Take That Shine on, Robbie needs a polish

This week’s top three remains unchanged except that Gwen Stefani and the Kaiser Chiefs have rotated positions at two and three respectively. That means Take That rack up a second week at number one with “Shine”.

Justin Timberlake leaps into the 4th spot with “What comes Around”. Should he land a number one with this one he’ll be six for six on the UK Chart with his string of solo singles that started back in 2003 with “Like I love you”.

My favourite DJ du jour Fedde Le Grande lands another top ten with “The Creeps” featuring Camille Jones. If there is any justice this freaky crawler will repeat the success of “Put your hands up for Detroit” (at number at number 71 this week) and top the chart.



Rounding out the top ten at number ten, Nelly Furtado climbs one notch with “Say it right”.

Robbie Williams debuts this week at number 16 with “She’s Madonna”. The song credits the Pet Shop Boys, adding yet another top twenty to their already extensive list. While the Boy’s album of last year “Fundamental”, one of their strongest in a long time, failed to produce a sizable hit, here they are backing another English phenomenon.

Robbie celebrated the release of this single with his own release from rehab but even his newsworthy status could not keep this gem from achieving a higher debut. His latest album, chalk full of interesting singles and remakes, ranks way up there as one of his best (minus the horrid title track where this former boy band singer attempts rapping – Hey Robbie, leave that to white guys who know better – like Britney’s ex). Unfortunately, Rudebox has been ill-received and this single suffers from the fallout. Shame really as it blows away his old band mates number one “Shine” by a mile.

While we’re on the topic of blow-out albums and The Pet Shop Boys, The Killers slip to number 21 with their latest effort “Read my mind”. As a whole, parent album “Sam’s Town” falls flat of the energy and style that made debut album “Hot Fuss” such a treat. I thought their career was over with the terrible second single “Bones” but they’ve redeemed themselves with this stand out track. “Read my mind” sounds fresh, contemplative and new when separated from the noose of the album.

And what was the connection to the Pet Shop Boys? Not only do The Killers credit them as one of their influences (I would have guessed Duran Duran – but what do I know) but the singe includes a Boys reworking, stripping a little guitar for a few fancy synths and of course Neil Tennant’s backing vocals. One of the best singles of the year and one that may be around for a few months to come if the chart gods are paying attention!

At 28 Joss Stone peeks in with her latest single “Tell me ‘bout it”. Tired of having people tell her what to do, she’s dumped former boxed package and has set out on her own. Based on her schizoid two minutes as a presenter on the Brit awards, I’m not sure Joss Stone knows who she is now that no one is telling her who she is and what to do.

Speaking of the Brits, show openers Scissor Sisters still can’t shake off the curse of their dynamite single “I don’t feel like dancing”. Two singles later and “She’s my man” barely limps into the top 30 at 29.

At number 74, The Arcade Fire enter the chart with their first single from their smashing new album Neon Bible. Unfortunately, “Keep the car running” has had a hard first chart week. With any hope next week they’ll drive up the chart to a position more in line with the greatness of this Montreal band.