The Big Gherkin: October 2008

Friday, 31 October 2008

Gherkin Friday Playlist 31/10/08

(Ctrl & left click to open artist or song in new window)

Russell Brand & Jonathan Ross - Andrew Sachs
Paul Simon - The Obvious Child
INXS - Never Tear Us Apart
Tears for Fears - Head Over Heels
LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great
The Killers - Glamorous Indie Rock n' Roll
Klaxons - The Bouncer
Foals - Brazil is Here
MGMT - Of Birds, Moons & Monsters
The Police - Mosako Tango

Poor Old Satanic Sluts

As Georgina Baillie says, "What's funny about humiliating a lovely old man?" Well, it seems that Voluptua might know something herself about humiliation - as a recent porn movie surfaces, in which she is enjoying a good spanking, Max Mosley style. And the lovely blonde with the strap-on? Why, is it another celebrity? Apparently she looks a lot like of the dominatrixes from the recent Max Mosley spanking privacy case. How A-list!

"I feel totally and utterly exposed", Georgina told The Sun. Quite.

Click the picture to see screenshots.

Top of The Pops back?

Simon Cowell planning 'Top Of The Pops' takeover?

Judge plans move show from BBC to ITV rivals

'X Factor' judge Simon Cowell has indicated he is considering buying the rights to music series 'Top Of The Pops'. I think it would be a great move personally, next we need Games Master back.

However his plans include moving the show from the BBC to rival channel ITV.

The long-running pop series was axed in 2006 after 42 years, and this year it has been announced that the annual 'Top Of The Pops Christmas Special' will no longer be shown.

Speaking at the National Television Awards in London, Cowell said he would like to resurrect the show, reports BBC NEWS.

"I would rather it came to us than just sit in the dustbin," he said. "If the BBC wanted to do a deal, and I can get ITV to buy it and broadcast it, I'd put it on ITV. It's been a good year for music and I think it's part of the tradition. It's not as though people aren't interested in music at the moment. Maybe we could make it a bit more interesting."

Jackson Five confirm reunion tour and album

Michael Jackson is in on the plans

Jermaine Jackson has confirmed that The Jackson Five will reunite for a tour and to release new material in 2009.

Jackson told the Australian Press that all the original band members – including Michael have agreed to the reunion and have been working on new material.

He added that sister Janet would open their tour dates with a solo set.

"This has been a long time coming for the Jackson family to get back together," he said.

He added, "What we've been doing is working on the music and all the logistics. It is going to be more like a family affair, Janet's going to open and, of course, the original Jackson Five: Michael, Randy and the whole family.

"We're in the studio, we're planning on being out there next year."

In the meantime, can you feel it...

We all live in a Videogame Submarine

McCartney and co give blessing to the new Rockstar game

A new version of the Rock Band computer game featuring the music of The Beatles is set to be released, it was announced today (October 30).

Apple Corps, Liverpool legends' label finally ended speculation and confirmed they will be developing a version of the game with Harmonix and MTV Games, which owns the Rock Band.

The new partnership is the first time the band's songs will be used in a computer game.

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison & Yoko Ono were involved in the deal.

"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music," McCartney said in a statement. "I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out."

Starr added: "The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles' legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence."

Ono said: "It's cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades."

The game is set to be released in 2009.

Phil Spector trial off to shaky start

Prosecution alleges producer has history of threatening women with guns

Opening statements in the murder retrial of super producer Phil Spector got underway in Los Angeles, with the prosecution painting a picture of a man who repeatedly threatened women with guns.

Prosecutor Alan Jackson showed the new jury photos of actress Lana Clarkson, whom Spector is accused of murdering at his Los Angeles mansion in 2003. Jackson, who also worked on Spector's original trial last year, claimed that the producer shot Clarkson after she resisted his sexual advances.

The first day of testimony has been postponed because one of the jurors is injured.

An alternate juror reportedly fell in the parking lot of the Los Angeles court this morning (October 30) and injured his foot. The trial is set to resume on Monday

Presley still making Cheese

The King is making more then some live stars

Elvis Presley is the highest earning dead celebrity in a list compiled by Forbes.com.

