The Pastels

The Pastels are an independent music group from Glasgow, formed in 1981. The group consists of Stephen McRobbie (vocals, guitar), Katrina Mitchell (vocals, drum kit), Gerard Love (bass guitar), John Hogarty (guitar), Tom Crossley (flute, keyboards), and Alison Mitchell (trumpet).

History

Their early records (1982–85) for record labels such as Whaam!, Creation, Rough Trade, and Glass Records, had a raw and immediate sound, melodic and amateur, which seemed at odds with the time. But an emerging fanzine culture identified with the group's sound and image, and slowly The Pastels started to influence a new wave of groups, which interested the NME and other UK media.

The Pastels' sound continued to evolve and, although part of the NME's C86 compilation, in interviews they always sought to distance themselves from both twee and shambling developments. Their debut album, Up for a Bit With The Pastels (Glass, 1987; re-issue Paperhouse, 1991) moved from garage pop-punk through to ballads with synth orch splashes. In 2003, it was named the 37th best Scottish album by The Scotsman. The follow-up, Sittin' Pretty (Chapter 22, 1989) was harder but less eclectic. Reports started to appear in the UK music press that the group was splitting up.

The Hits

The Hits was a music video channel broadcast in the United Kingdom and Ireland, owned by Box Television. In 2008 it was rebranded as 4Music.

Overview and availability

The channel showcased a range of pop centred on chart hits and current favourites. Originally, the vast majority of music videos were selected by viewers by means of calling a premium-rate telephone number, however the policy was abandoned with the channel playing an automated selection of videos and countdown shows presented by celebrities and singers past and present. Programming was often themed to coincide with events such as St. Patrick's Day and Christmas.

The channel was available free-to-air on the British digital terrestrial television service Freeview on channel 18. It was also available on Sky Digital, encrypted as a part of Sky's Music Pack. The Hits was also available on Virgin Media and was included in the basic package. It was also be seen through the British Forces Broadcasting Service.

Programmes on The Hits

The Hits (Kelis album)

The Hits is the first greatest hits album by American singer-songwriter Kelis, released on March 1, 2008 by Jive Records and Legacy Recordings. It is Kelis' final release with both Jive and Virgin Records, before signing a recording contract with Interscope Records. The album contains no previously unreleased material.

Track listing

Charts

Release history

References

Further reading

The Hits (April Wine album)

The Hits is a Compilation album by the Canadian rock band April Wine, released in 1987. The picture used on this cover is also used on the album covers of First Glance (1978) (American version only), Greatest Hits (1979), and Classic Masters (2002).

Track listing

All tracks written by Myles Goodwyn unless otherwise noted.