Noel Gallagher Confirms He Is Interested In Working With Damon Albarn

Former Oasis songwriter finally ready to collaborate with Blur frontman but denies Oasis will play Glastonbury 2014.

Noel Gallagher has said that he is "interested" in working with Damon Albarn but refuted claims Oasis will reform in 2014 and headline Glastonbury.

Gallagher spoke about his friendship with the Blur frontman, as well as the future of Oasis, while at this year's GQ Awards where he collected an Icon prize. He told The Sun that he is up for working with Albarn but there is no chance fans will see him back with brother Liam and Oasis next year.

The Sun reports Gallagher responded with a firm "no" when asked if Oasis were reuniting in 2014 and that he added there is no chance of the band playing Glastonbury. However, his friendship with Albarn may move in a musical direction with Gallagher adding: "I like Damon and would be interested in working in something."

As previously reported, Noel aimed a jibe at Foreign Secretary William Hague from the stage at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in London on Tuesday night (September 4). Appearing on stage to collect his Icon prize, Gallagher told the audience: "Welcome to the Tory party conference, by the way. Nice to see the Foreign Secretary here with all the shit going on in the world that he should be sorting out. Good for you."

Gallagher was presented with the Icon prize at last night's GQ Men Of The Year Awards, where other winners included Arctic Monkeys, Lou Reed, Elton John and The Who's Roger Daltrey.

Source: www.nme.com

Noel Gallagher, Lou Reed And Arctic Monkeys Win At GQ Men Of The Year Awards

According to GQ, Noel Gallagher is an Icon, Arctic Monkeys are the Band of the Year, and Lou Reed is the Inspiration of the Year.

Gallagher, Arctic Monkeys and Reed were among the winners at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards held on Sept 3.

Lou Reed was handed his award by The Rolling Stones' guitarist, Ronnie Wood.

The Arctic Monkeys said of their award: "This is the triangulation of our 2013 achievements: Glastonbury, a Match of the Day slo-mo montage and this award,"

We're not sure what Noel Gallagher thought of his award, but we do know what he thought of certain guests attending the ceremony.

Gallagher used his acceptance speech as a platform to make a political statement about certain guests, including Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and the Foreign Secretary.

Accepting his GQ award, Gallagher said: "Welcome to the Tory party conference by the way. Its nice to see the Foreign Secretary here while there's s--- going on all over the world he should be sorting out."

Other winners on the night included Elton John who was honoured with the Genius Award; Pharrell Williams who was named Performer of the Year; and The Who's Roger Daltrey, who received the Editor's Choice Prize.

Source: thedwarf.com.au

Video Report: Beady Eye At The Glastonbury Festival

The Glastonbury Festival has begun with acts including Rita Ora, Chic, Dizzee Rascal and Arctic Monkeys due to take to the stage on Friday.

Liam Gallagher made a surprise appearance on The Other Stage at 11:00 BST, opening with Flick Of The Finger, a recent single with his band Beady Eye.

Noel Gallagher To Play At This Year's Glastonbury Festival?

Noel Gallagher is being tipped to play this year’s Glastonbury festival, according to website efestivals.co.uk.

Arctic Monkeys, The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac have already been linked to this year’s music bash.

No official word yet, but I will keep you updated.

Help Pick The Ultimate Noel Gallagher Playlist

This week the 6 Music Breakfast Show have been honoring some of the biggest and most influential names in music. Keith Richards and Johnny Marr have already been in chatting to Shaun during Legends Week, and Chris Cornell will be in tomorrow – but on Now Playing this Sunday we want you to help us build a show around today’s guest, Noel Gallagher.

Without doubt he’s one of the most influential artists of his generation. He helped Oasis establish themselves as poster boys of Brit Pop in the 1990s, while their success continued well into the new Millennium until their acrimonious split in 2009, which set the path in motion for Noel to form the High Flying Birds.

With controversy, spats and sibling rivalries throughout his career he is unquestionably a rock and roll star, and will forevermore be regarded in the highest esteem thanks to his songwriting, musical talent and distinctive voice.

So accept our challenge and help us pick the Ultimate Noel Gallagher Playlist and make it something reflective of his status as a living legend. You could go for:
* Your favorite Oasis hit, B-side or rarity
* Something he’s made by himself as part of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
* Tracks from people he’s collaborated with be it The Chemical Brothers, Paul Weller, Goldie or even Ricky Gervais
* One of his many influences - The Smiths to The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Stone Roses
* Or one of the bands he’s inspired like Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Lilly Allen and The Cribs

For more details click here.

