There has been a lot of rumours about Robbie Williams reuniting with Take That, but still nothing has happened. Williams however has recorded a duet with former bandmate Gary Barlow on a new single. The single is called “Shame” and will be released on October 4th and will be the feature on the 39 track greatest hits set “In And Out Of Consciousness – The Greatest Hits 1990 – 2010.”
“It’s incredible to listen to the album and realize that it’s already been 20 years of making music and playing gigs,” said Williams in a statement. “And the great thing about the album is that it’s not only a celebration of my past but also a bridge to the future. The fact that part of the future includes a name from my past makes it all the more poignant for me.”
Im sure it is only a matter of time before Robbie meets up with the rest of Take That and does a tour together.
Those of you not lucky [Ha ha] enough to live in the UK may have missed this Easter Monday’s broadcast of The People’s Artist Chart on the Beeb. Based on plays reported to Phonographic Performance Limited, AKA PPL, a body that licenses broadcast and other performances of tracks that are signed up to its catalogue (and charges mysteriously priced licensing fees to venues), the chart detailed the artists that had most plays in the decade 2000-2009. Here they are:
1. Madonna
2. The Beatles
3. Robbie Williams
4. Queen
5. Take That
6. Sugababes
7. Elton John
8. Elvis Presley
9. Abba
10. Coldplay
Incredible to see Elvis still topping the play charts after almost 40 years since his death, and that the pop bands of yesteryear are still more active on the airwaves than current acts. Does this list really define the decade? Listen to the programme via the BBC iPlayer here, and make your own mind up.
Pop music did the predicatable thing at the Brit Awards last night, with Lady Gaga making three trips up to the stage, but then the Brits are more about patting industry winners and safe bets on the back than exposing new musical talent. A slight nod to creativity in the critics’ choice award (which went to vodcoder fan Ellie Goulding and not Laura Marling like it should have) and some of the old guard coming back for a cry and a reminisce. Favourite quote of the evening – Peter Kay introducing Lady Gaga as ‘New York’s answer to Sue Pollard’.
Here’s the list:
International Album – Lady Gaga ‘The Fame’
International Female Solo Artist – Lady Gaga
International Breakthrough Act – Lady Gaga
International Male Solo Artist – Jay-Z
British Album – Florence And The Machine ‘Lungs’
British Single – JLS Beat Again
British Female Solo Artist – Lily Allen
British Breakthrough Act – JLS
British Male Solo Artist – Dizzee Rascal
British Group – Kasabian
Brits Performance Of 30 Years – The Spice Girls ‘Wannabe / Who Do You Think You Are’ (1997)
Critics Choice – Ellie Goulding
British Album Of 30 Years – Oasis ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’
Outstanding Contribution To Music – Robbie Williams
Nominees for the 2010 Brit Awards are out an it looks like another year for the ladies.
Amongst others, Lady Ga-Ga and Lilly Allen have both been nominated for three awards each. Lilly has been nominated for the Best British Album and Best Single Awards. As well as Best female act up against Florence (and the machine), Bat for Lashes, Pixie Lot, Leona Lewis and Lady Ga-Ga. Lady Ga-Ga is a favourite for both best international breakthrough artist and best debut album.
Whilst, Calvin Harris, Dizzee Rascal, Mika, Paolo Nutini and Robbie Williams were all nominated for Best British Male. Florence And The Machine, Friendly Fires, JLS, La Roux and Pixie Lott are all up for British Breakthrough Act. And the nominees for Best British Group are Doves, Friendly Fires, JLS, Kasabian and Muse.
A few sources have reported that Robbie Williams will be hooking back up with his old band to play some live dates. A more cynical man than me would look at the cheeky pop-idol’s planned album release and raise a wondering eyebrow at the enormous publicity value of rejoining the group, but I’m sure he’s also doing it for the fans. Whatever the case I just hope he stays on the rails this time; success is a hard pony to ride.
Our digital music streaming partner Spotify is going from strength to strength; they’re being taken really seriously as the future platform of choice by the biggest players in the industry. Robbie Williams (and his marketing team) have made the decision to have an exclusive UK pre-release through Spotify for his new album “Reality Killed The Video Star”, so if you feel like listening to it for free, head on over and sign up. While I’m not the biggest fan of Robbie’s music, there’s not room in my mind for anything but respect and admiration for the way he’s created his success, despite falling off the wagon once or twice. There are also a couple of playlists that RW has set up on Spotify, one of his own material and another of songs that have influenced him, which is pleasantly full of soothing crooners, just the thing for a wet Wednesday…
