Aubry was charged with battery after the love rivals came to blows when he dropped his daughter Nahla off at Halle's home on Thanksgiving Day.
Bruised and battered Olivier Martinez steps out with bloody hand after brawl with Halle Berry's ex Gabriel
TODAY'S TOP SHOWBUSINESS PICTURE
Sam Faiers shows off her killer curves in black bikini on holiday with Joey Essex
The Only Way Is Essex's Sam Faiers and Joey Essex are more smitten than ever if their recent trip to Dubai is anything to go by.
The Only Way Is Essex's Sam Faiers and Joey Essex are more smitten than ever if their recent trip to Dubai is anything to go by.
Rihanna downs shots of alcohol before leaving late-night after-show party with Chris Brown
The 24-year-old had attended Chris' concert in the German capital and joined him at the after-show party on Thanksgiving Day.
- The Only Way Is Dubai: Sam Faiers flaunts killer curves in a skimpy black bikini as she enjoys a spot of winter sun with Joey Essex
- 'It all got VERY serious': Brian Conley reveals he was forced to quit I'm A Celebrity after refusing to take anti-depressants he has been on for past 15 years
- That was quick! Katie Holmes jets out of Ohio after whistle stop Thanksgiving with her family while Suri 'spends the holiday with Tom Cruise'
- Don't Cha wish you weren't slimed? I'm A Celebrity's Ashley Roberts hits the shower after messy Bushtucker trial
- Bruised and battered Olivier Martinez steps out with a bloody hand after brutal brawl with Halle Berry's ex Gabriel Aubry
- Rihanna downs shots before leaving late-night party with Chris Brown after spending Thanksgiving at his Berlin concert
- Wonderful winter wardrobe: Myleene looks Klassy and elegant as she steps out in a figure hugging fur lined dress
- Not so Steady any more: TV chef Ainsley Harriott splits from wife Clare after 23 years of marriage
- Santa baby! Made In Chelsea's Kimberley Garner spices up Winter Wonderland in a Father Christmas inspired suit
- Why I begged to strip off on stage: Kelly Brook turned down I'm a celebrity to dance in London's risqué new cabaret
- That's one way to court attention! Mel B channels her sophisticated side in figure-hugging cream dress for legal battle
- 'Dating? No I suppose I’ve been rather put off... I have had the worse year of my life': Twice married Andrea McLean reveals why she wants to stay single
- Tired of clowning around? James Corden looks down in the dumps as he dresses as a sinister white clown for new advert
- Making room for a Thanksgiving feast! Lisa Rinna heads to a Pilates class before the holiday eating begins
- The Only Way Is Dubai: Sam Faiers flaunts killer curves in a skimpy black bikini as she enjoys a spot of winter sun with Joey Essex
- Bruised and battered Olivier Martinez steps out with a bloody hand after brutal brawl with Halle Berry's ex Gabriel Aubry
- 'It all got VERY serious': Brian Conley reveals he was forced to quit I'm A Celebrity after refusing to take anti-depressants he has been on for past 15 years
- From the runway to the Ramsays: Posh and her brood jet into London and head straight to Gordon and Tana's house
- Don't Cha wish you weren't slimed? I'm A Celebrity's Ashley Roberts hits the shower after messy Bushtucker trial
- Suri and Tom Cruise FINALLY reunite after three months apart as she jets to UK for Thanksgiving
- 'The best early Christmas present we could ask for': The Saturdays' Rochelle and JLS Marvin Humes expecting their first child
- Not so Steady any more: TV chef Ainsley Harriott splits from wife Clare after 23 years of marriage
- The Kardashians take on Pink, Mariah Carey and P Diddy for the most elaborate Thanksgiving spread... as celebrities tweet their festive holiday snaps
- Why I begged to strip off on stage: Kelly Brook turned down I'm a celebrity to dance in London's risqué new cabaret
- His Never Ending (jungle) Story is over! Limahl is the second star to be voted off I'm A Celebrity
- Showing them how the Brits do it: Cher Lloyd receives a standing ovation for her performance on X Factor USA
- Showing Adam Levine what he's missing! Maroon 5 frontman's ex Anne V is scorching in a scarlet bikini as she frolics on the beach in Miami
- 'I was gobsmacked... I was sat on the couch eating crisps and watching reality TV': Robbie Williams opens up on his shock at Take That's success as a four-piece
- MOST READ IN DETAIL
TODAY'S POLL
THE BIG PICTURES
Wonderful winter wardrobe: Myleene looks Klassy and elegant as she steps out in a figure hugging fur lined dress
The well dressed TV presenter strutted down the street in a wonderful winter wardrobe on Friday afternoon.
