| CMU Daily - on the inside Thursday 22nd June |
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In today's CMU Daily:
- French politicians expected to pass more Apple-friendly laws
- Doherty gets publishing deal
- DMX in trouble again
- Village cop's "nightmare" is lifting
- Songwriter sues Foxx
- Ashcroft fined for being drunk
- Kylie will resume Showgirl tour this year
- Mojave 3 missing bassist
- Muse do Eden sessions
- Bulldog Bash line up
- Jay-Z announces UK tour
- Ok Go tour
- Wire announces solo gig
- Stereophonics live DVD
- Bono, Reed et al do chantey album
- Beach Boys special edition single and album planned
- UK report says IP crime on the rise
- Chinese website ordered to compensate over unlicenced ringtones
- V2 launches digital album sale
- The Orchard partner on French open format service
- TOTP mag to stay
- PWC reckon entertainments industry will continue to boom
- Seal and Heidi expecting another child
- Kooks: we'll surpass Britpop
- Baddiel and Skinner top HMV footie song poll
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TOP BIT>>
The fact that so many of the famous faces who presented Top Of The Pops over the years yesterday said that the demise of the TV show was inevitable because of "downloading" tells you how little these DJs of yester-year understand the digital music phenomenon. The fact that Noel Edmonds is one of the few former presenters to criticise the BBC for their recent management and upcoming axing of the show demonstrates why he, out of all of them, is the one to have founded and developed a successful media empire of his own. What Edmonds recognises is that there is still an appetite among music fans, young and old, for live and unique performances by their favourite contemporary and classic artists and, given the TOTP legacy and archive, the iconic BBC show should have been the one to satisfy that appetite. There was nothing "inevitable" about Top Of The Pops' decline into oblivion. What was inevitable was that after several years of fucking it up, BBC bosses would eventually label the show "old fashioned" and can it, rather than admit their mistakes.
There was, after all, a lot to admit to. The fact that for years they put the show up against Coronation Street, the country's biggest TV show, which includes in its demographic much of the TOTP target audience, and then they wondered why ratings went down. The fact that they pushed the perfectly competent Chris Cowey out of the producer's job so that an out-of-his-depth Andi Peters could try out his producer talents in prime time. The fact that they ripped off CD:UK without recognising that the ITV rival's magazine show style format worked because it aired on a Saturday morning and ran for an hour (nor recognising that CD:UK's hey day had revolved around the Ant, Dec, Cat presenting dream team and never really recovered from their departure). The fact that the Saturday morning spin off diluted the TOTP brand, turning an iconic (if cheesy) music show into celeb-obsessed yoof TV of the worst kind. And the fact that by far the weakest link for the last two years has been the show's terrible flagship presenter - something that could have been rectified without controversy when the show switched over to BBC2.
Yes, in an age when music videos are available 24/7 on cable channels and the net, a programme like TOTP does need to adapt - it can no longer rely on filling its weekly slot with pop promos and mimed routines that might as well be a pop promo. But actually, if anything, that provided a real opportunity for TOTP. Most of the cable and web music video services are completely generic, and pretty indistinguishable from each other, except for slight genre biases. A show which offers unique live performances by bands that are represented by 'the same old pop video' everywhere else could really stand out from the rest - and TOTP, with its decent budget, iconic status and global reputation should have been the show to do just that. And in fact, that was the kind of show Cowey seemed to be developing while in the producers role - creating a show which, given a decent time slot and the recent indie band revival, could have really prospered.
But BBC bosses wouldn't budge on scheduling issues, and Peters et al opted to go a different route - making the show more like the competition, rather than something that stood out as unique. All of this is water under the bridge, of course, and the fact stupid decisions were made isn't so annoying. What is annoying is that rather than admitting the stupidity and returning to the right route, BBC bosses have chosen to swing the axe.
Is the music business worse off without TOTP? Probably not - there are so many other channels for promoting music these days. But I think both the music fan and the BBC is worse off without TOTP in the schedules. And that is a shame. Except, of course, that at the BBC these days, people don't seem to like working on long established shows, but they love reviving previously axed formats from the nostalgia bin. It was inevitable that BBC bosses would axe TOTP eventually, but I think it's also inevitable that at some point in the future they'll bring it back. Let just hope they go the Cowey route this time.