Liam Gallagher Speaks About Rivalry With 'Pansies' Blur

Beady Eye frontman says he 'hated' them at the time – but insists it was really 'just good fun'.

Liam Gallagher has spoken out about the fierce rivalry his old band Oasis used to have with Blur in this week's 60th anniversary edition of NME.

The feud between the two bands helped make Britpop into a national obsession and originated in the magazine's pages but, in this week's special collectors issue, Gallagher – who now fronts Beady Eye – said that although had previously "hated" Damon Albarn and co, the war-of-words they exchanged in the media had been "just good fun".

When asked whether he thought the rivalry between the two bands had been manipulated by the music press, he replied: "I don't think so. At the time I hated Blur, I thought they were just pansies from London and we were a totally different thing. You might have done certain things, but no-one told me whether I liked someone or not. I thought it was just all good fun."

Gallagher is just one of the eight iconic cover stars on this week's special collectors issue, with his older brother Noel, Arctic Monkeys, Patti Smith, John Lydon, Manic Street Preachers, The Killers and Paul Weller completing the set.

Inside, all eight cover stars reflect on their relationship with NME over the last 60 years – the high times, low times and all the hilarious moments. It's also packed with interviews from Kasabian, Green Day, Biffy Clyro and Beth Ditto talking through their favourite ever NME covers.

It also includes a free copy of the first ever issue of the magazine. The issue, which was published in 1952, features all the biggest stars from the era, including Vera Lynn, Alan Dean and Heath and Hylton, plus the big debate on whether two-beat Dixieland music rules over four-beat Big Band.

It's also packed with timely news coverage – including an exclusive story announcing that the Government would soon introduce commercial radio in Britain for the first time. Plus the hottest new music tips – including a certain "sexy singer from America" – future Amy Winehouse collaborator Tony Bennett.

You can pick up this very special edition of the magazine on newsstands today (September 26), or digitally now.

Source: www.nme.com

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds embark on a UK tour in September and will tour the US and Canada alongside Snow Patrol and Jake Bugg later this year.

More details on the above dates and more can be found by clicking here.

Collector Editions Of The NME Are On Sale Now

This week's collectors edition of the NME features eight different covers including Liam and Noel Gallagher, Arctic Monkeys, Patti Smith, The Killers and Manic Street Preachers.

It is on sale now.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds embark on a UK tour in September and will tour the US and Canada alongside Snow Patrol and Jake Bugg later this year.

More details on the above dates and more can be found by clicking here.

Noel Gallagher Among The Nominees For This Year's Q Awards

Florence and The Machine, Blur and Noel Gallagher among the nominees for this year's Q Awards along with the likes of Adele and Lady Gaga.

This year's prestigious awards will take place on October 22 and will yet again feature some of music's biggest names.

Florence leads the way with two nominations each, while Bruce Springsteen, Plan B and the Arctic Monkeys also are given nods. Reunited acts Blur and The Stone Roses are up for the title of Best Band In The World, while The Black Keys fight it out with likes of Bobby Womack and Paul Weller for Best Album.

"It's been the most incredible year for British music," Q editor Andrew Harrison said. "Our bands and our anthems transformed the Olympics into the greatest music event on Earth.

"And amazing comeback shows from Blur and the Stone Roses showed the enduring appeal of our greatest musicians. All the nominees for this year's Q Awards helped make 2012 an absolutely unforgettable year."

Fans can vote for their favourite acts on the Q website until early October. The ceremony will take place in London on October 22, hosted again by Al Murray.

Florence and The Machine, Blur and Noel Gallagher among the nominees for this year's Q Awards along with the likes of Adele and Lady Gaga.

This year's prestigious awards will take place on October 22 and will yet again feature some of music's biggest names.

Florence leads the way with two nominations each, while Bruce Springsteen, Plan B and the Arctic Monkeys also are given nods. Reunited acts Blur and The Stone Roses are up for the title of Best Band In The World, while The Black Keys fight it out with likes of Bobby Womack and Paul Weller for Best Album.

"It's been the most incredible year for British music," Q editor Andrew Harrison said. "Our bands and our anthems transformed the Olympics into the greatest music event on Earth.

