ClashMusic has gone backstage with Plan B as the singer records his new video.

Plan B has stormed 2010. Swapping swearing rapping for slick retro soul, the singer took an enormous risk with his credibility. However the sheer verve of his new material appears to have won over the doubters.

'The Defamation Of Strickland Banks' has produced some of the year's biggest singles, and stormed into the charts in its own right. The next surefire smash hit from that album is 'The Recluse'.

Due for release on October 4th, 'The Recluse' will come backed with an eye catching new video. Plan B shot the video last week, and ClashMusic has been granted an exclusive first glimpse.

Set to premiere next week, ClashMusic has grabbed some exclusive behind the scenes shots and stills from the video itself.

Click HERE to see the photos!

Meanwhile, Plan B has received a new remix from Nero. Turning 'The Reclusive' into a vibrant dance banger, the remix received its world exclusive first play from Zane Lowe on Radio 1 recently.

Made available as a free download, you can stream the track below before grabbing it yourself...

Plan B - The Recluse - Nero remix by time4planb

Richard Thompson has spoken to ClashMusic about recording his new album 'Dream Attic' live in front of an audience.

Live albums are part and parcel of modern music. However for his new project Richard Thompson decided to treat an audience to an entire album's worth of new material - and record the results.

A risky project, Richard Thompson put his band through its paces before entering onstage. Rushing through his new material, the result is a raw album which seems to emphasise his strengths as a songwriter.

Speaking to ClashMusic, Richard Thompson elaborated on his decision to record live. "I was thinking that it would be a different approach, a different way of achieving what we wanted" he explained.

"The feedback that I often get from fans is “what we really like is your live records, we prefer the live records to the studio records”. I thought let’s test this a little further by taking an album of new material and recording it live. Just bypass the studio process and do things live."

Continuing, the singer explained that the new material was completed long before sessions began. "The songs were pretty much complete. In the course of rehearsals and the first few shows the songs shaped and evolved a little bit, but I always try and have stuff as complete as I can before taking it to the other musicians."

However the success of the project didn't stop Richard Thompson from longing for the studio. "There are nice things about recording something in a studio, you really have more options and you’re able to choose what you think is the best take and perhaps work on it. Then you can complete what you think is the best arrangement."

"Like, if you think “oh this’ll be great with a couple of horns on it, or backing vocals.” You have choices, so you can achieve really the sound that you have in your head. Whereas if you’re playing live you’re going for the energy of the moment. It’s going to be cruder and slightly less well arranged. It’s a trade off."

Click HERE to read the entire interview!

Electro pop outfit Goldfrapp have launched a new iPhone application ahead of their winter tour.

Goldfrapp have never been just about the music. Conscious of the need for a good show, the band have always tried to blend their songs with striking imagery, even down to the clothes they wear onstage.

Now the band have entered the multimedia age. The duo have crafted a new iPhone application which aims to keep fans entertained until their Winter tour begins at the end of this year.

'Goldfrapp Pinball' is a 3D pinball game which allows fans to remix some of the band's tracks. Blending pinball with music, samples from recent album 'Head First' will be manipulated as fans play the game.

Attempting to manoeuvre a pinball through an urban environment, sounds are triggered as the ball collides with different objects. The result is a unique remix, which will never be repeated no matter how long you play the game.

Teaming up with Corporation Pop, Goldfrapp assisted throughout the making of the new application.

To grab your copy click HERE.

Meanwhile, Goldfrapp are planning to release their new single 'Believer' on September 6th. Taken from their recent album, the single will come with remixes from the likes of Vince Clarke, Subway, Joris Voorn and Davide Rossi.

Opening on November 9th in Bristol, Goldfrapp's new tour takes in some massive venues. Set to play Hammersmith Apollo on November 11th, the band's show in Brighton is already sold out.

