Lisa Norman's Recent Blog Posts

I have been reading in fascination that some people are dead set against new X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke releasing Hallelujah. Yes, the Jeff
Buckley version is by far the best and will never be rivalled in comparison but still, give it a rest. The 1994 release shot to fame by Buckley before he tragically drowned a few years later in 1997.

The Burke version has broken Leona Lewis’ record and knocked her off the number one spot for the fastest selling download single of all time. Leonard Cohen the writer of the track is looking set to fill his pocket with a stash of royalties so it’s worked out well for everyone.

I can’t see it being a bad thing that this song has been bought into the public eye again - after all, more people will want to listen to the Buckley version. Other takes have been done by the likes of Bob Dylan, and Rufus Wainwright.

Burke has secured a £1million record deal on Simon Cowell’s label, Syco. Good on her I say and despite all the blubbering, her version isn’t half bad! This isn’t the first time Cowell has used the song and got Buckley more fame either. A competitor on American Idol sang it and that week the track reached number one on the US download chart.

I’d rather them big up a classic and amazing track like this than release drivel like Will Young’s 'Anything Is Possible' and the like.
Well, what can I say. After finally catching up with the weekend viewing last night I was in awe when Take That Come to Town came on. Fantastic, charming, hilarious and genuinely nice lads were what we were presented with. With a great mix of hits played mixed with a circus-style theme to match their new studio album, the night was a success.

I now dislike every member of that studio audience and wonder where my invite was! Gutted. Gary Barlow - phwoar! With songs such as Patience, Rule the World and Never Forget featured, the boys were in fine voice.

For a full review of the Never Forget: The Ultimate Collection cd, take a butchers at my article on this site.

Now all I have to do is wait until next year for the tour - Manchester, here I come! After sitting thinking about some of the new music that has been pushed upon us recently, I'm wondering, where has Take That gone?

Yes, I'm sure they are tired after their tour and want to spend time with their families, but come on! The fans need more!

I will confess to being besotted with Gary Barlow, as is my good friend Sarah. We are mocked by other friends, but goodness, Barlow is the master!

So come on Thatters, raise your banners and scream "We Want Take That!" I have a dream, a blog to write, to help me cope with my Mamma Mia withdrawl symptoms.

Well, I've been to see the film again. I can't help myself and I can even feel a third time coming on. I'm hooked! What has happened to me?

I have downloaded the soundtrack, I hum it all day at work (much to the anoyance of my colleagues). I've latched onto songs I've never heard before and I like it. Notably, Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried's version of Slipping Through My Fingers is fantastic! It's rare that a musical can drive me to the brink of tears but by 'eck, that did!

In all of my twenty four years I have never seen audiences stand up and dance and clap through a film in the cinema. Phenomenal, feel good and fatastically upbeat is how I would descibe it. There is something to be said when you leave a cinema and you and your mates say everything in song. Alarming? Perhaps.

Ok, time to stop gushing. I am however longing for it to come out on DVD ASAP to stop me whining. Gimme gimme gimme!

I feel I must appologise to my mum who was upset at my comments on my previous blog regarding Pierce Brosnan. Mum - I'm sorry. Brosnan was good and who really cares what he sounds like when he's just so lovely to look at.

Anyway, when all is said and done, take a chance on Mamma Mia and thank Abba for the music. Brilliant! Now call me controversial but I love the cast versions more than the Abba ones! I saw the movie last week and am now besotted with it. I'm going again tomorrow night to relive the whole thing.

I was very impressed with Streep and Seyfried in particular, Brosnan left much to be desired but to say the guy is an actor and not a singer his performance was bearable.

With a great mix of energy from all the cast I was entertained all the way by great singing, great music and amazing performances.

Am I the only one that thinks this? Don't get me wrong, Abba are good, but I thought the fresh takes on the tracks made me listen to the lyrics more and appreciate them.