Yet Another Concert Updates List

As you might expect, this is ANOTHER updated concert list. With the first confirmed date of 2006 in the bag!!!! :D

(The ones in red are the ones that have been and gone as of date of this post)

18th February - KT Tunstall - Liverpool Academy 3

27th February - Electric Six - Carling Academy Liverpool

1st March - Natasha Bedingfield - Liverpool Royal Court

7th March - The Donnas - Manchester Academy

16th March - The THrills - Liverpool Academy

12th April - The Subways - 53 Degrees, Preston

19th April - Nerina Pallot - Barfly, Liverpool (technically this is a Paddy Casey concert, but I'm really only going for Nerina :D).

24th April - The Hives - Liverpool Academy

14th May - Casino - Coventry Collesium

19th May - Girls Aloud - Manchester Apollo

22nd May - KT Tunstall - Manchester MDH

26th May - KT Tunstall - Carling Academy 2, Liverpool

27th May - Girls Aloud - Liverpool Empire

8th June - The Subways - Night & Day Cafe, Manchester - CANCELLED

11th June - Ben Fold - The Lowry

17th June - REM (with The Zutons,Feeder & Idlewild) - Lancashire Cricket Club

22nd June - Suzanne Vega/Nerina Pallot - Warwick Arts Centre (which, you know, isn't actually in Warwick!!!!)

15th July - Aimee Mann - Manchester University

8th August - Supergrass - Royal Northern College Of Music, Manchester. (NOT ATTENDED BY ME OF COURSE)

25th August - Weezer - Manchester University

17th September - Fun Lovin' Criminals - Manchester University

23rd September - Super Furry Animals - Liverpool Academy

28th September - Editors - Manchester University

3rd October - (Joseph Arthur) Nerina Pallot - Manchester Hop & Grape

9th October - Supergrass - Manchester Ritz

11th October - Laura Veirs - Life Cafe, Manchester

15th October - Kaiser Chiefs (Plus Maximo Park) - Manchester Apollo

16th October - KT Tunstall - Manchester University

22nd October - Nine Black Alps - Carling Acadmey, Liverpool

2nd November - The Subways - Manchester Academy

6th November - Lucie Silvas - The Lowry, Salford

18th November - Martha Wainwright - Liverpool Academy 2

26th November - Franz Ferdinand - MEN Arena, Manchester

27th November - Shakin Stevens - Manchester Opera House

3rd December - Ian Brown - MEN Arena, Manchester

4th December - Jem - Manchester University

15th December - Ben Folds - Manchester Apollo

2006!

18th March - Sugababes - Liverpool Philarmonic Hall

30th March - Depeche Mode - MEN Areaa, Manchester

27th May - Girls Aloud - MEN Arena, Manchester

Nine Black Alps LIVE

In one of those nice "couldn't they have announced it earlier" moments I've already seen Nine Black Alps live supporting Weezer. Which in fact turned out to be a good thing, because I certainly didn't "see" Nine Black Alps on this occasion.

But to backtrack a little, the evening started out with a cracking little meal at some Italian restaurant. The spicy prawn fritters were alright, but the duck thing was bloody gorgeous. The sweet was less so, given that it simply appeared to be a cup of coffee with a dollop of ice cream in it (no, seriously that's what it was) but in a kind of bizarre way it was good.

So after a mini pub crawl around Liverpool we finally get to the venue, the first time I've graced the halls of the Liverpool Carling Acadmey 2. First shock was the fact that NBA were scheduled to be on at 9, with a 10pm curfew! 10pm curfew on a Saturday night? WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO?

Then when actually getting into the venue, we then realised that we were not going to get a great view of the band as they performed their set. In fact, I wasn't going to get any kind of view of any of them. Well that's a slight exaggeration. I saw one of the guitarists fleetingly. To cut a long story short, I'm sure the venue is great if you turn up really early and manage to get onto the actual floor space, but if you don't you may well find yourself without a view of the musicians.

Still, at least it wasn't a teasely group, so there are worse concerts where this could have happened. As such though my atmosphere was slightly off, although as the drink kicked in I found myself enjoying the music. They threw in some new songs, or at the least songs that I hadn't heard before, and it was a polished performance, albeit one perhaps lacking the spark that really would have set the evening on fire.

Then came more comedy gold as we left the venue. I saw some rather buxom lass that had a nice...well you get the idea. Anyway, I give Gee man the nod to check out the bintage and he falls about laughing. No, she wasn't ugly or anything like that, but was actually a girl who used to work where he does who he just happened to fancy the pants off. So it's proof that occasionally Gee does have some good taste :D

Sugababes - Taller In More Ways

Well bugger me, I've fallen into the trap again. Remember "Hole In The Head", the fantastic first single from the Three? It was brilliant wasn't it? Just a pity really then that the album was the usual "three great songs and a load of dodgy filler" routine that I've come to expect from the Sugababes since they went the "manufactured pop" route (as evidenced by choosing an ex-member of Atomic Kitten as the replacement for that one who left).

So yeah, "Push The Button" is a fantastic single, indeed it's one of the best of 2005, but there really is nothing else that comes all that close to matching it. "Joy Division" (sadly not about Ian Curtis :D) and "Red Dress" come close (and will surely go down well at the Christmas disco's) and "It Ain't Easy" and "Obsession" would be decent enough as the songs on a great album that weren't quite as good as the others. Sadly they are the best of a pretty poor bunch.

I often contend that Girls Aloud don't get the huge success they deserve because they don't do enough ballads to draw the parents in. Well no worries about that on a Sugababes album. The only problem is that the ballads that they do serve up are trite, forgettable and so tailored for the commercial effect that I am left totally unmoved by any of them. The worst of the bunch must be "Ugly" (not surprisingly a virtual carbon copy of TLC's "Unpretty" due to the fact it's written by the same fella) and "2 Hearts" which ends the album on the most mawkish level possible.

This will sell by the bucketload I have no doubt, but for all the positive press that the 'Babes get (and yes they certainly can sing) the fact remains that just like every other manufcatured pop group in existance, the bottom line remains the money that can be made. This album, ahem, pushes all the right button in that respect, but you are left with the impression the 'Babes crowing moment is destined to be their greatest hits.

Icon's View - 3 out of 5.

Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine

The is one of the most bizarre "new" albums that I will ever review for the simple fact that I had already heard 90% of it up to a year ago. The long (six year) wait since "When The Pawn" for a follow up album was attributed to Epic not thinking that the album that Fiona Apple and her producer Jon Brion delivered was commerical enough. And to be honest, if that had been the case they might have had a point. In it's "unofficial" form, it was the kind of album that all but Fiona's most ardent fans would have been completly non-plussed by.

Of course the official story now is that Fiona herslef was less than happy with the "original" record and wanted to re-record it, but Epic, having spent in the region of $800,000 on the record, were reluctant to give the green light to more expenditure. But the leaking of the music proved that there was an audience for the album and 50 Cent producer Mike Elizondo climbed on board to help finish the project.

The album was probably never going to live up to the hype that a six year abscence whirled up, but Extraordinary Machine very nearly pulls it off. The first thing that is immediatley noticeable is that there have indeed been many aesthetic changes to the version previously heard, and for the most part these are welcome. Gone are the cluttered arrangements of Brion (which at times seemed willfully designed to alienate listeners) but this is still hardly a commercial pop album.

This is very much a "break-up" album (as are all of Fiona's efforts really) but the sense of strong defiance that permiated When The Pawn is still very much evident. "Get Him Back" is a wry look at the aftermath of a break-up and has the pulsating piano one would expect. "Better Version Of Me" is another such track and is one of the definate highlights of the collection. But really there isn't a duff track on the whole album.

It never quite reaches the heights of "When The Pawn" and, to be honest, isn't quite the leap in a different direction that the protracted release of the album lead to suggest. You aren't going to mistake this for anyone else, it's a Fiona Apple record all the way through. Still, she's yet to make one that's anything less than excellent, and this wonderful album keeps that record going. Let's just hope it's not another six years for the follow up to this!

Icon's View - 4 1/2 out of 5.

KT Tunstall LIVE

So for an unprecidented fourth time in one year it was time to see the Tunstall live again. Of course it should also have been the time to see Ed Harcourt live, but we managed to only get there in time to see the end of his set. Don't know what his music was like but that bird he had playing the violin seemed like proper teasely.

Still it was a good kebab (with that bloody lovely girl having her Naan bread and Chips :) ) and it was nice to briefly meet a few fellow Tunstallation Nation members in the Kro Bar. Which was a nice little bar to drink in as well.

I should point out right now that whatever I say in the next few paragraphs, I enjoyed this concert immensely. BUT, and didn't you know there was a "but" coming the whole thing seemed a little superfluous. It was essentially the same show I'd already seen twice in May although there was a new track, Drity Water, performed. This was a decent enough song, but didn't really grab me by the balls and make me love it.

Suddenly I See and Black Horse were excellent, although it seemed like many in the audience had only come along on the strength of the singles, although thankfully there seemed to be an abscence of the usual knob-jockeys in our vicinity.

Heal Over was at least better than it was in May, and Through The Dark was a nice touch. The problem for me was that apart from the odd "extended" version of a song this was a show I felt like I'd seen before. Now I know that makes me seem hypocritical after banging on about hating the "Sweet Dream" version of Heal Over, but there comes a point when overkill is reached. Once her new album comes out and she tours that then I have no doubt I'll be there, but if she does another tour before releasing any new material, I think I'll be giving that one a miss.

Oh and on a final point, kudos goes to Xavi for being the designated driver :D

NME Rock 'N' Roll Riot Tour LIVE

First things first. We didn't make it in time to see the Cribs. We simply couldn't be bothered queueing up and so we went for a swift pint, which turned into two. Still it was worth it for the Elisha Cuthbert-esque barmaid :D.

Well where do we start with Maximo Park....? I've heard great things about them and they certainly have had some good reviews. But to be honest, I thought they were pretty poor on the night. All their songs sounded very similar, and as I didn't like the first one they did it just got worse from thereon in. They were quite entertaining I suppose, but perhaps I'm getting old, but I just don't get the point of them.

