iTunes Top Ten

Most played tracks in iTunes and iPod since June 2004:

1. Paul Weller - You Do Something to Me
2. The Lightning Seeds - Marvellous
3. Supergrass - Moving
4. Catatonia - Road Rage
5. Annie Lennox - Waiting In Vain
6. Snow Patrol - Crazy in Love
7. Wet Wet Wet - If I Never See You Again
8. Justin Timberlake - Rock You Body
9. Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
10. Sugababes - Killer

Iconic TV programmes of the 80s.

Here are some of my personal selection of cool 80s TV shows.

Miami Vice - Undercover vice cop Sonny Crockett is paired with New York cop Ricardo Tubbs, who wishes to avenge the drug baron killer of his brother. The electronic music composed by Jan Hammer was also popular. As the two guys and their colleagues combat vice in Miami against a back drop of heat, bikinis and the good life. This show ran for five seasons and featured guest stars such as Annette Bening, Ben Stiller, Julia Roberts and Phil Collins.

The Young Ones - One of the first 'alternative' comedy series, it aired in the early 80s. Set around a group of students living in a shared house it starred Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmonson (see Celeb Fame Academy post!) and was co-written by Ben Elton who was a rising comedian at the time. Although there were only two series made the show spawned to hit records - a charity number one single with Living Doll a collaboration with Sir Cliff Richard and a number two hit with Hole in my Shoe performed by hippy character 'neil' (Nigel Planer).

Knight Rider - aired in the early 80s, it ran for four seasons and launched the career of David 'Baywatch' Hasselhoff (there is a reason why Baywatch isn't featured in this post!) who played vigilante type Michael Knight and drove a computerised futuristic Trans Am car called KITT which could talk. It was the show that had pre-teens (and older) talking with its special effects.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy - there were two camps - those that 'got' the show and those that didn't. I didn't.

Blockbusters - The cult student quiz. Hosted by Bob Holness there was a board of twenty hexagons each containing a different letter of the alphabet. There was a team of two that had to get across the board in linked letters (minimum five hexagons) who played against a single person who had to move down the board (minimum four hexagons). Winners then went onto do a 'Gold Run' for prizes and the opportunity to play again against different opposition. The show ran for ten years originally (from 1983), new versions were tried but did not take off.

The A Team - In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for crimes they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire...The A Team. Four guys later joined by a girl made five series of their vigilante efforts in the mid to late eighties in their black van.

Eastenders - One of Britain's top soaps until recently, it has been running for 20 years, see February's bogs for a character synopsis.

Neighbours - Aussie soap that became a cult hit in the UK when it first aired in 1986. Is still being made. Highlights include Scott and Charlene's wedding which was voted favourite TV wedding. launched careers in pop for Natalie Imbruglia, Kylie Minogue and Delta Goodrem amongst others.

Moonlighting - ran from 1985-1989 and launched Bruce Willis's career, this rom-com drama saw Bruce with Cybill Shepherd work as detectives whilst their flirting and the will-they-won't-they suspense kept audiences hooked.

The Producers

Last night, as part of my birthday present I was taken by Ratboy to see this show at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Now starring John Gordon Sinclair and American Broadway actor Fred Applegate the show is still fabulous. It has some funny moments, some of which are a bit rude, most of which are politically incorrect. There are some good musical numbers and routines and the show was very well put together, so much so I was surprised that the leads had only been doing it since Monday. Support form James Dreyfus and Leigh Zimmerman was excellent also.

The premise is that Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Applegate) and accountant Leo Bloom (Sinclair) realise that there is money in a Broadway flop and try and make the worst musical ever.

The Apprentice: Episode Eleven

Down to the final four, this is an interview round and all four remaining candidates - Saira, Paul, James and Tim - will be interviewed by various people, not just Nick and Margaret who have followed the teams throughout the show, but three other interviewers who worked for or with Sir Alan. It was interesting to note the differing opinions mooted by these people, as different as they were, all were probably correct!

James was the first to go as Sir Alan was not sure of his motivation for being on the show due to having already a six figure salary, an Aston Martin and a flat in Knightsbridge. Sir Alan was also unsure about Paul as he was self-employed and Sir Alan could not see why he would want to give that up to work for someone else.

Thus the two candidates through to the last round were Tim and Saira.

Pisa

Pisa
Originally uploaded by Essexgirl.

In keeping with te Italian picture form last week, I though this week I will post another Italian iconic piece of architecture.

