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Temples 'Sun Structures'

Kettering neo-psychedelic four-piece Temples have been on the rise over the past year, now it's their time to unleash the full effect of their glittering, revamped psych vibes on a long-awaiting public. The revivalists debut 'Sun Structures' glitters in a blurred distortion that crawls under your skin, allowing Temples to euphorically take their sound to the next level.
Familiar and previous hits such as 'Colours To Life' and 'Shelter Song' make an appearance on this satisfyingly divine debut. The former being a hypnotic masterpiece that shimmies along as James Bagshaw's blissed out vocals injects dreamy additional layers. Elsewhere, the heavenly 'Mesmerise' is a moment in which Temples' modern rejuvenation of psych sounds comparable to material from The Horrors' 2011 album 'Skying'.
With a fondness for reverb and backwards guitar that serves them well, Temples have gone nuclear as proven by tracks such as 'The Golden Throne' and 'Move With The Season'. Their fondness and familiarity is one that elevates both tracks' retro sounds and has earned themselves a sizeable fanbase in the process.
Title-track 'Sun Structures' conjures a sound that achieves maximum intensity with an unwavering brilliance that drips in psychedelia. It is a psych-inflected gem with acid-soaked riffs - showing there is more to Temples than just mere hype and praise laid on thick by the likes of Oasis legend Noel Gallagher; they have elongated longevity.
Meanwhile, the psych strut of 'Sand Dance' doesn't quite reach Tame Impala standards but it comes reasonably close, Bagshaw's vocals also sound remarkably similar to T-Rex at times, giving the sound of the past a new lease of life. 'Sun Structures' proves itself to be one of the band's greatest moments to date and it is perfectly clear that psychedelia has re-flowered and produced this heavenly band, the finest of the fine with a debut that serves as a timely reminder of their rad nature. Expect more noise.

Words Lauren Wade

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Bombay Bicycle Club 'Luna'

LunaLondon four-piece Bombay Bicycle Club are en route to following in the footsteps of Foals, whose third album 'Holy Fire' turned out to be a game-changer not just for themselves but for their fans too. Now, Crouch End's finest are back with the second single 'Luna' from their fourth album 'So Long, See You Tomorrow' in which they display bright, shimmering choruses of untold potential and sun-bleached beats that will undoubtedly set hearts a-flutter.
Bombay Bicycle Club’s avatarThey may be gearing up to take their sound to bigger stages this year, but Bombay Bicycle Club are a group who haven't forgotten their roots. Comparisons to 2011's 'A Different Kind of Fix' are still easily identifiable. Although, these masters of festival-friendly anthems mesh well the sounds of the past with those of the future.
With other tracks 'Carry Me' and 'It's Alright Now' from their forthcoming fourth album already out there, Bombay Bicycle Club are once again setting their own limits and refusing to compromise. 'Luna' is a swirling slice of what's to come when their new album drops and it might just be their greatest moment to date.

Words Lauren Wade


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Drowners

Named after Suede's debut single, New York four-piece Drowners are set to grab 2014 by the balls with their unique sound that defies category. 
With tracks that swoon like the sound of love itself, New York's best kept secret are set to release their debut self-titled album later this month and what an album that will be.
Describing themselves as "melodic post-punk influenced guitar music", their lyrical inspiration can be sourced back to actual situations that have happened - comparable to an early Arctic Monkeys circa 2006. 
Whilst they sound undeniably huge and barely miss a beat, the four lads met at a bar and Drowners was born shortly after realising they have common ground in the form of music.
Since then, Drowners have gone on to support Arctic Monkeys during recent US tour dates. Word has finally spread across to the other side of the Atlantic and now us Brits are going gaga for the thrill of Drowners.
Drowners
Until their album release, we're a little short on material although 'Luv, Hold Me Down' and 'Long Hair' both provide excellent listening. They may be a pretty big deal in their own right, but tracks such as these sound as if a healthy dose of
The Smiths blended with The Strokes has been injected. This does not come as a surprise when you take into account their New York roots. Frontman Matt Hitt's all-time favourite band is The Smiths too. If you like what you hear, be sure to give them some love and expect more noise from Drowners throughout 2014.

