Music

In 1979, Chrissie Hynde wrote a song that would define The Pretenders, but it never really worked for her

• Hynde initially disliked the Pretenders’ biggest hit.
• Honeyman-Scott’s riff sparked the song.
• ‘Brass in Pocket’ topped the UK chart.

The Pretenders’ ‘Brass in Pocket’ became the band’s best-known song and a major hit, but Chrissie Hynde initially disliked it. Her reservations centred on its sound and meaning, while its success made it a defining part of the group’s early career. Written in 1979, the song grew from…

Siv Jacobsen Announces New Album ‘Scandinavian Dread’

• Siv Jakobsen’s new album arrives on 12 March.
• ‘On You’ features collaborator Marit Larsen.
• The 11-track record plays with the “sad girl” label.

Norwegian singer-songwriter Siv Jakobsen has announced her new album, ‘Scandinavian Dread’, due on 12 March. The title plays wryly with the “sad girl” label she has felt ambivalent about since her warmly received 2023 album, ‘Gardening’. The album’s new single, ‘On You’, features longtime friend and collaborator Marit…

kid apollo Drop New Mixtape ‘i let the sun back in’

• Deptford trio kid apollo have released a 12-track mixtape.
• It is their most in-depth project to date.
• Their DIY sound draws on underground rap and club music.

Deptford trio kid apollo have released their new mixtape, *i let the sun back in*, expanding on a run of singles shared in 2026. The 12-track project is their most in-depth work so far and brings together their blend of underground rap, club music and other influences. The…

Born 87 Years Ago Today in Oklahoma, the Country Songwriter So Talented George Jones Recorded an Entire Album of His Songs

• Dallas Frazier was born 87 years ago in Oklahoma.
• George Jones recorded a whole album of Frazier songs.
• Frazier wrote hits including “Elvira” and “Alley Oop”.

Dallas Frazier, born in Oklahoma on 27 October 1939, became one of country music’s most successful songwriters, with songs recorded by artists including George Jones, the Oak Ridge Boys and Emmylou Harris. His work helped shape country and pop music across several decades, and George Jones dedicated a…

The Flaming Lips Announce New Album ‘The Teardrop Throbs’

• The Flaming Lips’ new album arrives on 22 January.
• *The Teardrop Throbs* has 13 tracks.
• The band will play two London shows in April.

The Flaming Lips have announced a new album, *The Teardrop Throbs*, due on 22 January via Third Man Records. It follows a relatively quiet period for the Oklahoma band and is described as a bright, effervescent return to their psychedelic pop sound. The 13-track album will be released…

‘The Voice’: Four-Chair Turn Cade Mower Moves on After Battle Round

• Cade Mower won his Battle round against Brayden Howell.
• Riley Green selected Mower to advance to Cut Week.
• His Blind Audition has more than 3 million YouTube views.

Cade Mower advanced on *The Voice* after winning his Battle round with fellow Team Riley contestant Brayden Howell. The result keeps the 35-year-old Utah singer in the competition and moves him into the newly introduced Cut Week. The pair performed the Red Clay Strays’ “Wondering Why”, with coach…

Cohere flags Qwen model’s cloud upload attempt as PS5 sales rise

Apple develops a Damson Idris-backed thriller, Bruce Springsteen recalls the Beatles’ influence, and 1972 hits stir baby-boomer memories. A US sales chart shows PS5 sales climbing around NBA 2K27 and Marvel’s Wolverine, with the bigger rise alongside Wolverine.

Believe hires Amazon Music’s Mel Curley as Global Head of Editorial & Marketing Partnerships

• Mel Curley joins Believe from Amazon Music.
• She will lead global editorial and marketing partnerships.
• Her remit spans Believe, TuneCore and artist services.

Believe has appointed Mel Curley, formerly Amazon Music’s Global Head of Independent Label Relations, to lead its global Editorial & Marketing Partnerships strategy. The hire supports Believe’s “From Access to Success” plan, which aims to strengthen music marketing and help artists and labels reach audiences through digital platforms.…

Tom Jones reschedules Los Angeles and San Diego concerts after flu

• Flu forces Tom Jones to reschedule two US concerts.
• San Diego is now on 3 November.
• Los Angeles is now on 4 November.

Sir Tom Jones has rescheduled concerts in Los Angeles and San Diego after coming down with a bad case of flu. The 86-year-old singer said he was acting on his doctor’s advice and apologised to fans for the disruption to his Come Gather Round world tour. The San…

Ian Anderson had the fame and fortune of Jethro Tull. He envied Roy Harper’s simple life

• Ian Anderson praised Roy Harper as an under-recognised musical influence.
• He admired Harper’s direct, unconventional creativity.
• Harper and rock stars envied aspects of each other’s lives.

Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson named singer-songwriter Roy Harper as an unsung musical hero, praising his influence despite his limited mainstream fame. Anderson said Harper’s direct, unconventional creativity offered a contrast to the complicated touring life and success enjoyed by major rock bands. In a 2013 interview, Anderson…