Little Boots - 'Remedy'
Post categories: Reviews
| 10:15 UK time, Friday, 31 July 2009
I'm not a superstitious person, but when this week's horoscope told me I'd be torn over whether to follow my heart or my head, I was a little bit worried. You see, I have this sort of war with myself constantly. It's like I've got two little guys, one on each shoulder, each telling me to do or think things. And the result is usually a terrible mess. How else would I end up trying bourbon biccies dipped in humous?
(They're surprisingly good, actually)
So anyway, if this is a daily occurrence for me, I figured maybe a HUGE dilemma was in my stars. I had been torn recently over whether or not to get a Disney Princess duvet set, but this felt like it was bigger than that. Maybe this would be something at work? Or something hot boy-related? Of course, I more than slightly hoped it would be the latter (any hot boy dilemma is always welcome), but upon listening to Little Boots new single, I realised that I had been wrong. My dilemma was something far more serious. It was, and is, clearly: do I give this song five stars or not?
Right shoulder guy? Left Shoulder guy? Brace yourselves. This. Means. War.
(. Aw...I miss kaleidoscopes.)
The voice on my right shoulder is the first to pipe up (he's the little guy who speaks my heart. Oddly, he looks a lot like Bill Oddie, which is either because Oddie's a bit of a maverick who follows his heart (an inspiration to us all), or just because I like Autumnwatch a lot more than I have consciously realised). He tells me this song is an awesome, fun little pop ditty that'll fill floors from here to Andorra (Timbuktu is so overrated). "5 STAR! 5 STAR!" He screams.
But before he can get any further, the John Snow from Channel 4 News-a-like on my left shoulder (I can't explain that one), in true logical, head over heart style, has interrupted telling me to read the press release before I make any rash decisions.
So I do. Big mistake.
This release says that Little Boots wanted the song to be: "a really dark dance pop song a bit like 'Toxic' by Britney." Why would she say this? Why?! Because up until I'd read these words, I was convinced it was a corker, but this song is never going to be as good as 'Toxic'. Ever.
But then the voice on my right shoulder chimes in: "Why does it matter if it'd not as good as 'Toxic'? 'Toxic' is not now, 'Remedy' is now, and 'Remedy' is here and 'Remedy' is awesome. It's dark, it's addictive and it's proper catchy."
Of course, John Snow's got something to say about that: "It's catchy, of course, but that might be something to do with the fact it feels like you've heard this song before. Because you have, and that song is Boogie Pimp's version of 'Somebody To Love'."
Now Oddie's back again: "Yes, this is true, but does this stop it being good? Vocally it's gorgeous. She's all breathy and intimate during the verses and then big and loud during the chorus."
"Come on, she's not that good a singer", points out a sneering Snow, "she's been hyped to the max, but is she really that different? This sounds like The Saturdays."
Oddie's straight in there. "Yes, John, but a) hype is a load of media rubbish anyway and b) none of that changes how good this song is! Trust your heart...your HEART!"
To settle the matter, I consider a duel, but I end up getting side-tracked... Snow with his crazy ties... Oddie with his wild badgers... Bruce Forsyth there as adjudicator... Little Boots not having a clue what she's done to cause this...
Before I can decide, Snow makes the decision for me: "You do realise that Little Boots is called Victoria don't you? As are you. She is stealing your name thunder. STEALING IT."
Well, it's clearly got to be heart, hasn't it? Mostly because that last argument doesn't even work. But also because really, my little Bill Oddie is quite charming and a whole lot more fun than crabby old Snow.
But mainly, it's because the song itself is really, really, REALLY good.
Download: Out now
CD Released: August 3rd
91Èȱ¬ Music page
(Vicki Lutas)
Comment number 1.
At 31st Jul 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Yes! Im well happy this got the 5 star treatment. I too think its a geat record.
Im staggered at how many decent solo female artists Britain is churning out at the moment. I read an article on Little Boots before hearing anything of hers and instantly decided I wasnt going to like her. Who needs ANOTHER female solo artist that wont be as .....
1)Witty/lyrically good as Lily Allen
2)Good a singer as Amy Winehouse
3)Have Adele's charm and presence
4)Be as soulful as Duffy
etc etc the list could go on (Adele is more soulful then Duffy for one but anyway Im in a rush)
Yet here is Little Boots. With her synths, average pop voice and not particuarly original songs ... and I love it. Why? Im not sure. But I think this track is even better than New in Town and I'm looking forward to the album :)
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Comment number 2.
At 31st Jul 2009, U14087591 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 3.
