Preview – Róisín Murphy

While you were looking the other way, Róisín Murphy has been quietly slipping out astonishing slow dance albums for some time now. She’s onto her fifth now, Róisín Machine. This is Something More:

Q Awards 2019

I’m still reeling from the news that Q Magazine is no longer with us, but it seems a fair assumption that the Q Awards probably won’t happen again any time soon. Tickets are still on sale for the event on 14th October 2020, at an eye-watering £999 per person, so let’s hope I’m wrong about that, but either way, I never got around to summarising last Autumn’s Q Awards ceremony, so let’s jump onto it now.

The 2019 event took place at N on N, and were presented by Nadine Shah.

Q Best Breakthrough Act Presented by Red Stripe

Nominees:

• Lewis Capaldi
• Gerry Cinnamon
• Easy Life
• Sam Fender
• Fontaines DC
• Little Simz
• Pale Waves
• Rosalía
• Self Esteem
• Slowthai
• AJ Tracey
• Working Men’s Club

Winner: Pale Waves

Q Best Track Presented by Absolute Radio

Nominees:

• Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved
• Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
• FKA Twigs – Cellophane
• JARV IS – Must I Evolve
• Lizzo – Juice
• Róisín Murphy – Incapable
• The 1975 – People
• AJ Tracey – Ladbroke Grove
• Stormzy – Vossi Bop
• Vampire Weekend – Harmony Hall

Winner: Lewis Capaldi

Q Best Album

Nominees:

• Dave – Psychodrama
• Lana Del Rey – Norman Fucking Rockwell
• Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
• Fat White Family – Serfs Up
• Foals – Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost (Part 1)
• Little Simz – Grey Area
• The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships
• Sleaford Mods – Eton Alive
• Slowthai – Nothing Great About Britain
• Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow

Winner: Foals

Q Best Live Performance Presented by The Cavern Club

Nominees:

• The Courteeners – Heaton Park
• Doves – TCT at Royal Albert Hall
• Florence & The Machine – BST Hyde Park
• Ariana Grande – The O2
• Michael Kiwanuka – End of the Road
• The 1975 – Reading Festival
• Stormzy – Glastonbury
• The Streets – Brixton Academy
• The Strokes – All Points East
• Neil Young & Bob Dylan – BST Hyde Park

Winner: Michael Kiwanuka

Q Best Solo Act

Nominees:

• Lewis Capaldi
• Loyle Carner
• Dave
• Billie Eilish
• Liam Gallagher
• Aldous Harding
• Kano
• Stormzy
• Kate Tempest
• Florence Welch

Winner: Stormzy

Q Best Act In The World Today Presented by Rocksteady Music School

Nominees:

• Arctic Monkeys
• Christine and the Queens
• Biffy Clyro
• Lana Del Rey
• Billie Eilish
• Florence And The Machine
• Liam Gallagher
• The 1975
• Bruce Springsteen
• Stormzy

Winner: The 1975

Q Best Festival/Event

Nominees:

• All Points East
• British Summer Time
• Glastonbury
• Isle of Wight Festival
• Latitude
• Reading and Leeds Festival

Winner: All Points East

Q Innovation In Sound

Winner: Dizzie Rascal

Q Classic Album

Winner: Tricky, for Maxinquaye

Q Maverick Presented by The Roundhouse

Winner: Edwyn Collins

Fender Play Award

Winner: Anna Calvi

Q Outstanding Contribution To Music

Winner: Kano

Q Classic Songwriter

Winner: Kevin Rowland

Q Inspiration

Winner: Madness

Q Icon Presented by Raymond Weil

Winner: Christine and the Queens

Q Hero

Winner: Kim Gordon

Q Song Of The Decade

Winner: Lana Del Rey, for Video Games

Q Best Vocal Performance

Winner: Little Simz

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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

Preview – Róisín Murphy

Róisín Murphy always seems to come up with interesting things, although her latest seems to appear to involve playing all the drums at the same time. Even so, this is The Rumble, a double a-side with World’s Crazy.

Ivor Novello Awards – The 1990s

Ivor Novello Awards 1990

Grosvenor House in London hosted the Ivor Novello Awards on 2nd April 1990.