Goldfrapp are due to play the following shows:

November
9 Bristol O2 Academy
11 London HMV Hammersmith Apollo
13 Brighton Dome (SOLD OUT)
14 Birmingham O2 Academy
16 Leeds O2 Academy
17 Manchester Academy
19 Glasgow O2 Academy
20 Newcastle O2 Academy

Click here to buy tickets to Goldfrapp!

Australian math rock group PVT are to release a new EP ahead of their British tour.

PVT have had a busy year. Changing their name, travelling the world and recording a new album could take it out of an ordinary band. However the Australian group have immediately organised a new EP.

Handing their material over to a crack team of producers, the resulting remixes are set to be released later this year. The digital only EP will drop on October 18th, titled 'Light Up Bright Fires'.

Taken from their new album 'Church With No Magic', new single 'Light Up Bright Fires' is remixed by four new producers. Techno don Nathan Fake delivers a typically off the wall version, while Seekae also tackles the song.

Other versions come courtesy of Dorian Concept and Danimals, with the five track EP blurring the lines between PVT and electronica.

Due to be released on October 18th, the digital release comes with a stunning video courtesy of Alex Smith. Available to stream on their official website, the typically eye catching promo can be seen HERE.

Meanwhile, PVT are planning a series of British tour dates. The Australian band are set to play London's Old Blue Last on September 6th before heading out across the continent. Returning at the end of the month, the trio are set to play an extensive series of shows.

Moving across the country, PVT are due to play Leeds, Bristol, Nottingham and more. Ending on October 6th, the final show takes place in London's Cargo venue. Tickets for the shows are on sale now, with support acts yet to be confirmed.

PVT are due to play the following shows:

September
6 London Old Blue Last
28 Manchester Deaf Institute
29 Glasgow Stereo
30 Leeds Brudenell

October
2 Bristol Start The Bus
3 Brighton Audio
4 Nottingham Bodega
6 London Cargo

Click here to buy tickets for PVT!

Former Libertines drummer Gary Powell has spoken to ClashMusic about his new album The Invasion Of...

Often hidden in the background, Gary Powell played an immensely important role in The Libertines. The drummer added a steady pulse, while also helped to arrange their seminal debut album.

Working with Dirty Pretty Things, Gary Powell stepped out on his own last year. Recruiting some close friends, new project The Invasion Of... are preparing to release their new EP '373' later this year.

Speaking to ClashMusic, Gary Powell explained that he finds inspiration in vast varieties of music. "What I do, is that there are so many different genres of music that I take stuff from everywhere all of the time" he said.

"I’m not looking at any particular source at one given time, with regards to writing. I’m forever singing songs in my head and I’ll wake up at three or four o’clock in the morning with a song in my head. Then I’ll sing it into my phone and when I get up I’ll write it out. Generally, I write it down otherwise I’ll forget it."

Continuing, the singer spoke about the importance of forming a group with close friends, people he can trust. "It’s more about the personalities of everyone involved rather than anything else. Especially when you’re making music it’s an emotional endeavour. People have to give a lot up" he continued.

"So it needs to be someone I get on well with, someone I knew on a very personal level. Rather than someone who I deem to be a great musician. Luckily for me I’m in the position where the people I know are great musicians, and I can get drunk with them and it’ll be all well and good in the hood."

The Invasion Of... recently played Reading and Leeds, making Gary Powell an extremely busy man. A reformed Libertines stole the stage as headliners, rolling back the years with an emotional set.

Meanwhile, The Invasion Of... are preparing to begin recording their debut album later this year.

Click HERE to read the entire interview!

Metronomy and The Heavy are set to take part in two free shows at the end of this month.

Free stuff is great. Sure, saving up for something special has its charms but when it comes to a good blag there's little else that can compare.

The good people at Sailor Jerry must surely agree, with the purveyors of fine rum stepping in to host two shows - absolutely free. Taking part are two completely different bands, yet both are thrilling live acts.

