CMU
Daily - on the inside Monday
28th February
In
today's CMU Daily:
- Jacko trial is go today
- Hendrix company win some control over early recordings
- Animal rights people angered by penguins at P Diddy's party
- Single Review: King's Of Tomorrow - Thru Feat Haze
- European commission to investigate iTunes's UK price policy
- Woolworths cut prices in a bid to gain edge in UK download
sector
- BPI postpone digital chart merger to help indies
- Durst responds to online sex vid
- Ofcom investigate Kerrang! stunt
- Backstreet boys prepare for comeback
- Single Review: The Bravery - Honest Mistake
- Patten of the Pips dies
- Women fill favourites list for new BBC1 controller
- BBC funding review likely
- Franz Ferdinand and Snow Patrol perform well at Irish music
awards
- Breakspoll results
- IDJ live announced
- Oscar winners
- Doherty to appear on poetry show
- Moby single includes remix technology
- Accounts rejig affects Clear Channel's bottom line
- Kylie single includes new track
- The Bravery add extra london date
- Album Reviews: Various Artists - Simple One Mixed By Will
Saul
- Chart update
- This week's Student Radio Chart
- The Pub Landlord is out of the Academy
- Blue's Duncan becomes a father
- Jordan bitches about her Eurovision competitor
- Pitt comforts Paltrow over marriage problems
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JACKO
TRIAL IS GO TODAY
Well, it feels like we've been on the eve of the Michael Jackson
court case for a very long time now but, unless something goes
very astray later today, this is now the eve of the Micheal
Jackson court case. As previously reported, the trial will kick
off at 8.30am West Coast time today, which is about 4.30pm our
time, when both sides are expected to deliver their opening
statements.
While
the strict media regulations that have been governing this court
case since the outset will continue, we are still expecting
quite a show as the full nature of the allegations being made
against Jackson are revealed, and as a barrage of A-list celebs
take the witness stand, most of them to speak in Jacko's defence.
As
the prosecution and defence prepared for kick off, Jacko faced
new legal action this weekend relating to the flu-like illness
he suffered earlier in the month. That legal action came from
the family of a woman who was moved out of her 'trauma room'
to accommodate Jackson when he was admitted to hospital. She
later died and the family claims it was the move that led to
her death, and are suing both the hospital and Jackson accordingly.
Not convinced they have a strong case, especially against Jackson,
but the incident ensured the Jacko newswire kept buzzing even
when all was quiet in the court house.
In
that court house the judge overseeing the case made a few prelim
statements. Firstly he said that he wanted the case to "move
this along", warning both the prosecution and defence:
"I don't want to see delays based on lack of co-operation.
I will not abide not having witnesses ready."
Secondly
he said that the defence would be allowed to bring evidence
forward that the mother of Jacko's 13 year old accuser has a
history of making abuse charges, having made previous allegations
against her ex-husband and a store security guard.
Given
that the prosecution are expected to present other child abuse
allegations made against Jackson in their evidence, that means
much of the case will probably centre on an attempt by the prosecution
to present Jackson as a serial child abuser, and an attempt
by the defence to show his accusers family as serial 'abuse
allegers'.
While
both sides will be hoping for victory in the court case, the
world's media will be hoping for an entertaining trial with
plenty of juicy revelations. We here at CMU just want justice
to be done (though if there could be an entertaining trial with
plenty of juicy revelations first that would be lovely).
--------------------------------------------------
HENDRIX
COMPANY WIN SOME CONTROL OVER EARLY RECORDINGS
Elsewhere in the pop courts, and the company that controls the
rights to most of Jimi Hendrix's work has won an injunction
at the High Court in London to stop a New York based company
from releasing records that feature the singer and guitarist.
Experience
Hendrix, the company owned by the late singer's estate, sued
PPX Enterprises over the sale of old recordings by Curtis Knight
and The Squires, which feature the then little known Hendrix.
They argued that PPX had failed to pay royalties on the works
and had authorised the release of records without licence, contravening
a 1973 agreement with the English administrator of Hendrix's
estate. PPX argued they had acted according to a subsequent
oral agreement with Experience Hendrix which entitled it to
the complete rights to any master tape they had previously released
or licenced.
