This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
CMU Planner
Five Day Forecast – w/c 12 Dec 2011
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 12 December 2011
I’m normally of the opinion that any song is fair game for covering by any artist. I mean, what difference does it make to me? But on Friday I heard Leona Lewis’ cover of ‘Hurt’ by Nine Inch Nails, and I cannot even begin to describe what it felt like, hearing her version of a song I’ve loved for so long. I actually started out liking it, but then it goes down hill in rapid stages. Oh god, I’m remembering the bit where the drums came in. Maybe these things will take my mind off it.
01: BRITs Critics’ Choice winner announcement. So, who will be the most popular new artist of 2012? We will find out for sure this Thursday when the winner of the BRITs Critics’ Choice award is announced. Nominees are Emilie Sandé, Maverick Sabre and Michael Kiwanaku – only one of whom features on the BBC Sound Of 2012 poll, which would make Kiwanuka the favourite, I guess. Though I think Emilie Sandé is actually more likely to get it.
02: Last CMU podcast of the year. We’ve been putting out our weekly podcast for a nearly a year now, having launched it back in January. Over twelve months, it’s developed into something we’re quite proud of. Or at least reasonably pleased with. This Friday we’ll be putting out the final one of the year, which means there’ll be a party mood to proceedings (well, we have a bottle of Fanta to share) and we’ll be taking a look back at the last year, as well as the last week, in music news. If you’ve not listened yet, you can find the latest episode here or ease yourself in with our discussion of the BBC Sound Of 2012 poll here.
03: It is officially now OK to play Christmas music in the office. I went to two Christmas parties on Saturday, which is officially the sign that the festive season has begun. Therefore, it’s now alright for you to start playing Christmas music in your offices. To get things started, here’s my favourite Christmas song.
04: New releases. Things are starting to wind down for Christmas but there are still new releases coming out. ‘X-Factor’ winner Little Mix, for example. They have their debut out, a cover of a Damien Rice song. And what a fine recording it is too. OK, I’ve not heard it, but they’re usually pretty good, right? Also this week, Nils Frahm and Peter Broderick release an album together under the name Oliverary, which is very good. PJ Harvey has also put her ‘Let England Shake’ album on DVD with a short film attached to each song. Plus James Blake and Gallows have new EPs out.
05: Gigs. It’s Christmas party season, and that applies as much to the live music world as it does your office. Soulwax will be holding their annual Soulwaxmas gig at Brixton Academy on 16 Dec, Emmy The Great and Tim Wheeler will be singing some of their Christmas songs at Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush on 14 Dec, and the same night Worship will headline the Twisted Licks/Killing Moon Christmas party with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society. As well as that, Gallows will be playing their first show with new frontman Wade MacNeil on 13 Dec and The Rapture will play a special interactive show at Rowan’s Bowling Alley in Finsbury Park tonight.
And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for our next three CMU Artists Of The Year this week. Here’s who we’ve picked so far.
Andy Malt
Editor, CMU
