Ian Brown
Golden Gaze(Polydor)
It's a hard soul that can't warm to the mysterious genius of the mad Manc Lord Monkey. When Liam Gallagher was recently asked what his favourite jungle animal was, he answered: "Ian Brown." Once again, Liam spoke for a generation. Nobody cares that Brown can't sing like an angel, his appeal lies in the crazy, skunked-up gorilla cool that only a born genius, or madman, can get away with.
'Golden Gaze' is one of 'Golden Greats'' better tracks, taking its cue from synth-driven '80s funk and spooky acid vibes. But never mind the title track, because the B-side of this single is Brown's cover of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'! Come on Browny! As ridiculous as it is amazing, it has to be heard to be believed. The fact that he chose to cover this song is a testament to Brown's wilful audacity in the face of (ouch) postmodern millennium cool. In the strongest Manc accent he's ever recorded, Brown transforms Jacko's hit into one of the weirdest things you're likely to hear this year. It may be hilarious, but you're with him all the way.
ANDY CAPPER
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