Strictly Dance Fever: Week Five

This week it was the Hustle and the Argentine Tango that were to be performed by the nine remaining amateur couples.

Claire and James kicked off with their Hustle. Claire still seems to be hung up about her size but she span like a demon and shakes everything she's got. For me they were one of the better couples, although the judges were disappointed with them. Other top hustlers were Adam and Rebecca. The best Tangos were done by Sadie and Joseph and Danny and Jodie.

Paul and Natasha were better this week, but still were quite poor compared to the other couples and were in the bottom four of the judges' scoring with Alex and Katie (who felt they were perceived as a ballroom couple, and that people couldn't see beyond that). Toby and Casey were in the bottom again as it was though they hadn't put there all into it, as well as last week's favourites Nathan and Kirsty, as the judges had not liked their interpretation of the Tango.

After the viewer votes Toby and Casey were at the bottom with Alex and Katie and it was Alex and Katie who went. Still, we got to see Alex in tight gold trousers.

Hit Me Baby One More Time: Heat Four

This week we saw Sinitta perform her cheesy eighties song So Macho complete with male shirt-stripping dancers. Her contemporary song was a slick jazzy version of Natasha Bedingfield's Single. It was a very good interpretation but her voice really wasn't up to it. Next we Scottish duo Hue and Cry who I loved in the eighties, including the hit they sang here, Labour of Love. They then did a rock version (inspired by fellow Scots Snow Patrol perhaps?) of Crazy in Love.

Next Soul group The Real Thing sang their big hit You To Me Are Everything and followed it with Justin Timberlake's Cry me A River. I thought it was a good version, but it seems upbeat poppy numbers do well on this show, so they could struggle although it was a very good version. Hazel O' Connor was next with Will You I quite like her gravelly voice but didn't like it singing Can't Get You Out of My Head. Lastly was China Black. I had no idea who they were but did remember their song Searching after which they performed I Believe in a Thing Called Love which was very good. The audience favourite was China Black. My favourite was Hue and Cry with China Black second.

The home viewers agreed with me and put Hue and Cry through.

The Sims 2: University

I was addicted to the Sims 2 game and this has added a lot to it, and I am even more addicted!

There are more clothes and decorative objects such as musical instruments and funky furniture which are always good. There is also the opportunity for bars and restaurants on Community Lots. Sims can now also buy mp3 playes and cell phones.

The main premise of the game is that teen Sims can go and live in College Town (and become a new generation - Young Adults). The town has various community facilities (bars, gym, library) as well as dorm rooms, shared houses and fraternity and sorority houses. The game comes with NPC (Non Player Characters) young adult sims for a friendship base, and you can move in your own Sims or existing teen NPC into the game. Individual Sims can move into dorms, without being invited, which is handy. There are eleven courses to choose from and graduates gain exclusive access to four new career paths such as Paranormal (where you can bring Sims back from the dead) and Showbusiness.

College Sims are busy and as well as meeting basic needs and skills they must go to class and complete course work to pass each Semester (their grade decides their scholarship allowance for the next term). They must also socialise with people if they want to have influence over other Sims. This new influence meter crosses throughout the game, beyong College Town, and popular Sims can make other Sims clean or garden for them, or get them to talk/flirt/entertain etc other Sims on that lot. Other new interactions include pranks and new 'play' interactions and the opportunity for teens/Young adults to just 'hang out'. College Sim can also 'Woo Hoo', but not try for a baby.

An interesting addition to the game is a lifetime aspiration. This may be reaching the top level of a certain career, seeing six children married off or Woo Hoo with 25 different Sims. Some of these look more attainable than others and success means a lifetime of platinum scores in your aspiration meter i.e. a happy Sim!

The Apprentice: Episode Ten

Well, it was down to five. This time they had to sell products on a TV shopping channel.

Firstly all had to audition, so the best sales people could do the TV presenting, that turned out to be James for First Forte and Miriam for Impact. It was odd to see natural salespeople like Saira and Paul out of their depth. Non sales people then had to do the product selection, without input from the sales person. Miriam was team leader for Impact so had to relinquish control to the boys (Tim and Paul) to choose the product. Saira went on her own, as there was only her and James in the team. She asked lots of appropriate questions about the best way to sell products. Tim and Paul's strategy was to cheat Saira out of her favourite products by pretending they wanted them too, so thereby having to negotiate. They were pretty full of themselves at the end of it.

