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Led Zeppelin – Knebworth ’79 – Your memories

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Led Zeppelin – Knebworth ’79 – Your memories

In last month's UNCUT magazine - we delved back into the photo archives to bring you Simon Fowler's memories of recording the sell-out record-breaking attendence show - now with Led Zeppelin about to do it all again, here we publish your memories from 1979. Don't forget UNCUT.co.uk and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive live coverage of the led Zep show at the O2 Arena. So over to you for part 1 of your recollections...come back tomorrow for another batch from the front-line. Mel Lambert: I covered the two weekends of Knebworth for Sound International, a sadly now defunct musician's magazine that sent me north to check out the remote recordings that had been organized by the band and Swan Song. My contact for the Knebworth concerts in August 1979 was my pal George Chkiantz, who was one of the recording and mixing engineers, who during the late-Sixties, worked on Led Zeppelin II and other albums at Olympic Studios, Barnes. Jimmy Page and Zeppelin’s management had hired George to record the Knebworth concerts using the world-famous Rolling Stones mobile recording truck; George invited me along to prepare a ”behind-the-scenes” article for Sound International. As the weekend matured, the atmosphere within the mobile became increasingly fraught. There was some inevitable conflict between fulfilling the rigid requirements of the live-sound crew, who had erected a huge sound system designed to deafen anybody within 200 feet of the front of the stage area - and satisfying the more exacting needs of the multitrack recording process. I slunk off to find a beer, and ended up out of harm’s way on the roof of the mobile truck, from which vantage point I could see the comings and goings backstage. Robert Plant arrived mid-morning with a glamorous retinue, looking very relaxed – he impressed me immediately as being in total control of the proceedings; nothing was going to happen until he was sure that he and the band’s gear were just the way they wanted it. Everyone within his immediate circle was moving like a shoal of fish; turning and moving off to anticipate his next physical move, and emotional requirements, as the ensemble made its collective way through the gathering throng backstage. Plant came to visit with George and his recording crew, checking that they had everything they needed, and ensuring that his exacting requirement were being met. He was obviously distracted by a lot of external – and maybe chemical – influences, but dazzled everybody close by when his face broke into an all to rare smile, as he joked with his minders. But beneath the surface, you could sense that Page was a force to be reckoned with; quixotic in temperament, you just knew that he could move with lightning speed from an easy-going guitar player and music producer, to somebody that could render you incapable, if provoked, of even simple bodily functions. I recall almost colliding with Keith Richards and Ron Wood as they came sprinting out of their trailer, obviously in a viciously altered state of mind, and charging off for one of their few live performances as The New Barbarians. Their combination of flowing, medieval garb and high-speed crouching-sprint – and what blazing eyes - reminded me more of a demonic Groucho Marx than two guys who proved that the Stones was a better performance experience than their brief flirtation with whatever The New Barbarians were supposed to achieve. The shows, of course, were major success, proving that Zeppelin could outperform anybody – it just took a lot of audio and video paraphernalia to complete the illusion. I was again fortunate enough to spend most of the second weekend’s concert backstage, rendered speechless both by the sound volume that the bands’ instruments could produce – John Bonham's double-handed stick work could waken the dead – and the sheer concentration of the show crew. For months, everyone involved had been working towards this event; that is should be marred by even a simple oversight was unthinkable. When the band came off stage at the end of their long set, and sprinted to the waiting limos that were to speed them off to wherever speeding limos eventually end up, you just knew that they’d had a great time. And who can blame them? ~ David G Connell: Two reasonably fresh-faced 20-year-olds from Huntly managed to get tickets for Knebworth and enjoyed basking in the glorious sunshine – Zeppelin coming onstage I remember just as the sun was setting. Many have talked about the concert but I have never heard anything about people getting home afterward Nervous about getting back in London and back to our digs in Chelsea, we left I think as the first encore was being played - I certainly remember climbing out of the vast natural amphitheatre to the sound of 'Rock ‘n’ Roll'. We boarded probably one of the first trains out of Knebworth that evening and set off, but within maybe 20 minutes our train ground to a halt in a shower of electric sparks as the power cables came down around us onto the roof of the train. As the temperature started to rise we sat and waited for probably an hour or two before railway staff came to lead us out of the carriages - and led us, Gulag like by torch light along the tracks to the nearest station where we boarded a second train. On getting back to Kings Cross we realised we would never get a taxi so took it upon ourselves to walk back to Chelsea - arriving just in time for breakfast. I have often wondered if others share this memory of the wonderful day but equally epic night getting home from Knebworth? Worth it? 'Course. ~ Slim,Wild man of the Accordion: I was both surprised and chuffed to see a picture of my younger self in your crowd shot from Knebworth. At the time of the gig I was hanging out with the Blockheads, having won the NME Champion Blockhead competition the previous year, who were playing a whole week of gigs at the Hammersmith Odeon. I'd already bought a ticket for Knebworth, so I gave the Blockheads a miss for the night and sloped off to Knebworth. I wasn't particularly into Led Zeppelin at the time, and had mainly gone along to see Keith Richard's band, the New Barbarians. I must admit that I don't remember much about the gig, but I did manage to get down the front for long enough to be photographed. I got into Zeppelin much later having met Robert Plant a few times when he came down to the Saturday lunchtime Rockabilly gigs at Dingwalls for which I was the doorman. He was always very pleasant and knowledgeable the music. He never once came across as a big rock star, and, I think, enjoyed the fact that he could hang and listen to the music there, without being hassled. ~ Muchtytam: The Knebworth article brought back fantastic memories, and it is far from nostalgia that places the Led Zep performance as one of the highlights of my gig-going years. They were stunning, and I'm sure that everyone there will always remember the explosion of sound and light when they came on. A lot to be said for those early festivals. A hot summers day, fed by plastic cup lager, and the no-nonsense pleasure of sitting in the grass just waiting for each act to make an appearance. I remember little of Southside Johnny or Todd Rundgren. The New Barbarians came on late, and we assumed at the time that they had been on the helicopter which flew in 15 minutes before they took to the stage. Strange, however, that my recollection of Knebworth is book-ended by the sublime and the ridiculous. My mate and I had travelled down overnight from Fife, catching a morning train to Stevenage before arriving at Knebworth to set up our tent. Who started the show? As the tent pegs went in we were graced by the distant swirling sound of “Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit”. Sad to say, apart from the Zep set, its the only song I can remember from the whole day. ~ Andy McKeown: I was fortunate to have access to a restricted area at Knebworth 79 and I had a chat with Todd Rundgren and a very nice guy he was - so much so that he was very polite when the only thing I could remember was " I Saw The Light" (I hadn't realised his Meatloaf connection yet). I also spoke to Nicky Horne, who tried to tell me that it was not pLemmy standing next to us, he changed his mind when a guy came up and embraced him and said "How are you, Lemmy?" When the gig started I was standing next to Johnny Fingers – can’t remember if he had the trademark jim-jams or the trews were LOUD! After the dust had settled from this epic I went to see Zep get into their mothership, which turned out to be a kind of people carrier thingy except Jimmy Page he got into the back of a Volvo with two "handpicked babes". I was left with a 450 mile trip home but could not wait to tell my mate what a day he had missed. He was holidaying in Ibiza with his girl, and when he got home his first words were, "I bought Robert Plant a drink in Ibiza" and he’d also done a couple of songs in this bar in Ibiza. Anyway, we all lived happy ever after PS I thought yellow made Todd look fat! ~ www.uncut.co.uk will be publishing more of your recollections tomorrow, as part of our countdown to the reunion show this Monday (December 10). Pic credit: LFI

In last month’s UNCUT magazine – we delved back into the photo archives to bring you Simon Fowler’s memories of recording the sell-out record-breaking attendence show – now with Led Zeppelin about to do it all again, here we publish your memories from 1979.

