During the first hourlong set, Timberlake proved himself on "My Love," his recent smash. As he skittered onto one of the stage's runways, the scene was all girlish screams, flashbulbs exploding and his falsetto. The song may not have been the symphony that the lyrics promised but his dancing was dynamic -- locking and popping, slipping and sliding in the spirit of vintage Michael Jackson.

Another smart move in the first set was bringing producer/rapper Timbaland onstage to join Justin for a spirited “Chop Me Up.” But then the resurging momentum was butchered by turning the stage over to Timbaland for a 20-minute DJ set of snippets of hits by the Fray, Kelly Clarkson, Coldplay, Nelly Furtado and Jackson.

After this overlong interlude, Timberlake returned like a new man in brighter lights, with less stage clutter, more forays around the ramps and runways — and more big hits for 75 minutes.

Read the full article here

A WiseDove reader, M, writes in a VOX private message …

Hey Randy,

A question has been floating around in the back of my mind. I know this may sound silly, but I thought you may be able to clear this up for me. I (think I) heard/read recently that Coldplay tends to attract a significant gay fan base. Is that true? I mean, I like a few Coldplay tracks, but I’d hate to think it’s because of THAT. I just thought they were kind of introspective styled. Heard anything about that? …There are two topics represented above:1) Does Coldplay have a significant gay identified fan base? and 2) What is M’s motivation for liking a few of the Coldplay songs as indicated by the statement, “I mean, I like a few Coldplay tracks, but I’d hate to think it’s because of THAT. ”

Let’s talk about M’s motivation first. Well, M, I have no idea why you like those songs being that I am not you. However, if you do like them because there is some conscious/unconscious tie in with the gay-identified community …I would encourage you to not “hate” it. You simply can just deal with it. We may not identify as gay, or allow gay ideology to determine our relational paradigm but that doesn’t mean we can’t relate to the gay identified community with regard to themes and particular life experiences that affects most people dealing with same sex attraction. To put it another way, if Coldplay is singing about themes and issues that really resonate among those who have dealt with same sex attraction, of course you are going to relate to that. The difference is in how you steward your life as a result. That is where you need to determine for yourself if those songs are something you can enjoy and meditate on without hindrance or if they are edifying what you personally have determined to be negative things in your life. That’s deeply personal and I would have no clue on whether you should be concerned about Coldplay’s music or not. I just know that it doesn’t make sense to not admit we can relate to the gay identified community if in fact we can. It’s just how we deal with those commonalities that will, in some cases, be different.

I personally don’t listen to Coldplay because they bore me to tears. I know they are very good artists and have great lyrics (the ones I have heard or read) but… man … my boredometer kicks in when their songs come on. Maybe I should give them another chance. And, I like electronic and high bass thumping songs… the emotive rock/pop thing is cool but I am rarely in the mood to slow down for it.

Now for the other point, does Coldplay have a significant gay identified fan base? While I respect Coldplay, I am not a big fan of theirs so I really don’t know. I did a little bit of search surfing on the web and didn’t find a whole lot with regard to that possibility. Although, I did find three good angles as to why there might be truth to the rumor that they do have a significant gay identified fan base.

Apparently (the next link is to a gay blog) the lead singer, Chris Martin, was taunted as being gay when he was a teen so that would mean most gay identified males could relate to that either from directly being taunted themselves or being a teen who wouldn’t appreciate (and shouldn’t) those taunts. If this is true, that could be a powerful point of connection. Shared persecution generates empathy which can contribute to strong loyalty.

Also, Towleroad writes along the same lines of something I also know to be true, often the gay identified community will try to find something about celebrities that would indicate a pro-gay message coming from them. Towleroad was seeing some sort of gay centric marketing in the album artwork also shown on this post. They humbly admit to reading their own wishes into the artwork. When I was gay identified and a part of that community, almost every male celebrity with half a brain or in touch with his emotions … (or good looking) was either gay, pro-gay and at the very least bi-sexual. It was more wishful thinking than reality.