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JOBS N STUFF>>
Sanctuary Group - Senior Label Manager
Do you have a feel for creating back catalogue CDs from Sanctuary's vaults - from the Kinks and Black Sabbath to Grandmaster Flash and Sham 69? Sanctuary Records Group, based in West London is currently recruiting for an experienced Product Manager with a proven ability to creatively market and promote a variety of artist projects. Working on our extensive back catalogue, energy, enthusiasm and tenacity is essential, as our heavy release schedule will demand meticulous planning and attention to detail. If you have at least 3 years experience in a similar role and feel that you can make an impact at Sanctuary Records Group, go to the Recruitment section of the Sanctuary Group website, www.sanctuarygroup.com and apply online. Alternatively post your details to Anna Young, Human Resources Administrator, Sanctuary House, 45-53 Sinclair Road, London, W14 0NS.
Warner Music - Press Officer
Warner Music are looking for a Press Officer to join their existing team. The successful applicant will have a minimum of six months experience in a press or related role, with impeccable writing abilities and a confidence in using Microsoft Office applications. A genuine knowledge and enthusiasm for music is imperative. If you would like to apply for this role, please send a covering letter which includes details of salary expectations and notice period to Victoria Carpenter by e-mailing [email protected] or post to The Warner Building, 28 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4EP.
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ON AIR>>
TODAY ON TOTALROCK
Karol talks to hot young Americans Hurt, who'll also be playing acoustic tracks live in the studio ('Metal Lunchbox', noon to 3pm). From 5-6pm today, there's the first part of a major two-part look back at this year's Download Festival, with exclusive interviews. Listen live at http://www.totalrock.com.
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RIGHT NOW IN THE CMU BEATS BAR>>
MySpace Of The Day: El Presidente
Chris thinks we've done El Presidente before, but I think he's wrong. He invariably does seem to assume that if it's a CMU favourite, it's been done. So why El Presidente, why now? Well, because I love El Presidente, and yesterday I was listening to their album, and I thought 'Good Lord, I've never nominated them for MySpace Of The Day'. So it's about time, really. I also think it's good to keep mentioning your favourites when they're not releasing, so that other people don't forget about them and start referring to their next album as a 'comeback'. They're on at T In The Park again this year, though, I think. Anyway, their MySpace page is a bit out of date, by the looks of things, which I won't blame them for; I also won't hold against them the fact that it took weeks for them to respond when I asked to be a friend. Ignore all that. In fact, just ignore me. Go listen to the three cracking tracks you can listen to on their MySpace page. If you didn't hear it at the time, it's time to hear it now.
http://www.myspace.com/elpresidenteband
This and more at http://www.thebeatsbar.co.uk
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FRENCH POLITICIANS EXPECTED TO PASS MORE APPLE-FRIENDLY LAWS
French lawmakers are this week expected to let Apple off the hook by passing laws that do not automatically force the computer firm to share its DRM technology with its competitors.
As previously reported at somewhat considerable length, earlier this year the lower house of the French Parliament passed new rules that would force technology firms to share their proprietary DRM systems. The laws would have forced Apple to make its DRM system available to other technology firms so that they could sell players compatible with iTunes or DRM protected downloads compatible with the iPod.
The proposals were popular with consumer groups who claim that it is unfair that Apple can lock consumers to their download platform by preventing anyone else from selling DRM protected content that is compatible with the iPod. However, Apple and other technology firms were predictably critical of the move and they lobbied politicians in the upper house not to pass those restrictions. That lobbying was successful, and the upper house amended the new laws before passing them, removing rules that obliged Apple et al to automatically share their DRM technology with others.
A committee has since been working to find a compromise between the laws as passed by the lower and upper houses of the Parliament, and it is that compromise that is expected to be passed this week. The final approved laws will most likely mean that Apple and their competitors will not have to share their DRM systems providing the artists and content owners whose music they sell agree to that policy.
