Supergrass
Pumping On Your Stereo (4-track Dutch version)

I was in the extremely lucky circumstances to buy a copy at a local record store, who (accidentally??) sold the single pre-release on Saturday 22nd of May. This gives me the change to give you a review before the official release.

My first impression was: what should I say?? But the second playing already made me appreciate the tracks a great deal already. Like many songs by many bands, it needs to grow on you. Especially when you're all too familiair with their previous work, which can blur your opinion. Like 'In It For The Money' showed a different direction and development of the band compared to 'I Should Coco', this new single also gives glimpses of the new direction they've been following for their upcoming third album. Their special sound is there, but it's repackaged into something that's totally different from what you know. And in a way it's not! Anyway, here's my personal review of the tracks from 'Pumping On Your Stereo':

1. Pumping On Your Stereo (3:21).
A superb refreshing track, which grows on you fast! It's doubtless Supergrass, but with a distinct early to mid 70's sound. It's basis seems directly inspired by Bowie's 'Rebel Rebel', while the vocals sometimes sound like Lou Reed. This all connects with reports that the new album would sound slight 'Glamrock'. Nevertheless it's a brilliant, powerful track, which might do well in the charts. I've programmed my CD-player to repeat this song constantly. How I love this song...

2. You'll Never Walk Again (2:16).
Ballad in the style of the Beatles' 'I'll Follow The Sun' as well as Housemartins 'Think For A Minute', but with a well proportioned 'Supergrass'-sauce. This song has great harmonies, which only seem to go slighty wrong in the end. Lovely. The use of mandoline gives it something..., well...!

3. What A Shame (2:44).
Nice, straight forward rocksong, with echoes of late Beatles material like 'Two Of Us', but again distinctively Supergrass in the end. A brilliant example of integrating their 60s and 70s influences into their own music, without sounding 'Retro' (Like for instance 'Kula Shaker')

4. Sick (3:40).
The longest track on the CD, that really IS Supergrass': the Rocking sound and Rob Coombes' keyboard makes it sound like it's a brilliant leftover from the 'Going Out' single, which was unused for no reason at all. I really love this one.

This sure is a lovely single and it makes me even more curious about their next single (Planned for August) and album (Out Sept. 13th).

Leo Hoek van Dijke - 22 May 1999
RTV Gouwestad/'Going Underground'.