The second single from their second album Tired of Hanging Around, Valerie is another perfectly executed slice of guitar-based power pop from the long-haired Liverpool band. A bittersweet love song - "Won't you come on over, stop making a fool out of me" - with an infectious tune and singalong chorus, it will embed itself in your consciousness after just one three-and-a-half minute listen.
Stephen Street's bright, snappy production accentuates the positive so that David McCabe's lead vocals stand out clear and shining, with the band's backing vocals giving irresistible support and Abi Harding's sax adding texture. The Zutons sound more polished than on their debut records but have not slid into the saccharine blandness which affected their fellow Scousers The Lightning Seeds (led by The Zutons' original producer Ian Broudie).
Ever since their first album Who Killed The Zutons? received so much acclaim in 2004, the band has relished hitting the big time (unlike their erstwhile 'rivals', the limelight-shunning The Coral). And they want to take it further. While Valerie is a finely crafted single, which could well go all the way to the top, there's a danger of The Zutons losing their quirkiness by embracing the mainstream so wholeheartedly.
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