Our latest Soundbites sees Carl Barat discussing the secrets behind The Libertines reconciliation, yet more Neil Young albums are set to be unleashed, one of this year’s Mercury Prize hopefuls talk of their nomination, while U2 sort out one of those pesky, interfering football teams. We also look at an unlikely online director for Arcade Fire, another UK festival confirms it’s line-up and there’s news of a new home for next year’s Brit Awards.
Things have been remarkably calm in the world of The Libertines since they announced their reunion, with the possibility of immediate implosion seemingly avoided. Speaking to XFM this week, Carl Barat has revealed the cunning secret to the band’s ongoing friendship – he has barely spoken to Pete Doherty since the announcement. “We met for a drink recently, but Pete wasn’t there because he was in Crewe or somewhere,” he explained. “I’ve emailed Pete but he doesn’t do his emails. We’ve had a few chats, but we’re both really busy, funnily enough. So we’ve got a few weeks blocked out to have a proper social and get the rehearsals done as well.” Fingers crossed the reconciliation survives the rehearsals hurdle.
Never ones to do things by the book, Arcade Fire, who return next week with new album ‘The Suburbs’, will have their upcoming live web-stream directed by Monty Python star and acclaimed filmmaker Terry Gilliam. The Canadian band’s gig at Madison Square Garden on August 5th will be controlled by Gilliam, though viewers will have a choice of alternate camera angles if they prefer the more conventional concert experience. The show will commence at 10pm EDT (3am BST), via YouTube’s music service Vevo.
Neil Young is to issue four previously unreleased albums as part of his ‘Archives’ series. The re-issued records include three studio LPs – ‘Homegrown’, ‘Oceanside-Countryside’ and ‘Chrome Dreams’, as well as one live album entitled ‘Odeon-Budokan Live’, which was recorded in Japan and London in 1976. Given the delays to the first Archive volume, and the lack of any confirmed release date, expect a further announcement in 2014.
Considered one of the outsiders for the 2010 Mercury Music Prize, the Villagers have spoken of their surprise at receiving a nomination this year. “It’s a real honour and a definite surprise to be nominated,” Conor O’Brien told NME. “I wasn’t even expecting it, there wasn’t even a sense of ‘maybe we’ll get this’, I’m super-surprised, it’s something I never would have thought about. The thing about prizes, it’s a real honour to be included but I want to maintain a little bit of distance from it because I want to keep creative, I want keep writing and I think if you get obsessed too much with stuff like this then it’s not too good for your song-writing.”
Does U2’s authority in the music world know no limits? The Irish supergroup have resolved a schedule clash with Italian football giants Juventus by forcing them to re-schedule a European fixture. Juventus’ Europa League tie with Shamrock Rovers will now be moved away from the Stadio Olympico, as U2 have the venue already booked for some essential rehearsals. “Apparently U2 have the stadium booked as part of their European tour so the venue is being moved to Modena,” Shamrock Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche told the Irish Times.
The Standon Calling Festival, which will take place in Hertfordshire between 6-8 August, has confirmed the final list of bands to complete this year’s line-up. Amongst the acts added to the bill are Metronomy, British Sea Power and Jeffrey Lewis. The eclectic event is being headlined by Liars and Etienne de Crecy.
The music industry’s annual back-slapping event The Brit Awards is to have a new home next year after it was confirmed the ceremony will be moving from Earl’s Court to take up residence at London’s O2 Arena. A source reportedly told the UK’s Sun newspaper: “The shape and dimensions of The O2 means it will have a different feel,” while commercial director Anna Golden said in a statement: “EC&O Venues can confirm that The Brits will not be staged at Earls Court in 2011, following the organiser’s decision to change the format to an arena event. We are sad to see The Brit’s move to a new venue after 13 very successful years at Earls Court but we’d like to wish the organisers the very best of luck going forward.”
