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When Nicole Kidman acts

Michael Bonner
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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.

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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!

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.

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

Jeff Tweedy Comes Out In Support Of Barack Obama

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Jeff Tweedy Comes Out In Support Of Barack Obama

Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy is headline a benefit gig in honour of Barack Obama, the Democrat candidate running for office. The concert 'Change Rocks' takes place this Friday (December 7) in Tweedy's hometown of Chicago as part of Obama's electoral campaign. Don't get too excited about the rest of the bill at the Riviera Theatre though: it features Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins, Jill Sobule and the Cool Kids.

Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy is headline a benefit gig in honour of Barack Obama, the Democrat candidate running for office.

The concert ‘Change Rocks’ takes place this Friday (December 7) in Tweedy’s hometown of Chicago as part of Obama’s electoral campaign.

Don’t get too excited about the rest of the bill at the Riviera Theatre though: it features Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins, Jill Sobule and the Cool Kids.

Radiohead Tickets On Sale Now!

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Radiohead Tickets On Sale Now!

Don't hang about, folks - Radiohead have sneaked out some tickets for their European tour early. If you visit their website tickets are available for certain shows, ahead of the general sale on Friday (December 7) at 9am. The dates on sale now are: Dublin Malahide Castle (June 7) Paris Bercy (9, 10) Barcelona Parc del Forum (12) Nimes Arenes (14) Milan Civica Arena (18) Southside Festival (20) Hurricane Festival (22) London Victoria Park (24, 25) Glasgow Green (27) Manchester Old Trafford Cricket Ground (29) Amsterdam Westerpark (July 1) Roskilde Festival (3) Berlin Wuhlheide (8) And since the "In Rainbows" discbox has now arrived, you can read Uncut's verdict on the eight extra songs at our Wild Mercury Sound blog. Pic credit: PA Photos

Don’t hang about, folks – Radiohead have sneaked out some tickets for their European tour early.

If you visit their website tickets are available for certain shows, ahead of the general sale on Friday (December 7) at 9am.

The dates on sale now are:

Dublin Malahide Castle (June 7)

Paris Bercy (9, 10)

Barcelona Parc del Forum (12)

Nimes Arenes (14)

Milan Civica Arena (18)

Southside Festival (20)

Hurricane Festival (22)

London Victoria Park (24, 25)

Glasgow Green (27)

Manchester Old Trafford Cricket Ground (29)

Amsterdam Westerpark (July 1)

Roskilde Festival (3)

Berlin Wuhlheide (8)

And since the “In Rainbows” discbox has now arrived, you can read Uncut’s verdict on the eight extra songs at our Wild Mercury Sound blog.

Pic credit: PA Photos

Led Zeppelin For Sale On eBay!

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Led Zeppelin For Sale On eBay!

The planet seems to have gone Zeppelin mad since Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones announced details of THAT gig a while back, and auction site eBay – online barometer of our times – is no exception. In the last month there has been a Zep-related product for sale every FIVE minutes on the site – that’s all day, every day – and on eBay right this moment there are over 3000 bits of Zep kit to tempt the diehard fan. And aside from the expected stuff (CDs, records, posters, DVDs, the odd possibly illegal offer of passcodes that allow the user to secure gig tickets) there is a mountain of rather random Zep paraphenalia too. Here's our favourite ten Led Zep items offered for sale recently! Click on the items in red to see the listing in all its glory. 1. Who would have known that a Led Zeppelin pewter belt buckle was an essential purchase? 2. ...Or that our lives would be incomplete without the John Bonham memorial coin? (£26 to you, guv). 3. And what about this? – a deeply stylish pair of Zep pyjama bottoms, our “lounge pants” as our transatlantic cousins call ‘em. As primal and sexy as Bob Plant in his heyday, buy these and surely the groupies will flock to your side… 4. Led Zeppelin Neon Bar Sign - It’s made of “highest quality acrylic”. Make it the centrepiece of your lounge – that’ll please the missus… 5. Led Zeppelin Money Clip- Lots of spare cash after you failed to bag a ticket for next week? Store your wad in this stylish rocktastic wallet… 6. Led Zeppelin pocket ashtray- Perfect for the smoker who’s always on the go… 7. Led Zeppelin hoodie - Get down with the ASBO kids in this piece of high fashion, confusingly described as “Classic Punk Rock”… 8. Led Zeppelin Audio CD visor – The perfect place to keep that copy of In Through The Out Door while driving… 9. Led Zeppelin 22” lanyard - Why? Oh - "to hang your cell phone and keys”… that’s Xmas for dad sorted then... 10. Led Zeppelin Tie-Dyed Wall Tapestry - No self-respecting student should be without this design masterpiece. It probably even smells of patchouli oil! Right on! One last thing: why is no-one flogging v-neck Zep cashmere sweaters? (Kashmir/cashmere – geddit?) Now there’s an idea…