Words Lauren Wade

 
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Liam McClair 'How'

Manchester-based singer/songwriter Liam McClair is a stunning new talent to watch out for in 2014. Originally hailing from Cheshire, the twenty-two year old locks listeners in with an injection of smouldering vocals into his thoughtfully crafted tunes. Previously McClair has featured on BBC Introducing Merseyside and has played Liverpool Sound City.
Latest EP 'How' is a combination of stripped-back numbers which frame his vocals whilst a no frills approach is employed. Opening number 'Roam The Globe' has the beginnings of a brilliant ballad fused with heart-swelling melodies and swarming emotions of an authentic nature.

Title-track 'How' wields dizzying melodies with sleek hooks, dispatching a track that could easily soundtrack sun-faded setting. McClair is a haven for all you minimalistic darlings out there and with streaks of folk-rock and strong, sensual lyrical quality; McClair consistently packs a rucksack of emotion into everything he does.
The delivery on 'Somewhere Before' and 'Rough Waters' are equally as strong and at times it appears he could give the likes of Ben Howard and James Blake a run for their money. If you like music that displays a moody intensity then give Liam McClair a listen and you will not be disappointed. Obey your ears.

Words Lauren Wade



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Lion Bark

Brighton four-piece Lion Bark first started life in 2012 and since then, the Bill Hicks influenced band have gone from strength to strength turning heads with their brand of self-described 'Beach Beats'.

Their impressive swirling, sweet and wistful take on 2013's indie-pop trend is performed quite spectacularly. At times their effortless pop charms appear redolent of Vampire Weekend. Latest track 'Longhorns' is taken from the forthcoming debut EP from Lion Bark which is set for release in early 2014.
Previous release 'Two Prongs' picked up support and acclaim from BBC Introducing, Clash Magazine and NME Magazine also mentioned them as a band to watch recently.
Lion Bark deal in hazy, summer jams but their slice of new-wave sound is one that will keep us going until we are greeted with the arrival of next summer.
Brighton has a growing reputation for producing bands who consistently deliver strong songs and Lion Bark are no exception; get them in your life.

Words Lauren Wade


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Saint Raymond 'Young Blood'

Saint RaymondAre you looking for an extra bit of indulgence? Something non-sugary but just as sweet? Call off the search as we present Nottingham's Saint Raymond - real name Callum Burrows. Following in the footsteps of Jake Bugg, the eighteen year old recently supported Californian sisters Haim as they jetted around the UK on a sold-out tour.
After appearing at this year's Reading & Leeds Festival on the BBC Introducing stage and having released an EP on Gabrielle Aplin's Never Fade Records, word is spreading fast about the young talent that is Saint Raymond.
Latest track 'Young Blood' incorporates soaring, shimmering synths alongside the indie-disco bounce that is the jumped-up drumbeats. Burrows at times sounds like the lovechild of Two Door Cinema Club and The 1975 - he hits the right grooves time and time again even if they do sound best suited to festival crowds.
With sun-drenched melodies and impossibly moreish hooks in abundance, Saint Raymond will inevitably be plastered amongst 2014's festival line-ups; keep an eye out for this incredible up and coming talent. The future looks bright.