Advocates of the compromise say that that system will put the power over DRM in the hands of the creative community, whose content the DRM is designed to protect, and will also strengthen the hand of the creative players when they are in business negotiations with the technology firms. Christian Vanneste, the MP who is putting forward the proposals, told the Associated Press: "It's perfectly legitimate that the artist should decide the potential limitations on the use of his work."
But critics argue that Apple is so dominant in the digital music space that artists and record labels cannot afford to not do business with them, meaning that they will have to sign contracts that allow Apple to keep their DRM secret, even if they don't believe that is the best option for their music or their fans. Frederique Pfrunder of French consumer rights group CLCV told reporters: "[The politicians are] washing their hands of the consumer. Confronted with the market power of iTunes copyright holders will have to agree to maintain the exclusive iPod link. If they refuse, they'll lose their deals."
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DOHERTY GETS PUBLISHING DEAL
Pete Doherty has announced that he is to publish his intimate diaries in March next year, through the Orion Publishing Group. Well, actually, despite the fact that the press event was described as an "important career announcement", Doherty, not surprisingly, didn't actually turn up to it to make the announcement, so really it was Orion's commissioning editor Ian Preece who revealed the news.
The book charts his rise to fame, his drug addiction and his relationship with supermodel Kate Moss. The aforementioned Preece explained: "From the early books a fascinating and very entertaining picture emerges of the young poet, broke in London, serving popcorn at the Prince Charles Cinema, dreaming of creating a band infused with the 'spirit of Albion'."
The book, consisting of 20 volumes (exercise books?) condensed into one hardback, includes drawings, photos, film reviews and poetry. Doherty, does, of course, have a previous record as something of a poet - the singer visited Russia on a British Council tour as a teenager, after winning a poetry competition. Preece told reporters: "Some of it is quite funny. But some of it is very, very dark. All of it is incredibly readable. It is intimate and honest stuff and a complete antidote to a lot of what you might have read about him."
On the Babyshambles frontman's no-show at the launch event, held at traditional Doherty hang-out, The Boogaloo pub in Highgate, Preece added: "It's probably because Holland v Argentina is on. That's rock n roll." Actually, it's football, but we see what he means.
A statement from Doherty himself read: "I am very happy to have a book coming out with Orion and to share a bookshelf with H G Wells, Ian Rankin and Stan Bowles. I've always wanted to have a book published and it's all very exciting for me personally."
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DMX IN TROUBLE AGAIN
DMX continued his current life-theme of getting into trouble whilst in cars last week, although this time the rapper was not charged with any driving offences; he's been cited for the misdemeanour charge of carrying a concealed weapon.
The hip-hop star, aka Earl Simmons, was stopped, but not arrested, outside a club in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Friday, after police saw him take a handgun and place it under the seat of his car, a 1964 Chevy convertible. A spokesman for the Scottsdale police said: "He had the top down, the cops were right in the area, and they saw him take out the gun and put it under the front seat". He should probably have had a quick look around before he did it.
As previously reported, Simmons has had a spate of clashes with the police in the last month or so, mostly for dangerous driving. He was due in court yesterday to answer charges of erratic driving, and is scheduled to appear in court in Harrison, New York on 21 Jul on a similar charge.
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VILLAGE COP'S "NIGHTMARE" IS LIFTING
Victor Willis, the policeman-one from The Village People, has said that he is moving on from his recent trouble with drug addiction as he's been undergoing substance abuse counselling whilst in custody since his previously reported arrest in San Francisco in March. Willis says in a statement: "The nightmare of drug abuse is being lifted from my life."
He adds that he will be asking the judge to approve his release into a residential drug rehab programme when he appears at a pretrial hearing, on charges relating to that March arrest, on 3 Jul.
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SONGWRITER SUES FOXX
Music and movie star Jamie Foxx is facing a lawsuit from country singer-songwriter Michael A Johnson, who claims that the Oscar winning actor stole a song of his. Foxx's ballad 'Heaven', says Johnson, is a reworking of his song 'One Of God's Angels Went AWOL'.
