Still Time Cast Your Votes At NME Music Awards 2008

There's only 14 voting days (give or take) until the first stage of Shockwaves NME Awards voting comes to a close, so if you haven't already, make your vote count here.

I voted for

Best British Band - Oasis
Best International Band - Kings Of Leon
Best Solo Artist - Ian Brown
Best New Band - The Enemy
Best Live Band - Kasabian
Best Album - Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare
Best Track - Oasis - Lord Don't Slow Me Down
Best Video - The White Stripes - Icky Thump
Best Music DVD - Oasis - Lord Don't Slow Me Down
Best Event - V Cancer
Best TV Show - Heroes
Best Radio Show - Zane Lowe - Radio 1
Best Film - Transformers
Best Website - Last FM
Best Venue - 02 Arena
Hero Of The Year - Joe Calzaghe
Villain Of The Year - Sting
Best Dressed - Liam Gallagher
Worst Dressed - Russell Brand
Worst Album - James Blunt - All The Lost Souls
Best Blog - This One :)
Best Music Blog - davidgilmour.musicblog.co.uk

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Pop On Trial

Pop On Trial puts five decades of popular music in the dock to deliver the verdict on which is pop's most important, influential and entertaining decade.

Pop On Trial is the series which delivers the verdict on which is pop's most important, influential and entertaining decade. Could it possibly be the 90s, where Boy Bands and Girl Power duked it out with Britpop and Superstar DJs, while R&B and Hip Hop established world domination? Join us here to have your say on the best tracks of the decade and to compile the ultimate 90s Top Ten.

This Top 50 was compiled by Stuart Maconie, Mark Radcliffe, Caitlin Moran, Goldie, Paolo Hewitt and the production team.

You can then register your vote by selecting the vote button and picking you favourite track.

For more information and to vote for either Live Forever or The Masterplan, click here and follow the simple instructions.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

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On This Day In Oasis History...

"All Around the World" is a song by British rock band Oasis, written by the band's lead guitarist Noel Gallagher. The song is seen by many as the stand-out track from their third album Be Here Now. Released on 12th January 1998, the track peaked at Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart; it is the longest single ever to do so.

Be Here Now has been criticised for being self-indulgent, over-produced and bloated. "All Around the World", nearly ten minutes long, embellished with string and horn pieces, and followed by its very own two minute long instrumental reprise, would appear to be the worst culprit. However, on its release the reviews were generally positive. It is in keeping with many Oasis songs, such as "Whatever", "Acquiesce", "Live Forever" and "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" in that it preaches the belief that "it's gonna be OK". It also features a backing vocal in the coda remarkably similar to the corresponding section in The Beatles' classic "Hey Jude".

The song was one of the first to be written by Noel, and there are recorded sessions of the band rehearsing it at the Boardwalk club as early as 1992. However, despite Noel's fondness for the song, it did not appear on their first two albums, Definitely Maybe and (What's The Story) Morning Glory?, as he wanted to wait until the band could afford to produce the song in the extravagant manner in which it was to eventually appear.

Keeping with the feel of the song, the video was also a lavish affair. Featuring the band in a yellow spaceship, the animated piece saw them travel through a world akin to The Beatles' Yellow Submarine film. The video was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris and apparently took 24 computer animators 6 months to make.

When it was suggested that Oasis take legal action against pop band Hear'Say for their first single's uncanny similarity to "All Around the World", Noel simply laughed at the hypocrisy of such an act from a man who was famous for "borrowing" from other artists.

The harmonica pieces on the track were performed by Mark Feltham. Noel and Liam's then wives, Meg Matthews and Patsy Kensit, sang backing vocals.

Portions of the song were used as background music for AT&T's advertising campaign for "The New" AT&T in early 2006.

Source: Wikipedia

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1996 Oasis - (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

This was the album that catapulted Oasis from being a successful Britpop band to international megastardom.

Their second album shot straight to the top of the charts, selling 347,000 copies in its first week. Recorded in less than two weeks, it contains arguably the band’s two most famous songs, Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger, along with Champagne Supernova and their first UK number one single, Some Might Say.

Another track, Step Out, had to be removed from the album at the last minute.

The song, sung by Noel Gallagher, was intended to have been the original track 8 (after Some Might Say and before Cast No Shadow), but was removed because the chorus was similar to that of Stevie Wonder’s 1965 track Uptight (Everything’s Alright).

The band played several massive open air concerts in the UK during 1996, which included two nights at Knebworth in front of a combined audience of 250,000 people. Over 2.5 million people had applied to buy tickets. Noel reflected that it wouldn’t be possible to top this.

