Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

Owl City Single: ‘ Fireflies ’ to be released 22nd February 2010 on  Island Records ‘Most of my inspiration comes from daydreaming, as I haven't really gone anywhere or done anything. I find a lot of inspiration in imagining what the world would be like if things were different -- better.’ It’s hard to imagine how much better things could get for Adam Young right now. When the shy 23-year-old first uploaded a few synth-pop songs on to his MySpace profile in 2007, his Owl City project was just one of thousands of unknown acts in the web’s worldwide hive of musical activity. Two-and-a-half years and one EP, two albums and over 50 million MySpace hits later, Owl City ’s ‘ Fireflies ’ single hit the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard charts in early November 2009. It had already sold nearly two million copies, been No.1 in the U.S. iTunes chart, and been officially declared the fastest-selling electronic/alternative track of all-time. Its parent album, the self-produced ‘Ocean

Mumford and Sons release their new single, ‘ Winter Winds ’ through Gentlemen Of The Road / Island Records on the 7th December 2009 . It is taken from the band’s critically acclaimed debut album, ‘ Sigh No More’ . Mumford and Sons are one of the most significant success stories of 2009, with their debut album charting at number 11, and number 1 on iTunes. But like all great stories, we’re not even halfway through the first novel and the best is still to come. This British folk-rock band have quickly became renowned for their euphoric live shows, heart-wrenching songcraft, and for bringing beautiful music back in vogue. Since Mumford and Sons released the first of their limited-edition vinyl EPs through Chess Club Records back in the summer of 2008, the road has become their rolling home. The gospel spread across the globe, and from one sold-out tour to the next. ‘ Sigh No More ’ was made with producer Markus Dravs (Arcade Fire, Bjork) harnessing all the energy and soul of their

A host of top stars including Robbie Williams , Dizzee Rascal and JLS are set to appear in this year's Top Of The Pops Christmas and New Year Specials. BBC Radio 1's Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates will present the two special shows which will be shown on BBC One on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Top Of The Pops Christmas Day Special (25 December 2009, 2.00-3.00pm) offers up an hour of stellar performances from some of the year's biggest stars including Dizzee Rascal ; Kasabian ; Lily Allen ; JLS ; Alexandra Burke ; La Roux ; Sugababes ; Florence and the Machine ; Diversity ; and Muse . The hour of top music and festive fun culminates in a glistening performance from this year's Christmas number one! Then, on New Year's Eve (31 December, 6.30-7.30pm) , Fearne and Reggie are back on BBC One with the Top Of The Pops New Year Special to review the year in pop, taking in 2009's greatest hits and brightest stars. The show features special performances fro