"And amazing comeback shows from Blur and the Stone Roses showed the enduring appeal of our greatest musicians. All the nominees for this year's Q Awards helped make 2012 an absolutely unforgettable year."

Fans can vote for their favourite acts on the Q website until early October. The ceremony will take place in London on October 22, hosted again by Al Murray.

The full list of nominees is as follows:

Q best new act:

Alabama Shakes

Alt J

Django Django

Lianne La Havas

Frank Ocean

Best track:

Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

Fun -We Are Young

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know

Plan B - Ill Manors

Rizzle Kicks - Mama Do The Hump

Best album:

The Black Keys - El Camino

Richard Hawley - Standing At The Sky's Edge

The Maccabees - Given To The Wild

Paul Weller - Sonik Kicks

Bobby Womack - The Bravest Man In The Universe

Best live act:

Blur

The Cribs

Radiohead

Bruce Springsteen

The Stone Roses

Best video

Arctic Monkeys - R U Mine?

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - Everybody's On The Run

Keane - Disconnected

The Killers - Runaways

Nicki Minaj - Starships

Best solo artist

Adele

Dizzee Rascal

Noel Gallagher

Emeli Sande

Florence Welch

Best act in the world today:

Blur

Coldplay

Lady Gaga

Muse

The Stone Roses

Source: www.entertainmentwise.com

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds embark on a UK tour in September and will tour the US and Canada alongside Snow Patrol and Jake Bugg later this year.

More details on the above dates and more can be found by clicking here.

Liam Gallagher Makes The Final Four In The NME's Ultimate Musical Icon Poll

Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, former Oasis man Liam Gallagher, David Bowie and John Lennon have made the final four in NME's search for the Ultimate Musical Icon of the last 60 years.

Our search for the Ultimate Icon of NMEs lifetime began earlier this year with a shortlist of 60 people and has now reached the semi-final stage.

To celebrate NME's 60th birthday, we're going to be crowning the ultimate musical icon from the magazine's lifetime and the current shortlist of four will be narrowed down to two in the coming weeks.

To vote for your choice, head to NME.COM/ultimateicon and click on your choice.

To find out more about the search for NME's Ultimate Musical Icon of the last 60 years and to read four of NME's top writers naming their choice for the award, pick up the new issue of NME, which is on newsstands now or available digitally.

You can also watch a video where the likes of Kasabian, Florence And The Machine, The Maccabees, The Who's Roger Daltrey, Katy B and Marina And The Diamonds name their ultimate icon by scrolling down to the bottom of the page and clicking.

The shortlist for the NME's Ultimate Icon of the last 60 years is as follows:

Alex Turner
David Bowie
John Lennon
Liam Gallagher

Source: www.nme.com

Details of an exclusive strictly limited 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' CD or vinyl singles collectors box can be found here.

Wayne Rooney Listens To Oasis Before A Big Game

Wayne Rooney has revealed that Oasis, Bruce Springsteen and Cat Stevens - are among the singers who help fire him up for the big matches as he prepares to join the action at Euro 2012.

The England striker has selected 11 tracks to get him in the goal-scoring mood for the crunch game against Ukraine tonight. England face-off against the co-hosts and need at least a draw to progress to the next round of the tournament. He has posted a Spotify playlist on his Twitter account which shows him to have a heavily indie-based taste with pop music and even ballads making the cut.

Wayne, who had Welsh rockers Stereophonics play at his wedding, chose their hit Maybe Tomorrow alongside Springsteen's Streets of Philadelphia. Cat Stevens' Father and Son is a probable tribute to his two-year-old son Kai and Champagne Supernova by Oasis makes sure a flavour of Manchester is included.

Rooney has also released a moody video highlighting the highs - and lows - of his career to date ahead of his arrival in the tournament.

FULL PLAYLIST
Deacon Blue- Real Gone Kid
Arctic Monkeys - Riot Van
Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow
Bon Jovi - Its My Life
Oasis - Champagne Supernova
Cat Stevens - Father and Son
Damien Rice - Delicate
James Morrison and Jessie J - Up
Eric Clapton - Tears in heaven
Bruce Springsteen - Streets of Philadelphia
The Hummingbirds - Doesn't Really Matter

Source: menmedia.co.uk

Arctic Monkeys: 'We Pretended To Be Oasis In School'

Alex Turner has revealed that he and Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders once dressed up and pretended to be Oasis during school assembly.

