RECORD OF THE WEEK - BEAU AND THE ARROWS, Fix

YOU know that familiar calming tone Radio 4 presenters seem to be born with?
Beau and the Arrows have managed to capture that essence of serenity, channelled it into ultra-cool vocals – and male-female harmonies recalling The XX – and laid it over a soaring all-encompassing backdrop of impatient drums and nonchalant guitar. They have mastered the art of leaving space in their tracks, allowing the raw naive vocals to cut right through. Signed to Kentish Town label Happy Release Records. (Out April 4).

PADDY CONSIDINE'S MOONLIGHTING, AN UNEVENTFUL BRITS AND PETER, BJORN AND JOHN MOVE ON

SO THE Brits grew up? There was less silliness (bar James Corden), less rock ‘n roll and no irreverence – but is that what we want, or do we prefer the spectacle?
Don’t we watch these things for car crash moments, drunk speeches and offensive egotistical rock stars? Still, good to see Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons win awards, shame The XX were overlooked.

• Feeling Gloomy won’t let up with the “can’t miss” events. This time brooding Irish hardman Paddy Considine (of Dead Man’s Shoes, Hot Fuzz etc) and his band Riding the Low play the 02 Academy Islington (Feb 26). All I know is they describe themselves as “lo-fi, raw guitar rock with the fat cut out”.



• Don’t forget the Camden Crawl’s essential preview night CC Tips with Spectrals, Paris Suit Yourself, Patch William and Frontiers at The Bull & Gate (Feb 24).

• When your big hit turns up on Homebase ads, it's getting a bit old. And "whistling song" Young Folks was conspicuous by its absence when Peter Bjorn and John previewed new album Gimme Some to a crammed Old Blue Last in Shoreditch recently. Maybe they're sick of it, but probably not the royalties. Some good new songs though. See if it’s resurrected when they play The Lexington (Feb 23).

• It was the venue for Joy Division's first London show, a Stranglers live album, and has hosted everyone from Madness and Ian Dury to countless indie hopefuls. Now the Hope and Anchor, Upper Street, is getting a major makeover, reopening later this month. Just hope they don't get rid of the atmosphere along with the musty smell of faded glory.

• The Union Chapel’s free Daylight Music events are fast becoming the highlight of the weekend. This week see Chris T-T, Model Village and Padriag Whelan from midday.

OZZY OZBOURNE GOES DARK FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE ITUNES FESTIVAL

TIME was, Ozzy Osbourne was primarily associated with Black Sabbath, alter-ego The Prince of Darkness and his on and offstage antics.

But in these days of celebrity obsession, half his family have overtaken him. The media spotlight spends more time shining on wife Sharon’s celebrity judge stints, daughter Kelly’s weight-loss and son Jack’s latest daredevil stunt.

In turn, Ozzy’s become the Boris Johnson face of heavy metal – a harmless-looking amiable mumbling chap, with unkempt hair, a questionable past and  oft-seen wobbling on  two wheels. But give the guy a break, he’s taking his limelight back and will be trying to be as convincing as possible as The Prince of Darkness at July’s month-long iTunes Festival at the Roundhouse.

The full 31-day line-up – featuring more than 60 acts – has not yet been announced but we do know Scissor Sisters, Tony Bennett, Faithless, The XX, Chew Lips, The Drums, Chipmunk, Darwin Deez, Ellie Goulding, Kate Nash, Diana Vickers and Daisy Dares You are all on the bill. 

Pick the right gig and you could inevitably find yourself witnessing one of those rare, historic sets that brings more than you bargained for. At last year’s festival Liam Gallagher made headlines at one of Oasis’s final performances when he strode on stage in a furious mood, eyeballing the crowd and swearing about students throwing beer at him. Even so, they played on for two hours, although at times it looked like Liam was about to go on strike.

The atmosphere between him and Noel was visibly tense, as big bro dismissed his sulky younger sibling and played on while Liam collected himself. But the entire evening was electric and one that won’t easily be forgotten. The irreparable cracks were pushed further apart and it was only a matter of time until our boys just couldn't stand to share the same stage any more.

The iTunes sets are usually quite short but who’s complaining when there’s the chance to see some huge acts up close for free. 

That’s not to say you can just walk in. Apple is making tickets available through Facebook and a series of competitions and giveaways. My only reservation about this is it seems you can only access their iTunes page by allowing it to access your own Facebook page and take the details of your friends.

I may be wrong about this, but I could find no other way of getting on to it. 

It will be the first time that Ozzy, Scissor Sisters and Tony Bennett have graced the Roundhouse stage.

All performances will be recorded and can be bought from iTunes stores worldwide. The best of the festival will be broadcast on ITV.

• Visit www.itunesfestival.co.uk