There are a few recent pop songs which I've heard for the first time on the X-Factor, and subsequently got really hooked on. Best examples from this series would be Katy Perry's 'ET' (performed on the show by Amelia Lily and Littlemix) and 'Jar of Hearts' by Christina Perri (Craig Colton). I now love these songs. Sometimes the live act's take is more than a match for the original, or provides enough of a twist on it to get you interested.
As someone who doesn't really follow the charts closely (any more), I like the idea that there is this well of quality pop music to be tapped into, which The X-Factor is a celebration of, in a way.

The latest Word subscribers edition, and the Radio Times, which I picked up today. Just noticed them lying next to each other. One of those cases of accidental symmetry, do you agree? Two of the 'women of the year', in any case. Good to see The Killing back on the BBC4 soon - and the great Kate is on fine form in the Word interview with Dorian Lynskey.

The latest edition of the Jesus and Mary Chain debut Psychocandy - with radio sessions, out-takes, demos, promo videos, TV appearances, essays, interviews, booklets, bells and whistles - will be the fourth time I've acquired it on CD. The first copy I hurriedly sold as I found the layers of feedback unlistenable at the time; I later bought it again after rediscovering the band through the gentler Darklands; and, third time, the remastered edition from a few years ago, which, in truth, didn't sound much different and reverted to the original version of the album without the classic Some Candy Talking.
Two things - anyone else bought an album a ridiculous number of times (apart from replacing old vinyl, etc); and, check out the link below for this actually quite impressive SDiCD tool which lets you preview exactly what's inside all the new JAMC digipak reissues, so, if you are someone who begrudges repurchasing old records, at least you can see exactly what you're getting for your money!

http://www.creation-records.com/explore-new-jesus-and-mary-chain-reissue...

Psychocandy's my favourite album, by the way...

Just found this on YouTube. Couple of points:
a/ it's a pretty good gig
b/ isn't there a limit on the 'length' of clips on YouTube? This is an hour and a half long

One of nme.com's top news stories at the moment - Brett Anderson has confirmed, via 'Rolling Stone Indonesia', that Suede are working on new material, but it may not see the light of day, unless it's really 'outstanding'. Pretty sure this ground was all covered in Andrew Harrison's interview with Anderson in Word, what, a couple of months ago.
I am looking forward to the Suede reissues, mind.

Today (probably because I've been reading the PSB albums thread) I've decided my four favourite pop acts are Pet Shop Boys, The Beatles, Girls Aloud and Abba. They're the acts to go back to, time and time again, when I just want a 'pure pop' rush.
But I need another act to round the thought off and make it a pop top five. Who should it be?

This might be overkill, I can probably hear a few groans after all the recent lists, but I've just voted in the mighty Festive 50 and am interested to hear what people's selections would be for a noughties 50. Not sure how we get to a final 50 or even if we need to but I am interested to hear anyone's selections. For fun really. I like the idea of 2000-2009 being pruned down to just a few tracks.
I would cherrypick the following:

Missy Elliot - Get Your Freak On
Outkast - Hey Ya
Girls Aloud - Biology
Arthur Argent - Hold Your Head Up (Soulwax mix)
MIA - Paper Planes

Over to you.

I'm going to the Pixies gig at Brixton Academy on Thursday. In case you've missed it, these dates are being billed as the Doolittle 20th anniversary tour - with that classic album being played in full, alongside associated B-sides. Should be great. But word is in from the Dublin dates that this is literally all the band are playing - ie no extended encore from the rest of the Pixies canon - so you're only getting a 65-minute set. The support is Art Brut, who may or may not be decent, I've never really come across them.
I am still looking forward to it, I love the Pixies and it will be great to hear Doolittle and a few rarities played live ... but ... I've forked out a fair whack for travel to and from London, as well as the ticket - face value over £30, many people have paid more - and accommodation. So am I right to feel short-changed? And anyone else going along?

A lot of talk round these parts of remastering - can't think why. But now the Beatles and Stones have finally had their work spruced up and lovingly brought into the 21st century, are there any artists you particularly want to see have their work digitally repaired? Bruce Springsteen and Prince are two acts I can think of with deep catalogues sorely in need of a remastering, any others?

The Spotify app is now available from the iTunes store. The application is free, but you need a Spotify Premium subscription to use it, which I've just tried to buy, but can't, as the payment methods are restricted to Visa and Mastercard only! Incredibly frustrating .... Anyone else been able to try out this new toy yet though?

While I'm waiting for its debut tonight on FX, the FX UK website appears to be premiering the first episode of The Wire season five! More Or Less streaming on this mini site ...

http://www.fxuk.com/series/the-wire

I can't remember anyone posting about gaming before but after the features on Guitar Hero and Rock Band in the magazine recently, why not.
GTAIV has me hooked like no film or album has in years, it's unbelievable fun ... How about the amazing in-game radio stations, worth a Word feature alone - featuring guest djs like Iggy Pop, they've introduced me to everything from The Black Keys' Strange Times and MC Lyte's Cha Cha Cha, to Elton John's Street Kids and Interpol's new one, No Sex For Ben.
Any other GTAIV enthusiasts care to out themselves?!