Mercury Award Winner 2011: P J Harvey

For the first time in the history of the Mercury Prize Award, PJ Harvey was announced as the winner for the second time. The 41 year-old singer said she had been inspired to write 'Let England Shake' by the horror of war. She first won the Mercury Prize back in 2001, but due to the 9/11 attacks she was unable to attend the award ceremony in London. PJ Harvey beat  Adele, Tinie Tempah, Katy B and Elbow to win the prestigious prize.

PJ Harvey told the audience, "This album took me a long time to write. It was very important to me. I wanted to make something meaningful, not just for myself but for other people, and hopefully to make something that would last."

PIC: REUTERS

*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

VIDEO: Pint Shot Riot - Twisted Soul

The video for 'Twisted Soul' by well known Coventry band Pint Shot Riot has been released this week and features some familiar Coventry locations. Directed by Dino Kazamia (who also directed PSR's 'Hazy Days' and 'Somebody Save Me') and starring James Bird  - the video follows a young man on his way home. We all know walking home on your own late at night can be dangerous, and 'Twisted Soul' delivers an interesting end to that night out. The track has been featured on the FIFA 12 soundtrack and fans can buy 'Twisted Soul' on CD from 12th September 2011. Another great tune from our very own Pint Shot Riot!



 *EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

VIDEO: Sharliza Jelita - No Go Pogo

Life can get a bit heavy at times, that's why it is always good to step back and enjoy yourself. Sharliza Jelita is one of those people who doesn't take life too seriously, being zany actually keeps you sane!

While at Warwick University, Sharliza was often seen jumping around at various venues with her band The Rrrs. The energy on stage oozed out into the audience and always left a favourable impression. After finishing at uni the reality of work and making a living came home and the band went their separate ways. Yet the desire to perform never left Sharliza, who yearned for a return to the stage.



The video above is a triumphant return to the music world - with Sharliza on vocals, you don't just get a song ..... you get theatre and a performance worth watching again and again. We need people like Sharliza to help us escape the woes of this world and just enjoy life. No Go Pogo is the perfect summer song you could skip through the fields singing along too or blast out as you are getting ready for a night out with friends.

The world would be a much happier, creative place if we could have a few more people like Sharliza Jelita. So if you ever need cheering up, buy this song and blast it out because you are guaranteed to feel happier after a dose of Sharliza - just what the doctor ordered!

Buy 'No Go Pogo' on Amazon for just 69p!
Visit: http://www.sharliza.com/ for more details

*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

Mercia Radio Leaving Coventry Behind

 Coventry's legendary Mercia radio station is dumping the city in favour of Birmingham after 31 years in the heart of Coventry. Top presenters like John Dalziel (JD) and Andy Goulding will be forced to move across to the Birmingham BRMB studio. Mercia owners Orion Media, which bought the station from GCap Media in June 2009, released a statement saying, "Mercia will of course continue to serve Coventry and Warwickshire with local output specifically made for the area throughout the majority of the day."

JD - star of the Breakfast Show on Mercia

For news reporters it will mean re-applying for their jobs as Orion Media will be cutting the number of journalists from 10 to 8 across the West Midlands, resulting in less local stories from Coventry. Mercia will also have less programmes designated to the people of Coventry and Warwickshire as it seeks to reduce costs by broadcasting programmes across BRMB and Mercia. The station will no longer have it's own mid morning show, the first casualty of the cuts being enforced by Orion Media.

Many people will remember the launch of Mercia Sound in Coventry on May 23rd 1980, offering a new independent sound to the area. The station quickly became popular, broadcasting for 19 hours daily and allowing listeners to pop into the Hertford Place studio and place requests. DJ Stuart Linnell was the presenter of the 'Afternoon Delight' show, which aired between 1pm and 4pm weekdays as well as the 'Sportacular' programme on Saturdays.

Stuart reacted to the news about Mercia moving out of Coventry by saying, "While I understand that things change and economically times are tough, I note Mercia's move out of Coventry with some sadness, it was a great place to work and I was proud to be part of the Day One team at Mercia Sound (as it then was) and, later, Mercia's Programme Controller and Managing Director."

Mercia Sound - the early presenters from May 1980

Stuart Linnell went on to recount some of his memories at Mercia, "I remember several thousand people surrounding the building when Cliff Richard stopped by for a live interview one afternoon, a similar response when The Bee Gees were there and a massive crowd that turned up from nowhere when Bob Geldof came in with no prior on-air announcement.