The
court essentially sided with the Hendrix estate, granting an
injunction to stop the release of any tapes in PPX's possession
that featured Hendrix, apart from 33 master tapes which the
Experience Hendrix company agreed could be sold. PPX must also
account for royalties due on all future sales of those recordings.
PPX were also told to pay 70 percent of Experience Hendrix's
legal bills. The courts did not, however, force the New York
company to account for all past royalties on recordings featuring
Hendrix, nor did they accept the Hendrix estate's claims that
PPX should be forced to hand over the disputed master tapes.
Commenting
on the decision, Experience Hendrix's lawyer Nick Valner told
reporters: "This is a great day for the Hendrix family
and represents the culmination of years of heavily fought litigation."
--------------------------------------------------
ANIMAL
RIGHTS PEOPLE ANGERED BY PENGUINS AT P DIDDY'S PARTY
Penguin news now, and P Diddy has angered animal rights activists
by using a bunch of penguins as entertainment at a party he
was hosting in Miami Beach, Florida. The penguins in question
were placed on a floating glass platform in a swimming pool
in order to offer guests some entertainment - though party-goers
reported that they all huddled together with their backs to
the crowd, which is hardly very entertaining.
Animal
rights body PETA said the use of penguins in this way was very
cruel, and confirmed they were looking into whether the gimmick
contravened anti-cruelty laws.
The
organisation's Michael McGraw told reporters: "They're
very sensitive to temperatures, so if it was as hot as we've
heard, it's a wonder they didn't collapse".
When
party organisers claimed South African penguins, which are used
to warmer temperatures, were used, PETA admitted that such a
breed of penguin existed, but said that that fact did not justify
using the birds in this way: "In any case, they were likely
terrified and at the very least it was a very bad idea."
Having
pointed out the penguins were from South Africa, a spokesman
for the hotel who hosted the party did add a "sincere apology"
to any party-goers who were offended by the display (though,
no apology to the penguins we note). P Diddy's people, meanwhile,
distanced the rapper from the decision to have penguins at the
party, pointing out he was only the host and not the organiser
of the event. A spokesman for the penguins was unavailable for
comment.
--------------------------------------------------
SINGLE
REVIEW: Kings Of Tomorrow - Thru feat Haze (Defected)
'Thru' was one of the standout tracks on the recent KOT LP,
and its single release was duly awaited. A top-notch house record
with all the right ingredients, 'Thru', like most Sandy Rivera
hits, may not be an epic, timeless production in the grand scale
of things, but it does make you smile and definitely goes down
a storm in the club, whilst holding well on the air-waves. Here,
not only packaged up with a Junior Jack mix (obligatory for
all house records nowadays - seriously, that man is a factory!),
but also two Simon Grey re-workings and Paul Raw's interpretation.
Defected never fail when it comes to milking a record; and I
suppose you can't miss a sale if you let every individual on
your label have a bash. But alas, Junior Jack's feeble contribution
is nothing more than a formulaic, stereotypical Junior Jack
remix that must roll off his production line like a black Model-T.
Grey's efforts jaded me slightly, though his Vocal Rework was
clearly the better of the two and to be fair I will be listening
out for more of his stuff. After those disappointments I approached
the dubiously named Paul Raw's 'Flight Mix' with trepidation
... but, I breathed a sigh of relief when I found I was being
treated to a tribally, hypnotic diamond in the rough - the short
vocal fitted effortlessly and with its velvety production, this
was a joy to get lost in. Phew! OG
Release date: 28 Feb
Press contact: Phuturetrax [all]
--------------------------------------------------
EUROPEAN
COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE ITUNES'S UK PRICE POLICY
The European Commission are investigating claims that Apple
are ripping off UK music fans with the British version of iTunes.
The investigation centres on the fact that the UK version of
the service charges 79p per track, where as the French and German
versions of the service charge 99 Euro-cents per track, which
converts to 68p. That means it is cheaper to buy music from
mainland Europe iTunes than from the UK store (tracks are cheaper
still in the US and Canada, but that is outside the EC's domain).
