Street Like Teen Spirit

"The pitfalls of naming places after famous people" reads this BBC article, looking at whether a bridge named after Kurt Cobain would be a good idea or not.

But there's probably lots of artists that should get street names...

Bond Street?
Jimmy Saville Road?
Victoria Beckham Embankment?
Barry Whitehall?
Maximo Park Lane?
Fleet Foxes Street?
Brian Mayfair?

On another note, "Louise Mensch: I probably took drugs with Nigel Kennedy". Probably? That's an interesting use of the word. If you don't remember you can't have been there, or however, the expression goes!

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And some delight for your Saturday, Saturday....

Sorry.


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They've got 99 problems... and the new album deal by Jay-Z is one...

"Jay Z and Kanye West album deal irks indie retailers" reads this latest news story, that details the reaction of America's independent retailers to artists Jay-Z and Kanye West who have secured a deal for iTunes and Best Buy to have exclusive selling rights of their new album for two-weeks.

This follows lots of recent examples on both sides of the pond where, here, Status Quo sold their latest album just in Tesco, Blondie their new one in a magazine, and lots of other examples where Tesco and even Starbucks are sole suppliers of an album.

It's easy to look at this article and roll your eyes that it's another nail in the coffin of independent music stores. But, like small book-sellers, we are all to blame. When was the last time you bought an album from a high-street provider like HMV, never mind a small independent store? I download all my singles and, when I do buy an album, Amazon is my shop of choice, so I can't really criticise two artists for going to the big guns to promote their albums.

In many ways Jay-Z and Kanye West are just selling their albums where they'll get the biggest exposure and you can't really blame them for that. What you could argue is that Jay-Z runs an independent record label so should appreciate the benefits of independence over big conglomerates, though his group is, of course, part of Universal so maybe not as independent as it looks.

Instead of criticising the artists for doing these deals maybe we should look to ourselves and where we buy our music from. If we value the smaller record stores, and other independent shops, then maybe we should start using them more. And then the artists and record labels will follow.


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Ah the benefits of girl power

"Kelly Rowland Loves A Late-Night Sex Shop" reveals, aside from visiting sex shops late at night, has posed topless for a cover shoot.

So it's all about the Destiny's child 'Independent Women' then...

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Winehouse, Nirvana, Williams and Morrissey: It's a smattering of news stories

It's a day where there are lots of interesting news stories happening in the world of music.

Obviously the sad death of Amy Winehouse is still dominating the news. After the BBC's interesting coverage in the wake of her passing in which they moved from speaking to the owner of her drama school, to the owner of the local cafe which she visited, to the BBC's sports correspondent who once met her on holiday, we get a whole host of new stories.

"Amy Winehouse died from the 'shock' of alcohol withdrawal, says family" is possibly too early when the toxicology reports have not yet been released, but it shows it may have been the reverse of what was suggested that may have killed her... not drinking rather than drinking that did it.

In a story that echoes those after the death of Michael Jackson "Amy Winehouse: dozen new songs may be set for release" which could either be a fitting tribute or a cobbled together set of demos as a cash-in; we will have to see.

Then there's "Mitch Winehouse gives Amy’s clothes to fans outside her house" which is a nice gesture but ones wondered how many things went to true fans and how many to the eBay crowd... 'Back to Black Market' so to speak.

And finally "Amy Winehouse Paid Tribute By Mark Ronson During Live Show
Plus, Cee Lo Green says he had been hoping to duet with Winehouse this year" (on a webpage that's 'optimised' by USA readers apparantely... you mean advertising then?).

In other news "Nirvana's Nevermind Artwork Restored On Facebook" shows a return to common sense though Facebook has distanced itself saying it wasn't them that did it. Smells Like... backpeddaling.

"Paul McCartney is headlining the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony" reads this article from the Mirror. I was going to come up with some pun songtitles but sadly the paper beat me to it. At least they didn't crack any jokes about him already having experience of a paraolympian who came top of their last contest.

The headline of "Robbie Williams admits he wants to work with Noel Gallagher" begs the question of why, though it's better than saying he'd want to write with Liam. Both have albums coming out - I'm personally looking forward to new material from Robbie - so they don't really need it.

And, finally, my least favourite musician personally has hit the headlines again. I heard a terrible Smiths songs on the radio earlier and remembered how much I hate their music. But that's personal.

"Morrissey under attack from his own fans after saying Norway murders were 'nothing' compared to McDonald's and KFC" is another classic quote from the master of misery who seems to be slowly losing touch with reality. Whatever your thoughts on meat eaters vs vegetarians are, it's as tasteless as the aforementioned take-aways. And if he really must make topical jokes, at least make them funny. Oh, and remember that, even though there are dodgy jokes going around about, for instance, Amy Winehouse, most people have the courtesy not to announce them to thousands of people on stage.

Heaven Knows He's Missing the Plot now?

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What The F***... sorry... here's 50p

Just to prove that it's not just kids that have to put some money into a pot for being potty mouthed, "Nicki Minaj fined for swearing in Jamaica".

Though, to the rich rapper, the fine does equate to only £7. It's an interesting law but one that would mean that the festivals are more family friendly, though it does seem quite prudish in this age.

The one thing I do want to know is whether she paid for cash, or did she have to 'check it out' of her chequebook?

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Microsoft Should Have Said "No, No, No" to Twitter tactic

In a news story fresh out of something that Private Eye would report on, "Microsoft apologises for Amy Winehouse message on Twitter", in which Microsoft have been slapped on the wrist for saying the best way to remember Amy Winehouse is by buying 'Back To Black' for their .mp3 player.

