Simon Cowell Saves Top Of The Pops… Maybe
October 29, 2008 by Dave Parrack
Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article asking whether the BBC should bring back Top Of The Pops. The question was prompted by The Ting Tings mourning the killing off of the program, and since then, the fight to save the show from perpetual obscurity has been ramped up.
The weekly broadcast of the music show, which featured live (and not so live) performances from artists in the British singles chart, was canceled in 2006 after 42 years of being on air. However, the BBC decided to keep two spin-off shows going: TOTP 2, featuring older or alternative performances, and the Christmas Special, annual episode summing up the year before in music.
The Top Of The Pops Christmas Special is as much a part of Christmas day in the UK as the Queen’s speech is, but this year, Liz will be be flying the flag alone. According to The Sun, the BBC has decided to can the Christmas Special and replace it with an 8-part series of Top Of The Pops 2.
John Paul Jones Confirms Led Zeppelin Record & Tour Plans – Steve Tyler To Sing?
October 29, 2008 by Dave Parrack
It’s definitely happening, it’s just a matter of who will be involved. Yes, the long running saga of whether Led Zeppelin will properly reform and embark on a tour seems to be almost over, with bassist John Paul Jones confirming the band, with the exception of Robert Plant, are working together again.
Not only does it seem like Led Zeppelin will reform for a full tour but new material also looks likely. Because of Plant’s decision not to be a part of the reunion, the band are trying out new singers, and Steve Tyler from Aerosmith is the latest name to be mentioned.
Snow Patrol – ‘A Hundred Million Suns’ Album Review
October 27, 2008 by Dave Parrack
Snow Patrol have never been my favourite band. For starters, Gary Lightbody sounds horrible live, and that immediately puts me off them. But there’s also been something very dreary, almost depressing about their previous albums. And I personally don’t listen to music that makes me want to cut my throat.
But, having said all of that, some of Snow Patrol’s singles have been astoundingly good, and after hearing them once, you can’t help but fall in love with them. So, is A Hundred Million Suns a magnum opus full of cracking singles or just another set of meandering tracks detailing misfortune?
If There’s A Rocket Tie Me To It – 7/10
A perfect way to start the album. Instantly recognisable as Snow Patrol but also signalling their intent to evolve their sound slightly. The only problem is it doesn’t actually seem to ever reach its conclusion. Keeps building and building until just fizzling rather than popping.
Crack The Shutters – 6/10
A pumping bassline but not anywhere near the best song on the album. Sounds almost march-like, similar to the style Coldplay have introduced for Viva La Vida. Very lyrics driven but again seems to need a climax.
Girls Aloud – ‘The Promise’ Music Video Review
October 26, 2008 by Dave Parrack
I think my conversion to pop music lover is now complete, as for the first time ever, I am willing to admit to loving a Girls Aloud song. I still love my indie, rock, and metal, real music where a band play instruments and everything, but Will Young, Sugababes, and Take That are turning me on to pop in a big way. Maybe I’m just getting old.
I’ve never been anti-pop as such but when I younger I was in to dance music, then heavily in to hip-hop, before finding the true and righteous of guitar music. But pop seems to have evolved now, with some songs actually being worth more than one listen.
As it is with the new single from Girls Aloud, a group manufactured a few years ago on Popstars: The Rivals. They’ve always released catchy songs but The Promise has to be their catchiest yet. And while I know they didn’t write it or anything, I can’t help liking it.
Video and review after the cut.
The Smiths Reunion Finally Happening?
October 25, 2008 by Dave Parrack
The Smiths were, without a doubt, one of the most influential bands to emerge from Britain in the past 30 years. They were at the forefront of the Manchester scene, the alternative scene, and the independent scene, all of which have continued without them since they split up in 1987.
Fast forward twenty years to the present day and the band have turned down several offers to reform for one-off gigs, which they would have been paid a fortune to play. But now, according to a report in The Sun, The Smiths reunion could finally be about to happen, with a source claiming “it’s closer than it ever has been.”