Filing court papers in Detroit, Johnson says he copyrighted the song before sending it round to record companies, one of which was Foxx's J Records, and accuses Foxx of changing the lyrics and title before recording it as his own track. Johnson says: "I feel abused and outraged to think that someone of Jamie Foxx's stature would stoop to steal my song."
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ASHCROFT FINED FOR BEING DRUNK
Richard Ashcroft has been arrested and fined for being drunk and disorderly whilst at a youth club for under-twelves in Chippenham on Monday. Wiltshire police confirmed that Ashcroft was apprehended at the Bridge Centre Youth Club, taken to a local police station and given an on-the-spot penalty fine, adding that about 60 children were at the club at the time.
So, what was Ashcroft doing there? Well, his wife Kate's parents live near there, and reports suggest that he simply turned up and said he wanted to work with the children; one report quotes a source as saying "He was very strung out and close to tears at one point. He kept saying he wanted to work with kids, that he wanted to do 'good things'. He wasn't aggressive, in fact he was quite charming and friendly. He kept hugging some staff and kids."
The source continued: "He looked like a tramp. He was dishevelled and unshaven with filthy clothes and there was saliva caked around his mouth. He was off his head, although he wasn't slurring his words. One of the staff said: 'You're the spitting image of Richard Ashcroft'. And he said 'that's because I am.'"
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KYLIE WILL RESUME SHOWGIRL TOUR THIS YEAR
As expected, Kylie Minogue is to resume her 'Showgirl' tour later this year, a year and a half after it was postponed due to her breast cancer diagnosis. Tour promoter Michael Gudinski confirmed that the tour's set would be updated, and renamed the 'Showgirl Homecoming' tour, adding: "She's definitely through the worst of everything, she's so determined and she can't wait to see you all. Obviously she's still got a few mountains to climb, but we're very, very confident that the tour will be going ahead in November."
Tickets from the original, postponed shows are to be honoured, with only a very small number of tickets going on sale, and no extra gigs added. Gudinski added that it had been necessary to make the dates less physically demanding for the singer, and so the dates have been spread over a longer period, beginning in Sydney on 11 Nov, and ending in Melbourne on 17 Dec. The tour manager explained: "Kylie was a hard worker who used to do three, four nights in a row. We'll only be doing two shows in a row this time. We're going to take as much pressure off her as we can."
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MOJAVE 3 MISSING BASSIST
Mojave 3 are to appear at their upcoming live dates without their bassist Rachel Goswell, due to the fact that she's having trouble with her ears, troubles which include a loss of hearing and tinnitus. No word on who will take her place, but Goswell is hoping that treatment, which includes a hearing aid, will mean she can appear with the band again in the future. On her MySpace blog she wrote: "I still feel gutted after 11 years in the band (and let's see, 20 years in bands with Neil), all that we've done and strived for over the years, the time seems right for it all to finally come together on the live front with some great gigs on offer, except I am not there to enjoy and be a part of. Miffed is an understatement."
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MUSE DO EDEN SESSIONS
Muse have been confirmed to appear amongst the line-up for this years series of gigs at the Eden Project. The band appear on 22 Aug, joining other confirmed acts Goldfrapp, The Magic Numbers and Snow Patrol. Muse shortly release their new album 'Black Holes And Revelations'.
Tickets for the Eden Sessions go on sale on Sunday, http://www.edenproject.com for more info.
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BULLDOG BASH LINE UP
Have we mentioned the Bulldog Bash biking-come-rock festival yet this year? I can't remember. Ah well, just in case, here are the line ups so far. More at http://www.bulldog-bash.co.uk, press info from Workhard PR.
Thursday 10 Aug: Hells Bells, Hellrazor, Sweet Black Angels.
Friday 11 Aug: The Almighty, Paradise Lost, Skindred, Engerica, Rattlesnake Remedy.
Saturday 12 Aug: Pitchshifter, Hundred Reasons, Breed 77, The Answer, Losing Sun, Love Rocket.