The planet seems to have gone Zeppelin mad since Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones announced details of THAT gig a while back, and auction site eBay – online barometer of our times – is no exception.

In the last month there has been a Zep-related product for sale every FIVE minutes on the site – that’s all day, every day – and on eBay right this moment there are over 3000 bits of Zep kit to tempt the diehard fan.

And aside from the expected stuff (CDs, records, posters, DVDs, the odd possibly illegal offer of passcodes that allow the user to secure gig tickets) there is a mountain of rather random Zep paraphenalia too.

Here’s our favourite ten Led Zep items offered for sale recently!

Click on the items in red to see the listing in all its glory.

1. Who would have known that a Led Zeppelin pewter belt buckle was an essential purchase?

2. …Or that our lives would be incomplete without the John Bonham memorial coin? (£26 to you, guv).

3. And what about this? – a deeply stylish pair of Zep pyjama bottoms, our “lounge pants” as our transatlantic cousins call ‘em. As primal and sexy as Bob Plant in his heyday, buy these and surely the groupies will flock to your side…

4. Led Zeppelin Neon Bar Sign – It’s made of “highest quality acrylic”. Make it the centrepiece of your lounge – that’ll please the missus…

5. Led Zeppelin Money Clip– Lots of spare cash after you failed to bag a ticket for next week? Store your wad in this stylish rocktastic wallet…

6. Led Zeppelin pocket ashtray– Perfect for the smoker who’s always on the go…

7. Led Zeppelin hoodie – Get down with the ASBO kids in this piece of high fashion, confusingly described as “Classic Punk Rock”…

8. Led Zeppelin Audio CD visor – The perfect place to keep that copy of In Through The Out Door while driving…

9. Led Zeppelin 22” lanyard – Why? Oh – “to hang your cell phone and keys”… that’s Xmas for dad sorted then…

10. Led Zeppelin Tie-Dyed Wall Tapestry – No self-respecting student should be without this design masterpiece. It probably even smells of patchouli oil! Right on!

One last thing: why is no-one flogging v-neck Zep cashmere sweaters? (Kashmir/cashmere – geddit?) Now there’s an idea…

Tom Petty To Perform At The 2008 Superbowl

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Tom Petty To Perform At The 2008 Superbowl

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are to be the half-time music entertainment at next year's Superbowl in Arizona. The longstanding rock group will perform at the annual sporting event, historically the most watched US television event of the year. This year saw 140 million people tune in to see Prince perform a medley of hits on his famous symbol-shaped stage. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers follow on from artists such as The Rolling Stones, U2 and Michael Jackson in performing at the mammoth sports event.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are to be the half-time music entertainment at next year’s Superbowl in Arizona.

The longstanding rock group will perform at the annual sporting event, historically the most watched US television event of the year.

This year saw 140 million people tune in to see Prince perform a medley of hits on his famous symbol-shaped stage.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers follow on from artists such as The Rolling Stones, U2 and Michael Jackson in performing at the mammoth sports event.

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