Lets talk about chart pop!

You have inadvertantly stumbled across a severe source of artistic angst I have, Jel, which I will make into a FT article yet (assumed Tom gets the passwording back ;-)). Summation, as I've muttered to other folks via IM and private mail: 2002 has been a miserable year for me in terms of enjoying new music, whether massively commercial and successful or new stuff surfacing quietly. Next to nothing has connected or caught my interest, and what has barely lasts a couple of listens if that. I know this is my own burnout rather than being 'the problem with music these days' -- I would *never* say that phrase seriously, and besides, it is all subjective, after all. ;-) But my heavens, I've never so rarely felt like wanting to say "Fuck it" and ignore everything.

I really like that It Just Won't Do song likkity split, though the acoustic performance at Glastonbury was better than what they play on the radio. Plus there's a stupid pop-dance record that I randomly decided I liked, but I don't remember what it was.

Anyone heard the new Sugababes yet, Round-Round?

I fully agree. I was pondering the whole situation more on the way into work -- more extended talk in Said Planned Article -- and I just felt like there was little reason to care. One of the odder things about the situation is the the cult of the shock of the new, especially in terms of r'n'b/hip-hop, now almost feels like its own cliche to me. I'm hardly advocating a return to the past or the like, mind you! But it's more a feeling that all that has been praised recently in terms of finding new ways around rhythms, production, etc. feels to me like an endless series of sidesteps -- potentially fascinating still, but I am not getting the sense of barriers truly being pushed. In that respect, it almost seems to be suffering from the same problem that IDM has been seen to suffer from for a while by some, namely apparent innovation within a restrictive framework (though I'm sure plenty of good people here will be able to argue very cogently against that! I merely speak for what's happening in my head as I ponder what's out there).

As such, the latest Timbaland/Neptunes/whatever productions haven't found any resonance in my heart, while my disaffection for the likes of, say, Andrew WK and No Doubt was already clear. I really like the fact that for lots of people way younger than myself this is their time and this music will be their roots the same way that early eighties pop was for me, and I'm very taken by the fact that many folks can and have spoken passionately about their love for what is happening now, which extensively or in brief. That to me is an eternal, corrective proof against assuming what my own thoughts are equals what everyone else should be thinking. But I will reserve the right to say that whether it's Tweet or the Hives or whatever, I am completely, utterly flummoxed with music 2002, that I want an indefinable more and I am not getting it. I just can't sense it right now, and I desperately want some of that feeling back, in an unforced way.

Ned, sorry to hear that, I sorta feel the same way. Too much lateral movement, disguised as the 'new'. Though, is anything really ever new once you've heard alot of music? A question for ILM would be to ask when people were last struck by the 'absolute' newness of a song or sound...it would seem safe to assume that the more music you hear the less likely this is to happen?

The pop I like is familiar, predictable and 'pleasent', before anyone questions my posting of this thread!

Also is "House Of Jealous Lovers" at all contemporary? Because that is absolutely great. And isn't the Wildbunch getting a release on XL next month? Rapture + Wildbunch = A NEW GENRE (well OK an old genre, disco-rock, but revived) and one I much approve of.

Infact The Rapture have a new single Olio due on Output on the 15th, with a vocal style that is just like heaven..ahem i mean..Robert Smith.

Try keep'n'keep up Tom, now your in London there should be excuses !

yes seriously, can anyone?

I love it aswell of course.

Sorry in future I'll call Dr. Fox in ok?

By the way if you're still not determined to have an argument with me about something or other could you tell me more about the acoustic performance of the Tim Deluxe song? Was it the version Fatboy Slim played or are we talking someone with a guitar etc in which case I reckon it must have been a cover.

I think maybe space cowboy got disqualified coz of formats? Or maybe they had 4 tracks on their single?

Or, like, the woman who sings it.

(I've never been nasty to any ILE people so I figure I can have my turn now)

If my general attitude pisses you off then that's fine, you're entitled to think that but can't you just be civil? It's interesting that it's me you seem to dislike when I can think of about 3 other people who've directly insulted you on loads of occasions but whatever, you've obviously been anxious for this conversation to take place for about 2 weeks now anyway so I hope you're happy now. I still don't really have any problem with you but I guess if you keep trying your utmost to be snarky I might eventually find some huh?

here is the reason mr carsmile!!!!

Bis got to number 25 the week after their Top of the Pops appearance. Lots of bands have gone on with new records before, though I doubt many other completely new acts have (Bis were unsigned at the time).

Space Cowboy info here, Carsmile - apparently it did have four tracks on the CD, though record and tape sales got it to #55.

The video is dreadful, she is looking like a fucking pinta. But the remix they used on it is GRATE

Graham doesn't like me because I'd rather like to live in Rye!!!

Claire and H's "DJ" is a slight return of "Don't Stop Moving", but I like the way it paints itself as the history of disco in three minutes.

Shakedown's "At Night" is of course utterly awesome and I can't believe I haven't written about it properly yet.

P. Diddy's "I Need A Girl" is great in both its remixed and "For Bella" versions - glittering space-age pop or fluttery flute frolics, either way you can't go wrong.

I like Noreaga's "Nothing" too, it seems the Neps are fairly adept at this bolly-hop stuff too. (and the 'la la la's remind of "Since I Left You" at its Love Boat-iest)(oh and it namechecks Goya, that's kinda neat)(unless this Goya is like a brand of alchol or something and not the spanish painter)(not that there's anything wrong with namechecking alchohol brands)

Take off all his clothes?

My brother also loves "I Would Die 4 U" and to my surprise Isabel does too. I bought Purple Rain again on Friday just so I could hear the original again (also very good of course but Space Cowboy's version is just...vaster.)

Worst song I heard this weekend was "it's only porn mum" by Trucks, imagine a Norweign Wheatus, but just not as good. Oh, and Blazing Squad, the So Solid Jrs with their cover of Bones Thug's 'n' Harmony's "Crossroads".