Don’t forget UNCUT.co.uk and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive live coverage of the led Zep show at the O2 Arena.

So over to you for part 1 of your recollections…come back tomorrow for another batch from the front-line.

Mel Lambert:

I covered the two weekends of Knebworth for Sound International, a sadly now defunct musician’s magazine that sent me north to check out the remote recordings that had been organized by the band and Swan Song. My contact for the Knebworth concerts in August 1979 was my pal George Chkiantz, who was one of the recording and mixing engineers, who during the late-Sixties, worked on Led Zeppelin II and other albums at Olympic Studios, Barnes. Jimmy Page and Zeppelin’s management had hired George to record the Knebworth concerts using the world-famous Rolling Stones mobile recording truck; George invited me along to prepare a ”behind-the-scenes” article for Sound International.

As the weekend matured, the atmosphere within the mobile became increasingly fraught. There was some inevitable conflict between fulfilling the rigid requirements of the live-sound crew, who had erected a huge sound system designed to deafen anybody within 200 feet of the front of the stage area – and satisfying the more exacting needs of the multitrack recording process. I slunk off to find a beer, and ended up out of harm’s way on the roof of the mobile truck, from which vantage point I could see the comings and goings backstage.

Robert Plant arrived mid-morning with a glamorous retinue, looking very relaxed – he impressed me immediately as being in total control of the proceedings; nothing was going to happen until he was sure that he and the band’s gear were just the way they wanted it. Everyone within his immediate circle was moving like a shoal of fish; turning and moving off to anticipate his next physical move, and emotional requirements, as the ensemble made its collective way through the gathering throng backstage.

Plant came to visit with George and his recording crew, checking that they had everything they needed, and ensuring that his exacting requirement were being met.

He was obviously distracted by a lot of external – and maybe chemical – influences, but dazzled everybody close by when his face broke into an all to rare smile, as he joked with his minders. But beneath the surface, you could sense that Page was a force to be reckoned with; quixotic in temperament, you just knew that he could move with lightning speed from an easy-going guitar player and music producer, to somebody that could render you incapable, if provoked, of even simple bodily functions.

I recall almost colliding with Keith Richards and Ron Wood as they came sprinting out of their trailer, obviously in a viciously altered state of mind, and charging off for one of their few live performances as The New Barbarians. Their combination of flowing, medieval garb and high-speed crouching-sprint – and what blazing eyes – reminded me more of a demonic Groucho Marx than two guys who proved that the Stones was a better performance experience than their brief flirtation with whatever The New Barbarians were supposed to achieve.

The shows, of course, were major success, proving that Zeppelin could outperform anybody – it just took a lot of audio and video paraphernalia to complete the illusion. I was again fortunate enough to spend most of the second weekend’s concert backstage, rendered speechless both by the sound volume that the bands’ instruments could produce – John Bonham‘s double-handed stick work could waken the dead – and the sheer concentration of the show crew. For months, everyone involved had been working towards this event; that is should be marred by even a simple oversight was unthinkable. When the band came off stage at the end of their long set, and sprinted to the waiting limos that were to speed them off to wherever speeding limos eventually end up, you just knew that they’d had a great time. And who can blame them?

~

David G Connell:

Two reasonably fresh-faced 20-year-olds from Huntly managed to get tickets for Knebworth and enjoyed basking in the glorious sunshine – Zeppelin coming onstage I remember just as the sun was setting.

Many have talked about the concert but I have never heard anything about people getting home afterward Nervous about getting back in London and back to our digs in Chelsea, we left I think as the first encore was being played – I certainly remember climbing out of the vast natural amphitheatre to the sound of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’.

We boarded probably one of the first trains out of Knebworth that evening and set off, but within maybe 20 minutes our train ground to a halt in a shower of electric sparks as the power cables came down around us onto the roof of the train.

As the temperature started to rise we sat and waited for probably an hour or two before railway staff came to lead us out of the carriages – and led us, Gulag like by torch light along the tracks to the nearest station where we boarded a second train.

On getting back to Kings Cross we realised we would never get a taxi so took it upon ourselves to walk back to Chelsea – arriving just in time for breakfast. I have often wondered if others share this memory of the wonderful day but equally epic night getting home from Knebworth?

Worth it? ‘Course.

~

Slim,Wild man of the Accordion:

I was both surprised and chuffed to see a picture of my younger self in your crowd shot from Knebworth. At the time of the gig I was hanging out with the Blockheads, having won the NME Champion Blockhead competition the previous year, who were playing a whole week of gigs at the Hammersmith Odeon. I’d already bought a ticket for Knebworth, so I gave the Blockheads a miss for the night and sloped off to Knebworth. I wasn’t particularly into Led Zeppelin at the time, and had mainly gone along to see Keith Richard‘s band, the New Barbarians.

I must admit that I don’t remember much about the gig, but I did manage to get down the front for long enough to be photographed. I got into Zeppelin much later having met Robert Plant a few times when he came down to the Saturday lunchtime Rockabilly gigs at Dingwalls for which I was the doorman. He was always very pleasant and knowledgeable the music. He never once came across as a big rock star, and, I think, enjoyed the fact that he could hang and listen to the music there, without being hassled.

~

Muchtytam:

The Knebworth article brought back fantastic memories, and it is far from nostalgia that places the Led Zep performance as one of the highlights of my gig-going years. They were stunning, and I’m sure that everyone there will always remember the explosion of sound and light when they came on.

A lot to be said for those early festivals. A hot summers day, fed by plastic cup lager, and the no-nonsense pleasure of sitting in the grass just waiting for each act to make an appearance. I remember little of Southside Johnny or Todd Rundgren. The New Barbarians came on late, and we assumed at the time that they had been on the helicopter which flew in 15 minutes before they took to the stage.

Strange, however, that my recollection of Knebworth is book-ended by the sublime and the ridiculous. My mate and I had travelled down overnight from Fife, catching a morning train to Stevenage before arriving at Knebworth to set up our tent. Who started the show? As the tent pegs went in we were graced by the distant swirling sound of “Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit”. Sad to say, apart from the Zep set, its the only song I can remember from the whole day.

~

Andy McKeown:

I was fortunate to have access to a restricted area at Knebworth 79 and I had a chat with Todd Rundgren and a very nice guy he was – so much so that he was very polite when the only thing I could remember was ” I Saw The Light” (I hadn’t realised his Meatloaf connection yet). I also spoke to Nicky Horne, who tried to tell me that it was not pLemmy standing next to us, he changed his mind when a guy came up and embraced him and said “How are you, Lemmy?” When the gig started I was standing next to Johnny Fingers – can’t remember if he had the trademark jim-jams or the trews were LOUD!

After the dust had settled from this epic I went to see Zep get into their mothership, which turned out to be a kind of people carrier thingy except Jimmy Page he got into the back of a Volvo with two “handpicked babes”. I was left with a 450 mile trip home but could not wait to tell my mate what a day he had missed. He was holidaying in Ibiza with his girl, and when he got home his first words were, “I bought Robert Plant a drink in Ibiza” and he’d also done a couple of songs in this bar in Ibiza. Anyway, we all lived happy ever after

PS I thought yellow made Todd look fat!

