Stowaway World Cup – Group of 16 – Games 3 & 4

Game 3: Erasure versus Goldfrapp

The winner of Group C and runner-up of Group D take one another on in this Mute Records local derby.

1. 6+6. No goal.
2. 5+1. No goal.
3. 5+3. No goal.
4. 5+1. No goal.
5. 3+3. No goal.
6. 3+2. No goal.
7. 5+2. No goal.
8. 3+2. No goal.
9. 4+6. Right at the end of the game, a goal attempt. Goal for most weeks on UK album chart. 1-0.
10. 6+4. Another attempt. Goal for worst performance in previous games. Goldfrapp equalise, 1-1.

So, for the first time, we enter extra time.

1. 4+1. Goal for most weeks on UK single chart. 2-1.
2. 5+3. No goal.
3. 2+4. Goal for quality of last album. Both were fairly iffy, to be honest, but the referee thinks Goldfrapp‘s was marginally better. 2-2.
4. 5+1. No goal.

Penalties! OK, so Erasure won the toss, so will go first. As with fouls, if the dice add up to an even number, it’s a goal.

1. Erasure: 4+3. No goal.
2. Goldfrapp: 3+5. Goal! 2-3.
3. Erasure: 1+4. No goal.
4. Goldfrapp: 6+3. No goal.
5. Erasure: 3+1. Goal! 3-3.
6. Goldfrapp: 4+3. No goal.
7. Erasure: 3+3. Goal! 4-3.
8. Goldfrapp: 3+6. No goal.
9. Erasure: 4+4. Goal! 5-3.

Goldfrapp can no longer win. So, after nail-biting extra time and penalties, Erasure win 5-3.

Game 4: Kraftwerk versus Massive Attack

The winner of Group D and runner-up of Group C in a potential battle of the bands.

1. 3+1. No goal.
2. 1+1. No goal.
3. 4+4. No goal.
4. 6+2. Goal for best album. Sorry Massive Attack, but you let in a belter here. 1-0.
5. 2+1. Goal for most charismatic performer(s). Massive Attack equalise. 1-1.
6. 2+3. Goal for highest number of views of a post on this blog. That would be the Beginner’s guide to Kraftwerk, with 345 views. 2-1.
7. 4+6. Goal for most weeks on UK album chart. Kraftwerk‘s limited chart success shows, as they let in another equaliser. 2-2.
8. 5+6. No goal.
9. 6+5. Goal for most impressive haircut. The referee awards that to Ralf Hütter for his pre-fame long hair. 3-2.
10. 6+2. Foul. 3+4. Crucial penalty for Massive Attack, but an odd number, so no goal. Kraftwerk sneak a win, 3-2.

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Stowaway World Cup – Week 2

So, we reach the end of the group stages, in this entirely pointless competition. There were a few surprises. Group A saw Jean-Michel Jarre and Madonna and Yazoo advance. Group B was led by Kylie Minogue and Depeche Mode, while Sparks crashed out without a single win. Group C was led by Erasure and Massive Attack, and Group D by Kraftwerk and Goldfrapp. Group E saw The Beloved knocked out, with Pet Shop Boys and I Monster leading the pack. Group F was led by Air and Röyksopp, with OMD and Enigma knocked out. Group G was led by David Bowie and The Human League, and Group H by New Order and The Future Sound of London.

So those are the Group of 16, with some tricky games coming up this week, and at the end of this week we’ll also enter the all-unexciting quarter finals. So it’s a good time for some tweaks to the rules for the remainder of the competition.

Going forward:

1. You need an outright win – no more draws. We’ll have 4 throws of extra time, followed by penalties.
2. 6+6 is no longer a foul. Instead, a repeated throw is a foul, but only if it was going to be a goal attempt. If it’s a pair, we’ll ignore it, but if not, the foul was committed by the higher-scoring side (left = left team, right = right team). If the sum of the dice is even, it’s a scored penalty.
3. To reduce the number of goal chances, any double throws are no goal from now on.
4. Most of the goal-scoring categories will change to a new set of spurious deciders.

Stowaway World Cup – Group Stages – Games 41-44

Game 41: Delerium / Front Line Assembly / Conjure One versus Madonna and Yazoo

1. 6+5. Goal for funniest band picture. 0-1.
2. 5+5. No goal.
3. 1+1. No goal.
4. 6+4. Goal for highest number of search engine results. 0-2.
5. 3+3. No goal.
6. 2+3. Goal for quality of first album. Easy goal for Yazoo. 0-3.
7. 2+1. Goal for most charismatic performer(s). Madonna. 0-4.
8. 6+4. Re-roll. 3+4. No goal.
9. 1+5. No goal.
10. 3+6. No goal. The odd pairing of Madonna and Yazoo win 0-4.

Game 42: Sparks versus Everything But The Girl

1. 3+2. No goal.
2. 3+5. No goal.
3. 4+5. Goal for number of UK hit albums. Everything But The Girl take an early lead. 0-1.
4. 3+2. No goal.
5. 5+1. No goal.
6. 1+6. No goal.
7. 1+4. No goal.
8. 4+5. Re-roll. 5+2. No goal.
9. 2+5. Goal for best artwork. Could go either way, but Walking Wounded and Temperamental are particularly great. 0-2.
10. 5+5. No goal, and a shocker! Everything But The Girl win 0-2, sadly pushing Sparks to the bottom of this tough group.