As for the Kaiser Cheifs. Well its quite simple really. They have three quite good songs (Everyday I Love You Less And Less, I Predict A Riot and Oh My God) and this fools you into thinking they are better than they actually are. Well folks, it's all hype. Were they terrible? No. But they are hardly the best band ever to have written an album ever or anything like that.

So all in all, I was pretty underwhelmed by both the acts I saw. There isn't really much more I can add to that.

Laura Veirs LIVE

Oh it's always fun to go to a new venue, and on this particular occasion it was the Life Cafe in Manchester. Finding it was no problem, but parking anywhere nearby certainly was! After about half an hour of driving around we finally hit upon a place which didn't seem to far away. And it wasn't too far away although it was a rather eerie walk from the car park to the venue, and certainly one I wouldn't want to try if I was on my own.

Anyways, a nice burger and chips was procured at Squares (very tasty) and then we headed on down into the Life Cafe "Late Room." And what a nice little venue it was. There was the initial fear that we woudn't be able to see the stage once the people at the front deciced to stand up but in a nice little schiznit, they stayed sat down throughout, enabling us a very good view indeed.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the support act. His name was Karl something, and all I will say is that the Bjorn Borg look-a-like gave Mummy & Daddy and The Kills a run for their money in the "most bizarre support act ever" listings. Still, he was certainly memorable.

Imagine our horror then when the support act turned out to be one of Laura Veirs' band. But he kept himself to himself thankfully and the fun could begin. This was quite simply an excellent performance. Most of the show was based around the recent Year Of Meteors album, and as that is a bloody cracker, so was the show.

Highlights were stunning versions of "Galaxies", "Cool Water" and "Spelunking" (which as it is about Caving saw Laura and her band sporting headlamps whilst the lights were turned down completey.

I should also mention the magical "galaxy dust" that Laura passed around and told us to spread on our faces. Yes, I am a muppet so I did as she requested. Still it was funny.

All in all this was a wonderful concert. Laura may be a little too much "out there" to ever gain the recognition and success she deserves, but on nights like this that really doesn't matter.

Missy Higgins - The Sound Of White

People I "know" in this vast inter-web world wide landscape have been waxing lyrical about young Missy for absolutely ages now. So finally I decide to properly check her out.

First impressions would appear to be favourable. She's a woman. She plays the piano. So what's not to like huh? And initially on putting the album on there is a sense that we are on to a bona fide winner here.

Opening track "All For Believing" sends shivers down the spine; this is followed by "Ten Days" which is another winner although sadly it has to be said that already her Australian accent is wearing thin. Now that may seem like a triffling and somewhat baffling reason to put her down, but whilst I certainly don't mind a bit of an accent, at times Missy almost sounds as if she is a non-Australian taking the mick.

Which is a bit of shame really. Current single "Scar" is a decent enough tune, although it does seem over-produced. Missy is at her best on the sparser tracks such as "Nightminds" and "Any Day Now" which really allow her talent to shine through. The problem for me is that it all gets a bit pedestrian at times with a few too many songs all seemingly merging into one. It's only towards the end of the album, with the jazzy "This Is How It Goes" that the tempo picks up, although this is merely a prelude to more miserablism.

It sounds from the above like I hate this record, and I really don't. But whilst Missy certainly has talent, it doesn't shine through often enough on this promising but ultimately disappointing album. Still, it should ensure enough success for her to get a second stab at making the album she is clearly capable of making.

Icon's view - 2 out of 5

Supergrass LIVE

Well there were no hospitalisation incidents leading up to this one, so I FINALLY got to see Supergrass Live in Concert.

But the story starts a little bit earlier than that. Being that it was a Sunday, me and the Gee man decided to have a spot of jackbit prior to the gig and decided to go to Mosa Mosa Chinese restaurant. We're there, tucking into the starters when a few fellas with security laminates around their necks walk in. A bit weird to be sure but we thought no more of it...until five minutes later the one and only James Blunt walked in! Of course at first I'd only noticed the rather attractive teasely who was accompanying him :D

Still the salient points of this are that a) he's a bit of a short arse and b) he likes Chicken (he had it for starter AND main course).

Anyways, this was a new venue for a concert and I have to say that the Manchester Ritz is quite a nice little venue. The support act was on when we walked in. All I can say is that I am glad we didn't catch all of his act. He was called "Son Of Dave" and he used to be in the Crash Test Dummies. Don't bother remembering his name though, as I hardly think he'll be troubling anyone with any musical taste.

Supergrass were pretty cool though. Love the hat as well Gaz. Anyways, they rattled through most of their latest (somewhat underrated) album Road To Rouen and put in most of their biggest hits inbetween. Particular favourites were Richard III (their greatest ever song in my humble opinion), Moving and Late In The Day. They didn't however do Alright. Which is a bit like Robbie Williams not doing Angels or something. But still, although it would have been a welcome addition to the set list, its absence wasn't critical. A good effort from the boys, apart from that utterly pointless Gaz solo half way through. I could have done without that.

Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better

It doesn't seem all that long since I first discovered the delights of the Ferdinand, which is probably due to the fact that it isn't all that long since their debut album was released and thrilled so many people.

The good news for the record company accountants is that Franz have stuck to that old adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." From the minute you first put this cd into your player (or download it onto your MP3 Player if you're being all technological about it) you know exactly what it is. Which is no bad thing if you ask me, when 'what it is' is so good.

Lead single "Do You Want To" is little more than an updated "Take Me Out" but that doesn't change the fact that it is bloody fantastic. And there are many more delights to enjoy on the collection. "The Fallen" is a wonderful opener (who indeed gives a damn about the profits of Tesco?) and "Evil And A Heathen" would already fit nicely on to a "Best of Franz" compilation.

But it is tracks such as "Walk Away" and "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" that really strike out, being as those are the "least-Franz" compositions on the album and bode very well for a successful and rewarding future listening experience with the band. Although even these songs retain their Franz-charm (Walk Away references Hitler and Mao-Tse Tung) and overall there can be no doubt. Their debut album wasn't a fluke, and on this showing the best could even yet be to come!

Icon's view 4 1/2 out of 5.

Kanye West - Late Registration

As a rule, I don't particularily like rap. But every so often an absolute CHOON hits the airwaves that not even I can ignore. 2005 sees Kanye West's Gold Digger fill that spot very nicely indeed. It is without doubt one of the classic singles of the year, but it also sets an impossibly high standard for the album.

First single Diamonds From Sierra Leone was disappointing (although kudos for the Shirley Bassey sample) but Gold Digger was SO good, that I just had to check out the whole album. The immediate problem that springs to mind is the sheer amount of guest vocalists on display (heaven help us if Kanye ever teams up with Gwen Stefani for a collabortation album) with the feeling at times that Kanye is struggling to make himself heard above the crowd.

And this leads to another problem...Kanye just isn't that good at rapping. Tracks such as Touch The Sky, Drive Slow and Hey Mama are good tracks, but they would be great tracks with a better rapper.

This is a good album., but can be frustrating at times. If you're a fan of the genre then it's a must...if it's not usually your cup of tea, tread carefully and you could be rewarded.

Icon's view - 3 out of 5.

Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff

The Sweedes certainly can proffer up some hot bands these days, and the Shout Out Louds certainly have the tunes and style to follow the worldwide success of bands such as the Hives and the Cardigans.

This is the kind of album that will immediately make you think of one hundred and one other bands. The Strokes, The Wannadies, the Kings Of Leon, the afforementioned Sweedes...all will spring to mind over this perfectly formed collection of pop-rock tunes.

Pick of the pack are "100°" and "A Track And A Train" both of which would, with any justice in the music world, be massive world-wide hits. They can't quite keep up to this level throughout the whole album, but that is a small complaint. Get it now, before they become massive.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5.

Sheryl Crow - Wildflower

Truth be told, the prospect of a new Sheryl Crow album in 2005 does not fill me with the same kind of anticipation that I would have had back in 2000. The Live at Central Park CD was a bit rubbish, her greatest hits was something and nothing (good, but hardly something that was needed) and her date at the MEN last year was a bit underwhelming. Then of course we come to C'mon C'mon, which was in my opinion a pretty poor album and not one that I have listened to in all honesty since about the first four weeks that I had it.

The good news is that Wildflower is not as bad as some reviews would lead you to believe. It's still not a patch on her first three albums, but it kicks the proverbials out of C'mon C'mon. Its definately a mellower affair than anything we've collectively seen from Ms Crow before, and, to almost paraphase the lead single, when it's good its good.

The problem is that once you've heard one track, you've pretty much heard them all. Which doesn't make it neccessairily a bad album, but makes it one that doesn't bear up to too much repeat listening. Fans will probably find enough to entertain themselves, but there will always be the feeling that her best work maybe behind her.

Icon's View - 2 out of 5.

Nerina Pallot - LIVE

Ok, so much like Paddy Casey earlier in the year, I didn't stay around for the "headlining" act Arthur Joseph (or is it Joseph Arthur?) but really what would have been the point. There is NO way that anything he did could have come remotely close to what preceeded him.

Despite my paranoia that the doors didn't open until nearly 8 o'clock, (coupled with the big queue for Nine Black Alps in Acadmey 2), we were in there in plenty of time. The rather rude "who should mind where they're going" woman did her best to sully my mood (I tell you, that's the last time I attempt to be chivalrous to a Mancunian lady) but another pint, and the prospect of Nerina warmed me up.

Quite simply, she was fantastic. She only did six songs, but they were all top notch crew and she's just a very funny woman too. And I mean funny as in hilarious, not weird. In amongst the songs were tales of pyjamas with red spacemen on, the invention of a new word "Chavesty" and the confession that "All Good People" was from the Shania Twain-esqe part of her musican cannon. She also forgot half a verse of Geek Love, which was quite funny, although the uninitiated wouldn't have noticed as she didn't miss a beat.

