24 avril
Are They Having A Laugh?
I must admit I did a double take when the nominations for this year's Ivor Novello awards were announced. Having been slated on the MSN Music Message boards in the past for criticising Robbie Williams, I'm wary of doing so again, but surely not even his biggest fan can honestly say they think Rudebox deserves to be up for International Hit Of The Year?
The article of mine which incurred so much anger last time was written before his current troubles became public knowledge. I suggested that the, frankly, bizarre nature of Rudebox sounded like a man going off the rails and further speculated that his former bandmates' astonishing comeback was likely to exacerbate the situation.
If the stories which have emerged since his return to rehab are to be believed, it seems I was correct on both counts.
I hate to say I told you so, not least because, despite numerous accusations to the contrary, I don't hate him, I'm not jealous of him, and I have no desire to kick a man when he's down.
But this nomination seems like a sympathy vote to me. I know people will rush to point out that the single sold as well as most of his hits and that it went to number one in eight countries. That's not the point though. The Ivor Novello award is supposed to be about songwriting quality not units shifted and I just don't see how Rudebox qualifies for anything on this basis.
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