Words Lauren Wade

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Darlia 'Knock Knock'

Choke On BonesEvery once in a while a band comes along with the ability to defeat every obstacle placed in front of them. They go above and beyond in the name of music and their quest for greatness is prematurely fulfilled when the hype machine latches onto their sound.
Blackpool trio Darlia are that band, specifically ones who are leading the rock revival that is predicted to last long into 2014 and beyond. Comparisons to fellow revivalist newbies Drenge and Royal Blood are likely to emerge, however Darlia choose to do things a little differently with Radio 1 playlist boss Nigel Harding describing them as "the most exciting new guitar band in the UK."
Whilst there quiet-loud dynamic contributes majorly to their appeal, don't be surprised if you find yourself feeling nostalgic of a time when Nirvana were around - Darlia blend Nirvana-esque neo-grunge riffs with gut-rumbling basslines. All of this tessellates together, reeling you in before spitting listeners out again.
Darlia’s avatarTheir debut EP 'Knock Knock' justifies the hype and leaves you scrambling for the repeat button. Taking its lyrical and stylistic cues from the 90s Seattle grunge scene, the EP is one that switches between abrasive roars to breathless intervals, leaving listeners shaken to the core.
Opening track 'Queen Of Hearts' opens in a Nirvana-esque manner and signals to keen-eyed music fans that the 1994 rock revival begins here. The Blackpool newcomers' debut release incorporates ragged, uncompromising potential hit 'Napalm' sending out a near-perfect slice of brilliance complete with crushing riffs that cascade and collide.
Fresh madness ensues on final number 'Choke On Bones' with squealing guitars drenched in rock'n'roll sleaze. Their new-wave sound and swelling riffs are deeply immersive and will see them kick up some serious dust if they continue in this direction for the foreseeable future. One final thought - Darlia only deal in epics.

Words Lauren Wade
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Peace cover Wham!'s 'Last Christmas'

peace-2013Birmingham four-piece Peace have had an incredible 2013 - now rounding things off with a festive spin on Wham!'s classic Christmas hit 'Last Christmas'. Currently touring the UK as part of their biggest headline tour to date, the band have kicked things off in style with a celebratory video to accompany their cover version of the festive tune.
Frontman Harry Koisser released a statement explaining how their cover came to be, saying "About a week before it's beginning, we realised our approaching UK tour ran straight in to the belly of the Christmas period. Despite our Scrugicidal Tendencies, we found ourselves in a bout of excitement. A miracle perhaps?
Anyway, we ended up pit deep in the festive moment and guided by the spiritual production of Blaine Harrison, we recorded a festive cover and shot some video doing it.
Here it is. Have a wonderful December xxxx"
Watch Peace's cover of 'Last Christmas' below and check out their remaining tour dates.
December
03 - East Village Arts Club, Liverpool
05 - Academy, Oxford
06 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London (SOLD OUT)
07 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London
08 - Pyramid, Portsmouth
10 - Waterfront, Norwich
11 - Ritz, Manchester
12 - Anson Rooms, Bristol
13 - Academy, Birmingham

Words Lauren Wade
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Superfood 'Melting'

Forming the flipside of their double A-side with former hit 'Bubbles', Birmingham outfit Superfood's new track 'Melting' is one that finds them transporting listeners all the way back to 1993.
The omnipresent 90s vibes and subtle, yet exciting key changes allow the polished track from the Brummie four-piece to flourish, although any deep meaning tucked behind the lyrics are left ambiguous. Not all bands can get away with it, but when you sound so gloriously carefree, who cares how nonsensical and meaningful the words they muster up are? We certainly don't; focus on their tranquilising neo-grunge sound instead.
Having been announced to support Wolf Alice at Koko's NYE Ball, it appears Superfood are quickly finding themselves playing on bigger stages to bigger crowds as the clock ticks. The only question left to ponder upon, is what will 2014 have in store for the group? We can only speculate, but a safe bet should be placed on something beneficial and nutritious.

Words Lauren Wade
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Fever

If you're a fan of The Wytches' brand of psychedelic surf-doom, then prep your ears for a similar treat arriving in the form of Southampton-based four-piece Fever. With distorted guitars galore and impassioned vocals by the bucket load, the band also drape themselves in memorable melodies and blaze with promise.