But as FANTASTIC as all that was, the best was yet to come . After a short wait (in which a woman thought we were queing for the gents bog's, which gave way to a discussion about how Gee and Me could be living pieces of performance art outside a hospital) we toddled over to meet Nerina. There was some boring git from a radio station who seemed intent on wooing Nerina but anyway, I bought another copy of Nerina's excellent album Fires and as it was passed to her for signing, she looked up and my new favourite conversation ever kicked in. A brief synopsis is included below;

Nerina - Have we met before?
Me - Yes, we have.
Nerina - So you're a dedicated fan.
Me - I sure am.
Nerina - Is it Stephen?
Me - Hmm, no.
Nerina - John?
Me - No.
Nerina - Bugger.
Me - It's ok, I've got all night.
Nerina - Erm..
Me - It's Matthew.
Nerina - Yeah. That's right. Where was it...
Me - Well...
Nerina - Let me think.
Me - Ok
Nerina - Wait, was it at the Paddy Casey gig in Liverpool.
Me - Bloody hell. Yeah. And also at Warwick.
Nerina - Oh yes, I remember...Have you come far tonight?
Me - Only from Wigan.
Nerina - Oh not far then.
Me - Only about seven hours drive or so...

And then I went off. Although I went back as Gee needed his CD signing (the stingy bastard FINALLY getting around to buying his own copy) and then there were pictures to be taken, with the hilarity of me thinking Gee didn't know how to use my camera and thus moving as the first picture was being taken.

But anway, all that remains to be said is that the concert was bloody fantastic, Nerina is bloody lovely and, brilliantly, I was recognised by a celebrity. I was recognised by a celebrity. And a bloody fit one at that. So Gee man, you can take your Liz McPram Face picture and shove it :D

Editors LIVE

An absolute hellacious 90 minute journey to Manchester didn't bode well for the evening in prospect, although the sight of the Gee already on his way to drunkeness as I arrived certainly was hilarious. The long-haired foreign-looking idiot who was clearly off his head was a minor annoyance, although more of my energy was being put towards eyeing up the bintage on display in the pub. Quality teasely.

Anyway, we wandered into the venue in time to catch a bit of the support act We Are Scientists. They were quite good in a "I'll never actually buy one of their records" kind of way.

The Editors on the other hand were good in a "I might actually trade in my Cd-R copy of the album for a proper copy" kind of way. Of course, being so early in their career, the concert was more or less their debut album live, but even the weaker album tracks were injected with a steely intensity that made them rise above the versions we already know.

Quite simply, this was a top notch crew night, and for once the hype is justified. The Editors are going places.

Super Furry Animals LIVE

A day of insanely heavy drinking, for sure. I was half cut before I even met the Gee, and we carried on from there. About 15 minutes before bell time, the venue seemed empty and we feared the worst, and we took the opportunity to push our way quite a way up to the front of the crowd...which turned out to be a bit of mistake once the crowds belatedly filled up.

An hilarious video package set the scene, (and who can fail to sing along with the A-Team theme whenever they hear it?) and the band made their big entrance on something akin to a golf cart. So far, so good. But then it went a little pear-shaped. I'm not a huge SFA fan so it was obvious I wasn't going to know all the songs, but the ones they did play at first were totally unfamiliar to me. Coupled with a being in close proximity to a load of idiots, being hot and sweaty and getting high of the smell of, shall we say, controlled substances and the evening was taking a bit of a bad turn.

However a diplomatic retreat for water supplies and a more spacious view towards the back did the trick as SFA pumped out some of their biggest hits. And not even the technological problems during the encore could spoil the mood from there. A frustrating night in some respects, but in the end, it was all gravy.

Fun Lovin' Criminals LIVE

So it was time again to see THE coolest man on the planet and his band.

What can I say about FLC other than they are a bloody good live act who never fail to entertain. As you would expect, there was a heavy emphasis on tracks from the latest album, some of which were great, some of which were less so. But really, its the hits, such as Scooby Snacks, The Fun Lovin' Criminal, Loco, Love Unlimited etc. that you go for, and you can't help but bounce along with the vibe.

I could have done without the Al Green cover "Let's Stay Together", which really was a bit crap, but other than that it is impossible to have many complaints about another great evening of entertainment.

Laura Veirs - Year Of Meteors

A Seattle based folk musician, whose first four albums managed to completely pass me by, doing a loosely based concept album about travelling on the road doesnt't sound like much of a thing, but fear not. Laura Veirs is the girl who "put an enema into folk music" in the words of one critic.

For the first thing, whilst it is clearly allegorical in terms of the "travelling tales" idea, you wouldn't know it without deeper inspection of the lyrics. The setting is an eerie world, with unsuspected imagery drawing the listener in. Veirs sees the universe through a prism of eels, spiders, homing pigeons and snakes and yet I, for one, never sat back thinking "what the hell is she on about?"

Of course, all this may still be failling to convince anyone to whom "folk music" is a dirty phrase. Well be assured that "Galaxies" adds a layer of fuzzy guitars (that's the technical term you know) and synthesisers whilst "Black Gold Blues" turns out more like something the likes of Liz Phair or Sheryl Crow would come up with than a "folk musician".

But no matter what arrangements play behind her, its the voice that constantly grabs your attention. Constantly knowing, articulate and hauntingly beautiful throughout, always drawing the listener in deeper and deeper with each play.

Icon's View - 4 1/2 out of 5

Dandy Warhols - Odditorium or The Warlords of Mars

I read it somewhere that every great band does a bad album at some point in their careers. This may well be the Dandy Warhols effort on that score.

You can always rely on the Dandy's for a good single or two, and lead single "Smoke It" doesn't disappoint. "All The Money or the Simple Life Honey" and "Down With Disco" are two other songs which would comfortably sit up there in a best of... collection. But after this, it is rapidly downhill.

"Love Is The New Feel Awful" is a great opening track, for two and a half minutes. The problem is that the track goes on for nearly 10 minutes, disintergrating into a pseudo jam session. Close in spirit to the ethos of the Dandy's live shows it may be, but on record, with skipping facility I doubt even hardened fans will listen to it all for a second time. It's pure musical heaven though compared to the closing track "A Loan Tonight", which meanders on for nearly 12 minutes to no discernable effect.

When this album is good, its bloody brilliant, but sadly it isn't good often enough. They've reverted back to the languid, sprawling sound of their debut album (Dandy's Rule Ok) yet without the hazy charm that shone through on that effort. The Dandy's have always been clouded by their apparent emptiness, but usually there's enough smart, slick and slighltly smug genius to over-shadow on it. On this occasion, the balance has tipped the wrong way.

Icon's View - 2 1/2 out of 5.

Fun Lovin Criminals - Livin In The City

First of all, let me get my bias out of the way. Huey Morgan is, in my opinion, THE coolest man on the planet. There is no shaking my belief in that fact, so don't even try. But still, I am more than prepared to admit that FLC haven't always hit the mark. Come Find Yourself remains their high point, 9 years after it's release, and whilst 2003's Welcome To Poppy's album was somewhat of a (patchy) return to form, 100% Coumbian was half genius, half retread and the less said about Loco the better.

The bad news is that Come Find Yourself STILL remains the greatest collection of FLC's career...the good news is that Livin In The City is definately their best since then. "Mi Corazon" is their best single since Big Night Out and "That Ain't Right" could comfortably sit on Come Find Yourself. There are also some surprises, such as the piano driven "Gave Up On God" and "How It Be", which brilliantly switches pace halfway through. Sadly there is some drivel, but nothing as bad as the low-points of Loco, which were very low indeed.

If you don't like FLC, then this album will do nothing to change your mind; it preaches to the converted 100%. But whilst sticking to what you are good at might not win too much critical acclaim, it has resulted in a very entertaining album which is a must for any one who has ever liked more than one FLC song.

Icon's View - 3 1/2 out of 5

Tennant/Lowe - Battleship Potemkin

What could possibly be better than my favourite band ever (no sarcasm there) doing a soundtrack to the greatest flim ever made EVER (slight saracsm there)? Well a fair bit actually.

First things first though, what other "pop" act would have been asked to undertake such a task? None that I can think of. Battleship Potemkin is one of the silent cinema's most celebrated films and given the boys fondess for playing with Russian imagery (the "from Lake Geneva to the Finland station " line in West End Girls charts Lenin's route back into Russia from exile in April 1917 - SEE, you learn some stuff in these reviews too) it seems as ideal a match as you are likely to get.

The end result is good rather than great, and needless to say it pretty much loses the point of the exercise to listen to the music as a stand-alone piece. There are only two "songs" on the collection as such, the best being No Time For Tears, but where these fall into the overall PSB cannon, i.e. about halfway down the list at best, tells you all you need to know.

This isn't a bad record, and it is an interesting exercise, but it falls someway short of being a great record. Still as something to tide over until the next proper PSB album (due in 2006) it just about does its job.

Icon's View - 3 out of 5.

Supergrass - Roud To Rouen

You're always in trouble when reviews of a band's new album continually focus on a band's new found maturity. That usually means that the band have jettisoned all that made them great to listen to in the first place in favour of a duller sound. And whilst this is not entirely true when it comes to Road To Rouen, its clear that the youthful exuberance that once fuelled Supergrass has long gone.

As ever though, with a new Supergrass album comes a new classic single to devour. This time its the delightful St.Petersburg which sounds delightfully Beatles-esque, and deserved to be a far bigger hit than it was. Other highlights include Kick In The Teeth, and the delightful Sad Girl.

Kicking in at around 35 minutes, this is a concise album which threatens something wonderful and falls just short. Credit should be given for Supergrass resisting the temptaion to release "another" In It For The Money or I Should Coco, but however much we credit them for evolving their sound, you can't quite escape the fact that they just don't manage to pull it off 100%. And if you are going to alienate large swathes of your fan base, your new direction has to result in a killer album. This, sadly, isn't quite it.

Icon's View - 3 out of 5.

Editors - The Back Room

Most critics are at pains to point out how heavily influenced by The Cure, Echo And The Bunnymen and Joy Division the Editors are. Well, I've never been a fan of any of those three acts and, to be honest, have never really took the time to check out much of their stuff (as brief initial forays left me cold) so I can come to The Back Room with a completely clear palete.

Initially this reminded me a little bit of Nirvana. Not in the sense that the music sounds anything like Kurt Cobain's grunge masters, but there is definately that knack of twinning catchy choruses with dark and brooding sentiments.