The couple, who have two children Jimmy, 20, and Maddie, 17, are living apart.
She may have been hoping for a meeting with the man himself so perhaps Kimberley Garner decided to dress in Father Christmas' favourite colours for a trip to Winter Wonderland.
This week the underwear model turned breakfast TV presenter turned actress and clothes designer finished her sell-out run as a sexy dancer with the acclaimed French cabaret group Crazy Horse.
That's one way to court attention! Mel B channels her sophisticated side in figure-hugging cream dress for legal battle
The 37-year-old singer opted for a spot of power dressing as she made a court appearance in Sydney.
Today's Showbiz Gallery
Back
HAVE YOUR SAY...
Is Helen Flanagan just faking her tantrums in the jungle?
If she is playing a game and just pretending to be terrified of her own shadow, I will proclaim her to be the next De Niro.
monsieurharry
If she is playing a game and just pretending to be terrified of her own shadow, I will proclaim her to be the next De Niro.
monsieurharry
ALL THE LATEST SHOWBUSINESS
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'Dating? No I suppose I’ve been rather put off... I have had the worse year of my life': Twice married Andrea McLean reveals why she wants to stay single
-
Tired of clowning around? James Corden looks down in the dumps as he dresses as a sinister white clown for new advert
-
Making room for a Thanksgiving feast! Lisa Rinna heads to a Pilates class before the holiday eating begins
She's regularly seen heading to yoga classes
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Bruised and battered Olivier Martinez steps out with a bloody hand after brutal brawl with Halle Berry's ex Gabriel Aubry
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She's no turkey! Miranda Kerr shows off her killer legs as takes Flynn for a Thanksgiving stroll to celebrate the holidays
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'Everybody has been really supportive': Danny Simpson thanks fans as he opens up about relationship with Tulisa
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Who'll be your Romeo? Model Lily Cole to build 'Romeo and Juliet' inspired balcony in her London flat
She's keen to show off her love of the theatre
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I'll be back... don't give me a ticket! Arnold Schwarzenegger lands his 14 tonne monster truck on the curb in parking fail
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Wonderful winter wardrobe: Myleene looks Klassy and elegant as she steps out in a figure hugging fur lined dress
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She's a water babe! Jennifer Lawrence cools off in the surf as she enjoys a day at the beach in Maui
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That's one way to court attention! Mel B channels her sophisticated side in figure-hugging cream dress for legal battle
NEWS AND GOSSIP AROUND THE
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The Only Way Is Dubai: Sam Faiers flaunts killer curves in a skimpy black bikini as she enjoys a spot of winter sun with Joey Essex
-
'It all got VERY serious': Brian Conley reveals he was forced to quit I'm A Celebrity after refusing to take anti-depressants he has been on for past 15 years
-
'It's been empowering, I feel really sexy': Kelly Brook celebrates her last night in seductive cabaret Crazy Horse
Kelly turned down eating bugs
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'I was gobsmacked... I was sat on the couch eating crisps and watching reality TV': Robbie Williams opens up on his shock at Take That's success
-
I'm With You: Avril Lavigne is every inch the doting fiancée to Chad Kroger as she accompanies him to Sydney for Nickelback tour
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She's in her roaring twenties: Bryan Ferry's young wife embraces The Jazz Age in flapper dress at his album launch
-
Twilight expected to smash Thanksgiving box office records beating Bond to the top spot
Bond will be left shaken not stirred
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Showing them how the Brits do it: Cher Lloyd receives a standing ovation for her performance on X Factor USA
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On a morning like this: Kylie Minogue looks fresh faced with minimal make-up despite her early start at Radio 2
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Going back to the 80's? Kerry Katona wears slashed tuxedo and old-fashioned bouffant hairstyle for her book launch
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A taste of home! Kirsten Dunst and boyfriend Garrett Hedlund head to an American-style restaurant for Thanksgiving in London
WORLD TO BROWSE AT A GLANCE!
