Jonathan Hatchman (@JonHatchman) picks out the sounds and stories that have been making headlines over the last seven days… and presents them all as a handy playlist
In an unsurprising move, the ever-controversial Kanye West has managed to makethe headlines once again. This week he’massively split opinions following his performance at this year’s Grammy Awards. However, it was neither of his two live performances (Only One solo and FourFiveSeconds alongside Paul McCartney and Rihanna) it was actually concerning Beck’s award for Best Album. Invading the stage, again, in a similar scenes to his infamous disdain at Taylor Swift’s 2009 MTV Award for Best Music Video, Kanye decided to join Beck and Prince on the stage to air his dismay at anybody winning an award over Beyoncé, later claiming that Beck should give up his award in the name of “respecting artistry”. Beck for his part not only beckoned West onstage, but praised him and Beyonce in interviews afterwards. Now that is respect is Mr West…
After a couple of quiet years, Florence + The Machine announced plans to release third album How Big How Blue How Beautiful, on 1 June last night. And tying in with the announcement, Florence Welch has also unveiled her first single to be taken from the LP – What Kind Of Man – a slow building blues-pop track that showcases lead singer Florence Welch’s powerhouse vocals exquisitely.
Following previous Record Store Day Ambassadors such as Jack White, Chuck D, Iggy Pop and Ozzy Osbourne, Foo Fighters frontman and Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl has been announced the ‘face’ this year’s event. Featuring one day of the year where we’re all encouraged to head along to our local record stores in order spend copious amounts of money on some sought after limited releases, all glorifying the physical format of course. Thus far, only a handful of the releases that will be available on 18 April have been announced, including a split single from David Bowie and Tom Verlaine, featuring both artists’ rendition of the song Kingdom Come, plus a separate picture disc release of classic Bowie single Changes.
The first trailer for F Gary Gray’s NWA biopic Straight Out Of Compton has been released. Featuring an introduction by producers Dr Dre and Ice Cube, the clip delivers a visual insight into the long-awaited retelling of the early years of one of the most respected hip hop outfits of all time.
Bestival has announced the first wave of acts set to appear upon the Isle of Wight this September. The Chemical Brothers have been announced as the first of the three main stage headliners across the weekend, along with the likes of Underworld, Jungle, Duran Duran and The Jacksons who are also on the bill.
Jonathan’s pick Of The Week
Compton native Kendrick Lamar managed to divide the opinions of his legion of fans with his last single offering – i – set to appear upon his long-awaited follow up to 2012’s Good Kid, M.A.D.D. City. Now having won two Grammy awards at this year’s ceremony (Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance) the rapper has revealed a brand new track – The Blacker The Berry which takes a completely different stance to i. Featuring a vocal delivery that’s more aggressive than the aforementioned self-love anthem, comprising a lyrical theme that explores social and cultural issues, reminding us of the young Californian that the World fell in love with three years ago.