“For a six-week period building up to that gig we were the biggest band in the world,” he said “We were bigger than, dare I say it, f***ing God.”

On the album cover a man is seen brandishing what looks to be a record in its sleeve. This is in fact the master tape for the album. The man in question is Owen Morris, the producer. The photo was taken on Berwick Street in Soho, a London. The other man is BBC London’s Sean Rowley.

Selling over 19 million copies, Morning Glory was named fifth greatest album of all time in the Music of the Millennium poll and was ranked eighth in Q’s 100 Greatest British Albums.

by Jade Wright, Liverpool Echo

Source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

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More On Pete Mckee

I came across a video of Sheffield illustrator Pete McKee who talks to The Star about painting a giant guitar for Noel Gallagher from Oasis.

The guitar went for over £3,000 at auction to raise money for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, The Prince’s Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust.

Pete has also designed a new Oasis gig poster and limited edition print that was inspired by the legendary 1994 Brighton show, which saw Oasis supported by Ride and The La's.

For more information about the poster or prints click here, for more information about Pete and his work click here.

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'Stop The Clocks' Back In The UK Top 40 Albums

Oasis' Best of 'Stop The Clocks' has re-entered the UK Top 40 albums at number 33 on this weeks chart.

It was released in November 2006. The "retrospective collection" is an 18-track double album with the featured songs chosen by Noel Gallagher.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

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'Flight Of The Conchords' Man Offers To Manage Oasis

Plus 'Murray Hewitt' gives his verdict on Pete and Amy ...

The Flight Of The Conchords manager has spoken exclusively to NME.COM, offering his services to some of indie’s biggest stars.

While the band are currently working on a new album and TV series, (the first season is out on DVD now) actor Rhys Darby, who plays their manager Murray Hewitt, has been keeping busy with a few projects.

“It’s kind of been a crazy rocket ride to Hollywood,” he explained from the set of film 'Yes Man'. “It was very daunting my first week here, on the set as all my scenes are with Jim Carey. It’s only really my second onscreen role after Conchords!”

In the meantime, then, we thought we would have a chat with Flight Of The Conchords' hapless manager Murray Hewitt, and got his advice for three of rock’s biggest management handfuls.

Here are "Murray's" pearls of music management wisdom:

Pete Doherty
“With Pete Doherty, first of all I’d set him down and tell him he’s going to have to tidy himself up. He’s going to have to get his haircut. He’s going to too many parties, I know the rock 'n' roll lifestyle will lead you to a lot of parties but he needs to stop. Also, have you ever thought of drinking water? What you want to do is have beer in your hand when people are looking at you, but you don’t need to drink it. The image is more important, get the look but then drink water. That’s what the Conchords do. You’re hanging out with the wrong people, Pete, some of these people, they’re trash. You won’t succeed with a lot of these types, try measuring yourself on The Beatles.”

Oasis
“They’ve modelled themselves on a nice respectable band The Beatles, they got that right, but I’m not sure about the name. What does it mean? Basically it’s a small pond of water in a dry desert. OK, it’s not too bad, but you could do better? You two guys have got to get on though. You keep arguing, it’s not good. From the experience I’ve had I don’t think brothers is going to work. I might have to split you up into two different bands to be fair. One can be Oasis and the other one can be Mirage - that’s another desert name.”

Amy Winehouse
“Oh my god! For a start it’s all in the surname. You want to change that. A lot of people hear that, they can tell she’s off the rails. Why not change it to Amy Music-fun? People will see that’s what you’re into, fun, but mainly music, not just staying at home and drinking wine! You need to something with your look. Eat more! What we should do is only have lunch meetings, we’ll have a good feed and then we’ll talk about the people you’re hanging out with. She knows that Pete Doherty guy? It’s the same advice again really: model yourself on a nice pop band! Perhaps Amy could try The Kinks this time, and for heaven’s sake do something with your hair! It’s ridiculous.”

Source: www.nme.com

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Oasis Headlines On Your Site

Have you got a personal website crying out for fresh content, a MySpace page that needs jazzing up or a Facebook entry lacking that something to set it apart.

Then check out the widget that lets you put this blog's headlines on YOUR site.

It's easy to install, updates every time I publish a new article on the site it allows your users to click a link for the full story and pictures.

All you need to is CLICK HERE and follow the instructions on the page that pops up.

Then just sit back and enjoy the very best in Oasis gossip.

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Stuff We Love: Liam Gallagher's Shoes

Our kid had a bespoke pair of these Albian-aping slipper-type shoes made for him.