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Santa baby! Made In Chelsea's Kimberley Garner spices up Winter Wonderland in a Father Christmas inspired suit
-
'I was a tomboy': TOWIE star Lauren Pope wasn't always about the glamour...as she shows off her baby photos
Before the surgery
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Not so Steady any more: TV chef Ainsley Harriott splits from wife Clare after 23 years of marriage
Couple have two children Jimmy and Maddie
-
He's in a League Of His Own: James Corden show off his singing skills by belting out Queen classic on quiz show
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Mischa Barton goes East in exotic dress at phone case launch... as Made In Chelsea's Rosie steps out with mystery man
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Mark Wright launches his 'Mr and Mrs Wright' fragrances with the scents' namesakes... his parents!
Big sister Jessica missed out
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Don't Cha wish you weren't slimed? Ashley Roberts hits the shower after messy Bush Tucker trial
Won eight meals
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Blowing her own trumpet! Carol Vorderman shows off her musical skills as she turns on Christmas lights
In a festive green dress
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His Never Ending Story in the jungle is over: Limahl is the second to be evicted from I'm A Celebrity
He didn't stay long
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From the runway to the Ramsays: Posh and her brood jet into London and head straight to Gordon and Tana's house
Welcome home!
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X Factor finalist Jahmene Douglas proudly shows off his mother at Empowering Women Awards
His mother suffered domestic abuse
ALL THE HOTTEST
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Rihanna downs shots before leaving late-night party with Chris Brown
Spent Thanksgiving at his Berlin concert
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He's still got it! David Hasselhoff puts his muscular beach body back on show as he recreates Baywatch at 60
Filming advert
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Aloha! Jennifer Lawrence proves she's no shrinking violet as she hits the Hawaiian beach in a pretty purple two-piece
With her family
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The Kardashians take on Pink, Mariah Carey and P Diddy for the most elaborate Thanksgiving spread
Celebrities tweet their festive holiday snaps
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Bad night for Britney! Spears loses TWO acts as sobbing Beatrice Miller and 'boring' Arin Ray see their X Factor dreams end
Has two left
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Young love? Kylie Jenner spends Thanksgiving with old schoolfriend... and they even cook dinner together
Gave her piggyback
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His and hers! First came the matching leather, now Kim Kardashian and Kanye West both drive matte black cars
Thanksgiving treat?
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'Ass maintenance!' Tyra Banks has a Thanksgiving blowout... as healthy Heidi Klum sticks to the diet plan
Victoria's Secret angels
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Bruised Olivier Martinez reveals broken hand after 'brutal brawl with Halle Berry's ex Gabriel Aubry which left both in hospital'
Aubry arrested
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That was quick! Katie Holmes jets out of Ohio after whistle stop Thanksgiving with her family
Suri spent holiday with Tom Cruise
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'I am so grateful for my new family!' Jessica Simpson celebrates Maxwell's first Turkey Day with cute Thanksgiving card
Family album
UNITED STATES SHOWBIZ
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Very cosy! Shia LeBeouf takes Nymphomaniac co-star Mia Goth out for coffee in Los Angeles
Well, they do have sex on tape
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Bikini Thanksgiving! Stacy Keibler and Cindy Crawford enjoy a beachside holiday in Mexico
George and Rande were on hand
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Where are those giblets? Hands on Jessica Alba prepares her Thanksgiving turkey... and gives fans a look inside her kitchen
Playing the housewife
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Turning into the perfect little gentlemen! Gwen Stefani's sons Kingston and Zuma are dapper in matching suits
Passing on he love of fashion
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That's unlike you! Anne Hathaway swaps her sophisticated wardrobe for Adidas tracksuit pants
Stroll with Adam Shulman
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A lot to be thankful for: Happier and healthier LeAnn Rimes snuggles up to husband Eddie Cibrian in romantic Thanksgiving snap
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Praise the lord! Jamie King gets a 'Jesus' tattoo etched on her body
Katy Perry also has one
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It's a hat-trick! Celine Dion sports three slinky outfits to Bambi Media Awards
Quite the fashion plate
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No time for make-up! Mother-of-four Tori Spelling looks exhausted on family day out
Juggles four young children
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Arresting in ebony! Salma Hayek is a vision in plunging black and gold gown at Germany's Bambi Awards
Put her curves on display
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Showing Adam Levine what he's missing! Maroon 5 frontman's ex Anne V is scorching in a scarlet bikini as she frolics on the beach in Miami
GOSSIP - DIRECT FROM LA
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Wild thing! Heidi Klum's locks turn grey as she comes out of the ice-cave sporting crazy hair extensions
On the cover of Italian magazine Amica
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Britney Spears shows off her fabulously flat stomach on X Factor USA
Top of the crops!