The singer came top for the second year in a row aided by the 30th anniversary of his death in August 2007, which saw his estate take $52 million last year - thanks to new ventures including the Elvis Sirius Satellite Radio show, merchandise and visitors to his Memphis home Graceland.

even outdid hard-working, still-living musicians like Justin Timberlake and Madonna in the financial stakes, who raked in $44 million and $40 million respectively.

Thursday, 30 October 2008

Viva Russell Brand

As you probably know, Russell Brand has unfortunately left his BBC Radio 2 show.

It is completely bewildering the level of attention this prank has got. Previously posted on the Gherkin, the episode that saw Brand & Ross call Manuel a few times has ended in numerous politicians & celebs wading in. Listening to the show its clear it is outrageous but, in context, it was just part of a comedic idea. brand was contrite and came across as a naughty child trying his hardest to rectify the situation, Ross was crass and mocking though and goading Brand on. If your grandaughter was a dancer in The Satanic Sluts, would hearing news she shagged Russell Brand be a suprise! is there also something ironic about a Satanic Slut giving moral advice.

Anyway it was one of the funniest things i have ever heard, certainly more amusing than Sachs' prattish behaviour in Fawlty Towers. Its funny with all the kiss and tells in this world that once the tables are turned the papers who make millions out of them are up in arms.
Im throwing out my Fawlty Towers DVD's when I get home and if i see Scahs, he gets dropkicked in the face.

Podcasts from all Russels shows can be downloaded here

The most recent Podcast with Oliver Stone, Kelly Brook & Dizzee Rascal can be downloaded here. This is the show a week after this whole debarcle.

Russell Brands statement can be seen here

Oh yeah and im so pissed off Never Mind the Buzzcocks is cancelled tonight merely because it has Brand on it!

Techno Viking

Techno Viking does'nt dance to music, music dances to Techno Viking

Tuesday, 28 October 2008

Late of the Pier & Erol Alkan @ Heaven

Late of the pie r are performing at Heaven Nightclub near Embankment on Thu 27th November with Erol Alkan supporting. Should be an awesome night as they bring their Bugged Out Warehouse parties to a close.I got my tickets here

Dead Success

Dead Set, E4's zombie horror series set within the Big Brother house, launched with an impressive 1.19 million viewers in the 10pm hour last night, Monday October 27.

The first instalment of the five-part series, written by Guardian columnist Charlie Brooker, averaged 8.2% of all multichannel viewing in the 10pm hour, according to unofficial overnights.

Dead Set, which featured Big Brother host Davina McCall and former contestants from the show including Bubble, also picked up an additional 220,000 viewers on catch-up service E4+1 an hour later.

Watch Episode 2 tonight on E4 at 10pm

Monday, 27 October 2008

Charlie Brooker - Closest Person to God

Charlie Brooker is a god. The Columnist for Mondays Guardian G2 is incredibly funny and shares my exact opinion on life. Here are some of his views on television. Enjoy

X Factor Screen Wiped by Charlie Brooker

10 Biggest Cocks & She Cocks in Advertising

Aspirational TV

Charlie Brooker on My Sweet 16

Friday, 24 October 2008

Ari Gold

The reason Entourage is a great show....Ari Gold.

The Gherkin Friday Playlist 24/10/08

(Ctrl & left click to open artist or song in new window)

The Rakes - Work, Work, Work (Pub, Club, Sleep)
Dr Octagon - Bear Witness
Roxy Music - Love is the Drug
Pink floyd - Wish you Were Here
Misfits - London Dungeon
The Wallflowers - One Headlight
The Killers - Human
The Avalanches - Since I Left You
Late of the Pier - Bathroom Gurgle
Cut Copy - Hearts on Fire

Thursday, 23 October 2008

Lakai - Fully Flared - Beautiful Skateboarding

Intro to skate film 'Fully Flared' by shoe maker 'Lakai'. Sexy Explosions.

Bloc Party 'Intimacy' film

Bloc Party are releasing a filmed performance that will come packaged with the CD release of their new album, 'Intimacy', out on Monday (October 27).

