Singles for the week starting 1 August!

Joan As Policewoman
Chemmie
(PIAS)
* * * *

The retro American soul greats are brought to mind with the latest tune from Joan Wasser: think the scene in Pulp Fiction where Dusty Springfield kicks in with 'Son Of A Preacherman', with an added burst of dirt-road dust. 'Chemmie' feels like it should be a classic tune then, and despite not having 'the magic hook' it rolls along nicely with a peripheral kind of smuttiness!
T Bone Jones

Sweet Sweet Lies
Capital Of Iceland
(Something Nothing Records)
* * *

Gypsy punk sentiments mix with prowling bass-lines and violins that soar like an alpine stream, as Sweet Sweet Lies tell us the story of a man looking to replace his current tryst.
With lines like "I won’t look back on what we had because you are a misery", it's fair to say that this band are cutting to the chase (say what you really mean, why don't you!), but ultimately the lyric becomes amusing. On his new amour; "She is tall and much more pretty/ she’ll sing in key and play guitar/…and she knows the capital of Iceland.’ Superb!
Ed Spencer

Jess Mills
Live For What I'd Die For
(Island Records)
* * *

A curious blend of night time mystery and Ibizian euphoria come together on this debut single from Jess Mills. It's almost a success too: the 007 theme style verse gives in to a memorably dramatic, emoting chorus. Problems? Not many: come verse two it does drag a tad, and the chorus isn't quite as epic as the production might suggest - but Mills has laid down a fair old lunge at cinematic pop.
T Bone Jones