Maybe they should look into their tactics - and it was probably just badly phrased - but they're certainly not the first company to piggy back on news stories to sell their wares.

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Musicians responses to Winehouse death

Here's an interesting article in musicians' response to the passing of Amy Winehouse.

http://www.billboard.com/news/amy-winehouse-stars-mourn-with-songs-statements-1005291972.story#/news/amy-winehouse-stars-mourn-with-songs-statements-1005291972.story

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RIP Amy Winehouse (1983 - 2011)

The sad news of yesterday was the death of Amy Winehouse, of unknown causes but likely to be connected to her long-standing struggle with drinks and drugs.

Her death has shown how even talented individuals can become victims to things that affect everyone from the everyday man in the street to the rich and famous, and her death is a tragedy in that she wasn't able to tackle her condition.

There are lots of issues that have come up from her death. Firstly how much of a talented individual she was, which is difficult to disagree with, though her turbulent personal life meant she didn't have the output or success she really should have, and much has been made of her poor live appearances.

Then there have been the connections to other news stories in the press. The deaths in Norway have been shocking and, yes, involved the deaths of people that had no control over the situation whereas Amy brought the problems on herself. However, that's a simplistic way of looking at it and though, yes, she did bring it upon herself if the death is related to drug abuse, it's a serious condition and not something that people could just give up like *that*.

There is tragedy happening all over the world now and, yes, her death has at times overshadowed other events but that's the nature of breaking news. All over the world people are dying in terrorist attacks, acts of nature and in famines etc, but is that a reason to dismiss any other deaths and tragedies? It's not really for me to say, but different people tag onto different stories. If we all worried about every tragedy that befell every individual or community then we would never be done.

It needs to be rememebered that this is only one of many, many deaths that happen each day but that fact shouldn't be used as a stick to bash people over Facebook and Twitter who comment on her sad passing.

But that's enough waffle on the rights and wrongs. Here's three of her hits to remember her by. The one thing I would hope for with her death is that young people will learn from her problems and realise drugs are not something to mess with.

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Steps are coming back!

"The last band of the 90s yet to reunite, reunite" reads this article from 3am, though unfortunately just for a television show and new greatest hits album.

Here's hoping they do release some material. With Aqua back with a third album in September and Take That riding high in the charts it'll be like we've gone back fifteen years!

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David Hasselhoff stars in risqué viral advert for Air New Zealand

"David Hasselhoff stars in risqué viral advert for Air New Zealand"

Well at least it's not an encore of 'Jump In My Car'. Oh, wait, that was risky...

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REVIEW: Electric Six - Heartbeats and Brainwaves (So Far)

So... we have five tracks online of the new Electric Six album... so what are my thoughts so far?

Opener 'Psychic Visions' is really more like psychadelic visions. Sounding like their take on 'Underwear' by the Magnetic Fields of their '69 Love Sounds' album. Ethereal sounding but undeniably Electric Six, it's not as a powerful opening as, say, 'It's Showtime!' or 'After Hours' but it's certainly no bad one.

'Gridlock!' is the poppiest of the songs on show and the second most catchy of the set. Not quite sure about the 'joker poker' sections but the verses certainly drive along well.

'It Gets Hot', though starting off like how 'Body Shot' from album 'Kill' ended, turns itself into a pastiche of RnB songs that actually works on its own. Featuring a short rap section (yes, a short rap section), it's a very interesting production and a chorus that mixes up Dick's vocals, a female call-and-response and some great mash-ups of distorted vocals. A great, diverse tune.

The best of the five songs, though, has to be the rocky and synth-y 'Hello! I See You'. Though the most traditional E6 song it is also the most catchy and the chorus, with its simplicity, will soon stick in your head. Think a modern 'Dance Pattern'.

'Heartwaves and Brainwaves', the title track, is possibly the most different though no less brilliant. The mix of drum machines and more techno stylings work well with the vocals, and the change of pace between verse and chorus works, and better than, say, 'Dirty Looks'. And when it comes to an end you still have a two-minute almost-instrumental to enjoy. A different closer to usual but no less effective as an album closer.

Overall I'm positive about the tracks. It's a departure from their usual material, but then so has every album so it's getting more difficult to know what their 'usual' is. I look forward to hearing the other nine tracks.

[8/10]

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Five New Tracks From Electric Six Revealed!

You can now log onto http://www.reverbnation.com/electric6 to hear five brand new tracks from Electric Six.

For those of you who don't know E6 are my favourite band hence the post.

I would recommend 'Gridlock!', the tongue in cheek RnB song 'It Get's Hot' and the pop music catchy 'Hello! I See You!'

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Mercury Prize 2011: The Nominees

The Nominees for this year's Mercury Prize have been announced, and they are as follows:

Adele – 21
Anna Calvi – Anna Calvi
Elbow – Build a Rocket Boys!
Everything Everything – Man Alive
Ghostpoet – Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam
Gwilym Simcock – Good Days at Schloss Elmau
James Blake – James Blake
Katy B – On a Mission
King Creosote & Jon Hopkins – Diamond Mine
Metronomy – The English Riviera
PJ Harvey – Let England Shake
Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy

Over the next few days I'll be taking a look at some of these artists and what I think, but I'm going to today discuss who I think should win.

To me it's down to two contenders. I'm not bothered about artistic achievement as I have to confess that I've only heard of about half the artists.

