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Pick at the pops: 23 April 2007

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

Every citizen of Popland is on tenterhooks this week, gnawing fingernails to the bone in anticipation of the second coming: yes, Arctic Monkeys are releasing their second album. In typically impish style, they claim the record is strongly influenced by Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and MC Hammer – in particular, Hammer’s brand of parachute trouser which Arctics bassist Nick O’Malley reckons he wore to create the right studio atmosphere. You know you’ve made it when journalists believe any old guff you spout.

Damon Albarn’s been testing the theory himself, gracing questions about a possible Blur reunion with estranged guitarist Graham Coxon with, “I really don’t know. I think it’s possible that we might be, but I’m not entirely sure we are.” Clear as mud, then, but worth a double-page spread in anyone’s mag. Not only that, but he tossed out another titbit with the news that Gorillaz will split after they complete their forthcoming movie project. They’re a CARTOON BAND, everyone.

And speaking of cartoons, Irish self-parodies U2 have thrown in their lot with the new Spider-Man musical, set to launch on Broadway. Bono and The Edge will be penning the high-kicking showstoppers. For a worldwide ambassador for every serious cause under the sun, Bono doesn’t half enjoy looking a complete plum.

No less childish is Mancunian master of misery, Morrissey, who has let it be known that he’ll not be showing his ever more sparsely bequiffed bonce at next year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame when The Smiths will supposedly be inducted. He refuses to share a stage with the others, you see. He must’ve heard that Modest Mouse album.

If you want a lesson in dignity, lads, look no further than Bryan Ferry – occasional frontman with art school band par excellence Roxy Music, impeccably turned-out elder statesman of lounge lizard pop, the man single-handedly injecting sophistication into M&S menswear, enthusiastic champion of Nazi imagery… WHOA there. We’re going to need another role model.

Matthew Horton

Picture: PA Photos

• 16/04/2007: Your planet is safe in Madonna's hands >>
• 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 >>
• 2006 archive >>