Kirsty MacColl 1959 - 2000 I know this may be the sign of a disturbed mind, but when I first heard the news of Kirsty MacColl’s death on December 18th due to a freak incident involving a speedboat, the only question that kept crossing through my mind was "Why couldn’t it have been Westlife"? A sentiment that, whilst maybe a little cutting, I like to think the late and hugely talented singer / songwriter would have shared. Kirsty made her introductory foray into her love hate relationship with the music industry in 1979 with her first single "They Don’t Know" - a song which flopped initially but eventually became a number two hit in 1983 for Tracey Ullman. Always mixing wickedly funny lyrics with suitably off the cuff melodies, she achieved her first hit single "There’s A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis" some two years later and throughout her remaining years released a number of classic singles along the way. Can’t remember? How about my personal favourite, 1991’s "Walking Down Madison", or her uplifting version of the Kinks "Days"? Everyone knows all about "Fairytale Of New York", the massive duet recorded with the Pogues but don’t forget her equally vibrant performance on The Wonder Stuff’s "Welcome To The Cheap Seats". I could go on and on, listing album tracks aplenty that most bands would give their right arms to have written, but for now let’s just say..Kirsty...Thank you for the days. Those endless days, those sacred days you gave us.

	Late breaking news - CD prices set to be investigated As I sat down to put finishing touches to my editorial this month, the news that CD prices may be too high and this is due to be looked into, was the story that was reported on, on the lunch time news. This is an issue we all hold close to our hearts, or wallets to be more precise and one we may have noticed the supermarkets coming someway to address, whereas certain national music stores would seem to consider that their customers are nothing more than those money trees my Mother used to talk of. Keep your eyes peeled and if you notice that notice is being taken, then please drop us a line, so that we might share your findings with our readers.

	Your comments Ok, so first off this month, not wishing that I should appear to only be taking my own views into account, I respond to the un-named author of a comment made as to my constant high scoring of the albums I have reviewed. Point taken, and this is something that I am very aware of each time I come to allow a mark to a particular item of product. Unfortunately I don't get to listen to all that is released, but maybe my constant high marking of records could in someway be down to the quality of music sent to me from the press contacts I have, this should be considered a vindication of themselves and their artists. I can't say that I have really heard a 'turkey' recently and certainly some of the albums I have the pleasure of encountering I'm certain shall remain on my playlist for many years to come. Here I would like to make particular reference to The Doves 'Lost Souls', whose Mercury nomination last year was certainly up against some tough competition. Now I don't wish to take the floor all of the time and would like to offer the opportunity to anyone disagreeing with any comments made in the magazine to please comment. Or maybe you are wanting to tell other readers of an album/single or gig they have had the pleasure in encountering, or just letting us know of your opinions relating to a 'next big thing', then drop me a line and I promise I shall do my best to bring your comments to the WORLD. Now in conclusion, I will try to be a little more merciless in future.

	In response I write now in answer to Lynette Cannell who wrote in a very apologetic tone regarding our Ash competition this month; "Have just entered your competition, but surely their debut album was "Trailer," released in 1995. "1977" was released in 1996." Point taken Lynette. But I have looked into this one and it turns out that 'Trailer' was considered by everyone close to the band, including themselves as a Mini album and not their 'debut album', so just to show I do read your comments, but this time I'm afraid, better luck next time. This has given me the idea that if you can catch our editorial team out, I'm sure we can find you somethinng for your time and effort, so keep trying.

	Fingathing on tour Grandcentral artists, Fingathing take their decks on the road, performing their DJ thing across the country and into Europe throughout February and into March. The dates are as follows; 01.02.01 Scratch @ The Scala, London. 03.02.01 Friends and Family @ Roadhouse, Manchester 09.02.01 No Fakin @ Zanzibar, Liverpool 10.02.01 Homeless, Dundee 28.02.01 Cornerhouse, Manchester (TBC) 02.03.01 Homoelectric @ Follies, Manchester 29.03.01 Snowbombing @ Risoul, France More Grandcentral dates Aim can be caught at the following dates in March; 06.03.01 @Marquise, Lyon, France 29.03.01 @ Snowbombing, Rasoul Ski Resort, France A little closer to home, Only Child can be caught playing at: 10.03.01 Friends and Family, Roadhouse, Manchester 17.03.01 The Bomb, Nottingham And not so close: 07.04.01 Marquise, Lyon, France

	Half of a Rae and Christian Mark Rae, one half of featured artists Rae and Christian, whose album 'Sleepwalking' gets the once over this month in our album reviews, goes on the road throughout February. You can catch him throughout the UK (and Ireland) at the following venues; 02.03.01 Homoelectric @ Follies, Manchester 03.03.01 Bar Circo, Birmingham (TBC) 10.03.01 Morrisons Hotel, Dublin 17.03.01 Friends and Family @ Roadhouse, Manchester 31.03.01 Blow pop, Bristol (TBC) And if you are so inclined and fancy a swift trip to mainland Europe, Mark can be seen performing at the Marquise, Lyon, France on the 1st and 8th of April.