Another point is found in this article. It is a review of the movie 40 Year Old Virgin ( I do not recommend seeing this movie) and quotes the movie …

What sets “Virgin” apart from other comedies of its kind is Apatow’s willingness to turn Andy’s friends into flesh-and-blood characters and not broad stereotypes. They’re all a bit weird, but well-intentioned. Even more refreshing is their habit of speaking like real people, particularly in their incessant pop-culture references. One of the film’s hilarious set pieces involve buddies David (Rudd) and Cal (Rogen) playing a video game together while hurling good-natured invective at each other: “You know how I know you’re gay? Because you like Coldplay.” (emphasis mine.)

Apparently Coldplay also fits a stereotype of being “gay.” I don’t know what that would be considering I am not that familiar with the band. Seeing that all things in any movie is contrived to resonate with audiences, they put that line in the movie with the intent and understanding that many of the audience members would relate to the allegation and agree.

So while it would be too simplistic to reduce this down to three points, and taking into account that I am not a Coldplay groupie, I am going to try and summarize my findings. Mixing empathy, wishful thinking and stereotypes could cause a compelling case to believe that they do have a large gay identified fan base.

Even so, … what does that mean, if anything, to you? I believe entertainment comes down to personal conviction and I am personally convicted that Coldplay is boring. I would probably only enjoy listening to them if I was wanting low-key background music while I did something else (like draw.) Now, if I was a big fan, I don’t believe that this rumor of a gay identified fan base would stop me from enjoying their music. Life shouldn’t be reduced to being about “us and them” or if they like it maybe I shouldn’t. It’s much more complicated and personal than that.

For Christians, we are told in the scriptures to capture all thoughts “obedient” and submit them to Christ. He being the Great Teacher will then either steward us away from those influences, use them to edify us or turn them for good somehow. We will all have artists we need to stay away from and some that the Lord would use to speak to or train us. He has used popular culture and entertainment to help train me in applying my faith toward the messages being promoted. This journey will be different for each person.

Artists and musicians are very important messengers of our times. Being aware of and able to engage those messengers is a very important ministry. In fact, if it is true that Coldplay has a large gay identified fan base, understanding their work may prove very beneficial in being able to communicate, on common ground with authenticity, with those who identify as gay and like Coldplay.

Of course, in my case, I don’t know if any Coldplay fan would appreciate me describing how bored I get listening to their music.

And as usual, I reserve the right to be wrong ...

Source: http://randythomas.vox.com/

Who was responsible for the derogatory Coldplay poster that was put up during the Brits ceremony? Well, now we know...

“This evening at 10:00 pm dr.d hit a billboard bang opposite the Brit awards, the British music industry’s annual self-congratulatory love-fest. For all their talk of fair trade, presumably Chris Martin and the other boys in Coldplay do not mind performing at a heavily policed event sponsored by Mastercard from which the people who actually buy their CDs are excluded. They also do not seem to object to having their gigs and records promoted by Clear Channel, a company which now pretty much has a monopoly in the promotion of recordings and the staging of events….”

All the best,

Mother

http://www.woostercollective.com/

Its executives claim to have held talks with Mick Jagger, Bono, Prince and Chris Martin about promotional links with CDs. Its muscle in the market means it has a global influence on tastes and trends.

The newspaper USA Today observed: ‘Like Oprah Winfrey, Starbucks is emerging as a self-appointed culture guru. It’s drawing folks who want a jolt of what’s “in” with their java… Starbucks manages to project itself as both hero and renegade.’ This makes it all things to all people, says Simon.

Source: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2000413,00.html

Poor Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) just can’t catch a break. On his sitcom, he’s stuck in a horrible black wig and red glasses, forever mandated to repeat a catchphrase he’s beginning to loathe (see above). And last week he was humiliated (brilliantly) by David Bowie. “Chubby little loser.Pathetic little fan man,” Bowie crooned. Which just about sums up how Andy’s feeling again tonight (10 p.m., HBO) when, while dining with Maggie (Ashley Jensen; yes, the seamstress on “Ugly Betty”), he picks the wrong restaurant patron to shush. The cameos in this show always hit their mark, and tonight Daniel Radcliffe (”Harry Potter”) has a cocky turn. Dame Diana Rigg imparts a grammar lesson.

Look for Chris Martin shilling a Coldplay LP next week.