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Shiver me timbers! Hugh Laurie to play Blackbeard in first major TV role since closing the door on House
New NBC show Crossbones
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Naomi Watts channels her inner mermaid in a low-cut shimmering turquoise gown as she shoots new Spanish commercial
Taking the plunge!
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Chris Brown cancels gig in South America after protests over Rihanna attack
He was due to perform in Guyana on December 26
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'I'm thankful for my beautiful baby boy': Jersey Shore star Snooki gives a glimpse at her family festivities
Proudly shared snaps
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Grey's Anatomy reunion as Kate Walsh and Justin Chambers join Katherine Heigl on night out
Seattle Grace revisited
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He's scrumptious! Vanessa Lachey dresses baby son Camden as Thanksgiving turkey
Put one-month-old in a poultry outfit for fun
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What a carry on! Twilight star Jackson Rathbone lets petite partner lug around their exhausted baby in New York
Family outing
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Nicki Minaj 'denied entry to her own album release party after turning up late'
At Greenhouse Nightclub in New York
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Glad You Came! British boyband The Wanted and Carly Rae Jepsen among the famous faces in the crowd at Macy's Parade
New York festivities
SOAP BOX
- SPOILER ALERT: EastEnders' Alfie Moon finally gets his own back on cheating wife Kat as enjoys romance with Roxy Mitchell
- Spoiler alert: The Queen Vic is now the Scream Vic as Kat and Alfie vamp it up at EastEnders Halloween bash
- Another EastEnders wedding ends in disaster as Syed and Christian's civil ceremony is interrupted by the bailiffs
- Aren't you supposed to be grieving? Cheryl Brady wears bright red to Lynsey's funeral ... in new scenes from Hollyoaks
THE BIG READS
Hugh Jackman, who plays Jean Valjean, said Tom Hooper’s stirring film version of Les Miserables would revolutionise the way people viewed movie musicals.
The McIntyres now live in a £3.7 million home in Hampstead, North London, but it took the birth of their son Lucas, now seven, to give the comedian a wake-up call.
Lord Sugar, who is worth an estimated £770 million, is angry at the way BBC1 has scheduled and promoted this year’s Young Apprentice, which is midway through its run.
The actor, who spent almost five years in the BBC soap, stars with Scarlett Strallen in the play that explores the psychology of Broadway dancers auditioning for a show.
The British singer/songwriter was asked by the Beatles frontman to perform at one of his parties and of course she jumped at the chance.
REVIEWS
FILM
Silver Linings Playbook is written and directed by David O. Russell who has previously dealt in comedies with an eccentric tinge, such as Three Kings and Flirting With Disaster.
Gambit is a very loose remake of a lightweight 1966 heist movie that starred Michael Caine as a thief using a Eurasian accomplice to steal an art treasure from a nasty Middle Eastern potentate.
The first Nativity was a corny, amateurish shambles, but it had that hard-to-define quality of likeability. Its sequel has none.
If you've seen any of David Ayer’s previous films, you’ll have detected a combination of respect and loathing for the Los Angeles Police Department.
Alex Kurtzman has written some of the worst films ever to become hits, including the first two Transformers movies, and is now releasing his directorial debut People Like Us.
My Brother The Devil is a very promising debut by Sally El Hosaini — who’s from Welsh-Egyptian stock — with an eye-catching central performance by James Floyd, also of mixed British parentage.