Game 43: Saint Etienne versus Massive Attack

1. 6+2. Goal for highest estimated total sales. Difficult to know for sure, so no goal.
2. 2+6. Goal for number of permanent members. Saint Etienne score. 1-0.
3. 1+3. No goal.
4. 1+3. No goal.
5. 6+4. Goal for highest number of search engine results. 1-1.
6. 2+6. Re-roll. 6+3. Goal for highest number of mentions on blog. 2-1.
7. 3+5. No goal.
8. 1+1. No goal.
9. 4+2. Goal for most years between first and last hit. Very close, but Massive Attack just have it. 2-2.
10. 5+2. No goal. Draw! 2-2.

Game 44: Kraftwerk versus Hot Chip

1. 6+3. Goal for highest number of mentions on blog. 1-0.
2. 2+2. Goal for number of studio albums to date. 2-0.
3. 5+5. No goal.
4. 3+1. No goal.
5. 4+5. Goal for number of UK hit albums. 3-0.
6. 2+1. Goal for most charismatic performer(s). 3-1.
7. 5+5. No goal.
8. 2+5. Goal for best artwork. 4-1.
9. 6+6. Foul. 2+4. One of Hot Chip gets sent off.
10. 1+5. No goal. Kraftwerk win 4-1.

Stowaway World Cup – Group Stages – Games 25-28

Game 25: Little Boots versus Madonna and Yazoo

1. 6+4. Goal for highest number of search engine results. Madonna clinches a goal. 0-1.
2. 1+2. No goal.
3. 1+4. No goal.
4. 6+5. Goal for funniest band picture. 0-2.
5. 2+1. Goal for most charismatic performer(s). Little Boots is great, but Madonna has to take this one. 0-3.
6. 4+3. Goal for highest number of remixes of another artist. Little Boots has a few to her name, so 1-3.
7. 2+2. Goal for number of studio albums to date. Easy goal. 1-4.
8. 5+5. No goal.
9. 6+4. Replay. 1+6. No goal.
10. 4+4. Goal for number of UK top ten hits. That’s Madonna again. 1-5.

Game 26: Kylie Minogue versus Everything But The Girl

1. 3+5. No goal.
2. 4+1. Goal for highest debut position on UK singles chart. 1-0.
3. 5+2. No goal.
4. 6+4. Goal for highest number of search engine results. 2-0.
5. 1+1. No goal.
6. 4+4. Goal for number of UK top ten hits. 3-0.
7. 3+1. No goal.
8. 1+5. No goal.
9. 4+2. Goal for most years between first and last hit. 4-0.
10. 2+1. Goal for most charismatic performer(s). Another easy win for Kylie. 5-0.

Game 27: Massive Attack versus Shit Robot

1. 5+1. No goal.
2. 6+2. Goal for highest estimated total sales. 1-0.
3. 3+6. No goal.
4. 6+1. Goal for number of BRIT Award wins. 2-0.
5. 5+1. No goal.
6. 1+3. No goal.
7. 2+5. Goal for best artwork. Both have had some great moments, but let’s give this one to Massive Attack. 3-0.
8. 6+6. Foul. 4+5. Goal for number of UK hit albums. Penalty goal for Massive Attack. 4-0.
9. 1+5. No goal.
10. 2+6. Goal for number of permanent members. Another huge win – Massive Attack win 5-0.

Game 28: Hot Chip versus Bent

1. 2+4. Goal for quality of last album. Both are great, and I don’t think I can call this one. No goal.
2. 3+3. No goal.
3. 2+2. Goal for number of studio albums to date. 1-0.
4. 5+1. No goal.
5. 4+6. Goal for total weeks on UK album chart. 2-0.
6. 1+4. No goal.
7. 2+5. Goal for best artwork. I’m awarding it to Bent for Ariels. 2-1.
8. 2+4. Re-roll. 5+5. No goal.
9. 6+3. Goal for highest number of mentions on blog. 3-1.
10. 1+6. No goal. So Hot Chip win 3-1. Decisive, but not quite as big a win as the other games today.

Stowaway World Cup – Group Stages – Games 1-4

Game 1: Jean-Michel Jarre versus Madonna and Yazoo

1. 3+2. No goal.
2. 4+1. Goal for debut position on UK singles chart. Jean-Michel Jarre entered at number 22, Madonna entered at 53, and Yazoo entered at 72, so Jean-Michel Jarre leads 1-0.
3. 3+2. No goal.
4. 6+2. Goal for selling price of rarest item. Jean-Michel Jarre‘s single-copy Musique pour Supermarché sold for 10,500 Euros in 1983, which seems to trump anything I can find by the other two. Jean-Michel Jarre leads 2-0.
5. 6+3. Goal for highest number of mentions on blog. At the time of writing, Jean-Michel Jarre had 227 posts, Madonna had 59, and Yazoo had 50. Jean-Michel Jarre leads 3-0.
6. 5+3. No goal.
7. 5+5. No goal.
8. 2+2. Goal for number of studio albums to date. Jean-Michel Jarre just released his 23rd, Madonna has 14, and Yazoo had just two. Jean-Michel Jarre is now leading 4-0 in this “thrilling” game.
9. 2+1. Goal for most charismatic performer(s). Tricky. Jarre has lasers and citywide spectaculars, but Madonna seems to put on a good show too. It probably has to be Jean-Michel Jarre, putting him up to 5-0.
10. 5+5. No goal. Jarre wins 5-0.