• Best Contemporary Song: All Around the World, written by Lisa Stansfield, Ian Devaney and Andrew Morris. Also nominated: Back to Life (However Do You Want Me), performed by Soul II Soul, written by Jazzie B, Caron Wheeler, Nellee Hooper and Simon Law; She Drives Me Crazy, performed by Fine Young Cannibals, written by David Steele and Roland Gift
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: The Living Years, performed by Mike + The Mechanics, written by BA Robertson and Mike Rutherford. Also nominated: Another Day in Paradise, written by Phil Collins; Room in Your Heart, performed by Living in a Box, written by Marcus Vere, Richard Darbyshire and Albert Hammond
• Best Theme from a TV/Radio Production: Ruth Rendell Mysteries, written by Brian Bennett. Also nominated: Sherlock Holmes, written by Patrick Gowers; Agatha Christie’s Poirot, written by Christopher Gunning
• Best Film Theme or Song: Henry V Nons Nobis Domine, written by Patrick Doyle. Also nominated: Nothing Has Been Proved, written by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe; Travelling East, written by Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Herbert Kretzmer
• Best Selling ‘A’ Side: Too Many Broken Hearts, performed by Jason Donovan, written by Stock Aitken Waterman (Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman). Also nominated: Back to Life (However Do You Want Me); Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart, performed by Marc Almond and Gene Pitney, written by Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway
• International Hit of the Year: She Drives Me Crazy. Also nominated: Buffalo Stance, written by Cameron Mcvey, Philip Ramacon, Neneh Cherry and Jamie Morgan; Another Day in Paradise, written by Phil Collins
• Best Theme from a TV/Radio Commercial: Abbey Endings (Abbey National), written by Lionel Bart. Also nominated: Big Day (Maxwell House), written by David Mindel; Terry Keeps His Clips On (Toshiba), written by Viv Stanshall
• The Best British Musical: Aspects of Love, written by: Don Black, Charles Hart and Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Outstanding Contribution to British Music: David Bowie
• Most Performed Work: This Time I Know It’s for Real, written by Stock Aitken Waterman and Donna Summer. Also nominated: Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart; Too Many Broken Hearts
• Songwriters of the Year: Stock Aitken Waterman
• Outstanding Services to British Music: The Kinks (Mick Avory, Dave Davies, Ray Davies, Ian Gibbons and Jim Rodford)

Ivor Novello Awards 1991

The 1991 ceremony took place at Grosvenor House in London on 2nd May 1991.

• Best Contemporary Song: Killer, written by Adam ‘Adamski’ Tinley and Seal. Also nominated: Don’t Worry, written by Kim Appleby, Craig Logan and George Deangelis; Unbelievable, performed by EMF, written by James Atken, Ian Dench, Zachary Foley, Mark Decloedt and Deran Brownson
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Sacrifice, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Also nominated: We Let the Stars Go, performed by Prefab Sprout, written by Paddy Mcaloon; Nothing Ever Happens, performed by Del Amitri, written by Justin Currie
• Best Theme from a TV/Radio Production: Victorian Kitchen, written by Paul Reade. Also nominated: Tidy Endings, written by Stanley Myers; The Green Man, written by Tim Souster
• Best Film Theme or Song: Witches, written by Stanley Myers. Also nominated: Arachnophobia, written by Trevor Jones; Lily Was Here, written by Dave Stewart
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: John Barry
• Best Selling ‘A’ Side: Sacrifice / Healing Hands, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Also nominated: World in Motion, performed by Englandneworder (New Order), written by Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, Gillian Gilbert, Keith Allen and Peter Hook; Killer, written by Adam ‘Adamski’ Tinley and Seal
• Best Theme from a TV/Radio Commercial: Only You (Fiat Tempra), written by Geoff MacCormack and Simon Goldenberg. Also nominated: Citric Bite (Schweppes Tonic), written by Don Gould and James Lowther; Nick of Time (Audi), written by Tony Sadler and Gaynor Sadler
• International Hit of the Year: All Around the World, written by Lisa Stansfield, Ian Devaney and Andrew Morris. Also nominated: Close to You, performed by Maxi Priest, written by Gary Benson, Winston Sela and Maxi Elliott; I’ve Been Thinking About You, performed by Londonbeat, written by George Chandler, Jimmy Chambers, Jimmy Helms and Liam Henshall
• Special Award for International Achievement: Albert Hammond
• PRS Most Performed Work: Blue Savannah, performed by Erasure, written by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke. Also nominated: All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You, performed by Heart, written by Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange; Killer, written by Adam ‘Adamski’ Tinley and Seal
• Outstanding Services to British Music: Robert Farnon
• Songwriter of the Year: Phil Collins
• Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and Bill Wyman