As Primal Scream's Mani said: "Liam has the best shoes... they say if you want to see the mark of a man check out his shoes first. Well Liam has great shoes, Liam knows about it."

And who are we to disagree... www.triggerfishshoes.co.uk

Source: NME Magazine (also in the magazine is a full page picture of Noel Gallagher onstage with Kasabian)

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Annual Banner Competition 'Another Prize Added'

We are looking for some new banners for around the site, so this is your chance to win a very cool prize.

The Prize is a 12'' Vinyl OASIS : LORD DON'T SLOW ME DOWN (BIG BROTHER), ONE SIDED - 2007 PROMO, IN PRISTINE AND UN PLAYED CONDITION.

Also MJ from the award winning clubnight 'This Feeling' has very kindly given the site a Promo CD of Oasis' Lord Don't Slow Me Down, to be given away in the current compietion.

So for every entry received you enter it will be automatically entered into a draw to win the CD.

The Banner must contain pictures of Oasis from 1994 onwards.
That can include group pictures, live pictures, CD artwork. Liam, Gem, Noel, Alan etc etc.
The banner must say STOPCRYINGYOURHEARTOUT.COM
The Banner must be the same size as this template that I have included HERE
Graphics - GIF or JPEG
You can enter as many times as you like.

Important Info:
Deadline - All Entries must be received by 21 January 2008.
When sending your entry please title your email as 'Banner Competition'
Please include your name in your email.
Send all entries to scyhodotcom@gmail.com

The winners will be announced on the 22nd January . Going by past entries we have had some brilliant designs in previous years, and we are really looking forward to seeing what you come up with this year!

Prizes will be sent out registered mail worldwide.

Remember - Have fun, enjoy yourself and Good Luck!!!

Kasabian, Oasis And The Monkeys Magical Night Out

We're sure Kasabians beanpole guitarist Serge Pizzorno has enjoyed some wizard nights out, but none as magical as when he, Noel Gallagher and Alex Turner headed to the This Feeling clubnight in London's Parker McMillan bar the other week.

The reason? A certain "hip-hop magician" at the bar named Dynamo who, after getting his hand-blur magic he won himself a big smacker on the lips. "I did a trick with Serge's hands," Dynamo recalls.

"I think he was impressed - he gave me a massive kiss on the lips afterwards. Ha ha! He's a good looking fella, but I wouldn't go that far."

Serge wasn't the only indie star Dynamo was wowing. "I did a few tricks for Noel - his girlfriend's a big fan," he explains "Although I didn't get to do any magic on Alex Turner - he arrived when I was leaving".

Source: NME Magazine

Additional: MJ from the award winning clubnight 'This Feeling' has very kindly given the site a Promo CD of Oasis' Lord Don't Slow Me Down, to be given away in the current banner competition.

So for every entry received you will be automatically be entered into a draw to win the CD, with the winner still getting the original prize.

Oasis Mixing New Album This Week

Noel Gallagher and co about to finish seventh record

Oasis are reportedly mixing their latest album in Los Angeles this week, it has been reported today (January 9).

According to a report on US radio station G Rock, the band’s seventh studio record is being mixed after Oasis finished recording sessions at London’s Abbey Road Studios late last year.

The band also recorded and mixed part of their last album, 2005's 'Don't Believe The Truth', in the city with producer Dave Sardy, who is based there.

At the time Noel Gallagher told NME.COM he had been initially reluctant to work in Los Angeles, but eventually enjoyed the experience.

“I’ve got to say I was bit nervous going to America because it’s a bit like being in a little spaceship going into the Death Star in ’Star Wars’ when you go over to that country, especially Los Angeles,” he declared. “I was like ‘Fucking hell, there’s loads of idiots with long hair. I don’t want to meet any rappers or anyone in a rock band’ but once we got over the initial hurdle it was great. We were in our own little bubble.”

The album is expected to be released in the spring. However, the band have yet to confirm any details.

Source: www.nme.com

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Fratelli’s, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets & Fun Lovin Criminals Announced!

Following weeks of speculation and rumour about the Versus Cancer line up, we can announce that the phenomenal Fratelli’s, legendary Manchester acts The Happy Mondays & the Inspiral Carpets, and New York’s finest the Fun Lovin’ Criminals will be amongst the acts playing at the concert.

More big name announcements will also be announced in the coming weeks so watch this space.

The concert will be The Fratelli’s first gig in Manchester for almost a year. The band had a mammoth 2007 with sold out Manchester shows, acclaimed festival performances and a Brit Award for Best British Breakthrough Act.

