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Music, Sport & Politics
September 25, 2013
Rob Pollard v Woods: “We make money on the road and that’s just the way it is now”
A man, a band, a record label. Rob Pollard talks to Woods’ Jeremy Earl. Woods, Brooklyn’s finest lo-fi folk-rock act, are one of the busiest and hardworking bands around. Jeremy Earl, the singer and guitarist, not only writes and records Woods records, but also runs the Woodsist label, releasing work from a disparate set of […]
Posted in: Music
Alt-J: I voted Lib Dem last time, but now I’ll vote Labour, because Diane Abbott is a complete legend
May 31, 2013
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman The Mercury Music Prizewinners talk to Rob Pollard. Rarely has a debut album made such an impression on UK listeners. An Awesome Wave, Alt-J’s brilliant first full length release, scooped the prestigious Mercury Music Prize last year, and this week was awarded an Ivor Novello for Best Album. […]
Rob Pollard v British Sea Power: “We need a Chavez”
May 16, 2013
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman British Sea Power‘s Yan speaks to the New Statesman about music, politics and Grand Designs Australia. British Sea Power remain on the outskirts of British popular culture, despite being one of the most interesting bands of the last decade. Their brand of music defies definite categorisation, and as […]
South London Hardcore: “I think the place is overdue some recognition beyond street crime statistics.”
May 16, 2013
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman South London is a fascinating area of England. It has a rich cultural history, and was the birthplace of many iconic people: from David Bowie and Rio Ferdinand, to Ken Livingstone and Daniel Day-Lewis. Despite this, South London is often viewed negatively. Sneered at for its perceived social […]
Posted in: Interviews, Media
Interview: Johnny Marr
March 8, 2013
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman Johnny Marr was one half of the most influential British songwriting partnership of all time. In May 1982, inspired by how Leiber & Stoller met, Marr approached fellow Mancunian Morrissey to convince him that they should write songs together. It was the start of one of the most […]
Everything Everything Interview
February 10, 2013
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman Formed in 2007 by University of Salford students Jonathan Higgs, Jeremy Pritchard, Michael Spearman and Alex Niven (since replaced by Alex Robertshaw), Everything Everything have established themselves as one of Britain’s premier indie bands. Their debut album, Man Alive, was nominated for the 2011 Mercury Music Prize, and […]
Murray Through to Australian Open Semi-Final
January 23, 2013
written by Rob Pollard for the Huffington Post Andy Murray is chasing history in Australia. No man in the Open era has managed to follow-up their first Grand Slam title by winning the next major tournament. It would be a huge achievement for Murray, and one which could signal what many observers have long-expected: a […]
Posted in: Tennis
Morrissey: “I nearly voted for UKIP”
January 23, 2013
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman In an interview published in the latest edition of Loaded magazine, Morrissey has described David Cameron as “gratuitously violent,” and expressed his desire to see Yvette Cooper “thrown into the sea”. In the most politically charged interview of his career, Morrissey also said he felt it was difficult […]
New Releases in 2013
January 3, 2013
I said in my last post, 10 Best Albums of 2012, that last year was a poor year for album releases. There seemed to be a dearth of great records, and the year, as a whole, failed to spark my musical imagination. However, this year looks set to be different, with a host of great bands […]
Posted in: Music
10 Best Albums of 2012
December 31, 2012
written by Rob Pollard 2012, for me, hasn’t been a great year for album releases. With Laura Marling, Anna Calvi, and various other favourites of mine set to release soon, 2013 looks set to be a more fertile year for quality records. Nevertheless, I have put together my top 10 albums for 2012. See what […]
Posted in: Music
10 Best Gigs of 2012
December 30, 2012
written by Rob Pollard Art in 2012 has been a mixed bag. Whilst film and recorded music has only sporadically captured my imagination, it has been a brilliant year for live music performance. As 2012 draws to a close and we reflect on the past 12 months, I decided to put a list of the […]
Posted in: Music
Morrissey Interview – 3 News