Ivor Novello Awards 1992

May 1992 saw Grosvenor House in London host the 37th Ivor Novello Awards ceremony.

• Best Contemporary Song: Crazy, written by Seal. Also nominated: Walking Down Madison, written by Kirsty MacColl and Johnny Marr; Sit Down, written by Timothy Booth, Lawrence Gott, James Glennie and Gavan Whelan
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: The Whole of the Moon, performed by The Waterboys, written by Mike Scott. Also nominated: The Show Must Go On, performed by Queen, written by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon; Stars, performed by Simply Red, written by Mick Hucknall
• Best Theme from a TV/Radio Production: The Darling Buds of May, written by Philip Burley and Barrie Guard. Also nominated: Clarissa, written by Colin Towns; A Question of Attribution, written by Gerald Gouriet
• Best Theme from a TV/Radio Commercial: Driven By You (Ford Motor Company), written by Brian May. Also nominated: Eagle Star – Reflections (Eagle Star Insurance), written by RAF Ravenscroft and Kevin Dillon-Lamb; Excaliber (Carling Black Label), written by Rachel Portman
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent
• Best Selling ‘A’ Side: Bohemian Rhapsody / These are the Days of Our Lives, performed by Queen, written by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon. Also nominated: Any Dream Will Do, performed by Jason Donovan, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice; I’m Too Sexy, performed by Right Said Fred, written by Fred Fairbrass, Rob Manzoli and Richard Fairbrass
• Best Film Theme or Song: Under Suspicion, written by Christopher Gunning. Also nominated: Dances with Wolves, written by John Barry; The One and Only, written by Nik Kershaw
• International Hit of the Year: Crazy, written by Seal. Also nominated: Unbelievable; 3 AM Eternal, performed by The KLF, written by Bill Drummond, Jimmy Cauty and Ricky Lyte
• Award in Recognition of the Exceptional Success of a Single Song: Everything I Do (I Do It For You), written by: Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen and Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange
• Best British Musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, written by: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
• PRS Most Performed Work: I’m Too Sexy. Also nominated: The One and Only, performed by Curtis Stigers, written by Nik Kershaw; Any Dream Will Do, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
• Outstanding Contribution to British Music: David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright
• Songwriter of the Year: Mick Hucknall
• Special Award for International Achievement: Bernie Taupin
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Eric Clapton

Ivor Novello Awards 1993

26th May 1993 saw Grosvenor House in London host the Ivor Novello Awards.

• Best Contemporary Song: Would I Lie to You, performed by Charles and Eddie, written by Peter Vale and Mick Leeson. Also nominated: Stay, performed by Shakespears Sister, written by Marcella Detroit, Siobhan Fahey and Dave Stewart; Friday I’m In Love, performed by The Cure, written by Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Porl Thompson, Boris Williams and Perry Bamonte
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Why, written by Annie Lennox. Also nominated: The Disappointed, performed by XTC, written by Andy Partridge; Tears in Heaven, written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings
• Best Theme from a TV / Radio Production: Civvies, composed by Michael Storey. Also nominated: Blackheath Poisonings, written by Colin Towns; Kyrie Eleison, written by Christopher Gunning
• Best Film Theme or Song: Tears in Heaven, written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings. Also nominated: Final Analysis, written by George Fenton; Chaplin, written by John Barry
• Songwriters of the Year: Colin Angus and Richard West
• PRS Most Performed Work: Deeply Dippy, performed by Right Said Fred, written by Fred Fairbrass, Rob Manzoli and Richard Fairbrass. Also nominated: Would I Lie to You; Stay
• Best Selling Song: Would I Lie to You. Also nominated: Goodnight Girl, performed by Wet Wet Wet, written by Marti Pellow, Neil Mitchell, Tom Cunningham and Graeme Clark; Ain’t No Doubt, written by Jimmy Nail, Danny Schogger, Charlie Dore and Guy Pratt; Stay
• International Hit of the Year: Would I Lie to You. Also nominated: Stay; Tears in Heaven; Why
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Les Reed
• Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection: Marcella Detroit, Siobhan Fahey and Dave Stewart
• Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Bernie Calvert, Allan Clarke, Bobby Elliott, Tony Hicks, Graham Nash and Terry Sylvester
• Lifetime Achievement Award: George Shearing
• Special Award for International Achievement: Rod Temperton

