ThePensmith

Their Radio 2 Piano Room set was gorgeous, it's on iPlayer now. They did "Falling Into You", "Black Coffee" and also a cover of "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell:

I agree, it's nice that they're doing it gradually by the looks of things! And yeah the Radio 2 support and also with their slot on Piano Room tomorrow is another big tick. The reason why "Falling Into You" works for me is because it's a natural continuation / progression from what they did on Everything's Eventual, and it sounds timeless yet still of their sound. Working with Gareth Young who was a big part of that album, and in particular "Fantasy", underlines that. I'm almost wondering if they might do well to get a support slot on tour for another band from their same era? It served All Saints well when they did the Backstreet Boys and Take That tours. Trouble is I can't think of anyone touring this year (to my knowledge) that might be a good fit?

Nice new interview with Emma Bunton on her Heart radio show last night: Nic is also the guest on Sophie Ellis-Bextor's podcast Spinning Plates this week. I listened to it this afternoon and again, very insightful!

Now on the A List at Radio 2. There's a new interview with them on the UK Rolling Stone site - they'll be announcing more gigs soon by the looks of things although the album might be a while away yet: https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/nicole-and-natalie-appleton-on-their-return-as-a-duo-its-a-dream-come-true-58335/

Girl Thing all the way back in 2000 is the proof, if any were needed, that projects which are just a front for Simon's own hubris and ego never end up gaining traction because, as half the comments attest here, people see right through it. Of course it's not the boys' fault, and one hopes they'll be able to springboard to other opportunities after this. Because I don't honestly see this lasting beyond the next 10 months.

Record Store Day release list for this year (18th April) is out: https://irp.cdn-website.com/67794b89/files/uploaded/RSD26+Releases+PDF.pdf Quite a few Buzzjack favourites - among them, Mel B, Perrie, Demi Lovato - all seeing releases this year. Don't think I'll be bothering this year, there's nothing here I'd be absolutely desperate to own compared to recent years.

Penny has finally dropped for me tonight that it's Marvin who is Can of Worms. I reckon Davina has it right that Mica Paris is Toastie. Moth is Keisha, no question.

The Tamperer feat. Maya - "Feel It" sold about 48,000 or so the week it climbed to number one in May 1998. The following week it fell back to #4 but increased sales week-on-week to about 68k (which bizarrely was actually its biggest sales week): https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1998/Music-Week-1998-06-06.pdf

Just been made Record of the Week at Radio 2!

New interview with Chris Evans on Virgin Radio Breakfast Show yesterday:

Appleton - Falling Into You

Just gorgeous 😍 Can't wait to hear what the rest of the new album sounds like!

I've heard a short preview and it's really good, very melodic sounding. Gareth Young who produced their first single "Fantasy" has worked on this one as well!

And here's the single cover! Out tomorrow ☺️

They're on Scott Mills on Radio 2 on Thursday morning. Also just been confirmed to do the Radio 2 Piano Room next month on 19th February.

Interview on BBC Breakfast yesterday: Having had the album on all weekend, it's miles better than Marry Me for me. He's spoken about this as being the album he wanted to make after he came off The X Factor and I think that's evident in the sonic reference points - ska, Madness, The Streets etc. The fact he's not touring this album (at the moment, it's just the Kentish Town Forum show next month and nothing else - as of yet - beyond that) would suggest that this is not something geared towards a wider audience than his previous albums and more of a passion project for want of a better expression. TikTok can go in the trash where it belongs.

Joke it might have been, but that was in really poor taste. Not impressed by that at all.

He posted this voice note on his Instagram channel this morning. Either he's joking or this is real because several news sites are reporting about it. I'm heartbroken if it's true 😢

"Until The Time Is Through" came out 27 years ago today, so they've uploaded their TOTP performance on their YouTube: I have to say I love that they've done this one on the new tour. One of their more underrated singles. I miss the days of pop bands releasing ballads in November or for Christmas!

It's behind a paywall but there's a new interview with The Independent here: https://archive.ph/2025.11.15-173514/https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/olly-murs-selfridges-cause-mayhem-never-felt-so-scared-4021557

Not just their best song, but the best pop song of the last 20 years.

Small tip - Alexis Strum is releasing a new Christmas song tomorrow. I've heard it and it's gorgeous, it's called "I Won't Be Lonely (This Christmas)": InstagramAlexis Strum on Instagram: "I can’t believe I’m doing thi...70 likes, 9 comments - alexisstrum on November 5, 2025: "I can’t believe I’m doing this- I must be nuts to go up against all the big guns but f&&k it, when do I ever go for the easy option? And I r...

Well I have to say my O2 show was last night - and it blew me away! For numerous reasons. Firstly, I got multiple hi-5s off J, Abz and Scott when they came down the walkway of the pit standing area(!) Secondly. It was just so lovely to see them happy, healing and really taking it in and taking each other in. And considering most of them are mid-late 40s now - man can they still knock the choreo and the energy and just the pure vibes. Yes there was a bit of roughness around the edges, but that's always been part of their charm. I really hope this has planted some seed for them of doing more together beyond this tour. If Steps and Westlife can do it with new music, I feel like they really could.

Confirmed this morning that they're performing on day one of Mighty Hoopla next summer: InstagramNicole Appleton on Instagram: "We are so excited to perfo...1,326 likes, 134 comments - nicoleappleton on November 10, 2025: "We are so excited to perform as Appleton again!! We will be joining the line up of next years @mightyhoopla on May 30th. Tickets on...