December 13, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman In an interview with New Zealand’s 3 News, Morrissey has accused Kate Middleton of feeling ‘no shame’ about the suspected suicide of Jacintha Saldanha, and described the British monarchy as a dictatorship, encapsulated by a history of ‘murder mayhem and slaughter.’ In what was a wide-ranging interview that […]
Yeasayer Interview
December 12, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman Rob Pollard interviews Yeasayer’s Chris Keating Earlier this year, Brooklyn band Yeasayer released their third studio album, and this week they finished their latest UK tour. They are a band that have consistently evolved their sound since their breakthrough in 2007. Their debut LP, All Hour Cymbals, was […]
Peter Hook Interview
December 10, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman – photograph by William Ellis Rob Pollard speaks to the former Joy Division and New Order bassist. Peter Hook was the bass player and founding member of Manchester’s influential post-punk band Joy Division. After the death of their iconic lead singer Ian Curtis, the remaining members went on […]
Kevin Cummins interview
December 10, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman Rob Pollard interviews one of the world’s most renowned music photographers. Kevin Cummins is one of the world’s most renowned music photographers. He has photographed David Bowie, Morrissey, Mark E. Smith, The Happy Mondays and Patti Smith, as well as working as an NME photographer from 1977-1997. However, […]
Djokovic Wins ATP World Tour Title
November 13, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Huffington Post UK Novak Djokovic left London’s O2 Arena as the undefeated champion of the Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals after beating Roger Federer 7-6 (8-6) 7-5. With both players producing tennis of the highest order, it was a compelling match that provided a fitting end to a wonderful tennis […]
Posted in: Tennis
Djokovic Beats Murray at ATP World Tour Finals
November 7, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for Huffington Post The ATP World Tour Finals is the culmination of the year in tennis, as the eight finest players in the world gather to compete for the final trophy of the season. It is a celebration of the game as well as an illustrious trophy to secure and it […]
Posted in: Tennis
Wild Beasts Interview
October 23, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman During the middle of the last decade, British indie music had become artistically void. It was incredibly popular and sales were high, but bands were bereft of ideas and their output had become depressingly predictable. Thankfully, that nadir sparked a shift, with a new breed of intelligent, articulate […]
Heart Boobies, Hate Sexism
October 15, 2012
written by Nicola Carty Like a UK-based Carrie Bradshaw, Lucy Anne Holmes knows good sex. Or rather, she knows bad sex. The kind of sex that is “ugly”, and that debases the good name of sex in general. Holmes is on a mission, “valiantly trying to change the face of sex as we know it”. […]
Posted in: Politics
Murray On Course for Third Shanghai Title
October 13, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for Huffington Post UK For the third consecutive year, Andy Murray will play in the Shanghai Rolex Masters final after beating Roger Federer 6-4 6-4 in a stop-start match interrupted by rain. Murray outclassed Federer and will now look to make it three Shanghai titles in a row as he faces […]
Posted in: Tennis
Murray Into Shanghai Quarter-Final
October 11, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for the Huffington Post Andy Murray moved into the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Rolex Masters after sweeping past Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-2 6-2 in just under an hour. Murray was scarcely troubled by Dolgopolov who struggled to cope with the variety in the British player’s game. Murray has still never lost a […]
Posted in: Tennis
Morrissey on Fallon & Colbert Report
October 10, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Last night, Morrissey appeared on The Colbert Report in America, performing People Are The Same Everywhere and I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris. I haven’t figured out a way of embedding the videos on here but Pitchfork has the interview and People Are The Same Everywhere via this link. Colbert Report […]
Posted in: Music
Video of the Day…Grizzly Bear – Yet Again
October 1, 2012
written by Rob Pollard New Grizzly Bear album, Shields, is one of the finest releases of the year. It’s a rich, textured record containing some of the most infectious melodies you’re likely to hear. They’re a band who have avoided the pitfalls that hamper other acts by remaining true to the sound which has served […]
Posted in: Music, Video of the Day
Backstage at Leeds…with Jake Bugg
