| CMU Daily - on the inside Friday 28th April |
|
In today's CMU Daily:
- Snoop Dogg released on bail after airport brawl
- New convention and festival for San Fran
- Universal sign up DJ Shadow
- Evil Nine mix next FabricLive compo
- New Lemonheads upcoming
- Kanye West added to Coachella line up
- Noise Of Art festival this weekend
- Dylan to play Basque resort
- Snow Patrol headline great new festival
- King Biscuit Time call time
- Jeniferever tour
- Pink Grease club tour
- INXS announce European dates
- Album review: Martin Luther - Rebel Soul Music (Avatar)
- SonyBMG profits and buy out reports
- Universal rebrand distribution division
- Samsung win another Apple iPod chip contract
- Sony Ericsson launch mobile music magazine
- Labels look into potential of text tones
- Choice FM PD promoted to MD
- MTV appoint new comms chief
- Album review: Various Artists - Blues Skies Up - Welcome To The New Pop Revolution (Dogbox)
- Bon Jovi top country charts
- Doherty disses national press's addiction to his addiction
- Even more England team songs
--------------------------------------------------
TOP BIT>>
Surely anyone who was around the world of media or music in the mid to late nineties, which I'm guessing is a lot of you, is experiencing a lot of deja vu just now? We commented a couple of months back that all the signs pointed to 2006 being the year of the second dot com boom and, while the silly money and lavish offices of 1999 haven't quite returned, it does seem that the companies and investors for whom the "web" was a dirty word four years ago are now getting excited about all things techie again. Of course the boom in broadband is behind much of this. Said boom probably isn't quite as big as some inside new media agencies seem to think it is, but faster internet access is reaching a record number of homes which means, at last, all the hundreds of sophisticated, quirky, exciting and interactive web services we all talked about at length over our cappuccinos in 1998 are now (possibly) commercially viable - because more than seventeen IT geeks can actually access them. It's all very exciting, though what's amusing (and here's where the deja vu comes in) is that the people and companies behind the new broadband enabled web services keep telling us how innovative their offerings are - when pretty much every one I've seen is simply a copy of something someone was doing in 1998, but with (possibly) more chance at success because they will enjoy much wider reach. I am guessing someone somewhere has got a list of all the dotcoms that went bust in 2000/2001 because they couldn't afford to wait for BT to get its arse into gear with broadband, and is know busy re-setting them up as fresh new innovations. But I suppose it is good to see that some of those great ideas are now getting a chance to be realised. It will be interesting to see if they succeed. I say that, in the broadband age, the business models of dot com are 'possibly' commercially viable and have 'possibly' more chance of succeeding, because it still remains to be seen just how far the advertising pound can be stretched to fund all these things, and just how much punters are willing to pay for the new digital services.
PS: No Daily on Monday. If the banks can have a holiday so can we. Actually, we'll be working - the Brighton Festival is looming and there are things to be done. But chances are you won't be - so no Daily.
PPS: Don't forget it's Carling Live 24 tonight - check out our preview and Carling Live 24 radio show at http://www.thebeatsbar.co.uk.
--------------------------------------------------
PRESS ROOM>>
SOUND STATION FESTIVAL... A brand new music festival is launching in Birmingham in May. The Sound Station Festival will be the first UK festival to offer equal weighting to the live dance music genres. The format of Sound Station is a ground breaking collection of styles, with a clear focus on new, exciting indie/rock talent and credible, leftfield dance DJs and acts.