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JAY-Z ANNOUNCES UK TOUR
For someone who's "retired" as a performer, Jay-Z does a lot of performing. Where does he find the time - or is running a major Universal Music division a very easy job? Ah well, Mr Z has announced some UK and Ireland gigs for September, dates as follows:
21 Sep: Manchester, MEN
22 Sep: Glasgow, SECC
23 Sep: Birmingham, SECC
24 Sep: London, Wembley Arena
26 Sep: Dublin, The Point
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OK GO TOUR
Yeah, OK, so those OK Go dates in yesterday's Daily should have read like this - the September dates with Motion City Soundtrack.
26 Jun: Leicester Charlotte
27 Jun: Birmingham Barfly
28 Jun: Tunbridge Wells, Forum
18 Sep: Bristol, University
19 Sep: Cardiff, University 'Solus'
20 Sep: Wolverhampton, Wulfren Hall
21 Sep: Newcastle, University
22 Sep: Manchester, Academy
24 Sep: Glasgow, ABC
25 Sep: Leeds, Met University
27 Sep: Portsmouth, Pyramid
28 Sep: London, Astoria
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WIRE ANNOUNCES SOLO GIG
Manic Street Preacher Nicky Wire has announced that he'll play a one off gig at the Purple Turtle in Camden on 1 Jul, with a full band, 'Secret Society'. As previously reported, his debut solo album 'I Killed The Zeitgeist' is out in September.
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STEREOPHONICS LIVE DVD
Stereophonics have announced that they are to release a live DVD. It's to have the same name as last year's album release 'Language. Sex. Violence. Other?', and features a behind the scenes documentary about the making of the long player, plus live tracks and promo films.
For a special treat, here's the live tracklisting:
Superman
Doorman
Madame Helga
Mr Writer
Local Boy In The Photograph
I'm Alright (You Gotta Go There To Come Back)
Maybe Tomorrow
Deadhead
Just Looking
Dakota
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BONO, REED ET AL DO CHANTEY ALBUM
Or 'shanty' album, either spelling is fine. Bono, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Joseph Arthur and Jarvis Cocker are amongst the artists all contributing to a sea chantey album, devised by Johnny Depp and director Gore Verbinski whilst they were at work on the latest 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' film. Verbinski told Billboard: "I slowly became fascinated by the idea of a contemporary reinterpretation of the sea chantey. I imagined the artists that I listen to and respect doing their take on this age-old music: the song of the sea."
The full tracklisting of 'Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs & Chanteys' is as follows:
Cape Cod Girls - Baby Gramps
Mingulay Boat Song - Richard Thompson
My Son John - John C. Reilly
Fire Down Below - Nick Cave
Turkish Revelry - Loudon Wainwright III
Bully In The Alley - Three Pruned Men
The Cruel Ship's Captain - Bryan Ferry
Dead Horse - Robin Holcomb
Spanish Ladies - Bill Frisell
High Barbary - Joseph Arthur
Haul Away Joe - Mark Anthony Thompson
Dan Dan - David Thomas
Blood Red Roses - Sting
Sally Brown - Teddy Thompson
Lowlands Away - Rufus Wainwright & Kate McGarrigle
Baltimore Whores - Gavin Friday
Rolling Sea - Eliza Carthy
The Mermaid - Martin Carthy & the UK Group
Haul On The Bowline - Bob Neuwirth
Dying Sailor to His Shipmates - Bono
Bonnie Portmore - Lucinda Williams
Shenandoah - Richard Greene & Jack Shit
The Cry Of Man - Mary Margaret O'Hara
CD2:
Boney - Jack Shit
Good Ship Venus - Loudon Wainwright III
Long Time Ago - White Magic
Pinery Boy - Nick Cave
Lowlands Low - Bryan Ferry with Antony
One Spring Morning - Akron/Family
Hog Eye Man - Martin Carthy & family
The Fiddler/A Drop of Nelson's Blood - Ricky Jay & Richard Greene
Caroline and Her Young Sailor Bold - Andrea Corr
Fathom The Bowl - John C. Reilly
Drunken Sailor - David Thomas
Farewell Nancy - Ed Harcourt
Hanging Johnny - Stan Ridgway
Old Man of The Sea - Baby Gramps
Greenland Whale Fisheries - Van Dyke Parks
Shallow Brown - Sting
The Grey Funnel Line - Jolie Holland
A Drop of Nelson's Blood - Jarvis Cocker
Leave Her Johnny - Lou Reed
Little Boy Billy - Ralph Steadman
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BEACH BOYS SPECIAL EDITION SINGLE AND ALBUM PLANNED
EMI's US division Capitol are planning two Beach Boys re-releases this summer to celebrate the upcoming 40th anniversaries of 'Good Vibrations' and 'Pet Sounds'. A special CD single release of 'Good Vibrations' will be released in the US on 27 Jun, while a special edition long player package type thing of 'Pet Sounds' will follow on 29 Aug. The former will include an alternate version, instrumental and live rehearsal version, while the latter will include stereo and 5.1 Surround sound mixes plus interviews and behind the scenes footage. We'll let you know if these are getting UK releases too.