For those of you not aware of The Smiths, first of all shame on you, but secondly, go away and download or YouTube some of their music and then come back here. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.
Razorlight – ‘Wire To Wire’ Video Review
October 24, 2008 by Dave Parrack
Believe it or not, this is the first time I have covered Razorlight on Brit Music Scene (it was that Amy Winehouse’s fault, always being in the newspapers and stuff). But still, regardless of excuses it’s a bit of a mistake to have ignored what are essentially one of the most popular bands in the UK.
I’m torn in how I feel about Razorlight. Some of their music is brilliant, and they straddle that fine line between pop and indie superbly, a line I follow quite avidly. But then there’s Johnny Borrell, who on stage is a great front man but off stage is a complete and utter twonk.
This song cuts through Borrell’s superior attitude and cuts to the chase. What we end up with is a great pop song that shows the brilliant song writing talent Razorlight possess. Music video and review after the cut.
Paul McCartney Loses His Head – And A Homeless Man Returns It For £2,000
October 23, 2008 by Dave Parrack
Many people would like to see Paul McCartney’s head on a platter for the atrocious solo material he’s put out since The Beatles split up almost 40 years ago, but I doubt many expected to see it end up in a train station bin. But that is where a homeless man found it, and he’s been given a £2,000 reward for his trouble.
Last week saw Paul McCartney’s waxwork head left on a train by someone who was supposed to be giving it safe passage to London to be sold at auction. Joby Carter lost the wax head, which had been on display at Louis Tussauds museum in Great Yarmouth, on Thursday, and offered a reward for its safe return.
That safe return has now been secured, with the NME reporting that a homeless man by the name of Anthony Silva returned the head to its rightful owner after finding it in a bin at Reading train station.
He claimed the £2,000 reward for returning it, which for a homeless man has got to be an absolute fortune (that’s a lot of bottles of whiskey).
Kaiser Chiefs – ‘Never Miss A Beat’ Music Video Review
October 21, 2008 by Dave Parrack
It may have taken the Kaiser Chiefs years to get anywhere in the music business, but now they’re here, they clearly intend to stick around for a while. It’s a good job then that the new material they are producing is living up to the standards they’ve already set.
Kaiser Chiefs are a band who divide people quite drastically. On the one hand, you have people like me who appreciate good music in all its forms, be it pop, indie, metal or hip hop, and so don’t get bogged down worrying about the commercial aspects of an artists work. On the other hand you have music Nazis who insist on being snobby about influences, genres, and bands who stay true to themselves.
At the end of the day, Kaiser Chiefs play some fantastic indie pop music that appeals to the masses and is instantly likeable. Where’s the crime in that? So I’m pleased to say that new single, Never Miss A Beat, the first to emerge from their third album, Off With Their Heads, is a catchy pop anthem that demands a listen.
Video and review after the cut.
The Human League Are Back… Sort Of
October 20, 2008 by Dave Parrack
If you’re of a certain age (30 up), you’re at least remember The Human League, although you might not have been a fan.
They formed in 1977 but are best known for being part of the electronic era of the early 1980s. And guess what? They’re back.
To be fair, they haven’t really ever been away, having never split up, but they are setting out on a UK tour and working on new material, which could eventually make up their first album since 2001.
There is however one problem: they don’t have a record deal.
Beyonce Knowles And Take That Set For The X Factor Final Duets?
October 20, 2008 by Dave Parrack
The X Factor is only a couple of weeks in but the artists set to duet with the two finalists are already being lined up. Last year saw Kylie Minogue sing with Leon Jackson, the eventual winner of the show, while Rhydian had Welsh songstress Katherine Jenkins. But the acts being lined up this year are even bigger.
The Daily Star claims that Simon Cowell has asked both Take That and Beyonce Knowles to appear in the final. While it’s highly likely Take That will appear, Beyonce is another level of stardom altogether and secret talks are continuing.