sarah nixey - strangelove/the collector
having come to the nations attention via luke haines alt.pop experiment, black box recorder, sarah then provided her trademarked sultry vocals for the standout track, 'ghosts', on the recent infantjoy album, and so now we come to the beginning of her solo career.
and the connection between these 2 outings ?
james banbury.
classically trained cellist and obviously talented bloke, james has stepped outside the ring and become both electropop producer as well as record label supremo (along with paul morley, officially, though his day to day involvement must be questioned as he has those never ending tv vox pop slots to sort out!) for this solo single. lead track, strangelove, is the unusual pairing of propaganda styled pop drama and goldfrapp, where passion and melody combine in a smattering of synths, strings and 'hey hey hey's, while the extras in the package are remixes of the previously only available as download only track, 'the collector'. each version is revisited by various record label chums, so, comma keeps the origins of the song tight, with sarah's vocals being a major presence throughout the crashing piano chords and dramatic ambience, label bosses infantjoy extent their love for all thing erik satie by stripping the song right back to a few echoed piano notes and cutup vocals for a gorgeous chunk of serenity, and then to finish off the real world package, there is a remix for the groovers. pete davis reverses the drum loops, fucks up the noises with some welcome distortion, and generally creates a 6 minutes electro dance monster. all of which makes this a fantastic single to spend your pocket money on, however, there is more.
as is the way in this modern world, the gang have decided to release some exclusives for the ipod generation. so, alongside the proper single, there are 2 versions available only via itunes, a 6 minute peter hook bassline'd filled thumper by the freelance hellraiser (james banbury sorted out strings on the soon to be released freelance album - hence the connection), and then the mysterious record label buddy, 'image of a group' switches on the biggest reverb effect pedal, and gets the beat in gear for a bubbly dance floor.
so whatever your mood, this release will provide enjoyment, as well as make you look forward to sarahs forthcoming solo album with keen anticipation.