On the day, Miriam did a fab selling job and everyone was impressed. James also did well, it a different way. Saira in the producer's chair prompted him by saying "This is selling out fast in this size", " 20% of stock has been sold".

In the end Impact sold just over £2000, whilst First Forte did over £5000. So Saira and James (without their vile Wolf Spirit fleece and foam mattress) got a trip to Skibo castle, whilst Miriam, Paul and Tim had to go back to the boardroom.

Sir Alan had said he liked Miriam's presenting, but refused to accept that it was the boys' product choice that let them down, and regarded Miriam as having made a 'fatal error' in not giving the guys better instruction in the production room. Thus he fired her. I was very shocked at this, and it looked like Sir Alan had already made up his mind about the final four.

Download Chart

1 Tony Christie Ft Peter Kay - (Is This The Way To) Amarillo
2 Snoop Dogg/Wilson/Timberlake - Signs
3 Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc
5 Will Smith - Switch
6 Natalie Imbruglia - Shiver
7 Basement Jaxx - Oh My Gosh
8 Razorlight - Somewhere Else
9 Jem - They
10 Caesars - Jerk It Out

It looks like the chart hype and build up has helped Gorillaz and it will be interesting to see if they are higher in the new Singles chart on Sunday.

Donna Tartt - The Secret History

It has taken me absolutely ages to read this book, not because I didn't enjoy it, but because it is a bit of a tome at over 600 pages and is quite an intense story to follow.

The story is written from the perspective of a Californian student transferring to an East Coast College and integrating with a crowd of eccentric students in his exclusive Greek class. The characterisation is strong, and the eccentric students make quite a bunch as a series of odd events lead to a mysterious death and then a murder within their group. Although some of the Greek references are lost on me, this does not take up much of the book, and does not detract from the story.

It is hard to say more without spoiling the book, as every intense detail of the characters (as this is a character led novel) is important and adds to your impression of them and your perspective of events, which, of course, is not always as it seems.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is worth investing the time to read it.

St Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica
Originally uploaded by Essexgirl.

Seeing as the world has been watching this place for the last 24 hours or so, here is a picture os St peter's that I took last New Year when I was in Rome.

Audioscrobbler Update

Yes, I know I am a few days late...

The Top Ten Artists played on iTunes since Feb 23rd:

1 Stonebridge - 29
2 Wet Wet Wet - 22
3 Abba - 20
4 Madonna - 15
5 G4 - 14
6 Kylie Minogue - 13
7 Gwen Stefani - 12
8 Phil Collins - 10
9 Erasure - 9
9 Queen - 9

Chart Stuff

Well, there was a separate download chart last week, the Beeb were just a bit late getting it on the website, FYI:

1 Tony Christie Ft Peter Kay - (Is This The Way To) Amarillo
2 Will Smith - Switch
3 Snoop Dogg/Wilson/Timberlake - Signs
4 Natalie Imbruglia - Shiver
5 Jem - They
6 Basement Jaxx - Oh My Gosh
7 Akon - Lonely
8 Phantom Planet - California
9 Stereophonics - Dakota
10 Mariah Carey -Its Like That

So how did the combined Top 40 compare?

Well Peter Kay and Tony Christie held the Top Spot as they had done for the last four weeks in the singles chart. New entries in the Top Ten included indies Razorlight, Ciara and Freeloaders. Elvis was kept back in 4th place with one of his zillion re-releases this year (which I assume bombed on the download charts). Artists like Jem and Natalie Imbruglia, who had been out a few weeks, managed to eek up a few places, which is something that does not normally happen. criticisms are that the download chart could stagnate the chart as some songs hang around for ages, but if that is a true reflection of what music consumers are buying, then so be it. This article is a review of the charts, plus explains the unique situation that got the Gorillaz in the chart...

Strictly Dance Fever: Week Four

Now was the main show, in a bigger, smarter studio, a live band and professional costumes and hair. Much better! The ten couples danced either the Boogie Woogie or the Cuban Salsa. There were a lot of errors and many couples, especially those who did the Boogie Woogie missed lifts and made errors, especially last week's Tango couple Katie and Alex, who did not recover well from their missed lift. The judges also slated Natasha and Paul (the Lindyhop couple) as their salsa had no passion (this is quite ironic when you consider they are the only couple who are a couple). Judges faves include Nathan and Kristy (the jazz couple from week two) and Claire and James (Swing couple from week one).