More info:
http://www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk/pressroom/soundstation
--------------------------------------------------
ON AIR>>
TODAY ON TOTALROCK
The Mighty Twang talks to Nightwish about their future plans. Are they any closer to finding a new singer? ('Helldrive', 3-6pm). Maria is on the Euro goth metal hunt, with Moonspell ('Sex To 9 With Maria', 6-9pm). On Saturday, April 29, Talita welcomes Frank Bello and Joey belladonna from Anthrax ('Breakfast At Talita's, 9am to noon). Malcolm Dome's guests are former Creed frontman Scott Stapp and young Brighton band Silvermaker ('Doom & Co.', 6-9pm). It's that girl again on Sunday, April 30, when Talita talks to Swedish band Bombshell Rocks ('Breakfast At Talita's, 9am to noon). And there's a second chance to hear Twang in conversation with Nightwish ('The Twang Show', noon to 3pm). Listen live at http://www.totalrock.com
--------------------------------------------------
RIGHT NOW IN THE CMU BEATS BAR>>
MySpace Of The Day: The Loose Cannons
So, the new The Loose Cannons single arrived at CMU central this week, which reminded me that we have never had Kaiser Saucy and Lord Fader as our MySpace Of The Day, which is something of an oversight. Consider that rectified. You all know CMU's love of all things Cannonia by now, surely, but if you have never dedicated the time to discovering for yourself just why we love them so, well now's the time and here's your chance. New single 'Why You' is available to preview on the MySpace, though you'll get to hear that on next week's CMU radio show, so you should spend time checking out the other preview tracks that are here instead - 'La La La I'm Not Listening' in particular. You will also find a stack of live dates, including news on their own night Schluck It Baby, and a link to a video for 'Out For The Nite'. It's all good - go see.
http://www.myspace.com/theloosecannonsuk
Read more about our MySpace of the Day, plus check out CMU's preview of Carling Live 24 right now at http://www.thebeatsbar.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------
CMU FRIDAY TIPS
Chris' Club Tip: Payday at Neighbourhood
Second chances are a good thing, I wish there were more of them. This week's second chance is this - if you missed the incredibly buzzy incredibly good Dead Kids play there first ever gig at last week's Remix Night, then you can catch them tonight at Eddy TM's other monthly club night, Payday, over there in West London at Neighbourhood. But Dead Kids are just one part of a package, that also includes CMU favourite Akira The Don and a Dub Pistols Soundsystem, plus on the decks Matt Cantor of The Freestylers and your hosts, Xfm's Eddy TM and the Dub Pistol's Barry Ashworth. Storming.
Friday 28 Apr, Neighbourhood, Aklam Road, London, W10, 9pm-2am, £10 (£6 in advance), press info from Get Involved.
--------------------------------------------------
SNOOP DOGG RELEASED ON BAIL AFTER AIRPORT BRAWL
In a slight irony, Snoop Dogg had to cancel his performance at South Africa's Freedom Day celebrations in Johannesburg yesterday because he was locked up at Heathrow police station. He and five of his entourage were arrested on suspicion of affray and violent disorder after a "disturbance" in the business lounge of Terminal 1 at the London airport, or most probably just outside the lounge given that the fracas seems to have begun when Snoop and his posse were refused admission to the facility. Some thirty people were involved in the incident, which left no less than seven police officers with albeit minor injuries. Hey, you can tell when Snoop's been in town.
A police spokesman confirmed yesterday: "Police were called at 6pm last night to reports of a disturbance involving 30 people in a business lounge at Terminal 1. The party was told that they would not be permitted to board their flight and officers then attempted to direct the group to baggage reclaim. A number of the group became abusive and pushed officers."
The rapper and his people spent Wednesday night in the Heathrow police station cells, but were released on bail yesterday, ordered to return to a West London police stations at some point in May. It is unclear if Snoop will now make it to South Africa for his other two scheduled gigs there - in Durban tomorrow and Cape Town on Monday. Certainly he won't be able to use a BA flight to get there. A spokesman for British Airways told reporters: "Given the nature of the disturbance they have been banned from travelling with BA for the foreseeable future".
--------------------------------------------------
NEW CONVENTION AND FESTIVAL FOR SAN FRAN
With the Love Parade returning to Berlin this year, the people behind the event have decided not to hold the sister event in San Francisco. However a new music event is being launched in the city that hopes to fill that gap in the calendar - the Summer Music Conference, which will take place on 28 and 29 Sep (so not really summer). This will actually be a music industry convention focusing on digital music, although it will be followed on 30 Sep by a Summer Music Conference Festival which will include four stages in the centre of San Fran - so it's that bit that replaces the Love Parade really.