~

www.uncut.co.uk will be publishing more of your recollections tomorrow, as part of our countdown to the reunion show this Monday (December 10).

Pic credit: LFI

Yoko Ono Makes ‘War Is Over’ Artwork Available

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Yoko Ono Makes ‘War Is Over’ Artwork Available

Yoko Ono has issued a statement today (December 7) reflecting on the eve of the anniversary of her late husband John Lennon's death. The message of peace includes a link to to the Imaginepeace website, from where you will be able to download free 'War Is Over' artwork as well as a video tomorrow. The website also has a letter that Yoko has written to Lennon. The message reads: "Dear Friends This December 8th is the 27th anniversary of John Lennon's passing. Please visit www.IMAGINEPEACE.com at any time on Dec 8th for a special message & video. WAR IS OVER! artwork is now available for download here. Please print & display in your window, workplace, school, street, car, computer & elsewhere over the holiday season. On December 8th, 11.15pm (your local time) please remember John by taking a moment of quiet reflection. If you would like to play or sing "Imagine" and IMAGINE a world of PEACE, we will all be together at that moment in every time zone as IMAGINE PEACE makes its way around the world - every hour for 24 hours. Please send in stories & photos of what you did on December 8th to stories@imaginepeace.com and tell us of your experiences. That would be lovely! With deepest love Yoko Ono Lennon" Meanwhile, this month's UNCUT cover feature is stars picking their top 30 favourite Lennon song. Vote for your favourite Lennon track here! We'll be publishing your choices in a future issue of Uncut, along with a reader Top 10. Pic credit: PA Photos

Yoko Ono has issued a statement today (December 7) reflecting on the eve of the anniversary of her late husband John Lennon‘s death.

The message of peace includes a link to to the Imaginepeace website, from where you will be able to download free ‘War Is Over’ artwork as well as a video tomorrow.

The website also has a letter that Yoko has written to Lennon.

The message reads:

“Dear Friends

This December 8th is the 27th anniversary of John Lennon’s passing.

Please visit www.IMAGINEPEACE.com at any time on Dec 8th for a special message & video.

WAR IS OVER! artwork is now available for download here.

Please print & display in your window, workplace, school, street, car, computer & elsewhere over the holiday season.

On December 8th, 11.15pm (your local time) please remember John by taking a moment of quiet reflection. If you would like to play or sing “Imagine” and IMAGINE a world of PEACE, we will all be together at that moment in every time zone as IMAGINE PEACE makes its way around the world – every hour for 24 hours.

Please send in stories & photos of what you did on December 8th to stories@imaginepeace.com and tell us of your experiences. That would be lovely!

With deepest love

Yoko Ono Lennon”

Meanwhile, this month’s UNCUT cover feature is stars picking their top 30 favourite Lennon song.

Vote for your favourite Lennon track here!

We’ll be publishing your choices in a future issue of Uncut, along with a reader Top 10.

Pic credit: PA Photos

Unknown Bob Dylan Lyric Offered For Sale

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Unknown Bob Dylan Lyric Offered For Sale

The handwritten lyrics of an unknown Bob Dylan song have come to light and are being offered at auction. The song, titled ''NYC Blues'', was written by Dylan in 1961 shortly after he arrived in Greenwich Village. Although it comes from his earliest, tentative days as a songwriter and the lyric was swiftly discarded, it contains at least one classic line : "I went to sleep at nite clean as I could be, When I awoke in the morning dirt all overme". The lyric, written in pencil on lined paper, was left by Dylan at the East 28th Street apartment of Mac and Eve McKenzie, with whom he stayed when he first arrived in New York. The document is being offered for sale by their son, Peter McKenzie, who inherited it with other papers left by Dylan at the McKenzie home. It is being sold with a certificate of authenticationand a letter from Peter McKenzie, stating: "This handwritten lyric by Bob Dylan for the song 'NYC Blues' is authentic and comes from my collection. Bob Dylan lived with my family during the early 1960s." Dylan wrote two well-known songs about his early days in the city; "Talking New York" which appeared on his debut album, and "Hard Times In New York Town", which eventually got an official release 30 years after it was recorded on the Bootleg Series Vols 1-3. The lyric of "NYC Blues"appears to predate both but the song is not listed in any of the standard Dylan reference works. The full lyric is divided into six lines of uneven length and reads: You ever been walking down the streets in NY town Walking down east fourth St, Call for the Mayor to fix the trouble there, mayor'll say there ain't no trouble, it's all down in Wash-S Standing on the corner of Broadway an' 49th seen so many people I never saw in my life I went to sleep at nite clean as I could be when I awoke in the morning dirt all over me Now I don't mind dirt cause there's dirt on the land but did you ever see dirty - that's one thing I can't stand A seventh line begins "I..." and then stops, indicating that Dylan was dissatisfied with the lyric and at this point abandoned the song. Bids are invited at http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=600

The handwritten lyrics of an unknown Bob Dylan song have come to light and are being offered at auction.

The song, titled ”NYC Blues”, was written by Dylan in 1961 shortly after he arrived in Greenwich Village. Although it comes from his earliest, tentative days as a songwriter and the lyric was swiftly discarded, it contains at least one classic line : “I went to sleep at nite clean as I could be, When I awoke in the morning dirt all overme”.

The lyric, written in pencil on lined paper, was left by Dylan at the East 28th Street apartment of Mac and Eve McKenzie, with whom he stayed when he first arrived in New York.

The document is being offered for sale by their son, Peter McKenzie, who inherited it with other papers left by Dylan at the McKenzie home.

It is being sold with a certificate of authenticationand a letter from Peter McKenzie, stating: “This handwritten lyric by Bob Dylan for the song ‘NYC Blues’ is authentic and comes from my collection. Bob Dylan lived with my family during the early 1960s.”

Dylan wrote two well-known songs about his early days in the city; “Talking New York” which appeared on his debut album, and “Hard Times In New York Town”, which eventually got an official release 30 years after it was recorded on the Bootleg Series Vols 1-3.

The lyric of “NYC Blues”appears to predate both but the song is not listed in any of the standard Dylan reference works.

The full lyric is divided into six lines of uneven length and reads:

You ever been walking down the streets in NY town

Walking down east fourth St,

Call for the Mayor to fix the trouble there, mayor’ll say there ain’t no

trouble, it’s all down in Wash-S

Standing on the corner of Broadway an’ 49th seen so many people I never saw in my life

I went to sleep at nite clean as I could be when I awoke in the morning

dirt all over me

Now I don’t mind dirt cause there’s dirt on the land but did you ever see

dirty – that’s one thing I can’t stand

A seventh line begins “I…” and then stops, indicating that Dylan was dissatisfied with the lyric and at this point abandoned the song.

