The Charlatans Forever - The Singles Released - November 6th

As much as I think Oasis deserve the "lifetime contribution to music" award in next year's "Brits", I cant help but feel that they must have just been saving The Charlatan's place in the front of the queue just as the doors opened, saw their chance and grabbed it with both hands.

"Forever - The Singles" is a musical CV that barely blows the dust off the stack of great records that the lads have put together over the last fifteen years or so. Usually you get the feeling that a compilation means the band have hit the creative wall or maybe close to calling it a day, but going on the strength of the last record neither of the above could be further from the truth. This will be the Charlatan's second compilation and with such an inspiring back catalogue to chose from who can blame them.

The infectious hammond organ courtesy of the late Rob Collins in "Indian Rope" the band's debut single back in 1990 didn't make "The Melting Pot" but seems the obvious and perfect choice to kick start our return to all things baggy (especially as the release of this collection comes ten years after the loss of band's original keyboard player). Manchester anthem "The Only One I know" although being guest upon almost every indie compilation ever still sounds as fresh as the day you first heard it through the tangles of your indie kid bob. Even though six songs from "Forever" made appearances in the bands first compilation "Melting Pot", like almost all Charlatans songs do, they'll bring back a memory you'll be pleased to be reminded of.

The Charlatans always seemed to make the right record at the right time and this running order is living proof, "Weirdo" made for the early ninetees no more than "Blackened Blue Eyes" for 2006. This group of songs takes you through the transformation from young lads not being taken seriously as a band, right through to them being one of Britain's most significant and respected acts. Sixteen top 40 hits courtesy of three record labels and one of the best bands to come out of Britian since The Beatles.

see live performances and the boys just larking about on

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The release of "Forever - The Singles" CD and DVD comes prelude to a 15 date tour across the UK.

November

Thu 23rd Halifax Victoria Hall 01422 351 158

Fri 24th Leicester De Montfort Hall 0116 233 3111

Sat 25th Cardiff University Great Hall 029 2078 1458

Sun 26th Reading Hexagon 0118 960 6060

Tue 28th Lincoln Engine Shed 0871 2200 260

Wed 29th Birmingham Carling Academy 0870 771 2000

Thu 30th Portsmouth Guildhall 023 9282 4355

December

Sat 2nd Middlesbrough Town Hall 01642 729 729

Sun 3rd Sheffield Octagon 0114 222 8777

Mon 4th Glasgow Carling Academy 0870 169 0100

Tue 5th Newcastle Carling Academy 0870 771 2000

Thu 7th Hull City Hall 01482 226 655

Fri 8th London Brixton Academy 0870 771 2000

Sat 9th Blackpool Empress Ballroom 0871 2200 260

Sun 10th Llandudno Cymru Hall 0871 2200 260

24 hour cc hotline 0871 2200 260 or buy online www.gigsandtours.com. Tickets priced £22.50 except London £25. Support on all dates is The Longcut.