THE MAIL ONLINE SCREENING ROOM
Welcome to Mail Online's screening room, where you can sit back, relax, and watch the latest film trailers from your desktop
MUSIC REVIEWS
Ne-Yo: The cat in the hat who's going to make Motown great again
Ne-Yo is the reigning king of American R&B;, a recent guest mentor on The X Factor and a singer whose music is probably nestling somewhere on your teenager's iPod.
THEATRE
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Twelfth Night: Stephen Fry fits the bill, but why is David Miliband in a frock?
Show is well acted, well lit, well staged, with cracking music
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The Magistrate: This vintage comedy's a real corker of a Christmas show
Timothy Sheader’s production creaks at the margins a little
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Could this be love, or just happy pills?
The Effect, at the Cottesloe Theatre, is immersive
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The Seagull: Charity shop clothes make this Chekhov look shabby
An occasionally sparky new version written by Anya Reiss and featuring Matthew Kelly
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The Dark Earth and the Light Sky
Do not be deterred, this tale of sacrifice is one to remember
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Uncle Vanya: This dacha is all too wooden
Carmichael’s plaintive, plain Sonya is one of the strengths of Posner’s starry but disappointingly lacklustre revival.
Travel like a Celebrity
- How to holiday like Twilight's Edward and Bella
- Barbados? It's a knock-out say Anthony Joshua
- Spencer Matthews finds love in the Bahamas
- Alex Jones on supporting a Paris charity cycle ride
- Hello Mr Jaws: Kate Silverton in the Maldives
- Sheridan Smith finds a proposal on the high seas
- Rebecca Adlington on Disney and New Zealand
LATEST ALBUM RELEASES
Scroll through for the latest new album releases
LED ZEPPELIN
Celebration Day (Atlantic)
As subtle as Norse gods, hairier than a thousand Coldplays, Led Zeppelin came to London’s O2 five years ago and in a 16-song set proved they can still do almost everything they ever did as well as they ever had. It was with Good Times Bad Times that Led Zep went bruising back into the fray. Black Dog was thuggishly virtuosic, Tangled Underfoot infectious, Kashmir majestic, Stairway To Heaven elegant yet inescapably daft. And then they were gone and unlikely to return; Robert Plant isn’t keen to spend his 60s exhuming his 20s. He’s happy, after a regal pause, to sell you that mighty 2007 show in a CD/DVD set.
★★★★★
Celebration Day (Atlantic)
As subtle as Norse gods, hairier than a thousand Coldplays, Led Zeppelin came to London’s O2 five years ago and in a 16-song set proved they can still do almost everything they ever did as well as they ever had. It was with Good Times Bad Times that Led Zep went bruising back into the fray. Black Dog was thuggishly virtuosic, Tangled Underfoot infectious, Kashmir majestic, Stairway To Heaven elegant yet inescapably daft. And then they were gone and unlikely to return; Robert Plant isn’t keen to spend his 60s exhuming his 20s. He’s happy, after a regal pause, to sell you that mighty 2007 show in a CD/DVD set.
★★★★★
COLDPLAY
Live 2012 (EMI)
Coldplay are pegged as ‘ho-hum’ by some, but it’s hard to begrudge them their status as leaders in anthemic spectacle. The new concert film and live album is drawn from this year’s world tour and gathers a set of hits – Yellow, Fix You, Viva La Vida, Paradise – unsurpassed as crowd-pleasers by any band of the past decade. Then it throws in Rihanna in a silk dress and presents the band as pleasant souls who off-stage read and play cricket. They might not leave you feeling very clever, like Radiohead do, or transgressive, like Lady Gaga, but at their best they deliver a reassuring update on the condition of the human spirit.
★★★★
Live 2012 (EMI)
Coldplay are pegged as ‘ho-hum’ by some, but it’s hard to begrudge them their status as leaders in anthemic spectacle. The new concert film and live album is drawn from this year’s world tour and gathers a set of hits – Yellow, Fix You, Viva La Vida, Paradise – unsurpassed as crowd-pleasers by any band of the past decade. Then it throws in Rihanna in a silk dress and presents the band as pleasant souls who off-stage read and play cricket. They might not leave you feeling very clever, like Radiohead do, or transgressive, like Lady Gaga, but at their best they deliver a reassuring update on the condition of the human spirit.
