BBC 6 Music

Image source, Getty Images

We're leaving - well, right now actually.

Scroll down for lots of new music from the Black Panther and Fifty Shades soundtracks, plus Franz Ferdinand, Anne-Marie, James Bay and more.

Also new Johnny Cash poems are given a musical makeover, Kendrick Lamar dazzles Dublin, S Club's Paul regrets the whole Brit Award/eBay debacle and - as ever - we share 5 things we learned this week.

Have a great weekend.

And whatever you're doing we highly recommend that you tune into 6 Music for their loves New York season.

The US city has been responsible for so many musical trends, from new wave to hip hop.

RZA and Mathematics from seminal Staten Island rappers Wu-Tang Clan take over the 6 airwaves from 19:00 GMT. They released their legendary debut record, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 25 years ago and will spin some of their favourite tunes and talk about the inspiration behind the track that changed it all for them.

To whet your appetite, here's 12 essential records straight out of the city that never sleeps, including Wu-Tang, Blondie, The Strokes and Princess Nokia.

Hope you wake up on Monday morning top of the heap.

See you then.

Last but not least today, BBC Music is bringing some of the UK's most exciting new bands to the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas next month.

BBC Sound of 2018 nominees Pale Waves, Not3s and Jade Bird will all appear at special shows hosted by the British Music Embassy.

SXSW, which runs from 9 to 18 March, attracts artists, talent scouts and record labels from around the world.

Over the years it has helped break such artists as The Strokes and Katy Perry.

Rag 'N' Bone Man, Royal Blood and the Arctic Monkeys are among the British bands who benefited from early US exposure at the festival.

This year the British Music Embassy will take over the Latitude 30 venue for six nights of shows, starting on 12 March.

Five of those will be hosted by the BBC, showcasing artists championed by Radio 1 and 2, 6 Music, 1 Xtra and BBC Music Introducing.

The full line-up can be found on the BBC Music website.

Highlights of the shows will be broadcast by new music specialists Jo Whiley, Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens and DJ Target on their respective shows.

1) Justin Timberlake loves Prince... and selfies

While we were sleeping on Sunday night, the Philadelphia Eagles beat New England Patriots to take the Super Bowl crown.

But the main winners on the night were Justin Timberlake fans, as the US pop star paid tribute to the late, great Prince on the pitch during his half-time set in the purple man's hometown of Minneapolis.

The Man of the Woods, who also announced a UK tour this week, performed Prince's I Would Die 4 U during a hit-packed 12-minute medley.

The performance was not to everyone's tastes however, which gave our music reporter Mark Savage cause for further investigation. There was no Prince hologram (or appearance from Janet Jackson) in the end but there were selfies.

Lots of selfies...

Read more.

Image source, Reuters

2) Paul Simon really is Homeward Bound after Farewell UK and Ireland tour

The legendary US singer confirmed this week that he'll officially bring his touring era to a close in London this summer after a string of UK and Ireland dates.

The 76-year-old will still do the odd show and continue to make music, but for the sake of his family, this will indeed be the end of the road.

He said: "I've wondered what it would feel like to reach the point where I'd consider bringing my performing career to a natural end.

"Now I know."

Read more.

Paul wasn't the only one saying farewell this week as the Prince of Darkness himself Ozzy Osbourne gathered his family together around the dinner table to announce his farewell tour...

...Again.

Forgive us Ozzy, but we'll believe that one when we see it.

Read more.

Image source, Getty Images

3) Beyonce's career has been boosted by her 'lighter shade of colour'

That's what her own dad reckons, at least.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 live, Mathew Knowles said that 'colourism' is prevalent within showbiz in the States.

"There's different shades of colour around the world and it appears that the darker shade of colour that you are is always treated differently" he told presenter Tony Livesey.

He added: "Because in America you can't name in the last ten years - maybe one person in the last ten years - that wasn't a lighter shader of black at pop radio."

Read more.

Image source, Getty Images

4) The Beatles were 'the worst musicians in the world'

Legendary producer Quincy Jones was on one this week.

During an interview with Vulture magazine he called out the Fab Four and in particular Ringo and Paul (that's Sir Ringo and Sir Paul to you, Quincy) for their supposed lacklustre playing.

"Paul was the worst bass player I ever heard" he said.

"And Ringo? Don’t even talk about it".