In the blue corner stand The Heavy. Snapped up by the Ninja Tune family, the band's blues rock bluster has made them cult heroes. Releasing a new album earlier this year, the group showed that they could develop without losing their sleazy charm.

An infectious live act, the Counter act have spent the summer storming festivals across the UK. Set to London's Old Blue Last on September 29th, tickets will be available for free from Monday (September 6th).

In the red corner are Metronomy. Beginning life as an experimental electronic collective the band's pop touch soon shone through. 2008's 'Lights Out' was acclaimed as a major step forward, with the collective now writing new material.

The band are set to play Concorde 2 in Brighton on September 30th, with tickets available for free courtesy of Sailor Jerry. The latest in a series of shows taking place across the country, mixing music with some special bonus activities.

Tickets for the upcoming events will be completely free, with fans able to apply for passes at the Sailor Jerry homepage from September 6th. Be warned though - tickets are set to sell out extremely quickly.

Click HERE for more information.

The free shows are as follows:

September
28 London Old Blue Last (The Heavy)
30 Brighton Concorde 2 (Metronomy)

Vampire Weekend singer Ezra Koenig is set to cover a classic Paul Simon track.

Vampire Weekend have long been dogged by comparisons to Paul Simon. By recruiting African rhythms the band left themselves open to comparisons with 'Gracelands' which critics soon seized upon.

Returning with their second album 'Contra' the band once more fought off comparison to the American songwriter. Now lead singer Ezra Koenig is set to met the accusations head on for a new project.

Taking part in sessions for a movie soundtrack, the frontman has decided to cover Paul Simon's 'Papa Hobo' reports Pitchfork. A classic first released in 1972, it comes from a classic period in the songwriter's career.

Set to gain the Vampire Weekend treatment, Ezra Koenig has hooked up with some guest stars for the cover version. Rock legend Van Dyke Parks took part in the session, while Fruit Bats' Eric Johnson also contributed.

The track is set to be released next year, as part of the soundtrack to the upcoming comedy 'Ceremony'. Starring Uma Thurman it seems to be the latest film benefiting from a indie soundtrack, starring several other collaborations.

'Ceremony' was directed by Max Winkler, who boasts some stellar credentials. Born into a showbiz family, Winkler's father Henry found world fame as The Fonz in 70s sitcom 'Happy Days'.

Set to premiere at this year's Toronto Film Festival, there has been no announcement of a general release.

Meanwhile, Vampire Weekend are still fighting a court case over the cover of their second album. The model on the front of 'Contra' has begun proceedings to take both the band and designer to court.

Alleging that the photo was used without permission, the case will be heard later this year.

Animal Collective singer Panda Bear is set to release new single 'You Can Count On Me' on October 18th.

Panda Bear is one of the most influential vocalists around. Presaging chillwave with his 'Person Pitch' album the singer's gentle croon has found its way onto material from Pantha Du Prinze, Joe Goddard and more.

'Merriweather Post Pavillion' turned Animal Collective into unwilling Kings of the indie blogosphere, with Panda Bear's new album becoming much talked about. Working at home in Lisbon, it seems that the American singer is now ready to unleash the results.

'Tomboy' is due to be released later this year, with the title track already familiar to fans. Snapped up by revered indie imprint Domino, Panda Bear is now set to release another single from his new album.

'You Can Count On Me' is set to be released in a limited edition from October 18th. A gentle duet between Panda Bear and himself, the track is a typically uplifting, ethereal track which doesn't outstay its welcome.

Meanwhile, the B-side is set to be 'Alsatian Darn' which reveals a subtle UK garage influence. Buoyed by a skipping 2-step beat the track matches this with a slightly foreboding, melancholic melody.

The single comes with a beautiful illustration, featuring a young boy on his father's shoulders.

Needless to say, it's an essential release. Panda Bear's new single is available for pre-order now but in typically allusive fashion the Animal Collective singer has only made 500 copies available.

Click HERE to pre-order your copy!