Launching the event, founder Jennifer Manger told CMU: "Our intention is to bring in the most interesting, creative, irresistible presenters and vendors from around the world, giving our target market a chance to learn and share ideas that exists nowhere else. San Francisco is the only city in America that is a hub of both digital music and cutting-edge technology, and is the natural setting to host a next-generation event like this."
More info at http://www.summermusicconference.net, press enquires to [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------
UNIVERSAL SIGN UP DJ SHADOW
The US Universal Music label Universal Records have signed up DJ Shadow ahead of the release of his new album, which should be released later this summer. As I remember it Universal's Island Records released last album 'Private Press' both here and in the states - and the new deal could mean Island UK are looking after the new album too. Among the guests due to appear on the new long player are Keak Da Sneak, Turf Talk, Q-Tip and David Banner.
--------------------------------------------------
EVIL NINE MIX NEXT FABRIC LIVE COMPO
Another hot album to look out for - the next edition of the FabricLive series is coming from CMU favourites Evil Nine. It's released on 19 Jun (and two week's earlier for Fabric First members). Good things always materialize when Tom Beaufoy and Pat Pardy are involved, so this could well be one of the best FabricLive compos so far. Artists set to appear in the mix include Will Saul, Simian Mobile Disco, Ed Banger, Riton, Daft Punk, The Clash and a great Digitalism Remix of Test Icicles and Justice re-rub of Franz Ferdinand. Press info from Fabric.
--------------------------------------------------
NEW LEMONHEADS UPCOMING
The Lemonheads have signed a new record deal with Vagrant Records which, if Billboard is to believed (and I believe them), means that we can expect a new long player from Evan Dando et al later this year, their first album since 1996's Car Button, Cloth'. As you'll remember, after years on hold, The Lemonheads played a number of gigs last year, including two at London's Shepherds Bush Empire where they performed 1992's 'It's A Shame About Ray' in full. The line up for those gigs and, we assume, the new album is Dando, drummer Bill Stevenson and bassist Karl Alvarez.
--------------------------------------------------
KANYE WEST ADDED TO COACHELLA LINE UP
It's the Coachella Festival in Indio, California this weekend, and the bill has lost Hard-Fi at the last minute, but has gained Mr Kanye West who will play a main stage slot on Saturday. He joins the previously reported storming bill that also includes Madonna, Depeche Mode, Franz Ferdinand, Massive Attack, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tool, Bloc Party and James Blunt.
Hard-Fi have been forced to pull out of the festival because frontman Richard Archer has been suffering problems with his throat. In a statement Archer told reporters: "I am deeply frustrated by the problem I'm having with my throat. We were so looking forward to hitting the States again at the end of the month, and especially looking forward to playing the Coachella Festival, but unfortunately it's just not possible at this time. We'll be back in June and plan to make up for it".
--------------------------------------------------
NOISE OF ART FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
Talking of events happening this weekend, this time closer to home, and London's Noise Of Art Festival kicks off tonight. This one "celebrates the convergence of music and visual art in the digital age". An extensive programme of audio visual stuff will take place this weekend, and then next Thursday and Friday, including a screening of Mitchell & Kenyon films set to live music from the likes of Fred Deakin, Vector Lovers, Chris Coco and A Man Called Adam (tomorrow at the National Film Theatre), plus nights featuring The Unabombers and French producer I:Cube, and a two floor party at the Tate Britain. For more info email [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------
DYLAN TO PLAY BASQUE RESORT
Now that we are into festival news, Bob Dylan is due to give a free 'concert for peace' in the Basque resort of San Sebastian as part of the city's Jazz Festival on 11 Jul. Ramon Etxezarreta, San Sebastian's councillor for cultural affairs, has confirmed that Dylan is on board for the event. The concert will celebrate the permanent ceasefire announced by Basque separatist group ETA last month, though the Europa Press news agency says that Dylan has requested that his concert does not become an overtly political event.
