Key Notes Returns!

Fear not, Key Notes hasn't gone the way of Zavvi or Lehman Brothers.  No, instead it was writing of a different variety, a hole in his leg and an addiction to appreciation of online poker that has distracted him. 

The 'new' Point
Christmas and New Year proved a quiet time gig wise but Key Notes did get his first 'audience member' look at the O2.  First off, it's a cracking venue and though he was there to see a comedy act it was clear that the set up is such that there really isn't a bad seat in the house.  Sound wise it also proved top notch.  Indeed Key Notes only complaint about the whole set up is that he had to choose between parking in Fleet Street and walking for 30 minutes or paying 15 recession Europe's to park near the venue only to get stuck in traffic before and after the event.  That and the branding...those blue lights will give you a headache.

Choice Music Prize Nominations
It's that time of year when the Choice Music Prize judges announce their shortlist and blogs around the country react with fury as to why their favourite band artist hasn't been selected.  Key Notes is no different and is surprised that neither Ham Sandwich nor The Dudley Corporation managed to make the cut.  However, it seems that most of the criticism this year comes from the selection of The Script, purveyors of heavily produced 'OC soundtrack' music that, while it might make teenage girls (and Key Notes' friend Jo) weak at the knees, has no place on a list that contains the beauty of Lisa Hannigan's Sea Sew and the genius of David Holmes' The Holy Pictures.

The shortlist in full is:

Fight Like Apes - Fight Like Apes and the Mystery of the Golden Medallion (Model Citizen)
Mick Flannery - White Lies (EMI)
Halfset - Another Way of Being There (Casino Gravity Records)
Lisa Hannigan - Sea Sew (Own label)
David Holmes - The Holy Pictures (Canderblinks)
Jape - Ritual (Co-Op)
Messiah J & The Expert - From The Word Go (Inaudible)
Oppenheimer Take The Whole Mid-Range And Boost It (Fantastic Plastic)
R.S.A.G. - Organic Sampler (Psychonavigation)
The Script - The Script (Sony Music)

Key Notes thinks that The Script will be early favourites with the redtops and Fight Like Apes with the public but that it will end up like last year and they'll draw a name out of a hat when the panel can't choose between the two best albums on the list (Disclaimer: this probably didn't happen last year and the best album won...probably).  Of this list, Key Notes wouldn't mind if Lisa Hannigan, David Holmes or Jape walked away with the prize

A Sorry State of Affairs
It comes as no surprise (indeed Key Notes was told before Christmas that it was 'probably' going to happen as advertising income was 'below expectations') but the end of State magazine as a printed publication brings to an end an interesting period in Irish music journalism.  It's appearance certainly made Hot Press up their efforts but its demise is a reflection of both global economic conditions and an inertia amongst advertisors who, when faced with a choice between something new and risky and something established and safe will always choose the safe option. 

Key Notes for one, would like to wish State best of luck in its online only guise but if you're looking for a website that offers the best in reviews, blogs, discussion and news then CLUAS in 2009 is the only site you'll need.

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