Album review: Sticky Wickets – The Duckworth Lewis Method

STICKY WICKETS The Duckworth Lewis Method (Southbound) In the world of cricket-themed concept albums, The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh top the averages. But this is no T20, modernised version of a sports tribute album, the pair’s perfect opening combination of irony and specifics (The Umpiredeals with the horror of TV technology, Judd’s Paradox speaks of cricket and Marxism) makes for an offering to appeal to the five-day fan, for someone who believes cricketers wear white and walk when they’ve felt a nick.

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Album review: Flaubert’s Dance – Phil Broadhurst

FLAUBERT’S DANCE Phil Broadhurst (Rattle/ Rhythmethod) As one of Rattle’s more prolific artists, the first recipient of the MNZM award of services to jazz in 2001 and a three time winner of jazz album of the year, pianist and composer Phil Broadhurst is one of the main reasons why jazz in New Zealand is so vital and vibrant. Flaubert’s Dance is a tribute albums of sorts to some of his seminal influences such as Herbie Hancock (First Shot) and ECM artists Keith Jarrett (Loping), Tomasz Stanko (Scoreless) Manu Katche (Integrity) but Broadhurst, in quartet mode with Roger Manins, Olivier Holland and Cameron Sangster – aided by trumpeter Mike Booth, has that rare ability to acknowledge a love affair and take it in a direction where only he can go

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Album review: Way To The Blue – The Songs of Nick Drake

WAY TO THE BLUE: THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE Various (Southbound) Tribute albums are always bound to be bittersweet affairs. Anyone who has had an affinity with the artist – in this case English folkie Nick Drake – is likely to be disinterested unless they are zealous completists and those unfamiliar in the first place aren’t likely to care about the re-visitation.

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Why Buble doesn’t care about sales

Michael Buble has sold millions of albums, but as he readies the release of his newest project, he’s less concerned with his future sales, thanks to his wife’s pregnancy. “I’m nervous and excited, and truly I think it’s given me great perspective,” the singer said at the music video shoot for his new single, It’s a Beautiful Day

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92-year-old outsells Beatles to top UK charts

Vera Lynn, who made her name entertaining troops in World War II after recording her first song 70 years ago, has become the oldest living artist to have a number one album. The 92-year-old’s album “We’ll Meet Again — The Very Best of Vera Lynn” took the top spot in the British charts on Sunday, even outselling much-hyped re-mastered versions of the Beatles’ back catalogue, according to the UK’s Official Charts Company

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N. Ireland police investigate massive bomb

Police in Northern Ireland were investigating Wednesday after “reckless criminal terrorists” planted a 600-pound bomb along a country road. The mono set may be revelatory for some, but even the box of stereo albums — the best-known versions and the primary sales focus — is a step up from the 22-year-old original CD releases.

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