Print this page

Pick at the pops: 28 April 2008

Our weekly round-up of the weird and wonderful world of pop music...

There is not one issue of worldwide concern, not one worthy cause that cannot have its status enhanced by the prattlings of a pop star. Sorry, the endorsement of a pop star. This week has been a boon for followers of our favourite cultural ambassadors, kicking off with Columbian headcase Shakira. The honest-hipped honey has been doing her bit for the suspiciously vaguely named Global Campaign for Education - and this bit has involved meeting our charismatic premier, Gordon Brown (shame on you, GB; this sort of thing’s strictly for the Blairs). Here’s Shakira on Gord: “I think he is a man with wonderful intentions [tell that to the poor souls stung by the 10p tax rate, Shaks]… and I applaud the fact that he is brave enough to talk to celebrities like me.” Yes, well done, o courageous leader.

Also letting her mouth do the thinking is West Country warbler Joss Stone, this week pontificating about soldiers injured in the Iraq war: “If they get their legs blown off they come back and are delaying with the NHS.” Once you’ve unearthed the sense, you’ll understand that Joss will be playing a benefit for our lads, organised by Princes William and Harry. “I’m doing it because I support the cause,” she adds, “and because they [William and Harry] are good friends.” We’re sure Harry’s very friendly, Joss.

A less obviously worthy pursuit is occupying Robbie Williams’s time right now. The Port Vale porker is obsessed with UFOs and has decided to take a career break to follow his new hobby with greater vigour. “I want to believe,” says the fat dancer. Oh, Robbie – this is all too easy to believe.

One final noble cause is Love Music Hate Racism, which on Sunday 27 April marked 30 years since the Rock Against Racism event with a party in East London’s Victoria Park – but the bash almost didn’t go ahead due to a late withdrawal of funds. So, who came galloping to the rescue on his, erm, white charger? Only Morrissey with his bulging wallet. Good on yer, Moz – and not a whiff of a tactical face-saving gesture about it.

Matthew Horton

Picture: PA Photos

• 21/04/2008: The last word on the Jay-Z at Glasto debate >>
• 14/04/2008: Beyoncé and Mark E Smith fight the animals >>
• 07/04/2008: Lennon and Mills - separated at birth? >>
• 31/03/2008: Leona topples Wilde record >>
• 24/03/2008: Rihanna the "new Britney"? >>
• 17/03/2008: Madonna in B12 shocker >>
• 10/03/2008: Bjork gets political >>
• 03/03/2008: Keef disses Led Zep >>
• 25/02/2008: Mark Owen gives KT Tunstall his last quid >>
• 18/02/2008: Aretha or Tina - just who is the Queen of Soul? >>
• 11/02/2008: We mourn the Spice Girls - again >>
• 04/02/2008: Winehouse and Spears - will the madness end? >>
• 28/01/2008: Oh no! Simply Red and UB40 have split up! >>
• 21/01/2008: Annie Lennox and The Verve won't pave streets >>
• 14/01/2008: Robbie and Coldplay turn on EMI >>
• 07/01/2008: Out with the old, in with the new >>
• 2007 archive >>
• 2006 archive >>