★★★★
SUSAN BOYLE
Standing Ovation: The Greatest Songs From The Stage(Syco)
Susan Boyle is becoming a festive staple, pumping out an album every late-autumn for Christmas, even if her second and third haven’t filled quite as many stockings as her first. Her tribute to musicals finds her back on home turf: her star first rose when she sang Les Miserables’ I Dreamed A Dream for the 2009 Britain’s Got Talent. It takes in a languorous Somewhere Over The Rainbow, a plushly sorrowful Send In The Clowns and yearning versions of Memory, As Long As He Needs Me and others. There’s nothing difficult or out of keeping with her initial appeal. That’s presumably very much the aim.
★★★
Standing Ovation: The Greatest Songs From The Stage(Syco)
Susan Boyle is becoming a festive staple, pumping out an album every late-autumn for Christmas, even if her second and third haven’t filled quite as many stockings as her first. Her tribute to musicals finds her back on home turf: her star first rose when she sang Les Miserables’ I Dreamed A Dream for the 2009 Britain’s Got Talent. It takes in a languorous Somewhere Over The Rainbow, a plushly sorrowful Send In The Clowns and yearning versions of Memory, As Long As He Needs Me and others. There’s nothing difficult or out of keeping with her initial appeal. That’s presumably very much the aim.
★★★
EXAMPLE
The Evolution Of Man (Ministry of Sound)
Elliot Gleave(aka Example) is an ambitious British rapper taking his music out of the clubs and into arenas. His fourth album doesn't quite live up to its lofty title, but his sharply observed lyrics are still bolstered by a sing-along mix of rock and rave. Blur's Graham Coxon guests on the rockier tracks.
★★
The Evolution Of Man (Ministry of Sound)
Elliot Gleave(aka Example) is an ambitious British rapper taking his music out of the clubs and into arenas. His fourth album doesn't quite live up to its lofty title, but his sharply observed lyrics are still bolstered by a sing-along mix of rock and rave. Blur's Graham Coxon guests on the rockier tracks.
★★
HAYDN
Cello Concertos (Capriccio C5139)
From a young Dutch cellist comes spick-and-span performances of Haydn's perennially popular Cello Concertos. Backed by the Vienna Chamber Philharmonic under Claudius Traunfellner, Harriet Krijgh seems to have all the time in the world to make her musical points, even in the fast sections.
★★
Cello Concertos (Capriccio C5139)
From a young Dutch cellist comes spick-and-span performances of Haydn's perennially popular Cello Concertos. Backed by the Vienna Chamber Philharmonic under Claudius Traunfellner, Harriet Krijgh seems to have all the time in the world to make her musical points, even in the fast sections.
★★
ONE DIRECTION
Take Me Home (SyCo Music)
This second album could have been a difficult hurdle, but Harry, Niall, Zayn, Liam and Louis stick to the catchy pop of their debut smash Up All Night — strong vocals, chiming guitars and forceful choruses. They can hold a tune, and star songwriters — including fellow boy-band McFly and solo singer Ed Sheeran — make for material of a high standard. Live While We’re Young sets a buoyant tone, and the Sheeran-penned Little Things, a folky ballad, has the makings of another big hit. They stumble in rockier numbers Last First Kiss and Rock Me. But for One Direction, the only way is still up.
★★★★
Take Me Home (SyCo Music)
This second album could have been a difficult hurdle, but Harry, Niall, Zayn, Liam and Louis stick to the catchy pop of their debut smash Up All Night — strong vocals, chiming guitars and forceful choruses. They can hold a tune, and star songwriters — including fellow boy-band McFly and solo singer Ed Sheeran — make for material of a high standard. Live While We’re Young sets a buoyant tone, and the Sheeran-penned Little Things, a folky ballad, has the makings of another big hit. They stumble in rockier numbers Last First Kiss and Rock Me. But for One Direction, the only way is still up.
★★★★
THE ROLLING STONES
Grrr! (Universal)
The Stones celebrate their 50th anniversary with a retrospective that comes in an array of formats. But the basic model — three CDs and 50 key songs — should suffice for most. The hits are all here, sequenced chronologically from 1963’s Come On, and the two new numbers stand up well: neither the gritty Doom And Gloom nor One More Shot would have been out of place on Exile On Main Street.