October 1, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for Leeds Festival How important do you feel BBC Introducing has been in helping to launch your music career? I think it’s helped loads actually. I just found it on a website and I thought ‘why has no one told me about this before’? You just upload your music and it […]
Posted in: Interviews, Music
Video of the Day….Joy Division – Transmission
September 23, 2012
Robert Pollard Joy Division – one of my favourite ever bands – performing Transmission. It starts with punk-poet, John Cooper Clarke, reciting lines from his classic poem Evidently Chickentown, before rumbling bass notes signal the start of the track. It’s an absolutely brilliant song and the energy of this particular version is quite special. I […]
Posted in: Music, Video of the Day
Nick Clegg Apology
September 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard The big talking point in British politics over the last day or so has been Nick Clegg’s attempt at an apology for his party’s decision to renege on their pre-election pledge to scrap tuition fees. We all know the story. When they thought they were never going to be in power […]
Posted in: Politics
Game Over for Romney
September 18, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Just when you thought Mitt Romney had decided to stop entertaining us with his campaign trail gaffes he goes and delivers his finest one to date. Polls were suggesting that his message was already struggling to cut through to voters, with Obama establishing healthy leads in the majority of swing states. […]
Posted in: Politics
Video of the Day….Joni Mitchell
September 16, 2012
Robert Pollard It seemed to go darker earlier this evening and the temperature appears to have dropped somewhat. The ‘summer’ is over. Which made me think of an album I’ve always associated with winter: Joni Mitchell’s brilliant Blue. I first started listening to this album in the winter of 2005 and I’ve associated it with […]
Posted in: Music, Video of the Day
Nigel De Jong – a career retrospective
September 15, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Typical City Nigel De Jong said goodbye to Manchester on the final day of the summer transfer window, much to the regret of many City fans. De Jong was a firm favourite during his three-and-a-half year stint at the club and he will always be respected by the City supporters […]
Posted in: Football
Video of the Day….Morrissey – Art-hounds
September 14, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Today’s Video of the Day is a so far unreleased and unrecorded track by Morrissey called Art-hounds. This is the best quality video of this song available. When I first heard it months ago I was struck by many aspects: the falsetto lines, the intensity in Morrissey’s vocal, and the general […]
Posted in: Music, Video of the Day
Mercury Music Prize 2012
September 12, 2012
written by Robert Pollard The list of nominees for the Mercury Music Prize, the only remotely credible music award left, has been announced today and it is somewhat underwhelming. Alt-J, who were interviewed by me last week, are the bookies favourites but it’s hard to tell. Sometimes the winner is obvious, such as when The […]
Posted in: Music
Murray Secures Maiden Grand Slam Title in Epic Circumstances
September 11, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for the Huffington Post The 76 year wait for a British winner of a men’s Grand Slam tennis event is over. Under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, Andy Murray won a quite breathtaking 5 set final against Novak Djokovic at the US Open, winning 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, […]
Posted in: Tennis
Internship at the New Statesman
September 11, 2012
written by Robert Pollard In January, I spent a couple of months interning at the New Statesman offices on Fleet Street. As an aspiring writer, it was an offer I could not refuse. The New Statesman is my favourite publication and the chance to go and work with the writers who I had long followed […]
Video of the Day….Bob Dylan – Days of 49
September 8, 2012
written by Robert Pollard My video of the day today is more of a song of the day – Bob Dylan’s Days of 49. I’d been listening to Dylan for years before coming across this song in the Manchester bar Big Hands. A friend and I had paid for some tracks on the jukebox which, much […]
Posted in: Music, Video of the Day
Alt-J Interview
September 5, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for High Voltage Rarely has a debut album been met with as much fanfare as Alt-J’s An Awesome Wave. Critics have been falling over one another to trumpet the record, whilst tickets for their shows have been swallowed up by a growing loyal fanbase who are dedicated to their experimental and […]
