Rock and Pop: News - >September 2 Englebert Humperdinck - latest
Published: 02 September 2010
by ROISIN GADELRAB
ENGLEBERT Humperdinck. Earth, Wind & Fire. What are these words? Who are these people and why are they even on this page? As much as I’ve looked out for the next big thing in San Francisco, I haven’t been near a radio. I’m staying in a flat without a TV and with people who don’t like guitars/electro, or any music I like. So this is all I’ve got so far. Apparently 74-year-old Lego-haired Humperdinck – once famous for his version of Release Me (your parents/grandparents may know it) is still alive and singing in the wine country of Sonoma, California, early next month – I know, I saw his name in shiny lights as we drove past. Also, I’ve been talked into seeing veteran disco kings Earth, Wind & Fire in a vineyard somewhere – think I might slip away and check for young blood among the grapes.
• They’ve been nominated for this year’s Mercury Prize and now they’re off trying to seal the deal by playing fave venue, Islington’s Union Chapel (September 29). Then again, I Am Kloot may not even want the ill-fated award, which has been known to dampen an act’s career (see Speech Debelle).
• Last year the Camden Crawl won Best Digital Campaign at BT’s Digital Music Awards. The awards are looming again (Camden Roundhouse, September 30) and we’re hoping the Crawl will continue its winning streak.
As I’m yet to get hold of an iPhone, I can’t nominate for new category Best Music App so instead I’m trying to guess who will top Camden rapper Akala’s 2009 performance this year.
• Former Record of the Week contenders Airborne Toxic Event play an acoustic show at the Union Chapel (October 3). Their single Sometime Around Midnight is timeless. One not to miss.