Music Notes

ONE man who is keeping his word and adding to it is former Roses scamp Ian Brown who is following his sold-out Sheffield Octagon commitment (Sept 29) with a December 1 show at The Dome, in Doncaster.

Even before the release of his fifth album next month the Manchester singer has filled all 22 dates on his September and October tour, prompting the winter fixtures. Tickets cost 23.50.

Brown has recorded the follow-up to 2004's Solarized with ex Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and Happy Mondays' Paul Ryder. Rourke and old pal Mani recently joined Brown's set at this year's Manchester Versus Cancer event at MEN Arena for a finale rendition of I Am the Resurrection.

EP days for the square deal lads

THE Mechanical Lights Of A Futureless Skyline is the hefty title of the new proper EP from Sheffield band Tiananmen and they wet its head with a launch show on Wednesday.

Starting at 8pm with free admission, the bash also features NCI, Winterlong, Trouble Breathing and Gareth Jones, formerly of CFY and Atraiou.

The lads follow that on August 22 by playing a Kerrang/HMV showcase at The Casbah, with big-swinging rockers Laruso, and Manchester's influential In The City festival in October on the metal stage. The EP will be available at gigs and via myspace.com/tiananmenband

Nat happening until next year

TOO busy to keep her autumn appointment with South Yorkshire fans because of promotional activities in the USA, Natasha Bedingfield has rescheduled her forthcoming UK tour to early 2008.

Her second album N.B. is due out over the Atlantic shortly following the success of singles I Wanna Have Your Babies and Soulmate here, as well as supporting Justin Timberlake in Europe.

Say It Again is due out as a single on October 1, after which she was due at Sheffield City Hall. Tickets for that September 18 show remain valid for the new date, Sunday, March 9.

Elvis has entered the building

NEXT week sees the 30th anniversary of the passing of Elvis and on Thursday Sheffield's Showroom is doing its bit to mark the landmark with a night dedicated to the King.

First up at 8.45pm is a screening of the Elvis classic Flaming Star, one of his earliest and best film performances. He stars as half Kiowa cowboy Pacer Burton.

Afterwards in the bar there's a rock 'n' roll set from DJ Sophie Toes (of Shake Rattle & Roll, Forever Changes Record Hop). You are invited to dress accordingly.

House about that for Harris-ment

STAYING in seems to be the new going out.

So it should come as no surprise that curious dance bloke Calvin Harris is going for a world record attempt for the most house parties held simultaneously.

Ahead of new single Merrymaking At My Place and a show at The Leadmill on November 9, the Scottish geek behind the album I Created Disco and daft but catchy hit Acceptable In The '80s, is inviting fans on August 18 to hold their own Calvin Harris-inspired parties.

"Calvin will take part in the festivities, embarking on a party crawl," say his people.

"The fan that creates the most inspired party will win a live performance from Calvin in their house and also 1,500 prize money."