The film, entitled 'Live And Intimate', sees the band performing live at The Pool Studios, where the band recorded part of the album with producer Paul Epworth.

The film will be broadcast on Channel 4 on the night of October 31, at 12:10am (BST).

Watch the new video for 'Talons'

McCartney found his head

Homeless man Anthony Silva has claimed a £2,000 reward after finding the waxwork head of Sir Paul McCartney in a bin at Reading train station.

As previously posted the ugly head of Macca was left on a train last Thursday (October 16) by Joby Carter, who had been transporting it to be auctioned.

Silva told the Daily Star that when he found the head in the bin he initially thought it was a Halloween mask – but after realising what he had found claimed the £2,000 reward from Carter.

Soulwax - Part of the Weekend Never Dies

The documentary by Belgium Electronic Dewaele brothers, Soulwax is out now. Its been out for a while but worth a little chit chat.

Part of the Weekend Never Dies is a great documentary covering the Brothers on their 120 date Nite Versions/Soulwax tour of Europe, Japan, US, Latin America and Australia. Interviews include 2 many dj's, Soulwax Nite Versions and features James Murphy, Nancy Whang, Erol Alkan, Tiga, Justice, Busy P, So-Me, Peaches, Kitsuné, Klaxons and many more in behind the scenes footage, interviews, etc.

The trailer is here and it will make you jealous

Free Dr Peppers as Guns n' Roses Chinese Democracy out next month

Guns n' Roses much awaited 6th album 'Chinese Democracy' is set for release November 23rd. This album will be the first studio album since Use Your Illusions 1 & 2 in 1991. Democracy will be the first in a trilogy of albums, the final coming in 2012.

Listen to the first track 'Chinese Democracy' at their Myspace.

This album includes collaborations with Skid Row's Sebastian Bach, Brian May & Dave Navarro and has seen many band member changes during the recording of the album as well as a cost of $13Million. Leaked tracks have been received with mixed reviews already and even landed some music pirates (aaar) in court.

The tracklisting is as follows:

1. Chinese Democracy
2. Scraped
3. Shackler's Revenge
4. Street Of Dreams
5. If The World
6. Better
7. This I Love
8. There Was A Time
9. Riad N' The Bedovins
10. Sorry
11. I.R.S.
12. Catcher
13. Madagascar
14. Prostitute

Back in March fizzy drink chain Dr Pepper said they'd offer every person in the United States a free can of their beverage if 'Chinese Democracy' was released this year. Erm, well, now that the album hits shelves next month, Dr Pepper are yet to confirm the giveaway of roughly 300 million cans. Stay tuned on that one.

Notorious BIG biopic

Trailer for new film 'Notorious' out 16th Jan 2009.

Actors in the film are playing Tupac Shakur, P Diddly, Lil Kim, Lil Cease, Faith Evans, Suge Knight. Looking to be a great film

Wednesday, 22 October 2008

Chris Walken Cooks Chicken With Pears - CANDY!

Russell Brand Radio Show 18/10/2008

This week, Russell was joined by none other than Radio 2's own Jonathan Ross. His star guest was Gael Garcia Bernal and Denis Norden dropped in to tell some jokes. You can't say fairer than that.

Listen here

White Lies US Tour

White Lies are gearing up for their second US tour.

The jaunt will support the release of the ‘Death EP’ which is released in the US this week via Geffen.

Aerosmith back in the Studio

Leg injuries have put band out of action

Old Prunefaced rockers Aerosmith plan to return to the studio in 2009 after injuries forced them into hiatus.

The band have not released an album of all-new material since 2001's 'Just Push Play'. Following this, 2004's 'Honkin on Bobo' consisted mainly of cover versions.

However, guitarist Brad Whitford has told Billboard that they intend to change that as soon as they can.

Aerosmith have been plagued with ill health recently. Both guitarist Joe Perry and frontman Steven Tyler have undergone medical treatment for leg injuries – the latter entering a Californian rehab facility so that he could recover in a drug-controlled environment. Just bring back Alicia Silverstone videos.