The
case has reached the EC after British consumer rights magazine
Which? complained to the UK's Office Of Fair Trading. As previously
reported, Which? claim Apple's pricing policies contravene European
competition law, allegations the OFT wants the EC to investigate.
Which?'s
Principal Policy Adviser, Phil Evans, told reporters: "The
online music market is a huge growth area; the [European] Single
Market should work the same in this market as others. We're
campaigning for free movement of goods and services in Europe
and we'll take on any company, or group of companies, that seek
to carve up the market to their benefit."
Apple
have not, as yet, responded to the news that the EC will investigate
their pricing structure, although when Which? first raised the
issue last year the computer giant defended its decision to
look at each market separately when considering price: "The
underlying economic model in each country has an impact on how
we price our downloads. That's not unusual - look at the price
of CDs in the US versus the UK. We believe the real comparison
to be made is with the price of other track downloads in the
UK."
--------------------------------------------------
WOOLWORTHS
CUT PRICES IN A BID TO GAIN EDGE IN UK DOWNLOAD SECTOR
Talking of the price of downloads in the UK, industry insiders
are anticipating a possible price war in the UK digital music
sector as Woolworths announced it is running a six week sale
on its download platform meaning tracks will be available for
67p each, with albums down to £6.80. That means the Woolworths
service will undercut most of the other key players in the mainstream
digital music space, including iTunes, Napster, Tesco and MyCokeMusic,
by 12p.
Anthony
Moore, New Channels Director for Woolworths, told reporters:
"It's our best price ever, and the best price ever in the
digital market. Digital music is moving more and more into mainstream
consumers' lives and as a result traditional retail tactics,
like sales and promotions, are going to become an everyday part
of the download business. We're in there first, we expect it
to be very popular with customers and expect competitors to
follow."
Woolworths
are not the first to sell tracks below the standard UK download
price of 79p - both Whippet and EasyMusic offer some tracks
for considerably smaller prices. However the Woolworths promotion
is different in that it covers the retailer's whole catalogue,
meaning the cheaper price doesn't just apply to newer or lesser
known artists, as is generally the case with the variable pricing
platforms. That said, when Walmart entered the download market
in the US with a cost cutting strategy it didn't do much to
harm Apple's industry leader status - iTunes so far sticking
fast to its price point despite new competition.
Woolworths,
however, will be hoping that their high brand awareness among
the mainstream music buyer combined with the price reduction
will give them an edge as the download market passes the early-adopter
stage. Certainly they will be cross-promoting it heavily in
their high street stores.
--------------------------------------------------
BPI
POSTPONE DIGITAL CHART MERGER TO HELP INDIES
Elsewhere in digital music shenanigans, the BPI has announced
it will delay the inclusion of download sales into the Official
Singles Chart because it is still concerned independent labels
are not adequately represented online. As previously reported,
the original plan was to combine download and physical single
sales into one chart on 20 Mar. However the BPI has urged the
Official Charts Company to hold back on those plans so that
more could be done to ensure every independent label had sufficient
access to key download sales platforms to ensure that major
labels aren't given an advantage in the main singles chart.
The OCC compiled with the BPI's wishes.
Confirming
the move, BPI boss Peter Jamieson told CMU: "I am very
pleased we have secured this delay on behalf of independents.
We have to try and establish a realistic 'level playing field'
of opportunity. It's all about market access We are working
with everyone involved to try and prioritise potential hit singles
and ensure they are available for download. The inclusion of
download formats in the Official UK Singles Chart is the most
significant development in the charts for 20 years. But for
a multitude of reasons the current chart representation of independent
repertoire at the major download outlets is poor. We have consulted
widely with our independent members and we want to give both
sides more time to work on this problem."
Jamieson
has asked the OCC to present their plans for the combined chart
to the Association of Independent Music to make sure all independent
players are in the loop. Meanwhile the BPI continue to run their
Getting Your Music Online seminars to help indies get their
music on sale via the chart returning download platforms. And
hurrah for that.