In a new interview with US website Pitchfork, Turner reveals that he and Helders performed in front of his primary school, using a tennis racket in place of a guitar.

"So me and Matt and some of our friends put on 'Morning Glory' – we 'played' some tennis racquets and pretended to be Oasis," says Turner. "Matt was Liam Gallagher, he had the bucket hat on. I was the bass player."

He also adds that the performance wasn't as well received as a rival performance by a group of girls pretending to be the Spice Girls, adding: "We were just standing there, doing what Oasis did onstage," he said. "Which was not a great deal. I don't think we got as good a reaction as the Spice Girls."

Alex Turner also names Oasis's 1995 album '(What's The Story) Morning Glory' as one of the records that influenced him as a teenager to pursue a career in music.

"With Oasis, it's just that attitude, like it's resistant against everything else that's going on in music," he says. "I don't know if you can fully understand that - it's like an impulse, innit? Especially at that age, you don't rationalize, you're just like, 'That looks cool.'

"And I feel like that's the ****ing way it should be now, in a way. Guitar music or rock'n'roll or whatever you want to call it sort of goes away with trends, but it'll never go away completely. It can't die because it's so fundamentally attractive."

Source: www.gigwise.com

Noel Gallagher Says 'The Song That Changed His Life' Is One Of His Own

Noel Gallagher has said that Oasis' hit single 'Live Forever' is the song that changed his life.

The guitarist, who plays the second weekend of Coachella this weekend, revealed to NME that the 1994 track is the one that changed everything for him.

Speaking in a video (that you can watch here) Gallagher responding to the question "What was the song that changed your life?" by simply answering "When I wrote 'Live Forever'."

Watch the video here.

Asked the same question, Two Door Cinema Club's Alex Trimble picked Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit, which he revealed was the reason he picked up a guitar, Frank Turner picked Cave In's 'Crossbearer', Katy B picked Skream's 'Midnight Request Line', while Wretch 32 joined Noel in picking his own song 'Traktor'

As well as Noel Gallagher, Arctic Monkeys, Enter Shikari and Graham Coxon are among the artists who've revealed the records that changed their life in this week's NME.

In this week's special Record Store Day preview issue, which is on UK newsstands and available digitally now, the likes of The Vaccines, Frank Turner, The Horrors, Blood Red Shoes, The Maccabees and a host of other top names reveal the releases that changed everything for them.

The issue also features a comprehensive guide to this Saturday's (April 21) Record Store Day, including details of the all the special releases and free gigs happening to coincide with the celebrations.

Source: www.nme.com

Noel Gallagher: 'Nothing I Do Will Ever Be As Big As Oasis'

Noel Gallagher has admitted that he will never reach the heights that he reached with Oasis as a solo artist.

In a documentary titled Mark Lawson Talks To Noel Gallagher which was aired last night (March 30) on BBC 4, the High Flying Birds man said that nobody could be as big as his former band.

He said: "Nothing anybody does can be as big as Oasis. Not Coldplay, not Kasabian, not the Arctic Monkeys, in this country not U2, not any of them, its as simple as that."

Gallagher added: "It's not only me that lives up to that legacy, everyone else has too. We were the last. We were the greatest. The end".

He added: "I've had this reputation since the band have split up for being called a control freak. And I was. I controlled them all the way to Wembley and Knebworth and all the way to the top of the charts. So you're welcome."

In the documentary, he also spoke about his childhood, his relationship with his brother Liam and the Britpop war with Blur.

Meanwhile, Gallagher is set to release a new EP next month, which is titled 'Songs From The Great White North'. The EP, which contains four tracks in total, will be released on 12' vinyl to celebrate this year's Record Store Day, which happens on April 21.

It is made up of his recent B-sides and includes his recent collaboration with Amorphous Androgynous 'Shoot A Hole Into The Sun' as well as previous offerings 'The Good Rebel', 'Let The Lord Shine A Light On Me' and 'I'd Pick You Everytime'.

Source: www.nme.com

Noel's Gallagher's Music To Our Ears

Having been in the country for almost two weeks, UK rock legend Noel Gallagher is becoming accustomed to life in Australia.

There's the blistering summer heat and the immediate connection he feels with Australian crowds.

But there's one thing Noel Gallagher cannot understand why Australian news services were running reports of Prime Minister Julia Gillard losing her shoe.

"Did you see all that sh** on the news? It was like Monty Python it was brilliant," laughs Gallagher.