	Nick Cave set to release the next in his Bad Seeds journey Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are set to release their 11th studio album in April. Released through Mute, No More Shall We Part is the follow-up to their recent 'Best Of' collection and will be the first new material heard from the group since 1997's 'Boatman's Call'. The album was recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios during the Autumn of last year, by a Bad Seeds line-up comprising Nick, Mick Harvey, Blixa Bargeld, Thomas Wydler, Martyn Casey, Conway Savage, Jim Sclavunos and Warren Ellis. The new album was produced by Tony Cohen and features twelve brand new tracks. The album will be given the once over by our very own Tone E, in next month's issue due out at the end of February, one not to be missed.

	Crystal Lake gets a second bite Grandaddy whose Crystal Lake was first released in May last year, have re-released this aural delight prior to a tour that continues throughout the start of March at the following venues: 01.03.01 Wolverhampton, Wulfren Hall 02.03.01 Bristol, Uni 03.03.01 Southampton, Uni 05.03.01 Leeds, Cockpit 06.03.01 Cambridge, Junction 07.03.01 London, Kentish Town Forum The band recently played at the annual CMJ event in New York where they had a surprise visitor after the show, none other than 'Lord' David Bowie, a self confessed massive Grandaddy fan. Bowie also made it to see them again the following week when they supported Elliot Smith where other visitors to their dressing room included Liv Tyler and Kate Moss.

	Goldfrapp all set for 7 days in February Goldfrapp, who you can see in our competition this month, prepare for a 7 night National tour later on in February, the dates are as follows; 14.02.01 Music Centre, Dublin 16.02.01 Cottier Theatre, Glasgow 17.03.01 Hop and Grape, Manchester 18.03.01 Rocket, Leeds 20.03.01 The Social, Nottingham 21.03.01 Fleece and Firkin, Bristol 22.03.01 ULU, London Goldfrapp, who are the brainchild of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory made their live debut in June, last year at the Sonar Festival in Barcelona. Since then they have completed successful British tours with Moby, Doves and Tarwater and most recently headlined a old out show a The Purcell Rooms on London's South Bank. They were the highlight of The Transmusical Festival in Rennes and last November played a stunning show alongside Nick Cave at the Volksbuhne in Berlin.

	Two nights for your diary at De Montfort Hall The 1st of February will see the elegance and grandeur of the ballrooms of 18th Century Vienna re-created at De Montfort Hall, when the Johann Straus Gala will make a welcome return. Performed by the Johann Strauss Orchestra under the direction of Christopher Warren-Green, the musicians will be joined by special guest soprano Louise Walsh and the Johann Strauss dancers. The Blue Danube Waltz, Tritsch-Tratsch Polka and the Radetzky March are just some of the famous favourites to be performed in this celebration of music by the composer dubbed 'King of the Watz'. Tickets range from £11.50 to £21 and are available from the box office at the Hall on 0116 233 3111. The following day, the Hall plays host to a completely different wave of musical heat, this time quite literally, as February 2nd sees one of Cuba's hottest properties, Felix Baloy, making his first visit to the UK. One of the country's top singers for more than 40 years, his visit on this occasion will see Felix perform as a band leader in his own right, and in a regional exclusive brings a seventeen piece band with him, directed by Juan de Marcos Gonzalez. Beginning at 7.30pm on Friday 2nd February, fans of the Buena Vista Social Club will love this evening, as will anyone who digs the Latin beat and the sound of salsa. A salsa workshop will also be running from 6.45pm, for anyone wishing to hit the dance floors in style, yet bear in mind some of these moves might take more than 45 minutes to perfect. Tickets for this exhilarating night are priced at £13.50 for the dance floor and £14.50 for the balcony seats, and are available by calling the box office on 0116 233 3111.

