Richard Hawley

Sheffield's Richard Hawley is apparently the punter's tip for the Nationwide Music Prize 2006 with his third solo album, 'Coles Corner'.

The betting on the ex-member of Britpop outfit The Longpigs has been so strong that his odds have halved from 8/1 to 4/1 on betting giants Ladbrokes. Arctic Monkeys remain favourites however at 5/2.

Before embarking on a solo career, Hawley was asked by Jarvis Cocker to play with Pulp and was a touring member in the late 90's. He hasn't been above the odd session work either; he's worked with Robbie Williams, played guitar on the All Saints cover of 'Under The Bridge' and worked on the soundtrack to Baz Luhrman's Romeo & Juliet. Respec'.

“The first Briton in years to recognise the genius of the 50’s production from Sun studios without resorting to pastiche … he croons like an angel … watch out for this man.” The Independent

I admit to not having listened to the majority of Hawley's work but he put in a stellar performance on Later With Jools Holland last year. Here's the track he played, nicked off Mr Red Penguin's blog (link) bloody ages ago.

Richard Hawley - Just Like The Rain (Live On Later With...)

Hear some of 'Coles Corner' here then buy it if you wish from HMV (link).

Richard Hawley is also playing live at a handful of festivals over the summer, see his website (link) for more details.

The National

Considering The National have returned briefly to the UK, I thought I'd attempt to spread the love. They first caught my attention in early 2005 with the release of the single Abel but it was their captivating live performance on Later With Jools Holland on BBC2 that really excited me.

The National - Secret Meeting (Live On Jools Holland)

The National - Lit Up (Live On Jools Holland)

"Startling and subtly affecting, The National creeps in like the killer in a bleak gothic novel. Strings tremble, hearts break, and each smoldering song brings a harrowing tale of new pities" - Magnet.

The group support Editors at the Glasgow Academy (28th), Manchester Apollo (29th), Brixton Academy (30th) and headline the London Koko on May 31st.

Their third album, Alligator is available at Amazon.
(I particularly like the way everyone gangs up on this terrible review. Power to the people.)
-----
Chart Roundup
Singles
Gnarls Barkley tops the singles chart for the ninth week. Yawn. Primal Scream, The Ordinary Boys/Lady Sovereign and ex-Busted "bassist" Matt Willis all make inroads into the top 10. Keane (in-good-song-shocker!) make it to 15 on downloads alone. The Futureheads break into the top 25 and Little Man Tate just edge the Mystery Jets out of the top 40. The Spinto Band manage to pop in at 56 with Did I Tell You?

Albums
The Red Hot Chili Peppers retain their number 1 slot while Tom DeLonge's post-Blink 182 project Angels & Airwaves burst in at number 6. Boy Kill Boy get to 16 off the back off their recent NME tour headline slot and the success of Suzie. Hot Chip's second album The Warning gets to a respectable 34.