| CMU Daily - on the inside Tuesday 12th September |
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In today's CMU Daily:
- eMusic launches in Europe
- Diddy drops name in UK to halt litigation
- Wilson among UK Hall Of Fame inductees
- National Music Week schools chart tracks announced
- Napster to give away MP3 players
- EMI and T-Mobile announce ad funded mobile video pilot
- REM on the new album
- Hope Of The States on split
- Klaxons name album
- New McFly, hurrah
- Single Review: Atjazz - Put It On
- Brown to appear at Electric Proms
- Battle tour
- Evanescence dates
- Conductor speaks out about hand luggage problem
- Radio 1 rejig
- Chart update
- Total Rock World Album Chart
- Album Review: Mansun - Legacy: The Best Of Mansun
- Holland auctions off piano
- Doherty, needles, blood, all lovely
- All Saints move location over seating arrangements
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TOP BIT>>
Last week when I was rambling on about which download platforms could genuinely take on iTunes in the iPod dominated digital music market place (iTunes being the only platform that sells iPod compatible DRM-ed music) I kind of inadvertently suggested that the iPod compatibility problem was something that independent download platform eMusic also faced. Of course, as several of our readers pointed out, that isn't the case because eMusic, which launches in the UK today, by the way, only sells MP3s which, of course, play perfectly legitimately on Apple's music players. But eMusic's ability to sell iPod friendly music is because they have a model that seemingly works while just selling music from indie labels - the majors not allowing their music to be sold without DRM in that way. As I said in that ramble last week - if such independent platforms can find a commercially viable way of operating then I suspect they will survive in the fight against Apple where others will no doubt fail.
It's been interesting watching the other media coverage of the increasingly populated download space in the last week or so, with some taking the line that Apple's days of dominance in digital music are actually numbered - mainly because the iPod has become too ubiquitous to be cool, but is still too expensive to be truly mainstream (especially as music players are bundled in free when consumers next upgrade their mobiles). Others say that Apple have been too slow in developing the next big thing in the digital media space, to maintain their market leader position, though others point out the computer firm are staging one of their glitzy press launches later today and suggest that that's where the next big thing will be unleashed (though the consensus is the next big thing will be movie based).
Meantime, another interesting new development in this whole space was announced yesterday by the UK bit of Napster. They are going to start offering subscribers to Napster To Go free MP3 players on which to enjoy the service. This is an idea that has been floating around the music industry for a while, based on the logic that technology people are underpricing music in order to sell their technology, so why don't music companies underprice the technology in order to sell their music. Napster reckon that people are increasingly buying cheaper flash based players anyway, and are starting to treat their MP3 players like they treat mobile phones (ie buying with the intent of only using a player for a year or so), and therefore the free players they are offering will be very attractive to young music fans, while shifting the consumer's focus onto the service and content offered by digital music platforms, rather that which players there are compatible with.
There's no conclusion to this Top Bit I'm afraid - I've no idea which of these announcements, promotions and ideas are going to take off, and which will fail. But one thing is certain - there's plenty of interesting developments still to come in the wacky world of digital music.
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JOBS N STUFF>>
PRESS OFFICER
Successful and growing independent rock label seek Press Officer and media all rounder to deal with established acts and growing newcomers plus events the label is involved with. A knowledge of rock and metal would be a bonus. Duties would range from developing and maintaining strong relations with national, regional and specialist press, radio and tv contacts, generating features and coverage, press trips, writing press releases to helping to run events. The successful candidate will be highly efficient with strong writing skills, flawless spelling and grammar, and a passion for music. Computer literacy, including confidence with Microsoft Office, is essential.
Please email a covering letter and cv to [email protected] or
post to: PR Vacancy, Visible Noise, 231 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LT
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ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS, SERVICES AND PRODUCTS here for just £50 a week, or £150 for two weeks in the Daily and four weeks on the web. Email [email protected] for details.