Panda Bear is currently switching between labels. Recent single 'Tomboy' was released on his own Paw Tracks label, while the series of limited edition seven inch singles is set to continue after 'You Can Count On Me'.

The wait for Panda Bear's new album continues, with no signs of a release date.

Crocodiles have released a new free download EP, consisting of entirely unheard instrumentals.

Crocodiles are part of a new wave of noise pop duos. In the lineage of No Age, Best Coast and the original line up of Wavves the pairing have matched sighing vocals to guitars shrieking for their life.

Signed to Fat Possum, Wavves have gained critical acclaim for their second album 'Sleep Forever'. Never quite settling into one place, it is a brooding, foreboding exploration of the divide between harmony and outright noise.

Live, the band are something special mixing bleedings lights with chaotic sound. Touring across North America recently Crocodiles found time to record a fresh EP of instrumental material.

Why no vocals? Well, it seems that while getting acquainted with a homeless person the duo came down with a mysterious illness. Or, as the press release puts it: "The band claims they contracted strep throat by sharing a pipe with a hobo in San Diego's Presidio Park."

Classy!

Crocodiles are no strangers to quickly jotting down new ideas, with a recent single containing a version of the Dee-Lite classic 'Groove Is In The Heart' mixed with The Beach Boys 'California Girls'.

New album 'Sleep Forever' is set to be released on September 13th, but before then you can download the new EP. 'Fires Of Comparison' is an experimental, electronic set containing some loud fuzzy guitars.

Grab it HERE.

Meanwhile, Crocodiles have recovered sufficiently to head out on tour once again. The duo are set to play a series of North American dates, taking them from New York across the South and finishing in Austin, Texas.

A new all star single is set to be released in order to pay tribute to the victims of the crush at this year's Love Parade.

A dance institution, the Love Parade grew to become the largest dance festival on the planet. Countless sound systems would entertain hundreds of thousands of fans, with the event coming to symbolise much more than music.

Begun at a time when Germany was split in two by political ideology, The Love Parade was left shattered this year by a tragic crush. On July 24th the event was halted after a crush developed at one of the entrances.

Panic set in when crowds were left trapped in a tunnel, with 21 people left dead. More than 500 people were injured, with organisers confirming soon afterwards that the Love Parade will never again take place.

Tributes poured in for the victims, with a new charity single aiming to pay tribute to those caught up on the tragic incident. Dance producers Paul Oakenfold, Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk have collaborated on a track called ‘Remember Love’, due for release later this month.

Initiated by Paul Oakenfold, the track aims to help those still suffering. “I think the Loveparade represents a big part of the essence of the dance movement”, he explains.

“It’s a gathering for people from all over the world to come together to share their love for electronic music. I was watching television and a newsflash came up about the Loveparade. I really felt for the people that were there. I just thought we should do something to help them."

"In many other music genres artists come together, like ‘Live Aid’ and after the Haïti-disaster. We should do something. So I wrote this song and contacted Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk. I asked them if they were interested, cause I thought it was a good idea to have England, Holland and Germany coming together. Us coming together to do a track and all the money goes to help people. I think this is the first time this has ever been done in the dance scene, to give back, to help people.”

Released under the name of DJ's United 'Remember Love' is set to be released on September 11th.

Glasgow quartet Kassidy have confirmed a nationwide series of dates this October.

The White Stripes got rid of bass players, now Kassidy have dumped the entire rhythm section. Spread across the stage, the four piece use only guitars with only their harmonies to flesh out the sound.

Releasing two EPs recorded in their hometown of Glasgow, Kassidy have built up a cult following. With their scruffy beards and flowing locks the four piece visually recalls early 70s greats such as CSN&Y.

Yet it is their sturdy songcraft which impresses most, mixing Americana with glorious harmonies. Currently working on their debut album, Kassidy are set to debut new material on an upcoming tour.