The Story of the Guitar - 19 Oct 08

BBC finished off its 'History of the Guitar' series on Sunday. Watch again on iPlayer. A really interesting show with interviews from David Gilmour, Tony Iommi, Johnny Marr, Pete Townsend, Matt Bellamy and more.

Watch it here

Free Muse Video

In April Muse played one of their smallest shows of the year at London's Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Now, a video version of their 2003 track 'Fury', recorded at the show, has been made available to fans on the bands website.

Click Here to download

Off With His Beatle Head

A businessman has launched an appeal after he left a waxwork head of Sir Paul McCartney on a train.

Joby Carter had intended to take the replica of the former Beatle, which is valued between £5,000 and £10,000, to auction on Sunday.

The head was left in a bag on a train from London to Maidenhead. The service terminated at Reading.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Carter, who is offering a £2,000 reward, revealed that he had received a number of fake phone calls from people claiming to have seen Sir Paul's head.

"Someone may have just picked it up and thrown it away without realising what it was or someone might be trying to sell it,” he said.

Eels release free live EP online

Eels have made a live EP featuring four live tracks available to download from the band's official website Eelstheband.com. Check it owt.

The four songs – 'Fresh Feeling', 'Packing Blankets', 'Jeannie's Diary' and 'Climbing To The Moon' – were recorded in Manchester in 2005.

The EP will be available to download until October 28 – the day the band release a three-LP edition of their 2005 album, 'Blinking Lights And Other Revelations'.

Too Many Whiskies for Roots

Roots Manuva had a bit too much to drink at a Glasgow performance this week. Worth a awatch

Friday, 17 October 2008

London Astoria Demolition Go Ahead

Devastating news for gig goers as the iconic Astoria on Tottenham Court Road will be demolished by January.

The venue, which was opened as a cinema in 1927, is one of 13 buildings around Tottenham Court Road tube station that has been the subject of a compulsory purchase by the government to make way for a new train station.

The venue has played host to legendary gigs by Nirvana, Radiohead, The Rolling Stines & U2.

Rail minister Lord Adonis told BBC News the move was a "major step forward" for the £16 billion Crossrail project.

The demolition is part of a scheme to create an east-west rail route across London, the biggest transport project in the UK since the construction of the Channel Tunnel.

Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone did say earlier this year that there were plans to build another venue in the place of the Astoria but nothing has surfaced. New venues like O2 & Indigo have been panned though as they lack the history and discomfort we all love of the old venues in London.

I saw the Foo Fighters and Beastie Boys here a few years back and it was a truly awesome place. If Brixton Academy goes, i'll do a Travis Bickle.

The Weekend is Here.....

....Party Hard.

Andrew WK - Party Hard
Uploaded by rooroo

The Killers - Human

Brand Spanking Noo Video premiered yesterday from Flowers & the lads. Bring back the 'tache. Enjoy.

The Killers - Human
Uploaded by The-Killers

The Who Announce London Club Shows

The Who are set to play two intimate fanclub shows this winter.

The band will play Indigo O2 on December 14 and 15.

Tickets for the shows are only available to fanclub members via Thewho.com from 11am next Friday (October 24)

The tickets will be individually coded to fans buying the tickets to prevent touting.

Hot Chip Solo Material Surfaces Online

A new track by Hot Chip frontman Alexis Taylor has surfaced online.

'Baby' has been uploaded onto music blog abeano.com. It can be heard here.

The track is taken from Taylor's debut solo album 'Rubbed Out', which was given a release of 10/11/08.

Thursday, 16 October 2008

I Ran (So Far Away)

SNL's Andy Samberg made an awesome parody remixing Aphex Twin's Avril 14th. This hilarious Jew lad who previously won an Emmy for dick in a box with Justin Timberlake (see below) followed up with a parody love song with Iran's leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad featuring Maroon 5's Adam Levine.

'You can play the Jews, I can be your Jim Caviezel' Outstanding.

I Ran (So Far Away) ft. Adam Levine.

