What do you think of the "atlantic divide" in terms of music, between the British Isles and the US/Canada? Like how much it exists, for example. I know there's really a history of "British Invasions" in the US. But what do you think the divide between American-British taste in general is and at the moment?

The UK is dominated by the US for the most part (as well as the usual favourites we get the watered down R&B as well). One of the big differences is the vein of Indie Rock we are getting in the UK charts at the moment (Arctic Monkeys, Ordinary Boys, The Streets, Embrace, Zutons, Babyshambles . . .).

We still have the insipid boy/girlbands which look as tired and worn out as ever - though quite a few have split up and formed their own solo careers (Rachel Stevens, Duncan James . . .).

The biggest difference is probably the commercial dance scene where 80s remix's storm the charts. The latest is Beatfreakz's remix of Rockwell's 'Somebody's watching me' . . . uninspired and repetitive.

The biggest surprise in the charts at the moment is that Michael Jackson is at No 18 with 'Black or white'. 

We have nothing to trouble the US at the moment (though they were threatened with the Sugababes at one point - shows how low we've got, ha ha).

Here in Canada, we get more British (and international) music than America does, and it's been that way ever since I can remember. 

A good example of this was back in the 80's, when the Canadian Top 40 was filled with lots of British songs that never even reached the US Hot 100.  Here are a few examples ...


If I Was - Midge Ure
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes - Ultravox
Heartache Avenue - Maisonettes
Only You - Flying Pickets
Black Man Ray - China Crisis


In the 90's, it was mostly the Euro Dance acts that broke into our Top 40, and as of today, the latest UK craze to enter the Canadian Charts is "Crazy" by Gnarlz Barkley

The UK is dominated by the US for the most part (as well as the usual favourites we get the watered down R&B as well). One of the big differences is the vein of Indie Rock we are getting in the UK charts at the moment (Arctic Monkeys, Ordinary Boys, The Streets, Embrace, Zutons, Babyshambles . . .).

We still have the insipid boy/girlbands which look as tired and worn out as ever - though quite a few have split up and formed their own solo careers (Rachel Stevens, Duncan James . . .).

The biggest difference is probably the commercial dance scene where 80s remix's storm the charts. The latest is Beatfreakz's remix of Rockwell's 'Somebody's watching me' . . . uninspired and repetitive.

The biggest surprise in the charts at the moment is that Michael Jackson is at No 18 with 'Black or white'. 

We have nothing to trouble the US at the moment (though they were threatened with the Sugababes at one point - shows how low we've got, ha ha).


Are you saying that "Black or White" is just NOW getting airplay in your country?  Wow, you guys are 14 years too late  ;D

Are you saying that "Black or White" is just NOW getting airplay in your country?  Wow, you guys are 14 years too late  ;D


No, it's a reissue of the 1991 song. However, it's still a surprise to see it back in the charts.  :)

No, it's a reissue of the 1991 song. However, it's still a surprise to see it back in the charts.  :)


Wow, that's cool.  God I wish America would Re-Issue some older '90s Hits.  It would be much better than the junk we have on the charts now like the "Pussycat Dolls" and "Beyonce"  :-[

[quote author=wһіѕ

I just now took a look at the "UK" Charts and I noticed that there is an artist on the chart named "Joey Negro"  ???

What's that guy's deal?  ;D

Man, I'd love to live over there though.  The music seems superior by far

Wow, I also just noticed that you guys are just now getting "Wake Me Up When September Ends" and "Bad Day" on your charts.  The former was a big hit over here like half a year ago and the latter was the #1 song last week

Holy Crap, I just saw that you guys also have "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson re-issued on the charts as well.  What's the deal with all the Michael Jackson songs?  Is it Michael Jackson Appreciation Month?

Holy Crap, I just saw that you guys also have "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson re-issued on the charts as well.  What's the deal with all the Michael Jackson songs?  Is it Michael Jackson Appreciation Month?


It seems to happen in Britain - though how Michael Jackson managed to pull that off I don't know.

Wow, that's cool.  God I wish America would Re-Issue some older '90s Hits.  It would be much better than the junk we have on the charts now like the "Pussycat Dolls" and "Beyonce"  :-[


'Pussycat Dolls' had a great first hit with 'Don't Cha' and then followed it up with the most watery dross since 'Mama' by Spice Girls, lol. I couldn't be bothered with 'Beep Beep' - I may take a listen to it later . . . probably.  ;)

It seems to happen in Britain - though how Michael Jackson managed to pull that off I don't know.


I think it's because Jackson moved there.  Atleast i'm pretty sure that's where he lives now.

Yes, 'Crazy' broke records for getting to No 1 just on download sales alone!

Wow! 'Only you' and 'Black man Ray' got into the Canadian charts? That's quite surprising. We don't get many Canadian bands across the UK (though we got the odd hit from Bryan Adams ('Everything I do' was everybody's worst nightmare back in 1991, lol), Celine Dion, Crash Test Dummies and Bare Naked Ladies). It's a shame really because it seems the UK have missed out on a lot of good music from up there.


"Only You" made it to #32 in the Canadian Charts.  I'm not sure where "Black Man Ray" got to, but in the CHUM Radio chart (A radio station across Canada), it reached #23 :)


Here's a short list of Canadians that made it to the UK Top 40 ...

1980 - Rush - Spirit of Radio (UK #13)
1980 - Martha and the Muffins - Echo Beach (UK #10)
1981 - Rush - Tom Sawyer (UK #25)
1981 - Voggue - Dancin' the Night Away (UK #39)
1983 - Rush - New World Man (UK #36)
1983 - Men Without Hats - The Safety Dance (UK #6)
1985 - Trans-X - Living on Video (UK #9)
1985 - Bryan Adams - Run to you (UK #11)
1985 - Bryan Adams - Somebody (UK #35)
1985 - Bryan Adams - Heaven (UK #38)
1986 - Bryan Adams and Tina Turner - It's Only Love (UK #29)
1986 - Glass Tiger - Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone) (UK #29)
1988 - Brenda Russell - Piano in the Dark (UK #23)
1989 - Kon Kan - I Beg Your Pardon (UK #5)
1991 - Glass Tiger and Rod Stewart - My Town (UK #33)
1999 - Len - Steal My Sunshine (UK #28)
2000 - Len - Cryptik Souls Crew (UK #28)
2002 - Love Inc - You're A Superstar (UK #7)
2003 - Love Inc - Broken Bones (UK #8)
2004 - Love Inc - Into the Night (UK #39)

I think it's because Jackson moved there.  Atleast i'm pretty sure that's where he lives now.


He lives in Bahrain.

I think it's because Jackson moved there.  Atleast i'm pretty sure that's where he lives now.


Jackson moved to Britain!?! Where did you hear that? Lol.

[quote author=wһіѕ

Holy Crap, I just saw that you guys also have "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson re-issued on the charts as well.  What's the deal with all the Michael Jackson songs?  Is it Michael Jackson Appreciation Month?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visionary_-_The_Video_Singles


As Velvetoneo posted, MICHAEL JACKSON now lives in Bahrain as a guest of the Royal family there. He is working as a consultant with them to develop massive Theme Parks - who better to advise them   :) :)