Happy Face

You one whack MC.

All those shows improved AFTER the first 2 series. That's my point.

can't agree mate.... The Simpsons Only Fools and Horses Seinfeld Curb Your Enthusiasm Cheers Steptoe and Son Porrige Father Ted Blackadder etc etc

And what did you think? 31819[/snapback] It was good. Great performance from Russell Crowe. I wasnt expecting what happened. 31823[/snapback] It's a while since I saw it but I seem to remember enjoying it. I can't stand Russel Crowe so it was quite suprising. I think Ron Howard films are generally quite bland though. No-one hates them, but there's nothing about them that stands out either. Perfect for Oscar.

And what did you think?

Can someone explain to me why they think the Godfather is so good? I like it, but I think it's overrated. It's a very romantic view of organised crime, well acted but why is it the greatest film ever? I think people just go along with the general consensus on this one.

Must understand that I'll forgive the ills of any man who promotes the work of Sufjan Stevens, a God amongst men who should receive the credit he richly deserves.

Is having such an entertaining dabate that it keeps me from retiring to my slumber.

Has recognised my avatar and subsequently caused me to change it.

Is a ledge tbh

You're not being told to buy anything. But as the response to this award has shown, hardly anyone has even heard of Antony and the Johnsons, which is a shame because it's good music. There were 3 nominees I'd not heard of when they came out. I loved one of those 3 albums when I got it and the other 2 I didn't care for. Am I a musical dunce because an award show has pointed me in the direction of an album I now love? There's only so much reading I can do so a few new artist will pass me by.

What we'll all agree on (I think) and what has already been said is that it's all subjective. Until Nationwide decide to sponsor the Happy Face awards I'll never be happy with a list of nominations, and rarely with a winner - whatever the competition. What I tend to find personally is that I can identify with the nominations for the Mercury Prize far more than I can for any other awards. They do a hell of a lot for upcoming artists and I don't think they should be criticised for it. The Brits on the other hand gives best Newcomer to people with 5 number 1's behind them. Or suggests that Robbie williams has been making the best music in the UK for 7 years running. They're shite.

To push them in America. Oasis used to get nominated but since they've burned their bridges in the US they don't anymore. 30831[/snapback] both bands were already known in America before the nominations were announced. Kaiser chiefs have been all over the American media this summer 30837[/snapback] They might be known but they're not big, Coldplay were getting there but the new album has been slaughtered by the critics over there.

No mention of championing new music, just UK music. Regardless of their popularity. 30833[/snapback] I know. David Bowie got nominated a few years back. But the Mercury prize has to keep itself relevant, Bowie was nominated because it was his best album in years, this was coldplays worst. If it starts just pre-empting the Brits then what's the point in it. Personally I'm glad there's a prize that promotes new and interesting music rather than chart shite. Would you prefer it was the Brits, Smash Hits Poll Winners Party and the MOBO's that decided who gets rewarded? Even the NME and Kerrang awards are geared toward the most popular tripe.

To push them in America. Oasis used to get nominated but since they've burned their bridges in the US they don't anymore.

From that I take it that they want to champion more obscure acts, why champion the champions? They're already champions, championing champions isn't really championing, more glory hunting. To truly champion I think the championees must be pretenders to the crown rather than wearers. Having said that, the best album won anyhow.

Except for Joe Whiley. Admittedly, she's the only one I can think of off the top of my head but its not exactly NO-ONE either. You think Nina Simone's 'Cutting Edge" and "arty" do you? Because that's the nearest person I could put in as a comparison. It's soulful, rich and unique (and I'm aware that 'unique' doesn't neccessarily mean good. Take 'The Streets' for example) with a voice so mature and passionate for a 32-year old lad. I've heard bands like the Kaisers, Hard-Fi et al many, many times. They're Radio 1 fodder. Alright, so he's camp as Christmas and the Lyrics are a little suspect but the music is sooooo good. Therefore I'm not gonna hold that against them. As for the nationality thing, couldn't give a toss. M.I.A. (I think that's what they're called) are Trinidad & Tobago. What's their excuse? British commonwealth? 30741[/snapback] that was the papers description - some of the jury though they'd lose all cred if they rubber stamped the kaisers.. 30789[/snapback] Hyped bands shouldn't win it. I love the Kaiser Chiefs but they're already one of the bigger UK acts. Nothing that gets played to death on Radio 1 and has taken up resiodency in the top 10 should be considered. It's meant to be a leg up for under-appreciated acts, not a boost to already massive sales, that's what the Brits are for. Good on the jury I say.

Get Cracking, Get Get Cracking.

NME readers hate him too So WHO actually likes him? 5 people at the Sun and NME?

Good lad - I'm sure once you've listened to it and recognised it as one of the best albums you've heard you'll go a step further and buy it too. Tit smoking ain't one of the best songs (though it is a FANTASTIC guitar work out), just the best title. For me the best songs are A sight to behold, Poughkeepsie (especially the Elvis bit at the end), This Beard is for Siobhan, Fall, Todo Los Dolores (love the Bob Dylan style fuck up at the start) and There was Sun. Everyone else follow David Kellys lead. His head's screwed on right.

Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing In The Hands It's been out a while but I'm just starting to really love this album. I've got it on loop. Must be onto my 10th listen of the day now. If you like acoustic Zep, Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley etc then get it. With song titles like "Tit smoking In The Temple of Artisan Mimicry" how can you not?

A Englishman, an African and an Arab walk into a bar. What a perfect example of an integrated society.

Well no-one has a voice more grating than Robert Plant, but I'm sure we'll all agree that Led Zepellin are without a doubt the best band ever.

Don't bother, it's shit. 29923[/snapback] Are you madder than Brian Mad of Madcastle? Perhaps not to your taste, but it's a breathtaking work of originality.

Thanks. I'd already got that far. When I had music in 'My Music' I didn't have to open the folder in a new window, all the artists were listed in a sub-menu and I could get to songs from the start button without opening a window. Now I've put all my music on a new (separate) hard drive I can't store music in/expand 'My Music' It's annoying.