In today’s Soundbites – our look back at the past week’s news, features and tabloid gossip – Danny Boyle fights authoritarian regimes with The Beatles and Oasis, no-one told the weather Glastonbury isn’t on this year, Chris Martin has advise for his haters, an exclusive Maccabees interview, and the week’s most popular video is revealed.
Danny Boyle, given the unenviable task of following the 2008 Beijing Olympics’ spectacular opening ceremony, is apparently going to play to the UK’s strengths in the absence of an authoritarian regime and instead include the likes of The Beatles, Oasis and the Sex Pistols on the soundtrack for his production which will launch this summer’s London games. The Sun claimed this week the playlist was leaked by a ‘music industry source’, and quoted an Olympic spokesperson who refused to confirm the accuracy of the soundtrack: “There is endless speculation about the content of the show — much is simply guesswork — and we are keeping the rest of the show under wraps.” More (alleged) bands and tracks right here.
Coldplay‘s Chris Martin will probably be one person happy with the playlist. Addressing the issuing of some people maybe not being too into a band which flogs itself relentlessly on every two-bit Cowell talent show going, Martin advised those not all that enamoured with his group to ‘go watch TV or listen to Oasis instead’. Luckily, anyone wrapped up in the opening ceremony will be able to take up both of his suggestions at the same time. Read his comments in full, made to Concrete, here.
Viva Brother, remember them? Were going to take over the world but found their all-conquering plans scuppered by releasing a pretty duff debut album. Ring any bells? Anyway, the band, or their frontman Lee Newell at least, have apparently re-launched themselves once again, and this time have dived head-first into the world of synth-pop. New official website and tracks have been unveiled. Have a look if you dare.
Noel Gallagher released the promo for ‘Everybody’s On The Run‘ – the fifth single to be taken from his debut solo album ‘Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds‘ – this week. Let’s be honest, while the album is a consistent collection of radio-friendly songwriting, the videos have been utter nonsense. Thankfully, this new one doesn’t disappoint – it has lots of people running and everything. Clever boys. ‘Everybody’s On The Run’ is the week’s most popular video on Live4ever – visit our Videos section to sort through all of the week’s new and classic videos.
It should be Glastonbury this weekend, so obviously it’s pissing it down in the UK. Clearly no-one told the weather Michael Eavis has given his cattle a break this year. One festival still going ahead this weekend though is Isle Of Wight, and the problems caused by the downpours have been numerous, with reports of massive traffic jams and ferries being unable to disembark its passengers. More reports on the bad weather here, and don’t miss our look back at the legendary 1970 festival.
The Blur reunion story took another twist this week when the band took to Twitter with a little cryptic message apparently hinting at some new material being unveiled early next month. The Tweet gives a time and date of 7.15pm on July 2nd for fans to look out for, and also includes the hash-tag #thepuritan, pointing to a new track played live by Damon Albarn recently as being the likeliest candidate. More on the story and Blur’s recent studio habits at this link.
The BBC is often accused of wasting license fee money, and Benicassim organiser Vince Power has added his voice to the argument by revealing the corporation’s Radio 1 Hackney Weekend, which kicks off today, has ‘pissed him off’ by starting some unfair competition. “In a special time of austerity, I’m sure that taxpayers don’t want to see their money spent on festivals. If the BBC is giving something out for free, then we can’t compete,” he said. Read more of his thoughts here.
With their new album ‘Given To The Wild‘ bucking a trend of commercial struggle for guitar bands, The Maccabees are well placed to pass comment on the current music scene, and the struggles of upcoming indie types. And in an exclusive interview with Live4ever before their show at the Webster Hall in New York City, the band’s guitarist Felix White did just that, offering a fascinating insight into his own group’s successes, as well as why things could be improved no end by simply bringing back Top Of The Pops. Check it out.