Michael Jackson got it in the neck too for being a song thief, 'Machiavellian' and a "greedy man".

Thankfully he had only good things to say about Music News LIVE. Probably.

Read more.

5) The UK's Eurovision hopes fall on the shoulders of...

SuRie!

She fended off competition from five other wannabes, during Wednesday night's live final in Brighton, to secure her place in Lisbon in May.

If she does half as well as her apparent lookalike Annie Lennox, then she'll do alright.

Anything but 'nul points' and we'll be happy.

Read more.

Black Panther wasn't the only big new movie to release a soundtrack today.

For many of us this week will climax with a listen to the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack.

It features a duet from Rita Ora and Liam Payne, Julia Michaels (above) and contributions from Hailee Steinfeld, Bloodpop, Miike Snow, Sia and the leading man himself, Jamie Dornan.

According to Julia:

"All good boys go to heaven / But bad boys bring heaven to you"

Is it getting hot in here or it is just us?

Moving from pure lust into love, with Rothwell's new single Velvet Heart.

The Bristol singer-songwriter is in deep on her suitably messed up electronic love song for the Tinder generation.

Rothwell explains: “The song is about people who fall in love quickly and when they fall, they fall hard. You can give them all of the advice in the world, but when it comes to listening, they never do and end up having their little hearts trampled on.”

This one might just soundtrack a successful Valentine's date or two on Wednesday.

Listen above.

The psychedelic American duo have apparently gone full electro-pop too on their fourth album Little Dark age.

If new single Me and Michael (above) is anything to go by, then it's still a world away from their 2007 breakthrough album Oracular Spectacular as Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser swap anthemic indie club riffs for a much smoother jam.

You'll be pleased to know that the video is no less trippy than usual.

Image source, Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar kicked off the first night of the European leg of his Damn tour in Dublin last night - and the reviews have been ecstatic.

"The West Coast wordsmith struck home with all the skill and precision of a world champion," wrote Bryan O'Hanlon in the Metro.

"It’s so powerful that the odd special effect feels besides the point, more distraction than attraction," according to Alexis Petridis in The Guardian, external. "A performance that is simultaneously understated and spectacular."

Ed Power in iNews, external called him "the Barack Obama of mainstream hip hop": "The taut framing was a triumph of staging, every gesture and couplet feeling like it mattered."

"With performances like this, it’s more than just artistry and he’s more than one of the greatest rappers alive. This is a generation-defining performer at the top of his game," concluded Louise Bruton in the Irish Times, external.

Looks like Kendrick nailed it then.

Good news, if you are heading to the Genting Arena in Birmingham for his gig tonight.

Image source, Getty Images

Despite being the UK's first Eurovision winner, it seems Sandie Shaw would rather watch dead bodies than loose herself in a bit of Europop.

Receiving her MBE at the Palace on Thursday, she was asked whether she had seen SuRie perform the UK's latest Eurovision contender in the previous night's live vote on BBC2, to which she replied: "No, I watched Silent Witness."

Well, here at MNL, we're very happy to hear you stuck with Aunty Beeb (other channels are available), but Eurovision: You Decide actually finished at 9pm - which is when Silent Witness started.

So, what's your excuse now, Sandie?

Image source, PA

On an altogether more serious note, the Puppet On A String singer, did take time out to have a pop at the male-oriented music industry - proving she's got class as well as (morbid) taste.

Collecting her MBE for services to music from the Prince of Wales, the 70-year-old said his royal highness seemed "stunned" the recognition had come so late.

He said: 'Why? Why has it taken so long for you to get here?'

"I told him the truth - the truth is that women in music haven't tended to be honoured in the past, certainly not in the '60s.

"He said he was glad I was here now."

Nobody's pulling your strings are they, Sandie?

It's not often you see musicians, politicians and Hollywood stars bonding over cake, but all that is about to change.

Ella Eyre and the Kaiser Chief's Ricky Wilson will join Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, funnyman Harry Hill and Desperate Housewife Teri Hatcher (that's a TV series, not an insult, young'uns) on Channel 4's Great British Bake Off.

The special celebrity season will air as part of the channel's annual Stand Up to Cancer charity broadcast.

The 20-strong line-up also includes Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp, Alan Carr, Griff Rhys Jones and Tim Minchin.

Wonder who's doing the washing up?