While he understands the extremity of the events surrounding the PM's misplaced footwear, it remains one of the highlights of his trip he chose to share the story on his blog.

"I kind of seen it when your Prime Minister was bungled into the car and then there was the thing that she lost the shoe," continues Gallagher.

"I followed it for a couple of days and it (the news) was like 'we must find the shoe'. I'm like 'f*****g hell what's in the shoe?' Nobody cares. This country cracks me up."

Gallagher admits if he was to come into possession of the footwear he would "put it straight on eBay" because, when it comes to fashion, this rocker knows what he likes and wedge-style shoes aren't on his list.

" I loathe wedges," he says with a sigh. "When my wife wears them I wag my finger and go 'f*****g hell, you got to do better than that love'. Wedges, they're not welcome in my house."

The vocal guitarist, song-writer and now frontman is experiencing a new type of success following the demise of Oasis. Gallagher's venture with High Flying Birds has left him relaxed and refreshed. And with his former band now vacating the highly sought after rock throne, there's a new generation ready for the challenge.

"I don't even know if there is a throne, if you know what I mean," he explains. "Kasabian and the Arctic Monkeys are now the two biggest guitar bands in England that is if Kasabian is a guitar band?"

But perhaps Gallagher could resume his seat on the throne with his new project?

"I don't intend to stop making music," he says.

"I might change the way I make it and get it out there. Whether I carry on solo or do something else you'll always be able to hear new contemporary songs of mine.

"But I don't make plans for the future because plans they never really work."

One thing Gallagher couldn't have planned for is having this month's edition of NME magazine devoted to his career.

"It's all kind of slightly embarrassing but you know it's nice to be honoured," he says. "But a full magazine about myself um I don't know, it might make me feel a bit uncomfortable when I go into the local newsagents to get my newspapers. I'm like 'what the f*** is this all about'. But, you know, I think it will be nice for my kids to read it in years to come."

Meanwhile, Gallagher says he hasn't heard "one single note" of newcomer Lana Del Rey recently featured in NME and doesn't care to talk about her either.

"Well, she might be everywhere but she's not in my head," he says sternly.

"She's not in my ears I've heard of her but I've never heard one single note of her music and I don't need to have a f*****g opinion."

But if Gallagher does read the magazine this month, he hopes it doesn't include the greatest rumour he's heard about himself. "It was when Paul McCartney got married recently there was a picture of me going into his wedding reception except it wasn't me," he laughs.

"The caption underneath said 'high flying guest Gallagher arrives' and it wasn't me it so blatantly wasn't me it was f*****g unbelievable. So for the next six weeks I (was) touring the states and every interview was 'So? McCartney's wedding did you go?' and I was like 'Yes I did and I can f*****g tell you it was absolutely incredible'. I said we were all doing acid."

"I caught up with him (McCartney) and we had a good laugh about it. The guy didn't even look like me . . ."

With his time in Australia wrapping up, Gallagher hopes to check out a few people on the bill but not headliners Soundgarden and Kanye West. He does however like the idea of the supposed rift between the two.

Chris Cornell is reported to have said onstage; "Sounds like there's children playing music there, retarded children" referring to Kanye's sound check.

"Really?" laughs Gallagher. "That's great I've not heard any of that I might have to get involved in that s*** and stir them up a bit."

Although they're not on the bill, Gallagher would like to make time for his favourite Australian acts.

Of You Am I, he says: "That record Hourly Daily is incredible."

He also admires the lads from Jet but when quizzed about iconic rockers INXS and their choice for yet another lead singer, he is baffled.

"Michael Hutchence was INXS," he says.

"The other guys, I wouldn't recognise them if one of them walked into my room now and served me f*****g lunch.

"To me, once the band is gone, it's f*****g gone move on and do something else."

But what if Noel had died a few years ago and Oasis went on without him? "No well I'm just the guitarist you can replace guitarists."

With just two shows left in Australia, Gallagher knows he has a busy year ahead back home in Britain as a solo artist, but he's looking to wrap up the campaign on his self-titled debut album in November.

"I should be finished around November, which will leave me with my favourite time of the year Christmas," he sighs.

So, should we hold our breath for a Christmas single from the British rock Grinch?

"Not unless you want a song called I F*****g Hate Christmas by Noel Gallagher," he adds.