Bids are invited at http://www.rrauction.com/bidtracker_detail.cfm?IN=600

Madonna Unveils Her Sweet New Album

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Madonna Unveils Her Sweet New Album

Madonna's latest studio album is to be entitled 'Licorice' and will be released next April, according to a report on US music website Billboard. However, a Madonna fan site 'Drowned Madonna' have seperately reported that the new 13-track album is to be called 'Give It To Me.' Whichever is the case, this is the last album release for Madonna on her current record deal with her longtime label Warners. All future recordings are to be released through an all en-compassing recording and touring deal with promoter's Live Nation. Two tracks from the new album, 'Candy Shop' and 'The Beat Goes On' have been now been played on former Billboard editor Larry Flick's radio show, as well as being leaked online. Kanye West and Pharell Williams have both contributed to the new album. According to 'Drowned Madonna' - the singer filled a room with sweets and a candy theme when playing the album to record label staff in New York for the first time. Pic credit: PA Photos

Madonna‘s latest studio album is to be entitled ‘Licorice’ and will be released next April, according to a report on US music website Billboard.

However, a Madonna fan site ‘Drowned Madonna’ have seperately reported that the new 13-track album is to be called ‘Give It To Me.’

Whichever is the case, this is the last album release for Madonna on her current record deal with her longtime label Warners. All future recordings are to be released through an all en-compassing recording and touring deal with promoter’s Live Nation.

Two tracks from the new album, ‘Candy Shop’ and ‘The Beat Goes On’ have been now been played on former Billboard editor Larry Flick’s radio show, as well as being leaked online.

Kanye West and Pharell Williams have both contributed to the new album.

According to ‘Drowned Madonna’ – the singer filled a room with sweets and a candy theme when playing the album to record label staff in New York for the first time.

Pic credit: PA Photos

When Nicole Kidman acts

Michael Bonner
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0

You may have noticed that the big movie for this Christmas period is The Golden Compass, a $90 million adaptation of the first volume of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. It's got talking bears, witches on broomsticks and Nicole Kidman, as the film's villain, Mrs Coulter. It's the best performance in a film that has many surprisingly smart casting choices (Tom Courtenay, Daniel Craig, Jim Carter, Derek Jacobi), despite its rather hamfisted handling of the source material. Kidman's Mrs Coulter is glacial, controlling; a Hitchcock femme fatale channelling the soul of the Wicked Witch of the West. It's a relief, after having been stuck on autopilot for what now seems like an eternity, to see her act again. The same is true of Margot At The Wedding, Noah Baumbach's follow-up to the brilliant Squid And The Whale, which Kidman excels in. It's something of a disappointment, then, to report that Kidman's performance is pretty much the only thing to recommend this film. Like Wes Anderson, with whom he co-wrote The Life Aquatic, Baumbach's primary inspiration seems to be the dysfunctional family unit. The Squid & The Whale was a largely autobiographical take on his own parents' break up, with sympathetic performances from Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney, and a witty, literate script. He revisits the idea of families falling apart here, but this is an ugly, mean and sour film. The problem -- and it's a pretty big one -- is that all the characters are utterly unlikeable, toxic and monstrous. There's Margot (Kidman), a short story writer with passive-agressive issues. She's married to another writer, Jim (John Turturro) but having an affair with another writer Dick (Ciaran Hinds). She and Jim have a son, Claude (Zane Pais), who she oscillates between being cruel and kind to. She has a sister, Pauline (Jennifer Jason Lee), who she resents because their mother gave her the family home. Oh, and she hates Pauline's fiance, unemployed artist and all-round slob, Malcolm (Jack Black). Basically, it involves a lot of people shouting at each other, squabbling, being catty behind each other's backs and generally undergoing intensely emotional and psychological meltdowns. It is, as you might have guessed by now, pretty grim viewing. I've nothing against excoriating family crack-up dramas, but Margot and co are vile, self-absorbed, selfish, vicious, narcissistic, cold people, their constant fights and arguments utterly draining. With such a horrid cast opf characters, it's pretty hard to find any reason to like this film. But it is easy to admire Kidman's brilliant performance. Margot is an absolute monster; and, as her marriage drifts further to the rocks, the suggestion that she is herself beginning to suffer some kind of mental destabilisation presents itself. We see her popping Valiums, drinking wine pretty constantly throughout, her face subtely distorting itself with minor tics, her eyes widening, her voice pitching that bit higher, her moods drifting precariously from loving and concerned to spiteful, almost bipolar. As a performance, it reminds you quite why Kidman is a great actress. After the dross of The Stepford Wives, Bewitched and The Invasion, it's brilliant to see her engaging with the kind of work that really stretches her talents. Think back to the peaks of that filmography -- Malice, To Die For, Moulin Rouge, The Others, The Hours, Dogville, Cold Mountain, Birth -- and you can see an actress with a formidable range, pretty fearless in her decisions. For all its many faults, Margot At The Wedding is, at least, reassuring evidence that, when she's working with the right material, Kidman is still the finest actress of her generation. Margot At The weddings opens on February 29

You may have noticed that the big movie for this Christmas period is The Golden Compass, a $90 million adaptation of the first volume of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy.

It’s got talking bears, witches on broomsticks and Nicole Kidman, as the film’s villain, Mrs Coulter. It’s the best performance in a film that has many surprisingly smart casting choices (Tom Courtenay, Daniel Craig, Jim Carter, Derek Jacobi), despite its rather hamfisted handling of the source material.

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Amy Winehouse Scoops Six Grammy Nominations

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Amy Winehouse Scoops Six Grammy Nominations

Amy Winehouse has been nominated for six US Grammy Awards, including Best Song and Best Album. The singer, who recently cancelled the rest of her UK tour dates saying she couldn't perform while her husband Blake Fielder-Civil is in prison awaiting trial, has sold over a million copies of her album 'Back To Black' in the US. The 24-year old singer's nominations include Best New Artist and Album of The Year, as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year for her track 'Rehab'. Winehouse is expected to appear at the Grammy Awards ceremony, the 50th, taking place in Los Angeles on February 10, after successfully applying for a US work visa. Kanye West leads the Grammy nominations with eight nominations, u0p against Winehouse in the Album of the year category. The White Stripes have also done well, earning themselves four nominations including Best Alternative Album for their latest 'Icky Thump' and Best Rock Song. Bruce Springsteen's 'Magic' and Wilco's 'Blue Sky Blue' were also nominated for Best Rock Album. Other nominees include the Foo Fighters who received nominations for Record of the Year and Best Rock Album, as well as Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi and Timbaland.

Amy Winehouse has been nominated for six US Grammy Awards, including Best Song and Best Album.

The singer, who recently cancelled the rest of her UK tour dates saying she couldn’t perform while her husband Blake Fielder-Civil is in prison awaiting trial, has sold over a million copies of her album ‘Back To Black’ in the US.

The 24-year old singer’s nominations include Best New Artist and Album of The Year, as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year for her track ‘Rehab’.

Winehouse is expected to appear at the Grammy Awards ceremony, the 50th, taking place in Los Angeles on February 10, after successfully applying for a US work visa.

Kanye West leads the Grammy nominations with eight nominations, u0p against Winehouse in the Album of the year category.

The White Stripes have also done well, earning themselves four nominations including Best Alternative Album for their latest ‘Icky Thump’ and Best Rock Song.

Bruce Springsteen‘s ‘Magic’ and Wilco‘s ‘Blue Sky Blue’ were also nominated for Best Rock Album.

Other nominees include the Foo Fighters who received nominations for Record of the Year and Best Rock Album, as well as Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi and Timbaland.

