Sci-Pop: Latest Singles
By Neal Anthwal
Does the world of pop music take the world of science in vain? culture, fashion and life guru, Neal Anthwal, reviews some of the latest releases for style and substance. This week CSS, Will.i.am and Kate Nash go under the knife.First up it's:
CSS with Alcohol
Science? "Hey hey hey hey hey, do you want to drink some alcohol?" Well, it's 11:30 on a Monday morning, so it's probably not the best time to be getting drunk, but in the name of science and rock'n'roll I will. Ethanol (the alcohol you'd hope to have in your beverages) acts on the brain as a depressant. It decreases the activity of the nervous system by inhibiting (amongst others) the NDMA class of glutamate receptors and GABA receptors. These receptors are important in cognition, memory and motor skills, which is why you become a mal-coordinated, forgetful fool after several pints. Mine's a brown ale.
Is it any good? Its a great pop tune with drunk bunnies in the video. I like good pop tunes. More good pop tunes please. And more drunk bunnies.
You can buy this at the UK Null shop. Or at our US shop, which leads is nicely on to:
will.i.am (seriously, "will.i.am"...) with I got it from my momma (Genetics)
Science? Here's a brief synopsis of the entire lyrical content of this song: "I say my dear, how is it that you have such a pleasingly proportioned body?" "Why, my dear old mother is similarly blessed with a fine figure" "Oh I see. It must an inherited trait. Let's have sex". The thing is, whilst attractiveness has a genetic element, environment plays a very big role. The lady will.i.am is chatting to no doubt works out, has a good diet, and (on the strength of the video) has had plastic surgery. And anyway, if it was genetic you've got to take in the father into account too.
Is it any good? It makes me sigh and feel slightly more empty inside.
You can buy this if you really want at the Null shop. Or even pay in dollars. But it's probably best to leave it on the shelves and move on to:
Kate Nash with Mouthwash
Science? Good oral hygiene is obviously important to Kate "flavour of the month" Nash. She uses both mouthwash and dental floss, which our dentists tell us helps prevent periodontal diseases and dental caries. Mouthwashes are often antiseptic and antibacterial, and so are claimed help to reduce the number of plaque-causing bacteria. Similarly, we are told by dentists that flossing is really important in reducing dental caries. However, one recent systematic review suggests that flossing at home is not all that effective.
Is it any good? Damn you Nash, damn you to Hades. Despite my best efforts, I cannot help but find my self warming to Kate Nash's music. It's tack, but it's catchy tack.
Surprise, surprise, you can get hold of a UK copy or even a US copy if you're really good from our shop.
Find more music reviews or more from Neal or more from the Null:
Do stuff - Add to our Sci-Pop Hall of Fame
Fear stuff - Making music with fire
Make stuff - Composing with proteins
Learn stuff - Revise to Ravel and Study with Schubert
Talk Sci-Pop at our Facebook group.
Image: Julia Freeman-Woolpert
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