Game 2: Depeche Mode versus Everything But The Girl

1. 6+6. Foul, decided by another dice roll. 6+2. Goal for selling price of rarest item. Depeche Mode‘s was $3,392.87, which seems to trump anything by Everything But The Girl. Depeche Mode lead 1-0.
2. 2+2. Goal for number of studio albums to date. Depeche Mode lead 2-0.
3. 1+5. No goal.
4. 5+5. No goal.
5. 1+5. No goal.
6. 6+6. Another foul! The higher die in the next pair is playing dirty! 5+6. So Ben Watt is sent off.
7. 3+6. No goal.
8. 6+5. Goal for funniest band picture. Depeche Mode win hands down, taking their lead to 3-0.
9. 3+4. No goal.
10. 2+6. Goal for number of permanent members. Depeche Mode have three, whereas EBTG have two, one of whom was sent off, so Depeche Mode win conclusively, 4-0.

Game 3: Erasure versus Massive Attack

1. 3+1. No goal.
2. 5+3. No goal.
3. 6+2. Goal for selling price of rarest item. I couldn’t find much of note for either, so we’ll call this no goal, and from now on we’ll replace this with a new goal category.
4. 2+2. Goal for number of studio albums to date. Goal for Erasure. 1-0.
5. 5+4. No goal.
6. 5+4. No goal.
7. 6+3. Goal for highest number of mentions on blog. Goal for Erasure. 2-0.
8. 5+6. No goal.
9. 6+2, which we’ve had before, so 2+6. Goal for number of permanent members. Well, Erasure have only ever had two, whereas Massive Attack have evolved a lot over time. Wikipedia thinks that only 3D is a permanent member, so goal for Erasure. 3-0.
10. 6+4. Goal for highest number of search engine results. I quoted their names and added “band”, so I got 14.2m for Erasure and 1.3m for Massive Attack. Another goal for Erasure. 4-0.

Game 4: Goldfrapp versus Hot Chip

1. 4+1. Goal for debut position on UK singles chart. Goldfrapp had some early minor hits, at 87 and 62, while Hot Chip didn’t even manage to chart with the singles from their first album, so their debut was Over and Over at number 32. Hot Chip lead 0-1.
2. 1+5. No goal.
3. 4+3. Goal for number of UK #1s. Neither has any, so no goal.
4. 2+4. Goal for quality of last album. Goldfrapp have been struggling recently, so goal for Hot Chip. 0-2.
5. 5+6. No goal.
6. 6+6. 3+3. We’ll have to send someone off from both teams.
7. 3+3. No goal.
8. 2+1. Goal for most charismatic performer(s). Very tough, but while Hot Chip are great, they aren’t exactly charismatic. 1-2.
9. 3+4. No goal.
10. 6+6. 2+3. Goal for quality of first album. Clear win for Felt Mountain over Coming On Strong. 2-2, so that’s our first draw!

So that’s it for day 1 – three very decisive wins, and one draw. Let’s see what day 2 holds!

Stowaway World Cup – Start of Play

So, as of yesterday’s post, we know how the groups are looking. The upcoming week will see four games per day, so in a week’s time we should be starting to have a feel for how the results are starting to shape up.

As a reminder, we’re about to start the group stages, with eight groups:

• Group A, with Jean-Michel Jarre as favourite, but any of the other three could qualify
• Group B, a competitive group containing Depeche Mode, Sparks, and Kylie Minogue
• Group C, another competitive group with Erasure, Saint Etienne, and Massive Attack
• Group D, with Goldfrapp, Kraftwerk, and Hot Chip
• Group E, with Pet Shop Boys and three other strong contenders
• Group F, with Röyksopp, OMD, Air, and Enigma
• Group G, with David Bowie and The Human League
• Group H, with New Order and three other strong teams

The excitement begins (and potentially also ends) tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Stowaway World Cup – The Draw

OK, time for the all-important draw. Pot A consists of the top 8 artists by mentions on this blog:

• Pet Shop Boys
• Depeche Mode
• Jean-Michel Jarre
• Röyksopp
• Erasure
• New Order
• David Bowie
• Goldfrapp

Pot B consists of the next eight, except that Moby is busy getting vegan tattoos, so won’t be taking part this year. Delerium, Front Line Assembly, and Conjure One are pretty much the same people anyway, so they have formed a single team together.

• Saint Etienne
• Kraftwerk
• Sparks
• Delerium / Front Line Assembly / Conjure One
• The Human League
• Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
• The Future Sound of London
• The Beloved

Pot C sees a few disqualifications, with Vince Clarke taking part as part of Erasure, and Martin L. Gore playing for Depeche Mode:

• Air
• Little Boots
• Massive Attack
• Kylie Minogue
• I Monster
• William Orbit
• Ladytron
• Hot Chip

Finally, Pot D sees Dave Gahan disqualified for being part of Depeche Mode, plus U2 and Coldplay disqualified for not being very good. Yazoo formed a team with Madonna, for no particularly good reason.