Led Zep Would Not Have Reformed If Not For Family

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Led Zep Would Not Have Reformed If Not For Family

Robert Plant has explained how Led Zeppelin would not have reformed for Monday's reunion gig (December 10) if they didnt have the family connection with their new drummer. Jason Bonham, the late John Bonham's son will be drumming with the group for the one-off reunion show at the O2 Arena. Singer Robert Plant has said it was important that they kept the reunion within the 'family. Speaking to The Sun's Something For The Weekend today, he said: "I've know the Bonham family since I was 15 and I know Pat, John's widow. I've know Jason since he was born." He added:"I've spent so much time talking to Jason over the years. He's such a good guy and I've got very close. Jason's such a great drummer and he's now in his reformation character." Don't forget to vote for your ultimate Led Zeppelin set list here: Rate The Song we'll be publishing the final scores on Monday, ahead of Monday night's highly anticipated gig! UNCUT.CO.UK and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert at the 02 Arena. We've already started our daily Led Zep countdown to December 10, and on the night we will have live coverage straight from the 02 Arena including news, pictures and a special blog. Stay tuned for all the action. Pic credit: Rex Features

Robert Plant has explained how Led Zeppelin would not have reformed for Monday’s reunion gig (December 10) if they didnt have the family connection with their new drummer.

Jason Bonham, the late John Bonham’s son will be drumming with the group for the one-off reunion show at the O2 Arena.

Singer Robert Plant has said it was important that they kept the reunion within the ‘family. Speaking to The Sun’s Something For The Weekend today, he said: “I’ve know the Bonham family since I was 15 and I know Pat, John’s widow. I’ve know Jason since he was born.”

He added:”I’ve spent so much time talking to Jason over the years. He’s such a good guy and I’ve got very close. Jason’s such a great drummer and he’s now in his reformation character.”

Don’t forget to vote for your ultimate Led Zeppelin set list here: Rate The Song we’ll be publishing the final scores on Monday, ahead of Monday night’s highly anticipated gig!

UNCUT.CO.UK and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert at the 02 Arena.

We’ve already started our daily Led Zep countdown to December 10, and on the night we will have live coverage straight from the 02 Arena including news, pictures and a special blog.

Stay tuned for all the action.

Pic credit: Rex Features

Babyshambles Play On Despite No Show From Doherty

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Babyshambles Play On Despite No Show From Doherty

Pete Doherty failed to show at the NME Awards launch party at the O2 Arena tonight (December 6), but the rest of Babyshambles soldiered on bravely without him. After sets from current NME faves Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong and The Wombats, Pete Doherty failed to show to lead planned headliner's Babyshambles. Instead, the band carried on without him, with bassist Drew McConnell taking vocal duties. After pulling a member from the audience to sing "Carry On Up The Morning", Drew delivered vocals for five songs, joined by Josh from The Paddingtons, who sang vocals on a cover of The Clash's "Janie Jones". The Shockwaves NME Awards are set to take place at the Indig02 on February 28, 2008.

Pete Doherty failed to show at the NME Awards launch party at the O2 Arena tonight (December 6), but the rest of Babyshambles soldiered on bravely without him.

After sets from current NME faves Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong and The Wombats, Pete Doherty failed to show to lead planned headliner’s Babyshambles.

Instead, the band carried on without him, with bassist Drew McConnell taking vocal duties.

After pulling a member from the audience to sing “Carry On Up The Morning”, Drew delivered vocals for five songs, joined by Josh from The Paddingtons, who sang vocals on a cover of The Clash’s “Janie Jones”.

The Shockwaves NME Awards are set to take place at the Indig02 on February 28, 2008.

John Lennon – Stars Pick Their Favourite Tracks

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John Lennon – Stars Pick Their Favourite Tracks

The January issue of UNCUT is on sale now, featuring an all-star panel of musicians selecting their favourite song by the late Beatle John Lennon. Which Lennon song "flipped out" Brian Wilson when he first heard it? Which one reminds Arctic Monkey Alex Turner of his mum and dad? And when we asked The Who's Roger Daltrey for his favourite, what on earth led him to conclude: "I can see why people go completely mad in this business."? And there's many, many brilliant contributions from the likes of Yoko Ono, John Cale, John Lydon, Jarvis Cocker and Liam Gallagher. Meanwhile, Uncut.co.uk will be running online exclusives throughout the month, today is Alan McGee's pick. Coming up: Richmond Fontaine's Willy Vlautin, Josh Ritter, Roy Wood and more will be picking out their favourite tracks. ~ COLD TURKEY Plastic Ono Band single (October 1969). High chart postion: 14 Alan McGee: I suppose I first heard the song when I about 14, probably on [compilation] Shaved Fish, and had no idea what it was about. It’s an incredible piece of work. And what’s unbelievable is that Eric Clapton is playing guitar on it. I mean, this is the man who plays 23 nights at the Royal Albert Hall and who’s never made a decent record in his life, yet he’s playing guitar on this amazing song. Probably the greatest thing he’s ever done. I remember Primal Scream doing a brilliant version of “Cold Turkey”, which they used to do live, but I don’t think they recorded it [it’s available on several early ‘90s live bootlegs]. People always ask what the difference was between Lennon and McCartney. Well, Lennon was the genius songwriter with attitude, McCartney the genius with a melody. They were amazing apart, but better together. “Cold Turkey” was in the same vein as “Mother” or “Working Class Hero”, in that he was often drawing on personal experience and writing in the first person. He was a fucking pop genius. You’ve gotta love it. I mean, Lennon was punk rock before fucking punk was even thought of. He was a visionary songwriter. ~ Plus! What do you think Lennon's greatest song is? You can vote for your choice, and tell us why, by clicking here for the special poll. We'll be publishing your choices in a future issue of Uncut, along with a reader Top 10. VOTE HERE!

The January issue of UNCUT is on sale now, featuring an all-star panel of musicians selecting their favourite song by the late Beatle John Lennon.

Which Lennon song “flipped out” Brian Wilson when he first heard it?

Which one reminds Arctic Monkey Alex Turner of his mum and dad?

And when we asked The Who‘s Roger Daltrey for his favourite, what on earth led him to conclude: “I can see why people go completely mad in this business.”?

And there’s many, many brilliant contributions from the likes of Yoko Ono, John Cale, John Lydon, Jarvis Cocker and Liam Gallagher.

Meanwhile, Uncut.co.uk will be running online exclusives throughout the month, today is Alan McGee‘s pick.

Coming up: Richmond Fontaine‘s Willy Vlautin, Josh Ritter, Roy Wood and more will be picking out their favourite tracks.

~

COLD TURKEY

Plastic Ono Band single (October 1969). High chart postion: 14

Alan McGee:

I suppose I first heard the song when I about 14, probably on [compilation] Shaved Fish, and had no idea what it was about. It’s an incredible piece of work. And what’s unbelievable is that Eric Clapton is playing guitar on it.

I mean, this is the man who plays 23 nights at the Royal Albert Hall and who’s never made a decent record in his life, yet he’s playing guitar on this amazing song. Probably the greatest thing he’s ever done. I remember Primal Scream doing a brilliant version of “Cold Turkey”, which they used to do live, but I don’t think they recorded it [it’s available on several early ‘90s live bootlegs].

People always ask what the difference was between Lennon and McCartney. Well, Lennon was the genius songwriter with attitude, McCartney the genius with a melody. They were amazing apart, but better together.

“Cold Turkey” was in the same vein as “Mother” or “Working Class Hero”, in that he was often drawing on personal experience and writing in the first person. He was a fucking pop genius. You’ve gotta love it.

