1939-2004 9
releases on my indie label Third Mind: a Steve Gallant – HMV Phil Hartnoll – Orbital marathon, triple C60 compilation cassette I never met John but, like many people of my John Peel has been with me from the age of 14 package entitled Rising From The Red Sand pts generation, I picked up on so many bands from to 40 and I feel privileged to have met and 3-5. hearing them on his show, when they couldn't worked with him. I did two Peel sessions: one in When I approached John at the DJ booth, he get airplay anywhere else. I don't think there has the early stages of my career and one in July of immediately knew which tapes I was talking been such an eclectic radio programme in the this year which was the last ever performance about. Then, at the end of the show, we walked history of broadcasting. Peel was clearly one of that Orbital did. It was on this occasion that I had back in the direction of his car. When he opened the guys who loved the music more than the the opportunity to embarrass him by giving him the door he showed me a box of tapes on the business. a cuddle and telling him how much he meant to passenger seat and my cassettes were sitting on me, and for this I will always be grateful. top of the pile. Mike McCormack – Universal Publishing Idealistic, music crazy and just out of my teens, I John’s influence didn't burn brightly for a short Sean Devine - ASCAP took it for granted at the time that he would have period of time and then disappear like so many, I find it hard to find words to describe the spent hours poring over the mostly dark it shone (bar the odd flicker) for nearly 40 years. pleasure that Peely has brought to me and my ambient/second wave industrial/not exactly Peel In a compromising world he always seemed to friends over the years, his late night radio show show friendly tracks that I had sent him. With stand alone and although his music taste was always sparked debate in the playground the hindsight, and knowing these days how difficult mostly alternative and un-commercial, next morning and nothing happened in my it is to find the time to listen to unsolicited remember that he was still the first DJ to play house on a Saturday morning until Home Truths material, it really made me appreciate the sheer Dire Straits! was digested. A great man and a sad loss. dedication to duty that he had. Tony Wadsworth – EMI Gordon Charlton – Polydor Ed Bicknell – Manager If we who are lucky enough to work in this When I started my first scouting job for CBS in I was really, really shocked and saddened to hear industry could set our standards for integrity, 1982 the first two bands I tried to sign (the Lotus this. In the first instance, it's a tragedy for his wife quality, humility, humour and inspiration against Eaters and Dead Or Alive) had done sessions for and family, but it's also a very, very sad day for those of John Peel, the industry and the world him. the British music industry and BBC radio in would be a better place. As a very early Joy Division fan I would always particular. Thanks to John for turning us on to such a lot of listen eagerly whenever they did sessions and great music. subsequently with New Order. Peel was also the John Giddings - Solo only person who played records by bands from I remember listening to him on a Sunday and Elliott Randall - Musician my hometown (Luton) when I was a teenager. finding out there were other people who liked John was a true friend of progressive music, and God bless you John Peel, you were truly an the same music as me. He was one of the one of the finest radio personalities we’ve ever immense man. greatest influences on modern musical taste known. He will be sorely missed. Lee Thompson - Freelance Jake Burns – Stiff Little Fingers How can anyone involved in the UK music Paul and Katie Conroy – Adventure Records I remember when I was younger, lying in bed industry fail to have shed a tear when they heard It's at this time that words seem inadequate. and listening to John Peel on a hidden transistor the news of his passing? John Peel was the greatest DJ and broadcaster radio. The shows would always finish with I remember clearly the very first time I ever got of our generation - and his loss is immense. He Grinderswitch's Picking the Blues and Peely to hear his exclusive play of the still-stunning was a true champion of new and different music would always say: "Here comes the good bit", The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths in 1986, and that he believed in. Countless bands and just as the track got noisy. The guy was an before even that, the Jesus & Mary Chain making musicians owe their careers to his early absolute hero in the days when I considered their glorious noise, Billy Bragg's first ever acceptance. He changed the way that a DJ was most DJ's complete buffoons. sessions, long forgotten gems from groups like viewed in this country and