--------------------------------------------------
SNOW PATROL HEADLINE GREAT NEW FESTIVAL
More festivals, and Snow Patrol, Antony And The Johnsons and Mogwai have all been confirmed for a new Mean Fiddler organised festival due to take place 14-15 Jul at Henham Park Estate in Southwold, Suffolk. And before all you cynics out there start saying things like "do we really need another music festival?", take note, this one is a bit different - truly eclectic, and not just in terms of the music being played.
The new event, to be called Latitude, will have literature, poetry and comedy programmes as well as the music. Mean Fiddler's Melvin Benn explains: "I want to be able to wander from books to music to film in the way you can in your own sitting room. I am looking forward to that feeling of being able to listen live to the music and then the words of an author or poet or environmentalist, rather than just reading it in the newspapers or listening on a CD."
Comedians due to appear include Rob Newman, Marcus Brigstocke and Robin Ince, plus there'll be book readings, poetry sessions and hopefully a bit of politics. Curator Jon Dunn explains: "I've chosen artists that, with their music, attempt to keep moving forward and who aren't afraid to do things differently. They're provocative artists that fit in with the edgy, alternative slant that Latitude has, but does not exclude mainstream success."
Benn continues: "I live and breathe festivals and I visit so many of them, but I have never been to one which isn't a copy of Reading, Glastonbury, or Homelands. I hope this one is copied as well".
--------------------------------------------------
KING BISCUIT TIME CALL TIME
King Biscuit Time, the band formed by ex-Beta Band singer Steve Mason, have cancelled their upcoming tour, while Mason has posted a slightly cryptic message on his website which kind of implies the band are no more.
The message reads thus: "Peace to you all. I'm out of here. It's been amazing but I've had enough. The mountain beat me and sadly you too. That don't mean you should give up. It just wasn't me. Over and out, Steve."
Certainly there is no plan to reschedule the cancelled tour, so if you got a ticket, go get yourself a refund.
--------------------------------------------------
JENIFEREVER TOUR
Those Jeniferever boys will be back in the UK next month for an extensive UK tour to coincide with the digital only release of a new single, taken from album 'The Sound of Beating Wings', which will be released via the Drowned In Sound Digital Singles Club on 21 Jun. Dates as follows:
15 May: The Luminaire, London
17 May: The Wheatsheaf, Oxford
18 May: The Downtown Diner, Ashford
19 May: The Zap Club, Brighton
22 May: Stereo, Glasgow
23 May: Tunnels, Aberdeen
24 May: Music Cafe, Leicester
25 May: The Arts Centre, Norwich
27 May: CJs, Keighley
28 May: The Pleasure Unit, London
30 May: The Star & Garter, Manchester
5 Jun: Southend, The Royal Hotel
9 Jun: The Kingston Peel, London
10 Jun: The Cavern, Exeter
11 Jun: The Golden Cross, Coventry
12 Jun: The Brudenell Social Club w/ The Appleseed Cast, Leeds
13 Jun: Underworld w/ The Appleseed Cast, London
14 Jun: The Social, Nottingham
--------------------------------------------------
PINK GREASE CLUB TOUR
Pink Grease are going on a not quite that extensive UK tour (three club dates) - kicking off tonight at Chips With Everything in Manchester and taking in Razor Stilette in Sheffield on 5 May and Evol in Liverpool on 19 May. This all precedes the release of their new single 'Ordinary Girl' which will be available on limited edition 7" and download on 29 May via Mute.
--------------------------------------------------
INXS ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN DATES
INXS have announced details of the European leg of their current tour - the one with new reality-TV-appointed frontman JD Fortune on vocals. The European leg will kick off with their sole UK date, at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on Thursday 12 Oct. Tickets go on sale to their fan club members next Wednesday, and to the public next Friday. Press info from Noble.
