Looking in on wonders

Surely we're not alone in being fascinated by VH1's 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders, a US production which turns up whenever the UK version has five hours (!) to fill. Firstly it's presented by William Shatner, which is actually not as bad as it sounds as he holds back on the knowing irony, even if his style does take pregnant pausing to new heights. Also it's fascinating to see which bands are regarded as one hit wonders for Billboard, from huge British acts (Soft Cell, Spandau Ballet) to oddities such as Quiet Riot's version of Cum On Feel The Noize, an electro cover of Putting On The Ritz and Thomas Dolby's She Blinded Me With Science. Have fun explaining Magnus Pyke to Americans. Then there's the talking head quotient, none of whom are captioned so we don't know the name of the even smugger looking Alex James-alike to look out for for future avoidance. You have to wonder why Henry Rollins said yes, though. And Starsailor! Only to 'discuss' Edwyn Collins admittedly, but were this repeated in America that audience would be clueless. Actually, the UK audience might well be struggling.

In a completely different vein, an attempt to list every notable musician with their own blog. Pop by Dan Treacy off of the Television Personalities' diary and wonder at the entry that combines a rant against bands from the indie sphere who are still going long after their time with a plug for a forthcoming gig.