with his passing, When we sent him Suspect Device and he not Unknown Cases, Young Marble Giants and so we've lost a true radio great whose warmth and only played it, but eulogised over it and played it many, many more - basically the soundtrack to personality entered the lives of millions. for something like 10 nights in a row, I was my youth. ecstatic. And the night we received the ultimate One of the saddest things however was how the David Bates – db Records Peel endorsement of, "And that was Stiff Little rolling news organizations seemed to pull totally One of my special memories of John was at a Fingers, of course," I was beside myself with unsuitable people out of the woodwork to pay special, one-off Was Not Was gig for media at happiness. As others have doubtless said more tribute. Peely would have been horrified to see the Wag Club on Wardour Street, when the band eloquently than myself, the world is a sadder Messers Bates and Bruno Brookes eulogizing on first came to the UK. place with his passing, but wasn't it fucking his contribution to the music in this country yet The Wag club was tiny but somehow we glorious to have had him? the ITV News Channel trotted them out to crammed in 150 people where there should pontificate. Wrong in every conceivable way - have been 50. The band started and the place Skreen - Waverunner they should have left exclusively to Gambo, went wild. Their bizarre, take on jazz, R&B and I was fortunate enough to be considered a Jensen, Andy Kershaw, Janice and Mark funk took hold and there at the very front, member of John Peel's extended family, an Radcliffe on the broadcasting side as they're the normally calm and considered but now with his honour bestowed upon me when the Cuban only ones qualified by having been so close to jacket off and doing his finest impression of the Boys ran riot on his show prior to the explosion John professionally. ‘Frug’, was our John. of label and media interest in our Hamsterdance I didn’t know he could dance. I’m not sure he song of Xmas 1999. But unlike most of the Andy Davies – BBC Radio 2 knew he could dance. But there he was enjoying people who emerged to champion us at that When I went to Radio 1 as a young producer, it himself. time, John was still there for us post-boom, was not the excitement of working in such an always receptive and always offering support institution that grabbed me but the fact that I Willie Morgan – Diamond Media and love for new projects. Without John, the was working in the same building as the Like many, I believe that the key to Peely's Cuban Boys wouldn't have that entry in the inspiring John Peel. That would have been longevity and the esteem to which he has Guinness Book Of Hit Singles, the joy of winning enough, but to meet the great man was a lasting deservedly been held, was not just his aim to the Festive 50, or the pride of recording two memory that I will treasure. always find something new and exciting, but sessions for the BBC - but most of all, we When I heard of his death, that meeting came also the incredible teamwork and relationship he wouldn't have so many great memories of such flooding back, along with the memories of all shared with the great John Walters. No one can a great man. My world will be an emptier place those great records that would never have ever replace either of them, and perhaps it is without him. touched me if it weren’t for him. Life is so very only the likes of Andy Kershaw and Nick Stewart cruel when it takes someone so special, but I'd who can truly demonstrate the single- like to think that John is already up there mindedness of their approach to music on the spinning some great tunes and continuing to radio, that John Peel exemplified. Photo credit: BBC champion real music. FFORORTTHCHCOMOMIINGNGSSIINGLENGLESS 10
15 November Nina Jayne No Ordinary Pain Death From Above Talib Kweli I Try TBC Anastacia Welcome To My Truth Lethal B Forward Feeder Devendra Banhart At The Hop The Longcut Transition Tumble & Fall The Bravery Unconditional EP Nadia A Little Bit Of Action Head Automatica Delerium Silence 2004 Northern Heightz Fly To You Beating Heart Baby Dogs London Bridge Razorlight Rip It Up Kings Of Leon Embrace Ashes Red Carpet Alright TBC Fabolous Breathe REM Aftermath Avril Lavigne Faithless Miss U Less See U More Snoop Dogg Drop It Like It’s Hot TBC Girls Aloud Lisa Stansfield If I Hadn't Got You Lindsay Lohan I’ll Stand By You Joss Stone Right To Be Wrong/Alfie Rumours Don’t miss The Morenas Marques Houston The Streets Could Well Be In Jennifer Lopez coming home Because Of You Kanye West Work Out Plan TBC I Dream ft. Frankie & Calvin Xzibit Hey Now (Mean Muggin) Lovefreekz Shine Dreaming Pop TBC JoJo Baby It’s You 6 December Lucie Silvas Breathe In Avril Lavigne The Used Take It Away Nobody’s Home Ash Renegade Cavalcade Band Aid 20 Do They Know It’s Christmas? Lemar 24 January If There’s Any