04/10/10:

This week sees the return of Carl Barat, except this time he's on his own, with his self entitled solo project. And for those closet Take That fans amongst us, (not including me of course), Robbie Williams releases his next single 'Shame', featuring a collaberation with Take That's Gary Barlow.

Carl Barat – Carl Barat:

Ex Libertines and Dirty Pretty Thing’s front man Carl Barat has taken a lot of stick from critics and fans alike in the last few months - all because of his recent decision to go solo. His ten track solo stint is to accompany his book release ‘Threepenny Memoirs’, a collection of anecdotes about his life in the limelight. On the surface it seems pretty promising, especially being a fan of Dirty Pretty Things myself, (not so much The Libertines though!). Unfortunately it seems as though the press has had every right to slate his effort, with a good 80% of the album being mind-numbing to say the least.

First track ‘The Magus’ is distinct, with a quirky melody that along with the lyrics; ‘Cos men can be animals, savages and cannibals. Keep your wits about you and you’ll see another day’, makes for an interesting listen. However, it soon turns drab and after just a few minutes becomes ‘just another’ song on the album. The same theme carries into the next three tracks, with ‘She’s Something’ being one of the most monotonous, despite the almost theatrical approach Barat adopts throughout.

Its track 5, ‘Run with the Boys’, where Barat finally swaps his frown for a smile. The first single to be released is without doubt the most appealing offering on the album, despite its cheesy lyrics; ‘Run with the boys night after night, how do our candles still run bright in the morning?’ Its retro roots make for a good listen and although it’s not necessarily what Barat’s fans have come to expect from him style wise, it’s undeniably catchy.

The remainder of the album is very much the same as the beginning, with no resounding factor urging me to listen to each track a second time. Instead I found myself wanting to skip them instead, which let’s face it, is never a good thing.

Overall, I haven’t crossed Barat off of my list completely; he still looks good in leather, right? (Album cover aside). But in my opinion he is just not that good by himself and needs either a band to back him up, or dare I say it, Pete Docherty’s indie drawl to compliment his. With each song just a different version of the last, his self entitled album isn’t one I’d recommend. But hey, that’s just me, right?

And here is latest release, ‘Run with the Boys’.

Robbie Williams Ft. Gary Barlow - Shame:

Whether I’m entirely comfortable with the fact or not, I have always had a soft spot for Robbie Williams and Co and like most girls my age have fond, (and rather embarrassing), memories involving a Take That cassette tape, hairbrush and mirror. So, with Robbie back in the band and all previous wounds healed, Williams and Barlow release their first collaboration single since their days in Take That this week, ‘Shame’.

‘Shame’ embodies everything you’d expect from the duo; a cheesy ballad that’s pleasing to the ears, no matter what your personal musical preference may be. Although the sound of horses galloping at the beginning of the track is verging on slightly disturbing, it soon evens itself out, showcasing both William’s and Barlow’s voices, joining together in the chorus for the full effect. With a cheeky laugh and a dose of casual banter when the track grinds to a halt, it’s good to hear the lads united again, although it's a shame, (excuse the pun), that their fellow band mates aren't there to join in.

Here’s ‘Shame’.