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UK REPORT SAYS IP CRIME ON THE RISE
A new report due to be published by the government today will say that international intellectual property crime is on the rise, but that measures introduced by UK authorities in the last two years are making it harder for pirates to operate over here.
The National Intellectual Property Enforcement Report will, erm, report that the UK IP Crime Group, established back in 2004, continues to fight a "tough battle" but that, with 500,000 intelligence reports filed on IP violations in the last nine months, it is increasingly identifying individuals and groups behind IP piracy. It will also claim that a new nationally accessible database tracking IP Crime is helping to further locate and prosecute the pirates.
Lord Sainsbury of Turville, who will launch the new report, told CMU: "We suspect that all international crime organisations are now involved in counterfeiting. The Government's message to these criminals is that the UK is no longer a safe environment for you. Our joint intelligence will lead to more surprise raids in markets and other locations and the authorities will take action against those involved."
With IP Crimes seemingly on the rise on a global basis the report will also call on consumers to help by refraining from buying what they suspect are pirated goods, stressing that IP piracy is not a "victimless crime".
Commenting on the report, Ron Gainsford of the UK's Trading Standards Institute, added: "Whilst the focus is often on music or DVD piracy, there is even more worryingly, a large increase in fake goods which are dangerous to the health and safety of consumers. We need to bring about a change in public opinion in that it is NOT acceptable to purchase or trade in counterfeit or pirated goods."
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CHINESE WEBSITE ORDERED TO COMPENSATE OVER UNLICENCED RINGTONES
R2G, a Beijing based company that managed the publishing rights of popular Taiwanese artist Jay Chou, has won a copyright infringement case against portal site China.com who were selling 18 ring tones of Chou's music without a licence to do so. The selling of such ringtones without a licence is not uncommon in China, so R2G, who managed Chou's rights on behalf of BMG Music Publishing Asia, are hailing the case as something of a landmark that could lead to a string of other cases being brought by music publishers operating in the region. The No. 2 Intermediate People's Court Of Beijing ordered China.com to pay R2G 50,000 yuan ($6,252) in compensation.
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V2 LAUNCHES DIGITAL ALBUM SALE
V2 has launched a digital albums sale via http://www.7digital.com. Albums from the likes of Stereophonics, Madness, Paul Weller and Liberty X are included - you can buy them at 77p per track, or £4.99 for the whole long player. The offers will run until 31 Jul.
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THE ORCHARD PARTNER ON FRENCH OPEN FORMAT SERVICE
Is it me, or are independent digital distribution company The Orchard launching new ventures every other day at the moment? Anyway, The Orchard has announced it is in partnership with French digital music store Starzik who yesterday launched a new 'open formats' download service - offering tracks in all major digital audio formats, including MP3, without any DRM. In addition to music from all the indie labels represented globally by The Orchard, Starzik will also stock digital music from numerous French independents.