Recently announced, the dates take the Glasgow band from Stornoway to London. With their new EP 'The Rubbergum EP Vol. 2' out now, word of mouth hype is fast spreading about the Glasgow four piece.

The new tour dates open in Dundee, with Kassidy set to rock the award winning Doghouse venue. Moving around Scotland, the band's tour bus will move across the country from the Western Isles to Yorkshire.

Kassidy are due to hit London on October 13th, with the four piece set to play The Borderline. Finishing back in their native Scotland, the band will play a hometown date in Glasgow's QMU.

Finishing with a short trip to the Highlands, Kassidy are due to play a show on Stornoway before playing a tiny festival outside Inverness.

Set to finish 2010 in the studio, expect more material from Kassidy to emerge as the year draws to an end.

Kassidy have confirmed the following shows:

October
5 Dundee The Doghouse
6 Aberdeen Cafe Drummond
7 Perth Twa Tams
8 Manchester Roadhouse
10 Leeds Cockpit
11 Bristol Cooler
13 London Borderline
14 Glasgow QMU
16 Stornoway Woodlands
17 Inverness Bogbain

Click here to buy tickets for Kassidy!

West Coast noise pop merchants Wavves have confirmed a short UK tour later this year.

Forced into hiding after a disastrous performance at Benicassim, Wavves bounced back with a stunning second album. Nathan Williams recruited a full band (via Jay Reatard) and constructed some mature new material.

'King Of The Beach' is by no means perfect, but the album's flaws are endearing. A rambling at times shambolic slice of noise pop, it mixes dreamy harmonies with an attitude that is so laid back it's horizontal.

Together with Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino, Nathan Williams is now one half of the hottest couple in American underground guitar music. The pair fought it out for critical supremacy earlier this year, when Best Coast released their love struck debut album.

Wavves have only visited the UK a handful of times this year, but the Los Angeles group now intend to play a short burst of dates.

Bringing their buzz saw take on C86 to British shores, the band are set to open the tour with a show in Glasgow. Playing The Arches on November 8th, the group will then move further South.

Due to play Manchester's Islington Mill on November 9th, the three date tour concludes in London at The Garage venue. Finishing on November 10th, the short burst represents a rare chance to see Wavves on these shores.

Meanwhile, the band have released a new track onto the internet. 'Post Acid' is available as a free download, demonstrating just how infectious yet wildly anarchic Wavves can be.

Click HERE to grab 'Post Acid'.

Wavves have confirmed the following shows:

November
8 Glasgow The Arches
9 Manchester Islington Mill
10 London The Garage

Click here to buy tickets for Wavves!

The Big Pink are the surprise choice to mastermind the latest instalment of !K7's mix series 'Tapes'.

The Big Pink have their origins in the noise scene, with the duo both previously boasting stints with Alec Empire. Releasing their debut album last year, the band mixed outright noise with a classic rock template.

Now the London duo are set to enter the dance world. The Big Pink's Milo Cordell has hooked up with seminal label !K7 to take control of the latest instalment in their celebrated mix series 'Tapes'.

The resulting mix takes in underground American rock, dubstep and more with Milo Cordell treating the album as a mixtape to a friend. “Doing this mix was a complete pleasure because I grew up recording mixes for myself and friends,” says Cordell.

“My goal has always been the same,” he explains. “To make something that transports you somewhere completely different.”

The overwhelming theme on the new mix is underground American rock. Struggling for a genre name, bloggers have alternatively labelled the scene 'witch house' or 'hypnagogic pop'. A dreamy aesthetic is a must, Cordell explains.

“Yeah, there’s definitely that dreamy quality, like 4AD dream pop,” says Cordell. “I guess because it’s made in people’s bedrooms, maybe people’s computers are acting as some kind of dream catcher.”

"Someone asked me to describe what Salem sounded like and I said, Its the sound of America slowly dying," continues Cordell. "I think that goes for most of the drag sound. You can hear old rusty Model T Fords, The Depression, the eradication of the Red Indian, Columbine, teen suicide, Supersize Me, oil spills and date rape all rolled into one sound."