Posted in: Interviews, Music
Murray Masterclass
September 4, 2012
written by Robert Pollard This was supposed to be a difficult match for Andy Murray against an in-form youngster serving aces at the rate of knots and making an impression at the top table of the game. How wrong that assessment looks now. Murray dismantled Milos Raonic in the most brutal fashion imaginable, winning 6-4 […]
Posted in: Tennis
Hudson steps down
September 4, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Respect Party candidate stepping down after vile Galloway comments. Kate Hudson has released a statement today outlining her decision to step down as the Respect candidate at the Manchester Central by-election because of her opposition to the recent comments from George Galloway concerning rape. It is a rare piece of political […]
Posted in: Politics
Cabinet Reshuffle – Cameron’s new team in full
September 4, 2012
written by Robert Pollard So, David Cameron’s first major reshuffle has taken place and it all looks like more of a mess than before he meddled. There are a number of baffling decisions. Firstly, what is Jeremy Hunt’s promotion all about? Let’s not forget, this is a man who was caught out having vested interests […]
Posted in: Politics
Murray vs. Raonic – US Open Preview
September 3, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Raonic stands in the way of another Grand Slam quarter-final for Murray Andy Murray’s bid for a maiden Grand Slam title continues under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium tonight against the in form Canadian Milos Raonic in the fourth round of the US Open. It will be a stern test […]
Posted in: Tennis
Grimes – The Ritz, Manchester – 30th August 2012
August 31, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for High Voltage As Claire Boucher, aka Grimes, walked on stage at The Ritz in Manchester, the excitement in the hall was palpable. It’s been a phenomenal year for Grimes. The release of her third studio album, Visions, was met with a justifiably high level of acclaim. Critics were pretty much […]
Posted in: Music
Video of the Day…Gore Vidal & Hitchens on Chomsky
August 30, 2012
Robert Pollard Today’s Video of the Day is of Gore Vidal and Christopher Hitchens telling the same funny anecdote about one of my favourite writers and thinkers – Noam Chomsky. Professor Chomsky first came to my attention when I was studying English A-Level. He is one of the most celebrated and important linguists ever, something […]
Posted in: Politics, Video of the Day
Video of the Day…Bombay Bicycle Club – Lights Out, Words Gone
August 28, 2012
words – Robert Pollard After interviewing Bombay Bicycle Club at Leeds and then watching their terrific Main Stage performance, I’ve been listening a lot to their new record, A Different Kind of Fix, which really is fantastic. It’s great to see a UK band making interesting music and not being restricted to a certain sound. […]
Posted in: Music, Video of the Day
Backstage at Leeds…with Bombay Bicycle Club
August 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Leeds Festival Three albums in and Bombay Bicycle Club have established themselves as one of the most innovative purveyors of UK indie music. Each album has seen them attempt new sounds, meaning they remain fresh and challenging for the listener. We caught up with Jamie MacColl and Ed Nash backstage […]
Posted in: Interviews, Music
Backstage at Leeds – Gallows Interview
August 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic Gallows have had an interesting career trajectory thus far. Initially signed to Warner Brothers, they were subsequently dropped by the label mid-deal. They’ve also undergone the biggest possible change to a line-up, with Wade MacNeil replacing Frank Carter as lead singer of the band. All this appears to […]
Posted in: Interviews, Music
Backstage at Leeds – Interview with The Maccabees
August 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Leeds Festival The Maccabees are one of the biggest bands at Leeds this year. They headlined the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Saturday for what was one of the finest moments of this year’s festival. We caught up with Felix White and Orlando Weeks backstage prior to their show to get […]
Posted in: Interviews, Music
Morrissey – Canadian Radio Session
August 13, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Last year, Morrissey and his band took part in an in-studio session with Tony Visconti for the Canadian television group Rogers. It was only available to Rogers subscribers or on in-flight entertainment on certain Air Canada flights, meaning the elusive footage began to take on legend status, with fans desperate to […]
Posted in: Music
Bigmouth Strikes Again
August 8, 2012