	Let's go Loco with the Fun Lovin'Criminals It doesn't seem that long ago, but it was last century that these guy's from stateside graced our shores with a tour, December 1999 in fact. A time post the technology melt down that, didn't occur and well everything's much the same really. But of course, all this preamble leads me to announce the release of the bands latest album, Loco, on 26th of February and one that is reviewed in this month's issue. But prior to this, the 'Miller time' guys Embark on a full UK tour and one that will stop off in Leicester no less, here is the full schedule; 01.03.01 Olympia, Dublin 05.03.01 Barrowlands, Glasgow 07.03.01 Corn Exchange, Edinburgh 08.03.01 Sands Centre, Carlisle 09.03.01 City Hall, Sheffield 11.03.01 Barbican, York 12.03.01 Appolo, Manchester 14.03.01 De Montfort Hall, Leicester 15.03.01 Civic Hall, Wolverhampton 17.03.01 Corn Exchange, Cambridge 18.03.01 Ocean, London 19.03.01 Ocean, London 23.03.01 Rivermead, Reading 24.03.01 Newport Centre, Newport 25.03.01 International Centre, Bournemouth 26.03.01 Pavillion, Plymouth Finelines will be reviewed next month and sit tight because already I have heard a contender for album of the year.

	Sailor-made Touted as the next big thing by certain members of the press, Starsailor whose debut single 'Fever' is released thru Chrysalis on the 5th of February 2001, can be caught at the last few dates of their current UK tour as part of the NME Carling tour at the following venues; 02.02.01 Cardiff University, Cardiff 02.02.02 03.02.01 Bristol University, Bristol 04.02.01 Astoria, London I have been told that once you have seen Starsailor live it is easy to understand why the NME has referred to them as writing "massive life-affirming songs". Starsailor are the first major stars of the new millennium. You should see them as soon as possible.

	Hit the rollercoaster and 'Eat At Whitey's' The title of Everlast's second album, have just released a new single, Black Jesus thru. Tommy Boy and prizes from the group are up for grabs in this month's competition section. The groups frontman and ex-House of Pain member Whitey Ford, singer/rapper/songwriter and musician is a man who has lived life to the full, kissed the skies and plummeted from the dizzy heights of fame yet thankfully been reborn as the ever wonderful Everlast. Eat At Whitey's is the groups second album and as said is out on Tommy Boy now. Practice makes perfect The 19th of February will see fresh samples and keen breaks when Fingathing release their new single Just Practice taken from last years debut album, The Main Event. Fingathing are scratch DJ Peter Parker and double-bass plucker Sneaky, also known as the providers of the backbone to the Rae & Christian live set-up.

	Ronan on solo area tour Ronan Keating, one of those artists you either love to hate or just hate can be seen performing 'live' at the following venues in May; 06.05.01 Sheffield Arena 01142 56 56 56 08.05.01 Cardiff International 02920 22 44 88 11.05.01 Wembley Arena 0870 739 6677 14.05.01 Nottingham Arena 0115 989 5555 17.05.01 Birmingham NEC 0121 780 4133 19.05.01 Newcastle Telewest Arena 0191 401 8000 22.05.01 Glasgow SECC 0870 040 4000 25.05.01 Manchester Arena 0161 930 8000 I will now vindicate my opening comment by adding that had Ronan not brought us Westlife, we may have seen it in our hearts to forgive him, but then again continue to sing like that, if at all, then maybe not. If you're keen, then I am truly sorry (for you, your children and anyone who has the misfortune to live within ear-shot).

	If you not wearing clogs, you're not coming in Those components of the wooden shoe variety, The Levellers can be seen, following exhaustive work spent recording their new album, in March at the following venues; 02.03.01 Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn 03.03.01 Parr Hall, Warrington 04.03.01 Town Hall, Middlesborough 05.03.01 Civic Hall, Wolverhampton 07.03.01 Cardiff University, Cardiff 08.03.01 Guild Hall, Southampton 09.03.01 Cliffe Hall, Folkestone Leas 10.03.01 Victoria Halls, Hanely 12.03.01 Barbican, York 13.03.01 Rock City, Nottingham 14.03.01 Guild Hall, Peston 16.03.01 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 17.03.01 Arts Centre, Warwick 18.03.01 Arts Centre, Aberystwyth 20.03.01 Civic Hall, Guildford 21.03.01 Winter Gardens, Margate 22.03.01 Assembly Halls, Worthing If you can't wait for the shows then also available thru Hag Records is the Leveller vs. McDermotts 'The World Turned Upside Down'. This can be obtained via The Levellers info line: 01273 608887 or by www.levellers .co.uk

	Waxing lyrical At he time of going to press I was graced with the latest from the stable of Unkle creator James Lavelle and from his Mo'Wax label the incredible South performing 'Paint the Silence'. The single is to be released on March 5th and will be followed by the group's long awaited debut album, 'From Here On In'. If what I have heard from the single this will really be some thing to shout about and I will do my best to bring you the low down in a future issue. Ever since James Lavelle brought us his Unkle project, a distinctive style has grown up around his Mo'Wax label and awesome beats dance around the fire created by the melodies. James really is a visionary of the 21st Century music and from talking with him prior to the release of 'Psyence Fiction', is out to bring 'music to the masses' and from a diverse stable. South are what I might vision the Stone Roses becoming had '89's eponymous album found its way to this moment directly, without passing go and are most certainly worth checking out. I know this is boring and quite expected, but my single of the month by a long stretch.