• Madonna and Yazoo
• The Radiophonic Workshop
• Leftfield
• Everything But The Girl
• Shit Robot
• Client
• Enigma
• Bent

After the draw, the eight groups look like this:

• Group A: Jean-Michel Jarre, Delerium / Front Line Assembly / Conjure One, Little Boots, Madonna and Yazoo
• Group B: Depeche Mode, Sparks, Kylie Minogue, Everything But The Girl
• Group C: Erasure, Saint Etienne, Massive Attack, Shit Robot
• Group D: Goldfrapp, Kraftwerk, Hot Chip, Bent
• Group E: Pet Shop Boys, The Beloved, I Monster, Client
• Group F: Röyksopp, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Air, Enigma
• Group G: David Bowie, The Human League, Ladytron, Leftfield
• Group H: New Order, The Future Sound of London, William Orbit, The Radiophonic Workshop

So the first game will be Jean-Michel Jarre versus Madonna and Yazoo, in a couple of days’ time.

Random jukebox – Massive Attack

Massive Attack may have slowed down a bit recently, but their one album released so far this decade was the brilliant Heligoland, and this was the lead single, Splitting the Atom:

Greatest Hits 2019

Time now, at the start of the year, to explore some of the reviews you might have missed in the last year or two. Here’s a selection…

• Delerium – Chimera
• Duran Duran – Rio
• The Human League – Secrets
• Massive Attack – Mezzanine
• Moby – Moby
• Oi Va Voi – Oi Va Voi
• Pet Shop Boys – Actually
• Saint Etienne – Good Humor
• Luke Slater – Alright on Top
• Sylver – Nighttime Calls

Ivor Novello Awards – The 2000s

This is the last post in this series (well, we’ll compile all the winners into one place in a week or two), and what we’ve learned is that the Ivor Novello Awards tend to be either very brave, or very, very misguided. Any year that you choose to pick, yo

Ivor Novello Awards 2000

2000 saw the 45th Ivor Novello Awards ceremony, on 25th May at Grosvenor House.

• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Strong, written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers. Also nominated: You’re Still the One, written by Mutt Lange and Shania Twain; Genie in a Bottle, performed by Christina Aguilera, written by Pam Sheyne, David Frank and Steve Kipner
• Best Contemporary Song: Why Does It Always Rain On Me?, performed by Travis, written by Fran Healy. Also nominated: Rise, written by Gabrielle, Bob Dylan, Ferdy Unger-Hamilton and Ollie Dagois; Beautiful Stranger, written by William Orbit and Madonna
• PRS Most Performed Work: Beautiful Stranger. Also nominated: Strong; That Don’t Impress Me Much, written by Mutt Lange and Shania Twain
• International Hit of the Year: Genie in a Bottle. Also nominated: Ray of Light, written by Madonna, William Orbit, Christine Leach, Clive Muldoon and Dave Curtis; That Don’t Impress Me Much
• Best Selling UK Single: The Millennium Prayer, performed by Cliff Richard, written by Paul Field and Stephen Deal. Also nominated: Sweet Like Chocolate, performed by Shanks and Bigfoot, written by Stephen Meade and Daniel Langsman; That Don’t Impress Me Much
• Best Original Music for a Television / Radio Broadcast: Trial By Fire, composed by Richard G Mitchell. Also nominated: Bad Blood, composed by John Lunn; An Evil Streak, composed by Stanislav Syrewicz
• Best Original Film Score: The World Is Not Enough, composed by David Arnold. Also nominated: Anna and the King, composed by George Fenton; Shakespeare in Love, composed by Stephen Warbeck
• The Ivors Dance Award: Re-Rewind, written by Mark Hill and Craig David; Rendez-Vu, performed by Basement Jaxx, written by Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe. Also nominated: Sweet Like Chocolate
• International Achievement in Musical Theatre: Robert Elhai, Elton John, Lebo M, Tsidii Le Loka, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Tim Rice, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Pet Shop Boys (Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant)
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Geoff Stephens
• Outstanding Song Collection: Madness (Mike Barson, Mark Bedford, Chris Foreman, Cathal Smyth, Suggs, Lee Thompson and Daniel Woodgate)
• Songwriter of the Year: Fran Healy
• The Special International Award: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller

Ivor Novello Awards 2001

The 2001 Ivor Novello Awards ceremony was on 24th May 2001 at Grosvenor House, London.