Source: www.adelaidenow.com.au

Beady Eye, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Bird's, Radiohead Score Best Selling Vinyl Singles Of 2011

Beady Eye scored the biggest selling vinyl singles of 2011, with three of their singles featuring in the top five of the year's best sellers.

The band's debut single 'The Roller' was the biggest selling vinyl single of the year, with its follow-up 'Millionaire' not far behind. Morrissey's one-off release 'Glamorous Glue' was third, with Beady Eye at Number Four again with the 'The Beat Goes On' and the ex-Oasis' men's former bandmate Noel Gallagher at Number Five with 'The Death Of You And Me', reports The Official Charts Company.

Arctic Monkeys were sixth with 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair', while Noel Gallagher was at seven with '…AKA What A Life', Beady Eye were also at Number Eight with Miles Kane and the Manic Street Preachers occupying the other two places in the top 10.

Radiohead had the biggest selling 12" singles of the year, with their split single 'Supercollider'/'The Butcher' taking the top spot. Behind the Oxford band in Number Two was Paul Weller with 'Starlite', then the Tuff Productions' single 'Always Searching'. Radiohead were also at Number Four and Six with Kasabian inbetween them at Number Five.

Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Rhythm Robbers and Burial made up the rest of the Top Ten.

In terms of vinyl album sales, Radiohead's 'The King Of Limbs' came out on top, just ahead of Noel Gallagher at Number Two and Adele at Number Three. PJ Harvey was fourth with 'Let England Shake', while Arctic Monkeys were fifth with 'Suck It And See'. Bon Iver, Beady Eye, Kate Bush, Alex Turner and Pink Floyd's re-released 'Dark Side Of The Moon' made up the rest of the top 10.

The Top 10 selling vinyl singles of 2011 were as follows:

1. Beady Eye - 'The Roller'
2. Beady Eye - 'Millionaire'
3. Morrissey - 'Glamorous Glue'
4. Beady Eye - 'The Beat Goes On'
5. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - 'The Death Of You And Me'
6. Arctic Monkeys - 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair'
7. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - '...A.K.A What A Life'
8. Beady Eye - 'Four Letter Word'
9. Miles Kane - 'Come Closer'
10. Manic Street Preachers - 'Postcards From A Young Man'

The Top 10 selling 12 inch vinyl singles of 2011 were as follows:

1. Radiohead - 'The Butcher/Supercollider'
2. Paul Weller - 'Starlite'
3. Tuff Productions - 'Always Searching'
4. Radiohead - 'Morning Mr Magpie'
5. Kasabian - 'Days Are Forgotten'
6. Radiohead - 'Little By Little'
7. Arctic Monkeys - 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair'
8. Kasabian - 'Re-Wired'
9. Rhythm Robbers - 'Plastic Dreams'
10. Burial - ' Street Halo'

The Top 10 selling vinyl albums of 2011 were as follows:

1. Radiohead - 'The King Of Limbs'
2. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds'
3. Adele - '21'
4. PJ Harvey - 'Let England Shake'
5. Arctic Monkeys - 'Suck It And See'
6. Bon Iver - 'Bon Iver'
7. Beady Eye - 'Different Gear, Still Speeding'
8. Kate Bush - '50 Words For Snow'
9. Alex Turner - 'Submarine OST'
10. Pink Floyd - 'The Dark Side Of The Moon'

Source: www.nme.com

Beady Eye, Adele And Radiohead Help Vinyl Sales Rise 40%

Sales of vinyl albums have risen 40% in 2011, thanks to the likes of Beady Eye, Adele and Radiohead.

More than 240,000 albums have been sold so far this year, compared to the 234,000 purchased in all 52 weeks of 2010, the Official Charts Company said.

Top 10 vinyl records of 2011 so far

01) The King Of Limbs - Radiohead
02) 21 - Adele
03) Different Gear Still Speeding - Beady Eye
04) Suck It And See - Arctic Monkeys
05) Let England Shake - PJ Harvey
06) Bon Iver - Bon Iver
07) Submarine - Alex Turner
08) Director's Cut - Kate Bush
09) Build A Rocket Boys - Elbow
10) Nevermind - Nirvana

Noel Gallagher On Adele, Matt Cardle, X Factor And More

In between his ongoing feud with brother Liam and mouthing off about this year's X Factor lot, it's easy to forget that Noel Gallagher has a new album out. His first sort-of solo album, to be precise - with the backing of his anonymous High Flying Birds bandmates.