Not much is known about Fever, although a main ambition of the group is to be "popular enough to be able to slap Harry Styles and get away with it." Enlisting the production skills of Wild Smiles' Chris Peden, Fever's debut track 'Shell Shock' is one that employs psychedelic power riffs - veering  away from accusations of being just another group of throwaway surf revivalists.
What differs and works to their credit is that there is none of that hazy, paisley business going on, no drug-induced drones either. 'Shell Shock' is blanketed by a washed out riff that loops throughout the track and leaves Fever indebted only to themselves.
If you're looking for a slice of psych that leaves the flower power mentality securely locked away; you've come to the right place. Before you know it, you'll have a Fever taking over your body and we're not talking about the virus.

Words Lauren Wade

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Jo Bywater 'Chasing Tales'

Capturing a bluesy and dynamic sound with every release, Liverpool's finest female singer/songwriter Jo Bywater is back with a new EP entitled 'Chasing Tales'. Following on from 2010's debut 'Cycle Grace Pulse Break', Bywater has continued to develop her artistic credibility and has become a familiar face on the Liverpool music scene and gig circuit. Released in September, 'Chasing Tales' is a subtle, intimate affair that immerses listeners entirely.
Opening on a beautifully acoustic number with 'Chopping Wood', Bywater welcomes us to a world where Mumford & Sons have fused their sounds together with Californian rockers Queens of the Stone Age, resulting in a dusty, desert-worthy track that sees Bywater prematurely peak. Proving herself to be an exciting new voice 'This Garden' is another minimalist effort that goes above and beyond, leaving a lasting impression that low-key affairs are what Bywater excels at.
With a fresh crop of artists up north demonstrating exactly why it is that Britain is musically rich, it would be a shame for the artists to concentrate too greatly on that area. To improve her standing, Bywater should expand further afield and share her sounds with the masses instead of those lucky few up north.

Words Lauren Wade

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WATCH: Queens of the Stone Age 'The Vampyre of Time and Memory'

WATCH the teaser trailer for Californian desert rockers Queens of the Stone Age's forthcoming video 'The Vampyre of Time and Memory'. Enlisting the directorial talents of Kii Arens and Jason Trucco, the band have created an 'interactive' video that will be unveiled to fans on October 30th.

Made in conjunction with The Creators Project, the minute long trailer features frontman Josh Homme surrounded by a questionable amount of taxidermy. The musician also holds a cane and turns to stare piercingly into the camera - what's not love?
 
It was recently announced that Queens of the Stone Age will embark on a co-headline tour of Australia in 2014 with Nine Inch Nails. The headliners for each night of the tour will be decided by a coin toss to keep it equal.
 
An announcement on Nine Inch Nails' Tumblr page read: "The first headline band on stage will be decided each night by the toss of a coin. The eight date run is set to begin at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on 6 March, 2014 and continue on visiting Newcastle, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Christchurch."
  


 
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Jake Bugg 'Slumville Sunrise'

Nottingham-born teenage rocker Jake Bugg has unveiled his latest Rick Rubin produced track 'Slumville Sunrise'. Taken from the singer's forthcoming second album 'Shangri La', Bugg's latest offering picks up where first taster 'What Doesn't Kill You' left off.
 
Packed with razor-sharp riffs and phenomenal guitar solos, Jake Bugg appears to have found his sound - a curious hint as to what Arctic Monkeys would sound like if they upped the 60s vibes and invited The Strypes to collaborate on a track or two. The latter half of the tune, seems like it would feel more at home in the peak of Britpop, although Bugg has whipped up yet another dose of straight up rock'n'roll for the masses to devour.
 
 
 
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Burning Condors 'Last Train Home'

Following the release of their debut album 'Round Our Way' last month, London four-piece Burning Condors are back with the brilliant 'Last Train Home'. The track sees the group sounding like they've spent far too much time holed up in Joshua Tree with Josh Homme and co; expect a storm of frenzied beats and chest-thumping volume.
 
A tune that is likely to see them heighten their standing, 'Last Train Home' opens with a riff that allows them to sound like returning heroes. Whilst, we find them in stoner rock mode once more, the tired comparisons to Queens of the Stone Age can well and truly be dropped - Burning Condors craft music that is undeniably theirs time and time again and will unquestionably propel them to further success.
 
