F*** me Pumps/ Help Yourself
can do no wrong this year and is deservedly one of the most recognisable of the new breed of 'real' female artists alongside Joss Stone and Katie Melua. What sets Amy as a cut above is that behind her rich, sumptuous voice lies a no nonsense character wiv a proper daan to earth attitude. A cross between Aretha Franklin and Peggy Mitchell. That fact that she wilfully slags off Madonna, Melua, Spears and Dido at every opportunity gives her an music a dose of reality and makes you perfectly aware that a real person lies behind her lyrics. No pop idol conveyor- belt nobody here.
On 'Pumps' her vocals are suited perfectly to the sleazy 40's style horns over lazy hip-hop beat. The style and tone is similar to Lina's Charleston-esque style of a few years ago and is no bad thing for that. The lyrics display a head older than her years and the constant refrain of 'I can't help you if you don't help yourself' makes you believe this girl is singing about something she really feels.
'Pumps' is beautiful. A hugely unsubtle dig at the identikit glamour girls who's 'one dream in life is to be a footballer's wife.' It's a perfect put down skit and unfortunately it's so catchy that the target of it's vitriol are more likely to be dancing and prancing around their Gucci handbags rather than wincing at the lyrics.
Rating: 4/ 5
F*** me Pumps/ Help Yourself is released on 23rd August on Island
Words By: Mark Steel