At 31st Jul 2009, thranjax wrote:Not my favourite Little Boots song - but still great pop. What's with the bizarre hair do, it seems to be an attempt to make her into some futuristic pop android type thing. Four stars rather than five for the song. Five stars for being Little Boots :)
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Comment number 4.
At 31st Jul 2009, spirit wrote:Hey JAX .. the opening line is...
"I can see you stalking like a predator ! "
I wonder who Vicky is singing about....
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Comment number 5.
At 31st Jul 2009, flatknees wrote:yea its pretty good... love the 'hhhhheeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy' noise used in flo riders 'low' and by many other artists in the chorus.. symmetry will be the next single methinks..
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Comment number 6.
At 1st Aug 2009, Rowan wrote:This deserves the 5 stars...fell in love with Remedy, Mathematics,Symmetry and many others by Little Boots the instant I heard them and am now eagerly awaiting her album which is in the post.
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Comment number 7.
At 3rd Aug 2009, jlrake wrote:This's far better'n Boogie Pimp nicking from Jefferson Airplane, and Little Boots in that hairdo looks like she could be little sister to A Flock of Seaguls' lead singer (sorry, for got his name) and with a song at least as good as their "Telecommunication."
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Comment number 8.
At 3rd Aug 2009, spirit wrote:Mike Score was the lead singer of A Flock Of Seagulls .
It's good to see Remedy in the top 40 !
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Comment number 9.
At 4th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:Anyway back to the gorgeous Little Boots , due to the physical release of Remedy , this song sounds for all the world like a top 20 single , and I hope it now has the impetus , due to it's strong chorus , and t.v and radio airplay to get there .
Go Team Boots !
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Comment number 10.
At 4th Aug 2009, lolscott wrote:It's *bound* to climb way up the charts this week! It's so damn catchy! Plus T4 On The Beach used it for all their shows.
She's #12 in the iTunes chart right now.
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Comment number 11.
At 8th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:I cant stop playing this. Its fantastic!
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Comment number 12.
At 8th Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:I was inspired to join this blog after reading the best online debate ever on the Killers post.
What I love about Little Boots is that she doesn't pull off 'body-based Pyrotechnics' while dry-humping her back up dancers or takes piggy backs on James Allen's back while dressed in Morticia Addam's dress (and bragging about her drug-taking antics) to make herself stand out. She's a humble girl from Blackpool who just loves pop music. She doesn't dress up in her kooky little outfits and play a Tenori-On for attention as such. It's just because she loves it, and you can really tell in her interviews.
And the album is fab-ola :)
(Just a note: I don't hate the artists I described above, I like the music, but they do grate a bit in that way)
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Comment number 13.
At 8th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:Hey Moz Foz , it's great to have you join us.
I totally agree that The Killers debate was absolutely fantastic.
From a personal viewpoint after hearing Day and Age 4 times , I thought my view on it was sorted .
Then when I saw so many passionate and articulate posts totally questioning the review , I thought to myself that all these really intelligent people full of love for the album, couldn't all be wrong .
The other day I was talking to a figure in the music business , and I mentioned despite Day and Age being an average album , how had it gone 3 times platinum and still remained generally in the top 30 after 36 weeks ? E very time I looked it was refusing to budge.
His reply was that Day and Age was a fantastic album , simple as that.
All those brilliant , articulate posts from Day and age fans against Hazel's barb wire review , made me listen to Day and age with fresh ears .
I have not stopped playing it since , and yes I do now think that it's a fantastic album , and I really like many tracks .
And yes , A Dustland Fairytale is superb !
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Comment number 14.
At 9th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Big fat I told you so tossed Spirit's way! Who knows, I may even like BEP's latest offering soon.
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Comment number 15.
At 9th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:Well Liam , that performance of A Dustland Fairytale on Letterman ,was to me , the moment when I realised just how superb the song was .
What a superb rendition .
I have no problem with holding my hands up and saying , yes my feelings on this song has changed .
I am now wondering if Hazel has watched it......
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Comment number 16.
At 9th Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:Thanks Spirit :) and yes I agree totally, being a big Killers fan myself.
However I think it's time they took a break and focused on more a rock orientated sound. They've got to let loose a bit more. I love Brandon's lyrics but I want them to get a bit more rough around the edges, like earlier on in their career.
Anyway this is Little Boots, who is also a big Killers fan, but deserves more comments for this little gem
Everyone buy Hands now!
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Comment number 17.
At 9th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:OK heres a comment saying congratulations to Miss Boots for another top 20 single !
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Comment number 18.
At 9th Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:There's been some comments about her underperforming when compared to La Roux, Florence etc. BUT she's a different artist doing her own thing. and 2 Top 20s is solid :)
I reckon Meddle next. It would be a great single.
