Jagger 'gun'ned out

The Rolling Stones frontman takes a shot at Hall in a ballad apparently titled 'Gun', which is due to appear on his forthcoming solo album. The song spells out how Jagger was left a broken man after Hall decided to end their 20-year relationship, nearly half of that time as man and wife. The lyrics give a graphic account of the torment Mick Jagger suffered during the separation.

Jagger, 57, is working on his third solo album which is expected to feature a few big names from the scene. Two artistes to have completed their work are Lenny Kravitz and Rob Thomas from the band Matchbox Twenty - famous for his collaboration with Santana on the song 'Smooth'.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Missy Elliott is also being lined up to appear on the album though it seems to be a very remote prospect.

This week is of great significance because it marks the 900th No:1 song for the UK singles chart. The first chart, a Top 12 was published on November 14, 1952 by the New Musical Express, based on record sales. The first ever No:1 song on the UK singles chart was 'Here In My Heart' by Al Martino.

It took 38 years and seven months for the 900th song to reach the No:1 position. The song is 'Lady Marmalade', performed by Christina Aguilera, Maya, Pink and Lil'Kim. The performers are contemporary soul divas who have all made their mark on the music scene over the past two years. Christina Aguilera has been the most successful of the lot having notched a No:1 back in 1999 with 'Genie: In A Bottle'. The current rendition of 'Lady Marmalade' is taken from the soundtrack of the forthcoming Buz Luhrmann film "Moulin Rouge" which stars Nicole Kidman.

It's the second time 'Lady Marmalade' has reached the top of the UK singles chart. The All Saints took the song as double A side with 'Under The Bridge' in May 1998. The All Saints version was faster by a few 6pm (beats per minute) but the vocals were very weak. There is very little improvement by Christina Aguilera and team though vocals seem a bit clearer. What attracts one to the current version of 'Lady Marmalade' is perhaps the video which has Christina and the rest of the divas running around scantily clad.

Entering the chart at No:3 this week is 'There You'll Be' by Faith Hill. Taken from the movie "Pearl Harbour", it's a love song sung the way only Faith Hill could sing it. 'There You'll Be' is what 'My Heart Will Go On' by Celine Dion was from the "Titanic". There are a few flaws in the song but as it is associated with romance and with summer 'There You'll Be' has been a hit. The video did cost a lot of money just as the film did. The song is a follow-up to Faith Hill's last single 'The Way You Love Me' which peaked at No:15.

The duo Phats & Small are back in contention with a new release at No:15 called 'This Time Around'. They are satisfied with the same formula used on previous releases three of which made the chart in a big way. The singles 'Turn Around', 'Feel Good' and 'Touite' measured well for the duo to remix Earth Wind & Fire's 'September' in 1999 as it took the club scene by storm in the UK. On the current hit 'This Time Around' - Phats & Small have on vocals the talent of Tony Thompson.

Whitney Houston received the Lifetime Achievement Award in LasVegas last week at the BET Awards which honour African American Music. Houston gave an emotional speech as she accepted the award. She performed 'I Will Always Love You' while Christina Aguilera paid Whitney a tribute with her version of 'I Want To Run To You'.

The other BET Award winners were - Mary J. Blige for Best Female R&B, Musiq Soulchild for Best Male R&B Artiste,. Nelly for Best Artiste, Eve for Best Female Hip Hop Artiste, Jay-Z for Best Male Hip Hop Artiste, Destiny's Child for Best Female Group, Outkast for Best Male Group, Donnie McClurkin for Best Gospel Performer, Outkast: 'Ms Jackson'-Best Video, Viewer's Choice Award: Lil' Bow Wow-'What's My Name'.

Silken splendour

By Yvonne Gulamhusein

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