Justice Beastie Boys Open Letter To NYC Willie Mason Blink 182 Always Ashanti Only You Hard Hand To Hold EP Duran Duran What Happens Tomorrow? Paddy Casey Saints & Sinners Maroon 5 Sunday Morning The Glitterati Back In Power What’s Brandy 2 U? McFly Room On The Third Floor Kylie I Believe In You Har Mar Superstar Body Request/Sugar Pie Modest Mouse Ocean Breathes Sally My Chemical Romance Thank You For The Venom Phixx Strange Love The Morenas Coming Home Damien Rice Blowers Daughter Portobella Viva La Difference Raghav TBC The Skandi Girls Do The Can Can Sia Numb Research She’s Not Leaving Robbie Williams Misunderstood Taz Imagine This Gwen Stefani What You Waiting For? Brian Wilson Good Vibrations Tears For Fears Shout 2005 The 411 Teardrops KT Tunstall TBC The Thrills Not For All The Love In The World 13 December Paul Weller Thinking Of You Bo Selecta Soda Pop 31 January The White Stripes Jolene The Concretes Warm Night EP Clor Welcome Music Lovers Stonebridge Take Me Away Darius Live Twice The Ga Gas Sex El Presidente TBC Green Day Holiday 22 November Electric Six Radio Ga Ga Ludacris TBC Aled & Hayley Silent Night The Features Leave It All Behind Heather Small TBC The Basement Do You Think You’re John Foxx Mr. No Moving On? Goldie Lookin Chain You Knows I Loves You 7 February Busted She Wants To Be Me Jet Get Me Outta Here Brandy Who Is She 2 U? Delays Lost In A Melody Ronan Keating Mariah Carey TBC Geri Halliwell Ride It ft. Cat Stevens Father & Son Girls Aloud Wake Me Up Darren Hayes Darkness Kinison You’ll Never Guess Who Died Shania Twain TBC Jay Z/Linkin Park Numb/Encore Morrissey I Have Forgiven You Jesus Tweet Turn Da Lights Off Keane This Is The Last Time Ozzy Osbourne In My Life Keisha White ft. Cassidy Don’t Care Who Knows Lemon Jelly Stay With You The Zutons Confusion Kristian Leontiou Some Say 14 February 20 December The Lostprophets Goodbye Tonight Do Me Bad Things TBC Brian McFadden Irish Son X Factor Winner TBC Kevin Mark Trial D Thames Nelly Tilt Ya Head Back Razorlight Anywhere Else Outkast Prototype/Ghetto Musick 27 December Simple Plan Shut Up Shania Twain Party For Two Secret Machines Sad & Money 21 February 29 November 3 January Annie Heartbeat Bryan Adams Flying David Guetta The World Is Mine The Donnas I Don’t Want To Know Babyshambles Killamangiro Kasabian Reason Is Treason Gorillaz TBC Natasha Bedingfield Unwritten Alicia Keys Karma Idlewild TBC The Black Velvets Get On Your Life Le Tigre TKO Beverley Knight Keep The Fire Burning Cheeky Girls Boys Boys Boys Urban Cookie Collective The Key The Secret LCD Soundsystem Daft Punk Is Playing The Corrs Long Night At My House Good Charlotte I Just Wanna Live 10 January Green Day Boulevard Of Broken Dreams Agent Blue Children’s Children Dead 60s TBC Minnie Driver Invisible Girl Houston Ain't Nothing Wrong Ana Johnsson Don’t Cry For Pain The Killers Somebody told Me Kings Of Convenience Know How Mos Def Sex Love Money The Music Bleed From Within Rooster Staring At The Sun Jamie Scott Searching Soundtrack Of Our Lives Breakdown System Of A Down TBC Thirteen Senses Thru The Glass
17 January Ian Brown TBC Chemical Brothers Galvanise What’s Gwen waiting for? Ciara Goodies Shania Twain TTIPSIPSAANDNDFFAAVVEESS 11
Top Tips - Issue #60 1. This Is The Last Time – Keane (Island) 2. Unconditional - The Bravery (Loog) 3. If There’s Any Justice – Lemar (Sony UK)
Louis Walsh Brill Mgmt. This Is The Last Time Keane Island Tips Paul Connolly The Times Unconditional The Bravery Loog Stewart Allan HMV Lost In A Melody The Delays Rough Trade Rob Persani Rutland & Fosseway Radio Irish Son Brian McFadden Modest! Paul Conroy Adventure Records I Don’t Care What You Call Me David Ford unsigned Mark Runacus Hicklin Slade The Moon And The Spoon Hott 22 Gossip Paul Kramer Hit Sheet Everybody’s Gone To War Nerina Pallot unsigned Matthew Christian AXM Magazine Hymn Tina Cousins AATW John Marrs Sunday Magazine I Believe In You Kylie Parlophone James Mannion FHM Drop It Like It’s Hot Snoop Dogg Geffen Jonathan Green Green Consulting Oh My God Kaiser Chiefs B-Unique Nicola Carson SonyBMG If There’s Any Justice Lemar Sony UK Gary Howard Mission Control Melody Seventh Sun A&G Jon Dunn Clear Channel Untitled Big Cash Prizes unsigned Alex Hardee Coda Agency Get A High Delrosario unsigned Anthony Dunning Antman Entertainment Bathtime In Clerkenwell The Real Tuesday Weld Pias Martin Goldschmidt Cooking Vinyl Penny and Me Hanson 3 Car Will Mills Shazzam Stay With You Lemon Jelly XL Carly Martin Blujay Mgmt. Nothing Hurts Like Love Daniel Bedingfield Polydor Liz Goodwin Universal Unconditional The Bravery Loog Greg Parmley Hit Sheet If There’s Any Justice Lemar Sony UK Scott Bartlett Velocity PR Psycho Gold Blade Captain Oi Graham Clark Maximum FM On A Good Thing C-Sixty Four Manifesto Dave Nattriss Hit Sheet Rip It Up Razorlight Mercury Dougie Bruce Universal Publishing Stormbound Becky Owen unsigned Jeff