Legendary Madchester acts The Happy Mondays and the Inspiral Carpets are geared up to provide some of the local indie flavour that we at Versus Cancer are famous for. Fresh from their major comeback in 2007, the Mondays are set to treat the arena crowd to some of their greatest hits as well as one-off collaborations following Sean and Bez’s part in the all star finale of ‘Wrote for Luck’ at our 2006 concert alongside Peter Hook, Mani, Andy Rourke, Bernard Sumner and Johnny Marr.

Last but certainly not least, arguably one of the most famous bands to come out of New York, the Fun Lovin Criminals are set to bring an international slant to the bill. The band, which first formed in 1993, have become legends of the music scene and now nearly 15 years on, and 9 albums later, they’re set to take to the stage of the MEN Arena with some exciting one off collaborations with the Happy Mondays.

We hope to see you there! (Tickets are still on sale)

Source: www.versuscancer.org

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Oasis Mixing The New Album In LA This Week?

Taken from The G Rock Alt Vault with Terrie Carr.

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More On The Versus Cancer DVDs

Production company UK One is set to bring New Order, Paul Weller, Ian Brown, Noel Gallagher and The Charlatans to the small screen, after winning the job of working on the Versus Cancer concert DVDs.

Production company UK One is set to bring New Order, Paul Weller, Ian Brown, Noel Gallagher and The Charlatans to the small screen, after winning the job of working on the Versus Cancer concert DVDs.

Ian Brown does his thingUK One will provide the editing for the last two concerts prior to their DVD release and televisual broadcast. The firm was the only North West company in the final running for the job.

Steven Chapman told How-Do that his team are looking to maximise the amount they can help Versus Cancer raise from the release, and as such took “the unusual step of helping the charity get a broadcaster and an ad-funder/sponsor.”

He added: “Fortunately with such major names attached, there are already several networks interested in viewing the footage. There are also a great number of sponsors looking to get involved, although we're still looking at further possibilities.”

UK One is also known for its endeavours in helping to bring The Tube back to TV, and staging the show in Manchester.

Cancer charity Versus Cancer, which is spearheaded by Andy Rourke of The Smiths, has so far raised over quarter of a million pounds to help fight the disease.

Source: www.how-do.co.uk

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Ricky Hatton To Challenge Oasis In The Charts? Round Two

These pictures were sent in to me today from Dirty Weekend band member Kevin O, who's band played with Ricky Hatton at the Rockyoke that night.

He would also like to point out that Ricky's performance that night was 'knockout!' and not as portrayed in certain tabloids.

He also added if any of the visitors to the site think they can do better, come down, Wednesday Nights, Stalybridge! bring it on!

For more information and pictures visit www.rockyoke.co.uk

Find the original story and video I posted here, of Ricky performing a Elvis classic.

Click here for information on how to win a rare Oasis vinyl...

The Greatest Guitarists Ever - Photo Gallery

Oasis' Noel Gallagher started playing guitar aged thirteen when he received six months' probation for robbing a corner shop. During this time he had little else to do so learnt to play guitar by playing along with songs on the radio.

Checkout 75 great guitar legends here: NME Gallery

Is Noel worthy of being named one of the Greatest Ever Guitarists? Have your say now at NME.COM/Guitar.

Source: www.nme.com

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Bonehead Club Date In Leeds

Date: Friday 14th March 2008
Venue Trash @ Josephs Well, Chorley Lane, Leeds, LS2 9NW

Thanks to Damian Morgan

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Who's Playing? Big Announcement Soon...

There have been loads of rumours flying around over the last few days about who is playing our Feb Gig - We will be making our first announcement within the next week. You’ll hear the official announcement here first…so watch this space.

Source: www.versuscancer.org (Tickets Are Still Available)

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Internet Auction Sites 'Exploit' Fans

Resale of live event tickets slammed in government report

A group of MPs are set to call for an industry code of conduct on the resale of event tickets, especially through internet auction sites.

The report, to be published on Thursday (January 10), will also say that the auction sites have exploited fans, including those of music gigs and festivals, by allowing touts to re-sell at inflated prices.

The BBC also claims today that the report, from the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, will call for the threat of action by The Office of Fair Trading if no code is agreed.

Senior promoters and figures within the music industry have long called for touting to be made illegal - however the government has always stopped short of such a measure. Tickets for football matches cannot be resold.

Since May, the committee has been investigating whether the resale of tickets is acceptable. It looked at the underlying causes of ticket touting, and its impact on performers, promoters and the public.

It also examined whether resale of a ticket, at face value or at a higher value, should be permitted in principle, and the impact of the internet upon trade in tickets.

Source: www.nme.com

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