Scoring was done like Strictly Come Dancing, those with the highest judges' marks got 10 points, descending to 1 point for the lowest scorers. This was then compared to viewer votes - those with the most viewer votes got 10 points, descending to one point for the couple with the lowest. Paul and Natasha got the lowest judges's scores, with Alex and Katie getting two points and Casey and Toby (Swing dancers week one) getting three points, so these couples really needed the viewers votes.

Once the votes were in they were announced Strictly Come Dancing style so the eight couples who were 'safe' for that week were announced. The bottom two were Katie & Alex and Dan & Michelle, who had actually been sixth in the judges votes. Surprisingly Dan and Michelle got through and they took it in good part, although Paul and Natasha seemed quite upset.

Hit Me Baby One More Time: Heat Three

Tonight's show kicked off with Seventies Spanish female duo, Baccara who sang their old hit Yes Sir, I Can Boogie which went down well followed by an acceptable version of Enrique Ingesias' Hero. I don't particularly like the song, but they did it well. Unfortunately I think they were too old for a young, Saturday tea-time audience to vote for. Next was Eighties soul diva Mica Paris singing on of her big hits My One Temptation which she did well, and followed with a cover of Angels. Nick Heyward, formerly of Haircut 100 before going solo sang Fantastic Day which I loved but was distracted some what by the fact that the years have not been kind to him. His next song was Busted's Crash the Wedding which I think he did well. Carol Decker of T'pau was next and sang one of their big hits - China in Your Hand. I was disappointed with this choice as it was not a favourite of mine, but she did an excellent rock version of Jamelia's Superstar. Finally it was soul group The Pasadenas singing one of their hits Tribute (Right On), and they followed with their version of Will Young's Leave Right Now which I was disappointed with.

The audience favourite at the end of the main show was Carol Decker, and I agree. She also won the viewer vote to join Tiffany and Shaky in the final.

New Doctor Who

David Tennant will take over from Christopher Eccleston for the second series of Doctor Who

The Nation's Favourite Dance Floor Fillers

Walkabout Pubs asked 4,800 people across the nation what their favourite dance floor track was. There were some strange answers. Considering that Walkabout Pubs are Aussie themed and always seem to be filled with backpackers (I haven't been to one for a while, granted), I hope they are not representative of the nation and the British pub goer actually has slightly better taste. Top of the list is 35 year old I Want You Back which is OK, but is no one tired of it yet? I will let Billie Jean go as I love the intro, and if a good DJ incorporates that into a mix he usually gets me on the floor. Same for Queen's Don't Stop me Now in a rock place (most clubs don't play it, let's face it), and Crazy in Love which would make my Top Ten. But who the hell dances to Amarillo????

Full List:
1. Jackson Five - I Want You Back
2. Boy Meets Girl/Sunset Strippers - Waiting For a Star to Fall
3. Tony Christie and Peter Kay - Amarillo
4. Beyonce - Crazy in Love
5. Queen - Don't Stop Me Now
6. Guns 'n' Roses - Sweet Child Of Mine
7. The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be
8. Bryan Adams - Summer of '69
9. Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
10. Girls Aloud - Love Machine

Essexgirl's Dance Floor Fillers

I have thought for quite a while about what my favourite dance floor fillers are, and I have to say it varies depending on where I am and who I am with. But if the conditions are right, here are ten songs that I am most likely going to get up and boogie too.

1. Justin Timberlake - Rock You Body
2. Beyonce - Crazy in Love
3. Blu Cantrell & Sean Paul -Breathe
4. Kelis - Trick Me
5. Shakira - Whenever, Wherever
6. Andrea True Connection - More, More, More
7. Jennifer Lopez - Play
8. In Deep - Last Night a DJ Saved My Life
9. Jennifer Lopez - Let's Get Loud
10. The Jacksons - Can You Feel It?

How Many?

Ratboy bought some new Puma trainers. On the side of the box...."Average Contents:Two".

You'd be pretty disappointed if you got less than average, wouldn't you?

The Apprentice: Episode Nine

There are only six left, and now they have to work in their teams of three to try and persuade as many Spurs fans as possible to sign up to a text service for Spurs info.

Saira headed up First Forte and hired dolly birds to give out leaflets, they were not very proactive in signing people up. She was getting quite stressed and tearful and was having a down day. She was happy to use a megaphone and drag in trade, whilst the boys gave out leaflets.