The one problem is that whilst the album starts off with a blast, the first five or six tracks could be taken off some long standing group's Greatest Hits collection, the rest of the album can't quite match up to this early promise, as if the inspiration has run a bit dry. It's by no means an awful second half, but its the musical equivalent of taking a two or three goal lead in the first half and then just settling back into a comfortable stroll after half time, safe in the knowledge that the match is already won. Still, there is enough here to suggest that the early promise could be molded into something very special indeed next time around.

Icon's View - 3 out of 5.

Stars - Set Yourself On Fire

First things first, lets acknowledge the the obvious comparisons with Arcade Fire, another Canadian band currently wowing the critics and the fans. There is definately the same grandiose and epic imagery on this album that there is on Funeral, but whereas Arcade Fire can be very dark, Stars take, on the surface, a much breezier approach, with more of a "pop" feel to this album.

We start off with the sublime "Your Ex Lover Is Dead" which set up the almost conversational element of the album, with lyrics which tell a story more eloquently than half of the novels currently taking up the bestseller lists. The sheer breadth of arrangements on the album is also striking; the title track breezes by in a whirlwind of strings whereas Reunion almost personifies perfect guitar pop. And no matter what instruments are playing, the quality of the songs remains the same.

Much like the recent effort from Goldfrapp, Stars never lose sight of the fact that it is the melodies that make a great pop song. And the result in a charismatic, energetic set of tunes, which cannot fail to delight anyone with a keen ear for a killer melody. It really does seem that Arcade Fire have a true contender for their crown of Canada's greatest band.

Icon's view - 4 1/2 out of 5.

Anna Nalick - Wreck Of The Day

Well surprise suprise that I should be drawn to a rather attractive piece of teasely that plays the piano... :D

Anyway, such concerns are not relevant here, the point is whether or not the album is any good...? And for the most part it is. Definately striking for the same kind of sound you would expect from Tori Amos or Fiona Apple, this is a very good album indeed, all the more satisfying considering it is a debut, and Anna recorded it at the age of 21.

However, as it is a debut, she seems to have been rail-roaded into the occasional over-production of tracks when it seems clear that her voice is more suited to more subtle, paired-down surroundings. Hit US single Breath (2 Am) is the kind of song that should have been a huge success over here (being as it is about 300 times better than the warblings of James Blunt) whereas Citadel aims to match the best that Fiona Apple has, and very nearly succeeds in doing so. The standount tracks however are Paper Bag and Satellite, both of which add a bit more tempo to proceedings and have the kind of sing-a-long choruses that Radio 2 listeners seem to love.

The album does petre out towards the end (save the sublime Catalyst) but even so, for a debut album this is a wonderful slice of piano driven pop. It augurs well for the future.

Icon's View - 3 1/2 out of 5

Goldfrapp - Supernature

Black Cherry certainly was a critically acclaimed album, but the fact was that only Strict Machine and Train really stood out as blinding tracks. Lead single "Ooh La La" (which would have been number one for years if Kylie had done it) was a clear indicator that we were in for more of the same, but thankfully the overall quality of this album is markedly higher than Black Cherry, and suggests that the time might indeed be now for Goldfrapp to really break out.

This is one of those albums where everything seems to remind you of something else (Number 1 sounds a lot like Blondie for instance) and yet the record remains fresh and unique in many ways. A lot of that is down to Alison Goldfrapp's breathy and sensual vocals, which come into their own on tracks such as Fly Me Away.

Although I think some critics have been a little over-keen to lavish this album with praise, it's still a remarkable piece of work, which never forgets that the secret of a good pop tune is that fact that it indeed has a memorable tune. There is enough on here to suggest that Goldfrapp will be riding high in the charts for some time to come.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5

Weezer LIVE

The Xav man was back in da hizzoouse for the long awaited chance to see the one and only Weezer in concert, and what a night it was too. The mega rich Xavi got me my tea in that nice pub whose name I can't remember for a start. The burger tasted like one of those in a "100 for £1" packs you get, and the barmcake was a bit stale, but bloody hell, the Onion Rings were bloody gorgeous.

Then it was over the road, just in time to catch the support act, the rather fabulous Nine Black Alps. Ok, so it's as if Nirvana never died (well Kurt Cobain) but if you like that kind of thing then they are bloody good at it. And I truly like that kind of thing. Looking forward to seeing them headline their own show later in the year.

Then it was onto the main event. Walking onto the strains of When You Wish Upon A Star, Rivers and the boys then proceeded to spend the next 90 minutes blowing the crowd away with a stream of classics. There was none of that "we must promote the most recent album" malarkey here (only 4 tracks off Make Believe, and two of them were singles of course), instead they treated us to tracks from right across the board.

Particular highlights for me were Say It Ain't So (my favourite Weezer song EVER I think), Buddy Holly, We Are All On Drugs, Undone - The Sweater Song, El Scorchio...hell it was ALL top notch. Add in Rivers solo acoustic version of Island In The Sun - PERFORMED ON TOP OF THE FUCKING BAR!!!! AND RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!!!- and him having to crowd surf his way back to the stage, and you have what was, quite simply, an absolutely AWESOME night. I was singing so much and so loudly that I virtually lost my voice. A definate contender for gig of the year!

Plus, I was able to purchase a freaking awesome green Weezer sweatband - and a big WHATEVER to that mardy bitch at the bar who thought it was the height of sadness for me to be wearing it - and what must be one of the finest Tee's ever, the soon to be classic WEEZER - ROCKIN' THE BITCHES SINCE 1994 shirt, and you have the icing on the cake!

ROCK!!!!!

New Stuff On The Way

It's been a while, but some new reviews are on the way in the next few days. So strap in and get ready for the following....

Stars - Set Yourself On Fire
Anna Nalick - Wreck Of The Day
Supergrass - Road To Rouen
Super Furry Animals - Love Kraft
Goldfrapp - Supernature

And of course, the Weezer concert review will be up in due course :D

Take care my friends, until the next time.

Supergrass LIVE

Or not as the case may be. Ill health (via hospital stay) meant I was unable to make this one. By all accounts it was good, but I am seeing them later in the year in all their electric glory so all is not lost.

The Raveonettes - Pretty In Black

Well this is a CD which will go down in the varied history of CD purchases as the CD I bought purely because it had four extra bonus tracks on it. Honestly. I hadn't heard a Raveonettes song before, and I really did look at the cd case and think "wow, four bonus tracks...that's really good value" and that is why I bought it.

But anyway, what of the end result? Surprisingly good as it turns out. There is very much a 50's pop feel to this and to me there is often the feel that the songs would play off wonderfully in a David Lynch or Quentin Tarrantino production (and yes, I do mean that as a compliament :D ).

Here Comes Mary sounds like the Everley Brothers at their best, Twilight had the amazingly funny moment upon hearing for the first time (before knowing the name of the tune) of thinking this sounds like the Twlight Zone theme and bonus track Black Wave is the kind of haunting melody that sticks in your brain immediately.

The standouts for me are Ode To LA (in which the Phil Spector sound is aided by Mr Spector himself on backing vocals) and Love In A Trashcan, with its handclaps (and boy, do I love handclaps).

I can take or leave the cover versions (Everyday, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, My Boyfriend's Back) which really only have comedy value and some of the tracks are too samey, but for an impulse buy this is pretty good stuff and a welcome addition to my CD collection.

Icon's View - 3 1/2 out of 5

Aimee Mann - LIVE

She's been flying solo now for 12 years and at last The Dean gets to see Aimee Mann in concert and back at the old favourite Manchester Academy too. A nice warm up to proceedings saw me kick Gee's ass as the golf game in the pub opposite, and copious amounts of alcohol were drunk leading to a real feel good atmosphere, which rarely subsided throughout Miss Mann's classy set.

Ok, so there was a bit too much of an over-reliance on stuff from new album The Forgotten Arm (but hey, I've been going to concerts long enough now to know the score), but there was very few songs which didn't sweep you off your feet. And to boot she did my absolute favourite (Driving Sideways) AND also the Big Gee's fave (Amateur) as well. In fact most of her solo albums were well represented, and it is perhaps a sign of her class that songs from right across her back catalogue were warmly received.

This was, quite simply, a top notch concert from a top notch talent and throw in a bit of Phil Collins :) and you have all the ingredients for a great musical night out.

Charlotte Church - Tissues and Issues

Look, lets get the whole "Matt fancied Charlotte Church" six years ago thing out of the way before we go much further. I was mis-quoted. Well ok, not so much mis-quoted, more mis-interpreted...Ok, so mis-interpreted might be a bit unfair...aw, to hell with it, let's just move on before I dig the hole for myself any deeper.

Only the deaf (or pop pariah's) could deny the charms of Crazy Chick, with it's Mowton-tinged groove, and there is little doubt it my mind that it is one of the pop singles of the year so far. It also proves that Miss Church is more than capable of carrying a decent pop tune.

The problem seems to be that the pop industry has spent so long with artists that can't carry a tune, that they don't seem to know what to do with a girl who really can sing. The album starts with a bang. Call My Name is the kind of sexy pop song that Girls Aloud would do really well, the afformentioned Crazy Chick is a mini-classic, and Moodswings is that pop rarity - a ballad you don't need to skip. The problem is that it's pretty much downhill from thereon in.

Playing the "which songs were written with Guy Chambers" game is as easy as it always is, Let's Be Alone sounds like a blatant attempt to sound like Girls Aloud (and fails to come anywhere close to being as good) and after a while, young Charlotte's seemingly constant whinging about how bad her life gets can get a bit tiresome. Pop music is about fun and at times Charlotte would do well to remember that edict.

This is not the terrible album it could have been, but nor is it the blinding success that it perhaps could have been given Church's obvious talent. Memo to her record company...give her better songs to sing next time.

Icon's View - 3 out of 5.

Feist - Let It Die

Ok, so this was originally released in 2004 BUT i only bought it this year AND it is now being released in America for the first time. Which means that in this increasingly global community that we live in, this album counts as a new 2005 release for my collection.