Ivor Novello Awards 1994

The 1994 ceremony took place at Grosvenor House on 25th May.

• Best Contemporary Song: Pray, performed by Take That, written by Gary Barlow. Also nominated: Moving On Up, performed by M People, written by Paul Heard and Mike Pickering; Arranged Marriage, performed by Apache Indian, written by Stephen Kapur, Simon Duggal and Diamond Duggal
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: If I Ever Lose My Faith in You, written by Sting. Also nominated: Ordinary World, performed by Duran Duran, written by Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo; I Don’t Wanna Fight, performed by Tina Turner, written by Steve Duberry, Billy Lawrie and Lulu
• Best Theme from a TV/Radio Production: Stalag Luft, written by Stanley Myers. Also nominated: Harnessing Peacocks, written by Richard Holmes; Unnatural Causes, written by Richard Harvey
• Best Film Theme or Song: The Piano, written by Michael Nyman. Also nominated: Into the West, written by Patrick Doyle; Indochine, written by Patrick Doyle
• The PRS Most Performed Work: Ordinary World. Also nominated: Little Bird, written by Annie Lennox; Tears in Heaven
• Best Selling Song: Mr Blobby, written by David Rogers and Paul Shaw. Also nominated: Dreams, written by Timothy Laws and Gabrielle; Babe, performed by Take That, written by Gary Barlow
• The International Hit of the Year: Living on My Own, written by Freddie Mercury. Also nominated: I Feel You, performed by Depeche Mode, written by Martin Gore; Ordinary World, written by Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo
• The Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection: Paul Weller
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Ron Goodwin
• Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Tim Rice
• Special Award for International Achievement: Bono, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jnr and The Edge
• Outstanding Contribution to British Musical Theatre: Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Songwriter of the Year: Gary Barlow

Ivor Novello Awards 1995

Forty years into its history, the 1995 ceremony took place at Grosvenor House on 23rd May.

• Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Lonnie Donegan
• Best Contemporary Song: You Gotta Be, written by Des’ree Weekes and Ashley Ingram. Also nominated: Parklife, performed by Blur, written by Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree; Zombie, performed by The Cranberries, written by Delores O’Riordan
• Best Song Musically & Lyrically: Think Twice, performed by Celine Dion, written by Andy Hill and Peter Sinfield. Also nominated: Patience of Angels, performed by Eddi Reader, written by Boo Hewerdine; Dear John, written by Mark Nevin and Kirsty McColl
• Best Theme from a TV/Radio Production: Middlemarch, written by Stanley Myers. Also nominated: Crocodile Shoes, written by Tony McAnaney; Beyond the Clouds, written by George Fenton
• Best Commissioned Film Score: Shadowlands, written by George Fenton. Also nominated: Deadly Advice, written by Richard Harvey; The Joy Luck Club, written by Rachel Portman
• Best Song Included in a Film: Circle of Life, written by Elton John and Tim Rice. Also nominated: Love is All Around, performed by Wet Wet Wet, written by Reg Presley; In the Name of Our Father, performed by U2, written by Bono, Gavin Friday and Maurice Roycroft
• The Radio 1 Award for Continuing Innovation in Music: Brian Eno
• The Best Selling Song: Love is All Around. Also nominated: Baby Come Back, performed by Pato Banton, written by Eddy Grant; Stay Another Day, performed by East 17, written by Tony Mortimer, Dominic Hawken and Robert Kean
• International Hit of the Year: Love is All Around. Also nominated: 7 Seconds, written by Cameron McVey, Jonathan Peter Sharp, Youssou N’Dour and Neneh Cherry; Baby I Love Your Way, performed by Big Mountain, written by Peter Frampton; Without You, performed by Mariah Carey, written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans
• The PRS Most Performed Work: Love is All Around. Also nominated: Stay Another Day; Baby Come Back
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Don Black
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Van Morrison
• The Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection: Elvis Costello
• Songwriter of the Year: Tony Mortimer