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BLATANT PLUGGING>>
CMU IN PRINT! - ADVERTISE RELEASES TO STUDENTS EVERYWHERE
As we mentioned back in July, we will be publishing a special edition of a CMU newspaper which will be distributed around campuses all over the UK as the student population returns for the new academic year later this month - offering a guide to all the great new music coming out this Autumn. This is a brilliant way to engage and excite 100,000s of students and young record buyers at the most important time in the college and music year. A full page costs £1000, a half page £600, a sixth page £260, a 12th page £160. Book your ad spots now - email [email protected]
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MYSPACE OF THE DAY: THE HAT
Now, due to my somewhat unforgivable need to sleep last night, I haven't quite finished my Bestival write up, which will appear in tomorrow's Daily, promise. But as a preview, why not check out the MySpace of these guys, who haven't made my personal 'Bestival Top 5, but who were, nevertheless, very entertaining when they took to the Main Stage there on Sunday lunch time. A quirky bunch from Brighton, they label themselves on their MySpace as being 'hip hop', 'folk' and 'alternative', though in reality they are none of those things, though they are clearly inspired by all three. Telling stories to the beats, they are a hard band to describe, hence the need for you to check out the tracks streaming on their MySpace or, even better, one of the two live shows currently listed. I suspect they're a bit of an acquired taste, but if you have a taste for this kind of thing, I think you'll be very impressed by what you get.
http://www.myspace.com/wearethehat
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EMUSIC LAUNCHES IN EUROPE
Remember how we told you that the US independent download firm eMusic had launched a European service, and then we had to clarify that that was just a beta service? Well, consider that service, erm, un-beta-rised (alpha-d?).
Yep, ladies and gentlemen, eMusic is officially live in Europe with the first ever download platform to actually be available throughout the entire European Union. eMusic is, of course, the US download platform that specialises in the provision of music from independent labels, and therefore is free from that pesky DRM that the major record companies insist on, meaning all the music they sell is available in iPod friendly MP3. 8500 independent labels are signed up to the service which encourages users to discover new artists and tracks via a subscription service (though a different kind of subscription service to those employed by Napster et al - with an eMusic subscription you can download permanent copies of the tracks you specifically want to keep - the number of tracks you get to download each month dependent on your level of subscription).
Confirming the European launch, eMusic CEO David Pakman told CMU: "The monopoly of iTunes in Europe is over. European consumers, fed up with homogeneous music and services focused only on mainstream pop can now discover a wealth of music created to transcend rules, boundaries and commercialism. At eMusic, fans can explore our vast catalogue of ground-breaking independent music which plays on any digital music device, starting at just 17p or E0.23 a track. We are excited to introduce the most diverse catalogue of music in the world to European independent music fans who are crying out for a download service that caters to their needs."
The company's European boss, Steve McCauley, added: "Thanks to the abundance of highly successful independent labels in Europe, eMusic's European customers will benefit from an even greater selection of labels and artists. eMusic looks forward to giving the 30 million-plus iPod owners in Europe a choice about the type of music they buy and where they buy it."
The Association Of Independent Music have welcomed the arrival of eMusic in the UK. AIM boss Alison Wenham told CMU: "Independent music is thriving, and online, the opportunity for independent labels is even greater. eMusic, as a service truly dedicated to helping people discover the gems of the music industry's greatest asset, is actually focused on growing the music industry instead of simply replacing physical sales with digital ones. We welcome their entry into the EU music market and celebrate their future success."
eMusic Europe will officially launch with a special party in London tonight featuring classical violinist Chloe Hanslip, jazz saxophonist Soweto Kinch, plus the Pipettes, Pop Levi and Basement Jaxx. Press info on all of this from [email protected]
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DIDDY DROPS NAME IN UK TO HALT LITIGATION
OK, music journalist types, this is important - from this point onwards Diddy is not to be referred to as Diddy unless of course you're referring to Diddy, but don't be using Diddy to refer to Diddy because he's no longer Diddy, well not in the UK anyway. If you're in France you can do what you like, you can call Diddy Diddy, and Diddy Diddy, and no one will care. But here in the UK, make sure you get you're Diddys right. OK? Good.
That is to say, Sean Combs has agreed to stop using the 'Diddy' moniker here in the UK after reaching an out of court settlement with a London based music producer who uses the same nickname.
Richard 'Diddy' Dearlove, perhaps best known for that 1990s remix of Blondie's 'Atomic', took legal action after Combs announced last August that he was to start performing under the name Diddy. Prior to that, of course, Combs had been known as P Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puff, Puffy, Daddy P Diddy Dad Dad and, on one especially bizarre occasion, Sean.