written by Robert Pollard The moronic Mormon provides another gaffe to remember Another fundraiser, another fuck up for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, this time in Iowa. Mitt Romney is a gift that keeps on giving; a well of comedy that refuses to run dry. Only problem is, he’s running for president of the […]
Posted in: Politics
Murray Must Turn Olympic Gold Into a Grand Slam
August 8, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Olympic Gold should act as springboard to greater success With the expectation of an entire nation on your shoulders, it would easy to fold under the pressure. That’s what Andy Murray had to deal with going into Sunday’s match with Roger Federer yet he produced a truly magnificent performance in the […]
Posted in: Tennis
Grizzly Bear Return
August 7, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Grizzly Bear are one of my favourite bands and they are back with a bang. Their last album Veckatimest was the soundtrack to my 2009 and the intervening years have only served to whet my appetite for new material. When an album is as good as Veckatimest I often wonder whether […]
Posted in: Music
Preview: Grimes – The Ritz, Manchester, 30.08.2012
August 7, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for High Voltage Claire Boucher, aka Grimes, is a Canadian songwriter who doesn’t fit neatly into traditional music categorisation. Her extraordinary vocals and ability to write pop melodies means she stands on her own in the world of new music. 2012 has been her year. Late 2011 saw her she sign […]
Posted in: Music
#RomneyShambles 2 – The Israel Edition
July 31, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Mitt accused of racism once again whilst upping the ante on Iran After leaving a trail of mishaps and cock-ups on his visit to Britain, Mitt Romney’s tri-nation tour continued in the same vein in Israel. After pissing the British off in grand style, the square-headed muppet from Michigan was at […]
Posted in: Politics
Morrissey – Manchester Arena – 28th July 2012
July 29, 2012
written by Robert Pollard ‘When Morrissey’s playing you fucking know about it’. Never has Noel Gallagher, one half of Manchester’s most overrated band, made so much sense. Last night was the latest proof that Noel was onto something when, during an interview for the documentary The Importance of Being Morrissey, he attempted to articulate the […]
Posted in: Music
#RomneyShambles
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Mitt’s gaffe-laden visit to the UK has seen him mocked in grand style. In case you’ve missed it, Mitt Romney has been in Britain this week and the Republican Party’s nominee for president has had an absolute nightmare. What started as a well intended visit to firm up relations with Britain […]
Posted in: Politics
Kurt Vile in the i Arena, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic Kurt Vile is an anomaly in the music world. While others overdo their performance and over-stylise their look, Kurt lets his music do the talking. A shy, retiring front man may seem like the antithesis of music stardom but Vile pulls it off with aplomb. Playing tracks spanning […]
Posted in: Music
Yeasayer on The Word Arena, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic Very few bands attempt dramatic shifts in sound from album to album but between their debut and their follow-up Yeasayer certainly did. Their folky, acoustic beginnings on ‘All Hour Cymbals’ were suddenly superseded by elements of pop and 90’s dance on ‘Odd Blood’. Both albums are brilliant but […]
Posted in: Music
First Aid Kit on the Obelisk Arena, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic Great Swedish bands don’t roll readily off the tongue but First Aid Kit are really making their mark. This performance on the main Latitude stage was excellent, with swooping vocal harmonies and beautiful acoustic guitar central to their sound. The country with a five-star National Health Service now […]
Posted in: Music
John McCarthy in the Literary Arena, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic It’s this kind of event that makes Latitude such a special festival. In amongst the vast array of musical talent sits an arena dedicated to literature; a platform for detailed discussion of a writer’s latest work. This morning, British journalist John McCarthy gave further insight into his recently […]
Posted in: Politics
Deap Vally interview, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic Deap Vally talk all things Zeppelin, magic potions and pedals Deap Vally are a blues-rock outfit from the San Fernando Valley in southern California. Comprised of guitarist and vocalist Lindsey Troy and drummer Julie Edwards, Deap Vally make a big sound that is garnering attention. We caught up […]