Paul headed up the other team, and whilst their stand was not as good as Saira's, they hired helpers on a performance related basis so they were more committed and went out there and helped the people text etc.

At the end Paul's team won by 250 or so texts.

Saira fought tooth and nail in the boardroom and even Raj battled, whilst James managed to duck under the radar. It was no real surprise that Raj was fired as Saira, despite being mouthy and obnoxious, was a hard worker.

Gwen Stefani - Love Angel Music Baby

Gwen Stefani has recently topped a best dressed list knocking Kate Moss off the top (in fact Moss went into third after burlesque dancer and girlfriend of Marilyn Manson, Dita Von Teese). I admire her high-maintenance look, and liked what little I had heard of this album so decided to give it a go.

Generally, I think this album is a grower, and I am writing this after first hearing it. The songs are quite varied and typical of Stefani in that they are very unique, and not always mainstream.
The album kicks off with the fabulous OTT What You Waiting For? which is a really strong track and followed by Rich Girl sampling If I Was a Rich Man, from Fiddler on the Roof and was the second single on the album, and one where she collaborates again with Eve (previously on Let me Blow Ya Mind). It is another strong track and instantly catchy. Third, is Hollaback Girl, which she has been known to refer to as an 'attitude song'. I am still none the wiser what a Hollaback Girl actually is though. Cool is a slower track, this track especially seems to have an eighties influence to it, and I think there are quite a few influences on this album for the eighties.

Another eighties influenced track is Bubble Pop Electric is a mad electro pop number with some high school lyrics. It features Johnny Vulture and is a whole bundle of fun. Luxurious is another slow number, a grower definitely. Not as grabable as her faster tracks. Next is Harajuku Girls which sounds like it samples Madonna's Papa Don't Preach for a few notes at the beginning. It is a tribute to the Japanese girls that follow her around whilst she has been promoting the album and appear in her videos. There is some Japanese influence in this song, inspite of the fact that it sounds like it had been produced by Georgio Moroder or some such. Crash starts up very bizarre, and continues to be very bizarre. The jury is still out on that one, although the driving analogies are very interesting.

The Real Thing starts off like a proper ballad, almost a proper song (although an eighties inspired one) and probably one of my favourites. Serious is good, although it sounds like something Hazel Dean used to do. Danger Zone is also a good song, one that needs a few dedicated listens to appreciate the lyrics. Long Way To Go is co-written and performed by Andre 3000 (of Outkast) and is about inter-racial relationships with a hip hop/electro beat, and is probably the weakest track on the album on first hearing.

My album includes two bonus tracks - a slow jam version of The Real Thing and an Elevator Mix of What You Waiting For? which is a Hammond Organ-Easy Listening/Jazz version of the song. I don't know if I like it or not as I was too busy laughing at it.

Overall, I really like the album, and I expect most of the tracks to grow further on me after replays.

Official Download Chart

There isn't one - As the two charts are now being combined, I assume they are no longer issuing an official download chart. Or else the BBC webmonkeys are a bit slow....

The Road to Nowhere

The Road to Nowhere
Originally uploaded by Essexgirl.

A Flickr practice - an interesting picture from last year's trip to California.

Chart merge Impact

There is an interesting article from the BBC comparing the singles and downloads charts. Some songs in the singles chart have not been in the Download top ten/twenty, whilst rock and indie groups see more success in the download chart. I think the impact will be very interesting if you consider that the average singles buyer in young (teenage) females, whilst downloaders are male, usually over 25. I am not sure where I fit into this demographic as a downloader who is female and over 25, but it remains to be seen how my choices will be represented. I don't buy many singles, mainly albums. However I may even listen in to the chart show this weekend...and if the intended outcome is to get more people interested in the charts (as a form of music promotion) then it could just work.

However, the independent labels are still criticising the system and feel that the download chart is not secure and open to abuse, especially as downloads are so much cheaper than CD singles.

Hed Kandi - Disco Heaven

Top dance tracks and re-mixes of ‘golden oldies’.

Soul Rebels Feat Lisa Millett record the old Rene and Angela number I’ll Be Good which lasts for six minutes and proves that you can never have too much of a good thing.

Stonebridge (feat Therese) have another highlight with Take me Away.

Other strengths were Mayhem & Bones with Feels Good.

SoulShaker feta Lorraine Brown do a smooth dance mix with Hypnotic, Erotic Games.

