Texas

Texas 
Amazon are no strangers to adversity – after their debut hit I Don’t Want A Lover it was almost 10 years until they achieved mass success again. That song’s earthy charm and slide guitar had been largely replaced by polished and programmed pop by 2005, so it’s something of a surprise to discover that the bulk of The Conversation is the result of a collaboration with Sheffield troubadour Richard Hawley (not so much of a surprise from his end though, given his work with artists as diverse as Shirley Bassey, Arctic Monkeys and Robbie Williams). It all makes sense with the lead single and title track which, with its twanging, swampy guitar hook, somehow manages to recall early Texas yet sound thoroughly modern. It’s a compelling pop song, as tight as stretched elastic. It and the insouciant ‘50s vibe of Dry Your Ears reveal that Spiteri and co haven’t lost their knack for melodies that lodge in your brain.The Tube