--------------------------------------------------
DURST
RESPONDS TO ONLINE SEX VID
There was presumably some nervous faces at T Mobile's US headquarters
on Friday when rumours began to circulate that private information
belonging to a high profile celebrity had been hacked from a
T Mobile phone for the second time in a week. Following the
news last week that someone had hacked Paris Hilton's mobile
phone book and published the personal phone numbers of A-list
celebs on the internet, news broke that someone had hacked Fred
Durst's phone and nabbed a video of the Limp Bizkit frontman
having sex with an unnamed female, supposedly recorded on his
phone's video camera. Internet gossip king Matt Drudge reported
that the video had been posted online by the T-Mobile Terrorist
- the same person who was behind the publishing of Hilton's
personal phone book. However, it later materialised that, while
the same person many have been behind both celebrity hacks,
the Durst sex video had come from singer's computer, and not
his mobile. Which was good news for T Mobile.
Not
that that was any consolation for Durst - the hardcore sex clip
was genuine. However the singer tried to play down the video,
telling fans his band's new album was his main priority at the
moment. Writing on the Limp Bizkit website he said: "having
your privacy invaded and being robbed is a pretty heavy thing
to handle all at one time, but my focus in on this album. I'm
not gonna let something from years ago cloud my vision today.
We all have to pick ourselves up after we've been knocked down.
All this horseshit floating around about this and that is exactly
that, HORSESHIT and rumors. Let's stay on track here people.
The new album is all that fucking matters".
Durst
may be trying to ignore the embarrassment of the video, but
other celebs would be advised to double check the security on
their computers and mobiles, because word is the so called T
Mobile Terrorist is promising more similar online embarrassments
in the coming days. Fun fun.
--------------------------------------------------
OFCOM
INVESTIGATE KERRANG! STUNT
Talking of over the top stunts, OfCom is reportedly investigating
that mock burglary staged by Kerrang! Radio DJ Tim Shaw. As
previously reported, Shaw broke into his boss' home as part
of an on air prank earlier this month. Kerrang! PD Andrew Jeffries
was outraged when he found the presenter had smashed a window
to break into his house to stage the fake burglary - graffiting
on his walls, throwing clothing around the place and hiding
expensive possessions. Shaw and his producer were suspended
- leading to the establishment of a website where listeners
are calling for his return to the air. Now OfCom is investigating
two complaints about the programme, looking into whether the
incident breaches rules banning the portrayal of "physical,
verbal or psychological" violence that could spark copycat
incidents.
The
Guardian is still sceptical as to whether the incident took
place at all. Jeffries insisted last week that Shaw's suspension
wasn't just part of an elaborate marketing stunt. However the
news that Shaw will be allowed back on air on the station, despite
him badmouthing Kerrang! management since his suspension, does
suggest that Jeffries and his team are, in fact, in on the joke.
Even more so, given that on Friday the Guardian quoted an insider
at the station who says Jeffries told his team that it was "really
important to keep this real to everyone", urging colleagues
to lie to their friends to keep the joke alive.
Kerrang!
MD Adrian Serle last week refused to comment on the stunt, telling
the Guardian: "It's been all over the news for the past
week. Make your own mind up".
--------------------------------------------------
BACKSTREET
BOYS PREPARE FOR COMEBACK
Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough has been talking to Billboard about
his band's new album, which is due out in Jun. With five years
out of the limelight, the pressure is on for the former boy
band if they are going to equal the success of 2000's 'Black
& Blue', which sold 5.4 million copies in the US - 1.6 million
in the first week of release.
Dorough:
"That's the first thing we thought about when we started
making the record. That's why we said we weren't going to give
ourselves a time limit. We wanted to make sure this album would
give us a shot again to be around for the long haul so people
will realize that we're not, hopefully, a flash in the pan in
their eyes. The music has matured. It's a little more stripped
down, a little more organic. There's not necessarily five-part
harmony on everything you hear."