That's making himself seem bigger than he normally is, as any casual bird-watcher will tell you.

During a recent interview with the musical buddies, Taylor declared:

“I just want to start by saying that this is what he does, he tries to elevate himself geographically so he can seem better than me.

Ed's defence is that Taylor is normally wearing heels, so he just looks smaller.

It's all about perspective, folks.

Watch above.

That's Welsh Language Music Day to all of us non-Welsh speakers.

Now in its third year, the event celebrates - and highlights - music in the Welsh tongue from folk, to classical, indie and electronic, and beyond.

Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens was on the BBC Breakfast couch yesterday telling Charlie and Naga all about it.

Check it out above.

Like Huw, former Super Furry Animal and actor Rhys Ifans is urging you all to listen online, external to Welsh language tunes today for "everything from crazy folk music to people who are at the foothills of grime".

"It's a complete, whole goldmine of a musical world on your doorstep" he said (below).

"Dig it up."

Green Man Festival in the Brecon Beacons have also curated some Welsh musical wizardy for you all below.

The Football Assocation of Wales are showing their support too by teaming up with Horizons/Gorwelion to promote Welsh music across their media channels.

Horizons/Gorwelion is a scheme in Wales which helps develop new, independent contemporary music in Wales.

BBC Wales DJ and Horizons/Gorwelion project manager Bethan Elfyn said "We’ve all been inspired by the football team and the cultural activity surrounding them from the FAW.

"Introducing new audiences to new Welsh music is our lifeblood, and this is a perfect opportunity.”

What's Welsh for 'teamwork makes the dream work' ?

Answer on an email please.

Image source, AFP

Even when she is mingling with royalty, it seems Emeli Sande never stops touting for business.

The Read All About It singer, who was at Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE on Thursday, told reporters she would "make something epic" if she is approached to record the latest James Bond theme.

She said she had heard the rumours that she was being lined up to sing on the 25th official Bond film - due out in November 2019 - but had not yet been approached directly.

"Of course I would love to - a chance to get quite dramatic with your music-making. I think I know how to approach it," said Sande.

"I think it would just be something very soulful and quite dramatic.

As the Opening Ceremony for the 23rd Winter Olympics kicks off in Pyeongchang, South Korea, we thought it might be time to swot up on your K-Pop knowledge.

Last month, Radio 1's Adele Roberts went to Seoul to find out a bit more about this pop phenomenon which came to global attention with Gangnam Style and shows no sign of going away.

British K-Pop songwriter Charli Taft describes the music as "songs that really hit you in the face when you hear them".

"The future of K-Pop looks... pretty experimental, but it's always done with Korean cuteness - and a sense of fun."

See for yourself above.

The opening ceremony is on BBC One right now and via the BBC Sport LIVE page.

BBC 6 Music

The Scottish indie rockers return today with their fifth album, Always Ascending.

Since their last album in 2013, there’s been a slight line-up change and slight shift in sound too, as the band turn up the Talking Heads dial to the max.

Pitchfork, external describe the record as "sleek, catchy, and enjoyably overwrought, the sound of a snappy hype band no longer burdened by relevance."

Rolling Stone, external write that "it's a return to form the band never really lost, and if the quiet bits drag, the wit's sharper than ever."

Alex Kapranos and the guy performed the title track in the live room for Steve Lamacq this week and you can check it out above.

Cross-dressing indie star Ezra Furman also returned to the 6 Music Live Room this week, ahead of the release of his new album Transangelic Exodus, out today.

It was apparently recorded close to a chocolate factory, in Ezra's native Chicago.

Listen back to the session for DJ Lauren Laverne.

Image source, Getty Images

So don't go spreading anything different, alright?

The Essex singer literally has to spell it out for Marshmello-headed DJ in the cartoon video for their new track Friends.

We think Marshy wants a little bit more than friendship, but he's going to have to look elsewhere.

So are you unfortunately, as Anne-Marie is that angry with her old pal for trying to move their friendship up to the next level that she swears, so we can't bring it to you here.

But you can find it on his Youtube page.

Image source, Getty Images

In January we reported that former S Club 7 singer Paul Cattermole was "gutted" after a £66,000 winning bid on on eBay for his old Brit Award turned out to be false.

The former pop star put the item back up for sale but it failed to sell again.

