I'm the Greatest (CD)

Tracklisting

1. I'm the Greatest
2. Stop and Wonder
3. Different Planet
4. For Your Love

Biog

Mancunian songsmith David Potts is back with a self-titled project and the first single from his forthcoming album 'Coming Up For Air'. Potts aka 'Pottsy' has formed his own record label Maximum Records and his one-man mission to put Manchester pop back on the map kicks off with the superb radio-friendly 'I'm the Greatest'. Released on November 13th, the single is available as a 4 track CD EP, a digital download and a limited edition white vinyl 7 inch.

'I'm the Greatest' opens with infectious Beach Boys Ooos and a guitar riff edgier than the Arctic Monkeys this driving earworm will pick up indie-pop airplay. Potts then paints a tongue-in-cheek picture of a day in the deluded life of a self-obsessed rock-and-roll celebrity who's "gonna steal the show" and "beam a supersonic smile". It's not about anyone in particular, or is it? A clever time change in the chorus and a psychedelic mid-section lend more than just a whiff of The Who, The Small Faces and Marc Bolan.

The B-side is 'Stop and Wonder', a jangly, summery love song. The guitar work and string section are reminiscent of the Beatles - a clear Potts influence. The 4 track formats (CD single and e-Single) are joined by re-recorded versions of previous Potts releases: Different Planet and For Your Love. This is a real bonus for Ram fans, both singles being Manchester cult classics.

In spite of Manchester's familiarity with Ram, Pottsy is still most remembered globally as one half of Monaco, the partnership with New Orders's Pete Hook. The two albums sold just under a million units and the infectious 'What Do You Want From Me' charted at number 11. The New Order forums still buzz with debate about whether Monaco might re-form. "If Hooky wanted to do one-offs for good causes then I might consider it" says Potts.

It's true, the David Potts sound is a long way from where Monaco left off – it is crafted, mature songwriting with an imaginative quirkiness. It falls somewhere between the Beatles and The Jam with a psychedelic twist and is all catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and Pottsy's trademark guitars. The forthcoming album 'Coming Up for Air' is entirely self-produced by the multi-talented Potts with support from loyal ex-Ram band members Steve Brannan (Bass) and Paul Kehoe (Drums) and the odd session player. Mixed at Airtight in Chorlton by Tom Knot (The Earlies) and mastered at The Exchange, London by Guy Davie (Badly Drawn Boy, Royksopp), the album is scheduled for release in January 2007.

Ram releases 'Songs On Page One' and 'For Your Love' received great reviews and a loyal following but were blighted with usual lack of record label commitment. "Setting up my own label means I can make the music I'm passionate about and get it out there. MySpace is a help and digital means that I can reach ex-Monaco fans in the States and Japan! But I once worked in a record shop and think that being able to see and touch music is still magical, it somehow has more value, integrity and sounds better too! That's why we've done a white vinyl seven inch as well".