It also contains cross over track Just Can’t Wait (Saturday) by 100% feat. Jennifer Johns. Which has got a lot of radio and mainstream play having crossed over from the club scene, no doubt. There is also a very interesting interpretation of Could It Be Magic? By Andrea T Mendoza & Tibet feat. Ife Corcoran. It is another fab seven minute track. Other popular cover versions include You Got The Love, originally be The Source, but this time by Solitaire. A lot don’t sound that different, just like an extended disco remix of the original but by a different artist.

On the second disc it was good to hear an artist like Roachford (in collaboration with Mousse T) on Pop Muzak, although it was not one of my favourites it makes for good background music. Gadjo’s So Many Times is another track that stands out on the second disc, reminding me of the music that was played in the clubs in the 90s. Same with Strings of Life (Stronger on my own) by Soul Central feat. Kathy Brown.

Download and Singles Charts merge

In spite of the independant labels requesting a further postponement, from now on CD single sales and legal download singles will appear in a combined chart.

Audioscrobbler Update

1 Stonebridge - 28
2 Wet Wet Wet - 21
3 G4 - 14
3 Madonna - 14
5 Kylie Minogue - 12
6 Gwen Stefani - 11
7 Phil Collins - 10
8 Erasure - 8
9 The Beatles - 7
9 Jennifer Lopez - 7
9 Elton John - 7
9 Annie Llennox - 7
9 Abba - 7
9 Will Young - 7
9 George Michael - 7

Big Brother 6

The new series will start on 27th May.

Strictly Dance Fever: The auditions 3

This week it was the turn of the Southerners to dance for the judges, and if successful the viewers vote.

First up was the Swing category which included a fab couple who were fifties fanatics and did the Lindyhop (??). They were fab and rightly got through on the judges vote. The Disco couples were next, there was a girl who had a pushy mother and it was embarrassing watching them as they seemed to not know how they were being broadcast. The mother was such a show off and built up her daughter's performance that it was quite easy for the judges to criticise them. The other couple and their fab red satin numbers were better and rightly got through. Ballroom was divided between a fantastic Tango couple and an average Cha Cha. The judges were unsure that the Tango couple had the versatility to do the other genres but thankfully put them through. I wasn't overly impressed by either of the Freestyle couples. The second couple did have a problem with a mike pack getting caught up, but were nothing special anyway. Both salsa couples were OK, but the ones who went through did have the edge.

When it came to viewer votes they sent home the salsa couple and the disco couple, leaving the Freestylers, Tango and Lindybop/Swing couples to go through.

They then announced a wild card spot to give a couple from each round the chance to go dance again, and the judges would put them through. The runnerup line dancers from the first week danced again, as did the balletic freestylers from last week and the unfortunate freestylers from this week. For me it was between the first two couples and the balletic freestylers got through.

Now the couples all move into a shared house where they will compete properly next week in professional costumes with professional hair and make up artists.

Hit Me Baby One More Time

For two weeks now ITV have gone head-to-head with Strictly Dance Fever with this celeb offering. Has-beens of the past compete for your vote to see who has more to offer the public this time round by performing and old hit and a contemporary chart track. I didn't see last week's episode (but got the info from the website) so I Sky Plus'ed this SDF in order to watch it.

Episode 1 (last week) featured Gloria Gaynor the seventies diva who performed I Will Survive and Christina Aguilera's Beautiful. 80's electro pop dude Howard Jones performed What is Love and Dido's White Flag. Nineties R & B girl group The Honeyz performed Finally Found and rock group Nickelback's How You Remind Me (I would have liked to see this!). Dodgy barneted Limahl, formally of Kajagoogoo sand Too Shy and Maroon 5's This Love. Finally 80's teen sensation Tiffany sang I think We're Alone Now and Girl's Aloud's Love Machine. She apparently won it by a strong margin.

This week we saw Shakin' Stevens rock to his classic hit This Ole House, although it seemed he forgot the words at one point. Later he did a credible version of Trouble (originally Pink). 80s Soul Singer Jaki Graham did Set Me Free complete with the leather-look rubber outfits she used to wear and followed up with Will Young's Your Game. Belinda Carlisle sang her anthemic Heaven is a Place on Earth but it seemed to be she resents the song these days, and did not give it her best. Her contemporary track was Coldplay's The Scientist. Next up was Haddaway who sang his big hit What is Love followed by Britney's Toxic and was the best for me by far. Finally we saw Dr and the Medics do Spirit in the Sky and Robbie Williams' Let Me Entertain You. They were as scary as ever.