I feel that it should go to one of two people. Firstly Adele, who has done marvelously well with her second album '21' which is both an excellent record and done well commercially. I'd also like to see her win to see her sales increase and to see her do another rant about paying tax, but that's just me.

'Rolling In The Deep' is one of the songs of the year, if not the decade, and sits well in the album.

Secondly it would be Mr. Tempah who released a diverse and catchy album in 'Disc-Overy' with lots of very strong tracks that are immediately familiar to everyone. 'Pass Out', 'Frisky', 'Wonderman' and 'Miami 2 Ibiza' were four of the best singles but there are some corkers on the album not released as singles.

Of course I highly doubt it'll be one of them. So I'll predict Ghostpoet – Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam.

It's the weirdest act and album name.

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Black is Back

Yes! The day you have been finally waiting for is here... Rebecca Black is back with her new single 'My Moment'. Having split with her vanity record label Ark Music she has arrived with this effort.

Though it certainly lacks the catchiness of debut hit 'Friday' a lot of the same characteristics are present with autotune making a return as well as some of the weird repeating words - my...my...my... (but not followed by any MC Hammer, thankfully).

In doing this song she is hitting back at the many, many critics of her previous song but in doing so has come up with a song that sounds as cheesy and ballady as one of the X-Factor entrants tracks. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised the X-Factor 2011 winner doing a Biffy Clyro but picking this song instead.

'My Moment' isn't that bad a track. It's actually - gasp - quite catchy but it is, at the end of the day, as cheesy as the behind the scenes video that accompanies it with Black showing that she's fighting back against the critics with moves that would not be out of place in a teenage girl movie. But what else were you expecting?

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Take That Take Out Takes Hold

"Take That resume tour following cancelled show" reads this article, revealing that a date from the boy band's your had to be cancelled about Robbie became violently ill after eating something dodgy. More upsettingly for the band it's the first ever gig they've had to cancel.

I just hope Robbie is making good progress and he doesn't have to call for an SOS.

In other news "Beyonce records message for Atlantis space shuttle". In space no one can hear you scream [all the lyrics of your songs].

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Five Four-Minute Music Reviews

Head over to http://www.philip-lickley.co.uk/wp/?page_id=25 to hear some audio versions of some recent album versions. Feedback appreciated!

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Today's Verdict: Has Leona Lewis plagerised her new song?

"New single Collide accused of plagiarism" reads this article on STV Entertainment.

According to the piece her new single 'Collide' produced by Sandy "all my songs must have the word 'Girl' in them" Vee, sounds like the new Ministry of Sound track 'Penguin' by Avicii.

Already this last month we've seen Cher Lloyd taking Gwen Stefani's 'Hollaback Girl' and adding 'My Darling Clementine' to it (see my previous post) and in the past year even Coldplay have been accussed of stealing tunes for 'Viva La Vida' (unfairly in my opinion in this case). So, is there any truth in this accusation that she's copied 'Penguin' - begging the questions, is it a flap over nothing or will she be getting a large bill...

... Sorry for the penguin jokes... if you can call them jokes!

Leona Lewis - Collide



[On a separate note it's a weird song for her to sing and I'm not entirely sure it's that good, but I digress!]

Avicii - Penguin



Well in my opinion they do sound very similar and I think there well may be a case, though whether it's intentional is another question entirely as it could be coincidence. Again, though, the riff is a very simple one and it wouldn't surprise me if something else appears soon that sounds similar.

Yes, they are very close - whether it's intentional or plagiarised, not sure...

But, whatever, that Penguin track is annoying... talk about the same thing over... and over... again...

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REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

And finally, we are here, the final film of the Harry Potter series. Ten years after the first one, we have followed Harry Potter from being the boy who lived, to THE BOY WHO IS SO ANGRY HE SPEAKS IN CAPITAL LETTERS (at least in the books), to the boy who has to defeat he-who-shall-not-be-named, presumably because Voldermort has had a superinjunction taking out to stop everyone knowing about his dodgy nose job.

Following the excellent part one, which stands up with films three and five as the best in the set of eight, Deathly Hallows part 2 starts much slower and a bit tediously. I would have liked a quick re-cap at the start but it's straight into goblins and swords and wands and beaches, but it's not long before the story kicks in with a witty performance by Helen Bonham-Carter as she pretends to be Hermione pretending to be her character. Yes. It's easier to follow than you think.

It's then onto Gringott's bank for a thrilling break-in and break-out, before returning finally to a dismally lit Hogwarts for the battle against Voldermort that takes up the rest of the film.

DH2 - as I'll call it from now on for ease, don't think it's some sort of form for applying for job seekers allowance - is a super adaptation of the second half of the book. From the scenes inside the wizarding bank to the battle of Hogwarts, the action scenes and CGI are flawless throughout but it's the emotional impact of the film that will stand the test of time. Whether it's the kiss between Hermione and Ron, the beautifully shot and edited memories of Snape, to the thought of characters we've been with for fifteen years appearing on screen for the last time, you'll be one of only a few if you're not wiping tears away from under your 3D specs a couple of times throughout the film.

DH2 has been adapted from the book very well. With much of the exposition and slower scenes dispensed with in part one, it's down to a lot of action in this one. The only issue I have with the film - as I had with the book four years ago - is that the 19-years-later epilogue tagged onto the end is not enough explanation of what happened to a lot of the characters. Either let's see everyone and where they are or leave it open ended.