Dick in a Box ft. Justin Timberlake

The Enemy Are The French

Cosmic Boogie - Free Mix Downloads

Cosmic Boogie are a collective of DJ's based around Liverpool. It is a great site full of free mixes that can be downloaded with artists such as LCD Soundsystem, Late of the Pier, Blondie, Talking Heads, Bowie, Black Sabbath & Soul to Soul. Go here for some great free mixes for the 'ol ipod.

http://www.cosmicboogie.co.uk/

Wednesday, 15 October 2008

Antipop Consortium

Antipop Consortium from Noo Yoirk have made hiphop good again. The gash i used to listen to at uni in shit clubs has been blocked out of my memory now. I dont generally listen to much hiphopotamous but these guys using the electronic touchpad to make some awesome beats have restoed my faith.
Ghostlawns

Its Souuuul Brother

Put your Funk shorts on and listen to classic Marvin Gaye. More Cowbell!!!!

The Gherkin Mid-Week Playlist 15/10/08

(Ctrl & left click to open artist or song in new window)

Empire of the sun - Walking on a Dream
Metronomy - Heartbreaker
PNAU - Wild Strawberries
John Farnham - You're the Voice
Friendly Fires - Strobe
Bloc Party - Ion Square
Soulwax - Miserable Girl - (Nite Versions)
Guns 'n' Roses - Better
Justice - Planisphere
Frank Zappa - Outside Now

C'est Bon Iver

Bon Iver is the name of Justin Vernon's current musical project. Justin is from Wisconsin up in North West U S of A has a great album out called 'For Emma Forever Ago' that was released in 2007 but is now coming to light.

After a break up of his band, relationship and a spot of illness, Justin moved to his dads log cabin in Wisconsin originally to relax and take a break from life and didn't plan to make an album but after some time this album started to form luckily.

Bon Iver - Stacks

Bon Iver - Skinny Love - Jools Holland

Late of the pier

Late of the Pier from Nottingham are just fucking awesome. Their debut album, 'Fantasy Black Channel' produced by electro wizard Erol Alkan is a new benchmark in music. Its not a measure of success but being top friends o MySpace with Erol Alkan, Soulwax, Crystal Castles, Digitalism Metronomy and Teenagers means your doing something right.
The Bears Are Coming Live on BBC

Focker

Foaliage

Oxxxfords favourite house party band, Foals, have released a new video for Olympic Airways. Check it owwwt.

Will Ferrell - Landlord & Good Cop Bad Cop

Funny Ha Ha for your lunchbreak

See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die

Good Cop Bad Cop

See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die

Tom Cruise is a Cock Block

A Spiffing good jape.
Tom Cruise is a Cock Block Part 1

Tom Cruise is a Cock Block Part 2

Souls of Mischief - Clasic

Souls of Mischief - '93 til Infinity
Classic.

LadyHawke

LadyHawke is a brilliant Cat & Video Game inspired 80's, Electro, Synth act from New Zealand. Currently on a tour with The Black Kids. With remixes from Linus Loves, Van She & Fred Falke already under a belt as well as interest from Kylie Minogue (shame), LadyHawke is looking to be heading in the right direction. The self titled album is out now and manages to get the right mix of 80's synth and disco, worth listneing to.
LadyHawke - Back of the Van

LadyHawke - Dusk til Dawn

Empire Of The Sun

Luke Steele from Sleepy Jackson is pals with Australian electronic act PNAU and has completed an album with Nick Littlemore from the band. The new project is called 'Empire of the Sun'.

Sleepy Jackson who released the album 'Lovers' in 2003 had a great single with 'Good Dancers' (See below) have been quiet since their 2006 album 'Personality - One Was a Spider, One Was a Bird' didnt do so well.

This new collaboration sounds good with their first single 'Walking on Dreams' having a great sound to it. The album 'Walking on Dreams' is out now.

Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream

Sleepy Jackson - Good Dancers

Have I Got News For You - Webisode - Russell Brand & Charlie Brooker

Jack Dee hosts the show and guests are journalist Charlie Brooker and comedian Russell Brand. Worth a watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fvAbw0I-AY&feature=rec-fresh

In Rainbows

The statistics behind the pay-what-you-like release of Radiohead's 'In Rainbows' album, released on October 10 last year online, have been revealed today.