--------------------------------------------------
SINGLE
REVIEW: The Bravery - Honest Mistake (Universal/Loog)
In a poll by the BBC News website The Bravery were voted most
promising act by a panel of industry experts, piling on the
pressure somewhat. But they were already starting to make waves
at the end of last year, getting considerable airplay on Xfm
and transforming the usual snooze fest that is 'Later With Jools
Holland' with a storming performance. And adding substance to
the hype, they're also building up a good reputation as a live
act, with their just announced gig at the Astoria selling out
over night. 'An Honest Mistake', their first proper single following
a limited edition EP, is a cracking tune. Soundwise they combine
80's synth pop disco rhythms with dark, angsty goth indie. New
Order are an obvious influence while some critics have compared
them to The Killers (if nothing else, like Las Vegas' finest,
they are an image conscious bunch). This looks likely to be
a sizeable hit, which should help relieve some of that pressure
before the eagerly anticipated album follows in March. JW
Release date 28 Feb
Press contact: Darling [CP, RP, NP] Polydor IH [CR, RR, NR]
--------------------------------------------------
PATTEN
OF THE PIPS DIES
Edward Patten, a member of Gladys Knight & The Pips, has
died after suffering from a stroke. Patten's cousin, William
Guest, also one of the trio who supported Knight, confirmed
his death. As well as performing with Knight, Patten was also
one of the founders of Detroit/Atlanta based Crew Records and
he sang back up for a number of the label's recording artists.
--------------------------------------------------
WOMEN
FILL FAVOURITES LIST FOR NEW BBC1 CONTROLLER
The top job at BBC 1 is likely to go to another woman, following
the announcement by current Controller Lorraine Heggessey that
she is quitting the post. Word is Sophie Turner-Laing, Deputy
Managing Director of Sky Networks, Alison Sharman, the Beeb's
Daytime Controller, and Jane Tranter, the BBC Controller Of
Drama, are currently the leading candidates for the job. Representing
the male species in the favourites list is Channel 4's Director
Of Programmes Kevin Lygo, though insiders say he won't want
to leave his current job just yet, and that he would be looking
for a more senior post if and when he returns to the Beeb.
That
said, Lygo is still the bookies second favourite to get the
job (can you believe people are betting on this?). Tranter is
favourite with 5:4 odds, Sharman follows Lygo at 4-1 and Turner-Laing
is in fourth place at 8-1. A spokesman for Ladbrokes told reporters:
"The people we've seen interest in are Jane Tranter and
Kevin Lygo. The others we've not taken much money on. There
isn't the same level of money being taken as when we had the
director general appointment."
--------------------------------------------------
BBC
FUNDING REVIEW LIKELY
Elsewhere in BBC news, the Sunday Times yesterday reported that
the government will launch an inquiry into the BBC's funding
later this week when it unveils its proposals for the renewal
of the BBC's charter. Word is the licence fee is essentially
safe, though Culture secretary Tessa Jowell will be looking
for assurances on the Beeb's commitment to public service broadcasting
(and assurances it won't dump all the worthy stuff onto BBC
4!). Those proposals are also expected to keep the BBC governors
in place as overseers of the corporation, despite criticism
of the way the board handled the old Hutton affair.
--------------------------------------------------
FRANZ
FERDINAND AND SNOW PATROL PERFORM WELL AT IRISH MUSIC AWARDS
Franz Ferdinand had another good night at Ireland's biggest
music awards event, the Meteor Awards, last week. They took
the Best International Band and Best International Album gongs
at the awards event in Dublin last Thursday.
Snow
Patrol, who, despite being claimed, like the Ferdinand, by the
'Scottish music scene', are (Northern) Irish by birth, took
the awards for Best Irish band and Best Album. Well done them
- at last.
Talking
about Snow Patrol's long wait for the big time, frontman Gary
Lightbody told reporters: "I think a lot of bands should
go through a wee bit of a kicking before the make a success.
It has been good for us, but also hard for us over the past
six years."
--------------------------------------------------
BREAKSPOLL
RESULTS
Talking of award events, it was also Breakbeat's big night out
last Thursday as the annual Breakspoll took over London's Fabric.
No messing - here's the final list of winners.
