Playlouder - Music is the Network

...and I've never heard of any of 'em:

Robert Jarvis - Echolocation
Eliza Carthy, David Thomas (surely a pseudonym) & Adam Bushell – Carousel Organ
Django Bates - Pedal Tones
Shlomo and Anna Meredith - Concerto for Beatboxer and Orchestra
Jane Grant, John Matthias & Nick Ryan – The Fragmented Orchestra
Netsayi Chigwendere - Adjustments

Except perhaps Eliza Carthy. Is she that folk lady? She must be if she's a Carthy.

Anyway, the award, run by The PRS Foundation for New Music, is apparently the most financially lucrative music award going, and has been called the "Turner Prize of music", so I guess Bill Drummond will be turning in his grave. Even though he's not dead. Perhaps he'll record it? Then put it in a bottle and fling it into the sea?

Anyway, the real story here isn't about The New Music Award 2008, nor is it about Bill Drummond (unfortunately) - it's the fact that the panel does not include Alex James.

I mean, Nitin Sawhney? Multi-instrumentalist? Cultural Pioneer? Beyond Skin? Whatever - I bet you've never filmed yourself larking around in a bath and chasing women in a big country estate.

Jem Finer? Driving creative force in The Pogues? Creator of a 1000 year long piece of music? I bet you've never made your own cheese.

Eric Nicoli? Former CEO of EMI? I bet you've never fingered a farmer.

What a sham.