I mean, Lennon was punk rock before fucking punk was even thought of. He was a visionary songwriter.

~

Plus! What do you think Lennon’s greatest song is? You can vote for your choice, and tell us why, by clicking here for the special poll. We’ll be publishing your choices in a future issue of Uncut, along with a reader Top 10. VOTE HERE!

Rare Keith Richards Tracks Available Online

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Rare Keith Richards Tracks Available Online

Keith Richards' will be making two of his rare solo tracks available as downloads on iTunes from December 11. The songs are both covers. The first, Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run", was released in 1979 as a limited edition 7"; it's been unavailable since then. The second is Toots And The Maytals' "Pressure Drop", recorded in 2003 in New York. Keith will next be seen in Martin Scorsese's Stones' concert doc, Shine A Light, which is released in the UK in April next year.

Keith Richards’ will be making two of his rare solo tracks available as downloads on iTunes from December 11.

The songs are both covers. The first, Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run”, was released in 1979 as a limited edition 7″; it’s been unavailable since then.

The second is Toots And The Maytals’ “Pressure Drop”, recorded in 2003 in New York.

Keith will next be seen in Martin Scorsese’s Stones’ concert doc, Shine A Light, which is released in the UK in April next year.

World’s First ABBA Museum To Open In 2009

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World’s First ABBA Museum To Open In 2009

The world's first dedicated ABBA museum, first proposed last year, is set to open in the band's hometown, Stockholm in June 2009. Initiators of the museum Ulf Westman and his wife Ewa Wigenheim have declared that they will launch the complex between 'June 3 to 7, it will be an inaugural week,' at a presentation of their plans in Stockholm yesterday (December 5). The pair added that "It will be an international museum with a lot of technological and multimedia aspects," explaining that visitors will be able to take part in many aspects of ABBA's 70s fame. Visitors will be able to record tracks like 'Waterloo' in a recreation of Polar Studio in Stockholm, where the group recorded their hits. The four original ABBA members, Bjoern Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faeltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad have all given their backing to the museum which is planned to fill three floors of a waterfront building on the island of Soedermalm. The quartet will be donating many items, especially clothing that will fill the 'wardrobe room' - including sequinned bellbottoms and catsuits for which they were renowned. Despite having broken up over 25 years ago, surprisingly, ABBA still sells between two and three million albums a year worldwide.

The world’s first dedicated ABBA museum, first proposed last year, is set to open in the band’s hometown, Stockholm in June 2009.

Initiators of the museum Ulf Westman and his wife Ewa Wigenheim have declared that they will launch the complex between ‘June 3 to 7, it will be an inaugural week,’ at a presentation of their plans in Stockholm yesterday (December 5).

The pair added that “It will be an international museum with a lot of technological and multimedia aspects,” explaining that visitors will be able to take part in many aspects of ABBA’s 70s fame.

Visitors will be able to record tracks like ‘Waterloo’ in a recreation of Polar Studio in Stockholm, where the group recorded their hits.

The four original ABBA members, Bjoern Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faeltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad have all given their backing to the museum which is planned to fill three floors of a waterfront building on the island of Soedermalm.

The quartet will be donating many items, especially clothing that will fill the ‘wardrobe room’ – including sequinned bellbottoms and catsuits for which they were renowned.

Despite having broken up over 25 years ago, surprisingly, ABBA still sells between two and three million albums a year worldwide.

Arctic Monkeys Team Up With The Big Issue

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Arctic Monkeys Team Up With The Big Issue

The Arctic Monkeys have made their own magazine-style tour supplement for their forthcoming UK tourdates. The band have teamed up with homeless charitable magazine 'The Big Issue' for their bumper Christmas special, out next week, to create an Arctic Monkeys tour supplement featuring exclusive never-seen-before photos and text by the band. As well as being part of the Chrismas issue, the Monkeys' magazine will first be made available to fans at all of their tour venues exclusively. A spokesperson for The Big Issue said:"'The Big Issue' are delighted to be working with Arctic Monkeys and proud to be including this unique collectors item with our special Xmas bumper issue." Arctic Monkeys' tour kicks off at London's Alexandra Palace this Saturday (December 8).

The Arctic Monkeys have made their own magazine-style tour supplement for their forthcoming UK tourdates.

The band have teamed up with homeless charitable magazine ‘The Big Issue’ for their bumper Christmas special, out next week, to create an Arctic Monkeys tour supplement featuring exclusive never-seen-before photos and text by the band.

As well as being part of the Chrismas issue, the Monkeys’ magazine will first be made available to fans at all of their tour venues exclusively.

A spokesperson for The Big Issue said:”‘The Big Issue’ are delighted to be working with Arctic Monkeys and proud to be including this unique collectors item with our special Xmas bumper issue.”

Arctic Monkeys’ tour kicks off at London’s Alexandra Palace this Saturday (December 8).

See Led Zeppelin Play Live On Monday

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See Led Zeppelin Play Live On Monday

Vue Cinemas are organising for a special evening of Led Zeppelin live footage to be screened this Monday (December 10), as the band take to the stage at the O2 Arena for their 'reunion' show. As previously reported, Led Zeppelin's performance at the O2 will not be filmed or broadcast. Only the lucky 20, 000 ticket holders will be able to see their one-off performance. However, fans needn't have a totally non-Led Zep night, live performances from throughout Led Zep's career will be broadcast at cinemas including the Greenwich O2 where the concert is taking place to as far away as the Edinburgh Ocean cinema, in conjunction with Warner Music. The special collation of footage includes the band playing live in the 1970s, including from the Royal Albert Hall in '70, the band's five-night residency of Earl's Court in 1975 and Knebworth in '79. The screenings will be in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and the sound and colour in the images have been restored - under the personal supervision of Jimmy Page and director Dick Carruthers. The Vue are selling tickets for the screenings through their website, here: www.myvue.com The Led Zeppelin screenings are to take place at the following Vue cinemas: Greenwich O2 Manchester Lowry Leeds Kirkstall Birmingham Star City Bristol Longwell Green Thurrock Lakeside Shopping Centre Edinburgh Ocean Dublin Liffey Valley Shopping Centre Don't forget to vote for your ultimate Led Zeppelin set list here: Rate The Song we'll be publishing the final scores on Monday, ahead of Monday night's highly anticipated gig! UNCUT.CO.UK and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert at the 02 Arena. We've already started our daily Led Zep countdown to December 10, and on the night we will have live coverage straight from the 02 Arena including news, pictures and a special blog. Pic credit: Rex Features

Vue Cinemas are organising for a special evening of Led Zeppelin live footage to be screened this Monday (December 10), as the band take to the stage at the O2 Arena for their ‘reunion’ show.

As previously reported, Led Zeppelin’s performance at the O2 will not be filmed or broadcast. Only the lucky 20, 000 ticket holders will be able to see their one-off performance.

However, fans needn’t have a totally non-Led Zep night, live performances from throughout Led Zep’s career will be broadcast at cinemas including the Greenwich O2 where the concert is taking place to as far away as the Edinburgh Ocean cinema, in conjunction with Warner Music.

The special collation of footage includes the band playing live in the 1970s, including from the Royal Albert Hall in ’70, the band’s five-night residency of Earl’s Court in 1975 and Knebworth in ’79.