Launching the service, Starzik boss Jerome Giachino told CMU: "Technology has to provide a way to simplify access to music and then help consumers discover new music. That was the principle on which we founded Starzik, and now that we are entering a new phase with the launch of our open-formats service, our distribution agreement with The Orchard gives us access to a vast new catalogue of independent music. This will greatly enhance our service as we bring it to a wider audience."
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TOTP MAG TO STAY
The BBC says that Top Of The Pops magazine will continue, despite the axing of the TV show from which it takes its name. The Beeb's fortnightly pop mag is number one in its market (a market left more open following the demise of Smash Hits, of course) selling more than 96,000 copies a fortnight - considerably less than its 500,000 peak in 1997, but decent figures nonetheless.
Commercial publishers have, of course, criticised the BBC for launching magazines that are not directly linked to current TV shows, and with TOTP no longer in the schedules some might call for the spin off magazine to be sold off to a commercial player. However, the BBC said yesterday that while the flagship TOTP show has been axed, it will still air special editions of the show as well as a version of the TOTP2 archives programme, so the brand still has a broadcast as well as print output.
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PWC RECKON ENTERTAINMENTS INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE TO BOOM
Accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has estimated that the global entertainment and media industry will continue to boom over the next four years, so that the industry as a whole is worth $1.8 trillion by 2010. Their analysts say that the spread of broadband and wireless internet technology will help the entertainments sector grow both its sales revenues and profits.
On the music front, the report says that the recording industry can expect to see sales grow by 5.2% over the next five years, with downloads and ring-tones compensating for the inevitable decline in CD sales. The report also reckons that the problem of online piracy will decline during that time period as music and films become more easily and cheaply available online.
Geographically, the Asia Pacific region is set to see the widest and fastest growth in entertainment spending, with double digit increases expected in the revenues generating by the TV, internet and casino sectors there. The US will maintain its position as the world's largest entertainment market, although in Asia the accountants reckon China will overtake Japan in 2009.
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SEAL AND HEIDI EXPECTING ANOTHER CHILD
Seal has announced that he and wife Heidi Klum are expecting another child. Writing on his wife's official website, he wrote: "It is with great joy that I announce that Heidi, Leni, Henry and I are expecting another addition to our growing family".
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KOOKS: WE'LL SURPASS BRITPOP
The Kooks frontman Luke Pritchard has told NME that he thinks that the scene building around his band, and his mates Jamie T, Mystery Jets and the 747s "could surpass Britpop". In an interview in this week's edition, he says: "I think what we're all doing could surpass Britpop because the musicians that we know seem to be up for anything. It's that whole non-cliqueiness thing. If you ask them to come and have a jam with you, they're gonna do it. So that's what we're gonna do, it's gonna be great."
Actually, he has a point, there is a lot of similarity between the current indie scene and what was happening at the height of Brit pop - lots of arrogance and feuding while a bunch of mediocre bands trade off the back of a handful of really innovative music makers. Roll on the next dance music revival I say.
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BADDIEL AND SKINNER TOP HMV FOOTIE SONG POLL
Another day, another 'favourite England football song ever' poll - though this one isn't topped by New Order. No, it seems that the customers of HMV.co.uk prefer the Baddiel/Skinner/Lightning Seeds track. The top ten favourite England team anthems as selected by HMV's online customers run thus:
1. Baddiel and Skinner and the The Lightning Seeds - 3 Lions (47%)
2. New order and England - World in Motion (17%)
3. Fat Les - Vindaloo (13%)
4. England World Cup Squad - Back Home (7%)
5. Embrace - World At Your Feet (4%)
6. Ant and Dec - We're on the Ball (3%)
7. England Supporters Band - The Great Escape (3%)
8. England World Cup Squad - This Time (We'll Get It Right) (2%)
9. England World Cup Squad - We've got the whole world at our feet (2%)
10. England United Ft Spice Girls - On Top Of the World (1%)
Commenting on the runaway winner, HMV's Head Of Internet, Gideon Lask, told CMU: "'3 Lions' has an anthemic and romantic quality with a really memorable chorus that we can all sing along to, whether we're supporting England in our homes, down the pub or on the stadium terraces."