGRESSION VOLUME 3 – VARIOUS ARTISTS

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

DJ Spiro’s first Progression album really impressed me as it contained some awesome, truly progressive dance tracks. Volume 2 was