Now the 40-year-old has spoken candidly to ITV's Loose Women about his financial woes and how the sale "was in no way a PR thing".

"I didn’t expect it to go how it did" he said.

"I regret, in a way, how it has gone.

Paul, who says he would now take a 'normal' job, explained that the money that he made from his band's 2015 re-union tour went to paying £30,000 debts he owed and a further £46,000 on lawyers fees, after he went bankrupt.

"I never really got much no, but that's by the by" he said, philosophically.

"Even some of the biggest bands in history didn't make money for years

"It's expensive to run a seven-piece band."

Watch above.

Image source, Getty Images

Many people have posted messages of support for Paul online, hoping that he "gets back on his feet soon."

Others added that the ITV show was out of order in pointing out that they had to buy him a new shirt for the show.

Image source, Getty Images

An album of Johnny Cash lyrics and poems has been transformed into new music by an all-star line-up including the late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell.

Cornell's recording of You Never Knew My Mind marks one of the singer's last solo recordings before he took his own life in May last year.

Other artists to feature on the album, entitled Johnny Cash, Forever Words, include Elvis Costello, Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson and Cash's eldest daughter, Rosanne Cash.

"Determining the artist for each song was truly a matter of the heart," said Cash's son, John Carter Cash, who co-produced the record

"I picked the artists who are most connected with my father, who had a personal story that was connected with Dad.

The slew of handwritten letters and poems were discovered in Cash's Tennessee home after Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, died less than four months apart in 2003.

The 16-song record is released on 6 April this year.

Check out the trailer below.

There was, by all accounts, a chaotic and unpredictable send-off for one of Britain's most chaotic and unpredictable musical talents.

Mark E Smith's funeral took place on Wednesday and it "kicked off" at the wake, according to actor and one-time Fall bassist Steve Evets.

In now-deleted tweets, former Fall guitarist Ben Pritchard said he "just about managed to escape with my life" when "bottles were thrown and drinks poured over people".

Image source, Virgin EMI

The 27-year-old first came to our attention four years ago, as the shaggy-haired balladeer in a trilby.

Now he's back looking more like an underwear model.

But has he still got the tunes?

His debut album Chaos and the Calm was the biggest-selling debut of 2015, shifting 345,000 copies and earning the star both Brit and Grammy nominations.

"I'm not really interested in standing still. I'm only interested in moving forward" he told BBC Music reporter Mark Savage, who spent the day in bed with the singer.

His new track Wild Love, is "a surprisingly sensuous pop song, all warped synths and sinewy guitar lines".

It sees James sing:

"I wanna give you wild love / The kind that never slows down."

Even during the school run.

Check it out below and read more from the interview.

Image source, EPA

Black Panther - the first comic book film to feature a cast of all black superheroes - had its European premiere in London last night, with Stormzy among the celebrities gracing the black carpet.

The official soundtrack to the new Marvel movie went live on streaming apps overnight on Thursday.

The 14-track project includes music from SZA, James Blake, the Weeknd, Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar, who also produced the record.

Grime star Stormzy donned some African threads for the glitzy do, which was chock- full of famous faces, including his cousin and fellow rapper Nadia Rose.

Image source, Getty Images

The film's stars Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong'o were also joined by musicians including singers Leona Lewis and Emeli Sande, and Little Simz.

There was also a surprise Black Eyed Peas reunion with Taboo, Will.I.Am and Apl. De. Ap all turning up together.

I Gotta Feeling it that last night would've been a good night.

Image source, Getty Images

It's Friday people, so naturally that means one thing: new tunes.

Today we'll have new music from Marshmello (above) & Anne-Marie, and James Bay - who sat on a bed with our reporter Mark - as well as albums from Franz Ferdinand and MGMT.

Plus major soundtracks from the Black Panther and Fifty Shades Freed movies.

The Kendrick Lamar-produced Black Panther soundtrack is out now, along with the Fifty Shades one; there's also a new Johnny Cash album featuring the late Chris Cornell.

Elsewhere...

K-pop is set to be a major theme at the Winter Olympics which kicks off tonight in South Korea, S Club's Paul says he regrets putting his Brit Award on eBay and Big Narstie is excited about his new TV show.

Later on, we'll reveal 5 Things We Learned This Week, because seven days is a long time in the music biz.

No wonder Marshy is ready for the weekend.