Dearlove argued that Combs decision to go by the name Diddy caused unacceptable confusion, and launched litigation under UK competition laws. He told the Guardian: "I started getting emails from Puerto Rican girls asking if they could be in my video and people were asking me to look at their clothing line".
The case was due to go to court next month, but the two sides in the dispute reached a settlement this weekend, with Combs agreeing to stop using the Diddy name in the UK and well as paying Dearlove unspecified damages. A statement on Dearlove's website reads: "Under the settlement Combs has had to pay Diddy Dearlove significant damages, all of his costs of the litigation, and will no longer be able to trade in the UK as 'Diddy'. The settlement vindicates Dearlove's decision to pursue Puffy through the courts and ensures that he will, once again, enjoy exclusive rights in the name DIDDY. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Combs has given several undertakings to Dearlove, which remain confidential. The settlement will, however, require Mr Combs to rebrand his commercial activities in the UK. Indeed, he has already begun repackaging many of his releases".
Combs' people have confirmed that the dispute between their client and Dearlove has been resolved "amicably", though they differ in their claims regarding the settlement between the two producers. Combs' spokesman, Robert Zimmerman, told reporters yesterday: "The damages reported are wholly inaccurate and the request by Dearlove's lawyer for legal fees in a case that has been settled is regrettable and is being vigorously contested".
It is not yet entirely clear what name Combs will now use in the UK - or whether the need to change his name here will persuade him to adopt a new moniker globally. Either way, while scanning the coverage of this story I found myself in the rare position of agreeing with a Daily Mail reader, who posted below their report of this dispute "Can someone tell me why anyone would want to be called Diddy?", while another pointed out that for them the word Diddy will always be primarily associated with comedian Ken Dodd. I expect the Diddy men to launch their litigation against Dearlove and Combs forthwith.
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WILSON AMONG UK HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Organisers of that there UK Music Hall Of Fame confirmed yesterday that Brian Wilson, Dusty Springfield, Led Zeppelin and Rod Stewart will be among the artists to be honoured at the organisation's third induction event in London on 14 Nov.
Further inductees, chosen by a panel of 60 artists, journalists, broadcasters and industry execs, are expected to be announced before the event. Beatles producer George Martin had already been announced as the 'behind-the-scenes' person who will receive an honorary membership of the Hall Of Fame - an honour previously awarded to the late Radio 1 DJ John Peel and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell.
The Hall Of Fame event will include segments honouring each inductee. Some of those segments will feature performances by the inductees themselves, such as Brian Wilson, while others will feature other bands paying tribute to an inductee's music - Australian rockers Wolfmother have been confirmed as the band who will pay tribute to Led Zeppelin.
The show will be broadcast by Channel 4 two days after the event, while US audiences will be able to watch it on VH1 on 25 Nov.
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NATIONAL MUSIC WEEK SCHOOLS CHART TRACKS ANNOUNCED
National Music Week was formally launched this morning in a rock n roll school assembly in Pimlico in South West London. National Music Week itself will take place from 16-20 Oct, but the aim of this morning's proceedings was the announce the ten bands which school kids across the UK will now be asked to vote on in a Pop Idol style popularity contest, though with slightly less bitchiness (though these are school kids, so I'm sure there'll be plenty of bitchiness, just not of the orchestrated kind).
As previously reported, National Music Week is a joint initiative between the music business and those government types to encourage teaching about the music industry (mainly careers and copyright and stuff like that, less about the sex and the drugs, which the kids probably know all about all ready anyway). One of the strands of the programme will give school kids the chance to preview a track from ten shortlisted new artists, and then get a free CD or download from one of the ten. A chart will be released at the end of October which reveal which of the tracks shortlisted was download the most.
Former Popstar come classical girl come TV presenter Myleene Klass was at the Pimlico school to officially announce the ten artists and tracks shortlisted for the venture. The ten are All Angels, Betty Curse, Keisha White, Lil' Chris, Mr. Skillz & His Crazy Girls, Natasha Marsh, Seth Lakeman, Soweto Kinch, Trinity Stone and that little known new pop singer Matt Willis.
