Brit Pop Culture | Bands

Radiohead: band of the decade

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They went into the Noughties prepared to jettison much of what had made them huge in the 90s. They leave the decade as an entirely singular and innovative band ... It's easy to forget, but Radiohead almost never made it into this decade. After OK Computer the Oxford quintet refused to do the obvious and become a conventional stadium rock act: instead they started again, binning most of the guitars along the way. Initial sessions for 2000's electronica-influenced Kid A were characterised by

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Spandau Ballet, the Blitz kids and the birth of the New Romantics

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british, depeche mode, pop, punk, seven

Published Oct. 3, 2009 at 6:08 p.m.

A movement that went on to dominate the charts and fashion worldwide grew out of a small club scene in London in the early 80s. One insider recalls how Steve Strange and Spandau Ballet revitalised the UK music scene ... When my phone rang in January 1980, little did I realise its message meant: "Put out the cat. You're coming to the party of your life." The voice on the other end spoke without pausing: "My name's Steve Strange and I run a club called the Blitz on Tuesdays and I'm starting a

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Children of the revolution

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blur, fall, james, muse, pop, punk

Published Sept. 5, 2009 at 6:05 p.m.

Jailed, banned but never crushed, one underground rock group were instrumental in the fall of Czech communism 20 years ago. Ed Vulliamy tells their incredible story ... Vratislav Brabenec sits on the chair that is his throne in the bar that is his court, the Shakespeare, on Krymská Street in the funky district of Prague 10. His hair is long, and so is his beard; "Ciao, bambino!" he says by way of greeting, holding his skinny arms wide. Many rock musicians have preached revolution, although few

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1989 and all that: Plastic People of the Universe and the Velvet Revolution

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fall, james, muse, pop, punk

Published Sept. 5, 2009 at 6:07 p.m.

Banned and jailed under Czech communism, the Plastic People of the Universe helped to bring the regime down in 1989. Inspired by Frank Zappa and the Velvet Underground, and friends with Vaclav Havel, their incredible 40-year history is one in which music and politics are inseparable ... Vratislav Brabenec sits on the chair that is his throne in the bar that is his court, the Shakespeare, on Krymská Street in the funky district of Prague 10. His hair is long, and so is his beard; "Ciao,

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Former Oasis man and Carl Barat in new comedy show

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creation records, oasis

Published May 4, 2009 at 6:18 a.m.

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Former Oasis guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, ex-Libertine Carl Barat, Goldie Lookin' Chain's Maggot and former Creation records chief Alan McGee appear in a new comedy show that debuts online this week (beginning May 4) ...

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Every picture tells a story: Eight pop stars reveal the art that has most inspired them

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goldfrapp, paul weller, paul+weller, pop, punk

Published April 20, 2009 at 8:47 a.m.

Eight pop stars reveal the art that has most inspired them, from 60s legends and surrealist dolls to outrageous manga sculpture ... Bryan Ferry on Richard Hamilton ... When I went to study fine art at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1964, Richard Hamilton was in charge of the foundation year. He was the coolest guy around. With his uniform of white Levis and huge cigar, he cut an intriguing modernist figure. He had great charisma, and his eloquence was dazzling. When he spoke, you felt

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Morrissey knows the formula for fan adulation

Published April 4, 2009 at 9:11 a.m.

It seemed like a bad sign that in the weeks before Morrissey's fourth solo appearance in Milwaukee, Friday night at the Eagles Ballroom, the city was awash in free tickets. Even if the room was only a half to two-thirds full, adulation was bursting out the windows and escaping like smoke from beneath the doors.

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Mozzer's fans only more rabid 23 years later

Published April 3, 2009 at 9:05 a.m.

While I know and appreciate that Morrissey has made some great solo records, I remain much more a fan of The Smiths than of the Mozzer himself. That said, I'm still going to see old Stevie tonight when he returns to The Rave. In the 23 years since his "Beatlemania"-style Milwaukee debut, it's likely his fans have become more and more devoted.