The screenings will be in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and the sound and colour in the images have been restored – under the personal supervision of Jimmy Page and director Dick Carruthers.

The Vue are selling tickets for the screenings through their website, here: www.myvue.com

The Led Zeppelin screenings are to take place at the following Vue cinemas:

Greenwich O2

Manchester Lowry

Leeds Kirkstall

Birmingham Star City

Bristol Longwell Green

Thurrock Lakeside Shopping Centre

Edinburgh Ocean

Dublin Liffey Valley Shopping Centre

Don’t forget to vote for your ultimate Led Zeppelin set list here: Rate The Song we’ll be publishing the final scores on Monday, ahead of Monday night’s highly anticipated gig!

UNCUT.CO.UK and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert at the 02 Arena.

We’ve already started our daily Led Zep countdown to December 10, and on the night we will have live coverage straight from the 02 Arena including news, pictures and a special blog.

Pic credit: Rex Features

Kaiser Chiefs Confirmed For Isle Of Wight

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Kaiser Chiefs Confirmed For Isle Of Wight

Kaiser Chiefs have been confirmed as headliners for next Summer's Isle Of Wight Festival. The band from Leeds led by Ricky Wilson, will headline the 2008 festival on the event's opening night (June 13). The Kaiser Chiefs join the Sex Pistols and The Police as bill headliners. The Pistols and Police, as previously reported, both reunited this year in celebration of their 30th anniversaries. Tickets for the 2008 festival, which takes place June 13 - 15, go on general sale on December 10, however ferry company Red Funnel have an exclusive pre-sale offer starting three days earlier. From December 7, Isle of Wight festival tickets can be bought on their own or as part of a travel package, with weekend tickets including camping at £130 for adults and £65 for children (subject to handling and postage charge). Non-camping tickets are also available. See the bookings website www.redfunnel.co.uk/isleofwightfestival for more details or phone the ticket hotline 0871 222 1010. Pic credit: Live Photography

Kaiser Chiefs have been confirmed as headliners for next Summer’s Isle Of Wight Festival.

The band from Leeds led by Ricky Wilson, will headline the 2008 festival on the event’s opening night (June 13).

The Kaiser Chiefs join the Sex Pistols and The Police as bill headliners.

The Pistols and Police, as previously reported, both reunited this year in celebration of their 30th anniversaries.

Tickets for the 2008 festival, which takes place June 13 – 15, go on general sale on December 10, however ferry company Red Funnel have an exclusive pre-sale offer starting three days earlier.

From December 7, Isle of Wight festival tickets can be bought on their own or as part of a travel package, with weekend tickets including camping at £130 for adults and £65 for children (subject to handling and postage charge). Non-camping tickets are also available.

See the bookings website www.redfunnel.co.uk/isleofwightfestival for more details or phone the ticket hotline 0871 222 1010.

Pic credit: Live Photography

John Lennon – Stars Pick Their Favourite Tracks

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John Lennon – Stars Pick Their Favourite Tracks

The January issue of UNCUT is on sale now, featuring an all-star panel of musicians selecting their favourite song by the late Beatle John Lennon. Which Lennon song "flipped out" Brian Wilson when he first heard it? Which one reminds Arctic Monkey Alex Turner of his mum and dad? And when we asked The Who's Roger Daltrey for his favourite, what on earth led him to conclude: "I can see why people go completely mad in this business."? And there's many, many brilliant contributions from the likes of Yoko Ono, John Cale, John Lydon, Jarvis Cocker and Liam Gallagher. Meanwhile, Uncut.co.uk will be running online exclusives throughout the month, today is The Gossip's Beth Ditto's pick. Coming up: Richmond Fontaine's Willy Vlautin, Josh Ritter, Roy Wood and more will be picking out their favourite tracks. ~ JEALOUS GUY From The John Lennon album, Imagine (November 1971)) Natasha Khan, Bat For Lashes: As a youngster the Beatles were so passe. They were just part of the furniture, like an old, beautiful grandfather clock in the corner that you didn't notice anymore. But as time went on, I discovered more about Lennon as a leader and thinker. I think he had a huge amount of power that he used in a very positive way to bring underground ideas to the fore. That’s what all great artists do, isn’t it? Subvert the mainstream from the inside. Push the mainstream’s expectations of what art or music or politics is. An old boyfriend used to play me “Jealous Guy”. I remember how it sounded about such a grown-up type of love that I hadn’t yet experienced in my teenage relationships. It was definitely the sound of a love that transcended just infatuation or lust. There's something straightforward and universal about it. Lyrically, it’s really simple, but provides a real insight into the flawed side of man who has surrendered to his baser and angrier instincts. And the fact the song is an apology after the fact makes it all the more poignant, that it’s written in remorseful hindsight. I always had the impression that he was really feisty and mouthy and obnoxious in the early days, but through his relationship with Yoko, a whole body of work came out that was so focused on a desire to do right by his woman and the ability to show his vulnerable side. But it’s still very masculine, even with the admission of his flaws, which I think is the sign of a strong man and artist. ) ~ Plus! What do you think Lennon's greatest song is? You can vote for your choice, and tell us why, by clicking here for the special poll. We'll be publishing your choices in a future issue of Uncut, along with a reader Top 10. VOTE HERE!

The January issue of UNCUT is on sale now, featuring an all-star panel of musicians selecting their favourite song by the late Beatle John Lennon.

Which Lennon song “flipped out” Brian Wilson when he first heard it?

Which one reminds Arctic Monkey Alex Turner of his mum and dad?

And when we asked The Who‘s Roger Daltrey for his favourite, what on earth led him to conclude: “I can see why people go completely mad in this business.”?

And there’s many, many brilliant contributions from the likes of Yoko Ono, John Cale, John Lydon, Jarvis Cocker and Liam Gallagher.

Meanwhile, Uncut.co.uk will be running online exclusives throughout the month, today is The Gossip’s Beth Ditto‘s pick.

Coming up: Richmond Fontaine‘s Willy Vlautin, Josh Ritter, Roy Wood and more will be picking out their favourite tracks.

~

JEALOUS GUY

From The John Lennon album, Imagine (November 1971))

Natasha Khan, Bat For Lashes:

As a youngster the Beatles were so passe. They were just part of the furniture, like an old, beautiful grandfather clock in the corner that you didn’t notice anymore.

But as time went on, I discovered more about Lennon as a leader and thinker. I think he had a huge amount of power that he used in a very positive way to bring underground ideas to the fore. That’s what all great artists do, isn’t it? Subvert the mainstream from the inside. Push the mainstream’s expectations of what art or music or politics is.

An old boyfriend used to play me “Jealous Guy”. I remember how it sounded about such a grown-up type of love that I hadn’t yet experienced in my teenage relationships. It was definitely the sound of a love that transcended just infatuation or lust.

There’s something straightforward and universal about it.

Lyrically, it’s really simple, but provides a real insight into the flawed side of man who has surrendered to his baser and angrier instincts. And the fact the song is an apology after the fact makes it all the more poignant, that it’s written in remorseful hindsight.

I always had the impression that he was really feisty and mouthy and obnoxious in the early days, but through his relationship with Yoko, a whole body of work came out that was so focused on a desire to do right by his woman and the ability to show his vulnerable side. But it’s still very masculine, even with the admission of his flaws, which I think is the sign of a strong man and artist.