--------------------------------------------------
ALBUM REVIEW: Martin Luther - Rebel Soul Music (Avatar)
A founder member of The Roots, San Francisco based Martin Luther branches out from the dominating hip-hop scene to produce a pure soul masterpiece. This is promising - a long sought chapter in urban music. Cool and sexy without being bland like John Legend or trying too hard like Lenny Kravitz, Martin Luther goes back to basics with guitar driven medleys. 'Sleep Walking' proves music can say something without having to follow the current mainstream trends, by using driving rock riffs coupled with funk vocals. Opener 'Daily Bread' is strong and meaningful, setting the standard for the rest of the record. Here, like the founders of black music, and more recent artists like Prince, Luther stays loyal to the roots of music making, but with open, heartfelt lyrics. 'Liquid Sunshine' is uplifting gospel with a twist of electric guitar that is hopeful and pounding at the same time. 'Lust' is simple in formula but Luther's deep vocals turn into lazy summertime listening. Finally, on standout track 'The IRS' he meets opposing genres by moving into metal/punk screeching and pace, something that actually works well against his slow smooth voice. For those who have had a longing for a renaissance of high quality, dirty funk-soul, then this is the debut album to fulfil it. RM
Release Date: 19 June
Press Contact: RoodMedia [all]
--------------------------------------------------
SONYBMG PROFITS AND BUY OUT REPORTS
SonyBMG Music Entertainment has posted a net income of $95 million on sales of $4.3 billion for the financial year ending 31 Mar. It is hard to measure that figure compared to previous financials because this was the first full financial year since the merger of Sony Music and BMG. Between August 2004 and March 2005 they made a net loss of $66 million on sales of $33 billion, though there were considerable restructuring costs in that period following the merger. Such costs fell in the last financial year, although some $186 million was still spent on restructuring related expenses.
Meanwhile there has been more speculation in the press this week regarding the possibility of Sony Corp buying out Bertelsmann and taking complete control of SonyBMG. Belgian holding company and Bertelsmann shareholder Groupe Bruxelles Lambert again this week said it intended to force the German based entertainments conglomerate to float its 25% stake on the stock market. As previously reported, Bertelsmann majority shareholders, the Mohn family, are opposed to that proposal, but the only way they can block it is to buy GBL out - hence the need for money, hence the idea of selling their share in SonyBMG
Actually, Bertelsmann are apparently considering a number of different options to raise that money, all involving SonyBMG in some way. They include a complete sell out of their SonyBMG share to Sony Corp, but also taking out a loan secured on their share of the major or raising cash by issuing 'tracking stock' in its share of the record company. Either way Sony Corp, who are consulting investment bank Goldman Sachs on their options, will probably see their power over the record company increase as a result of any deal, even if they don't take complete ownership.
--------------------------------------------------
UNIVERSAL REBRAND DISTRIBUTION DIVISION
Universal Music & Video Distribution, the sales, marketing and distribution bit of the Universal Music Group, has gone through a radical rebrand and will, from this point onwards, be known as Universal Music Group Distribution. It's an very exciting development. Division boss Jim Urie explains: "Over the course of the last year, we have aggressively expanded the scope of our business to take full advantage of the many new opportunities emerging in the marketplace. And this name change is a reflection of that. As a result, we are now positioned as the only major music distribution company handling all areas of music and home entertainment-related product".
--------------------------------------------------
SAMSUNG WIN ANOTHER APPLE IPOD CHIP CONTRACT
Controller chip technology news anyone? Samsung have confirmed they will be supplying the chips for the flash-based iPods from this point in, taking over from PortalPlayer who recently confirmed to Wall Street that they had lost their lucrative Apple contract. The deal is another sign of the ever close partnership between Apple and Samsung, the latter already supplying most of the flash memory used in iPod nanos. As previously reported, the two companies previously tried to go into business together to build a super flash chip manufacture company, but South Korean authorities blocked their JV plans. Other players in the microchip world fear that the latest deal will help Samsung cut the costs of their flash memory manufacture, making it harder for their competitors to compete.
--------------------------------------------------
SONY ERICSSON LAUNCH MOBILE MUSIC MAGAZINE
Sony Ericsson is launching a mobile music magazine, or what some people are insisting on calling a 'mobizine', in a bid to demonstrate the multi-media potential of its new Walkman phone to both consumers and advertisers.