Posted in: Interviews, Music
King Charles interview, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic King Charles may only have one album to his name but he has made a huge impression. This year, he played Latitude Festival for the first time and a packed-out i Arena tent proved his indie-inspired folk is the perfect soundtrack to the summer. We caught up with […]
Posted in: Interviews, Music
The history of the world in the Literary Arena, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic Latitude takes pride in being culturally and intellectually enriching. In the Literature Arena, one can find discussions and lectures on a diverse range of issues; from poetry and novels, to football and music. This lecture concerned science and, more specifically, the discovery of the Higgs Boson, a subatomic […]
Posted in: Science
John Pilger in the Literary Arena, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for Festival Republic John Pilger is a highly respected political journalist who has twice been named Journalist of the Year. Through his writing and film-making, he has continually challenged common opinion and offered an alternative to the increasingly narrow media narrative. Born in Australia but based in the UK, he is […]
Laura Marling on the Obelisk Arena, Latitude Festival
July 27, 2012
written for Festival Republic With three albums of superb quality already in the bag, Laura Marling’s career has been as smooth as Pierce Brosnan singing Frank Sinatra on a P&O cruise ship. Her song-smithery leaves her contemporaries trailing in her wake; like the Sally Gunnell of the modern music world, she sprints comfortably out in […]
Posted in: Music
In Defence of Laura Marling
July 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard- photograph Sam Ellis It may seem odd that someone feels the need to write a piece defending Laura Marling given the unblemished nature of her career. Three albums in and she is riding high; selling out large gigs, making albums the Guardian fawn over, and taking her pick of festival dates. […]
Posted in: Music
The Past Was Yours but the Future’s Mine – The Stone Roses, Heaton Park
June 30, 2012
written by Robert Pollard ‘I’m no clown’ cries Ian Brown……whilst dressed like a teenager and singing way out of key Last night, in a field full of 75,000 overweight forty-somethings hellbent on reliving their youth, The Stone Roses played their ‘comeback’ gig; a gig which confirmed their status as the most overrated band on the […]
Posted in: Music
Murray makes short work of Davydenko
June 26, 2012
Faultless Murray surges into round 2 after classy display Andy Murray produced a ruthlessly efficient performance against the former world number 3 Nikolay Davydenko in the first round of Wimbledon 2012, winning 6-1 6-1 6-4 in front of an exuberant home crowd. It was a breathtaking Centre Court display which should fill Murray with confidence […]
Posted in: Tennis
Morrissey turns on Obama and al Assad
June 25, 2012
written by Robert Pollard al Assad, Obama and the UN now the focus of Morrissey’s disgust. In a music world full of identikit pop stars, Morrissey’s continued presence is refreshing respite. While most musicians toe the line during monotonous interviews, Morrissey provides us with honesty and opinion. His current world tour, which has so far […]
Beach House Make Jools Holland Debut
May 23, 2012
words – Rob Pollard Last night, Beach House made their first appearance on Jools Holland, airing their new track ‘Myth’. It was a quality performance from the Baltimore band whose latest album ‘Bloom’ is a step up from the excellent ‘Teen Dream’, their third record released in 2010. That album saw Beach House receive long […]
Posted in: Music
Manchester City – Champions
May 14, 2012
written by Robert Pollard With both Manchester City and Manchester United going into the last match of the season with a chance of lifting the 2011-2012 Barclays Premier League trophy, it promised to be a great final day of the season. However, what ensued will go down in football history; a day of the highest […]
Posted in: Football
My Response to BBC Question Time – 10th May 2012
May 11, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Question Time, the BBC’s flagship political debate programme, often riles me. In the interest of fairness, the Question Time team attempt to assemble a panel of experts from across the political spectrum, meaning we at home have to endure the kind of right-wing zealots whose opinions make me shudder. I get […]
Santigold on Jimmy Fallon
May 2, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Last night on Jimmy Fallon, Santigold performed ‘Disparate Youth’ – a cracking song taken from her new album ‘Master of My Make Believe’. Here is a link to Pitchfork’s video of her performance on Fallon.