Best
Producer - Plump DJs
Best DJ - Krafty Kuts
Best Label - Fingerlickin Records
Best Breakthrough Label - West Records
Best Breakthrough Act - Breakfastaz
Best Single - Plump DJs - Soul Vibrates / Bullet Train
Best Remix - Push Up - Plump DJs mix (Freestylers)
Best Album - Evil Nine - You can be special too
Best Magazine - MOFO
Best Radio - Breaks FM
Best Club / Event - Spectrum
Best Website - Nuskoolbreaks.co.uk
Best Retailer - Vinyl Addiction
Outstanding Contribution - Rennie Pilgrem
Grass Roots Award - Biff Mitchell
Several
CMU favourites were in the winners list, and surely few in the
genre could argue with the choices. Xfm's Eddy TM, writing in
CMU's sister e-newsletter Remix Update (http://www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk/remixupdate),
comments:
"They
really got it right this year...in my mind, there would have
been a riot if Krafty had not won best DJ, Evil Nine had not
won best album and Breakfastaz had not won best breakthrough!
The other winners were all great choices, though there were
other contenders, but not with those three. Actually, make that
four. Rennie 'He Is Our Leader' Pilgrem is surely the most deserved
breaks player for the Outstanding Contribution award. Totally
spot on. Best news I've had all year."
--------------------------------------------------
IDJ
LIVE ANNOUNCED
Talking of key events in the dance music calendar, international
dance music magazine iDJ have announced details of the iDJ Live
show, being billed as the 'DJ Culture & Technology Show'.
Taking over the Wembley Complex on 3 and 4 Jun, this will be
packed with events for everyone in the world of Djing, Vjing
and music production - from the top guard through to the grassroots
and bedroom bedlam talent. For full details on the whole thing
check out http://www.i-dj.co.uk/idjlive/
--------------------------------------------------
OSCAR
WINNERS
Oh yeah, talking of awards, the oscars. In the music categories
'Finding Neverland' got Best Musical Score, while the track
'Al Otro Lado Del R"o' from 'The Motorcycle Diaries'
got Best Song. And Jamie Foxx got Best Actor for his performance
in 'Ray', which is kinda music related. Super.
--------------------------------------------------
DOHERTY
TO APPEAR ON POETRY SHOW
Bit of Doherty news for ya. According to NME Pete will be appearing
on Radio 4's 'Bespoken Word' programme to perform a bit of music
and poetry. Lovely. Word is Doherty will play an adapted version
of Babyshambles track 'Killamangiro' before reading war poet
Siegfried Sassoon's 'Suicide In The Trenches'.
It
was musician Salina Saliva (from the band Saltpeter) who actually
invited Doherty onto the show. She says: "Whilst making
the second 'Bespoken Word' series I was asked who I would most
like to interview and introduce. For me it had to be Doherty,
the tastiest poet in town. We all know him from before, when
it was more about his poetic voice, lyrics, his spirit and work
before and beyond the tabloid headlines and here I believe we
have captured some of that".
The
programme will air on 3 Mar at 11pm. Given his current curfew,
Doherty should be comfortably at home in time to tune in.
--------------------------------------------------
MOBY
SINGLE INCLUDES REMIX TECHNOLOGY
The CD single release of Moby's 'Lift Me Up' track (out today)
will feature that previously reported technology which will
let fans stick the CD into their PCs, play with the separate
bits of the song and produce their own personal edit, which
they can output as an MP3.
Commenting
on the feature, Moby told CMU: "Anyone who loves music
can see the benefits of the DI format [the name of the mix technology].
It's simple, interactive and rewarding. I had so many things
that I wanted to do with 'Lift Me Up' and now with DI fans can
see some of the other things I had in mind, and can come up
with their own mixes as well".
Mute's
Digital Media Manager Iain Forsyth, meanwhile, talked up the
marketing value of the DI format technology: "I love finding
things like the DI format from Digimpro - the interactivity
adds real value to a release - fans can get intimate with their
favourite tracks and produce their own remixes. CD buyers remain
loyal to the artist, and this is a great way to rejuvenate single
sales."
