And the final will be…
Switzerland v Italy
Congratulations to Matt and Pete, commiserations to Alyson and Greg, both of whom produced performances that lit up this tournament. Switzerland powered through their semi, whereas Italy beat France by[…]

I went and saw My Bloody Valentine on Friday night, at the behest of Pitchfork. Here’s what I thought of it. (photos not mine). This is, I think, the first live review I’ve ever written for (non-FT) publication – it was fun to do, e[…]

A place in the final awaits the winners of each match: Switzerland and Portugal previously drew, and France thumped Italy in their group match, but form counts for nothing now: ONLY THE WILL TO WIN (and a good track). Listen to the tracks, vote in th[…]

The edition of Top of the Pops on the 8th November 1979 featured The Specials (A Message To You, Rudy), Madness (One Step Beyond), and The Selecter (On My Radio). UK pop buyers officially loved the “2 Tone” label. The distinctive checkere[…]

France take on Russia for the third semi-final place: listen to the tracks, vote in the poll.

How to vote: Just tick the track you like the most. Because I’m going on a mini-break at the end of the week this poll will be up until Monday 16th. […]

With the knockout stages of the Europop tournament well underway, I asked a few managers – for their highlights of the game so far (these interviews conducted before the Switzerland-Germany result):
Who do you think will win? (more…)[…]

Poland take on Portugal for a place in the semis. Play the tracks, vote, and look below the cut for managerial comment, track ID, analysis, results and previews. Please don’t download the tracks unless you intend to vote – thanks!

How to[…]

Into the fantabulous knockout stage of Europop 2008 – hosts Switzerland topped Group A, but come up against a steadily improving German side. Click below the cut for track IDs, managerial comment, match reports and previews.

How to vote: Just […]

14. Messiah – Temple Of Dreams
Without further ado! The engines are throbbing at the start line, ready for Richard Dawson’s Running Man evocation to wave the chequered flag: “It’s time… to start…. RUNNING!” A[…]

Group D concludes with Spain and Russia needing wins against Greece and Sweden respectively. Listen, vote, and below the cut you’ll find track details, comment, analysis, match reports and previews.

How to vote: If you download the songs pleas[…]