Chegwin Jeff Chegwin PR Somebody Told Me The Killers Lizard King David Stark Songlink All That I’m Allowed Elton John Mercury Dave Wibberley Freelance Weightlifting Trashcan Sinatras Picnic Noam Weinstein Artist Don’t Ever Stop Jess Tardy unsigned Eddie Shaw Lincs FM My Boo Usher feat. Alicia Keys Arista Gordon Charlton Polydor Honest Mistake The Bravery Loog Adele Slater Clear Channel Tape 23 Fans Of Kate Headwrecker Richard James Thameside Radio This Is The Last Time Keane Island Dave Elston HMV Drop It Like It’s Hot Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell Universal Wendy Kirwan Quirks What You Waiting For? Gwen Stefani Interscope Martin Jarvis Martin’s Out Of Touch United Nations Gusto Neil Garrett Loppylugs Girls Cam’ron Mercury Naomi Stickler Hit Sheet This Is The Last Time Keane Island Daniel Kramer Hit Sheet I Believe In You Kylie Parlophone Louis Walsh Brill Mgmt. Vertigo U2 Island Paul Connolly The Times Dreaming I Dream ft. Calvin & Frankie Polydor Faves Stewart Allan HMV I Believe In You Kylie Parlophone Rob Persani Rutland & Fosseway Radio Born In The ‘70s Ed Harcourt Heavenly Mark Runacus Hicklin Slade Play It The Montanas Caoz Music John Marrs Sunday Magazine What You Waiting For? Gwen Stefani Interscope James Mannion FHM Boulevard Of Broken Dreams Green Day Reprise Jonathan Green Green Consulting Heavy Lifting Ambulance Ltd. TVT Paul Kramer Hit Sheet Disembodied Voices (live) Finn Brothers Parlophone Paul Craig Supervision Mgmt. I Predict A Riot Kaiser Chiefs B-Unique Nicola Carson SonyBMG Dream Dizzee Rascal XL Jon Dunn Clear Channel The Milk Eyed Mender Joanna Newsom Drag City Anthony Dunning Antman Entertainment The Bucket Kings Of Leon BMG Carly Martin Blujay Mgmt. Get A High Delrosario unsigned Liz Goodwin Universal Evil Interpol Matador Greg Parmley Hit Sheet Falling Like Stars Bird Ice Cream Scott Bartlett Velocity PR Monster The Beauty Shop Shoeshine Graham Clark Maximum FM Alright Red Carpet Positiva Dave Nattriss Hit Sheet Polaris Jimmy Eat World Interscope Jeff Chegwin Jeff Chegwin PR Neverending Sugarmonkey David Stark Songlink Songs In The Key Of You Kavo unsigned Dave Wibberley Freelance Vertigo U2 Island Noam Weinstein Artist Top Of The Hill Naomi Sommers American Melody Eddie Shaw Lincs FM If There’s Any Justice Lemar Sony UK Charles Kennedy Invisible Hands Slipped Away Avril Lavigne Arista Gordon Charlton Polydor A Pattern Fans Of Kate Headwrecker Adele Slater Clear Channel Tell More Lies Republic Of Loose Bigcat Richard James Thameside Radio Weightlifting Trashcan Sinatras Picnic Dave Elston HMV Movement LCD Soundsystem DFA Oisin Lunny Video-C Overnight Gonzalez UCJ Wendy Kirwan Quirks If There’s Any Justice Lemar Sony UK Martin Jarvis Martin’s Oxygen Willy Mason Virgin Neil Garrett Loppylugs Back From Outta Space Mirabeau AATW Daniel Kramer Hit Sheet Room On The Third Floor McFly Island
Top 20 "On the word that most describes you…" DEFINITION Louis Walsh Brill Mgmt. Lucky An Irish leprachaun Paul Connolly The Times Slatternly Slovenly, untidy, befitting of a slatten Vonnie Debrett Musician Heteromorphic Deviating from the normal, perfect, or mature form Susie Tomkins Susie Tomkins PR Blondewithbrains A rare and unusual breed of fairheaded homo sapiens Rob Persani Rutland & Fosseway Radio Overworked Prone to exageration John Marrs Sunday Magazine Flatulent "Pretentious without substance or reality" (Webster) James Mannion FHM Brummie An unfortunate affliction of living in the Midlands Jonathan Green Green Consulting Indefatigable "Unremitting in labour or effort," (Websters). Tireless Jon Dunn Clear Channel Higgledy-piggledy Topsy-turvy, jumbled, in utter disorder or confusion Alex Hardee Coda Agency Quixotic "Impractically idealistic of fanciful" (Oxford) Liz Goodwin Universal Dehydrated To have consumed too many spirits the night before Scott Bartlett Velocity PR Decent "Free from immodesty or obscenity" (Webster) Dave Nattriss Hit Sheet Indescribable Indescribable Dougie Bruce Universal Publishing Strawberryblonde On the cusp of being ginger Jeff Chegwin Jeff Chegwin PR Positive "Having more protons than electrons" (Merriam-Webster) Dave Wibberley Freelance Available A cheap date Eddie Shaw Lincs FM Organised Control freak Charles Kennedy Invisible Hands Byzantine "Characterised by deviousness or underhand methods" (Oxford) Adele Slater Clear Channel Booshed The following of emerging trends and tastes Paul Kramer The Hit Sheet Omnipresent Spread too thinly, fingers in many pies RERETTAAILILISISDEDETTAAILIL 12