Having given the album a spin earlier this month, we called him up to find out whether he's suffering any release-week nerves and his take on today's rock bands.

What would you be doing now if you weren't talking to us?
"If I get a day off I'd just be mooching about the house. I don't like to do a great deal. Smoke some cigarettes, strum the guitar. You don't get much of a chance to do that when you've kids running around you all the f**king time."

You have an album out soon; are you allowed to relax at the moment?
"I work until about 7 o'clock and then clock in with my wife for the night shift. It's been OK - I don't mind the work because I allow myself such long periods of time off between recording and touring. I kind of get geared up for it; to know that I'm working flat out for the next two years feels great because I know I'll take another 18 months off after."

Early reviews of the album are suggesting it's on a par with Oasis's What's the Story Morning Glory?. Do you agree?
"I've only read the Q and Mojo ones, but it's difficult for me to get involved in that argument - but I think it's the best collection of songs I've had on an album in a long time. I've not written a whole album since 1999, so I'm glad people are saying that."

Some of the songs were written as long as ten years ago; did you always intend to keep them back for a solo project?
"I'd actually recorded those songs for the last two Oasis albums - and they were f**king great - but the vocals were never finished on them - they weren't as good as the versions on this album. Liam always ran out of time to finish them, and I thought if I didn't put them out now, I'm never going to."

You've released two great singles from the LP but they haven't charted as highly as you'd necessarily expect. Does that annoy you?
"Chart positions haven't bothered me since [2005's] Don't Believe The Truth - it all seemed to change after that. I was actually blown away that the singles managed to hang around for as long as they did - it shows a good song is a good song. I mean, how many 45-year-old fathers of three are in the charts? None! Beady Eye have done similar chart-wise, so why should I expect any different?"

What's wrong with the charts at the moment?
"There's nothing wrong them, they're just unrecognisable now from when I was growing up. It's a f**king free-for-all now! When 'The Death of You and Me' charted, the only other guitar song in the Top 40 was Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Under The Bridge' which was out 20 years ago but was in some new film. It's a mish-mash of all sorts of s**t. Who cares what's number one anymore? Just be thankful we lived in the '90s."

Are you hoping for a number one on the album chart instead then?
"I can't see it being number one as it's out the same week as Matt Cardle. Chart positions are for people with manbags who get to work at 11am because they've been at a digital meeting. It definitely won't affect the band - I'm on my own label and funded it with my kids' school fund - I'm hardly going to drop myself."

It would be quite funny if you did, though.
"It would - and then I can sue myself for aggravated dismissal. All I need is the record sales to break even so I can make another one."

'AKA... What A Life' is being used on the Vauxhall TV ads; has that ruined the song for you yet?
"Not really. Radio 1 are refusing to play my records - I understand that because I'm too old - but there are very few ways to get your music out there today, and unfortunately everything is for sale. I've had my shot with Radio 1 - I'm not going to sue them like Status Quo did. I wasn't sure on the advert at first - I want you to know that I was only thinking of the money when I agreed to it. It's hard being this age in the music industry."

Adele has bucked the current trends and become one of the biggest successes of the year. Are you a fan of her album?
"I've not heard it. I've heard 'Rolling in the Deep' and that was pretty good. I haven't got the album though - and to be frank I don't know anyone who has."

Aren't you intrigued to see what all the fuss is about?
"Not really. I know what she's about and I have no desire to hear that album."

As well as the charts being in a bit of a state, so is the country. Could that be a driving force for the revival of rock music?
"I don't think we live in those times when great art comes out of great adversity. People don't give a s**t anymore - as long as they've got an iPod, an iPad, mobile phone, and a flatscreen TV then they don't give a f**k. Everything you want you can get because it's all superficial. People don't aspire to be what Oasis and similar bands were about. They all want to be on The X Factor."

Do you think The X Factor is to blame for the state of the music industry?
"Take that Frankie [Cocozza] kid - he looks like an indie kid yet he's on The X Factor. They want the fast track to the big car. F**king go for it, but it's nothing to do with music. I think this country will produce less and less Morrisseys and Ian Browns because people won't sign them. Labels don't want it and the working class people can't afford to do it for themselves."

