UK Top 40

I was listening to the UK Top 40 charts on BBC1 this week and a couple of songs caught my ear.

The Script is an Irish band - their "Break Even" is an instantly likeable pop gem, combining the emotive lyrical power of Howie Day with just a touch of R. Kelly-style r&b/funk in the rhythm.

Also, remember this name: Aussie Daniel Merriweather has collaborated with Mark Ronson and opened for Justin Timberlake and Kanye West - he has his own album coming out in April. His "Change" is in the UK Top 10 this week and it reveals an impeccable blend of British neo-soul (replete with a horn arrangement) and r&b/rap. ("Change" features rapper Wale.) This sound is perfectly fresh, sure to be a big hit in 2009. Remember, you heard it here first.

HOTT on the BBC

Just posted a new LTF playlist (at right) called "HOTT on the BBC." It's a collection of all the latest hits in the UK right now, including songs by Brit songstress Amy Winehouse, current darlings Arctic Monkeys (their album was just released there last week,) and local heroes Lily Allen, Mika, Just Jack, Calvin Harris, the Feeling, Take That, and Mark Ronson. Manic Street Preachers are currently #1 on both the singles chart and the album artist chart at hmv.co.uk - make sure to check them out.

I couldn't resist throwing a couple of my traveling songs in there as well - hence the Richard Julian and the Wilco, with which I am more and more obsessed every day.

So grab a crumpet and a cup o'tea and enjoy the playlist! If you get a chance, let me know what you think!