Although I though that Haddaway was best, the odds were on Belinda Carlisle, but it was Shakin' Stevens who took this week's crown.

Stonebridge - Can't get Enough (Deluxe Edition)

This two part album (the second disc is a re-mix disc) is full of cool dance anthems. On the original album the Euro pop-ish Give a Little is very catchy. Put Em High (featuring Therese) was good and I recognised it from somewhere. There are three additional remixes on the remix CD, more than enough possibly! Some of his regular vocalists include Kenny Thomas and Ultra Nate. Therese also features on Take Me Away, another familiar track (this time with just two more re-mixes on the second CD). There is also the lovely Latin beat Clorophilla (Put A Little Love). Not to mention the funky Gotta Give It Up.

The Apprentice: Episode Eight

This week's task was a countryside themed one, and the teams had to make fresh produce to sell at a Farmer's Market.

Raj headed up First Forte with Saira and James. Ben agreed to take the helm again in Impact with Miriam, Paul and Tim. Raj proceeded to be a weak leader, he agreed to spend a lot of their budget to hire a cook (Saira later struck a deal that she would work for free) to make their jellies and chutneys, and Raj had to be pushed into decisions and did not cope under pressure. Ben was more organised but the group spent a lot of money on ingredients for their soups.

At the market the chutneys and jellies of Raj's First Forte sold out by the end of the day. There were lots of soups left, especially the rather odd Venison soup.

Inspite of Raj's poor leadership they beat the other team by about £200 and were rewarded by a trip to Monte Carlo. Ben took Miriam and Paul into the boardroom. Arguments were that Miriam had spent too much budget on ingredients, but no budget had been agreed. Paul was also argumentative, for which Sir Alan warned him. But in the end it was Ben leading a shambles that got him fired.

Official Download Chart

1 Tony Christie feat Peter Kay - (Is This The Way To) Amarillo
2 Will Smith - Switch
3 Basement Jaxx- Oh My Gosh
4 Jem- They
5 McFly - All About You
6 Sunset Strippers - Falling Stars
7 50 Cent - Candy Shop
8 Phantom Planet - California
9 Stereophonics - Dakota
10 Gwen Stefani Feat. Eve - Rich Girl

Iconic TV Programmes of the 70s

Just my list of some of the shows that I felt had the greatest impact in the 1970s, by nature of the fact that I was a baby/child, there is a leaning towards children's shows. The list is in no particular order:

Rainbow - started in 1972, the original presenter was a man called David Cook, who worked with Zippy and Bungle. The next year, for the second series he was replaced by Geoffrey Hayes and George the pink hippo was added to the line up. From 1980 they had musical regulars in Rod, Jane and Freddy. The show stopped in 1992 after more than a thousand episodes. Most of my generation remember cheeky Zippy and shy George who now do Student Union shows. Doing the rounds on the internet is the Twangers Clip . Whilst I am not sure this really was aired it is very funny to watch.

The Dukes of Hazzard - started in 1979 and ran for seven series, until 1985. In featured Bo and Luke Duke who lived with Uncle Jesse and hot-pant wearing cousin Daisy in Hazzard County, Georgia. For most of the series they drove around in the 'General Lee', a bright orange car with the Southern Cross flag on the roof and doors that did not open. Normally they were trying not to get into trouble with Commissioner Boss Hogg and dopey sheriff Rosco P Coltrane and his dawg, whilst helping out fellow citizens of Hazzard County and accidentally catching a few bad guys on the way.

Jim'll Fix It - Saturday tea time show presented by Jimmy Saville. Kids (mainly) wrote in with their wish - to meet a famous person, to see something being made, or to try something new - and Jim (or rather the BBC production crew) 'fixed it' for these kids' 'dreams' to come true. One of the most memorable was a group of scouts eating their packed lunch on a roller coaster. After the event, the kid went to the studio where the band/factory/organisation that helped out presented them with an extra gift, and Jim gave the kid their 'Jim Fixed it For Me' badge (which was actually a medallion). The nation tuned in, in its millions.

The Wombles - Little grey furry creatures that lived on Wimbledon Common. Their job was to pick up the litter and they lived in a burrow under the ground. Their story was narrated by Bernard Cribbins and key wombles were Uncle Bulgaria, Madame Cholet, Wellingon, Orinoco, Tomsk and Bungo. There were accompanying records, toys and books.