'Last Train Home' is released via Snakehand Records on Monday October 28th.
 
 
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LISTEN: Peace 'White Noise' (Cover)

PEACEforeverever’s avatarIt's not often a cover version comes along that's better than it's original, but Brummie four-piece Peace have done exactly that on their cover of Disclosure's White Noise. Recorded back in June for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, the track has only surfaced recently on the group's SoundCloud account; what a treat. Their initial Live Lounge recording featured brief flashes of Pink Floyd which have now been removed from this latest cut, but their psych-tinged cover still hits all of the right spots. Listen to it here:
 
 


 
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Drenge 'Drenge'

It's an all-out ready to attack assault on the ears; listen with caution. Soft by no means, although we suspect that Sheffield-based bluesy-rock duo Drenge tuck their tender moments away, but don't expect to see any make an appearance on their debut self-titled album, one that has the ability to set politicians in a stir. Made up of brothers, Rory and Eoin Loveless the majority of their debut offering feels much like a fumble in the dark, yet they hit all the right places and walk out triumphant.
 
It's difficult to compare Drenge to other artists (not that we'd want to), simply because they exist in a league of their own. However, signed to the same record label as the likes of: Alt-J, Local Natives and The Temper Trap it would be easy for them to switch to the melodious makings of their label mates, however one look at the duo hailing from Castleton tells us this was never going to happen; they rip up anything and everything in their path, which is why it's not hard to see how they've made their way to the tip of everyone's tongues, in such a short space of time.
 
Flirting with sounds beyond their years, Nothing drifts into a direction reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys' 2007 bonus track Matador but Alex Turner is nowhere in sight and they twist it completely into their own. Current single, Face Like A Skull thunders into view with a snarling vocal and keeps listeners in Drenge's heavy-handed grip with ferocious riffs running like an undercurrent throughout the track.
 
Opening number People In Love Make Me Feel Yuck  begins with a deeply unapologetic air, one that foreshadows how the rest of the album will play out. We're enchained from the first crash of the cymbals to the minute the jarring vocals fade out; it's the audio equivalent of watching a car crash, much like that of Boris Johnson at last year's Olympics when he infamously got stuck on a zip-wire - you don't want to watch, but you can't not. Previous hit Bloodsports still proves as popular. It's no frills attached breakneck rock'n'roll. Guitars buzz and blister frenetically in a manner that has riffs spilling out of your speaker here, and vocals landing there.
 
The piss-taking duo shrug nonchalantly in response to the influence of America on I Don't Want to Make Love to You. It's nothing special but the integral drumbeat saves it from drowning in a bluesy blur. Gun Crazy was born simply to be an anthem for moshing to. For anything else, it doesn't hold the same appeal. Whilst, Eoin Loveless greets us with a rasping vocal on I Want to Break You in Half that unsettles and weirdly thrills.
 
Closing proceedings with Fuckabout, it becomes evident that that's all they ever really wanted to do; becoming a huge success was the making of them and saved them from a life of blandness, although listening to tunes like these suggests that greatness was always in the brothers, and they were destined for it - even if they didn't yet know it themselves. The lyrics claim they "waste every single day" but with their new found fame there's no time for lying around idly; there's a second album to be made and only these boys know how.
 
 
 
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LISTEN: Parquet Courts 'You've Got Me Wonderin' Now'

Parquet Courts Announce New EP, Share American punk rockers, Parquet Courts, who aren't particularly fond of any form of attention are back with a brand new offering. Taken from their forthcoming EP Tally All The Things That You Broke, You've Got Me Wonderin' Now contains some rather questionable features, hooks galore and the snarling energy we're often exposed to with this group is present - but only in a half-hearted attempt.
 
It's still worth a download, but would we attend their one-off show at London's Old Blue Last on Monday? (August 19) probably, but only because it's free entry. Let's hope this upcoming EP is brimming with some stronger tracks and super-sized anthems.