--------------------------------------------------
ACCOUNTS
REJIG AFFECTS CLEAR CHANNEL'S BOTTOM LINE
US based radio, billboard and live music conglom Clear Channel
posted a big quarterly loss on Friday ($4.7 billion to be precise,
which is pretty big). However Clear Channel bosses were keen
to point out much of that was because the company had adopted
new accounting methods prescribed by America's Securities And
Exchange Commission which drastically cut the value of its radio
and billboard licences. And to be fair, earnings were actually
up on the same quarter in 2003 - up 14.5% to $214.3 million
--------------------------------------------------
KYLIE
SINGLE INCLUDES NEW TRACK
Kylie's upcoming single will include a previously unrelased
song - 'Made Of Glass' - a song which was leaked onto the internet
just before Christmas. The new track will be the b-side for
next single 'Giving You Up', which is due out on 28 Mar.
--------------------------------------------------
THE
BRAVERY ADD EXTRA LONDON DATE
The Bravery have added a second Astoria gig to their May tour,
meaning the full listings run as follows:
20 May: Glasgow Barrowland
22 May: Manchester Academy
23 May: Leeds Metropolitan University
24 May: Bristol Academy
25 May: Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
27 May: Oxford Brookes University
28, 29 May: London Astoria
--------------------------------------------------
ALBUM
REVIEWS: Various Artists - Simple One mixed by Will Saul (Simple
Records)
A new one from the head honcho of Simple - the label that has
brought us breakbeat with a hint of dub, techno and electro.
For this compo Saul has mixed us a shot of chill-step which,
like his label, is a little bit off kilter - but in a good way.
There are plenty of cuts from Saul himself: The Fink's remix
of his track 'Fast Lane' is a real treat - all minimal edginess
over aquatic breaks. 'DigWatch' is a bit floor orientated and
'Malfunction' is a bit inward gazing - but 'Cliff' has an epic
feel to it and is storming. Non-Saul tracks include a handful
from Sideshow ('Slide' is masterful) plus two from Walker Hinternaus,
whose 'Karma' has a real robo-electro aspect, while the Christian
J remix of his track 'Pinrose' takes it to abstract places of
bleep. All in all, refreshing future music - it's time to lie
down in a semi recumbent position and be counted. Count me in.
PV
Release date: 14 Feb
Press contact: Simple IH - http://www.simplerecords.co.uk/ [all]
--------------------------------------------------
CHART
UPDATE
Chart news now, and Nelly went straight in at number one in
the singles chart yesterday with 'Over And Over', while
Doves topped the albums chart with 'Some Cities' (hurrah).
Other
new entries came from: Elvis at 3, Girls Aloud at 4, Akon at
5, Kaiser Cheifs at 6, Futherheads at 8, Usher at 9, Verbalicious
at 11, Snoop Dogg at 13, Reflekt at 14, Idleiwld at 16, Maximo
Park at 20, KT Tunstall at 28, Keisha WHite at 29, Charlote
Hatherley at 31, Gorrove Cutters at 33, DT8 Project at 35, Dogs
at 36 and Tears For Fears at 40. Phew.
