The Official Top 40 - Opens In New Window
In order to ensure I don't become trapped within the years I grew up, each month or so I shall listen to the top 40 in full, express my thoughts and have a fit.

Week commencing 01.03.09

The Prodigy - Omen***
This new Prodigy comeback single has all the correct Prodigy hallmarks of their pre 'Fat Of The Land' material. So, they sound somewhat serious in what their doing but also seem to sound far too harsh for the charts and also, somewhat dated. Yeah, you could imagine this is a dangerous record, but only if you're idea of danger is watching Richard Hammond drive cars on TV. A first week peak of number 11 must also be upsetting for Liam Howlett and Prodigy friends and I really do wonder how much longer they can continue in this guise.

Eminem, Dr Dre & 50 Cent - Crack A Bottle**
Three of the biggest names in rap join together for a thoroughly disapointing single release. This song contains none of the usual Dre/Eminem playfulness and is only saved really by 50 Cent who lends some class to proceedings. Eminem is incidental to this track and his name is only listed first because he sells the most records. Surprisingly poor then.

Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You***
This is a bizarre mix of processed US pop and a distinct whiff of Eurovision song contest. No better than many of the entries slated for this years contest and Kelly Clarkson only sells because of who she is. Well, i'm being harsh. This is definitely a catchy tune and it's no surprise it's hit number one. A female fronted power ballad from the 80s then, only Kelly hasn't realised it's now twenty years later and neither, seemingly, have the public.

Madcon - Beggin'****
Now, this is a proper rap/dance/pop song. It has plenty of talent on display, the music is finely produced and Madcon and friends let out some hugely enjoyable raps and vocal spots. Very memorable and this my friends is the sort of thing that should be massive. Far better than Eminem/Dre/50 Cents efforts and even though when I dance I look like i'm having an epilectic fit, even I would dance to this monster. Four stars.

Summary
Well, the downloads market makes the top 40 a strange place to be these days. Kings Of Leon 'Sex On Fire' is spending something like a year in the British charts. Two Lady Gaga songs in the top ten is probably not warranted. The Taylor Swift tune which nestles in at number two this week is so very poor it really does make you wonder you would waste even 79p on buying a copy from itunes. I mean, such is the effect downloads have on the singles charts these days that even MGMT with two songs over a year old find themselves in the top 40 twice. I give up!