SNOOP Dogg's new album is a fun-filled funky affair that arrives in perfect time to lift the summer spirits. No matter what the weather throws at us you can click play on Bush (yes, that's its name) and teleport yourself to Santa Monica beach Los Angeles and surrender to some of the best beats, rhymes and cool melodies that the West Coast's finest has delivered in years.
The fact that Pharrell Williams co-wrote and produced the vast majority of the material on the record meant it was always going to hit the spot and when Messrs Dogg and Williams combine their considerable hip-hop talents, the result is usually worth hitting the download button for.
Peaches and Cream is definitely a stand-out tune on the record (one of the singles) and features Charlie Wilson, another long-time cohort. The track is one of those breezy hip-hop gems that will have your feet tapping alternately and your head nodding like Churchill the dog.
The album is rammed with similar joyful moments with songs such as R U A Freak and I Knew That taking the honours – the latter being a funk guitar romp that would make Nile Rodgers proud.
Stevie Wonder also pops up on the excellent California Roll, the track that gets the proceedings under way in great style. I have found my summer album.
MUSE LIGHT THE FUSE
THE very majestic Muse release their latest album on June 8. Drones is the follow up to 2012's The 2nd Law and judging by the tracks I've heard is even better than its predecessor.
A high-octane, full-on record, Drones finds Muse at the fiery best. Tracks such as the incendiary Psycho, Reapers, The Dead Inside and Mercy are all pretty powerful stuff and anyone who has stuck with this band since Showbiz back in 1999 should be thrilled at the enthusiasm and drive consistently shown by Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard.
The band still sound hungry, focussed and, most importantly, highly creative. Perhaps the best thing about this band, though? The fact that even though they are musically trained and gifted to classical level, they still can't resist knocking the odd dirty big fat obvious riff and rocking out with the best of them. Can't wait to sample all the new songs live.
STARS AND STRYPES
SLANE promises to be a belter this weekend with headliners Foo Fighters sharing a stage with Ash, Kaiser Chiefs, The Strypes and Hosier.
Foos speak for themselves but if you haven't yet witnessed young Cavan band The Strypes do their thing, you are in for an absolute treat. These guys turn back the clock with a stunning retro sound that echoes early Rolling Stones and The Kinks but with a modern twist.
Their energy will make the huge rolling fields of the Meath countryside seem like an intimate sweaty venue. If you're making the trip this year, have fun and lap up what is a fantastic selection of acts.
