Australian songstress, Gabriella Cilmi, has been given a shot at a follow up to her debut album, "Lessons To Be Learned", which included a couple of very strong singles like "Sweet About Me", "Save The Lies" and "Don't Want To Go To Bed Now", the latter which inexplicably didn't get a UK release. Overall, the album lacked a cohesive sound which was surprising in the hands of the Xenomania production machine."Ten", scheduled for release on March 22, sounds tougher and more direct than her previous longplayer. The first single, "On A Mission", finds GC in 80s redux territory coming across a bit like the more aggressive side of Blondie.
To these ears, the intro, with its rubbery, octave jumping bassline and Casio rhythm machine sequence, is reminiscent of "Steppin' Out" by Joe Jackson. Once again, the 80s references are everywhere. Sonically, "On A Mission" makes a statement and is quite a strong lead single.
As for the video, with Gabriella looking like a young Sophia Loren, it's "Barbarella" meets "Xanadu". Funny how two derided, box office flops have become the visual touchstones for a new generation.
yep, i totally trainspotted that joe jackson sample too! LOL. i actually blogged about this song a couple of weeks ago. the video is a total nod to Betty Boo's "Hey DJ (I Can't Dance)" from 1990.
ReplyDelete@Mike - Actually, it's not a sample. It just happens to sound quite a bit like the intro to "Steppin' Out". Purely coincidental, I think. I'll have to check out the Betty Boo song. I haven't heard it in years!
ReplyDeleteIt's actually made me take a bit of notice of GC, I had ignored her a bit previously. Love the video, liking the song, loving your work Mr Vero :)
ReplyDelete@Paul - I liked a couple of songs from the last album. Was very interested in the Xenomania connection. So, I'm impressed with the new single. Thanks for the kind words!
ReplyDeleteThe intro just sounds like the beginning to Fischerspooner's "Emerge" to me, but this is way better than anything Fischerspooner has ever released.
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