The first thing that immediately strikes you when you put this CD on is her vocals. Aural booning indeed, at once sultry yet delicate. The next thing that hits you as you listen to the album is the vast range of styles that Feist can work within, yet always sounding fresh and original. That she has been compared to varied artists such as PJ Harvey and Norah Jones shows indeed that Fesit is not easily catergorised.

Highlights of the album include US Single "Mushaboom", a song so immediately catchy that McDonalds attempted to license it, and "Gatekeeper" which both accenuate the warm and mellow side of her personality. The pick of the bunch however are renditions of Ron Sexsmith's "Secret Heart" and the Bee Gee's "Inside And Out", the latter being what the Dean could only describe as being foxy.

Not everything on this varied collection works, but even the weaker tracks are emboldened by the feeling that this is an artist working on her own terms. This is the soundtrack to my summer, and is perfect for those long, hot days.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5.

Tara Blaise - Dancing On Tables Barefoot

You would never guess upon listening to this album that the same bloke who discovered the Corrs also discovered young Tara. Ok, I jest. That thought may very well be the first thought you have when you listen to this album. It's got that polished gaelic charm that one would associate with the Corrs, but Tara is an artist in her own right, writing all her own lyrics and co-writing all the music.

When the songs are good, such as the summery The Three Degrees, which is sure to get copious Radio 2 airplay when it is released as a single in the near future, Later and Radio Star which is perhaps my particular favourite on the entire album, they are very good indeed. But far too often the arrangements drift into bland Terry Wogan Radio 2 territory and frankly some of the lyrics are not exactly relevatory or interesting.

This album will sell well, and does have a great summery feel, but unless a little more substance is introduced in her next effort, I cannot see the success continuing. If she takes a few more risks next time, she might come up with something really worth listening to. Still this is a good effort and certainly has more than enough to keep you going on a slow day. And a couple of the tracks are crackers. So hopefully the best is yet to come.

Icon's View - 2 1/2 out of 5

Nouvelle Vague - Nouvelle Vague

As a concept Nouvelle Vague, a collection of two multi-instumentalists producers teaming up with French and Brazillian singers to reinterpret some classic songs in a bossanove stylee, is somewhere down there with the Mike Flowers Pops and seems like someone has set this up purely for a joke. But to dismiss this album as mere frivolity would be to do it a great dis-service.

Yes at times it is playful and will bring many a wry smile to the faces of those familar with the originals, but many of these songs could easily stand on their own feet without the weight of history behind them.

The joy in this collection is two-fold. You can delight at hearing new versions of some classics tunes you know and love (Love Will Tear Us Apart, Teenage Kicks) but you also have the excitement of rooting out the original versions of those tracks you haven't heard before (and shame on you for not having heard of them).

The picks of the bunch are the afforementioned Love Will Tear Us Apart (which rather surprisingly captures the hopelessness I always felt was prevalent in Joy Division's song), A Forest (giving the Cure classic a totally tropical taste - Copyright LILT) and Too Drunk To Fuck (which turns the somewhat dark Dead Kennedy's version completely on it's head).

Whilst not all the collection can reach these heights (and there is only so much of this style of music the Dean can take in one sitting) there are very few stinkers, with even the lesser tracks, such as Making Plans For Nigel, being perfectly pleasant, if somewhat instantly forgettable on occasions. Still this is a worthwhile purchase to say the least for those looking for something a little different.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5

The Subways - Young For Eternity

Much hyped, and hotly anticpated, it was always a question of could the Subways debut long-player live up to two great singles (Rock And Roll Queen and the absolutely fan-bloody-tastic Oh Yeah) and wow across the board...the answer is not quite, but it's not bloody far off.

The two afformentioned singles both play off the tension between lead singer Billy and his lovely guitar playing girlfriend Charlotte and much like last year with the Von Blondies, I fail to see why more rock groups haven't gone for the male/female dynamic, which is totally underused. Sexual frission burns the air throughout this album, and it's all the better for it.

The two great singles are not the only highspots on the album; Lines Of Light slows things down somewhat, and remarkably doesn't bring the quality down, and Holiday, clocking in at a wonderful 1 minute 50 seconds, would be a punk rock hit in any era.

There are some duffer tracks in amongst all this, but for a band so young this is a remarkably strong debut and makes you salivate at what else might be in store in the future. It's brash, it's cocky and it's hormonal. You just have to hope "maturity" doesn't set in too near in the future...

Icon's View - 3 1/2 out of 5

Arcade Fire - Funeral

Anyone who is anyone has told the world just how great this album is, which always fills me with a slight sense of dread. How can it possibly live up to the hype and even if I like it, will it just look like I am following a trend to be "hip."

Well screw any of you who would think that of me, because this is one record which proves the hype is totally justified AND is one that I would be failing in my duty not to shill just as much. The cracking single Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out) is surely one of the tracks of the year so far with its rousing and uplifitng chorus, but it is by no means indicative of the whole album with only Rebellion (Lies) really matching the tempo of that.

But that's not to say that the rest of the abum is a disappointment. Neighbourhood #2 (Laika) is a song Franz Ferdinand would be proud of (if indeed decent lyrics were anywhere on their particular check list) and Neighbourhood #4 (7 Kettles) captures the mundane everyday existance yet makes it seem alive with passion and love.

As evidenced by the title, the making of Funeral was shrouded with death and despair (witness the dedication to recently departed familty members in the cd booklet - the song Une Annee Sans Lumiere sums this up as well) but this album does not leave a feeling of despair. If anything, it's underlying message is that love truly can conquer all. Let this album conquer you.

Icon's view - 4 1/2 out of 5

Family Guy - Live In Vegas

Family Guy may well be the single most funniest programme of the last 10 years or so, and really does beat off the likes of The Simpsons and Futurama to certainly take the prize of best animated show of the moment. And much like the Simpsons before it, music has always been a big part of the shows; but can the Family Guy make the transformation to a full on musical extravaganza?

Including a 48 stong orchestra, all your favourite characters are here and it's certainly pant-wettingly funny in places. "Babysitting Is A Bum Deal" sees Stewie duet with Haylie (sister of Hilary) Duff and also was nearly responsible for me crashing my car with Stewie's "Go Fuck Yourselves" opening and Quagmire's sexual perversions are laid bare in the classic "The 'Q' Man Loves Nobody." Stewie and Brian's medly of 1980's Theme Tunes is hilariously funny too (The Different Strokes and Golden Girls themes are worth the price of admission alone) but the show-stealer has to be "All Cartoons Are Fucking Dicks" where the likes of Barney Rubble and Elmer Fudd's supposed faux pa's are laid wide open by the whole Family Guy crew, and guest star Jason Alexander.

Not all the jokes hit the spot, and there are a couple of Lois and Peter songs which only raise a mild chuckle, but overall this is a dangerously funny "show" which no Family Guy fan should miss. As ever, Stewie and Brian are the stars, and even Mr Hubert makes a welcome appearance. As always with these comedy music albums, it's debatable whether six months down the line that this will be quite as funny as it is now, but this is a wonderful stop gap until Season 4 hits our shores.

Icon's View - 3 1/2 out of 5.

The Magic Numbers - The Magic Numbers

First things first, lets get the "they don't look like your average pop stars" bit out of the way. Ok, so they may not, but then The Magic Numbers are hardly appealing to those music buyers who place a great importance on "image" anyway.

There has, and indeed IS, a great deal of fuss surrounding this quartet but, sad to say, my first reaction upon hearing the album was more "what's the fuss?" Still, you have to give these things time, but here we are, two weeks down the line and the album still strikes me as decidely average.

First of all the flowery "summer" attitude of the whole thing starts to get annoying about three or four tracks in, and secondly whilst the harmonies certainly impress (until you get sick of hearing them over and over again), there isn't much else that does. "Forever Lost" is a good single, and Long Legs is pleasant enough, but really the album is the same old, same old, and not very good same old at that.

So if you're in need of a summer lift-up, this might work in the short-term, but there is just not enough of interest, and not enough variation to sustain the interest. Much like The Thrills found out second time around, The Magic Numbers routine might not pack anywhere near the same punch. They should enjoy the adulation whilst it lasts.

Icon's View - 2 out of 5

Suzanne Vega & Nerina Pallot LIVE

AKA, Dean and Gee's Summer Holiday trip to Coventry! :D

Anyways, yet another stacked and loaded tour date on the resume, held on the lovely campus of the University of Warwick...which isn't actually in Warwick, but is in Coventry. Which is strange, but hey! As this contained a support act who was worthwhile, lets tackle them seperately.

NERINA PALLOT
Last time out, Nerina's set was somewhat ruined by drunken Scousers and Irishmen prattling on rather rudely during her songs (although I don't include that nice Irish family who let me to the front to take some pictures in that) but here, in somewhat more sedate surrounding of the Butterworth Hall, the atmosphere was much more respectful. And, quite frankly, it's difficult to imagine anyone sat in the theatre not being a fan of Nerina after her bloody awesome performance here. Solo, with only a guitar or a piano for company, Nerina's star quality shone through, as evidenced by the frankly obscene queue for her little meet and greet after her set. And by the wonders of modern technology here is the set list...

All Good People
Idaho
Sophia
Geek Love
Grace
Mr. King
Damascus
My Last Tango

A nice selection from both of her albums, and substantially different from last time out (which is always a good thing). The highlights for me were Geek Love (which quite frankly is perhaps my favourite song of 2005 so far) and Damascus, which never really was one of my favourites...although it certainly is now. So really, I cannot eulogise enough about how great Nerina was, and I felt like a proud parent afterwards watching everyone battle it out to get hold of her CD before it sold out. Mind you, that's the kind of thing that would peg me as the stalker Nerina probably now thinks I am. Ah well...