Retail Is Detail Top five selling albums (10/11/04) – Virgin Megastore – Union Square, New York Top five selling singles in various retailers at close of business on 10 November, 2004 1. OST Ray 2. Elliott Smith From A Basement On A Hill HMV – Oxford Circus 3. Mos Def The New Danger 4. A Perfect Circle Emotive 1. U2 Vertigo 5. Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters 2. Destiny’s Child Lose My Breath 3. Daniel Bedingfield Nothing Hurts Like Love 4. Eminem Just Lose It 5. Nas Bridging The Gap New release prices in HMV stores – week starting 8 November, 2004 Most Requested Pre-Release Single: Gwen Stefani Blue Curtain Falls £1.99/£2.99 What You Waiting For? Jamie Cullum Everlasting Love £1.99 Best Selling Album: Britney Spears Greatest Hits Dizzee Rascal Dream £1.99/£2.99 The Finn Brothers Nothing Wrong With You £2.99 Delta Goodrem Out Of The Blue £1.99/£2.99 Martins – Ashby de la Zouch Eastern Lane I Said Pig On Friday £2.99 The Hiding Place Cruel Kindness £2.99 1. U2 Vertigo Mick Jagger Old Habits Die Hard £1.99/£2.99 2. Eye Opener Hungry Eyes LCD Soundsystem Movement £1.99 3. Steriogram Walkie Talkie Man Mark Lanegan Hit The City £2.99 4. Eminem Just Lose It Mase Breathe Stretch Shake £2.99 5. Destiny’s Child Lose My Breath Nas Bridging The Gap £1.99 Prince Cinnamon Girl £1.99 Most Requested Steriogram Walkie Talkie Man £1.99/£2.99 Pre-Release Single: V/A Clubland 6 Twista So Sexy £1.99 Best Selling Album: Ice Cube You Can Do It U2 Vertigo £1.99/£2.99 V You Stood Up £1.99/£2.99 Loppylugs - Edgware
1. Nas Bridging The Gap 2. Eminem Just Lose It New releases prices in HMV stores – week starting 3. Blue Curtain Falls 15 November, 2004. 4. U2 Vertigo 5. Copyright Release Yourself (US import) Anastacia Welcome To My Truth £1.99/£2.99 Devendra Banhart At The Hop £2.99 Most Requested Delerium Silence 2004 £2.99 Pre-Release Single: Ice Cube You Can Do It Embrace Ashes £1.99/£2.99 Best Selling Album: Ja Rule Rule Fabolous Breathe £1.99 Faithless Miss U Less See U More £3.99 Left Legged Pineapple - Loughborough Girls Aloud I’ll Stand By You £1.99/£2.99 Marques Houston Because Of You £1.99 1. U2 Vertigo I Dream ft. Frankie & Calvin Dreaming £1.99/£2.99 2. Steriogram Walkie Talkie Man Jo Jo Baby It’s You £1.99/£2.99 3. LCD Soundsystem Movement Avril Lavigne Nobody’s Home £1.99/£2.99 4. The Dears Lost In The Plot Lemar If There’s Any Justice £1.99/£2.99 5. Prince Cinnamon Girl McFly Room On The Third Floor £1.99/£2.99 Modest Mouse Ocean Breathes Sally £1.99 Most Requested Gwen Stefani What You Waiting For? £2.99 Pre-Release Single: U2 Vertigo (12inch) The 411 Teardrops £1.99/£2.99 Best Selling Album: Kings Of Leon Aha Shake Heartbreak The Thrills Not For All The Love In The World £2.99 Paul Weller Thinking Of You £1.99 The White Stripes Jolene £1.99 Quirks – Ormskirk
1. U2 Vertigo 2. Blue Curtain Falls 3. Delta Goodrem Out Of The Blue Midweek Crossword 4. Destiny’s Child Lose My Breath 5. Steriogram Walkie Talkie Man Across 1. There’s no fear of falling just yet (7) Most Requested 4. The end of the act or just an interval? (7, 5) Pre-Release Single: Band Aid 20 9. Appear from nowhere (3, 2, 3, 4) Do They Know It’s Xmas? 15. Dirty Dancing classic (6, 4) Best Selling Album: Il Divo Il Divo 17. 1st half of following song titles: On, Lover, Baby, Girl (5) 13
Obviously the last few weeks have been as new Darkness record will be a double crazily busy as ever, but everything album as they have so much material to stopped in the Hit Sheet office when the choose from. With Roy Thomas Baker tragic news of John Peel’s death came (Queen) producing, it’s bound to be through. We spent the rest of the day awesome. phoning around our subscribers for their reactions and tributes. John’s funeral is Hit Sheet-featured artists Velarsound really today (12 November). Check pages eight impressed me with their short but sweet and nine for some lovely testimonials. set at the ITC showcase at Infinity and do keep a look out for newly-signed Sony band British Beef who were on the same bill and very exciting, despite having the smallest drummer in the world. They’re a cross between Good Charlotte and Busted. (L to R) Paul Conroy, Peter Gabriel, On US election night, I was invited to the Tony Moore Destiny’s Child launch for some very nice canapés before hot-footing it to see Hugh The album launch of front-page star Lemar Goldsmith’s latest success story, Rooster, was another special night out. Before at the ICA. They look and sound like the attending the Lemar bash I had the real deal to me. The following morning the pleasure of meeting Hit Sheet subscriber newspaper hoardings read, "Bush … Four Mike Caren (VP of A&R Atlantic US) and he More Years", in big bold letters. Now the was so impressed with one of the acts that last time I asked Steve Davis at EMI what happened to be on my in-car CD player, he (L to R) David Stark, the man in the hat, was happening with Kate, he promised me immediately arranged to fly them out to Peter Gabriel that there’d be a new album soon, but four New York to showcase to his bosses. The more years is Blue Nile territory! act in question is an old friend of the Hit Another sad loss was that of Bill Nicholson, Sheet’s and has made what has to be my the manager of Spurs when I first went Jackson Browne’s