Death in Vegas - Scorpio Rising (2LP)

Taking its name from the film of the same name directed by the notorious Kenneth Anger, this is the third album by Death In Vegas, who this year issued their seventh, Death Mask.

Spotlighting a variety of guest singers (including Liam Gallagher, Hope Sandoval and Paul Weller), as well as string arrangements by Indian violinist and composer Dr. Subramaniam Lakshminarayana, like its predecessor several songs from the album received significant extra exposure through their use in advertisements, film and television soundtracks. ‘Girls’, for instance was used in Sofia Coppola’s hit movie Lost In Translation. All in all, Scorpio Rising is a highly satisfying blend of experimental beats and good old-fashioned guitar rock containing some acclaimed performances, perhaps most notably on the title track, sung by Gallagher, which cheekily borrowed its riff from Status Quo’s 1967 hit ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’ – and paid Francis Rossi for the privilege.