Ivor Novello Awards 1996

Grosvenor House in London hosted the Ivor Novello Awards on 30th May 1996.

• The PRS Most Performed Work: Back for Good, performed by Take That, written by Gary Barlow. Also nominated: No More I Love Yous, performed by Annie Lennox, written by David Freeman and Joseph Hughes; A Girl Like You, written by Edwyn Collins
• The Best Selling Song: Back for Good. Also nominated: Fairground, performed by Simply Red, written by Mick Hucknall; Missing, performed by Everything But The Girl, written by Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt
• International Hit of the Year: Kiss from a Rose, written by Seal. Also nominated: Back for Good; No More I Love Yous
• Best Contemporary Song: Alright, performed by Supergrass, written by Danny Goffrey, Gaz Coombes and Michael Quinn. Also nominated: Wonderwall, performed by Oasis, written by Noel Gallagher; A Girl Like You, written by Edwyn Collins
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Common People, performed by Pulp, written by Jarvis Cocker, Nick Banks, Candida Doyle, Steve Mackey and Russell Senior. Also nominated: No More I Love Yous; Back for Good
• Best Commissioned Film Score: Don Juan De Marco, composed by Michael Kamen. Also nominated: Pin for the Butterfly, composed by Ilona Sekacz; Nostradamus, composed by Barrington Pheloung
• Best Commissioned Score from a TV/Radio Production: The Hanging Gale, written by Shaun Davey. Also nominated: Pride & Prejudice, written by Carl Davis; Yugoslavia, written by Debbie Wiseman
• Best Song Included in a Film or Television Programme: Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman, composed by Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange, Michael Kamen and Bryan Adams. Also nominated: Kiss from a Rose, composed by Seal; Goldeneye, performed by Tina Turner, composed by Bono and The Edge
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Tony Macaulay
• Outstanding Contribution to British Musical Theatre: Cameron Mackintosh
• An Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection: Joan Armatrading
• Songwriters of the Year: Blur (Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree) and Noel Gallagher (presented jointly)
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Small Faces (Kenney Jones, Ronnie Lane, Steve Marriott and Ian McLagan)
• Outstanding Services to British Music: Jeff Lynne

Ivor Novello Awards 1997

London’s Grosvenor House hosted the 1997 ceremony on 19th May.

• PRS Award for Most Performed Work of 1996: Fast Love, written by George Michael. Also nominated: Give Me a Little More Time, written by Gabrielle, Benjamin Wolff, Andrew Dean, Ben Barson; Don’t Look Back in Anger, performed by Oasis, written by Noel Gallagher
• Best Commissioned Film Score: 101 Dalmatians, composed by Michael Kamen. Also nominated: Independence Day, composed by David Arnold; Twelfth Night, composed by Shaun Davey
• Best Selling British Written Single in the UK: Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, composed by Nigel Hess. Also nominated: Wannabe, performed by Spice Girls, written by Victoria Adams, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Matt Rowe and Richard Stannard
• Best Music Commissioned for a Broadcast Production: Cold Lazurus, composed by Christopher Gunning; Rhodes, composed by Alan Parker
• Best Contemporary Song: A Design for Life, performed by Manic Street Preachers, written by James Dean Bradfield, Sean Moore and Nicky Wire. Also nominated: Lifted, performed by Lighthouse Family, written by Paul Tucker, Martin Brammer and Tunde Baiyewu; Firestarter, performed by The Prodigy, written by Liam Howlett and Keith Flint
• Outstanding Song Collection: Richard Thompson
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Too Much Love Will Kill You, performed by Queen, written by Brian May, Frank Musker and Elizabeth Lamers. Also nominated: I Am I Feel, performed by Alisha’s Attic, written by Terence Martin, Karen Poole and Michelle Poole; Neighbourhood, performed by Space, written by Thomas Scott, Andrew Parle, James Edwards and Francis Griffiths
• International Achievement: The Cranberries (Noel Hogan and Dolores O’Riordan)
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn
• International Hit of the Year: Wannabe
• Songwriter of the Year: George Michael
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award: Elvis Costello
• Lifetime Achievement: Led Zeppelin (John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant)

