Keep up with the Williams’

The two brothers from another released erratic and controversial albums in 2006.

Robbie’s ‘Rudebox’ (what happened to the ’74?) sparked derision for his unique and generally ‘wack’ rapping techniques. The album was unleashed only year after the weak and uninspired ‘Intensive Care’. It was a break from the obvious and safe for Bob.

Pharrell’s ‘In My Mind’ was released about two years too late and seemed unsure of itself. By the time it eventually hit the shops most of the excitement had petered out. The whole project was poorly handled by Skateboard P and his various record companies. There had already been three singles before fans could buy it, one of which (Mamacita) was touted on radio and performed on American television only for it to be scrapped as a single and not even put on the album.



Both albums are divided between the boys rapping and the boys singing. This was the first mistake as it makes it difficult for either album to flow. The Williams' share wonderfully flawed singing voices, the fact that they are not perfect vocalists adds to their appeal and individuality; unfortunately this doesn't translate in their rapping. They both obviously love rapping but really they should stick to their strengths.













To their credit there are some spectacularly satisfying tracks on both albums: Lovelight, Angel, King of the Bongo, Number One.

Pharobbie are actually on the same label. I propose EMI re-release a combined version of the albums called 'RudeMind'. It could be a classic

1. RW - Lovelight (Brilliant cover of innocuous Lewis Taylor track)
2. PW - Angel (Short and sweet)
3. RW - Keep On (Mark Ronson and Lily Allen make Robbie's rapping work)
4. PW - Number One Ft Kanye West (Totally under-rated gem)
5. RW - We're The Pet Shop Boys ( Basically a good PSB song)
6. PW - Our Father (Lyrically forgettable but lovely arrangement and vocals)
7. RW - Bongo Bong (Sped up cover with Lily to the rescue again)
8. PW - Best Friend (Classic Neptunes and signature P drumming)
9. RW - She's Madonna (Another PSB effort, fun topic)
10. PW - Young Girl/I really like you FT Jay-Z (Nice cameo and Stevie Wonder inspired second half)

Given the bi-polar nature of the albums they could also release the worst album of the year 'In My Box' (to the left, to the left)

1. RW - Louise (Worse than bland)
2. PW - That Girl Ft Snoop (Pure, refined shit. It fails horrendously at whatever madness they were trying)
3. RW - Viva life on Mars (painful)
4. PW - Keep it Play Ft Slim Thug (Shut up)
5. RW - Burslem Normals (Sounds like a B-Side to the Clockwork Orange Soundtrack)
6. PW - Can I have it like that? Ft Gwen (What a waste. If you are going to use her, at least make her sing)
7. PW - You can do it to (Dull preaching)
8. RW - Kiss Me (No excuse for this)
9. RW - Never touch that switch (Stupid record)
10. RW - Summertime/Dickhead (Poor and forgetful)

It will be fun to watch where these 30 somethings go from here: Do they look to keep their fans or themselves happy? Although their albums were all over the place I was grateful for them. Especially the bizarre Rudebox, lets have another one Robbie. Pharrell, go find Chad Hugo and finish the third N*E*R*D album. Go on, what are you waiting for children?












Here is a strange one, its Pharrell Singing Justin Timberlake's Like I Love you


Here is the third single that never was, Mamacita.


And here is the instrumental for 'I really Like you'