Yesterday was the 13th Anniversary of Freddie Mercury's death, whilst [almost] coincidentally, tomorrow marks the occasion of the 13th
Mercury Music Prize, which he had
nothing to do with.
In that time, we've seen
classical-punk piano recitals nominated,
agit-prop rockers repeatedly snubbed and Radiohead routinely listed but falling short [though not this year.]. It's always a varied list, but are
you really interested in the obscure, the fusion, the orchestral and the jazz?
Listen to 'em all
here , and fill up the gaps
here. A complete list of past nominees and winners can be found
here , and the bookies seem to rate both
The Streets and
Franz Ferdinand worthy of the accolade, according to odds published
here.
Will ascullion again pick the winner? Listen on the web to find out tomorrow, midnight GMT, or watch on digital TV in the UK .
Previous years' threads here.
posted by dash_slot-
on Sep 6, 2004 -
14 comments
It’s not a mass-produced American product. It's either "a turnaround in American publishing, or... radically wrongheaded" - but it looks like The Guardian may be launching a version in the USA soon.
Could such a venture lead to the demise of the venerable old Fleet Street institution, owned by an
independent trust? Is it overreaching ambition or a daring entry into niche market?
More interesting to me, are there any similar non-profit media organisations in your part of the world (wherever that may be)?
posted by dash_slot-
on Jul 7, 2003 -
13 comments
The Bolan Tree.
Today is the 25th Anniversary of the accident in which folk-singer turned glam pioneer Marc Bolan died. The
tree his car hit - driven by his partner, soul singer/producer
Grace Jones - has been purchased by a fan group [T-Rex Action Group], who have also contributed a bust sculpted by Canadian
Jean Robillard (with Quebec Government Cultural Attaché to Great Britain attending the unveiling today).
You may not think you know his music, but if you've seen
Velvet Goldmine or
Billy Elliot, watched the NBA Playoffs on TNT [using
'Get It On/Bang A Gong'], or ever wondered where the ubiquitous '20th
Century Boy' [with the definitive power chord + squeal opening burst] comes from, now you know.
Marc inspired devotion in his fans, and respect from the likes of Bowie, the Damned and Billy Idol in his own lifetime - and influenced musicmakers like The Strokes & The Red Hot Chili Peppers [according to this article in
The Philidelphia Enquirer].
Dandy's in the Underworld, indeed.
posted by dash_slot-
on Sep 16, 2002 -
34 comments
Adam Ant, who once assured us that
"ridicule is nothing to be scared of", admits
pub affray & has been remanded on bail, after using a fake gun to take revenge on pub-goers that took the piss out of his clothes!
Adam seems to have suffered quite a lot - both
before and after - his heyday, and his behaviour has led to him being compulsorily detained on at least one occasion.
Quite apart from the fact that Police do not seem shy of killing
anyone who could be a threat and
might be armed with a pistol, has there ever been such an exact fall from grace for a celebrity - whose personal 'philosophy' came back to haunt him like a Shakespearean tragedy?
posted by dash_slot-
on Aug 13, 2002 -
34 comments
AOL's UK tax break to end...next year?!!? To those that hath, shall be given.
For some years now,
the worlds largest online service (now part of the worlds largest media co.) has been allowed a
$30m./year exemption from Value Added (sales & services) Tax - VAT. This has been blamed on European Union legislation by
Customs & Excise, who await the Brussels behemoths decision - as we all do - with baited breath.
Is it just a case of sour grapes by their rivals, especially
Freeserve, now owned by one of Europe's largest media companies - Wanadoo - or was there a real distinction between
ISP and
Content Provider?
Surely, there must be a defence for this -
'Devil's Advocate', anyone?
From TheRegister.co.uk
posted by dash_slot-
on Mar 19, 2002 -
0 comments