)

~

Plus! What do you think Lennon’s greatest song is? You can vote for your choice, and tell us why, by clicking here for the special poll. We’ll be publishing your choices in a future issue of Uncut, along with a reader Top 10. VOTE HERE!

A playlist, plus forthcoming attractions

John Mulvey
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Not much time to post today, so here's an office playlist for your delectation. Thanks to everyone who posted their playlists last week - we can definitely do that again here if you're in the mood. I should also mention a few things I'll try and blog about before Christmas, if only in a fairly unsavoury attempt to book some return visits from you over the next couple of weeks. I have racked up here new albums by Nick Cave, Earth, Growing, Dawn Landes, Cass McCombs, Bon Iver and Thistletown, off the top of my head. More pressingly, I'll be at the Led Zeppelin show next Monday night, and blogging as quickly as possible straight after. Farah will be filing news stories from the O2 Arena as the night progresses, so stick with us through the evening. Adverts over, sorry. Here's the playlist (Just two I'm underwhelmed by in this 11): 1 Blur - Park Life (Food) 2 Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Ask Forgiveness (Domino) 3 Dory Previn - The Art Of Dory Previn (Zonophone) 4 Growing - Lateral (The Social Registry) 5 Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha Man (Parlophone) 6 Malcolm Middleton - Sleight Of Heart (Full Time Hobby) 7 Kelley Stoltz - Circular Sounds (Sub Pop) 8 Dawn Landes - Bodyguard (Fargo) 9 The Cave Singers - Invitation Songs (Matador) 10 Girl Talk - Night Ripper (Illegal Art) 11 Bob Mould - District Line (Beggars Banquet)

Not much time to post today, so here’s an office playlist for your delectation. Thanks to everyone who posted their playlists last week – we can definitely do that again here if you’re in the mood. I should also mention a few things I’ll try and blog about before Christmas, if only in a fairly unsavoury attempt to book some return visits from you over the next couple of weeks.

Continue

Solomon Burke To Sing At Led Zep Aftershow Party

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Solomon Burke To Sing At Led Zep Aftershow Party

Solomon Burke is to perform at the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert aftershow party this coming Monday (December 10). The soul and gospel singer, most famous for his song 'Everybody Needs Somebody To Love', which was covered by The Rolling Stones was signed to Atlantic Records in the 1960s. A source close to his current record label Snapper has informed Uncut that organisers of Monday's concert, which will see Led Zeppelin perform for the first time in 27 years, approached Burke as their first choice to perform at the concert's aftershow party. Burke's career has revived in recent years, after being inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, he recorded an album 'Don't Give Up On Me' with songs written specifically for it by artists including Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson and Van Morrison. The last time the legendary artist appeared live in the UK was as a special guest to Jools Holland on his tour in 2005. Don't forget to vote for your ultimate Led Zeppelin set list here: Rate The Song we'll be publishing the final scores on Monday, ahead of Monday night's highly anticipated gig! UNCUT.CO.UK and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert at the 02 Arena. We've already started our daily Led Zep countdown to December 10, and on the night we will have live coverage straight from the 02 Arena including news, pictures and a special blog.

Solomon Burke is to perform at the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert aftershow party this coming Monday (December 10).

The soul and gospel singer, most famous for his song ‘Everybody Needs Somebody To Love’, which was covered by The Rolling Stones was signed to Atlantic Records in the 1960s.

A source close to his current record label Snapper has informed Uncut that organisers of Monday’s concert, which will see Led Zeppelin perform for the first time in 27 years, approached Burke as their first choice to perform at the concert’s aftershow party.

Burke’s career has revived in recent years, after being inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, he recorded an album ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’ with songs written specifically for it by artists including Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson and Van Morrison.

The last time the legendary artist appeared live in the UK was as a special guest to Jools Holland on his tour in 2005.

Don’t forget to vote for your ultimate Led Zeppelin set list here: Rate The Song we’ll be publishing the final scores on Monday, ahead of Monday night’s highly anticipated gig!

UNCUT.CO.UK and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert at the 02 Arena.

We’ve already started our daily Led Zep countdown to December 10, and on the night we will have live coverage straight from the 02 Arena including news, pictures and a special blog.

Echo And The Bunnymen To Perform Ocean Rain

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Echo And The Bunnymen To Perform Ocean Rain

Echo And The Bunnymen have become the latest in a long line of classic artists who perform one of their albums in its entirety. Ian McCulloch and Will (there's no word as yet as to whether bassist Les Pattinson will rejoin the Bunnymen for the night) will swagger through 1984's "Ocean Rain" at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 16, 2008. They'll be accompanied for the evening by a full orchestra, necessary to fill out the songs which made up, according to adverts around the original release of "Ocean Rain", "The Greatest Album Ever Made!"

Echo And The Bunnymen have become the latest in a long line of classic artists who perform one of their albums in its entirety.

Ian McCulloch and Will (there’s no word as yet as to whether bassist Les Pattinson will rejoin the Bunnymen for the night) will swagger through 1984’s “Ocean Rain” at London’s Royal Albert Hall on September 16, 2008.

They’ll be accompanied for the evening by a full orchestra, necessary to fill out the songs which made up, according to adverts around the original release of “Ocean Rain”, “The Greatest Album Ever Made!”

Vote For Your Ultimate Led Zep Setlist!

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Vote For Your Ultimate Led Zep Setlist!

Led Zeppelin are due to perform for the first time in over 20 years in just five days time... and in conjunction with our sister title NME, we would like you to vote for your ultimate Led Zep rocking setlist! Just head to the special vote page here: Rate The Song and rate their classic tracks out of ten - we'll be publishing the final scores on Monday, ahead of Monday night's highly anticipated gig! UNCUT.CO.UK and NME.com will both be at the reunion gig, bringing you comprehensive coverage of the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun Concert at the 02 Arena. We've already started our daily Led Zep countdown to December 10, and on the night we will have live coverage straight from the 02 Arena including news, pictures and a special blog.

Led Zeppelin are due to perform for the first time in over 20 years in just five days time…

and in conjunction with our sister title NME, we would like you to vote for your ultimate Led Zep rocking setlist!

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Babyshambles Post Brand New Song Online

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Babyshambles Post Brand New Song Online

Babyshambles have posted a brand new song online at band member Adam Ficek's MySpace page The new song, 'Pretty Sue', in still in it's early demo stage, and is said to have been recorded by Babyshambles whilst on their recent arena tour. You can hear the track at drummer Ficek's page Roses, Kings, Castles: Babyshambles. A bulletin on the site also explains that Babyshambles will soon be posting two further new tracks on the page, one called '1939' and another called 'Mouse In The House'. Ficek has also said that the band are planning to play "some small shows for Xmas" - which could see the band playing more of their famed secret pub gigs. Listen to Babyshambles' 'Pretty Sue' here

Babyshambles have posted a brand new song online at band member Adam Ficek‘s MySpace page

The new song, ‘Pretty Sue’, in still in it’s early demo stage, and is said to have been recorded by Babyshambles whilst on their recent arena tour.

You can hear the track at drummer Ficek’s page Roses, Kings, Castles: Babyshambles.

A bulletin on the site also explains that Babyshambles will soon be posting two further new tracks on the page, one called ‘1939’ and another called ‘Mouse In The House’.

Ficek has also said that the band are planning to play “some small shows for Xmas” – which could see the band playing more of their famed secret pub gigs.

Listen to Babyshambles’ ‘Pretty Sue’ here

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