• Best Contemporary Song: Seven Days, written by Craig David, Mark Hill and Darren Hill. Also nominated: Beautiful Day, performed by U2, written by Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jnr and Adam Clayton; Please Forgive Me, written by David Gray
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Babylon, written by David Gray. Also nominated: Trouble, performed by Coldplay, written by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin; Never Had A Dream Come True, performed by S Club 7, written by Cathy Dennis and Simon Ellis
• Best Original Music for a Television / Radio Broadcast: Gormenghast, composed by Richard Rodney Bennett. Also nominated: Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), composed by David Arnold and Tim Simenon; The Wyvern Mystery, composed by Philip Appleby
• Best Original Film Score: X-Men, composed by Michael Kamen. Also nominated: Chicken Run, composed by John Powell and Harry Gregson-Williams; Gangster No1, composed by Johnny Dankworth
• The Ivors Dance Award: Woman Trouble, written by Mark Hill, Craig David, Robbie Craig and Pete Devereux. Also nominated: Girls Like Us, performed by B-15 Project, written by Ali Campbell, Brian Travers, Dawnette Nevers, Janice Fyffe and Haldane Browne; The Time Is Now, performed by Moloko, written by Róisín Murphy and Mark Brydon
• PRS Most Performed Work: Pure Shores, performed by All Saints, written by Shaznay Lewis and William Orbit. Also nominated: Rise, written by Gabrielle, Ollie Dagois, Ferdy Unger Hamilton and Bob Dylan; Rock DJ, written by Ekundayo Paris, Nelson Pigford, Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers and Kelvin Andrews
• International Hit of the Year: It Feels So Good, written by Sonique, Linus Burdick, Simon Belofsky and Graeme Pleeth. Also nominated: I Turn To You, written by Melanie Chisholm, Rick Nowels and Billy Steinberg; Sexbomb, written by Errol Rennalls and Mousse T
• Best Selling UK Single: Can We Fix It, performed by Bob the Builder, written by Paul Joyce. Also nominated: Pure Shores; It Feels So Good
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: The Clash (Topper Headon, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Joe Strummer)
• Outstanding Song Collection: Roy Wood
• International Achievement: Iron Maiden (Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith)
• Lifetime Achievement: Pete Townshend
• Songwriters of the Year: Craig David and Mark Hill
• The Special International Award: Stevie Wonder

Ivor Novello Awards 2002

23rd May 2002 saw Grosvenor House in London host the Ivor Novello Awards.

• Best Contemporary Song: Shining Light, performed by Ash, written by Tim Wheeler. Also nominated: Clint Eastwood, performed by Gorillaz, written by Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett and Teren Delvon Jones; Thank You, written by Dido Armstrong and Paul Herman
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Walk On, performed by U2, written by Adam Clayton, The Edge, Bono and Larry Mullen Jnr. Also nominated: Side, performed by Travis, written by Fran Healy; Sail Away, written by David Gray
• PRS Most Performed Work: Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, performed by Kylie Minogue, written by Cathy Dennis and Rob Davis. Also nominated: Thank You; Out of Reach, written by Gabrielle and Jonathan Shorten
• Best Selling UK Single: Pure and Simple, performed by Hear’Say, written by Pete Kirtley, Tim Hawes and Alison Clarkson. Also nominated: Can’t Get You Out Of My Head; Whole Again, performed by Atomic Kitten, written by Andy McCluskey, Stuart Kershaw, Bill Padley and Jeremy Godfrey
• The Ivors Dance Award: Can’t Get You Out Of My Head. Also nominated: Do You Really Like It?, performed by DJ Pied Piper, written by Eugene Nwohia, Ronald Nwohia, Paul Newman, Ashley Livingston and Steve Wickham; Where’s Your Head At, performed by Basement Jaxx, written by Felix Buxton, Simon Ratcliffe and Gary Numan
• Best Original Music for a Television / Radio Broadcast: The Blue Planet, composed by George Fenton. Also nominated: Band of Brothers, composed by Michael Kamen; Wild Africa, composed by Christopher Gunning
• Best Original Film Score: Shrek, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell. Also nominated: Quills, composed by Stephen Warbeck; Thirteen Days, composed by Trevor Jones
• International Hit of the Year: Can’t Get You Out Of My Head. Also nominated: Whole Again; Hero, written by Paul Barry, Enrique Iglesias and Mark Taylor
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Kate Bush
• Outstanding Song Collection: Mick Hucknall
• International Achievement: Sting
• Songwriter of the Year: Dido Armstrong
• The Special International Award: Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus

Ivor Novello Awards 2003

The 48th ceremony was on 22nd May 2003 at Grosvenor House, London.

• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: The Other Side, written by David Gray. Also nominated: Strange and Beautiful, performed by Aqualung, written by Matthew Hales and Kim Oliver; Stop Crying Your Heart Out, performed by Oasis, written by Noel Gallagher
• Best Contemporary Song: Weak Become Heroes, performed by The Streets, written by Mike Skinner. Also nominated: It Takes More, written by Ms Dynamite and Punch; In My Place, performed by Coldplay, written by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, Chris Martin
• PRS Most Performed Work: Just A Little, performed by Liberty X, written by Michelle Escoffery, John Hammond Hagan, George Hammond Hagan. Also nominated: Love at First Sight, written by Kylie Minogue, Richard Stannard, Julian Gallagher, Ashley Howes and Martin Harrington; In Your Eyes, written by Kylie Minogue, Richard Stannard, Julian Gallagher and Ashley Howes
• Best Selling UK Single: Anything Is Possible, performed by Will Young, written by Cathy Dennis and Chris Braide. Also nominated: Hero, written by Paul Barry, Enrique Iglesias and Mark Taylor; Just a Little
• International Hit of the Year: Complicated, written by Lauren Christy, David Alspach, Graham Edwards and Avril Lavigne. Also nominated: Electrical Storm, performed by U2, written by Adam Clayton, The Edge, Bono and Larry Mullen Jr; Feel, written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers
• The Ivors Dance Award: Lazy, performed by X-Press 2, written by Ashley Beedle, Darren House, Darren Rock and David Byrne. Also nominated: Shake UR Body, performed by Shy FX & T-Power, written by Andre Williams and Dianna Joseph; It Just Won’t Do, performed by Tim Deluxe feat. Sam Obernik, written by Tim Liken and Ben Onono
• Best Original Film Score: The Quiet American, composed by Craig Armstrong. Also nominated: Die Another Day, composed by David Arnold; Rabbit Proof Fence, composed by Peter Gabriel
• Best Original Music for Television: Feltham Sings, composed by Dextrous and Simon Armitage. Also nominated: Goodbye Mr Chips, composed by Colin Towns; Danger in Tiger Paradise, composed by David Mitcham
• The Ivors Classical Music Award: Boots of Lead, composed by Simon Holt. Also nominated: Dead March, composed by Gerald Barry; Sophie’s Choice, composed by Nicholas Maw
• Songwriters of the Year: Coldplay (Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin)
• International Achievement: UB40 (Astro, James Brown, Ali Campbell, Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan, Brian Travers and Michael Virtue)
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Bryan Ferry
• Outstanding Song Collection: U2 (Bono, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jnr and The Edge)
• The Special International Award: Brian Wilson

