A real mixed mag of single releases this month of which these are the best. But first a new full length Bon Jovi DVD that fans of the band simply must have…

Bon Jovi THIS LEFT FEELS RIGHT LIVE (Limited Edition with Bonus). Island

I’ve never been a fan of the band but this DVD has definately got me thinking… This release contains two DVDs one of which is a bonus. The first includes a full concert performance recorded live on high definition video on November 14 and 15, 2003 at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City. The band reprise all of their best songs over a total running time of 108 minutes. Picture and sound quality are stunning and match a superb performance. Tracks incdude Love For Sale, You Give Love A Bad Name, Wanted Dead Or Alive, Livin’ On A Prayer, It’s My Life, Lay Your Hands On Me, Last Man Standing and other favourites, a total of nineteen tracks. The first DVD also includes a 30-minute behind-the-scenes look at the concert, making of the DVD, and set list. The second bonus DVD includes an interactive poker game, photo gallery, live footage of the band’s classic concert in London’s Hyde Park and more. Excellent.

Magnet LAY LADY LAY. Ultimate Dilemma

A new band, an old song, and the delightful Gemma Hayes. From the band’s latest album, this cover of the Bob Dylan classic is one of the best I’ve heard. Gemma Hayes adds lovely, understated vocal touches to a song that could fly up the charts.

Bic Runga GET SOME SLEEP. Sony

This young singer/songwriter has broken all sales records in her native New Zealand with the latest album BEAUTIFUL COLLISION. Runga has the sweetest voice and her songs are deeply personal with super strong pop sensibilities. She’s started her battle to convince the UK audience with short live support tours, and this, her first single over here. Perhaps not the strongest song to open her campaign but pleasant enough.

John Mayer BIGGER THAN MY BODY. Aware/Columbia

Mayer is becoming very big in the USA and this single provides a strong hint as to why. He has a strong voice capable of hitting the high notes and treads a medium paced rock path. This is not the greatest tune but adequately showcases a strong solo performer.

Span DON’T THINK THE WAY THEY DO. Island

Span’s forthcoming single is a heavy rock affair with driving guitar riffs, tangible melody and a great vocal. If this is an example of what’s on the album then I think heavy rock fans are in for a treat of major proportions.

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Loka BEGINNINGLESS, AIRFLING, SAFE SELF TESTER. Ninja Tune

This electronic music release from major dance label Ninja Tune is a dark, hypnotic affair from Loca. Opening track Beginningless is a glacial paced, hypnotic and atmospheric beauty dominated by a subtle Hammond overlay against a threatening bass backdrop. As it progresses it becomes louder and even more threatening and sounds more like a movie soundtrack. The other two tracks are equally impressive and include strong jazz undertones. Definitely an album worth watching out for.

Keane SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW. Island

With a major record deal signed, Keane are about to release their first single and this is it. And it’s beauty! Accompanied only by piano and drums the vocal is one of the most expressive I’ve heard in some time. With a super strong melody, moving lyrics and superb production this single should go stratospheric. All three songs are excellent and point to a wonderful album to come in 2004.

Zero 7 HOME. Ultimate Dilemma

It’s been some time since we last heard of Zero 7 but this single is a more than welcome return. With Sia’s liquid vocal, a lovely melody and an arrangement of mesmerising beauty, this song signals greater things to come.

Paddy Casey SAINTS & SINNERS. Sony

In 1999 Paddy Casey’s AMEN album blew me away but failed to generate sufficient airplay and media enthusiasm to create a deserved stir. Casey disappeared from the scene for a couple of years before returning to his native Dublin to record his second album. I met up with him again at last year’s Dublin Witnness Festival and found a singer/songwriter in confident and happy mood. This is the first single from his second album to be released in the UK and deserves strong media support. It’s a simple song with a simple message, and with Casey’s delicately woven vocal it succeeds. The new album is called LIVING so look out for it.

Sia DON’T BRING ME DOWN EP. Systematic

Australian Sia burst onto the scene with a superb single several years ago then disappeared before returning as vocalist for Zero 7. This is her first solo outing for some time and provides a wonderful showcase for her undoubted vocal talents. The songs are slow, contemplative affairs with acoustic and string accompaniment, and the most subtle vocals. This is also pop music of the highest order by a very talented young lady whose time is yet to come. A wonderful, understated return with four killer tracks.

Kid Symphony MEET YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE. Universal

I saw the band perform recently and was more than impressed. This single is a bouncy, funky, rocky tour de force and will go down well on radio and TV. Watch out for this band, and if they’re in your neck of the woods, go see for yourself. A stonking pop/rock single.