The Big Pink star chose 'Mumbai' by oOoOo as his personal favourite from the mix. “I think it sums up the whole mix really well. It’s beautifully eerie. It’s that thing where music takes you somewhere else."

"This track does that instantly. Straight away you’re in another world. I make music myself and I just love the way these bedroom producers have come up with these sounds. He really has created his own sound and vibe.”

Milo Cordell's 'Tapes' mix is due to be released on October 18th. Tracklisting:

1. GR†LLGR†LL - Slow Dancing
2. Love Distance - Move On The Rain
3. Gang Gang Dance - Ego War
4. Joker - Snake Eater
5. Active Child - Body Heat (So Far Away)
6. Henny Moan - Vreg Dreams (Little Slow Mix)
7. Sewn Leather - Smoke Ov The Pvnk
8. Balam Acab - See Birds
9. yusuf b - kiss the nite
10. ZVA - Nothing
11. No Bra - Minger (These New Puritans Remix)
12. jj - Let Go
13. Salem - Dirt
14. Light Asylum - Shallow Tears
15. The Big Pink - Velvet (BDG Remix By Gang Gang Dance)
16. Actress - Hubble
17. oOoOO - Mumbai
18. The xx - Fantasy
19. Horse Macgyver - Tetanus Wine

Kings Of Leon are set to release their comeback single 'Radioactive' on October 11th.

Has it really been that long? Kings Of Leon released 'Only By The Night' back in 2008, immediately becoming household names in the UK. An enormous success, it has remained in the album charts since the day of release.

Cracking the Top Ten in the United States, the band have spent almost eighteen months on the road. Speaking to fans at Reading last year, Kings Of Leon claimed that they were set to take off.

However this proved to be a false promise. Sessions for new material were hugely productive, with Kings Of Leon confident to release a new album later this year.

'Come Around Sundown' will be released on October 18th, with great excitement surrounding the release. Debuting new tracks at recent British shows, Kings Of Leon have teased fans with new details.

The Followills are set to precede their new album with the single 'Radioactive'. Set to be released on October 11th, the video for the track is being shot right now with the premiere to take place on the band's official website on September 8th.

Available on download, vinyl and CD the album will also come with a deluxe edition. Expanding on the original album, the new edition of 'Come Around Sundown' will come with a bonus disc of their historic Hyde Park show.

Meanwhile, Kings Of Leon have also released the cover to the new album. 'Come Around Sundown' is matched by a picture of -yep - the sun falling over the desert.

Currently on tour across the United States, the band are expected to announce a series of British shows in support of the new album.

Kings Of Leon are due to release 'Come Around Sundown' on October 18th.

Factory designer Peter Saville has helped design a new shirt for the England football team.

Peter Saville's work transcends pop music. Even people who have never heard 'Blue Monday' have seen its floppy disc inspired sleeve, and probably also heard the story of how expensive it was to construct.

Perhaps the peak of Factory's aesthetics over economics philosophy, Peter Saville's work has proved to have an enduring influence. The Manchester based designer introduced Modernist design elements to pop culture, fusing punk energy with a distinctly High Brow sensibility.

Click HERE for an extensive interview with Peter Saville!

Best known for his association with Factory, Peter Saville has also worked with Buzzcocks, Suede and Roxy Music. Still an in demand graphic designer, Saville has now been asked to work on a new England football top.

The team might be recovering from the shock of World Cup 2010, but now Rooney, Gerrard & Co. can strut their stuff in a new top. Peter Saville took charge of the project, although there is no sign of whether he used his typically lengthy timescale.

Launched earlier this week, the England football team will debut the top later today (September 3rd) during a match against Bulgaria. Taking place at Wembley, the game opens the nation's account in the qualifying for Euro 2012.

