That peed me off too. I know there's defending your work etc, but it's not as if the Stones need the money. (Or maybe they do - I've lost count of the number of final tours/gigs they've done)

Wasn't the Stones, though, it was Allen Klein, or his record company who held the copyright of some orchestral version of The Last Time. It was a bit weird since IIRC they had done a deal beforehand, but got stuffed anyway.

The orchestral version was recorded ironically by the Stones' former manager/producer Andrew Oldham as "Andrew Oldham orchestra"; there never was an "orchestra" as such, rather ad hoc session musicians. You can see why they would have needed to do a deal if you listen to "Andrew Oldham Orchestra - The Last Time (1965)" on some popular video sharing site but The Verve made an award winning, all-time great song out of the raw material, and didn't deserve to be raped like they were.

I'm sure you're well aware of the history of popular music management and the sharks, con artists, gypsies tramps and thieves that the industry has attracted almosr like its a tradition.

I was going to mention the venerable Dick James, having read Elton Johns official biog with the legal case against DJM taking up most of the middle of the 500+ pages and so visited Wiki just to refresh myself on the finer points - take a look at it here rlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Jamesrl

I reckon Dick James has ressurected himself and written that 'kin article himself

Them damn Russians have been spying again!
rlCompetition for Engelbertrl

Wailing grannies, now that IS class. Though it's a crime they aren't doing their famous Hotel California*, which reached 178 in the charts in Azerbaijan. This is definitely going to be a show not to miss, though a copious supply of stiff liquor will be needed.

* "Hotel California - Buranoskie Babushki" may produce something in a well known video site

Bad news folks, Austria haven't made the final.

Gutted.

Its the wifes 50th next week so ten of us have rented a house in Northumberland for a week long house party in hoo-rah stylee with added Geordie-ness.

I had all sorts of stuff planned but then the women of the party noticed that out first night there was this coming Saturday upon which there is apparently some sort of singing competition, so they are buying in the pizzas and pretzels and apparently we're all staying in.

Like fook we are, I've got an Ordanance Survey map, a compass and one of those lights for your head and me and some of the lads will be making a break out the back door for the nearest pub, which is two miles away

"Yes, make yourself at home. We're just listening to the Monks from Glenstall Abbey practising for their half-time Eurovision show. Great tune, "Lumen", isn't it?"

Barring some form of disaster on the night, it's Sweden's to lose IMO.

Nah, that's just what them bookies want you to think. I told you all many moons ago that the Russian grannies would win it. Should've filled yer boots!

And have you put your money on them?
I'm sorry, you were jesting in the hope that they might.
Silly me!

Anyway, come on England Bert Humperdinck.

Edit:
He came second from bottom. What a surprise.