Ivor Novello Awards 1998

The 1998 Ivor Novello ceremony took place on 28th May 1998 at Grosvenor House, London.

• PRS Most Performed Work: I’ll Be Missing You (Every Breath You Take), performed by Puff Daddy, written by Sting. Also nominated: Say What you Want, performed by Texas, written by Sharleen Spiteri and Johnny McElhone; Black Eyed Boy, performed by Texas, written by Sharleen Spiteri, Johnny McElhone, Edward Campbell, Richard Hynd and Robert Hodgens
• Best Original Film Score: William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, composed by Craig Armstrong, Marius De Vries and Nellee Hooper. Also nominated: Tomorrow Never Dies, composed by David Arnold; Wilde, composed by Debbie Wiseman
• Best Selling UK Single: Candle in the Wind 1997, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Also nominated: Teletubbies Say Eh-Oh!, written by Andrew McCrorie-Shand; I’ll Be Missing You (Every Breath You Take)
• Best Original Music For A Broadcast: Rebecca, composed by Christopher Gunning. Also nominated: Melissa, composed by Richard Harvey and Steve Baker; Crime Traveller, composed by Anne Dudley
• Best Contemporary Song: Karma Police, written by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Phil Selway, Colin Greenwood and Ed O’Brien. Also nominated: Smile, written by James McColl, Ken McAlpine and Alan Tilston; The Drugs Don’t Work, written by Richard Ashcroft
• Best Song Collection: Johnny McElhone and Sharleen Spiteri
• Best Original Song for a Film or Broadcast: Picture of You, written by Paul Wilson, Andy Watkins, Ronan Keating and Eliot Kennedy. Also nominated: Step By Step, written by Annie Lennox; Surrender, written by David Arnold, David McAlmont and Don Black
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Paranoid Android, performed by Radiohead, written by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Phil Selway, Colin Greenwood and Ed O’Brien. Also nominated: Brimful of Asha, written by Tjinder Singh; Angels, written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers
• International Achievement: Enya, Nicky Ryan and Roma Ryan
• Best Dance Music: You’re Not Alone, performed by Olive, written by Tim Kellett and Robin Taylor-Firth. Also nominated: Gunman, performed by 187 Lockdown, written by Julian Jonah and Danny Harrison; Sunchyme, performed by Dario G, written by Gilbert Gabriel, Nick Laird Clowes, Stephen Spencer, Paul Spencer and Scott Rosser
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Morrissey
• International Hit of the Year: Candle in the Wind 1997. Also nominated: I’ll Be Missing You (Every Breath You Take); Spice Up Your Life, performed by Spice Girls, written by Richard Stannard, Matt Rowe, Melanie Brown, Victoria Adams, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Melanie Chisholm
• Songwriter of the Year: Richard Ashcroft
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Barry Mason

Ivor Novello Awards 1999

The 1999 Ivor Novello Awards were presented on 27th May 1999 at Grosvenor House, London.