Of course, this latest development is not the first link between Factory and the England team. New Order supplied the memorable theme for World Cup 90, enticing John Barnes to rap on 'World In Motion'.

Later, members of Black Grape would unite with Keith Allen and Joe Strummer for the hit single 'England's Irie'. Both those campaigns exceeded expectations on the pitch, can Saville's new shirt echo these achievements?

Good luck England!

Legendary songwriter Neil Young has unveiled the tracklisting for his new album 'Le Noise'.

Neil Young is going through an extremely creative spell. Eager to lay his past to rest, the Canadian songwriter issued the exhaustive 'Archives' box set last year, containing many wonderful rarities.

Bookending this, however, are two typically creative albums. Released in 2008, 'Fork In The Road' was a concept album based around the invention of electric cars, containing some daring songwriting.

Returning to the studio earlier this year, Neil Young hooked up with producer Daniel Lanois. Best known for his work with U2 and Bob Dylan, the producer helped Young construct some solo material.

While 'Fork In The Road' was an electric album, this new effort seems to be acoustic based. 'Le Noise' will be released on September 27th and in a new announcement Neil Young has confirmed the tracklisting.

Kept down to eight tracks, the album opens with 'Walk With Me'. Little is revealed by the tracklisting, although 'Angry World' and 'Hitchhiker' would seem to suggest that Neil Young is keen to explore counterculture themes once more.

Finishing with 'Rumblin'' the album is apparently quite different from the usual acoustic format. Speaking to Billboard, Daniel Lanois said that the pair had "taken the acoustic guitar to a new level".

Recorded in Los Angeles, sessions were completed shortly before Daniel Lanois suffered a motorcycle accident. Rushed to hospital, the producer is now on the mend and should recover before the release of the album.

Neil Young is due to release 'Le Noise' on September 27th. Tracklisting:

'Walk With Me'
'Sign of Love'
'Rescue Me'
'Love And War'
'Angry World'
'Hitchhiker'
'Peaceful Valley Blvd'
'Rumblin''

Salford duo The Ting Tings have spoken about their decision to shun celebrity culture when making their second album.

The Ting Tings came, saw and conquered in the space of just one summer. A series of hit singles led to their celebrated debut album, which immediately raced into the upper echelons of the charts.

Immaculate pop, The Ting Tings soundtracked the festival season playing some fantastic shows. The Salford duo were instantly recognisable, scoring several Top Ten singles as the sun shone across the nation.

However in order to construct a follow up The Ting Tings decided to leave British behind. The duo moved to Berlin in order to focus on their songwriting, leaving behind their life in Manchester.

Speaking to the NME, though, Katie White and Jules De Martino explained that the decision was not a difficult one to take. Referring to their debut album, De Martino said: "We didn't want to go back to Salford and do the same thing again".

Katie White agreed: "One of the reasons why we didn't go back to Manchester (was) because I think you can go back to Manchester, be a minor celebrity, get a few free drinks if you go to the Night & Day and pat yourself on the back. I'd rather just make music."

Recorded in Berlin, The Ting Tings new album has been surrounded in rumour. At one point allegedly titled 'Kunst' the pair have kept shows this summer to a minimum, giving fans a rare preview of new material.

Teaming up with Calvin Harris, the pair's comeback single 'Hands' is set to be released on October 11th. Matching two of the biggest pop stars in the UK, the single is a typically infectious release.

Meanwhile, the wait for The Ting Tings second album goes on with the Salford duo set to release the new LP this October.

The Ting Tings are due to release 'Hands' on October 11th.

Liverpool Music Week has confirmed performances from Leftfield and more at this year's event.

A port city, Liverpool has always acted as an intersection between local activities and outside world. Spawning a vibrant music scene, Liverpool Music Week allows a variety of talents to dock on Merseyside.

Returning for its eighth instalment, Liverpool Music Week has unveiled its initial batch of special performances and discussion panels. Bringing together new talent and powerful industry figures, the week long event contains some special performances.