The Muppets - Debuted in 1976, the concept was that a human guest star was to appear on a stage variety show which was managed and performed by puppets. Memorable characters include MC Kermit the Frog, his girlfriend diva Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear the 'comedian', the band featuring Animal on drums and Rolf the dog on piano. Not to mention the Swedish Chef, Gonzo and the heckling old blokes on the balcony - Statler and Waldorf. Special guests that appeared in the show include Bruce Forsyth, Twiggy, Elton John, John Cleese, Sylvester Stallone, Roger More and Gene Kelly. The show was re-made in the nineties with new celebrities. There have been spin off movies, toys and other merchandising. As well as spin off shows such as Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street featuring the work of Muppet creator Jim Henson's studio.

Starsky & Hutch - Started in 1975, the show featured two cool cops and their red and white Gran Turino. Ken 'Hutch' Hutchinson was deep and sensitive, whilst Dave Starsky was louder and brash (a role reversal was done in the film version made in 2004). They had an informant on the street known as Huggy Bear. The early shows were quite gritty but were later tamed in favour of 'buddy' storylines and some tongue in cheek humour.

Wonder Woman - TV series from late 70s. Diana Prince was really female superhero Wonder Woman (an original comic strip character) who had female school children spinning in the playground (which was how she changed her identity - into a Stars & Stripes type outfit). Wonder Woman fought with cheesy plots but kept kids entertained for three years (and numerous repeats).

Grange Hill - Started in 1978 and is still running today, this 'ground-breaking' children's drama sent in a London comprehensive school covered bullying, drugs and other school and teenage issues. There was also a spin-off show called Tucker's Luck and a Top Ten hit with 'Just Say No' from the drug storyline.

Audioscrobbler Update

1 Stonebridge - 26
2 Wet Wet Wet - 19
3 G4 - 14
4 Kylie Minogue - 11
4 Madonna - 11
6 Phil Collins - 7
6 Erasure - 7
8 The Beatles - 6
8 Jennifer Lopez - 6
8 Elton John - 6
8 ABBA - 6
8 Will Young - 6
8 George Michael - 6

The most popular artists that I have listened to since installing Audioscrobbler on 23rd February.

Strictly Dance Fever: The Auditions 2

There were five different dances performed tonight by auditionees form the Midlands and Wales. First was Latin American dances, followed by Jazz, for which the second couple were notably better, and thankfully the judges agreed and put them through. Third was Swing. This category was used last week, but this week the emphasis was on hand-jive apparently. The first couple were quite good, both lawyers who had quit their jobs to concentrate on their routine. The second couple were much better and rightly put through by the judges Also, this week there was another Freestyle section, for all those that don't come under the umbrella of a particular genre. One girl was classically tained, her partner had no training and their routine had ballet influences. The other couple included a Britney Spears tribute artist and a backing dancer for another Britney tribute artist, they performed a more pop based routine (to Britney). Sadly the latter got through, although I felt the first couple were better, and certainly different. The final group was Disco again. The first couple were peroxide blondes and a bit out of sync. I thought the next couple were better but the judges were critical of them, but put them though to the public vote.

The couples that made it through on the public vote were the Jazz couple, the Swing/hand jive couple and the Britney loving Freestylers.

Hotel Rwanda

I had such wonderful accolades about this film, so I was nervous of watching it, especially with the subject matter of the Rwandan genocide, and the fact it is based on a true story.

Hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle - with a well deserved Oscar nomination) is a family man who helps run a Belgian owned hotel in Rwanda. When the trouble gets bad the head manager pulls out and Paul is left in charge. He has to bribe officials to let his family and neighbours live because they are from the wrong ethnic group, or want no part in the upcoming civil war. To help out the UN Paul takes in some refugees into the hotel, and all the white guests are going home. This makes for some harrowing scenes as local orphans are torn from the arms of nuns as they are sent home. Up to 1000 people, both Hutu and Tutsi stayed in the hotel to escape the genocide and Paul had to use all his favours to keep them safe and get food for everyone, before they could be evacuated. The UN were powerless to help and the rest of the world turns its back on the country.

The film has some quite emotional and harrowing moments, plus one incredibly funny one that is borne out of the tension. The movie is inspiring and I am keen to find out more about the UN/Western cock-ups that let such a tragedy (a million people were murdered) happen.

9/10