solo gig at the Palladium favourite album of the year. Fingers along to a game back in 1969. Those were was a treat, although why he needed 14 crossed that a deal soon results and you’ll the days! The most successful manager in guitars on stage with him is anyone’s be able to judge how good the act is when the club’s history deserved total respect, so guess! I hurried from there to the MITS we exclusively bring you a track soon. I attended Bill’s memorial service at White dinner in time to see Peter Gabriel pick up Hart Lane last Sunday. It was a truly a well-deserved Man Of The Year award. As for some of the other gigs, David Ford moving occasion…seeing Jimmy Greaves, He is a truly exceptional man and it was a (featured in the last issue) played a blinding Cliff Jones, Martin Chivers, Steve great honour to meet him briefly set at the Bedford and it surely won’t be Perryman, Gary Mabbutt and Glenn Hoddle afterwards. That night, Eric Nicoli was very long before he gets snapped up also. on the same pitch was magical. Having philosophical and upbeat, despite being Micah P Hinson at The Scala was a delight. attended the AGM this week I really do the only EMI employee not to win a prize in believe that the new management team of David Munn’s raffle! We returned to the Bedford again this week Jol and Arnesen will turn out to be a this time to hear the dulcet tones of blessing in disguise and a 3-0 win away at Another great night was the BMI’s unsigned Belfast artist Foy Vance, who to Burnley was the perfect tonic for the long inaugural acoustic gig at the Hard Rock, our ears sounds a lot like Brian Kennedy, he suffering Spurs fans, especially with the sponsored by Gibson Guitars, which was a shows great potential. Good luck to Jackie big derby this weekend. Congrats to all our great success in general. Highlight of the Hughes and Brian Freshwater who have Chelsea supporting subscribers on being night was KT Tunstall. taken him under their expert wing. top of the premiership, amazing what 300 million pounds can buy you these days!. Jamie Scott at Ronnie Scotts was another A big Happy 30th Birthday to our editor sold out affair and this young man is Greg Parmley and we'd like to wish him Back to the music scene… I attended a certainly ticking all the right boxes with his good luck on his travels in 2005. wonderful Finn Brothers Radio Two in soulful vocals and good looks. He’ll concert/interview at the Bedford in Balham definitely be one to watch in 2005 and Finally, our first Xmas invite of the year - it was a great night. Both Neil and Tim hopefully new single Searching will be a came from PPL, and it will also likely enjoyed themselves, with great backing massive hit in January. (hopefully) be the most offensive that we from Jeremy and Paul Stacey, and Tim receive. Quite what humour they saw in Smith. Minnie Driver at Hammersmith posting out cards with two Nazis on is way (supporting the Finn Brothers) proved that beyond me. it is possible to be both a fine actress and singer. I think she’ll get the respect she Thought for today… deserves as long as the tabloids open their eyes to her talents. A pat on the back is only two feet away from being a kick up the arse! The Band Aid DVD launch was a star- studded affair. Thanks to LD for the invite. Have a good fortnight, Shaking hands with Sir Bob was a highlight, as was his speech before the film rolled. Hanging out with The Darkness, Paul Kramer Brian May and Roger Taylor afterwards at Sticky Fingers restaurant was also very cool. Dan Hawkins informed me that the KT Tunstall at the Gibson/BMI Hard Rock event EMEMAAILILffrromom 14
Almost all of the songs weren't rich, but and try to project the image that they're still throwaways. It was creepy. He hip, that they still matter. disappeared into the wilderness once BOB again. But most of these acts are period pieces. Or have become caricatures of themselves, LEFSETZ Then, out of the like the Stones. blue came 1998's Imagination. Hell, the Stones, despite their moniker as Once again, not all the world's greatest rock and roll band, are the songs were more akin to the Grateful Dead than Yes, or Brian Wilson At Disney Hall memorable. But it the prog rock musicians extraordinaire. So SOUNDED like the much of the show is mediocre. Some Beach Boys. downright awful. But, on a good night, they I don't know what's wrong with Brian lock in and it works, and is sometimes Wilson. Oh, there were The Beach Boys transcendent. many Beach Boy Love You I first ran into him at the movies in late '78. sounds. But the one that blew our minds, Well, that's the way it used to be, in the Fredda and I were there to see Unmarried that changed our perception of Brian seventies, when people were still really Woman or some other Mazursky-like Wilson from another Phil Spector to a God, listening. Today the Stones can do picture at the United Artists theatre on was one with