Want to know who you should be listening to in 2012? Then you could do worse than lend an ear to MTV’s Brand New for 2012 acts and events. This week they announced the final 2012 nominee and for the first time ever it’s an unsigned artist. Norwich-born urbaner Context will go head to head with the other nine shortlisted artists – Lana Del Rey, Michael Kiwanuka, Angel, Clement Marfo and the Frontline, Conor Maynard, Delilah, King Charles, Lianne La Havas and Charli XCX. Who will win? Well you can vote for your favourite now, with the overall title being announced on February 1st…
I think he might be a bit excited about his new daughter, Blue Ivy. In the song, Jay-Z reveals that Beyonce suffered a miscarriage prior to giving birth to Blue, but most of all the track bubbles over with the enthusiasm of a first-time father, even including his new daughter’s gurgling on the track. It’s certainly not Jay-Z’s best work ever, but how’s this for a lyric? “You’re a child of destiny, you’re my child with the child from Destiny’s child, that’s a hell of a recipe…” Beat that.
Farewell then, 2011. You had your moments, but it’s time to move on now. Chop chop. And yes, I know I’m a little late with my Best Albums list, but blame Christmas and all those delicious mince pies and mulled wine that fogged my brain. So what did the past 12 months bring? Musical highs and musical lows. I don’t reckon 2011 was a vintage year for music, but here are my top picks of the past 12 months… Read the rest of this entry »
I’ve long been a fan of Paolo Albertazzi – the artist formerly known as Boyde. To greet the New Year he’s giving away his new single Love Like You’ll Never Get Hurt, a beautiful bite of electronica that builds to a gorgeously lilting crescendo. If it ticks your box, check out his Soundcloud page for more and a free download.
So this is Christmas, and what have you done? I’ve listened to a whole bunch of new music this year – but frankly, what’s new music when it’s now considered OK to play Wham!’s Last Christmas at crazy volumes? Nowt, that’s what. However, it’s not all about Mariah, Wham! and The Pogues, despite what radio stations may tell you. Because every year a new crop of Christmas hopefuls appear at the festive pop pedestal, and it’s up to you, dear reader, to decide whether to let them through or kick them into touch. Last year we had Coldplay, Train and Hurts. This year’s candidates, make yourself known… Read the rest of this entry »
As our friends across the pond tuck into their overcooked turkey and grits, I thought it appropriate to take a moment and think about just what I’m thankful for this year. Here’s my list for 2011…Read the rest of this entry »
It’s the 25-year anniversary of Wham! The Final and to celebrate, we caught up with Wham!ettes Pepsi and Shirlie to talk about the old days. Still close after all these years, the pair were a hoot to interview, cackling their way through a forest of memories…
Erasure, The Roundhouse, London – October 25th 2011
I first saw Erasure on The Innocents tour in 1988 at the Hammersmith Apollo. Back then, Andy Bell was a blur of glitter and glamour, belting out the group’s hits while camping it to the max. For a teenager from Southend, this was about the most intoxicating event I’d ever witnessed – and over 20 years on Vince and Andy still have the power to captivate, as witnessed at The Roundhouse on Tuesday. Sure, there might not be as many costume changes or hi-energy dancing, but Erasure’s core remains intact – smart pop songs shot through with Bell’s epic vocals and a whole heap of camp gadding about…
Gary Barlow, once of Take That fame and now the X Factor’s Alpha Male, has announced he’s doing his first UK solo shows for over 11 years at the ‘In Support of Young People’ Concert in aid of The Prince’s Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. The gigs will take place at The Royal Albert Hall on December 5th & 6th and this is surely laying the groundwork for his next project – his solo career. So will Gary finally reach his destiny of becoming the next Elton John? Well, he’s already well on his way to National Treasure status…
Lady Antebellum are only four years old, yet they’re one of the biggest groups in the world right now, winning both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at this year’s Grammys for the delicious Need You Now. Looking to bring the UK up to speed with their crossover country sound, the band landed in London last week to play a one-off gig and promote their new album Own The Night. We caught up with Charles, Dave and Hilary to talk music, love, Nashville and that song…