The album is red double-sided which consists of all the tracks from X&Y, together with a bonus DVD containing all the released B-Sides [audio], together with the released singles on video and also a track by track interview with the band.

Release date is 30th January 2007. The full tracklisting is below.

Tracklisting:

Disc. 1

1. Square One

2. What If

3. White Shadows

4. Fix You

5. Talk

6. X&Y

7. Speed Of Sound

8. A Message

9. Low

10. The Hardest Part

11. Swallowed In The Sea

12. Twisted Logic

13. +

Disc. 2

1. [Audio Only Section] Things I Don’t Understand

2. Proof

3. The World Turned Upside Down

4. Pour Me [Live at The Hollywood Bowl]

5. Sleeping Sun

6. Gravity

7. [Video Section] Speed Of Sound

8. Fix You

9. Talk

10. The Hardest Part

11. X&Y Track by Track Interview

At the end he reveals the above said. You can download it here

[Thanks YoL]

Lang and Eno had been discussing the Talking Heads' influence on current pop music, so Lang had to ask if the new Coldplay album will sound at all like that band. Eno laughed and replied, "Funnily enough, I mentioned to David Byrne the other day that we are trying very hard to stay clear of Talking Heads."

To hear the full interview, in which Eno talks about his current art exhibits, his views on spirituality, and his take on the state of the music industry, click here.

More on this story here [thanks Ondes Martenot & Katie]

The Who, Arctic Monkeys and Bjork are set to play western England's famed Glastonbury Festival this year, according to event founder Michael Eavis.

While organizers usually try to keep the lineup of the massively popular three-day contemporary music festival under wraps, Eavis has been dropping hints about this year's performers throughout a spate of interviews with the BBC, music magazine NME and other British media outlets this week.

For instance, Eavis has confirmed that legendary rockers The Who would be one of the June event's headliners, after guitarist Pete Townsend recently told a radio station that the group would take the Glastonbury stage this summer.

Eavis has also admitted that festival favourite Bjork is set to return and that he was looking forward to seeing hit newcomers Arctic Monkeys on stage.

He has also hinted that Canadians Arcade Fire may perform.

During a BBC interview on Wednesday, Eavis said the "biggest band in the world" had contacted him about performing after pop singer Kylie Minogue said she was too busy to headline this year's festival.

He said elsewhere on Thursday that this unnamed band is a "modern" group and was not U2, Coldplay or Radiohead.

Glastonbury organizers have instituted a new system, in which those interested in buying tickets for the June 22-24 event must pre-register and supply a passport-sized photo that will be printed on the eventual ticket. The measure is an attempt to prevent scalpers from selling the valuable tickets for sky-high prices.

Glastonbury, officially known as the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, is considered the world's largest greenfield music and performing arts event.

Eavis took a break in 2006, calling it a "fallow" year for his outdoor venue: the Somerset dairy farm where the event has been held since he founded it in 1970.

About 1,500 people attended Eavis's early, free festivals, which featured artists like David Bowie, Joan Baez and New Order.

Over the years, the festival has grown to attract about 150,000 music lovers a year and has featured performances from veterans like Paul McCartney, Sting, Bob Dylan and James Brown, as well as newer artists like the White Stripes, Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand and the Scissor Sisters.

The right songs at the right times let you jog faster, feel happier, or wallow in your own personal pit of despair until you feel like emerging. Might such tunes give researchers toiling at the microscope, Petri dish or pipette that extra little bit of auditory inspiration to get through endless days at the lab bench?

It’s worth a try, and like a bee dancing to direct the hive to honey, Inkling is here to guide you to some sweet options with our Top Ten Songs about Science. May your research reap the rewards. Or just your ears. In reverse order:

3. Speed of Sound by COLDPLAY Coldplay - X & Y - Speed of Sound

This ethereal, flowing tune possesses a highly promising title, though it woefully misinforms fans on some important values in the world of math and physics. We begin to see Coldplay’s errant scientific lyricism with, “I look up at night / the planets are moving at the speed of light.” Sadly, Chris Martin, the fastest of the planets, Mercury, moves at 47,900 meters per second, while the speed of light is a smidge faster, at 299,792,458 m/s. The song also states, “Birds go flying at the speed of sound.” Wishful thinking, again, Coldplay. The fastest known bird, widely believed to be the peregrine falcon, parts the air at about 185 miles per hour in a dive (compared to sound’s ripping 769 mph). But if no genius astrophysicists or ornithologists emerge from the next generation of America’s youth, will I blame Coldplay? With notes so sweet and a tune so catchy, I suppose not.