In
the albums chart, and 2004 hit albums from Keane, Scissor Sisters,
The Killers, Green Day and Franz Ferdinand still dominate. Most
new entries this week were greatest hits, though the Mars Volta
went in at 23 with Frances The Mute, Tori Amos went in at 24
with 'Beekeeper'. KT Tunstall went in at 37 with 'Eye To The
Telescope' and Willy Mason scored a new entry at 38 with 'Where
The Humands Eat'. Lovely
--------------------------------------------------
THIS
WEEK'S STUDENT RADIO CHART
1. [5] Doves - Black And White Town (EMI/Heavenly)
2. [1] Kaiser - Chiefs Oh My God (B Unique)
3. [2] Futureheads - Hounds Of Love (Warners/679)
4. [3] Greenday - Holiday (Warners/Reprise)
5. [6] Beck - E-Pro (Universal/Geffen)
6. [8] The Bravery - An Honest Mistake (Universal/Polydor)
7. [10] U2 Sometimes - You Cant Make It On Your Own (Universal/Island)
8. [16] LCD Soundsystem - Daft Punk Is Playing (DFA)
9. [7] Gwen Stefani - Rich Girl (Universal/Polydor)
10. [24] Queens Of The Stone Age - Little Sister (Universal/Polydor)
11. [18] KT Tunstall - Black Horse And The Cherry Tree (EMI/Relentless)
12. [4] Willy Mason - Oxygen (EMI/Virgin)
13. [9] Idlewild - Love Steal Us From Loneliness (EMI/Parlophone)
14. [15] Moby - Lift Me Up (EMI/Mute)
15. [21] Fatboy Slim - The Joker (Skint)
16. [NE] Maximo Park - Apply Some Pressure (Warp)
17. [13] Athlete - Wires (EMI/Parlophone)
18. [25] My Chemical Romance - I'm Not Ok (I Promise) (Warner/Reprise)
19. [RE] The Chemical Brothers - Galvanize (EMI/Virgin)
20. [17] Eminem - Like Toy Soldiers (Universal/Interscope)
21. [20] Stereophonics - Dakota (V2)
22. [NE] The Kills - The Good Ones (Domino)
23. [NE] Shapeshifters - Back To Basics (EMI/Positiva)
24. [11] Charlotte Hatherly - Bast Ardo (Double Dragon)
25. [NE] Nine Black Alps - Shot Down (Universal/Island)
26. [14] Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Get Ready For Love (EMI/Mute)
27. [NE] The Thrills - The Irish Keep On Gatecrashing (EMI/Virgin)
28. [27] The Little Flames - Goodbye Little Rose (Deltasonic)
29. [23] Bloc Party So - Here We Are (Wichita)
30. [NE] Mylo Destroy - Rock And Roll (SonyBMG/Breastfed)
--------------------------------------------------
THE
PUB LANDLORD IS OUT OF THE ACADEMY
Comedian Al Murray was the first of the celebs to be voted out
of the charity version of Fame Academy, currently running as
part of the Comic Relief festivities. Murray was essentially
voted out before the show even began - 13 celebs took part in
a 'sing-off' on Saturday night competing for the 12 places
at the Fame Academy.
It
was a shame really because Murray was sure to be one of the
funniest celebs in the show, plus he had been one of the main
people doing the talk show rounds to plug it (T4 aired their
pre-recorded interview with Murray about him being on the show
on Sunday, even though he had been voted off on Saturday night!).
--------------------------------------------------
BLUE'S
DUNCAN BECOMES A FATHER
Gossip time - and Blue's Duncan James has become
a dad for the first time - according to the Sun his ex-girlfriend
Claire gave birth this weekend. Duncan, of course, has more
time to spend with his new daughter given that Blue's
upcoming tour has been cancelled due to Lee Ryan's poorly
throat.
--------------------------------------------------
JORDAN
BITCHES ABOUT HER EUROVISION COMPETITOR
Jordan has been bitching about Javine, one of her competitors
in the bid to represent Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest
this year. Jordan apparently called Javine "a silly cow"
as preparations began for the TV show where viewers will vote
on which singer (and song) should represent the UK at the Song
Contest in May. In response, Javine told the Sunday Mirror:
"It's a shame Jordan feels the need to keep bitching. Eurovision
is all about the song and the performance, and I'll focus on
that. We all sing live on the night - so I'll look forward to
hearing her."
--------------------------------------------------
PITT
COMFORTS PALTROW OVER MARRIAGE PROBLEMS
Finally from the gossip department, rumour has it Brad Pitt
is comforting ex-lover Gwyneth Paltrow following reports that
her marriage to Coldplay's Chris Martin is in trouble.
Apparantly Paltrow has been "pouring her heart out"
to Pitt. The People quote a source as saying: "Brad and
Gwyneth stayed good friends after they broke up but have had
lots more contact since Brad chose her to be in his movie. When
they met with a film agent to discuss it, they got on really
well. They used to be the loves of each other's lives. Brad's
growing more like someone Gwyneth wants to reconnect with."
So, there you go.