Posted in: Music
Laura Marling – To be a Woman
May 2, 2012
written by Robert Pollard – Photo by Sam Ellis The recent Record Store Day provided us with many special edition releases from artists across the musical spectrum. It’s a celebration of musical diversity; a show of support for our favourite artists and small, independent record stores. It’s growing in popularity and, although it seems like […]
Posted in: Music
Andy Murray vs. Julien Benneteau – Monte Carlo Rolex Masters 2012 – 3rd Round
April 19, 2012
Andy Murray moved safely into the last eight of the Monte Carlo Masters after Frenchman Julien Benneteau retired with an ankle injury at 5-5 in the first set. The frenchman was causing Murray all sorts of problems and the British number 1 will be relieved to have taken his place in the next round in […]
Posted in: Tennis
Andy Murray vs. Viktor Troicki – Monte Carlo Rolex Masters 2012 – 2nd Round
April 17, 2012
written by Robert Pollard Andy Murray started his 2012 clay court campaign with a bang after dispatching Serbia’s Viktor Troicki at the second round stage of the Monte Carlo Masters. Murray won 6-0 6-3 in little over an hour, sending out a message to his rivals ahead of the French Open which starts next month. […]
Posted in: Tennis
Paxman likens BBC to decolonised Britain
April 17, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Corporation’s decision to relocate to central London angers Newsnight presenter. The BBC ‘s chief interrogator, Jeremy Paxman, has criticised the corporation’s decision to move from it’s current West London home at Television Centre to a location in central London. Famous for his aggressive interviewing – having made a […]
Posted in: Media
The philistines are at the gates
April 17, 2012
written by Rob Pollard – an edited version originally appeared in New Statesman Stewart Lee, Martin Parr and Hayden Thorpe discuss the coalition’s policy for the arts. With growing opposition to the proposed NHS reforms, and increasing uncertainty of the government’s economic policy, it is clear that David Cameron is floundering. As his health secretary […]
The Art of Portraiture
February 25, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman William Ellis talks us through some his finest portraits. What makes a great portrait is open to conjecture. The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, showcased at the National Portrait Gallery, is a fine example of the subtleties and nuances of a meaningful portrait. Each shot is not just technically […]
Posted in: Interviews, Photography
Average household spend down £9 per week
February 25, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Asda income tracker shows a further decline in spending power. The average UK household has £9 per week less spending power in January 2012 than they did 12 months previously, according to the latest Asda Income Tracker. On average, households had £147 a week of discretionary income in […]
Posted in: Business
Al-Jazeera English is surprise RTS choice for news channel of the year award
February 25, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman Al-Jazeera provided “essential viewing for insight and understanding of the evolving story” in the Middle East. Al-Jazeera English has picked up the news channel of the year award at the Royal Television Society journalism awards, beating Sky News and BBC News to scoop the prize. The awards didn’t […]
Posted in: Media
1 in 3 directors think risk of recession is “high or very high”
February 23, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman New data released by IoD reveals many of Britain’s top bosses fear double-dip. A third of Britain’s top businesses fear there is a “high or very high” risk of a double-dip recession this year, according to data published this morning. The Institute of Directors (IoD) have released results […]
Posted in: Business
Rick Santorum portrait: the gay porn edition
February 23, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Picture of GOP candidate made entirely from pornographic thumbnails. Rick Santorum has had a lot to say about the rights of gay people. He has openly denounced homosexuality, strongly opposed gay marriage and called for gay people to be excluded from the American military. According to the sweater-vest-wearing […]
Posted in: Politics
Is Sarah Palin planning a late bid?