The Arctic Monkeys and Bjork are the first major acts to be confirmed for this year's Glastonbury music festival.

The Arctic Monkeys will headline the main Pyramid Stage during the event on Michael Eavis' Somerset farm in June. "Most of the line-up's done now," Mr Eavis told BBC 6Music, adding that the "biggest band in the world" had also contacted him about performing, but he denied it was U2 or Coldplay. "You won't know until after 1 April", when tickets go on sale, he said.

Fans will be able to pre-register for tickets during February by filling in a form online. They will also have to submit a photograph, which will be printed on their tickets in an attempt to beat touts.

The Manchester institution has been a platform for the likes of Radiohead, Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys in their early days and now it is hoped more bands will gain exposure stateside. The first of the two events lined up takes place at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square on June 13 to 14.

The shows will feature a headline UK act and also an unsigned artist selected from the In The City event in Manchester last autumn. A plethora of US artists will also play gigs around the Big Apple.

A selection of classic performances from artists featured on Later with Jools Holland. In this edition, Coldplay perform singles from their album Parachutes, including Shiver, Yellow and Don’t Panic.

Starting: 21:50 on Wednesday 31st January. Duration: 10 minutes

Showing on BBC HD (High Definition).

With the latest class of Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees recently announced the annual debate has been renewed over whether the Hall will eventually run out of worthy candidates.

If so, will they finally get around to honoring some of the most glaring exiles, like Big Star, Tom Waits, and The Stooges? At the moment, each year's nominees are forwarded by a steering committee of just under a hundred music industry veterans and rock journalists, then voted on by just under a thousand of the same.

Insiders like critic Dave Marsh have indicated that not all those voters are as aware as they should be of the major artists in genres like punk and hip-hop, and though two inexplicably delayed candidates—Patti Smith and Grandmaster Flash—were granted induction this year, there are serious concerns among rock historians about whether the most influential and enduring acts of the last 25 years will get a fair hearing when their time comes. With that in mind, and with the Hall's mission of honoring those who had "a significant impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of rock and roll," The A.V. Club here considers the pros and cons of a handful of Hall-worthy acts, some of whom are eligible already.Coldplay

Why it might make the Hall: Bandleader Chris Martin has friends in nearly every recording-industry clique, from socially conscious rockers to, improbably, the hip-hop community, which recognizes good hooks when it hears them. Coldplay-haters may grumble that the band will only make the Hall because it's safe and soft, but Martin clearly has an ear for what lasts. Only three albums into its career, Coldplay has already made two widely beloved LPs.

Why it might not: Unfortunately, those beloved albums are the first two. Coldplay's third album, X&Y, was kind of a bummer, and unless the next effort is a significant improvement, the band may not have the longevity that a Hall Of Fame candidate needs. Also, Coldplay's fortunes may be tied to Radiohead's. If the more critically acclaimed Britpop band of the '00s hasn't made it in by the time Coldplay is eligible (2023, by the way), don't expect much support.

Odds: 5-1. Surely Martin will write a few more modern-rock standards over the next decade or so.

Read the other entrants here

Chris Martin has praised Scottish rockers Travis for having such a big influence on young musicians, crediting the Scottish band for the creation of Martin's own group, Coldplay.

Appearing as a guest presenter on the UK's Radio 1 alongside Shaun Of The Dead actor Simon Pegg last night (19th Jan), Martin unveiled Travis' new song, Big Chair, to the delight of fans across the country. Martin gushed, "We're gonna finish with an incredible exclusive, we're very privileged to play it, it's a new song by the band Travis, the band that invented my band and lots of others."

