Mr Scruff releases new single 'Shrimp' on May 27. His second album Trouser Jazz (Ninja Tune) is pencilled in for 9 September, and includes collaborations with Sneaky (Fingathing), Seaming To (Homelife/Braintax) and Moss (Pork Recordings). Scruff is currently appearing everywhere, as usual, but is back in Manc for Keep It Unreal on May 4.
THE CHARLATANS are set to release both a DVD and B-sides collection on May 20. The DVD Just Lookin' 1990-97 includes the videos for all the bands 18 singles, rare US versions of 'I Don't Wanna See The Sights', 'Sprosten Green' and 'Weirdo' and live tracks from four gigs The Ritz '90, Reading '92, London Astoria '95 and Phoenix '97. Songs From The Other Side is a compilation of B-sides from the band's time with Beggars Banquet, from 1990-97, which does exactly what it says on the tin.
Following his collaboration with The Chemical Brothers (see review on page 97), Richard Ashcroft has recorded a track with Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson. Ashcroft reckons the track is "one of the greatest songs I've ever written" and is hoping for approval from Wilson for it to be included on his second album, pencilled in for the autumn.
Goldblade release new single 'AC/DC' (TSB Records) on 6 May. The blade also play Manchester University on May 18.
Mum & Dad release their eponymous debut album on Twisted Nerve on May 6.
Charabanc have two HMV showcases at Night & Day this issue. May 7 features Red Vinyl Fur, Earl and Lucigenic, and May 14 features Pamela Nude, Slide and The Gentle Scars. All bands can be heard on listening posts in HMV on Market Street. Both shows start at 8pm and entrance is a quid.