Pick at the pops: 16 April 2007

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

It’s all about charity and the milk of human kindness this week in the column that tried to adopt a Malawian orphan, but found there were none left. Mind you, the big charity gig of the moment isn’t a charity gig at all: it’s to “raise awareness”.

And awareness has certainly been raised this week for Live Earth. We don’t know what it’s for, but we’re definitely aware of it. Ok, we do know it’s about climate change, and who can pull the most concerned face out of Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Razorlight, Keane, Snow Patrol, Genesis and James Blunt. Be imaginative, guys – making no more records can only benefit the environment, and much else besides.

Not everyone’s “on message”, however: prog rockers from the West Country tropics, Muse are bemused at the concept of staging gigantic concerts to stem environmental damage. “Private jets for climate change?” mused Matt Bellamy last week. Ah, it’s the paradox of pop, Matthew. You have to preach to the world about carbon footprints from the ethical comfort of your diamond-encrusted Cessna.

Don’t know what everyone’s worried about anyway. The weather’s lovely…

While we’re talking about good turns, the no longer massive-haired croaky soulstress Macy Gray has graciously revealed that she was “forced” to work with priapic pop minstrel Justin Timberlake on her new album because original collaborator will.i.am had to prioritise his work – meaning his band Black Eyed Peas came first. Has there ever been a more stinging slap in the face?

Well, Robbie Williams wanted to dish one out to Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner after the steeltown youth slagged off Robbie’s mate Mark Ronson’s new single. Ronson defused the situation, saying he didn’t want to spark a “Northern war”. Yeah, God, imagine: Port Vale pop stars vs Sheffield pop punkers; one can barely begin to count the cost.

Matthew Horton

Picture: PA Photos

• 10/04/2007: Kaiser Ricky fights for pop double standards >>
• 02/04/2007: Weller vs Sting in battle of the spittle >>
• 26/03/2007: Jagger and Trousersnake snubbed >>
• 19/03/2007: Ray Quinn and the death of pop >>
• 12/03/2007: The Jackson Five eye some filthy lucre >>
• 05/03/2007: George is on his way to Wembley >>
• 26/02/2007: Mel C holds up Spice reunion >>
• 19/02/2007: Joss Stone's big love >>
• 12/02/2007: Lily conquers America >>
• 05/02/2007: Oasis to meet Ringo at last >>
• 29/01/2007: Amy Winehouse wows the Savoy >>
• 22/01/2007: Chris Martin: the B-Boy >>
• 15/01/2007: Whitney auctions her belongings >>
• 08/01/2007: The Police to reform? >>
• 02/01/2007: James Brown RIP >>
• 18/12/2006: Girls Aloud v Lily Allen >>
• 04/12/2006: Potty Pete pays the penalty >>
• 27/11/2006: Nelly says no to Playboy >>
• 20/11/2006: Queen's greatest-selling hits >>
• 13/11/2006: Ms Dynamite's high speed crash >>
• 06/11/2006: Glastonbury to go "gay"? >>
• 30/10/2006: McFly hit top spot yet again >>
• 16/10/2006: Girls Aloud v All Saints in war of words >>
• 09/10/2006: Razorlight ready for world domination >>
• 02/10/2006: Madonna's record breaking millions >>
• 25/09/2006: When pop stars reunite >>
• 18/09/2006: Robbie's new footballing chum >>
• 11/09/2006: Monkeys' Mercury delight >>
• 04/09/2006: Foo Fighters save miners >>
• 28/08/2006: Britney gets banned in Asia >>
• 21/08/2006: Radiohead's grumpy greatest hits >>
• 14/08/2006: Natasha Bedingfield's Rocky return >>
• 07/08/2006: The heavyweight return of Meat Loaf >>