Where the epilogue does work, though, is the make-up and clothing that really works in making the characters look nineteen years older.

Though not as good as part one - mainly thanks to the humour of the Polyjuice scene and the beauty of the story animation near the close in the first part - you couldn't ask for much of a better send off for the film series as you get with DH2. It's a touching film that ties everything up neatly and delivers a pleasant mix of action, CGI, drama and emotive backstory that means the two hours speeds by, even if the bolted on 3D is not as impressive as it could be, though seeing it in IMAX as I did certainly adds to the power.

8/10

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Love Don't Cost a Thing (But This Divorce Might)

"Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony to divorce" reads this BBC article. If she now goes down the P!nk road and creates an album based on this event, what songs could we get?

If You Had My Love (Part 2)?
Play(ing Around)?
I'm Real(ly going to go on plentyoffish.com)
Baby I Love U! (But not any more)
(This divorce means you'll get) All I Have
Hold It, Don't Drop It (as it'll be part of the settlement)

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Tempers Bubbly Over As We See Bucks Fizz vs Bucks Fizz

I do hate repeats. After the legal battle of Boney M vs Boney M, where the original members were split over who could perform under the name after the now deceased male singer Bobby Farrell toured under their name, further compounded by the fact he never sang on their records, we get another one, with three members of Bucks Fizz going against the other member of who can tour under that name.

Dismissing the fact whether they should reunite at all (for every 'Take That' there's a 'Boyzone', though 'Duran Duran' and 'Blondie', in particular, have done well, though in the latter case though the albums are great their live credentials are, cough, questionable) you do wonder how these petty disputes come about but it is a legal minefield. You have one original member already having trademarked the name but performing with three newc members, verses three original members coming later to the game wanting the name.

Obviously Robert Gubby should have the copyright as he secured it first but as a punter I'd want to see the three - arguably more famous - members and would be cheated to have seen the three new singers recently recruited.

It'll be interesting to see where it goes from here and what happens when they've finished 'making their mind up'.

Sorry...

[Oh, and in other news, "Lady Gaga's YouTube restored after copyright issues"]

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YouTube Stops Going GaGa

"YouTube blocks Lady Gaga channel" reads this article from the BBC. Apparantely you can no longer view videos by Lady GaGa on her official channel due to a dispute with a Japanese media company. Got to love how an official channel can be brought down.

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Pulp Non-Fiction

"Pulp's Jarvis Cocker to receive honorary degree" reveals this BBC article. So what would his band say about such a thing?

Degree 2011?
Educated People?

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F**k Me It's Robbie Williams

"Robbie Williams: 'F***' was one of the first words I learnt" reads this article on the Mirror website. Is anyone surprised? Don't forget his big hits...

S**t of the Border
F**k DJ
Bloody Man
Crap Undone
F****d Up

It's down to his Rudebox you know... it's a Shame...

OK, I'll stop now...

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REVIEW: Kaiser Chiefs - The Future Is Medieval

So... having released twenty tracks online as part of an interesting experiment (see "The Kaisers are Back") where punters can construct their own ten-track album, the Kaisers have released 'The Future Is Medieval' as a traditional CD release. And, though the album is worth the purchase if you didn't take up their online offer, they have created a rod for their own back in doing so.

Because, like me, you'll be left scratching your head going 'this wouldn't have been the album I'd have created' before getting into all sorts of arguments of personal taste. To me, the absense of 'Problem Solved' and 'Can't Mind My Own Business' is a travesty as they are two of the best songs from the twenty-strong pool, especially when songs such as 'Long Way From Celebrating', 'Things Change' and 'When All Is Quiet' have been included.

The opening track and single 'Little Shocks' is fresh - but equally classic - Kaiser Chiefs and, though I could get into arguments about starting with the single, deserves its place even with its single status. 'Things Change' and 'Long Way From Celebrating' are questionable inclusions this early on, though 'Starts With Nothing' and the excellent 'Out of Focus', make up for it, though it's followed by the borderline 'Dead Or In Serious Trouble' and 'When All Is Quiet'.

Next single and track not available from the download pool 'Kinda Girl You Are' is a catchy, rip-roaring track and definitely deserves to be here, though it brings with it more questions of why this wasn't available in the custom collection. Because it's single material? Am I being cynical? Especially when I've now given the Leodensians almost £25 of my hard earned money to download all twenty tracks and buy the physical album?

The album continuing with 'Man on Mars' and 'Child of the Jago' is no problem with me (if you think I'm rushing through tracks, follow that link from earlier, as I reviewed most of them then) and the highlight of the album is after in 'Heard It Break', closely followed by the emotive 'Coming Up For Air'.

I can understand why the band chose to end on 'If You Will Have Me', a song about the death of one of the members' father, sung by that member, and the lyrics are certainly touching, but he doesn't have the voice to pull the track off sadly. Then, the albums tapers off with a massive gap of six minutes or so before an instrumental conclusion.

As a stand alone album, 'The Future Is Medieval' is good, maybe not up to the three predecessors but certainly a good mix of fresh styles and experimentation. Unfortunately, with the knowledge of tracks missed off it's difficult to not wish for something more. Even with the inclusion of a great extra track (and, of course, a questionable instrumental) I can't help feeling that the band should have had the courage of the convinctions and stuck with the online model. But, like Radiohead before them who did a traditional release of their 'pay anything' album 'In Rainbows', they couldn't resist going down the traditional route to the detriment of those who bought the album online and could create it as they wanted to hear it.

