Radiohead’s In Rainbows was hailed the best album of the past year at the annual Ivor Novello Awards which recognise outstanding songwriting.
The band’s seventh album which was notoriously sold online for whatever fans wanted to pay when it was released in October 2007. The album was eventually given a physical release earlier this year when the band signed a deal with XL after quitting Parlophone, their label for the previous six releases.
Other major winners at the event in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel included Cherry Ghost and Amy Winehouse who were rewarded with two of the most esteemed prizes. Cherry Ghost (Simon Aldred) took the title of best contemporary song for the track People Help The People from his first album Thirst For Romance, while Winehouse’s Love Is A Losing Game, was named best song musically and lyrically.
But in typically shambolic fashion Winehouse – who was this week confirmed for Glastonbury, turned up late for the event leaving her father Mitch to collect the prize.
“Amy unfortunately couldn't make it but she's getting better and she sends you all her love,” he said as he accepted the award, prior to the troubled singers’ arrival.
Phil Collins, whose In The Air Tonight has recently been given a new lease of life in a Cadbury’s TV ad featuring a drumming gorilla, was given the award for international achievement. Collins, who last year rejoined his former colleagues in Genesis to tour, quipped: “"I can't go without thanking the gorilla. It hasn't gone unnoticed that he's far more talented and better-looking than me so I'm going to offer him the Genesis job."
Soul II Soul founder Jazzie B was handed the ‘inspiration’ award, and Squeeze songwriters Chris Difford – recently lauded for his Last Temptation Of Chris album – and Glenn Tilbrook were honoured for their outstanding contribution to music.
The awards - chosen by composers and songwriters – also recognised Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour for his lifetime achievement. Mika was named songwriter of the year.
9:39 PM | 22/05/2008
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