rich harmonies and sweeping anything on stage, it doesn't matter, the Lindbrook and on my way back from the orchestrations. Out of the blue, DECADES audience doesn't know any better, they're bathroom at the end of the show, there he LATER, somehow Brian Wilson still had it. there to be able to tell their officemates was. He was in fantastic shape. And they went to the gig, to relive a past they wearing a windbreaker with his name And that he does. Locked up inside this might not have had in the first place. embroidered on the chest. You've got to hulk of a man is a musical genius who understand, the Beach Boys are the reason understands the sound. But he's not like But going to a Brain I LIVE in southern California. you and me. He's not like the stars in Us or Wilson show is People. He's not even like the retired different. It's not even It was only him and one English rock stars who appear on TV now about Brian Wilson. other person. I went up to and again. Rather, he's closer to someone Rather, it's about his talk to him. He seemed locked in an institution. He's closer to Rain music. And when you STARTLED! He Man. hear that music acknowledged my you're blown away. Smile compliments. But it was If not helped on Realizing his only clear we weren't going to stage, he stumbles. rival is the Beatles. And that even though have a conversation. When he speaks, the fab foursome understood lyrics, Because he seemingly Brian Wilson it's like a child. changes and harmonies, Brian has all that, couldn't. Not because he Almost non- but in addition an extra room in his brain. was a star and didn't want to, but because sequiturs. That allows him to visualize ALL the music. he seemed to be locked up in his body, and Like a classical composer. He's working was frozen like a deer in the headlights. But every once in a with many more paints, on a much larger But one very strange thing I noticed about while, when his Rain Man canvas. HE is the greatest composer of the him was the very few words he did speak almost twenty piece band is cooking, he rock era. emanated from the side of his mouth. smiles. It's kind of like that movie Awakenings, suddenly Brian's been I stopped going to gigs because Brian's After becoming a recluse, Brian emerged unlocked. He's here with us. He voice was so awful. But maybe it was L.A., spectacularly on record more than once. understands the beauty. He's connecting maybe it was that I was so close that I was With Til I Die and Sail On Sailor most with humanity. And then he goes back in paying attention to the penumbra more notably. But when he was TRULY back, his shell. than the center. But last night it didn't seem when the publicity campaign was in full- to matter. force in '77, the resulting album, The Beach Maybe he had a stroke. Maybe that's why Boys Love You, was beyond curious. It he only talks out of one side of his mouth. Last night the music shone. So bright as to was child-like. Maybe it's brain damage from too many make the election irrelevant. So bright as drugs. It's not purely emotional, believe to remind one that music is a worthwhile And unfinished. And THAT'S when I me. And he couldn't have been like this in pursuit, something to dedicate your life to. started to realize...Brian was done, he the sixties, nobody would have given him a wasn't coming back. chance, paid attention. But, despite all the No, not stardom. Not what you see on above, Brian's still got the music in him. MTV. This is FAR from that. This isn't But try to come evanescent, this is PERMANENT! And, back he did again. And so do we. stunningly, it's created live, by human With his '88 solo beings, right in front of your very face. If album. Which was It's kind of creepy to go to a gig with almost children saw this they would be inspired to nowhere near everybody over fifty. pick up instruments and become commensurate with musicians. It would change the course of the hype. Brian's Most of these gigs don't work. Especially musical history. Because the values Brian voice was ragged. Imagination when the artists have had plastic surgery Wilson represents, the sounds he creates, AAMMERERIICCAA 15
are so rich, so EAR-PLEASING, that they California. Like out of the pages of a But it's deeper than that. Laid out clearly in surpass any movie, any TV show. They magazine, but with no attitude. Just Add Some Music To Your Day. make you feel alive. getting through life, not looking for fame. Music when you're alone Brian did all of Smile. It was executed Still, the piece de resistance was Add Is like a companion extremely well. I loved Vega-Tables. But Some Music To Your Day. For your lonely soul that was not the highlight of the evening. The world could come together as one This is why I'm a Oh, believe me, California Girls was a If everybody under the sun music fan. It's the highlight. The intro alone. But it was the Would add some music to their day only