The 'Soundtrack To Your Life' platform will provide music news, reviews, gossip and interviews via an icon downloaded to the handset at a cost to the consumer of "only a few pence per issue". Content will be updated daily.
Advertisers will be able to take ads within the content linking through to a purchase or request for more product information.
The mobizine, which will be launched with an extensive press and advertising campaign, is part of Ericsson's attempts to develop its brand in the music and new media spaces - and follows the brand's co-sponsorship of the Glastonbury film tour.
Sony Ericsson Marketing Director Ben Padley told reporters: "We want to ensure we are delivering the greatest consumer experience possible, whether that is through our association with the likes of Glastonbury ... or new and exciting concepts such as mobizines".
--------------------------------------------------
LABELS LOOK INTO POTENTIAL OF TEXT TONES
One from the file marked 'surely consumers aren't stupid enough to buy this nonsense (oh, they probably are)'. There is increasing talk of a possible expansion of the ring tone market into the domain of so called 'text tones'. These would replace the chime that sounds when new text messages arrive. Both Universal Music and Warner Music are working in this space, hoping to capitalize on the huge popularity of both ring tones and text messaging.
Text tones would be a lot shorter than ringtones, possibly as short of as four seconds. It is likely record companies and mobile firms would justify charging for tones so short by offering packages of tones with the idea that consumers pick different tones to alert them to text messages from different people, or possibly by offering a platform where users can select their own four seconds out of a larger piece of music.
Announcements are expected from both Universal and Warner in this domain in the coming months.
--------------------------------------------------
CHOICE FM PD PROMOTED TO MD
GCap has appointed Ivor Etienne as MD of its Choice FM station - a promotion from his current role of Programme Director. He will keep his programming chief role in his new job, but will also be responsible for the strategic direction of the station. Choice has never had a dedicated MD while within the Capital/GCap group - previously the station fell under the responsibility of former Xfm boss Graham Bryce. Confirming the new appointment, GCap Operations Director Steve Orchard told reporters: "Recent RAJAR scores showing more people are tuning into Choice FM and for longer. This is an exciting time for Choice and Ivor is an experienced and skilled programmer committed to the development of the station".
Elsewhere in Choice FM news, the station's Head Of Music Des Paul has confirmed he will leave the station at the beginning of June to take up a new role as UK Music Editor for MTV.
--------------------------------------------------
MTV APPOINT NEW COMMS CHIEF
Talking of appointments at MTV, they have confirmed that Sao Bui-Van has been appointed VP Corporate Communications for MTV UK & Ireland. Bui-Van's role will not only include the corp comms for the MTV network, but also for sister TV stations Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon.
Confirming the appointment, Michiel Bakker, MTV UK MD, told reporters: "It is great to have Sao re-join the family. Like all broadcasters, we are facing a changing media landscape and MTV Networks with its young, savvy audiences is naturally at the forefront of new developments. I look forward to working with Sao on communicating all the great stuff we do, as well as drawing on his past experience to deal with the inevitable challenges that arise."
--------------------------------------------------
ALBUM REVIEW: Various Artists - Blues Skies Up - Welcome To The New Pop Revolution (Dogbox)
A compilation of alternative pop music - it's a simple idea, but it might just work. Of course, we're talking specifically about new and upcoming artists here, but, don't run off, as there's a confidence and intrigue to much of the music here that's a world away from tawdry demo tapes and MySpace mediocrity. I've neither the time nor inclination to talk about all of the sixteen songs/acts here, and let's face it, you wouldn't be terribly keen to read such detail, so let's focus on the more interesting stuff, shall we? Possibly most 'famous' are The Boyfriends - you've probably heard all about their Morrissey support slot shenanigans, but the truth is, they're distinctly underwhelming. Their 'Remember' is pleasant and mildly diverting, in a mid 90s Mozza b-side kind of way, but nothing to get terribly excited about. Miles better, and far more imbued with the sound and manner of The Smiths, are London noir-poppers Luxembourg, whose effort here ('Not My Number') doesn't quite scale the heights of their '...versus Great Britain' debut single, but still ticks all the right boxes nonetheless. There's a welcome smattering of electronic noises here too. Swimmer One turn in a languid slice of pastoral electro-pop with vocals reminiscent of, er, someone I can't quite pinpoint, actually, whilst Bib's slightly morose 'Jobs-On-Line 06' has some New Order/Cure spindly guitar and ultimately proves a far more beguiling commentary on modern-day employment than The Rakes' '22 Grand Job'. Elsewhere, then: lo-fi disco-punk pop from Germany that's far better than it has any right to be (Planetakis), short girly twee-pop (The Sweethearts), almost-genius wry new wavey moodiness (Robots In Disguise) and subtly Suede-redolent swaggering indie (The Bleeding Hearts).
