Archive for the 'awards' Category

We’ve moved, we’ve changed

Thanks for dropping by. As you can see, we have moved – and I’m still in the process of unpacking virtual boxes. The new design is easier to use, and faster. Plus you can now navigate by Tags such as Tribute, RIP, Awards and Meanings. I’ve put a few in on this article for you [...]

Boy George slammed by former band

In some ways, it’s good to see Boy George back in catty form. Unless you are former members of Culture Club, that is. The singer and DJ has been scathing of his criticism of the band and its new singer, Sam Butcher, who are currently organising a 20th anniversary tour in the UK as Cultue [...]

Yusuf Islam Songwriter of the Year

Yusuf who? If you have to ask, there is a large gap in your music culture! Yusuf Islam is best known as Cat Stevens, the seventies songwriter with all-time classics such as “Moonshadow”, “Morning has Broken”, “Father and Son” and “First Cut is the Deepest” (also sung by PP Arnold, Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow). [...]

BASCA nominations announced

The British Academy of Composers & Songwriters and PRS announced the 51st Ivor Novello Awards today, April 24. I quote: “For more than fifty years the Ivors have been the only annual event to exclusively honour this vital source and fulcrum of the music industry’s existence and prosperity – the music writer.” What can I [...]

And the winner is: “One” by U2

The results for the poll I mentioned a few days ago are in. According to visitors to VH1, the UK’s favourite lyrics from a song are, “One life, with each other, sisters, brothers” from U2′s “One”. The song, from the remarkable “Achtung Baby” album in 1992, is a raw, dark but powerfully written account of [...]

Vote for the 100 top lyrics

I wish I had thought of this! VH1 in the UK is currently checking what its viewers consider to the best lyrics in a song. They have choose 100 lines from famous songs that range from Abba and 10cc to 50 Cents, U2 and White Stripes (yikes, I almost forgot the Beatles). How do you [...]

Oscar and Muslims irate at lyrics

Lyrics have been the subject of more debate this week. The Oscars opened the proceedings when “It’s Hard to be a Pimp Out Here” from “Hustle and Flow” won the Best Original Song. Many people questioned whether it wasn’t making prostitution glamorous. But the truth is that the song won simply as it was the [...]

Arise, sir Perry!

I know a knight! My long-time writing partner, Perry Rose, just received a knighthood. I speak not in jest. He was given the honour by Minister Fadila Laanan in Brussels last week. So he is now enrolled in the Order of Leopold II – a distinction that was created after the First World War. Perry [...]

Track of the Day on Garageband

Well now, I’m feeling pretty chuffed. Just got word that “Angel” will be Track of the Day on Garageband.com tomorrow, Saturday 26 following some pretty enthusiastic reviews! “Angel” was written with Kris Kristoffels a while back. This version was arranged by Herman Martin, with Muzzy Horn doing some tasteful guitar and growly vocals. Check it [...]