Weekly Round Up (27 Apr 2009)

Hello everybody and welcome to another round up.

Top Stories
Seems like everybody is talking about money (or lack of) and downloading these days, so nme-e is going to jump on the bandwagon again....

Last week, Sir 'Poor' McCartney was mouthing off about illegal downloads and now we now why. The poor soul's personal fortune has dropped by 60 million pounds to a mere 400 million!!!!!!! No wonder he's talking about taking the bus. Meanwhile Dhani Harrison, who just a month ago complained that he was "losing money everyday" must be in a real state now that his personal fortune is down to 140 million. Now, I'm not going to be the one to condone or not downloading, but I hereby propose that the whole world downloads George Harrison's discography. If the money isn't going to George the God direct, why should it go to Dhani the Devil and not stay in our pockets?

At least someone with a bit of clout has offered a different perspective. Gary Lightbody, he of Snow Patrol, has spoken out in defence of the founders of The Pirate Bay, who as you now were jailed for a year a fined 2.4million pound for copyright offences on their page just a week ago.

In an interview with The Big Issue Scotland he said he thought they had been treated harshly, saying the sentences were "over the top".

"They shouldn’t have been jailed. A year in jail for someone doing that is crazy. The punishment doesn't fit the crime."
He also added that, unlike some musicians, he was not opposed to file-sharing.

"I'm not anti-filesharing at all. This is the modern way. This is what we've brought on ourselves and you have to live in the society you created. Music is available to everyone if they know how to get and I say, 'Fucking go for it'.

Before he got arrested, he also added that he paid for all his own music. Mind, could make for an interesting even in June when Snow Patrol support U2 in Barcelona, given Bono's recent statement about downloads killing the industry. Watch this space.

Incidentally, The Pirate Bay boys are still planning their appeal.

Myspace Magic
A few uploaded tunes to comment on this week, some new, some a blast from the past. Seattle based The Constabulary have uploaded a new track to their profile. If you like a bit of post-punk, check out 'Just A Memory', confirming The Constabulary as the west coast's answer to Interpol.

First timers on nme-europe (but not the last), BenSem from Wales have also added a new track to their profile. With a recently released album and a nomination at the Exposure Music Awards, BenSem could be ones to watch. A full interview will appear here soon.

Finally, Murcian veterans Los Marañones have added a couple of tracks from their legendary discography to the myspace profile. If you're not familiar with Señor Bañón and co, check out any of the tracks available, although 'Las Manzanas Del Mal' or 'A Miles De Años Luz' typify the musical and lyrical quality of this band.



Album Reviews
As promised last week, So Shush will be under the microscope in the next couple of days. Been having a listen to Gomez too and think I've unexpectedly come across another little find in the name of Hatcham Social. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs is also a decent listen (but not enough to merit a full review!)


Festival Fever
Murcia finally takes centre stage this week as it plays host to the SOS 4.8 festival over the bank holiday weekend. Friday and Saturday will see some of the best acts around (Duffy excepted) grace our presence during what promises to be a high-charged two days.



Just in case anyone's interested in my humble point of view, here's what I'd take in on the Friday (a father of two couldn't go both days!) and what I WILL be doing Saturday:

Friday 1st:
Warm up with a few beers for the Maximo Park set (21.00, main stage); avoid Duffy like the plague with Those Dancing Days and the start of the Spanish Editors, Catpeople on stage 2 and then back to Babyshambles, The Prodigy and Boys Noise. Friday is pretty simple really.

Saturday 2nd (my day):
This is a much tougher affair, mainly as The Wombats coincide with Underworld (still angry about that). Anyway, going to get into the spirit with Spiritualized, followed by Keane (as long as they don't play anything from 'Perfect Symmetry') and a spot of Murcian locals Second - who, incidentally are inviting fans to choose which tracks from their back catalogue they'd like to hear played during the gig - and then The Wombats (who get my vote over Underworld). A mad dash over to see the encore of Born Slippy and then back to Ladyhawke until I drop!

Don't miss..... The Prodigy on Friday. The Wombats on Saturday (and, if you're new to Spain, Second - they won't disappoint you!).

You can customise your timetable here.

Think that's about it. More next week!

Read all NME-E News