A good album but pales in the shadow of an interesting online concept that, in the end, turns out to have just been a publicity stunt. An album that's great, full of quality tunes, but could have been so much better.

At least according to my tastes that is.

[5/10]

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REVIEW: Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Make A Scene

I have a confession to make. Though 'Murder On The Dancefloor' is one of my all-time favourite tracks and I enjoy her voice and songs, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has always remained only on my periphery as an artist. So, when she released an album this year of her big club hits of the past couple of years along with newer material I thought I'd make a dive into it.

'Make A Scene' is what you'd expect from hearing her recent direction in club tunes and it's difficult to shake the feeling through the record that it's a one-topic album of danceable club tunes on romantic encounters. They say that 99% of songs are about love and it's certainly true for this album, which wears its love, relationships and romantic liasons on its sleeve.

If you were expecting a varied album of styles then you'll be disappointed in what you find here over its fifty minute running time, but if you're after a series of club-friendly dance tunes then there is much to enjoy and, even though I'm not a big dance fan myself, thoroughly enjoy the album.

The early part of the album is built around the established singles but isn't totally dominated by them. Opener 'Revolution' and third track 'Off and On' are equal matches for 'Bittersweet' and 'Heartbreak' that match up with them. In fact you'd find it difficult to open the album with a better track than 'Revolution' and it even manages to name-check her biggest hit. 'Bittersweet' is as excellent as you remember it and matches the catchiness of 'Heartbreak' whether you're in the club or just listening to the radio. Though 'Off and On' is the weaker of the quartet it is still a great listen.

'Not Giving Up On Love' sees the pace drop slightly but the chorus is classic 90s dance. 'Can't Fight This Feeling' might sound like the sister of 'Heartbreak', and there is an element throughout the album of tracks sounding not a million miles from each other, but 'Starlight' and, in particular, 'Under Your Touch' continue the quality of the album, with the latter oozing the sexiness portrayed by the black and white photography of the album cover.

'Make A Scene' and 'Magic' break up the similarity of the album, though I'm not so keen on the formers off-beat, er, beat at the start, but the rest of the track proves to be better, with 'Magic' up to the level expected. It's a shame that the title track is the weakest on the long-player.

'Dial My Number' fits in nicely with the mould formed by the album with 'Homewrecker' kicking it up again, but it's the concluding double-punch ending of the almost ballad-esque 'Synchronized', with its touching lyrics, and the emotive 'Cut Straight To The Heart' that rounds up the album nicely.

In many ways 'Make A Scene' is a one-trick pony or romantic club tunes but it's a good pony, one enthused with romance, love and lust, and has its definitive highlights found at both ends of the album and in the middle, just sagging a bit in its run up to the central point.

Even for a listener like me who doesn't particular like massive dance-floor filling tunes it's a great album to listen to, and Sophie's vocals and lyrical delivery over a range of clubby tunes from a variety of producers is top notch and well worth a listen, with several stand out tracks worthy of singles.

[7/10]

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REVIEW: The Feeling - Together We Were Made

Though this may be the third album by the Feeling, this is the first I've actually heard by them, a purchase inspired by their recent on TV promotion of their new single which at least goes to prove that advertising works. Though familiar with a lot of their previous singles - of which I think 'I Love It When You Call' is probably my favourite - what do I think of this album?

Well it's certainly brought to you by the words 'Foot-tapping'. Opening track and single "Set My World On Fire" , apart from continuing the increasing popularity of putting first singles right at the start, is a perfect slice of summer-y pop music, and is very pleasant to listen to and a great way to start the album.

Moving onto the Roisin "Moloko" Murphy including second track, 'Dance For The Lights' is much clubbier for the band and though their guest artist doesn't have a massive amount to do, this is the first of many foot-tappers on the album and a refreshing change from the band's usual sentimental ballads.

'Another Soldier' should well be the band's third single with a progressive chorus and some exciting production effects. But it's 'Leave Me Out Of It' that follows that steals the album. Featuring the - lets face it - gorgeous and talented Sophie Ellis-Bextor on backing vocals - the comparison between her vocals and that of lead singer Dan Sells is marvellous and both singers pull the song off, Sophie's key change near the end the highlight of a great overall track that is enthused with so much emotion both from the lyrics and their delivery. If this track doesn't do well upon its release as a single in August then there is no justice in the world.

Moving on and 'Build A Home' and 'Searched Every Corner' mix up their traditional pop / rock with more dancefloor roots and the lyrics come to life with some very interesting production effects.

'A Hundred Sinners (Come and Get It)' is another album highlight that mixes the jaunty jogging beat of something like Take That's 'Shine' with the lyrics of the Beatles, a definite singable track. 'Mr. Grin', a nice enough track, leads into the slower 'Say No' which allows for a nice break in what has been a more uptempo album, and allows the songwriting to shine.

'Back Where I Came From' continues the slow feel before 'Another Life' kicks the beat back up with some smooth drumming powering into the chorus. 'Love and Care' is also a nice enough track even if nothing amazing, before the advertised closing track 'Undeniable' ties the album nicely, but not before a secret live track makes its way into your ears, and a nice edition.

Though the album does lose its momentum as it nears its end - though the concluding tracks can't be called bad - the first tracks certainly cerment this as a great album into their discography and, with the inclusion of the frankly magnificent 'Leave Me Out Of It' means this will be remaining in my record collection.

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REVIEW: 'Weird Al' Yankovic - Alpocalypse

The master of the parody returns with his thirteenth album of spoofs and sound-a-like-songs, packaged up in a great little package with a great front cover of Al as one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse and a DVD of videos of ten of the twelve songs (what, not the 'Perform This Way' video?). So how does it stand in following his previous album, amazingly five years old now, and spawner of perhaps his best 'modern' pastiche tune 'White and Nerdy'?

'Alpocalypse' opens with 'Perform This Way', a spot on homage of the woman of crazy dresses, Lady GaGa, and couldn't sum her rise to fame any better whilst also matching the song. A spot-on musical sound-a-like of the White Stripes follows, even if the lyrics would have been better connected to Internet meme celebrity Chuck Norris, especially when the real-life CNR is actually no longer with us. 'TMZ', an adaptation of the Taylor Swift song, again mixes up the familiarity of the original song with witty looks at modern life, a theme the album keeps returning back to with songs on internet buying, ringtones and junk mail.

'Skipper Dan' is a pleasant enough song even if Weezer is not a band easy to impersonate without having to put the words 'style parody of Weezer' after it to point it out. The song lyrics are quite touching but without the animated video to go with it is sort of washes over you.

His latest polka - a collection of recent songs put to a polka beat - is as inspired as always even if a couple of the tracks have been dragged out of the archive for inclusion (Kid Cudi being a prime example). 'Craigslist', though screaming 'The Door's through its clever production, is the weakest track on the album and the one I'm most likely to skip on future listens.

'Party In The CIA', taking Miley Cyrus' biggest hit and turning into an ode to America's secret service, is possibly his best written tune on the album and 'Ringtone', aside from being funny in itself, sounds like Freddie Mercury could have come back from the dead just to parody his own band.

'Another Tattoo' is another parody that fits in well with the song but isn't one of his best, and 'If That Isn't Love' and 'Whatever You Like' come and go happily but not really blowing anybody away. The album does, though, end on a high with the Jim Steinman parodying 'Stop Forwarding That Crap To Me' which sounds like Meat Loaf could be putting it on his Bat Out Of Hell 4 album whenever he puts that together. The lyrics are cracking too.

Though 'Perform this Way' is the closest the album gets to the genius of 'White and Nerdy', it's still an album worth picking up if you've loved his previous material, and there are many more familiar tracks to a British audience (hands up who'd actually heard 'Ridin'' before 'White and Nerdy' came out? No one. Thoughts so).

There's about three so-so-tunes on the album which is a good hit rate for a comedy album so go and grab a copy before the end of the world comes.

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REVIEW: The Lancashire Hotpots - Achtung Gravy

Having been a fan of the Hotpots for several years now it would be natural for me to pick up their third(not including the Christmas CD - which I've still not picked up - and the excellent EP-cum-album 'Criminal Record') album, the U2-album-cover-and-title inspired 'Achtung Gravy'. So does it stand up to their previous albums that included such hilarious spoofs as 'Chippy Tea', 'He's Turned Emo' and 'Chav'? Well the answer is yes and no.

The album contains some fantastic flashes of genius by the band. 'OCD' and 'Three Rings' are two great examples of songs that take the everyday - in this case compulsive behaviour and giving three rings to make sure you're back safe - and make them funny through slightly exaggerating reality. Sort of a musical Peter Kay sketch but funnier and much wittier. These two, plus the Monty Python-inspired 'Has Anyone Seen My Dongle?', stand up with their great tracks of the past, 'Dongle' being the 'Me PSP' of this release.

It's just a shame there are a few duds on the album, something that there hasn't really been on a Hotpots album yet. I sort of get the joke on 'Hip Meddow' but it doesn't really work, and 'Cottaging' tries too hard to be 'Carry On' rude but doesn't pull it off (ooh, er). 'Shopping SOS' that follows is also a bit too similar to previous songs to really stand on its own feet.

However, aside from this early sagging of songs, most of the rest of the album is a Northern tour de farce. Opener 'Mek Us A Brew' is a good start and more of a message to be chanted, whilst single 'You Could Get Hit By A Bus Tomorrow', though no 'He's Turned Emo' with some forced lines (I'm looking at you "run a red light" bit) it's a great composition.

It's as the album hits the middle, though, that it really justifies its purchase. After the aforementioned songs on hand washing and USB dongles we get their version of 'Michael Row The Boat Ashore' but about drinking, and 'Duvet Day' about pulling sickies. Then it's a great run to the end of the almost forty minutes with 'Cash In Hand', about paying contractors, 'Face Like Thunder', about upsetting *the wife*, 'Lucy Meacock', about the eponymous Granada presenter, and the best song on the album 'Three Rings'.

Overall it's an album worth buying if you've enjoyed the Hotpots previous albums though it's the weakest of the three. I think they would have been better off chopping it down by a few tracks like they did with 'Criminal Record', which is still their most consistent release.

Though for sheer laughs, any album that can get away with songs about the most boring of things such as USB sticks, phoning home and making cups of teas and make them funny and great to listen to is worth a punt.

Anyone with a love of funny songs will find a few things to enjoy here, but perhaps should pick up their first two albums and 'Criminal Record' first.

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Whern You Have A Song Stuck In Your Head...

... it's either this...



... or perhaps changing the lyrics to Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start The Fire' with a list of celebrities the paper hacked then the chorus:

We might have hacked your voicemail
And we have always been doing it and telling the tale...

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British singers prove successful on global stage

"UK singers account for 12pc of global music market" says this article on the Daily Telegraph, with singers such as Adele and Jessie J doing well in America and bucking the trend of big artists over here struggling on the other side of the pond.

This is definitely good news for British artists - and, especially, female artists - though I always found it a shame that acts like Robbie Williams weren't successful in America. That said, a considerable number of American acts are much more successful over here than in their home country if you look at 'The Killers' or 'Scissor Sisters'.

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Voice Problems? Here is our solution!

It's time for a mash-up this morning I think, as Duran Duran lead singer is taken ill and concerts cancelled due to their voice while Adele has been given the all-clear to sing again. So, maybe they should swap to make sure all concert dates are filled.

Expect the following hits to make an appearance:

Someone Like The Wolf
Chasing Girls on Film
Rio in the Deep
Set Fire To The Reflex
Make You Save A Prayer

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How Can You Censor Twitter?

"BBC acts to stop Twitter leaks by stars and writers" says this article on the Guardian today, revealing the BBC is wanting to stop its talent revealing things on social networks, triggered by several examples including Sophie Ellis-Bextor revealing Sting's involvement in a Ricky Gervais show.

Whereas I can understand their annoyance in secrets and plot spoilers being revealed this way and that they can, to some extent, ask people to remain schtum, but is it possible to really censor now what people put on the internet?

If the British court system and superinjunctions can't stop thousands of people tweeting about Ryan Giggs how can the Beeb stop actors and singers blabbing on Facebook and Twitter?

And, of course, once it's online it's online and there's no going back. And, let's not forget, all publicity is good publicity.

Plus it's a warning that Sting is going to appear on TV rather than making music so thanks for the heads up!

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Why has Cher Lloyd stolen a song from Huckleberry Hound?

Several of my friends have been going on about this new track from the X-Factor singer and how it is questionable, so thought I'd check it out.

Now who remembers Huckleberry Hound? You know, the blue cartoon dog off kids TV from yonks ago? Well remember he sang a song called 'Oh My Darlin', Clementine'?

If you don't hear the Connie Francis version here.

OK... got that tune?

Well that's where the chorus is clearly nicked from so that's why that bit sounds interesting.

Mixed in with this slower chorus is the repeated request to 'get on the floor'. OK... only if you insist! The beat is certainly good and her delivery full of attitude but the music ends up sounding like a very angry wasp trapped in a glass that is only given a break when she's pretending to be a Hannah Barbera cartoon.

It's certainly not as bad as I thought it was going to be but, in the tradition of several songs recently, it sounds like two songs shoehorned together. In this case 'Oh My Darlin' Clementine' mashed up with a clubby version of Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl with the aforementioned irritated insect.

It's a pleasant nod to various songs; maybe she should try writing something original next time?

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Top 25 Worst Album Covers

Head over to http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/117/1172463p1.html for a cracking look at some truly horrible album covers!

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New version of Madness - Baggy Trousers

I wouldn't normally show adverts on here but here's an interest take on 'Baggy Trousers' by Madness for a new beer advert.



You can download the full version on iTunes and Amazon.

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Another Disappointing Headline From Mr Tempah

"Tinie Tempah goes after Prince" says the Daily Mirror. There was me hoping he would be doing a duet with Prince William but it is, in fact, the Prince as in the Artist Formally Known As.

But a duet with a member of the Royal Family surely must have legs? Hip-hop royalty meets actual royalty?

Pass Out (The Fine Silver, the President Is Coming For Dinner)
Frisky (10-1 at Ascot)
Written In The Sun (Articles about Fergie)
Buckingham 2 Balmoral (Featuring the Scottish Coldstream Guards)

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The end of HMV?

Over on This Is Money ("Troubled music chain HMV's profits slump on death of the CD") we see HMV in difficulty with CD sales slumping in the wake of music downloads and how they are adjusting to selling more music hardware than CDs.

HMV has probably been in a difficult position for a long time. Even on the high street it was much more expensive than its main rival Virgin Megastore / Zavvi. But now, with Amazon, Play and many others offering such cheap deals and convenient and free delivery on CDs they appear to be fighting a losing battle. Even music technology can be cheaper online so it waits to be seen whether their planned shift will work either.

People complain about the internet destroying businesses. But they still use them so the public is to blame as well.

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Phil's Top 40 of 2011 (So Far)

As we come to the end of the first day of July and enter the second half of the year, it's time to look back over the last six months of the year and see what I think the top 40 tracks have been.

As always my thoughts on songs can change so this might fluctuate in the final forty, but I would love to hear your thoughts on my choices!