But while lead singer of Travis, Fran Healy, was delighted at the song's debut, the airing was a little earlier than expected. He says, "I thought it was going to get played (on Saturday 20th Jan). I checked the Radio 1 website a few days ago and I'm sure it said Chris was on (Saturday) but what a nice surprise. "Thanks Chris, I must return the favour one day!"

Source: contactmusic.com

Coldplay are expected to return with a new studio album much sooner than originally anticipated.

The band told their fans that they were disappearing from the public eye at last year's Brit Awards, but a new CD is almost completed following the success of some recent recording sessions.

"There's no-one more surprised than the band. They genuinely did intend to take these sessions at a very leisurely pace," a source told the Daily Star. "However, they went better than anyone could possibly have hoped for and a vast amount of material is already in the can."

More on this here [thanks clockpolitiks]

19:00

Jay Z - 'Kingdom Come' (Roc A Fella)

Bloc Party - 'The Prayer' (Wichita)

David Bowie - 'Ashes To Ashes' (RCA)

MIA - 'Where Were You In 92' (XL)

Hottest Record In The World

Enter Shikari - 'Sorry You're Not A Winner' (Ambush Reality)

Crowdrocker

Arcade Fire - 'Neighbourhood Part 3 (Power Out) (Rough Trade)

REM - 'Me In Honey' (Warner)

Milk Teeth - 'Go Faster Stripes' (.)

Nick Cave And Kylie Minogue - 'Where The Wild Roses Grow' (Mute)

Nas - 'Made You Look' (Columbia)

20:00

Breaks Co-Op - 'The Otherside' (Parlophone)

Hole - 'Malibu' (Polydor)

CSS - 'Lets Make Love And Listen To Death From ABove' (Sub Pop)

Talking Heads - 'Life During Wartime' (Sire)

The High Wire - 'Saint Bees' (,)

My Bloody Valentine - 'Soon' (Creation)

Hot Chip - 'Boy From School' (EMI)

Secret Machines - 'Alone, Jealous and Stoned' (Reprise)

Travis - 'Big Chair' (Indepentiente)

Kanye West is hard at work on his next album, Graduation, tentatively due in late 2007 via Def Jam. The artist tells Billboard the likely first single from the album will be "Homecoming" featuring Coldplay's Chris Martin, who recently guested on a track from Jay-Z's comeback album, Kingdom Come.

One collaborator from West's 2005 album Late Registration who will be returning for Graduation is multi-instrumentalist Jon Brion. "We'll be working together again on the new project," West promises. "Jon wasn't just a producer -- he was such a good friend and a great person to bounce ideas off of in the studio. It was the whole experience."

West has also been busy behind the boards, having recently produced tracks for Nas' Hip-Hop Is Dead and The Game's Doctor's Advocate. And, as previously reported, the artist will soon be featured in an HBO series "loosely based" on his life. Curb Your Enthusiasm mastermind Larry Charles will executive produce.

Whilst Zane Lowe is on holiday stars from the world of music stepped up to host the biggest show on the radio.

Chris Martin hosted the 18 January programme while Zane was on leave.

Download the show here [registered members only]

Stay tuned for a regularly updated post about the highlights of Chris Martin's big special night as the DJ of Zane Lowe's show at BBC Radio 1 today from 7 pm.

Before taking over the DJ show, Chris talked to Scott Mills, saying he'd brought a keyboard into the studio to do a 2-hours-jazz-show: "So if you're into jazz - tonight's the night!" In addition, when asked whether drinking your wife's breast milk would be fine, Chris simply replies "Yeah", also saying he'd drunk breast milk himself already. Seems like we can expect Chris to be as fun and crazy as usually...

Chris welcomes the radio listeners with a loud scream, followed by the introduction of his "best friend" Simon Pegg [comedian and actor; starred in 'Shaun of the Dead', a comedy-horror movie that also featured Chris in a cameo role] and introducing himself with the words "Hello, I'm Chris from the band Coldhead" - and his first tune is, of course, a Jay-Z track!

Next, Chris plays on the keyboard, chats with Simon Pegg and creates his own Radio 1 Jingle. And what's the next tune? The amazing guys of Bloc Party with their brand new song - he says: "My prediction for 2007: Bloc Party are gonna take over!"