6/10
 


 
 
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Arctic Monkeys '2013'

Arctic Monkeys are back with the B-side to current single Do I Wanna Know? A social commentary of sorts on the digital age and the way technology has taken over. It's shorter than what we're used to from the Sheffield four-piece, but a track containing as many unrelenting sleazy sizzles as these, does more than enough to ensure the band's fifth album AM will be on every music fan's mind.
 
With a Josh Homme collaboration under their belts on the upcoming release, Homme gave us a taste of what to expect, come September, describing the record as a "sexy" affair. Ever since 2009's Humbug, many fans have been divided by the music, but with this injection of sound Arctic Monkeys have done things a little differently, appeasing fans who prefer debut LP Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, and appeasing themselves in the process.
 
Crafting lyrics such as "You can press pause and rewind" is a clever move for a band like this, who are in touch with their fans and their music consuming habits; they know their music will be put on an endless loop until the end of time, but to their credit they remain modest. Drummer Matt Helders, threads an integral heartbeat through the track, whilst time spent in Joshua Tree has clearly paid off for the band, heard by whirring guitars - much in the same vein as Queens of the Stone Age.

The bigger issue here is that Frontman Alex Turner is such a genius, he's sussed out his generation years before people of his age are expected to. The band are creating such an expansive, ambitious and winning sound these days, everyone is quivering in their boots. Time and time again Arctic Monkeys prove they've got 'it', and they're leaving no room for other bands to achieve their unreachable standards. With a heated mania surrounding them, one thing is clear; being music's finest is a role the band are suited to, to their core.

 
 
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Sunday retro hour: Arctic Monkeys 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor'

When the name Arctic Monkeys is mentioned, expect either a frenzy of fangirling, comments about how well their recent Glastonbury Festival headline set went down, or remarks from fans left disappointed after the Humbug era about how they have sold out (they haven't). As part of this week's 'Sunday retro hour', Rock Revolver delves into the Sheffield rock four-piece's hugely successful past, taking you back to a time when frontman Alex Turner observed human behaviour in nightclubs and when the spirit of the youth was still ablaze.

Released in late 2005, debut single I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor charted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart. This came as a massive achievement for the young band who had previously been frequenting the smaller gig circuit. However, circumstances soon changed as two weeks later the hype led the Sheffield youngsters to gracing their first NME cover. 
The music video is another talking point amongst fans. Essentially, the video is a live recording of the band performing the hit in front of a small studio audience. It is also during this clip when Turner delivers the iconic line "Don't believe the hype." Since then, this line has become a staple in music history and is one that many use to this day - although perhaps we should now believe the hype, considering the heights they have reached of late.



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Sunday retro hour: David Bowie - Andy Warhol

Released in 1972, David Bowie's tribute song Andy Warhol (from the 1971 album Hunky Dory) is remarkable for many reasons. From the way Bowie corrects his producer Ken Scott on the pronunciation of 'Warhol' to the raw honesty of the track, this song shows that everybody has their inspirations (including icons).
 
At a time when Bowie was just becoming a household name, this track proved to the listening public that he was an artist genuinely about the music; he had potential which was clearly shining through. Labelled by Rolling Stone as "darling of the avant garde" it always worked in his favour that he wasn't afraid to get experimental and do things a little differently. This tune is different to his other work but still feels as exciting as every persona Bowie has ever donned.
 
The acoustic guitar accompaniment livens up the track, whilst giving it a tender feel. If anyone can pull it off - it would be this man. David Bowie is king of the contradictions and never seems to put a foot wrong. Bowie's burst of laughter at the start of the track completes it entirely, allowing a rare glimpse into the true identity of the star. In addition, the twin guitar lines are an interesting feature which only adds to its chirpiness.
 
As one of the lesser known Bowie numbers, it could be suggested the appreciation for this track is not great enough. If you're new to his music or an loyal fan, give Andy Warhol a listen and prepare to become captivated by the legend of David Bowie.

 
 
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