With Rachael Stevens’ music career in neutral and Kylie in the recording studio, pop music needs a female star capable of shaking up the charts. Sophie Ellis-Bexter haters will often criticise her looks, forgetting to appreciate that she makes perfect singles and above average albums. The aloof, sometimes distant, voice and perfectly clipped vowels really suit the current single – the disco flavoured Me And My Imagination. Likewise the sublime Blondie sound of first hit, Catch You, is as immediate as music can be. Not quite mashed but almost, the differing sounds of Xenomania, Cathy Dennis and Fred (B52s) Schneider all add up to a great album reminiscent of a cheesy party in your living room – pineapple sticks optional! There is something quite refreshing about the half sung/half spoken vocals; she is almost too posh to push the words out. This works a treat on the electronic New York City Lights. Guiding you across the dance floor without murdering one track, Sophie clearly enjoys ‘fessing up’ via the power of dance.