Possibly surpassing all of the above, 'Blue Skies Up' ends with something quite moving (as all good pop albums should) - the shimmering Spector-esque dream-pop of Morton Valence's lush 'The Kiss'. Oh, and, lastly, the sleeve notes aren't bad either. Viva The New Pop Revolution, then. MS
Released date: 15 May
Press contact: Emms [all]
--------------------------------------------------
BON JOVI TOP COUNTRY CHARTS
Bon Jovi have become the first rock band to top the US country music chart. They've done it with their track 'Who Says You Can't Go Home', a duet with Jennifer Nettles, lead singer of country band Sugarland. The track also recently picked up an award at the Country Music Television Awards, and it is also nominated for an Academy Of Country Music Award for Vocal Event Of The Year.
--------------------------------------------------
DOHERTY DISSES NATIONAL PRESS'S ADDICTION TO HIS ADDICTION
Despite doing his best to avoid newspaper reporters at the moment, Pete Doherty has given an interview to the East London Advertiser, apparently after one of the paper's journalists slipped a note through his door asking him for one! In it he complains about the national press' obsession with his drug addiction, and also revealed he's thinking about writing a novel.
Doherty: "I'm not really doing any interviews at the moment. The nationals only care about the drugs. I'm part of celebrity culture, but I'm also part of a hospital waiting list, and to the people who are worried about me being a bad role model on young people - why do the media only focus on the drugs then?"
On the book plans: "Every day I think about it; writing and music thrive off each other, they goad each other along, they make something complete."
--------------------------------------------------
EVEN MORE ENGLAND TEAM SONGS
As I think we may have said before, I think there's going to be about 467 England football songs this year as the hype surrounding the World Cup starts to grow. I'm thinking about writing a song for everyone who couldn't care less about football- I'm still working on a tune, but my opening line goes "The bastards have rearranged the schedules again, my show's been bumped for some silly football game".
Anyway, here's three more football songs. First, Justin Hawkins has recorded a World Cup song which is probably awful but stands out because it disses the German football team by mentioned the war. The lyrics run thus: "Football will be our only weapon / skill and power will be our only shield / we've fought them on the beaches / now we'll play them on the field."
The Darkness man explains: "The whole point of an England World Cup song is to assert our national identity and talk about the achievements of a great nation. Why can't we commemorate all those men who gave their lives in the name of freedom in the war? And, of course, in this case - to bash The Hun? It's a national sport."
Next up, Capital Gold breakfast show host Mick Brown has recorded a track called 'Sing For England' and he's distinguishing it from Embrace's official England team song in that it actually mentions football. Apparantly you can hear the track at http://www.capitalgold.com/mickbrown, or on his radio show (apparently listeners are demanding it gets played every day). Of course Mr Brown was, if I'm not mistaken, one half of Pat & Mick, so he's no stranger to top pop hits. I wonder if he's stopped dancing yet?
Finally, and here's the exiting news, that crazy Crazy Frog is planning on taking on Embrace when they release the official single with his own England team anthem, 'We Are The Champions (Ding A Ding Dong)'. Has anyone got a hole I can hide in for the entire duration of the World Cup?