James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
Due to technical issues, Bradley decided early on to take the mic and give an impromptu performance of some S Club hits. This was apparently meant to be saved for later in the evening, resulting in a DJ set that started out ‘reaching for the stars’ but went downhill from there. Some big modern hits, including ‘Bonkers’ and ‘Sexy Bitch’, were crowd pleasers, but they were easy time fillers in a DJ set that ultimately lacked substance.
After four or five S Club songs had come and gone, along with a failed attempt to see if the crowd were aware of any of Bradley’s obscure drum and bass tracks (we weren’t), it was blatantly obvious that his only appeal came from his past success, not his skills as a DJ. Bradley himself seemed aware of this, pleading to the crowd just before diving in with us: ‘please don’t mock me cos all I have to give is love’. Perhaps this rather sad realisation could have been avoided if technical issues hadn’t occurred; that way the big hits could have been spread out more and resulted in a set that didn’t burn out too fast. Also, given the time Bradley spent on the mic in front of the crowd, most of the actual DJ-ing was left up to his odd looking on-stage accomplice, who my photographer friend accurately described as “a kind of giant-haired, super-tall Boris Johnson.”
Despite all this, Bradley does deserve some praise. He’s still a great performer; high-fives were given out generously, and he could still command a bouncing crowd when girls invaded the stage and surrounded him. His singing hasn’t held up as well; some key changes were a bit too ambitious. However, this didn’t detract from the night’s fun - and it was very, very fun - even if it was at the expense of the headliner, who is, unavoidably, a bit of a joke. But does this matter? The entertainer did just what he was supposed to do – entertain.
History has taught us it’s hard for stars to surpass their old success. There are notable exceptions (Robbie Williams going solo after Take That), so Bradley may still surprise us all with his impending hip-hop comeback. Until then, there ain’t no party like a Bradley party! Although whether or not that’s a good thing, I’m not sure.
What? No mention of DJ Jim Bulley who co-DJed with Bradley?
He will be heartbroken...
I hear DJ Jim Bulley and Bradley woke up together the next morning. In the same bed. It was Nick Scarlett's bed. He was there too. True story.
Don't worry people. I am clearly mentioned in the piece - "most of the actual DJ-ing was left up to his odd looking on-stage accomplice, who my photographer friend accurately described as “a kind of giant-haired, super-tall Boris Johnson.”
Although I have to say, I'm surprised that the Yorker were able to find a reporter who didn't know who I was. It's refreshing - all this fame is getting a bit oppressive!
Jim, that might be the best description of you ever!
On a side note, I was surprised and flattered when I realised I'm actually well-known among campus media. Glad my two year Yorker career hasn't been for nothing!
The Boris Johnson comment from my friend was a compliment I swear. I guess I did lean unfairly towards Bradley - it wasn't just his night! Your DJing was pretty awesome DJ Jim Bulley. You dont need Bradley!
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