	Testing the water Homegrown talent, Dizzy Valise, who were reported on in a previous issue of Atomicduster's 'Spotlght' the forum for unsigned bands, have recently been in the studio, quite a prestigious one by all accounts, laying down new tracks and next month I will try to bring you more in depth news of the situation. Anyone interested in finding out more on the group can do so by contacting me and I shall pass your comments on, or check out the article, still online in our 'Spotlight archives'. If you are an unsigned band/act wishing our editorial team to give you the exposure we all know you deserve, then drop me a line at; nick.j@harboro.com

	Leaps and bounds Jammie Catto, founder member of Faithless, self confessed tech-head and the one with the long hair, while the group are on a break, is not remaining idle and has been busy travelling the World with friend and colleague, computer buff, Duncan Bridgeman in the search for new music and I suspect a little divine intervention. He and Duncan have been busy with the project, 1 Giant Leap, whose album is to be expected later in the year, whilst on January 29th the first 'soupcon' will be released from the group. 'Not all those who wander are lost' is a unique, no really quite unique offering and features a host of musicians and artists on this DVD/CD project of music from across the world, added to by the spoken word. Being a huge fan of what Jamie and collaborators did in previous Faithless projects I have to admit to feeling a little lost myself on viewing this offering. I shall reserve judgement until the full-length product becomes available and gives me a little more on which to judge. But that said it was great to see childhood hero and respected musician, Stuart Copeland (former drummer from the Police) performing square in camera shot. And on reading other collaborators, included Faithless sparring partner, as well as thoroughly decent bloke and purveyor of fine cars, Maxi Jazz, Brian Eno (needs no introduction) and Dennis Hopper, now where did that come from? Really unsure of the artwork that adorns the cover here though, you'll see. http://www.1giantleap.tv

	Begging for more Received in the offices recently was the latest, Beggars Group Sampler 2001 and really I have to say after continued listening, is certainly a sign of great things to come. Featuring 16 artists from the 'groups' roster, this shows diversity that a long time subscriber to the Beggars philosophy can still find quite unbelievable. When 4AD meets, �Beggars Banquet, Mo'Wax and XL, this will give music fans from across all boundaries something to be exited about. But that's not all as another 4 labels are included within this family of labels whose home is South West London and not the Bronx as the sounds might sometimes suggest. Keep your eyes coming back to the Atomicduster for more news from this chic-est of UK 'music groups', as it happens.

	Someone who really did earn our respect The man who took from Take That what Gerry tried to do from her Spice Girls, will be performing stadium dates starting July of this year. The tickets to these dates might be worth more than Robbies 'cod-piece' itself, but if you're interested he will be performing at the following dates; 06.07.01 Lansdowne Road, Dublin (Sold Out) 07.07.01 Lansdowne Road, Dublin (Sold Out) 14.07.01 Millenium Stadium, Cardiff (Sold Out) 15.07.01 Millenium Stadium, Cardiff (Extra Date On Sale) 21.07.01 Bowl, Milton Keynes (Sold Out) 22.07.01 Bowl, Milton Keynes (Extra Date On Sale) 27.07.01 Old Tafford Cricket Ground (Extra Date On Sale) 28.07.01 Old Tafford Cricket Ground (Sold Out) 29.07.01 Old Tafford Cricket Ground (Extra Date On Sale) 04.08.01 Hampden Park, Glasgow (Sold Out) Sorry if these might appear a little out of date in terms of tickets available, but this man's appeal just gets bigger! Robbie can be found online at; www.robbiewilliams.com

	Taking it easy Easyworld, who can be caught up with this month as our very own Tone E gives their latest single the once over, continue their UK tour with more dates across England during the month of February, those dates are as follows; 02.02.01 Lomax, Liverpool 03.02.01 Leadmill, Sheffield 04.02.01 Adephi, Hull 06.02.01 Sugarmill, Stoke 07.02.01 Roadmenders, Northampton 08.02.01 Princess Charlotte, Leicester 10.02.01 Cavern, Exeter 11.02.01 Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth 12.02.01 Arts Centre, Norwich 13.02.01 Academy, Birmingham 15.02.01 Dingwalls, London 16.02.01 Colosseum, Coventry

	Robbie Windows Theme Go to the following link to download a sexy Robbie theme and brighten up your dowdy old PC. Includes customised splash screens, icons, cursors and wallpaper. Requires Win95/98 - sorry no Macs or Win2k/NT. www.robbiewilliams.co.uk/download/RobbieTheme.exe

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