• PRS Most Performed Work: Angels, written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers. Also nominated: High, performed by Lighthouse Family, written by Paul Tucker and Tunde Baiyewu; Never Ever, performed by All Saints, written by Shaznay Lewis, Sean Mather and Esmail Jazayeri
• Best Selling UK Single: Believe, performed by Cher, written by Brian Higgins, Steve Torch, Paul Barry, Stuart McLennan, Tim Powell and Matt Gray. Also nominated: No Matter What, performed by Boyzone, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman; C’est La Vie, performed by B*Witched, written by Tracy Ackerman, Ray Hedges, Martin Brannigan, Edele Lynch, Keavy Lynch, Lindsay Armaou and Sinéad O’Carroll
• Best Original Film Score: Firelight, composed by Christopher Gunning. Also nominated: Dancing at Lughnasa, composed by Bill Whelan; Ever After, composed by George Fenton
• Best Contemporary Song: Here’s Where the Story Ends, performed by Tin Tin Out, written by Harriet Wheeler and David Gavurin. Also nominated: Road Rage, performed by Catatonia, written by Mark Roberts, Cerys Matthews, David Jones, Aled Richards and Owen Powell; What Can I Do, performed by The Corrs, written by Andrea Corr, Caroline Corr, Sharon Corr and James Corr
• Best Original Music for a Television / Radio Broadcast: Close Relations, composed by Rob Lane. Also nominated: Life of Birds, composed by Steven Faux and Ian Butcher; Selfridges: The Shop, composed by Barrie Bignold
• Best Song Commissioned for a Film or Broadcast: The Flame Still Burns, written by Chris Difford, Marti Frederiksen and Mick Jones. Also nominated: Why Won’t You Shag Me, written by Owen Vyse and Guy Pratt; Kipper, written by Robert Heatlie
• Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Believe. Also nominated: C’est La Vie; A Little Soul, performed by Pulp, written by Jarvis Cocker, Nick Banks, Candida Doyle, Steve Mackey and Mark Webber
• Outstanding Song Collection: Jamiroquai (Wallis Buchanan, Simon Katz, Jay Kay, Derrick McKenzie, Toby Smith and Stuart Zender)
• The Ivors Dance Award: Horny, written by Mousse T and Errol Rennalls. Also nominated: Sing It Back, performed by Moloko, written by Mark Brydon and Róisín Murphy; I Can’t Help Myself, performed by Lucid, written by Mark Hadfield and Adam Ryan Carter
• International Achievement: Martin Gore
• The Jimmy Kennedy Award: Peter Callander and Mitch Murray
• International Hit of the Year: Believe, written by Brian Higgins, Stuart McLennan, Paul Barry, Steve Torch, Matt Gray and Tim Powell. Also nominated: Life, written by Des’ree Weekes and Prince Sampson; No Matter What, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman
• PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Chrissie Hynde
• The Special International Award: Hal David
• Songwriters of the Year: Guy Chambers and Robbie Williams
• Lifetime Achievement: Rod Stewart

Further Reading

• 1990-1999 on theivors.com

Róisín Murphy – Hairless Toys

It seems you can always rely on Róisín Murphy if you’re in the market for eccentric and oddball but brilliant pop music. She also seems to be getting more prolific, which for someone this well established in their career is very unusual – Hairless Toys is her third album, but it isn’t even her most recent any more. Still, it came out less than two years ago, which qualifies it for inclusion in the review section, and anyway I haven’t heard the follow-up yet.

Some eight years after Overpowered, it picks up pretty much where she left off, but deeper and darker this time – the opening track is Gone Fishing, a pleasant deep dub-infused track with a murmured vocal. Frankly it would never have been a number one hit, but neither do you find yourself reaching for the skip button, and at the right time of day it’s very pleasant indeed.

Evil Eyes explores some dark electro elements in amongst a contemporary house beat, and is also very pleasant. At this tempo you probably wouldn’t hear it in many clubs, despite the great disco sounds in the chorus, but in the right environment it sounds great.

It’s an engaging album, but it’s also mellow enough that you might find yourself tuning out from time to time. Turn your attention back, and Exploitation has started, with its weird warped synth backing and soft woodblock sounds. If you can stop yourself from shouting “it should be whom,” this is probably the best song on here, and it fills its nine minute duration comfortably.

But this is, in a way, something of a genre-defying album – Uninvited Guest has an almost gospel backing vocal, with a bit of whistling and weird yawny noises in the chorus. At the same time, the lounge electronic piano sound bounces along with a bit of a jazz feel, the tempo shifts, and the whole thing is very odd indeed. In a good way – somehow it all works together.