thing I can deep album tracks count on to be there he played that I hate to admit it, but those in the red states for me. When the moved me. That are not immune to music either. Music has world's got me made me throw off a power. Far greater than religion. Which down, I can go in my my perception of may be why it's used in religion. Music is room and be him as a bizarro holy in a way that the written and spoken transported. To a Surfin’ USA and just had me word are not. Music is TRANSCENDENT! better place. A place reveling in the You're walking through life, and suddenly of beauty. Cartoon Stones music. Sure, I there's something prettier than every remembered member of the opposite sex, every vista, I'd like to tell you that last night at Disney where I was when I heard these tunes, but it's embracing you and you feel Brian was really back. that wasn't the primary connection, like at a STUPENDOUS! Like you're on a ride at nostalgia show. Rather, they still worked Disneyland, but you're not moving. But Brian's never coming back. UNTO THEMSELVES! We need to focus Oh, there's somebody that looks like him There was the ethereal Please Let Me on our up on stage. But that's not why you go. Wonder. commonalities in this country, not our Yes, you do go to worship. But you're not There was the exquisite Dance, Dance, differences. But I sure Brian even gets your adulation. Dance. With its lyric brilliantly painting the don't think this will Really, you go for the MUSIC! To hear high school life. happen. Because almost perfect renditions of music that the red people don't changed my life that barely seems dated, But there was Marcella. like who I am in that's outlasted all the hit ditties along the Carl And the principle. They're way. Marcella was one of those gems from Passions/So Tough not radically Brian's reclusive period. It was the lead-off different from the And despite all the grayhairs in the track on a completely dismissible record, Muslims. If you're not like them, you're a audience, of all the music of the sixties, it's Carl And the Passions/So Tough. heathen. If I don't believe. If a girl I Brian's that most present, almost impregnate wants an abortion. If I want to ubiquitous. We had no CD players in 1972. We had to question the wisdom of a President go over to the turntable and lift the arm to KILLING people and bankrupting the Credit Radio Disney. Kids know every hear the same song again and again. And country I'm a TRAITOR! Beach Boy hit. this I did with Marcella. Our only hope is to reach them through Maybe in time they'll know the later Nobody else could have created Marcella. music. It happened in the sixties. It's not material. A cross between the rounds of elementary happening now. Rap is portraying a school, Southern California, Leonard lifestyle they hate. And pop is irrelevant. Then again, the genius was evident early, Bernstein and carnal sensibility. It's pure And so much of it doesn't reach them in Catch A Wave, with that harp! joy. On steroids. It takes you there, and anyway, since Wal-Mart acts as a filter. then pushes you BEYOND! I hope P2P wins just to remove Wal-Mart Seemingly everybody in attendance but from the equation. And, when all music is TAXI! me knew that it was about Brian's easily accessible, the children in the red masseuse. I learned only in one of Brian's states will be exposed to mind-blowing The Hit Sheet was driving through few cogent between song patter moments. tunes. Ones not filtered through the London recently and got stuck behind corporations, but stuff from the heart. Like a taxi with a familiar sounding licence One arm over my shoulder the music of Brian Wilson. plate. Take a look... Sandals dance at my feet Eyes that'll knock you right over But even if we end up living in a near- Ooh, Marcella so sweet totalitarian state, we'll still have Brian and the Beach Boys' music. You can PICTURE it. Brian up in the house in Bel Air. On the massage table. On a It's got elation, like with Surfin' USA. bright, sunny Southern California day. Bob Lefsetz is a freelance journalist writing from Santa Monica, Being worked over by the kind of girl who It's got commentary on everyday life, like in California. The views expressed are his alone and not only seems to EXIST in Southern At The Drive-In. necessarily endorsed by The Hit Sheet. www.hitsheet.co.uk
19 NOVEMBER 2004 ISSUE #60
Looking Good, Sounding Better, Between The (Hit) Sheets
Record of the Week Teardrops
The 411 Sony UK We are lucky enough to be in possession of the forthcoming album from The 411 (Between The Sheets, out 29 Nov) and we’re convinced that it’s the finest girl group debut since The Spice Girls released Spice, eight long years ago! To our ears, there has to be at least half a dozen top 10 singles on this album, which is an impressive ratio! Check out Between The Sheets, Jumpin’ and Can’t Fight Love as well as the current hit Teardrops.