There's still a lot of indie bands around, though...
"There are, but what are those bands about? Will any of them say anything controversial? I don't think they ever will. I read interviews with bands and I don't give a f**king shit about what they're saying. It's all superficial nonsense. There's no reason why Kasabian or the Arctic Monkeys couldn't sell out Wembley for three nights - so it's something else. Whatever it is, these bands don't have it anymore."

You met Tony Blair when he was appointed prime minister; would you do the same if David Cameron invited you today?
"No way. I gave up on politics at the last election - it's all bollocks now. It all ended at this coalition - I don't remember an option for a coalition. How many people would have voted for it if it was an option? Who gives them the f**king right to decide that? I've don't mind Cameron - but get a proper f**king job, because what they're doing is pointless."

You're including some Oasis songs on your upcoming tour. Which do you think are the best?
"I have to include them - I don't have enough material for a show otherwise! Fortunately I've got an excellent back catalogue to fall back on. I'm doing 'Don't Look Back In Anger' on the acoustic guitar which is sounding particularly poignant at the moment. Rehearsing is getting f**king boring now. I just want to get on with it before we over-rehearse and turn s**t."

Noel Gallagher releases Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds today.

Source: www.digitalspy.co.uk

Q's 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition Featuring Liam And Noel Gallagher

The new issue of Q (out on 27 September 2011) features 25 different covers with the artists who are shaping music right now. Each issue features a new interview with all the cover stars, but which one will you pick? The full list of cover stars are: Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, Biffy Clyro, Cee Lo Green, Coldplay, Damon Albarn, Dizzee Rascal, Elbow, Florence And The Machine, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Jessie J, Kasabian, Laura Marling, Liam Gallagher, Mumford & Sons, Muse, Noel Gallagher, Paolo Nutini, Paul Weller, Plan B, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol, The Killers and Tinie Tempah.

You can the order Liam and Noel Gallagher one, by clicking here.

Noel Gallagher Praises Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian And Coldplay

Noel Gallagher has praised the Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian And Coldplay, in an interview on Absolute Radio by Christian O’Connell on the Breakfast Show earlier today.

Christian O’Connell: And what new stuff have you heard recently that excites you, because I know you’re into your new music and champion new bands?

Noel Gallagher: I like the Arctic Monkeys album, I’ve got to say, it seems like they’re back. The new Kasabian record which is coming is pretty good. What else? Contemporary new records? Yeah, I don’t think I’ve heard one for a while to be honest, but some of the new Coldplay stuff is good, I’ve got to say.

Christian O’Connell: Crikey, look at that, everyone’s getting grown-up now, people are being nice to Coldplay again, everyone’s being nice to Chris Martin, that’s nice.

Noel Gallagher: I’ve always been a fan of Coldplay, I’ve liked them since I heard that track, Yellow. I do like them, the new stuff’s good I think.

Listen to the full interview at www.absoluteradio.co.uk

Rain To Shine, Beady Eye Rocks Swiss Festival

Rain turned to sunshine on the last afternoon of the Gurten Festival Sunday, as Liam Gallagher, Beady Eye's hard-rocking front man, charged through songs from their new album.

Former Oasis frontman Gallagher and his band took advantage of the timely change in weather, lifting the packed crowd with "Four Letter Word," "Beatles and Stones" then rattled off "Millionaire" and "The Roller" _ their updates on classic British rock.

The audience sang along, and band camarderie was strong _ drummer Chris Sharrock threw a drumstick high in the air, and caught it without missing a beat on "Three Ring Circus," and similar antics from guitarists Gem Archer and Andy Bell _ all former Oasis members _ helped lift the crowd.

Liam's older brother, Noel _ Oasis' former main songwriter, lead guitarist and backing vocalist _ has announced that he, too, will be putting out a new album. The brothers' well-known antics and rivalry finally broke up the band, but at one time Oasis considered itself _ and perhaps was _ the biggest in the world.

But no one yelled for an Oasis' song Sunday, and there was a sense in the crowd that maybe they were seeing the beginnings of another great British band.

"You're beautiful!" Gallagher told an enthusiastic sea of faces, just before their last song in their hourlong set.

The four-day Gurten Festival, atop the hilltop of the Gurten overlooking the Swiss capital and the Bernese Alps, began Thursday and ended Sunday. A small train takes festival-goers up and down the hill, and attracts thousands of music lovers each year.

This year's festival also featured the Arctic Monkeys, who played later Sunday, Jamiroquai, Kasabian and dozens of other popular bands.

Source: www.nctimes.com