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman – Star Spangled Staggers blog Former Governor of Alaska promises to do “whatever I could to help”. Sarah Palin has thrust herself back into the spotlight by claiming she could yet play an integral role in the Republican presidential nomination race. What exactly that role will entail is […]
Posted in: Politics
Murdoch launches new Sun on Sunday title
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman News International claims “this is our moment”. News International (NI) confirmed last night that the Sun on Sunday will be launched next weekend. The new title will replace the News of the World, the newspaper closed down last July following revelations of phone hacking malpractice. NI chief executive […]
Posted in: Business
Strong UK high street sales surprise analysts
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman ONS data shows retail sales have increased at fastest rate since April 2011. High street sales rose in January, up 0.9 per cent compared to December 2011, according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics this morning. The monthly numbers, which caught analysts by surprise, also […]
Posted in: Business
Nationwide survey shows January uplift in consumer confidence
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman “May prove to be little more than a temporary bounce.” UK consumer confidence is at its highest level for five months, according to data released on Thursday. The survey conducted by Nationwide and covering 1,000 people, shows that the consumer confidence index is up nine points to 47 […]
Posted in: Business
Unemployment hits 2.67 million
February 16, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Worst unemployment figures since 1995 as squeeze on pay continues. Unemployment in the UK has risen by a further 48,000 in the three months leading up to December, with official figures now showing that 2.67 million people are unemployed in Britain. This represents 8.4 per cent of the […]
China set to reduce number of foreign TV shows
February 14, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman TV broadcasting agency sets new rules on the amount of foreign television programmes that can be aired. China’s media regulator has imposed new restrictions on television programming by banning foreign programmes during prime time slots, state media reported on Tuesday. All foreign TV series are now capped at […]
Posted in: Politics
Ten point deduction looms as Rangers signal administration intent
February 14, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Fifty-four times Scottish Champions face £49m HMRC bill. Rangers Football Club are set to enter administration as the club battles with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at a tribunal over a disputed tax bill of £49m. They have submitted a notice of intent to appoint administrators and the […]
Posted in: Business
Almost 1,000 jobs set to go in Lloyds shake up
February 14, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Partially state-owned bank to close offices in Newcastle, Romford and Scunthorpe. Lloyds Banking Group has announced the closure of three of its offices, resulting in 990 lost jobs. Lloyds, which is 40.2 per cent owned by the taxpayer after it was bailed out in 2008, has overseen more […]
Posted in: Business
Athens ablaze as Greek MPs pass austerity package
February 13, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman IMF and eurozone insist on further cuts in exchange for £110bn bailout fund. Athens was plunged further into crisis this weekend after Greek ministers passed a fresh austerity package in exchange for a £110bn eurozone and IMF bailout aimed at avoiding the government defaulting on its debt and […]
Facebook set for stock market floatation
February 12, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Social networking site unveils plans for $5bn IPO. Facebook, the world’s largest and most popular social networking site, has announced it will sell shares that value the company at $100bn. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) is expected to be the largest since Google’s in 2004. Twenty-seven-year-old Mark Zuckerberg, […]
Posted in: Business
UK producer prices increase faster than predicted
February 12, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Fastest rise in factory output prices for 9 months. The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) released on Friday morning have shown that UK producer prices rose 0.5 per cent for the year to January 2012. It represents the largest increase in a single month […]
Posted in: Business
Humphrys closes in on Moyles
February 4, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman Increase in listeners for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. According to the latest batch of audience figures released by Rajar, the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 has had a surge in listeners. The influential news programme presented by John Humphrys now commands an audience close to its […]
Posted in: Music
Facebook set for stock market floatation
February 3, 2012
written for New Statesman by Robert Pollard Social networking site unveils plans for $5bn IPO. Facebook, the world’s largest and most popular social networking site, has announced it will sell shares that value the company at $100bn. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) is expected to be the largest since Google’s in 2004. Twenty-seven-year-old Mark Zuckerberg, […]
Posted in: Business
Passions Just Like Mine 
September 25, 2013
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