Ivor Novello Awards 2004

The 2004 Ivor Novello Awards were hosted at Grosvenor House on 27th May.

• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Leave Right Now, performed by Will Young, written by Francis Eg White. Also nominated: White Flag, written by Dido Armstrong, Rollo Armstrong and Richard Nowels; Step Into My Office Baby, performed by Belle and Sebastian, written by Stuart Murdoch, Stephen Jackson, Christopher Geddes, Richard Colburn, Michael Cooke, Sarah Martin and Robert Kildea
• Best Contemporary Song: Stronger Than Me, written by Amy Winehouse and Salaam Remi. Also nominated: Jus’ a Rascal, performed by Dizzee Rascal, written by Dylan Mills, Tesmond Rowe and Vegard Vardoen; Slow, written by Dan Carey, Emiliana Torrini and Kylie Minogue
• Best Original Music for Television: The Young Visitors, composed by Nicholas Hooper. Also nominated: Second Generation, composed by Nitin Sawhney; The Key, composed by Anne Dudley
• Best Original Film Score: Max, composed by Dan Jones. Also nominated: In America, composed by Gavin Friday and Maurice Seezer; BodySong, composed by Jonny Greenwood
• The Ivors Dance Award: Strict Machine, performed by Goldfrapp, written by Alison Goldfrapp, Will Gregory and Nick Batt. Also nominated: Shining Through, performed by Layo & Bushwacka, written by Layo Paskin and Matthew Benjamin; Familiar Feeling, performed by Moloko, written by Róisín Murphy, Mark Brydon and Edmond Stevens
• PRS Most Performed Work: Superstar, performed by Jamelia, written by Mich Hansen, Joseph Belmaati and Mikkel Sigvardt. Also nominated: Clocks, performed by Coldplay, written by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin; Hole in the Head, performed by Sugababes, written by Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins, Timothy Powell, Nicholas Coler, Niara Scarlett, Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Heidi Range
• International Hit of the Year: White Flag, written by Dido Armstrong, Rollo Armstrong and Richard Nowels. Also nominated: Feel, written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers; Slow, written by Dan Carey, Emiliana Torrini and Kylie Minogue
• Best Selling UK Single: Mad World, performed by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules, written by: Roland Orzabal
• The Ivors Classical Music Award: Richard Rodney Bennett
• Outstanding Song Collection: 10cc (Lol Crème, Kevin Godley, Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart)
• International Achievement: Radiohead (Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Phil Selway and Thom Yorke)
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Errol Brown
• Songwriters of the Year: The Darkness (Ed Graham, Dan Hawkins, Justin Hawkins and Frankie Poullain)
• The Special International Award: Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland

Ivor Novello Awards 2005

Reaching its fiftieth anniversary, the Ivor Novello Awards were held on 26th May 2005 at Grosvenor House, London.

• PRS Most Performed Work: Toxic, performed by Britney Spears, written by Cathy Dennis, Bloodshy, Henrik Jonback and Avant. Also nominated: Amazing, written by George Michael and Jonathan Douglas; Thank You, written by Jamelia Davies, Carsten Schack and Peter Biker
• Best Contemporary Song: Take Me Out, performed by Franz Ferdinand, written by Robert Hardy, Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy and Paul Thomson. Also nominated: For Lovers, performed by Wolfman, written by Peter Wolfe, Pete Doherty, Julian Taylor, Edmund Scott, Matt White, David Banks and Matt Scott; Blinded by the Lights, performed by The Streets, written by Mike Skinner
• Best Original Film Score: Enduring Love, composed by Jeremy Sams. Also nominated: Deep Blue, composed by George Fenton; Man on Fire, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams
• The Ivors Classical Music Award: John Tavener
• Best Selling UK Single: Do They Know It’s Christmas?, performed by Band Aid 2000, written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. Also nominated: All This Time, performed by Michelle McManus, written by Wayne Hector, Steve Mac and Ali Tennant; Call On Me, written by Steve Winwood, Eric Prydz and Will Jennings
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Dry Your Eyes, performed by The Streets, written by Mike Skinner. Also nominated: These Words, written by Stephen Kipner, Andrew Frampton, Natasha Bedingfield and Wayne Wilkins; Everybody’s Changing, performed by Keane, written by Tim Rice-Oxley, Tom Chaplin and Richard Hughes
• Best Original Music for Television: Blackpool, composed by Rob Lane. Also nominated: Fallen, composed by Paul Leonard-Morgan; North and South, composed by Martin Phipps
• International Hit of the Year: Vertigo, performed by U2, written by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. Also nominated: Behind Blue Eyes, performed by Limp Bizkit, written by Pete Townshend; Do They Know It’s Christmas?
• International Achievement: Robert Smith
• Songwriters of the Year: Keane (Tom Chaplin, Richard Hughes and Tim Rice-Oxley)
• Album Award: Final Straw, performed by Snow Patrol, written by: Iain Archer, Nathan Connolly, Gary Lightbody, Mark McClelland and Jonny Quinn
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Duran Duran (Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Andy Taylor, John Taylor and Roger Taylor)
• Outstanding Song Collection: Queen (John Deacon, Brian May, Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor)
• The Special International Award: Lou Reed
• The Ivors Special Award for Songwriting: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards

Ivor Novello Awards 2006

25th May 2006 saw the hosting of the 51st Ivor Novello Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House, London.

• Best Song Musically & Lyrically: Suddenly I See, written by KT Tunstall. Also nominated: Fix You, performed by Coldplay, written by Guy Berryman, Jonathan Buckland, William Champion and Chris Martin; I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, performed by Arctic Monkeys, written by Alex Turner
• PRS Most Performed Work: You’re Beautiful, written by James Blunt, Amanda Ghost and Sacha Skarbek. Also nominated: Shiver, written by Natalie Imbruglia, Sheppard Solomon and Francis Eg White; Speed of Sound, performed by Coldplay, written by Guy Berryman, Jonathan Buckland, William Champion and Chris Martin
• Best Television Soundtrack: Elizabeth I, composed by Rob Lane. Also nominated: A Waste Of Shame: The Mystery of Shakespeare and His Sonnets, composed by Kevin Sargent; Colditz, composed by Richard Harvey
• Outstanding Song Collection: New Order (Philip Cunningham, Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner)
• Best Selling UK Single: That’s My Goal, performed by Shayne Ward, written by: Jorgan Elofsson, Jeremy Godfrey and Bill Padley
• Album Award: Employment, performed by Kaiser Chiefs, written by: Nick Baines, Nick Hodgson, Simon Rix, Andrew White and Ricky Wilson
• The Ivors Classical Music Award: Harrison Birtwistle
• International Hit of the Year: You’re Beautiful, written by James Blunt, Amanda Ghost and Sacha Skarbek. Also nominated: Speed of Sound; Tripping, written by Stephen Duffy and Robbie Williams
• Best Original Film Score: Evil, composed by Francis Shaw. Also nominated: Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe, composed by Harry Gregson–Williams; Pride and Prejudice, composed by Dario Marianelli
• Best Contemporary Song: Wires, written by Joel Pott, Steven Roberts, Timothy Wanstall and Carey Willetts. Also nominated: DARE, written by Damon Albarn, Brian Burton and Jamie Hewlett; I Predict a Riot, written by Nick Baines, Nick Hodgson, Simon Rix, Andrew White and Ricky Wilson
• International Achievement: Ian Anderson
• Songwriters of the Year: Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Ray Davies
• The Special International Award: Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff
• BASCA Fellowship: Bee Gees (Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb)

Ivor Novello Awards 2007

2007’s Ivor Novello ceremony took place on 24th May at Grosvenor House, London.

• International Hit of the Year: Sorry, written by Madonna and Stuart Price. Also nominated: I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’, performed by Scissor Sisters, written by Elton John, Scott Hoffman and Jason Sellards; Rudebox, written by Robbie Williams, Danny Spencer, Kelvin Andrews, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, William “Earl” Collins, Bill Laswell and Edmund “Carl Jr” Aiken
• Album Award: Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I’m Not, performed by Arctic Monkeys, written by: Alex Turner
• Best Contemporary Song: Rehab, written by Amy Winehouse. Also nominated: Over and Over, performed by Hot Chip, written by Joseph Goddard, Alexis Taylor and Felix Martin; Yeah Yeah, performed by Bodyrox feat. Luciana, written by Nick Bridges, Jon Pearn, Nathan Thomas, Luciana Caporaso and Nick Clow
• Best Television Soundtrack: The Virgin Queen, composed by Martin Phipps. Also nominated: Hotel Babylon, composed by John Lunn and Jim Williams; Shiny Shiny Bright New Hole In My Heart, composed by Alex Heffes
• Best Selling UK Single: A Moment Like This, performed by Kelly Clarkson, written by Jorgen Elofsson and John Reid
• Outstanding Song Collection: Yusuf Islam
• The Ivors Classical Music Award: John Rutter
• PRS Most Performed Work: I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’. Also nominated: Put Your Records On, written by Corinne Bailey Rae, John Beck and Steve Chrisanthou; Sorry, written by Madonna and Stuart Price
• Best Original Film Score: Ice Age: The Meltdown, composed by John Powell. Also nominated: Casino Royale, composed by David Arnold; Severance, composed by Christian Henson
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Norman Cook
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Elusive, written by Scott Matthews. Also nominated: Sophia, written by Nerina Pallot; When the Sun Goes Down, written by Alex Turner
• Songwriters of the Year: The Feeling (Dan Gillespie Sells, Ciaran Jeremiah, Kevin Jeremiah, Richard Jones and Paul Stewart)
• Lifetime Achievement: Peter Gabriel
• The Special International Award: Quincy Jones

Ivor Novello Awards 2008

The 2008 Ivor Novello Awards were on 22nd May at Grosvenor House.

