As Michael once said: It doesn't matter if you're black or white. He forgot to add as long as you're rich but then again he never recorded a cover of I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, no matter how much we pleaded. Although he has been under a lot of stress of late it's not stopping him from recording a star studded charity single for Hurrican Katrina Relief. No doubt with it's own benefit show to follow. It's good to see some US popsters getting vocal about the way the relief effort was handled but we doubt old Wacko will be wanting to rock the boat, let alone the vote.
Talking of charity records, War Child's Help: A Day In The Life hit almost 70 000 downloads within its first twenty four hours. Which explains why it took us so long to get hold of it.
Time for some recommended gigs for the week ahead.
Tonight: Hotly touted The Alps play the Marquee with Dead!Dead!Dead!, The Shakes and Kody in support. Part of Plum's London Now Breakthrough festival. £6 on the door.
Thursday: Somewhere between the vocal histrionics of the Pixies and the pop sensibilities of Blur are Donderag who play the Dublin Castle at 10 with support acts from 8.30. Alternativley Schmoof headline a night of warm electro at The Water Rats as part of Breakthrough.
Friday: Break out the top hats and tails for the return of Uncle Bob's Wedding Reception at the Bullet Bar, Kentish Town. Entry from 7, dancing at 10, carriages at 1.30. Simon Price and Ms J.T. will be playing all the great working class youth cults of the post-war period...! with live sets from the world famous 60s obsessed dance troupe The Actionnettes!
Saturday 17: Manc voiced swamp boogie merchants The Delta Blues finally get a well deserved headline show at Camden's Barfly.
Updated: The first of two weekend appearances from the Pipettes at the Smalltown America All Dayer at 93 Feet East. If they're not reason enough to spend a day on Brick Lane (and they should be) then perhaps you can find something else of interest on the bill.
Sunday: No gigs, have a day off. Rent The Machinist and marvel at Christain Bale's emaciated performance.
Updated: On second thoughts perhaps you should get yourself down to Cargo for the Stylish Riots Shoreditch Carnival where the the bubbly perky Pipettes will be sharing a bill with the angry noisy Your Code Name Is: Milo. Now there's a duet made in the twisted minds of the Londonist Music team. Full details and line up on the site.
Monday: Another Breakthrough gig at Water Rats, with atmospheric pop form Eye, Hordes and Christiansilva. Alternatively there's some mellow vocals from ex Zero 7 singer Tina Dico at the Betsy Trotwood, Cass and Samantha Marais supporting.
Tuesday:Ex Pavement mainman, does that make him a kerb now, Stephen Malkmus takes his Jicks to Koko. Slightly less cerebral but much more visceral, London noisemeisters Pungza play the Marquee with horror visuaks from Robber Baron.