Not to mention the hilarious afternoon that the rising young TV star Michael Barrymore was introduced to his co-star in that year's Coventry Theatre panto, Lenny The Lion, or the day Pete Waterman spent recording a 6-part series telling his life story and the memorable moment that Dave Jamieson interrupted his programme to announce the sinking of HMS Coventry at the Falklands."

Although Stuart now works for BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, he very much enjoyed his time at Mercia recalling when,  "an unsuspecting Bernie Keith was "arrested" live on-air by Coventry police in the midst of interviewing David "Kid" Jensen who then took over and presented the rest of Bernie's Breakfast Show.Then there were the superb events we held there during the year - the annual Cathedral Carol Service after-party, the Snowball Appeal "radiothon", the sports forums and live music events."


When Trinity Media took over the Coventry Telegraph and eventually moved production of the newspaper out of the city, many local people felt the newspaper had lost it's heart and ceased being a truly local newspaper. Now listeners may begin to feel the same about Mercia radio when it moves to Birmingham. Already a Facebook page has been set up entitled 'Keep Mercia In Coventry'.

For me personally, I remember the launch of Mercia Sound in 1980. As a Coventry kid we loved being able to pop into the studio and look around and the "220 Medium Wave" jingle would never leave our memory. Everywhere you went around Coventry you would see Mercia Sound car stickers, and although we never owned a car - I proudly displayed mine in my bedroom window!

The original leaflet about the Mercia Sound launch, May 1980

*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

VIDEO: Melanie C 'Rock Me'

Here is the brand new video by Melanie C for 'Rock Me', along with the lyrics and photo shoot for the new single. Rock Me will be released in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on June 24th 2011 as part of ZDF's FIFA Women's World Cup broadcast. Fans worldwide will be able to purchase the tracks via iTunes around the same date.

Melanie C - 'Rock Me' Lyrics:

 Rock Me baby, Rock Me baby, Rock Me baby

Chorus:
Rock Me baby, Rock me better into the beat
You make me wanna throw my hands into the air, air, air
Rock Me baby, Rock me take me over
Come on let’s go everybody throw your hands in the air, air, air

Waiting, for you
will you do, what I want you?
Beautiful fever, taking me, deeper
I lose myself, in myself
I’ll meet you there, in another world
Hear the crowd, feel the drums
Here we go, come on, come on

Chorus:
Stronger, deeper, music, set me free
Beating, faster, music, remedy

Snapshots
Speed of sound,in my head
Spinning round, levitate of the ground
Gettin’ up, gettin’ down
Let me see you jump now

Chorus:
Stronger, deeper, music, set me free
Beating, faster, music, remedy

Rock Me baby, Rock Me e baby, Rock Me (in the air)
Rock Me baby, Rock Me e baby, Rock Me (get up)
Rock Meeeeeeeee, Rock Meeeeeeeee
Rock Meeeeeeeee, Rock Meeeeeeeee

Chorus:
Stronger, deeper, music, set me free
Beating, faster, music, remedy

Rock me baby

* More updates on MelanieC.net

*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

Coventry's Got Style With Stylusboy's New EP

Stylusboy - Whole Picture

Having just worked all night, the last thing I thought I would be doing was writing a review about a new EP. Yet my love for all things Cov means I'll give a shout out if something good comes along.

Coventry born Steve Jones (aka Stylusboy) has just released his third album - Whole Picture, which was the perfect easy listening album to play while unwinding after a hard nights labour. I had just been expecting guitar and solo vocals but this EP also features the backing vocals of Rachel Grisedale and much more than just a guitar! The two vocals compliment each other and make the album a pleasure to have on while relaxing as the blend of modern day folk music soaks gently into your ears. Beyond The Flags is the outstanding track from the Whole Picture EP. Stylusboy has scored a winner with this tune, and deserves to be up there with such artists like Danny and the Champions of the World. Steve and Rachel should be very proud of their songs and Coventry are fortunate to have such talent. If you get the chance, check out Stylusboy's website and order whatever tacks you like, or see him performing at a local gig (if you ask nicely he might even come around your house and perform for you and your friends!) There is a limited Whole Picture CD available for those who prefer something a little more physical.