Chris comes up with a game and a brilliant jingle going along with it: "Helping with your homework" He calls out for people who need help with geography, science, home economics, French - "oh no, not French, I hate French".

Chris prefers playing some melodies on the keyboard instead of "pretending to be a DJ": "I'm gonna let my music talk."

Chris gets pissed at Simon because he's been calling him "Christopher Martin" non-stop. Simon then goes on to call him Steve instead.

After just 35 minutes, Chris is already sick of his game jingle: "I'm bored of that jingle already, it's even worse than 'Yellow'!"

Chris outs himself as a big Arcade Fire and Dinosaurs fan.

When a 13-year-old girl calls to get help for a romantic poem, Chris says: "Oh, only 13? Something has yet to cross your little door then... I'm just joking!" Chris says he hasn't written poems since he was 25. But he's giving it a try anyway: "I look deeply in your eyes, your thunder breasts.."

When being asked a question about golf courses, Chris goes on rhyming: "To keep the greens green, to keep the bunkers bunky, and to keep the caddies funky."

When introducing an R.E.M. song: "Check this out if you wanna sleep like a baby."

Milk TeethWow, guess what: Chris played a track by Milk Teeth, his brother's band [more info & a picture at the Chris biography page]! Simon then tells listeners to check out their music at their MySpace site.

When asked how Chris and Simon met, Simon tells the story of Chris coming up to him as a "goofy, little geek" when Coldplay were supporting the indie band Toploader a few years ago.

Simon tells Chris: "Everything you say sounds dirty."

When being asked by a listener to come up with original music group names, Chris suggests Cardinals of Idiots and says: "I used to be a big pop star, sunshine. I got everything: I got a car, I got a wife, I got everything. Don't ever disrespect me again! Play a song, man, play something sad, please!" It then goes off to Nick Cave's duet with Kylie Minogue [who's a good friend of Chris], 'Where the Wild Roses Grow'.

Chris tells a story about a radio DJ he splashed water on as a kid, and that the same guy turned into a transvestite a few years later - "Go, guessing", Chris assumes it was because of the water! - Chris is one crazy man!

Chris says that the other Coldplay guys are currently working on new tracks while Chris took 3 hours off to do the radio show.

Chris spreads his wisdom, talking about his self-confidence: "You gotta be hungry, if you wanna be brilliant."

Chris admits once again that he's a big fan of casting show The X Factor and says he feels bad for all the kids being rejected: "I was watching The X Factor and thought to my tiny brain: Chris, could you do that? So I went into some kind of a closet at our house.." Simon interrupts him: "Have you come out yet?" Chris: "You're very funny. So.. I tried to sing one of the songs, going like 'Wishin' on a star..' and even I had to admit, it was terrible."

Question Session:

What was your worst and favourite subject at school?

Favourite: "Music, obviously."

When was the last time that you really truly cried?

I don't wanna get cheesy.. When was the last time I cried - I can't tell you, it's too cheesy. I cried yesterday actually, a little bit, because I heard a friend of mine sing and it was amazing.

He tells Simon: "I cried at your wedding because I had to watch someone I love being taken away from me."

I don't give a flying monkey about these questions.

What is your favourite album of all time?

Hot Fuzz Soundtrack [pictured, right]

What website do you use the most?

The News, or Anime [not sure if he said that], or something..

2006 - lots of great shows, what was the best one?

What about 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'? 'Entourage'?

When dying to answer a question, Chris says: "I'm hoovering at the moment!" and Simon points out he looks like he "is blushing to death."

Chris says he loves the song "Boy from School" by Hot Chip, dedicating it to "Keith and Mark"..

Chris tells a story about once playing a song to Will, but that Will rejected it because it sounded too much like U2's 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'.

Question from Dave from The Zutons [who hosted the Radio 1 show the evening before]: "How many clocks do you have [in your house]?" "Clocks?", Chris asks and goes on playing a bit of the song, adding: "I wrote that. And that's why I'm rich."

Towards the end of the show: "I've only got 15 minutes left and I'm back to being a pop star."

"I know it's cheesy to say but there's nothing better than being in a band. I'm so glad I'm in a band and not a DJ. When you're on the stage with your band, you feel like the world is yours and everything's going to be fine."