Returning dance giants Leftfield are set to stop by. One of the most important dance acts produced by Britain during the 90s the band released two hugely important albums before stopping in their tracks.

Now set to tour the UK, Leftfield tested out their live sound this summer during an extensive series of festival dates. Headlining the RockNess event in Scotland, the band's sounded on ferocious form.

Due to play a one off show for Liverpool Music Week, Leftfield will be joined by bass hit merchants Chase & Status. 4AD signings Efterklang are also set to take part, while Beardyman will bring his mimic skills to the Mersey.

Spoken word duo dan le sac vs Scroobius Pip are also set to take part, with their second album scoring some warm reviews from fans and critics alike. Playing their biggest Liverpool show to date, the pair will play the O2 Academy on November 13th.

Last Liverpool Music Week attracted a record breaking 65,000 people with 2010's event set to surpass even that. A total of 80 acts will take part, playing shows across the city.

LMW Director and founder Mike Deane said: “As we head into our 8th festival, there have been several landmark announcements, but in particular it’s been a serious long-term ambition for me to see Leftfield on the line-up for Liverpool Music Week. We’re also really pleased to have persuaded Efterklang to make their Liverpool debut. They will be flying in especially to play the festival. These are just the first of several exciting announcements for Liverpool Music Week 2010.”

Liverpool Music Week begins on October 29th.

Seminal electronic producer Squarepusher is set to release an album with new project Shobaleader One.

Real name Tom Jenkinson, Squarepusher has led one of the most singular careers in electronic music. Using a variety of pseudonyms, the producer has matched IDM with frenetic drum 'n' bass.

Now Squarepusher has confirmed a new project. A press release this afternoon (September 2nd) confirmed the existence of Shobaleader One, a new group featuring the hugely influential producer.

A new release titled 'd'Emonstration' is set to appear on October 18th. Released through Warp Records, the forthcoming mini-album will apparently contain nine tracks although little solid information is available.

Typically reclusive, Squarepusher has refused to divulge much about the project which is available for pre-order to Bleep now.

Watch a Shobaleader preview video HERE.

The project represents a return to Warp for the producer. Earlier this year Squarepusher crafted a new track which he decided would be better served by releasing it through French label Ed Banger.

The one off track is set to be released shortly, with previews available via Ed Banger's Soundcloud page.

Sunderland indie rock group Field Music are set to play their biggest ever headline show in London later this year.

Tragically, some albums just don't get the success they deserve. Such is the case with 'Field Music (Measure)' which despite overwhelming critical praise failed to breach the iron walls of the mainstream.

Oh well, at least we can enjoy Field Music without their tracks appearing on soap adverts. Furthermore, did we really expect an album with the sheer sonic ambition of 'Field Music (Measure)' to ever crack the charts?

Mixing fierce indie punk with prog influences, the new album ran to some twenty tracks and ranks amongst the more purely creative releases to stem from British shores in some time.

For latecomers, Field Music have kindly decided to release their title track (of sorts) as a single. 'Measure' is due to be released on November 23rd, allowing fans to catch up with the Sunderland mavericks.

Set to be available as a digital download, a new vinyl version of 'Measure' has been confirmed for fans who can't tear themselves away from the Gramophone.

The band sadly missed out on a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize, but Field Music have been able to build on past success. Touring across the country, the Sunderland band restricted themselves to only a few festivals.

Now Field Music have confirmed their biggest ever headline show. Due to take place in London's Koko venue on November 23rd the date is the culmination of more than five years work for the band.

Always slow to complete new projects, it took Field Music three years to release their second album. With their new touring cycle coming to a close, the band could well shut up shop once more.

A rare chance to catch the Sunderland group in a venue of this size, tickets for the one off show are set to go on sale shortly.

Field Music are set to play the following show:

November
23 London Koko

Click here to buy tickets for Field Music!