• Best Selling British Song: Beautiful Liar, performed by Beyoncé and Shakira, written by Ian Dench, Mikkel Eriksen, Amanda Ghost, Tor Erik Hermansen and Beyoncé Knowles. Also nominated: Grace Kelly, written by Jodi Marr, John Merchant, Mika and Dan Warner; Rehab, written by Amy Winehouse
• International Achievement: Phil Collins
• Best Contemporary Song: People Help the People, performed by Cherry Ghost, written by Simon Aldred. Also nominated: Foundations, written by Paul Epworth and Kate Nash; Golden Skans, performed by Klaxons, written by Jamie Reynolds, James Righton and Simon Taylor-Davies
• Best Television Soundtrack: Oliver Twist, composed by Martin Phipps. Also nominated: Primo, composed by Jonathan Goldstein; Who Killed Mrs de Ropp?, composed by Paul Moessl
• Album Award: In Rainbows, performed by Radiohead, written by Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Edward O’Brien, Philip Selway and Thom Yorke. Also nominated: Man on the Roof, written by Stephen Fretwell; Thirst for Romance, performed by Cherry Ghost, written by Simon Aldred
• The Ivors Inspiration Award: Jazzie B
• PRS Most Performed Work: Shine, performed by Take That, written by Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Stephen Robson. Also nominated: Ruby, performed by Kaiser Chiefs, written by Nicholas Baines, Nick Hodgson, James Rix, Andrew White and Ricky Wilson; Starz in Their Eyes, performed by Just Jack, written by Jack Allsopp
• The Ivors Classical Music Award: Jonathan Dove
• Best Song Musically & Lyrically: Love is a Losing Game, written by Amy Winehouse. Also nominated: Let Me Out, written by Rosi Golan and Jamie Hartman; You Know I’m No Good, written by Amy Winehouse
• Outstanding Song Collection: Gabrielle
• Best Original Film Score: Atonement, composed by Dario Marianelli. Also nominated: Becoming Jane, composed by Adrian Johnston; La Vie en Rose, composed by Christopher Gunning
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook
• Songwriter of the Year: Mika
• The Special International Award: Diane Warren
• Lifetime Achievement: David Gilmour

Ivor Novello Awards 2009

Closing the decade, the 2009 Ivor Novello ceremony was on 21st May at Grosvenor House, London.

• BASCA Fellowship: David Ferguson
• Best Contemporary Song: Grounds for Divorce, performed by Elbow, written by Guy Garvey, Richard Jupp, Craig Potter, Mark Potter and Peter Turner. Also nominated: Dance Wiv Me, performed by Dizzee Rascal, written by Nicholas Detnon, Calvin Harris, Dylan Mills and Tyrone; That’s Not My Name, performed by The Ting Tings, written by Julian De Martino and Katie White
• Album Award: We Started Nothing, performed by The Ting Tings, written by Julian De Martino and Katie White. Also nominated: Rockferry, written by Bernard Butler and Duffy; Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends, performed by Coldplay, written by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin
• Best Television Soundtrack: Wallace and Gromit (A Matter of Loaf and Death), composed by Julian Nott. Also nominated: Fiona’s Story, composed by Ben Bartlett; Trial and Retribution 2008, composed by Anne Dudley
• Outstanding Song Collection: Vince Clarke
• The Ivors Classical Music Award: James MacMillan
• Best Selling British Song: Viva La Vida, performed by Coldplay, written by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin. Also nominated: Mercy, written by; Steve Booker and Duffy; Paper Planes, performed by M.I.A., written by Maya Arulpragasam, Topper Headon, Mick Jones, Thomas Wesley Pentz, Paul Simonon and Joe Strummer
• PRS for Music Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Massive Attack (Robert Del Naja, Grant Marshall and Andrew Vowles)
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: One Day Like This, performed by Elbow, written by Guy Garvey, Richard Jupp, Craig Potter, Mark Potter and Peter Turner. Also nominated: My Mistakes Were Made For You, performed by Last Shadow Puppets, written by Miles Kane and Alex Turner; The Last of the Melting Snow, performed by The Leisure Society, written by Nicholas Hemming
• Best Original Film Score: There Will Be Blood, composed by Jonny Greenwood. Also nominated: Quantum of Solace, composed by David Arnold; The Escapist, composed by Benjamin Wallfisch
• The Ivors Inspiration Award: Edwyn Collins
• PRS for Music Most Performed Work: Mercy, written by Steve Booker and Duffy. Also nominated: Sweet About Me, written by Gabriella Cilmi, Nicholas Coler, Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins, Timothy Larcombe and Tim Powell; Viva La Vida, performed by Coldplay, written by Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin
• Songwriter of the Year: Eg White
• The Special International Award: Smokey Robinson
• BASCA Fellowship: Don Black

Further Reading

• 2000-2009 on theivors.com