Insider info: Chris mentions that his sister is currently doing her GCSEs - means she has to be something around 16 years old!

Chris saying Goodbye: "We're gonna finish with an incredible exclusive, with a song by Travis

Join in the celebrations here (whatever they might be) of the UKs biggest radio station at the mercy of Coldplay's Chris Martin.

Throughout January, BBC Radio 1’s Zane Lowe has been replaced by a string of guest presenters while he’s on leave. Tonight (January 18th), it’s the turn of our very own Chris Martin to take to the mic. The show is on from 7-9pm UK time (listen online at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/zanelowe/)

Radio 1 regular Nihal will be the co-host accompanying the celebs in the second and third week of January. New Zealander Zane is known for playing fresh alternative tracks, including rock, punk and British hip hop, on his flagship show. Will Chris Martin, best known for lyrical ballads such as Yellow and Fix You, manage to follow suit?

19:00

Jay Z - 'Kingdom Come' (Roc A Fella)

Bloc Party - 'The Prayer' (Wichita)

David Bowie - 'Ashes To Ashes' (RCA)

MIA - 'Where Were You In 92' (XL)

Hottest Record In The World

Enter Shikari - 'Sorry You're Not A Winner' (Ambush Reality)

Crowdrocker

Arcade Fire - 'Neighbourhood Part 3 (Power Out) (Rough Trade)

REM - 'Me In Honey' (Warner)

Milk Teeth - 'Go Faster Stripes' (.)

Nick Cave And Kylie Minogue - 'Where The Wild Roses Grow' (Mute)

Nas - 'Made You Look' (Columbia)

20:00

Breaks Co-Op - 'The Otherside' (Parlophone)

Hole - 'Malibu' (Polydor)

CSS - 'Lets Make Love And Listen To Death From ABove' (Sub Pop)

Talking Heads - 'Life During Wartime' (Sire)

The High Wire - 'Saint Bees' (,)

My Bloody Valentine - 'Soon' (Creation)

Hot Chip - 'Boy From School' (EMI)

Secret Machines - 'Alone, Jealous and Stoned' (Reprise)

Travis - 'Big Chair' (Indepentiente)

What do we have hair? Blonde stunners Jennifer Ellison and Gwyneth Paltrow showed off shocking barnets as they hit London nightspots.

Chicago babe Jen, 23, took her fiance Tony Richardson to the premier and after-parties of Sylvester Stallone's flick Rocky Balboa. Maybe she thought she had to make her hair rock-hard too.

Gwyn, 33, sported her dodgy do for din-dins with Coldplay hubby Chris Martin and buddies Madonna and Guy Ritchie at Luciano in London's Mayfair. We wonder what the daily special was. Probably not hare.

Source: The Mirror

Famed producer Mark Ronson makes a return later this month with a new single ahead of his upcoming solo album.

The 10" single that will be hitting record shops on January 29th, includes two cover versions - Britney's Toxic and God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (originally by Coldplay). Even more surprising, the Toxic cover features Dirty McGirt AKA rapper ODB. Both songs act as a predecessor to Ronson's Version album, which will see the talented studio producer covering 12 classic tracks. The LP drops on April 16th and Ronson himself described the story behind the project:

"With 'Version' I've taken these songs that I love and turned them into Motown/Stax 70's versions. I keep the utmost respect and appreciation for the original versions of songs I use. It's not like I'm thinking it's a shit song that I can make good, it's more like it's a great song and I'm now going to make it bounce."

10" Track Listing:

A. Toxic

B. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Coldplay are pleased to announce that Coldplay's UK and Rest of the World online shop has launched a January sale. Until February 6th, all orders over £10 will receive a 10% discount - simply enter the code "twistedlogic" in the Voucher box when you make your purchase.

Several items in the store have also been reduced, meaning you effectively get a double discount when you take off the 10% too. So, for example, the fetching Glastonbury 2005 T-shirt shown above is reduced from £17.99 to £13.49. The 10% discount applies to everything in the shop, from T-shirts to CDs to the very swanky lithographs. However, the discount does not apply to postage.

Click here to go directly to the E-shop now.