SUZANNE VEGA
So onto the main event, and although my patient wait to get my picture taken with Nerina meant I missed three quarters of the opening song Marlene On The Wall, which just happens to be my favourite songs of hers...anyway, that couldn't be helped. Considering how few of her songs I thought I knew beforehand, there seemed to be something reassuringly familiar with a quite a few of the tracks she did. Not that this was a night solely dedicated to the hits as she took the opportunity to unveil some new tracks. Some new tracks that were so new that she had to have lyric sheets in front of her to remember all the words! All I can really say is that Suzanne Vega was a revelation and, despite not having ever purchased any of her records in my entire life I am wholeheartedly looking forward to her next album. And I think it is time to peruse t'internet for her back catalogue. So yes, this was bloody brilliant as well, and special mention to the midget Greg Rusedski on bass guitar :D

So really what more could I ask for from a concert than what I got here? I tell you, I'm dreading December coming around and having to formulate a "best of" list, because this was yet another top notch crew concert.

The Best of...GIRLS ALOUD VIDEO'S

Yes, I am the kind of sad person who thinks a discussion of this nature IS a worthwhile way of allocating my time! So here it is, all the videos, from "worst" to best, and with a "Most Valuable Girl" (an MVG) award for each one too! :D

8) Sound Of The Underground
Look, I'll come clean. I don't really like this song. And I don't really like the video all that much. To be honest if, on the basis of this ONE song, they'd done what is known in the trade as a "One True Voice" I don't think I'd have missed them. I mean really, they don't look half as nice in this as they do these days do they? MVG: Nadine. It's the legs.
7) Life Got Cold
This always reminds me of that Oasis one where they are on the bus. Not that other than the bus thing there is any correlation between the two video's, but come on, you love these little pointless nuggets of my train of thoughts don't you? This is an alright song, and an alright video, but nothing special. MVG: Sarah. For reasons I probably best not go into...
6) Love Machine
Now here is where it gets bloody stupid. This is a book of the dick video, as are all from hereon in, but hey, if you are going to rank the videos you have to make some tough decisions. And here it's just some small imperfections that knock this out of the top 5. Why on earth would Cheryl even be interested in that Double Bass player who looks as if he is in his 40's? And I'm sorry if you find her entry into the World Gurning Championships appealing, but I think she just looks stupid. Plus look at her orange tan!!! Needless to say I don't think this is Ms Tweedy's finest hour. MVG: Kimberly. That pink dress leaves little to the imagination, but crucially it leaves just enough to the imagination!
5) I'll Stand By You
Another song I'm not overly keen on, but there is no denying the charms of the video. I shan't repeat Gee's thoughts about the sand getting everywhere on here...Still I don't see why they are on a "beach" for this one, but then again, these things don't have to make sense do they? MVG: Cheryl. Oh you know why... :D
4) No Good Advice
Now this is where the love affair started. This is just a cracking song and the Spice Force Five parrallels simply cannot be ignored. Although funnily enough, the Girls look better in the two videos above, but there is just something about this one that I love. MVG: Nadine. I love the fact that she is just so bad at doing the dance moves.
3) Jump
I am of course referring to the video sans Monseuir Grant. This is a fun track with a suitable fun video, and it of course has the most blatant lesbian come-on bits in a mainstream pop video ever. You know the bits I mean fellas, although the mere fact that the five of them are prancing about on a bed is sign enough of what I'm going on about. MVG: Bloody hell, this is a tough one. Nadine in the backless schizz...Tweedy's C.A.T. on display...Kimberly looking hot as fook in that Harley Davidson top thing...Sarah and Nicola looking like they're from some lesbian track meet team...ooh, what to decide. Well, i shall plump for Kimberly.
2) Wake Me Up
Ha ha. Oh my god, what a video this is. Superb. Girls on Motorbikes...what an idea that was. There is something quite sexual about that idea isn't there? MVG: You know what I am going to say here don't you...come on, you can't really expect me to look past Nadine's "glad to see that you're still sugar" booby shake can you? Throw in the Asda price ass slapping and there is no contest here.
1) The Show
Well there had to be a winner, and this is it. Truth be told, after the first album, whilst I liked Girls Aloud, it wasn't an obsession, but this funky "comeback" single was just one of the finest slices of 21st Century pop I'd ever heard, and just like that I was in love. And then i saw the bloody video and I was in Boon-heaven!!! This is funny, sassy, funky...well lets just say it is absolutley bloody brilliant and be done with it! MVG: Geesus, what to decide here. Cheryl is at her finest here and you have to love Sarah's laughing at the end, but as depressingly predicatable as it may be to you, I shall have to plump for Nadine again. It's the cherry thing really...:D

Dido - Live At Brixton DVD (and CD)

Well the lovely Dido, who gave us one of the best concerts of 2004 now releases a great value for money CD/DVD set of one of said live dates. It has to be said that visually, a Dido concert is hardly an extravaganza, but musically Dido shows here that she is much more exciting and vital than most people would tend to give her credit for. Highlights of the show are Take My Hand (although it does give me nightmares of Gee singing "Take My Hand" over and over again on the way back from her concert last year) and Life For Rent. So basically, if you are a fan of Dido, get this. And if you're not, but think you might be, then get it as well. And if you're not a fan at all, still get it and be amazed at how good she is.

REM (and guests) LIVE

Well it's been a long time since I went to something like this, but there we were, sat in the humid atmosphere of Lancashire County Cricket Ground to see four of Dave's favourite bands. I'll get to the main eventers in due course, but here is a complete run through.

IDLEWILD - I found myself pleasently surprised at just how many of their tunes I knew. And even the ones I didn't know passed by quite well. They're not world-beaters, and are hardly likely to ever be so, but this set proved that they are good at what they do...and there is nothing wrong with that. Bring on the Greatest Hits CD... :D

THE ZUTONS - I still think they are striving too hard to be "quirky" but they do have some killer tunes in their locker. The ones I'd heard of before seemed to be the best of the bunch, but the band did bring an enthusiasm to the gig that was hard to resist. I still don't care what some people say though, that saxsophonist is not all that fit. Nice yes, but let's keep a sense of perspective dudes.

FEEDER - The disappointment of the day for me. There didn't seem to be any fire in the boys and too many of their songs are just too average to me to stand out. On a couple of songs I was enjoying it, but overall not the live act that I would expect.

REM - There is no denying that Michael Stipe and the boys are one hell of a live act. Personally the set list was not what I would have picked, but then for a band who's been going for over 20 years they cannot please everyone all of the time can they? Still, just for the likes of Man In The Moon, Losing My Religion and To The One I Love, REM are a band you simply must take the time out to see once in your life.

So overall, a great day out. But there was little on show that would make me want to see any of the four acts in concert again.

Foo Fighters - In Your Honour

Oh Dave, what have you done? I tried to keep the faith that a 2 cd album (one "loud", one "not so loud") would be a great move, I really did, but when it comes to it, it's not.

This is as if someone has annoyed the Foo Fighters by saying they've nothing new to say so they've decided that a 2 cd set will show all the doubters. Well all it shows me is that Dave Grohl isn't quite the genius he probably thinks he is, and he certainly isn't the genius I was hoping he was.

Thing is, with the exception of the unbeatable Color And Shape, Foo Fighters albums have always been patchy affairs but at least in the past the good has outweighed the bad. This time we aren't so lucky.

The "rock" selection bascially dispenses with any kind of tune you might actually nod along to in favour of "earnest" rantings and loud guitars. I seriously struggle to name a stand out track. Some are passable, one or two even reach the heights of "alright" but most are mediocre.

The "acoustic" selection is, to be fair, better than I thought it might turn out to be, but that still doesn't leave it as being any good, with only the Norah Jones featuring "Virginia Moon" being of any real usefulness.

This is not an awful album, but then again it's not a very good one either. There is just not enough that stands out, and there are just far too many songs that will become piss-breaks when the Foo's next hit an arena near you. Come on Dave, please sort yourself out in time for the next album.

Icon's View - 2 out of 5.

THE BEST OF...Ben Folds (including BFF)

Ok, so after the wonderful concert here is my list of my 10 favourite Ben Folds tracks...which probably will be competely different this time tommorrow :D

10) Landed
His latest single, (rock on for Radio 2's airplay of it), and truly one of his all-time classics. This has been known to make me cry (actually it did today as a matter of fact) although it is very uplifting in many ways.
9) Mess
Another of the more mellower ones in the cannon, this one hits home because I can relate to the feelings behind this one.
8) Rockin' The Suburbs
Fuck you Limp Bizkit. Well at least that's what this makes me think of when I hear it. What's more I can remember that prick Zane Lowe getting all arsey about this tune because it took the piss out of his beloved earnest rock music, so that's Tommy Two Thumbs fresh for this one.
7) Emaline
Obviously I've never known a girl called Emaline, but this is another one I can SO relate to. Well at least in what I think its about anyway. Sometimes I do indeed wish it was last September. Well not literally, but you see what I mean.
6) Song For The Dumped
Ha ha. You have to love this one. This is superb in both the original version and the slowed down solo live version.
5) The Battle Of Who Could Care Less
I remember watching MTV one day and they showed a clip of the video to this, with all the funny angles, and then they showed an interview with BFF at some house and then in walked the Kate, of Kate fame. But anyway, this song is where the love affair started.
4) Brick
Oh the tales. I remember Jonathan King being on GMTV and saying that if there was any justice in the world this song would be number one for weeks. Alas it wasn't. But this is haunting, and another one that makes me cry at times.
3) Where's Summer B?
Just a classic pop tune. What else can I say?
2) The Last Waltz
Brilliant, just bloody brilliant. Slightly barbed lyrics as well for such a nice melody.
1) Smoke
Truth be told this is one I skipped past for about the first two years I had the Whatever & Ever Amen album, but one proper listen was enough to captivate me. I can honestly imagine that this song is me and some woman arguing the toss about a relationship. It is that personal to me.

Nine Black Alps - Everything Is

The much anticpated debut album from Nine Black Alps finally hits the shelf, and it's as if Kurt Cobain never left us. There is little subtlety in these 12 songs. The band obviously love the whole Nirvana "Grunge" thing, and have set out in making a collection jam packed of the kind of music that would sit side-by-side with Nevermind, without ever threatening to reach the heights of musical genius of that particular classic.

Derivative it may be, but if that kind of music is your thing, you will find much to rock out to on this great album. Singles "Not Everyone" and "Shot Down" are mini-classics, but my personal favourite is "Ironside", which sadly has nothing to do with Raymond Burr but is a sub-3 minute slice of power pop that Dave Grohl would do well to replicate these days.

The pace is ferrocious (with only "Behind Your Eyes" slowing proceedings down at any stage) but Nine Black Alps have thankfully realised that making "loud" music doesn't neccessarily mean that the tunes and melodies have to go missing as well. Much like Cobain, Nine Black Alps probably wont appreciate talk of pop "sensibilities", but that's exactly what they have. And long may they continue in that vein.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5.

Girls Aloud - Girls On Film DVD

Ok, so this is actually a load of old tosh if one really considers it, but honestly this DVD is just 90 minutes of wonderful boon-tastic entertainment. It's got all the videos (which I shall rank in a seperate post in due course ;) ), the rather wonderful "Show" MTV programme and a few other TV performances and behind the scenes schizzle...who could ask for more?

It's worth it just for the guacamole incident :D

Ben Folds LIVE

It was a long time coming (it's six months since Mr Folds should have graced these shores) but in the end, this was well and truly worth the wait. A last minute work committment meant that young Xavier could not join the party as planned, which meant that Caroline (or Deviate if you like) had the honour of being a part of the 50th ever concert that me and Gee have been to together. And apart from her swearing outburst at me whilst having a drink ( :D ) she was great company. And I suppose even me and Gee were preferable company for her to a weird looking American unappropriately dressed in unfashionable shorts.

Ben was on top form as he rattled through most of the highlights of his two solo albums (although on a couple of occasions there were too many "slow" songs following each other for my liking - a minor gripe I know, but hey...) with his band before settling down to his piano and playing requests. Some old Ben Folds Five favourites were pounded out (including Brick - which welled up tears in my eyes), the highlight of which was probably Army, complete with the conducted sing-a-long. Then the band came back out and they rattled out some more top quality tunes.

It's hard to fault this concert. At nearly two and a half non-stop hours of great tunes, who could ask for more. Most of the favourites were there (Landed, One Angry Dwarf, The Last Waltz, Where's Summer B?...man I could go on and on), and he'd have to play for seven or eight hours to do ALL the songs you would like to hear. Quite simply Ben Folds is a musical genius, and I simply can't wait until next time.

Sons And Daughters - The Repulsion Box

Last year's Love The Cup EP was excellent, so it was with great anticpation that I took delivery of Sons and Daughters first long-player.

The first thing that sprung to mind was just how "Franz Ferdinand" they've become in some senses, although ultimately Sons and Daughters are unique and fresh and inhabit a world entirely of their own. Single "Dance Me In" is a joyous and highly sexually charged sing-a-long, "Medicine" is sparse and almost tribal and "Choked" higlights the sparring vocals of Adele Bethal (who, it has to be said, sound extremely sexy) and Scott Paterson to their fullest effect.

10 songs lasting barely over half an hour in total, but not a second of that half and hour is wasted or boring and the sheer spread of styles and sounds is amazing. Some call them the "new Franz Ferdinand" but in all probability the songs are too dark and gothic and too far removed from the "pop" of the Top 40 for Sons and Daughters to scale those heights. Nevertheless this is a stunning collection which will enchant all those that listen to it.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5

The Subways LIVE

Or not as the case may be, as this was cancelled. "This date should never have been labelled as a Subways headline gig" said the band. Then why the hell was it then? The more I think about it, the more I think they never had any intention of playing this and it was merely a trick to get you to watch the other bands on the line-up. Bah humbug!

Kraftwerk - Maximum Minimum

Damn that Vince McMahon for booking WrestleMania 20 for the approximate time that Kraftwerk were in the UK for their first tour for donkey's years (and probably their last knowing my luck). But there is a god, with the release of this superlative 2 cd collection of choice cuts from the whole of their 2004 tour.

This set is pretty much a live greatest hits collection from one of my favourite bands ever. And the remarkable thing is how fresh the music sounds. It's difficult to comprehend that most of the tracks on this collection were written over 20 years ago, yet could be brought up to date by the original artists in such a thrilling manner.

All their best stuff is here, including killer versions of The Man Machine, The Model, Trans-Europe Express, Autobahn and, most impressively of all, The Robots. This is, quite simply, a superb collection from one of the most infulential bands in history, and you only hope that some new material will come from them soon which lives up to this impressive legacy.

Icon's View - 5 out of 5

The Irresistable Cathy Dennis

Not a new release, but deserving of a mention nonetheless. Cathy Dennis was the first woman to adorn my bedroom wall. I remember cutting out a picture of her from the Daily Mirror and pinning it to the wall at the side of my bed...

Anyway, this is a wonderful little trek down memory lane. Cathy had 11 top 40 hits (although criminally the two tracks she recorded with D'Mob aren't included on here - my bet is publishing issues) over a period of 8 years, although looking back she probably wasn't as successful as a) I thought she was and b) she deserved.

Essential tracks include the debut solo single Touch Me (All Night Long), Just Another Dream, and my personal favourite You Lied To Me (which was produced by one-time Madonna cohort Shep Pettibone, which explains it's Madonna-ian sound 13 years on :D).

There is some rubbish tossed in amongst the good tunes, but for a bargain price of £3.33, you can't really complain about this collection. It's a reminder of how underrated Cathy Dennis still is, and a clue as to how she can knock out quality pop tunes such as Toxic and Can't Get You Out Of My Head today.

Icon's View - 3 out of 5

Kasey Chambers - Wayward Angel

The idea of an Australian Country and Western singer doesn't sound all that appealing, but those willing to look past prejudices and take a listen will find much to impress in Kasey's third solo album. Whilst not as striking as The Captain and Barricades and Brickwalls, mainly due to the fact that stylistically this album is ploughing the fields planted by those two albums, this is still a quality Country-rock collection, albeit straying a bit more to the "traditional" side of things than she has previously recorded.

Each songs seems to be a quality story in itself, with Chambers singing from many different perspectives, from that of a child in "Pony" to that of an eldery gentleman in "Paper Aeroplane". Indeed it seems that Kasey is hitting top form in terms of her skills as a songwriter.

Despite the songs being sung from these different perspectives, there is the feeling that Kasey is baring her own soul on this quality collectiong and the busy, but at the same time uncluttered, musical background adds to this feeling. She'll probably never be seen as a "major" star, but trust me, Kasey Chambers is every bit the superstar.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5.

Rachael Yamagata - Happenstance

Rachael is a lady who has been around for quite some time, but is only now officially releasing her debut album here in the UK. It comes sufficiently hyped up, but can it live up to that hype? Well the answer is almost.

First things first. If you are one of those people still anxiously awaiting the next Fiona Apple album, then Happenstance will quite easily fill that gap for now, and that is exactly the kind of music fan that this colllection is targeted at. Tracks such as Letter Read and Meet Me By The Water sound so much like Fiona Apple that if you heard them on the radio unsolicited you would think it was Apple herself.

There is slightly more to Rachael than that, but again it is comparisons being made with other artists. She has the smokey echo's of Norah Jones coming through in places, and Wear Me Down sounds like U2 if they were fronted by a woman.

It seems a bit churlish to compare Rachael to a multitude of other artists, but as evidenced by the sticker on the cover, these comparisons are being used to draw potential new fans in. Whilst this is a classy collection of great (and sometimes excellent) songs, there is still the nagging feeling that Yamagata has yet to truly find a sound of her own. But then again, this fine collection will more than pass the time until she does.

Icon's View - 3 1/2 out of 5.

THE BEST OF...Pet Shop Boys (singles)

This is to commemorate the release of the Back To Mine compilation (review soon) from the boys.

10 - Flamboyant
Their most recent effort as of the time of writing, and a brilliant return to form. If, as they have led us to believe, their next album, due in Spring 2006, is along these lines, it will be very good indeed.
9 - Rent
A song too controversial to be granted an American singles release, but nevertheless this stands up against any of the more succesful singles of the period. Some people think it's a lament on the state of Thatcher's Britain, some say its about male prostitution...I just say it's a bloody catchy tune.
8 - It's A Sin
Perhaps the most grandiose PSB single ever released, complete with nonsensical astronaut count down and latin prayers, this is a stomper every step of the way. Pointless trivia, they successfully sued Johnathan King when he suggested they had plagurised the tune for this from something or other.
7 - I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Anymore
One of the boys blinding song titles, and another cracking tune. One of the sexual intrigue cannon, this is all about a love falling apart. Not something I would strictly know about, but I can imagine being the singer in this kind of situation.
6 - What Have I Done To Deserve This?
Does anyone really know what this is about? And does it really matter when the tune is this good? I actually prefer the Shep Pettibone mix of this, so you can imagine how good that must be.
5 - West End Girls
Where the fame and fortune started, and arguably the first ever "Rap" number one in America...if we aren't getting to technical about these things.
4 - Always On My Mind
Whereas Elvis' version just made you think he was a complete loser (and don't get me started on Chris DeBurgh's version), this up-beat version makes Neil Tennant come across as a cool cad who will probably get the girl (ok, bear with me on that one) anyway, despite her knowing excatly how he won't treat her.
3 - So Hard
The Boys aren't particularily keen on this one, saying it was out of place on the otherwise mellow Behaviour album, but I think it is absolutely superb. Another of the sexual intrigue ones, with the all time classic line "we've both given up smoking, 'cause it's fatal, so who's matches are those?".
2 - Can You Forgive Her?
Oh for the sunny days of the summer of 1993, when I was 14 years old and didn't quite understand the subtle nuances of the story in the lyrics of the song. Still it's rollocking tune and I love the way that the person in the story is completely in the wrong but switches the blame to the woman. A good life lesson there.
1 - Being Boring
Originally not one of my favourites, but as the years go by I can't deny it's all-round awesomeness. A sad tale, beautifuly told.

Girls Aloud LIVE

Oh my god. What on earth can be said about this? I mean come on guys...FRONT ROW!!! :D I have to say that this was one of the greatest concerts nights in my entire concert going history. It kicked off in grand fashion with us actually being sat next to Nicola's family, and for once, Gee's "she looks like a famous person" routine was actually bob on. It was her birthday and we all sang happy birthday to her as well... awww!

The concert itself was just bloody brilliant. You know sometimes you are disappointed when you see a celebrity close up and realise they are not that fit...well that didn't happen here. I'm telling you, I am more in love with Nadine than ever. She is quite simply sex on legs. And she'd even ditched the tousled hair she had at Manchester for my much preferred straighter version. Thanks love. Also thanks for the flash of your knickers during the school-girl bit.

Tweedy had me in stitches throughout with her gurning, and some of the "acting" the girls did (especially during Teenage Dirtbag) was absolutely hilarious as well. Kimberley has such a cute arse that's its almost untrue, and that slit dress that Nicola had on during the ballad portion of the evening almost left us with the sight of her *CENSORED* i'm sure. In a plus for the Gee, Sarah spent what must have been at least 60% of the show right in front of him.

To me this cemented their place as the finest girl pop group EVER. In the flesh all five are quite simply "feet as fook" and I genuinely mean that. And the songs are bloody excellent too. Quite frankly, I love everything about them. Yes, even when they do an off-the-cuff version of "Where Is The Love" I love them. And you really can't get any more of glowing reference than that! :D

KT Tunstall LIVE

Ok, so to be in Liverpool on the night of the Champions League homecoming wasn't ideal, and it did lead to some logistical and transportational problems, but once inside the venue, none what was going on outside really mattered did it?

What can I say really? KT was her usual top class self (although the sooner she stops ruining Heal Over and does the damn tune properly the better) and she really is extremely funny as well.

I also had the pleasure of meeting a nice bloke called Andy off the KT forum, although I didn't join him at the front of the crowd. The real downside of the evening was the idiot stood near us who talked through all but three of the songs, and who was, quite frankly, a complete and utter knob jockey.

Still he couldn't ruin the evening. Another top notch crew event.

The Best Of...GIRLS ALOUD

Right as a bit of a commemoration of the double Girls Aloud concert whammy, I've decided to list my Top 5 Girls Aloud songs (in reverse order for added suspense);

5 - Love Bomb
This sorts out the true fans from those people who follow trends doesn't it? Only available on the original edition of the Sound Of The Underground album, this is perhaps quite rubbish if I were to really think it through, but it's just so damn catchy that I can't help loving it.
4 - Stop
This one has a bit of a gangsta rap kind of feel to it's opening (well, sort of...) and is one of those great songs that just builds and builds as it goes along. Nadine does quite a lot in this one as well, which is good as she is the best singer.
3 - Wake Me Up
Power pop at it's finest (almost). This was the track that I picked out as a single when I heard the album, and thank goodness that the record company agreed. Still, even if the song had been rubbish, it would have gained legendary status for the "moet in mud, bottle of bud" line alone.
2 - No Good Advice
Forget about the over-rated Sound Of The Underground single, and instead look to this pumping tune which owes more than a little to The Knack's sublime My Sharona. It's better with the swearing in though isn't it?
1 - The Show
What can I say? This, for me, is still the quintessential Girls Aloud song. If Kraftwerk were to suddenly find five women and have them front a band, this would be the end result. I loved this song the first time I heard it, and I still love it to this day. In many respects, this is the finest pop song this century so far.

The Best Of... An Explanation

Due to sheer boredom, I have decided to pepper this blog with the occasional best of list. These lists will be basically my opinions of the best songs of particular artists, and where possible there will actually be a reason for me choosing that particular artist at that particular time.

Aimee Mann - The Forgotten Arm

I'm convinced that there is no such thing as a "bad" Aimee Mann album but it does seem that the law of diminishing returns is applying itself to her career since the wonderful soundtrack to the film Magnolia. Her last two efforts (Batchelor No 2 and Lost In Space) were good, but not in the same class as Magnolia or Whatever or even, the much unfairly maligned, I'm With Stupid. And whilst The Forgotten Arm doesn't reach the peaks of her earliest work, it is still her strongest effort since Magnolia, and has much to reccommend it.

Loosely, the concept of the album is of a boxer returning from the Vietnam war, but really any close inspection of the album as a whole shows up many flaws in the "story". It's saved by the fact that the best tracks work best as stand alone songs. Two great examples are Dear John and Goodbye Caroline, which both stand comparsion with her old favourites.

However there is the feeling that whilst this is a good album, it contains nothing that we haven't heard before from Mann on previous releases. If you like her, then you'll like this. If you haven't been convinced by her previously, then you won't be convinced by this.

Icon's View - 3 1/2 out of 5.

KT Tunstall LIVE

KT time again, and despite me being ever so slightly tipsy, and being LATE for the concert (oh the shame), this was yet another top night of concert action.

The songs were as good as ever, and KT's banter was priceless. Not too keen on the Heal Over live version which morphed into some bizzare version of Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This, but other than that this was faultless. I honestly don't think I've sung along as much to any concert in my entire life. Quite basically I just had so much fun. Can't wait until the next one! :D

Girls Aloud LIVE

Well the finest girl group since the Spice Girls finally made it on tour, but would it be worth the wait...? The answer is a resounding YES!!!

Quite frankly this was a superior pop show, even better than last year's classic Sugababes effort, and was one hell of a spectacle. The Girls ran through all their hits, the highlights being The Show, Wake Me Up and Jump, and threw in some tasty album tracks such as the delightful Grafitti My Soul for good measure. Toss in a wonderfully bizarre cover of Wheatus' Teenage Dirtbag and you have all the makings of a great night.

The girls can all sing, and even Nadine seems to be able to dance to a certain degree these days and the energy level never drops. Hell I was even singing away at the top of my voice to I'll Stand By You, which quite frankly is an abomination on record, but seemed top notch crew live.

My only minor gripe would be that once the music stopped, not much of the girl's personalites shone through although as the show progressed all five seemed to be really enjoying themselves, which is half the battle isn't it? The costume changes were well timed, and certainly got the Dean's seal of approval, and showed that really, all five of the lasses are lovely. Although Nadine is still far away my favourite. I mean come on...those legs :D

So to paraphrase my own good self, this was book of the dick, and one of the most "fun" concert nights I've ever had the pleasure of. Roll on next week!!! :D

Finally, apologies to that woman sat next to me (although try as she might to put on a stern face at our group's antics she couldn't help laughing along with us) and if that woman sat in front of me is reading this, please get in touch. I imagine you'd be very good at...erm...well you know ;)

Casino LIVE

Ok, so basically on the Night Of Legends, I stumbled across this free gig in a Nightclub. There were fairly decent considering I've not a clue who they are or what they do. They rock out quite well. And they had a lovely lady (who I assume is/was bethrowed to one of the band) on their merchandise stall. So yeah, I might as well count this as a concert...for the reason that it was!

Weezer - Make Believe

Five albums in and little has really changed for River Cuomo and the boys, but nevertheless Make Believe is a very good "rock-pop" record, which whilst probably not converting any new fans to the cause, will keep Weezer fans all over the world very happy indeed.

Thankfully much of the bile that enveloped Maladroit seems to have been mellowed out, and whilst the lyrics still bite it's a much more pleasant listening experience than their last album, and sees them a similar ground to the much loved Green album. Lead single Beverley Hills is a perfect stomp along track, even if it is slighlty grating to hear multi-millionaire Cuomo moan about his affluent neighbours, but future hit single "We Are All On Drugs" is perhaps the perfect Weezer song and is the song you'll be humming all summer.

It's not a perfect album (the album's slower songs are nowhere near the quality of previous "slowies" such as Say It Ain't So) but it does give you pretty much what you want from a Weezer album. And personally, that's just the way I like it.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5

Holly Palmer - I Confess

It's upon listening to a CD like this that you realise that nine times out of ten there is no justice in the world of pop music. Becuase quite frankly, this is one of the best pop music albums you are ever likely to hear (knocking the crap out of anything the likes of Britney Spears or Kylie Minogue could do) but chances are you won't have heard of Holly, and are likely never going to. Apart from now, when I've mentioned her to you.

I had to stumble across this one thanks to an article in Playboy, and a review in the Mail On Sunday, but I sure am glad I stumbled across it. This is funky, quirky and, above all, sexy pop and takes roughly about one listen for half the tunes to be lodged in your head.

Title track I Confess is the kind of sassy and funky track which would be a hit in any circumstances, Does Your Mama is the best Avril Lavigne track that Avril could never do herself, and the Dr Dre produced Jumping Jack is superb. The album falls down slightly on the last two tracks (and I hate the MP3 player runing 20 minutes of silence on track 10 before some stupid speaking part kicks in) but from tracks 1-8 this is quite simply the essence of pure pop. It's intelligent, funky, danceable, hummable, sexy and, quite frankly, brilliant. Do youself a favour and check this out.

Dean's View 4 1/2 out of 5

Ben Folds - Songs For Silverman

Ben Folds is certainly one of my all-time favourites, but the nagging suspicion upon the release of each of his three ep's in the recent past is that he would never quite manage to once again reach the heights he did with Ben Folds Five, nor indeed the heights to which his first solo album Rockin The Suburbs soared. Thankfully it turns out that Ben was saving the good stuff for his second album afterall, although it still doesn't quite match up to some of his superb earlier output.
The one particualr problem I have with this album is at times it seems a tad too pedestrian, and also the fact that if the album well and truly starts off with a bang, it somewhat meanders out towards the end.
"Bastard" is a superb opener, showcasing Folds wry obsertvations to their fullest effect and is perhaps the most "BFF" style tune on the collection and . "Landed" is anything but grounded, as it's a soaring tune which would have, in a fair world, supplied a huge international hit. Songs that in prinicple could be feared to be overwriught (such as "Gracie" - an ode to his young daughter and "Late" - in memory of the late Elliot Smith) just sneak in at the right side of tenderness to avoid a cliched fate.
Folds has certainly still got "it" as evidenced on this fine collection, but for me he doesn't quite reach the heights I associated with his previous work. Perhaps I lament the passing of Ben Folds Five too much to be totally unbiased, or perhaps it's my fault for watching Ben move on, without wanting to leave behind my own past. Ben's still on form, but now he's playing a different game.

Icon's View - 4 out of 5