The Cribs - 'Men's Needs'
With an opening riff that you wish The Strokes could still write, The Cribs' first offering from their third album negotiates a conundrum that's been around since time began - the differences between a man and a woman. And not just the biological ones either, even though there's a naked lady in the video (and some unconvincing cartoon violence too).
NOTE: Please don't watch this if the sight of rubbish special effects is likely to cause offence...
Although they reach no conclusion, frontman Ryan Jarman cynically comments, "I've never been impressed with offers from New York and London", in an attempt to show the other northern whippersnappers up for not sticking to their roots. Or at least you have to HOPE that's what he means, cos if he's suggesting that all London/ New York ladies are biffers...or that he only gets chatted up by biffers when he's in London or New York, well he's opening himself up for a world of (distinctly non-cartoon) violence. And that would be a shame.
With Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos twiddling the knobs, there's been a noticable smartening-up of the Cribs' rough-around-the-edges vibe. And there's a nice attention to detail in the twiddly guitar work which by no means detracts from their ability to write a supremely sing-along-able chorus.
Which means everyone's going to have to try hard to beat this fantastic piece of upbeat melancholy. It knocks the socks off all the other try-hard 'indie' bands in the chart (*cough*, Enemy) and acts as a useful teaching aid. Not just for inter-gender communication studies, but also to explain to anyone with ears what a real chorus is.
Never mind men's needs, everyone needs this.
Download: Out now
CD Released: May 14th
(Laura S)
Comments
Now then.
What a Tune! Another brilliant single from a brilliant band.
And have you seen these Wakefield Fellas play live? The only British band of the last 25 years to perform with the energy of The Jam.
All that dross pop had to come to an end and what a way to do it.
The Cribs are the way forward and I can't wait.
best band in britain, seriously under rated. Its a shame that the UK hasnt caught onto what gem has been hiding for so long. Looks like the Yankees are finding this out first from what i have heard!