★★★★★
Grrr! (Universal)
The Stones celebrate their 50th anniversary with a retrospective that comes in an array of formats. But the basic model — three CDs and 50 key songs — should suffice for most. The hits are all here, sequenced chronologically from 1963’s Come On, and the two new numbers stand up well: neither the gritty Doom And Gloom nor One More Shot would have been out of place on Exile On Main Street.
★★★★★
GREEN DAY
Dos! (Warner bros, out now)
Is releasing three albums in as many months masochistic? Singer Billie Joe Armstrong’s public crack-up tends to bear that out. Asked to wrap up a Green Day gig recently, he let go a salty tirade, smashed his guitar and has been in rehab since. Still, the music keeps coming in his absence. Ersatz power-chord thrash ¡Uno! could be from 1977, while ¡Dos! channels garage rock of a decade earlier. No ground is broken, but the sullen energy and dark melody keep at bay Green Day’s cartoon leanings. With ¡Tre! to come next month, this sounds like a band plugging itself back in the mains.
★★★
Dos! (Warner bros, out now)
Is releasing three albums in as many months masochistic? Singer Billie Joe Armstrong’s public crack-up tends to bear that out. Asked to wrap up a Green Day gig recently, he let go a salty tirade, smashed his guitar and has been in rehab since. Still, the music keeps coming in his absence. Ersatz power-chord thrash ¡Uno! could be from 1977, while ¡Dos! channels garage rock of a decade earlier. No ground is broken, but the sullen energy and dark melody keep at bay Green Day’s cartoon leanings. With ¡Tre! to come next month, this sounds like a band plugging itself back in the mains.
★★★
DIONNE WARWICK
Now (H&I; Music)
It’s never a bad time to celebrate the bright, suave sound of Hal David and Burt Bacharach; only The Beatles did more to define Sixties pop. It’s even more fitting now, weeks after David’s death at 91, and half a century since Don’t Make Me Over, their first hit with muse Dionne Warwick. The title was her angry reaction after they gave Make It Easy On Yourself to another singer; both are re-recorded here with I Say A Little Prayer and Reach Out. They sound comfier than you recall (slightly colourless in fact), but at 71, Warwick retains the grit and tenderness that made her Burt and Hal’s interpreter of choice.
★★★
Now (H&I; Music)
It’s never a bad time to celebrate the bright, suave sound of Hal David and Burt Bacharach; only The Beatles did more to define Sixties pop. It’s even more fitting now, weeks after David’s death at 91, and half a century since Don’t Make Me Over, their first hit with muse Dionne Warwick. The title was her angry reaction after they gave Make It Easy On Yourself to another singer; both are re-recorded here with I Say A Little Prayer and Reach Out. They sound comfier than you recall (slightly colourless in fact), but at 71, Warwick retains the grit and tenderness that made her Burt and Hal’s interpreter of choice.
★★★
JLS
Evolution (Epic)
Like the bus in Speed that will blow up if it goes below 50mph, a boy band must keep furiously moving, or end up a wreck on the pop highway. Likeable JLS have kept up an impressive clip since coming second on The X Factor in 2008: five No 1 singles, sold-out tours and more O2 shows than any British band bar Take That and the Spice Girls. Facing the One Direction juggernaut, the fourth-album gambit is to discard most of their poppier inclinations and launch into lusty, club-ready R&B;, with an eye on the US. The music is a pro job, as always, but doggedly sparky, not inspired. Hold Me Down, a nothing-can-stop-me ballad, stands out amid the sleek lady-praising and single-entendre come-ons.
★★
Evolution (Epic)
Like the bus in Speed that will blow up if it goes below 50mph, a boy band must keep furiously moving, or end up a wreck on the pop highway. Likeable JLS have kept up an impressive clip since coming second on The X Factor in 2008: five No 1 singles, sold-out tours and more O2 shows than any British band bar Take That and the Spice Girls. Facing the One Direction juggernaut, the fourth-album gambit is to discard most of their poppier inclinations and launch into lusty, club-ready R&B;, with an eye on the US. The music is a pro job, as always, but doggedly sparky, not inspired. Hold Me Down, a nothing-can-stop-me ballad, stands out amid the sleek lady-praising and single-entendre come-ons.
★★