Exile is as close to electro-country as you probably ever want to find yourself – it sounds like the product of a country singer sitting on an alien planet with its curious percussive noises, and at four minutes it’s also by far the shortest track on here, but it’s very good too. Then the trippy pad-driven House of Glass follows, gradually growing into one of the most uptempo tracks on here.

It’s difficult to find much negative about this album, unless perhaps downtempo music isn’t your thing. Hairless Toys (Gotta Hurt) could have easily been a huge hit single with different production, but the understated nature of this album makes it a gentle, drifting piece which sounds entirely brilliant too.

Finally, the album closes with the entirely appropriate Unputdownable, and Róisín Murphy‘s long-awaited comeback is over. It might have been a long time coming, and it might have been an understated release when it arrived, but it was definitely worth it.

You can still find Hairless Toys at all major retailers.

Albums chart of the year 2016

Here are the top albums of last year, for stowaways:

1. Jean-Michel Jarre – Electronica 2: The Heart of Noise
2. New Order – Music Complete [number 1 in 2015]
3. Jean-Michel Jarre – Electronica 1: The Time Machine [number 6 in 2015]
4. David Bowie – Best Of Bowie
5. Pet Shop Boys – Super
6. David Bowie – Blackstar
7. Conjure One – Holoscenic [released in 2015]
8. Clarke Hartnoll – 2Square
9. David Bowie – Nothing Has Changed [number 25 in 2015]
10. Shit Robot – What Follows
11. Róisín Murphy – Hairless Toys [number 26 in 2015]
12. C Duncan – The Midnight Sun
13. Air – Twentyears
14. I Monster – Bright Sparks
15. Delerium – Mythologie
16. David Bowie – The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars
17. Yello – Toy
18. Little Boots – Working Girl [number 4 in 2015]
19. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree
20. David Bowie – Hunky Dory

More in a year or so…

Singles chart of the year 2016

Here are the top singles for stowaways in 2016:

1. Pet Shop Boys – The Pop Kids
2. Jean-Michel Jarre & Pet Shop Boys – Brick England
3. Massive Attack – Ritual Spirit EP
4. Pet Shop Boys – Twenty-Something
5. Röyksopp feat. Susanne Sundfør – Never Ever
6. Shit Robot – End of the Trail
7. C Duncan – Wanted to Want It Too
8. Delerium with Phildel – Ritual
9. Pet Shop Boys – Say It to Me
10. New Order feat. Elly Jackson (La Roux) – Tutti Frutti [number 5 in 2015]
11. Clarke Hartnoll – Better Have a Drink to Think
12. Jean-Michel Jarre – Remix EP (II)
13. Pet Shop Boys – Inner Sanctum
14. Goldfrapp – Stranger [number 42 in 2013]
15. Conjure One feat. Hannah Ray – Kill the Fear [released in 2015]
16. I Monster – The Bradley Brothers realise the transmutation of the Chamberlin to the MELLOTRON
17. Róisín Murphy – Exploitation [released in 2015]
18. Massive Attack – The Spoils / Come Near Me
19. Jean-Michel Jarre – The Heart of Noise
20. Clarke Hartnoll – Single Function

We’ll look at the albums next week!

Chart for stowaways – 18 June 2016

A few changes on the albums this week:

1. Jean-Michel Jarre – Electronica 2: The Heart of Noise
2. Pet Shop Boys – Super
3. New Order – Music Complete
4. Clarke Hartnoll – 2Square
5. Jean-Michel Jarre – Electronica 1: The Time Machine
6. I Monster – Bright Sparks
7. Conjure One – Holoscenic
8. David Bowie – Best of Bowie
9. ABC – The Lexicon of Love II
10. Róisín Murphy – Hairless Toys

Chart for stowaways – 4 June 2016

These are the albums for this week:

1. Jean-Michel Jarre – Electronica 2: The Heart of Noise
2. Pet Shop Boys – Super
3. New Order – Music Complete
4. Jean-Michel Jarre – Electronica 1: The Time Machine
5. Conjure One – Holoscenic
6. Róisín Murphy – Hairless Toys
7. David Bowie – Changesonebowie
8. David Bowie – Best Of Bowie
9. Little Boots – Working Girl
10. Leftfield – Alternative Light Source