40 Sara Bareilles - Uncharted
A piano-led ballad with a singable hummable chorus. Another great single from this up-and-coming artist.
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39 Tiesto vs Diplo feat Busta Rhymes - C'mon (Catch 'Em By Surprise)
A complete change of tone to this bouncing dancefloor thriller that will get you moving, even if does have about seven hooks within its lyrics.
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38 The Feeling - Set My World On Fire
It might sound like every other The Feeling song ever but it's a pleasant addition to their discography and is very summer=y.
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37 Patrick Wolf - The City
Musical newbie this mixes up some interesting production that roots in your head with a catchy chorus.
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36 Avril Lavigne-What The Hell
The feisty Canadian returned with this ode to 'Girlfriend' that is just as catchy with its hooks.
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35 Manic Street Preachers - Postcards From A Young Man
From their album of the same name this is one of the strongest of their most recent tunes. Classic.
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34 Jedward - Lipstick (Radio Edit)
Possibly the first "controversial" inclusion on the list, it might be unbelievably cheesy and, of course, a Eurovision track, but it's great with it.
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33 Britney Spears - Till The World Ends (Radio Edit)
Not a very big single but as slick as her big releases and difficult to ignore the 'oh-oh-oh' bits. A grower.
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32 Cee Lo Green feat. Wiz Khalifa - Bright Lights Bigger City
Not a patch on 'Forget You' or its, eh-um, uncensored brother, but still another great slice of tunage for Mr Green.
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31 Snoop Dogg - Sweat (David Guetta Remix)
A jazzed-up and far better version of the 2010 song 'Wet' (censored to 'Sweat') makes you wonder what song David Guetta couldn't turn his hand to.
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30 Sara Bareilles - King Of Anything
Her second appearance and probably her best single to date with some great attitude. Easily singable.
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29 Alice Gold - Runaway Love
Speedy, and great, lyrics over a top beat make this a strong track from this year.
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28 Jessie J - Nobody's Perfect
The third single from Jessie and, though maybe not as catchy as her previous two, the emotive lyrics make it stand out. It's better than 'Price Tag', thankfully.
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27 Noah and the Whale - Tonight's The Kind Of Night
The second single from their latest album and extremely well put together and shows they are here to stay.
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26 Britney Spears- Hold It Against Me
The video shows her destroying her previous images but it certainly fits in with her poppier roots but keeping the attitude from her more recent releases.
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25 Rebecca Black - Friday
It might be the most derided video around and developing its own legend but strip away all the tabloid inches and its quite a good pop song. Why else would everyone be talking about it?
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24 Tinie Tempah - Wonderman (Featuring Ellie Goulding)
At the tail end of his album releases, this is actually one of the strongest and most diverse song on his album. I don't usually enjoy the voice of Ellie Goulding but she mixes in nicely with Tinie on this song.
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23 The Baseballs - Hello
A rock-a-billy pastiche from the German singers, this is up with their usual brand of adaptations.
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22 Claire Maguire - The Last Dance
A powerfully sung song that is all well produced and delivered. A great, hairbrush chorus.
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21 The Wombats - Techno Fan
The fourth single from their album but one of the strongest. A classic slice of indie.
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20 Clare Maguire - The Shield And The Sword
Another great track from the powerful female singer. Just a slight bit better than 'The Last Dance' at 22.
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19 REM - Discoverer
REM returned with a new album this year and this lead single is a stormer. Classic REM but with a 2011 twist.
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18 Lady Gaga - Judas
It's a bit like someone asked her to record a song that is stereotypically her, but it's as catchy as her bit hits even if not quite up to the hot singles from her first album.
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17 Nerina Pallot - Put Your Hands Up
Her previous album was fantastic and, though this doesn't quite hit those heights, it's still a marvellous, laid-back, song but with a kicking chorus.
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16 Nicole Scherzinger - Dont Hold Your Breath
Doing well after leaving the Pussycat Dolls, this is the best of her singles so far, great for the radio and the club.
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15 Take That - The Day The Work Is Done
Not yet a single, taken from their special expanded EP 'Progressed', this is the highlight of the extra eight tracks. Great lyrics and interesting production effects.
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14 Katy Perry - E.T. (Featuring Kanye West)
Refreshingly different from her previous songs, plus an appearance by Kanye, the chorus is up there with her best and the mixture of styles work well.
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13 Dr Dre feat Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor
To call it a Dr. Dre single is an injustice to Eminem who does most of the vocal work here. Mixed in with the beautiful vocals of Skylar Grey it's a throwback to Eminem's classic work.
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12 The Black Eyed Peas - Just Cant Get Enough
Though it goes off on one two-thirds in, the magic of the touching chorus and less forced production work from Will.I.Am has already worked.
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11 The Wombats - Jump Into The Fog
A great keyboard riff, lyrics and chorus all combine to make this a brilliant single from the Liverpudlian band.
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10 REM - Überlin
The best track from REM's latest album 'Collapse Into Now' it's difficult to pin-point what is so great about it. It just is.
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09 Weird Al Yankovic - Perform This Way
The master of the parody returns with this look at Lady GaGa's fame. Quality song and even better video.
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08 The Feeling feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Leave Me Out Of It
Presumably an upcoming single, the most touching and emotional song of the year so far. Should do big things, I hope!
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07 Noah and The Whale-L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.
History's most DJ-unfriendly title, it's a cracking tune none the less.
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06 Lady GaGa - Born This Way
We've had the parody now for the original. As catchy as the big hits from the first album it's up there with her best. Even if the video is shockingly bad. Oh, and it'll now be difficult not to sing 'Weird Al's' lyrics to it.
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05 The Wombats - Anti-D
A much more downbeat track than their usual stuff but once it's in your head it'll be stuck there. Great orchestral work too.
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04 LMFAO feat I.Q. Lauren Bennett & Goon Rock - Party Rock Anthem
Putting the phrase 'Everyday I'm Shuffling' firmly into pop culture, it's a great club track that will be played for months to come.
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03 Blondie - Mother
The brand new single from Blondie belies their age as a band. One of the best songs you'll hear all year from any band, especially one with such a career to live up to.
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02 Take That - Love Love
The lead single from their 'Progressed' EP, the bombastic backing and determined vocals make this the boy band track to beat.
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01 Rihanna - S&M
It's difficult to believe it was only released in 2011 as it seems to have been around for ever (though it was mid-January). Great lyrics, production and catchiness, it still stands up even if its controversial side was removed.
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