The figures show that despite the fact that most fans chose to pay nothing to download the album, it still generated more money before it was physically released (on December 31) than the total money generated by sales of the band's previous album, 2003's 'Hail To The Thief'.

According to Music Ally, Jane Dyball, head of business affairs at Warner Chappell (the publishing company that oversaw the release of 'In Rainbows'), refused to reveal the average price people were downloading the album for.

The band sold 100,000 copies of the 'In Rainbows' box set, which contained extra songs not available on the standard download or CD release.

Also embracing the digital age, Radiohead recently ran a competition for fans to make a video for their new single 'Reckoner' .
The winning video is here

Frank the Zappa Tank

Im listening to alot of Frank Zappa at the moment, a complete fucking hero. As a very wise colleague said once 'I dont really know if I get or think Frank Zappa is good but I like listening to it'.
Frank was the original composer of humourous rock songs being able to construct amazing epics which told funny stories such as Bobby Brown, the american dream boy who likes S&M.
Frank Zappa - Bobby Brown

Frank Zappa - Outside Now

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Tv on the Radio announced a small UK tour. Tickets for the Brooklyn quintet's London Shepherds Bush Empire show on November 19 are sold out, but there is still a chance to see them across the country.

The band will play Glasgow ABC on November 16, Manchester University (17) and Birmingham Carling Academy on December 7.

Check out their myspace to hear their new forth album, 'Dear Science' follow up from 2006 'Return to Cookie Mountain'

'Golden Age' from 'Dear Science'

'Province' from 'Return to Cookie Mountain'

Band Meeting

Flight of the Conchords are working on the follow up series to Season 1. Material is meant to be thin on the ground and they have mentioned that it may only be one more series but followed up with a few gigs at the 20, 000 seat O2 arena in Greenwich. Cant find anything confirming this online but definately getting a ticket when (or if) they are released.

Flight of the Conchords 1st Bowie in Space - 2000

Charlie Brooker

Charlie Brooker who writes every Monday in Guardian g2 (if you dont know, shame on you) has written and directed a new programme on E4 called 'Deadset' coming soon. Charlie Brooker, who got in trouble with the US Secret Service for a comment he wrote on George Bush is awesome and if you havent read his book Dawn of the Dumb you should is only for the realisation that people out thee share your thoughts on the stupid world we live in.

Watch the trailer here for Deadset

Listen to him talking about the programme on Guradian podcast here

Russell Brand - 11/10/08

This week, Russell's celebrity co-host was David Baddiel. They were joined by Bill Bailey and Richard Madeley.

Listen again:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00dx2v8

Your Pissing Ringo Off So Stop It

Hurry up with that handcrafted Fab Four-themed toaster cozy, because if you dare send it to Ringo Starr after October 20, he'll just throw it away. The same goes for those seeking autographs or just wishing to send fan mail, the suddenly cantankerous drummer with "too much to do" has announced.
Watch the Noncey video here

The gayest looking Beatle declared that "Nothing will be signed after the 20th of October" he said. "If that is the date on the envelope, it's gonna be tossed."
Anyway, here he is selling out selling pizza.

Does it Offend You, Free?

free Does it Offend You, Yeah? with support from Young Fathers, Operators and The Joy Formidable on November 2nd.

http://www.nme.com/news/nme-radio/40420

Does it Offend You, Yeah? - Epic Last Song

E-mail your name and address to info@nmeradio.co.uk now to be entered into the draw for tickets.

Monday, 13 October 2008

Guitar Heroes

The Story of the Guitar is a great programme I saw on Sunday night on BBC 1. Interviews with Townsend, Knopfler, Gilmour and even The Edge. But you can mute his bits. Also on iPlayer too

Download Justice Planisphere

For free. Do it here

In The Annexe

In The Annexe are a bunch of tossers from London that happen to sound quite good. So far their world domination has included a Metro Newspaper competition, numerous gigs in venues including the BarFly, Water Rats and Arts Club in Soho as well as getting a song played on BBC Radio. Check out the boys here: