Musicology

The Brit Awards have rolled around again and somehow the best single of the past twenty five years it Angels by Robbie Williams (as voted by Radio 2 listeners which I think says more about them than the state of pop music). I sincerely hope that is NOT the legacy we are offering our children!

Thankfully most of the awards seem to have gone to the correct recipients this year. With the exception of the following:

  • Gwen Stefani – I wonder if we’ll look back on Gwen Stefani’s International Female Solo Artist award as a bit of a blip? Mind you, given the other nominees it’s understandable.
  • Jamelia – should have won either British Female Solo Artist or British Urban Act, surely.
  • Keane – Best Breakthrough Act? A weak category (god knows why) but would’ve given this to Franz Ferdinand who have had a much bigger impact musically. Non?
  • Scissor Sisters – Best International Album. Album? No I don’t think so. I think the band award is more accurate as so much of what they are about concerns their live act and their general fun personas. Outkast or Killers for me.

Hell, I’ll even concede Will Young’s best single and Keane’s best album awards and if you really push me I’d probably agree with McFly “winning” their award (those pesky kids probably rigged the voting).

In other music news, Prince has been crowned as last years top music earner (rumours abound that he will now change his name to King). Whilst I’m glad that he’s back in the public domain again, it should be pointed out that he hasn’t actually stopped making music, it’s just that none of his recent albums were released on a record label. You could buy them from his website though.

Anyway, the secret to his success is pretty obvious as a mandatory purchase of his last album, Musicology, was required to get a ticket to any concert on his US tour last year. No album purchase, no ticket. Singular. The man is a genius on more than one level.

And finally, I’m happy to say that I’m fully enjoying Lemon Jelly’s new album – ’64 – ’95. Recommended.