*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

The End Of Glee

It looks like hit TV programme Glee will be disappearing from our TV screens in the very near future as Channel 4 have refused to pay double the price for the third series. Glee fans will still be able to watch the next series, but they will need to be subscribers to Sky because it will no longer be aired on E4. A Channel 4 spokesman said: "By not renewing the Glee deal, we are freeing up huge amounts of budget to invest in homegrown programming, British talent and of course continuing to discover and showcase what the US has to offer. We are particularly thrilled to have recently acquired The Killing."

For more details on the story, visit the Guardian website.

*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

VIDEO: Pint Shot Riot - Somebody Save Me

Coventry's Pint Shot Riot are back with another cracking tune, the lads have even made a naughty video for the song (Coventry people might recognise a few of the places!) The video features Guy Jenkins and Amy Rudge and was directed by Dino Kazamia - Rocket has been a very naughty boy, as you will see in the video below!. The single, Somebody Save Me is available from iTunes for just 79p and on CD from HMV for £1.99.

Pint Shot Riot have also released their debut album, entitled 'Spell It Out' - available at HMV for £9.99 (with DVD of Coventry Kasbah gig) or £7.99 (without DVD) at iTunes.

The review sums Pint Shot Riot up perfectly: Produced by Peter Miles (King Blues, Crazy Arm), the album narrates stories of life and love in today's Britain. The CD also includes a live DVD featuring one of the bands sell-out hometown shows at Coventry's 1000 capacity venue Kasbah.

The band have recently returned from New York where they performed at Webster Hall and the Mercury Lounge to promote their last single 'Hazy Days'. Pint Shot Riot will return to the USA to perform at SXSW in March 2011.



The next single 'Somebody Save Me', is a typically riotous affair which grabs instantly from its pulsating introduction, holds on with its infectious chorus and doesn't let go until the final chord is struck.



Pint Shot Riot have cut their teeth performing with bands such as Band Of Skulls, Athlete, We Are Scientists, Pete Doherty, The Twang, Cage The Elephant, Glasvegas and fellow Coventry locals, The Enemy. Pint Shot Riot's music has reaches millions of people across the world, with various songs featuring on the video games 'Need for Speed Hot Pursuit', 'Need For Speed Nitro', 'FIFA 2010', 'Fight Night Round 4' and 'The Sims 3'.





Truly a band on the rise, Pint Shot Riot's 'Spell It Out' is a must for anyone in need of honest, and fresh guitar driven indie-rock.




Pint Shot Riot - Somebody Save Me


Album Tracklisting for Spell It Out:

Disc 1



1. Somebody Save Me


2. Not Thinking Straight


3. Nothing From You


4. Twisted Soul


5. Ain't No Fun


6. Hazy Days


7. Money


8. Hold On


9. Come Back To Me


10. Starting To Fly


11. Six Years Three Weeks


12. Sing A Song For Me


Disc 2


1. Live At The Kasbah Club Coventry [DVD]


*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

Blue Enter Eurovision Song Contest For UK

This year the UK will be represented by former chart topping band Blue. The four lads have reformed and performed several gigs recently, after splitting up in 2005.

Blue have sold over 13 million records, including three number 1 hit singles with 'If You Come Back', 'Too Close' and 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' - a duet with Elton John in December 2002.

Last year the UK came last with just 10 points and this will be the first time the UK public have not chosen the artist to represent them. The Eurovision Song Contest final on May 14th 2011 and will be shown on BBC1 with the two semi-final shows on BBC3 during the week.
*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca

Top 10 TV Shows 2010

ITV dominated the Top 10 programmes of 2010, with the X Factor results beating the BBC's World Cup match between England and Germany. Reality TV continued to attract millions throughout 2010 with four programmes making it into this year's chart. The viewing figures below exclude Christmas viewing, which will be produced separately.

Top TV Shows of 2010:

1 The X Factor Results ITV1 17.7m
2 World Cup 2010: England v Germany BBC1 17.4m
3 EastEnders BBC1 16.4m
4 Coronation Street ITV1 14.7m
5 World Cup 2010: England v Algeria ITV1 14.6m
6 Britain’s Got Talent ITV1 13.49m
7 I’m A Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here! ITV1 13.48m
8 Strictly Come Dancing BBC1 13m
9 Doctor Who BBC1 12.2m
10 Downton Abbey ITV1 10.7m


*Source: The Guardian
*EXTRA BLOG - more from the world of robmacca