Welcoming the whole of the National Music Week thing, BPI boss Peter Jamieson told CMU this moring: "The recorded music industry has long shown a commitment to music education in schools. While music is a successful British industry, it is important not to forget music's enormous cultural and educational value. To date most music education in schools has focused on teaching children to play instruments. National Music Week is about exposing young people to a broad range of music and helping them to improve their listening skills."
In case you wondered why a school in Pimlico was picked for the launch, it's a school that runs a dedicated special music scheme designed for students aged 11-18 who want a particular focus on music within their curriculum.
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NAPSTER TO GIVE AWAY MP3 PLAYERS
More digital stuff, and Napster has announced a new venture in which it will provide free MP3 players to anyone who signs up to the company's three month Napster To Go subscription services (the one where you can use music from the Napster library on your portable player providing your subscription is live). The free players will be flash devices with a 512MB capacity and with the appropriate software installed to enable the Napster To Go system.
Announcing the free player promotion, Napster CEO Chris Gorog told CMU: "By giving our new subscribers a free Napster MP3 player they can immediately begin enjoying unlimited downloads with Napster To Go and not have to worry about hardware. When music fans subscribe to Napster To Go they will never have to pay £1 per track again and can download and transfer as much music as they want to our free Napster MP3 player."
Napster UK general manager Leanne Sharman added: "We see a parallel in the UK between the mobile phone industry and the digital music business. The mobile industry is more mature than ours but it began as a pay-as-you-go business reliant on handset sales. Now it's subscription that drives the business and allows the network carriers to give away new phones. This is the model for the future of the digital music industry where content is king and MP3 players are disposable."
(This is an interesting story, though I must admit I personally got a bit sidetracked when looking at the press release about it by the small print included at the bottom which removes liability from Napster should any of the predictions they make regarding the future of the digital music sector not come true. The 'safe harbor statement' says "matters discussed in this press release, in particular matters related to the parallels between the mobile phone industry and the digital music business contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the new and rapidly evolving nature of digital music services and reliance on third party content that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Napster assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements included in this press release". Mmm, what next, artist press releases from labels with the disclaimer "when we say this new band are ground breaking and simply the most exciting new talent to have appeared in the UK in the last 20 years it's possible we're lying"?).
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EMI AND T-MOBILE ANNOUNCE AD FUNDED MOBILE VIDEO PILOT
Following announcements earlier this month from US company Spiralfrog regarding their plans to launch an ad-funded online download platform, EMI and T-Mobile yesterday announced a new partnership which will see the two companies offer access to free ad-funded music video content. Under a pilot project here in the UK, T-Mobile customers will be able to access video content from EMI artists for free, with each promo accompanied by advertising from the likes of Coca Cola Zero, Gillette, Land Rover, Microsoft Mobile, Nike and Toyota. The system is enabled by mobile advertising firm Rhythm NewMedia.
Announcing the partnership yesterday, T-Mobile EVP for Business Development & Innovation, Tony Kypreos, told reporters: "We see mobile as the key emerging platform to address many of the shortcomings of traditional media today. The increased popularity and penetration on our customer base of rich media and internet applications allows us to make advertising even more attractive to brands wishing to reach a targeted audience. We are delighted to be working with EMI and Rhythm NewMedia on this trial as great music content is of high appeal to our customers and therefore an important part of our future advertising offering."
EMI boss Tony Wadsworth added: "Consumers want to be able to enjoy music in many forms across a variety of different platforms. At EMI, we are experimenting with a number of new and exciting business models to fulfill demand while at the same time ensuring that artists are fully compensated for their work. The advertising-supported model is currently generating a lot of interest, and we think we'll learn more about what fans want from mobile music in this trial. We're pleased to be working with T-Mobile and Rhythm NewMedia on this test during such an exciting period of growth for the mobile music market."
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REM ON THE NEW ALBUM
With their early hits album out this week, REM's Mike Mills has been talking to Billboard about preparations for the band's next studio album, the follow up to 2004's 'Around The Sun'.
Mills: "We'll start rehearsals probably some time in the next month or two. I think [guitarist] Peter [Buck] and I probably both have a tonne of stuff, but we haven't sat down and played it for each other yet. I don't think in terms of directions, but I think this next record might have a little more rock to it. I like 'Around the Sun', but I think, honestly, it turned out a little slower than we intended for it to, just in terms of the overall speed of songs."
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HOPE OF THE STATES ON SPLIT
Hope Of The States frontman Sam Herlihy has been explaining his band's previously reported decision to call it a day. Well, I say he's been explaining the decision, more talking about it, because I'm not sure he explained anything really.
He told BBC 6Music: "I think in all bands, you can have friction and you can fight and we're definitely a very, very different bunch of people, we always have been. But that's one of the best things, that's why the songs sound like they do, that's why the shows are like they are. But we all believed in the band until the point that we decided well, let's stop."
However, when asked if the band might work together again, he did add: "Yeah maybe, definitely. I don't think any of us would write off any of that at all. But, as I said, I don't really know what's going on at the moment, but we've left it as friends so that's nice."
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KLAXONS NAME ALBUM
God, aren't The Klaxons buzzy just now. In fact, given the buzz, we're going to classify the fact they've announced the name of their debut album as newsworthy and tell you it will be called 'Myths Of The Near Future'.
Explaining the title (well, I say explaining, his quote is kind of lacking explanation too), the band's frontman Simon Taylor told the NME: "It's called 'Myths Of The Near Future' because that's what all the songs are about. It came before the album."
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NEW MCFLY HURRAH
Incoming McFly news everybody. The band's label confirmed yesterday that new single 'Star Girl' will be released on 23 Oct while their third album, 'Motion In The Ocean', is out on 6 Nov. Hurrah. God I hope it's good. I saw an interview where they said that with hindsight they felt their second album wasn't pop enough, which is a real shame because 'Wonderland' was one of the best pop albums in years (and you'll all be agreeing with me in ten years time, you'll see), so I'm hoping they haven't moved too radically away from that formula. Anyway, press info on all things McFly from Island for national and Purple PR for regional.
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SINGLE REVIEW: Atjazz - Put It On (Mantis Recordings)
Atjazz is the hugely underrated Martin Iveson, and here he returns to the Mantis pod for a foray into future soul. 'Put It On' is great - with disjointed broken beats and spoken soul lyrics from Ernesto, before those killer Atjazz chords sweep in and transport you in to his future world. The back of the 12 hosts a remix by one of my faves - Osunlade - who works his special magic and takes it slightly 4/4 and tribal as only the Yoruban soulmeister can. Double thumbs up for a solid piece of vinyl - and I'm glad to see Mantis back after a few management issues over the last few moons. This has been out for a while now, but is still well worth tracking down, and do watch out for future Atjazz projects - he's a huge talent. PV
Release date: 14 Aug
Press contact: Mantis IH [all]
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BROWN TO APPEAR AT ELECTRIC PROMS
The Beeb have confirmed that James Brown will appear on the line up for their previously reported Electric Proms programme. Other additions to the Electric Proms line up include Jamie T and Trinidad-born Calypso king Young Tiger. The whole thing runs from 25-29 Oct - info at http://www.bbc.co.uk/electricproms
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BATTLE TOUR
To celebrate the launch of their new EP, 'Back To Earth', the really rather good Battle are heading out on tour - dates as follows.
28 Sep: Hull, Welly (Club NME)
29 Sep: Aberdeen, Kef
30 Sep: Glasgow, King Tuts
2 Oct: Newcastle, Digital (Club NME)
3 Oct: Huddersfield, Tokyo (Club NME)
4 Oct: Leicester, Sumo (Club NME)
5 Oct: Middlesbrough, Empire (Club NME)
8 Oct: Stoke, Sugarmill
9 Oct: Birmingham, Club Academy
10 Oct: Bristol, Academy 2
12 Oct: Bournemouth, Consortium (Club NME)
13 Oct: Nottingham, Trent University
14 Oct: Southampton, Lennons
16 Oct: Northampton, Soundhaus
17 Oct: Leeds, Josephs Well
18 Oct: Cambridge, Soul Tree
19 Oct: Preston, 53 Degrees
20 Oct: Manchester, Night & Day
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EVANESCENCE DATES
Personally I find them more tedious than you could possibly imagine, but plenty of people seem to like Evanescence, so I s'pose I should tell you they will play the Hammsermith Apollo on 20 Nov and the Manchester Apollo on 21 Nov - tickets go on sale on Friday.
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CONDUCTOR SPEAKS OUT ABOUT HAND LUGGANGE PROBLEM
A leading conductor has spoken out about the previously reported problems classical music performers are experiencing as a result of the tough security rules that have been introduced since that alleged terrorist threat was revealed last month. As previously reported, musicians traveling by plane are being told they have to put their instruments in the hold because of the new hand luggage rules, but many aren't that keen to put their priceless instruments in with all the other luggage, and as a result are unable to take their instruments out of the country. Either they have to travel by land and sea, or play with other instruments, or just not play.
Conductor Mark Elder used this weekend's Last Night Of The Proms to speak out about the problem. He said: "The one aspect of the situation that really affects us here on the platform is the enormous difficulty that so many musicians are having at the moment in travelling by plane into this country and out of it. I think we would all agree that the time has come really to put an end to this unfairness. Otherwise it seems to me that next year we should all look forward to 'Concerto for Laptop and Orchestra'."
Despite reassurances from the government's Department Of Cultural Things that they are looking into the problem, the Department For Transport - who control the rules - doesn't seem that keen to budge on the issue.
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RADIO 1 REJIG
Radio 1 is having a bit of a restructure, though this is about senior management not the on air talent. The station's boss Andy Parfitt has been given the grand new title of Teen Tsar (well, that's what people are calling it, I suspect it's not the official title) which will see him dedicating some time to looking at youth programming across the Corporation. As a result two new jobs will be created which will take on some of Parfitt's programming responsibilities - one for Radio 1 and one for 1Xtra. Another new post to oversee 'editorial standards' on Radio 1 and 1Xtra will also be formed. The new posts will replace the current roles of Head Of Mainstream and Head of Specialist, Speech and 1Xtra - though it hasn't been confirmed whether the people doing those jobs, Ben Cooper and Ian Parkinson respectively, will be appointed into the new senior posts.
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CHART UPDATE
We didn't do this yesterday, but presumably you all already know that the Scissor Sisters this weekend scored their first UK number one with new single 'I Don't Feel Like Dancin'. Last week's number one from Mr Timberlake fell to two, while Robbie's new single 'Rudebox' rose to number four with its physical release sales, a better performance than many had predicted. Full on new entries this week came from Lemar 'It's Not That Easy' at 7, Kelis ft Too Short 'Bossy' at 22, Supafly Inc 'Moving Too Fast' at 23, Fergie 'London Bridge' at 25, Jamelia 'Something About You' at 28, Jealousy 'Lucy' at 30, Lorenz 'Set Me Free' at 35 and Rapture 'Get Myself Into It' at 36.
Albums wise, Kasabian and Snow Patrol swapped positions at the top (so that the latter are number one), while Beyonce scored the highest new entry with 'B'day' at 3. Other new entries were the Freddie Mercury hits package at 6, Missy Elliot 'Respect ME' at 7, Audioslave 'Revelations' at 12, Basement Jazz 'A Matter Of Life And Death' at 17 and a Bread best of at 18. Richard Hawley also re-enters at 37 with his Mercury nominated 'Coles Corner'.
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TOTAL ROCK WORLD ALBUM CHART
As counted down on Total Rock over the weekend - http://www.totalrock.com. New and re-entries marked with a *
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium (Warner Bros)
2. Slayer - Christ Illusion (Warner/American)
3. Nickelback - All The Right Reasons (Roadrunner)
4. Muse - Black Holes & Revelations (Warner Bros)
5. Lamb Of God - Sacrament (SonyBMG/Epic)*
6. Stone Sour - Come What(ever) May (Roadrunner)
7. Billy Talent - Billy Talent II (Warner/Atlantic)
8. AFI - Decemberunderground (Universal.Polydor)
9. Tom Petty - Highway Companion (Warner Bros)
10. Tool - 10,000 Days (Volcano)
11. Razorlight - Razorlight (Universal/Mercury)
12.Iron Maiden - A Matter Of Life And Death (EMI)*
13. Feeder - The Singles (Echo)
14. Rise Against - The Sufferer & The Witness (Universal/Geffen)
15. Rolling Stones - Forty Licks (EMI/Virgin)
16. Guns n Roses - Greatest Hits (Universal/Geffen)
17. Blue October - Foiled (Universal)
18. Bon Jovi - Have A Nice Day (Universal/Mercury)
19. Godsmack - IV (Republic)
20. Buckcherry - 15 (Warner/Atlantic)
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ALBUM REVIEW: Mansun - Legacy: The Best Of Mansun (EMI/Parlophone)
There is a Japanese saying that translates as "fun like a toppled toy box". It signifies chaotic, unbridled joy and creativity, and on this compilation, Mansun come across as exactly that: four talented kids stuffed full of additives and let loose in a toy store. Fans will already know this of course, though this compilation does offer value even for long-term devotees by including singles-only releases such as the still-stunning 'Closed For Business', good radio edits of songs that were interminably long to start with, and the simultaneous release of a special edition with a DVD. For the rest of us, however, this album is simply a great chance to get reacquainted with a band who, in their day, often seemed gimmicky and crass, but whose songs, I am surprised to say, still work. 'Wide Open Space' was and still is a stunning song. So too is 'Negative' and 'I Can Only Disappoint U'. This was a band who could carry off singing about the ordinary (taking an HIV test) and the sublime (holy angst) whilst looking ludicrous in yellow boiler suits and mascara. They were also intentionally hilarious. Who would have thought that 'Stripper Vicar' would still be funny after all these years? Well, it is. Tear-inducingly so. Mansun, then, a brave band, and a brilliant band, clearly possessed of talent that their early implosion left untapped. It is welcome news, then, that chief songwriter Paul Draper is working on a solo album. I just hope it's going to be as eccentric, as ridiculous, and as moving as this. SIA
Release Date: 18 Sep
Press Contact: EMI IH [all]
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HOLLAND AUCTIONS OFF PIANO
Jools Holland will auction off his much loved piano to raise money for the Drake Music Project, of which he is a patron. The musician and TV presenter has toured with the piano for over five years, and performed with the likes of Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Eric Claption, Paul Weller, Sting and Noel Gallagher while playing it. The Drake Music Project works to enable disabled children and adults who cannot play conventional instruments to discover their musical abilities.
Confirming the auction, Holland told reporters: "I would like to congratulate anybody who buys this piano. You will be contributing to The Drake Music Project. I have seen first-hand the brilliant work they do bringing music technology to disabled musicians."
The auction will take on 2 Oct.
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DOHERTY, NEEDLES, BLOOD, ALL LOVELY
Doherty news of the disturbing kind now.
First up, Laura McEvoy, the girl who was photographed being injected with drugs by Doherty, has been speaking to the Daily Mail. She confirmed that she was pretending to be unconscious in the pictures (you'll remember the fact the girl appeared to be unconscious was why the photos were initially so controversial), but added that she didn't know Doherty was going to inject her. She says: "He never told me he was going to put the syringe in my arm. I would never have agreed. When I realized what Pete had done I was horrified. I looked at him and said: `Why did you do that? I hate needles'". She said the whole experience persuaded her to stop hanging out with the singer, and to kick the drugs. She adds that she hasn't spoken to Doherty since, except when he called her offering thousands of pounds if she agreed to not talk about that evening or their relationship.
But that's not the disturbing story. Reports suggest Doherty asked officials if he could write wedding banns (presumably announcing his intent to marry Kate Moss) in his own blood. Doherty is known, of course, for his rather grim blood paintings. But council officials said he would have to use ink if he was to write such banns, so he buggered off instead. A source has told the tabloids: "It was explained to him that there are health and safety issues and council rules. Pete was told that there was a selection of pens he could choose from, but he decided not to bother. He clearly lives in a different world."
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ALL SAINTS MOVE LOCATION OVER SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
All Saints reportedly insisted the shoot for the video to their come back song 'Rock Steady' be moved from Cuba to Romania after they were told it was not going to be possible to arrange four seats next to each other in first class on the flight to Cuba. This time the source in the know told the papers: "Weeks of planning went into doing the shoot in Cuba. Producers had booked flights for all the staff, hired equipment and arranged locations. But the girls weren't able to sit in first class on the same flight. They either had to go separately or sit in economy - which was seen as completely unacceptable." It's kind of ironic given that there was a time when rumour had it that the All Saints girls wouldn't get on the same plane together, let alone want to sit next to each other.