REVIEW: Fast Forward: An Indie Music Companion To South Africa 2010

Fast Forward: An Indie Music Companion To South Africa 2010
Indiecator Records

Let’s be honest, the World Cup isn’t the World Cup without musical involvement. Capello may have dumped the official song but don’t let that stop us. Dublin’s Indiecator Records have pulled together an album of songs from their favourite artists.

In other words, it’s pretty good. The tracks range from African-influenced Mod Revival to pure indie, the sort of stuff that John Peel, God Rest His Soul, would quite happily have spun on his show and all ports in-between. They range from the very good to the very bizarre, none of them is bog standard.

Split into segments that replicate the Group phase, the album kicks off with Cop On The Edge exhorting ‘Bafana Bafana‘ to ‘win the cup for Charlize Theron‘. And to be honest, there has to be no better motivation for any competing nation. The Very Most’s brand of indie pop – early REM robs The Men They Couldn’t Hang songbook – displays a wonderful sense of humour about the French in ‘Irlande‘.

The Germans may not to be too chuffed with Betty and the Cavalero’s desire to ‘Meet at the Red Light.. district after midnight‘…Escape Act’s ‘Slovakia‘ captures the national spirit, ‘We won it in’76’ whilst Le Man Avec Les Lunettes warn the Italians, ‘Don’t Get Fooled By The Players’ Summery Outfit‘.

From the footballing perspective, there are some gems which absolutely reflect the teams. Best example is Detox Cute’s St George’s Day, rousing words that promise much but don’t deliver when it matters. Echo Orbiter Game Without A Name gets some transatlantic attitudes spot on.

32 groups, 32 songs contained in the only musical accompaniment you’ll need this summer and is a damn sight better than anything which will be officially released. You can download here for €5 or have it sent on a memory stick for €10.