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Comment number 19.
At 9th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:This is well top 5 material. I hope it storms up the chart next week :/
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Comment number 20.
At 13th Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:Currently number 7 on iTunes chart, definite top 10 I hope. She deserves it.
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Comment number 21.
At 13th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:A few days on and Im still playing it a stupid ammount. Its gotta be one of my favourite releases this year. Its up there with Bulletproof!
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Comment number 22.
At 14th Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:On the topic of La Roux, do you see I'm Not Your Toy charting as high as the other two? What's your opinion on it?
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Comment number 23.
At 14th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:There is a review out there of Remedy , by a girl called Daisy where she crucifies this song and gives it 2 STARS .
She got it so wrong , this is an immense slice of frothy commercial pop that will crash into the top 10 !
Go Team Boots and let the download generation give a verdict on this great pop song !
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Comment number 24.
At 14th Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:It's beating Peter Andre in the iTunes chart. I'm made.
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Comment number 25.
At 14th Aug 2009, thranjax wrote:Where Spirit? Show us a link to the evil Daisy and her minions!
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Comment number 26.
At 15th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:6 in the iTunes chart at the moment. Its easily my favourite in the list though. Currently being beaten by the repetive BEP, average Tinchy track, predictable Calvin Harris (I do like it but its not getting any marks for originality), get a new song writer Beyonce and the ok Mr Hudson. Very glad its going to stomp over Peter Andre though.
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Comment number 27.
At 15th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:My good friend Daisy works for a very popular daily newspaper in their Something For The Weekend section .
We don't see eye to eye on the Little Boots track .
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Comment number 28.
At 15th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:Ha HA ..Liam you have just upset 6 artists that I had you pencilled in my diary to interview !
I am gonna have to ask Danny to do the Beyonce interview now !
If he wants it ...... ?
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Comment number 29.
At 15th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Check my post on the Beyonce song. You might as well chalk he up to me as well. I can take down the entire top 5-10 (minus the brilliant Miss. Boots) in one interview string.
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Comment number 30.
At 15th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Chalk her up to me*
(Chartblog improvement .. an edit button please)
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Comment number 31.
At 16th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Top ten :)
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Comment number 32.
At 16th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:Great stuff Liam ,Little Boots in the top ten , as many of us predicted !
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Comment number 33.
At 19th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:This song is now getting blanket t.v and radio play everywhere now...
Expect it to climb !
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Comment number 34.
At 20th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:Little Boots fans , you must hear her version of JLS'S Beat again , which she recorded in the Radio 1 Live Lounge .
It's VERY GOOD ...
Anyone heard it ?
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Comment number 35.
At 20th Aug 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Its very enjoyable. Im not a massive fan of the song but the cover is good.
Remedy at 5 in the iTunes chart!
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Comment number 36.
At 20th Aug 2009, spirit wrote:watch it climb the top ten . Will be close to the top five on sunday .
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Comment number 37.
At 21st Aug 2009, MozFoz wrote:I heard the cover on Jo Whiley the other day, definitely a better version than the original. I'm not a fan of the song though anyway, a bit of lyrical laziness stopped it being a great pop song. Remedy is now the most played song on my iPod- I haven't had it very long mind you -but it's passed my Overplay test. I still like it even though I've listened to it so much. Not many songs can do that.
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Comment number 38.
At 1st Sep 2009, kingshleppy wrote:BEST SONG OF THE YEAR SO FAR!!!!!Up there with drumming song and a dustland fairytale on my list anyway.
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Comment number 39.
At 30th Sep 2009, spirit wrote:The next LITTLE BOOTS single will be..........
EARTHQUAKE !
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Comment number 40.
At 2nd Oct 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:I prefere Meddle. Or Stuck on Repeat. Earthquake will do though!!
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Comment number 41.
At 3rd Oct 2009, thranjax wrote:Little Boots covering anything is great. I would love to write a hit song just so she could cover me...
Predator-Like Thranjax.
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Comment number 42.
At 3rd Oct 2009, thranjax wrote:Also this
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Comment number 43.
At 3rd Oct 2009, thranjax wrote:"Not my air of the month Little Boots performance - but stationary high-minded drop out. "
"Where Spirit? Show us a liaison to the dire Daisy and her minions! Complain on every side this regard"
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Comment number 44.
At 3rd Oct 2009, -RachelS- wrote:Thranjax, you are mad... and fond of the thesaurus!
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Comment number 45.
At 20th Oct 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:"You've got me stuck on repeat.." Ive got Little Boots on repeat at the moment!
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