I know, it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these posts.

First up, following on from Mike’s posts about his tips for BBC’s Sound of 2009 competition (part 1 here, part 2 here), they’ve announced the longlist, which features no less than FIVEartists we have already featured on TGTF. The longlist sees Dan Black (who we featured here and here, and is pictured, right), Florence and the Machine (who we introduced here), La Roux (who we introduced here), White Lies (who we gave details of their tour here).  VV Brown has also been tipped in comments around the site too. On the longlist, they’re joined by:The Big Pink, Empire of the Sun, Frankmusik, Kid Cudi, Lady GaGa, Little Boots, Master Shortie, Mumford & Sons, Passion Pit and The Temper Trap.

Phew, there’s a lot of new music there! To conteract the newness of those, we bring you an oldie but a goldie: Tom Jones, but as you’ve never seen him before….

If that’s not some clever CGI, I don’t know what is…

Our friends over at Gig Junkie have pointed out that they have a lot of pretty amazing competitions going at the moment – if times are tight for you, pop on over and enter a competition or two – they have the chance to win tickets to see Kings of Leon, VIP style.

It seems rather a lot of you love Nickelback (pictured, right, and who incidentally are on tour next year… see my seamless link there?), so you might want to check out some exclusive tracks they played in the USA recently. I’ve had “Gotta Be Somebody” stuck in my head recently, and got to admit that slowly they’re getting under my skin!

Our friends over at Winston’s Zen have just posted their new monthy Zen list of all things great and free in MP3 land – check it out and have a listen.

Right, I think that’s it for tonight… I’m off to have a listen to those of the BBC Sound of 2009 longlist nominees that I don’t know much about, and Winston’s Zen’s new MP3s….

Nickelback have announced details of another sizeable tour, this time playing a range of arenas next May.

The Canadian foursome will be playing some more UK dates in support of their sixth studio album, “All the Right Reasons”, including another night at London’s huge O2 Arena.

Support acts haven’t been confirmed yet, but will be soon no doubt.

Tickets go on sale on Friday (5th December) at 9am.

Friday 22nd May 2009 – Manchester MEN Arena
Saturday 23rd May 2009 – Glasgow SECC
Monday 25th May 2009 – Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Tuesday 26th May 2009 – Birmingham National Indoor Arena
Thursday 28th May 2009 – London O2 Arena

With every album release Nickelback manage to produce a host of chart filling singles but the new track from the Canadian rockers seems extra special. “Gotta Be Somebody” has already been filling the top ten from the album “Dark Horse” (set to be released on the 18^th November) and it did well to not disappoint fans after the anthem Rockstar set the bar for future hits very high.

I’ve always been frustrated with Nickelback though. With each album they firstly release the most poppy and commercial sounding track which is fair enough but they never seem brave enough to allow the second single to be the fast paced rock track that always features on the albums track listing.

This time though, they’ve nailed it with “Something in Your Mouth” which I think is one of the most complete Nickelback songs ever. It sounds like a blend of Animals and Side of a bullet from the previous CD “All the Right Reasons”.

The tune starts with ear perplexing guitar riffs and catchy vocals that are almost impossible to not sing along with while the drummer, Daniel Adair, makes brilliant use of the bass drum to produce a thumping beat that drives the track along.

I have to say that Nickelback amaze me. With every fresh song I am certain that they have peaked and now I am getting used to being proven wrong. Personally, I can’t wait for Dark Horse to come out. I’ve seen the band get better with each album so I am forced to wonder what will the next one be like?

Rock your socks off by visiting their MySpace and be sure to listen to Something In Your Mouth.

Nickelback have announced some UK Arena tour dates for September.

The Canadian foursome will be playing their biggest UK dates in support of their sixth studio album, “All the Right Reasons”.

Tickets for the below dates go on sale at 9am on Friday (14th March).

Please not the change in days – I got them the wrong days of the week. Thanks to Julie to pointing this out to me.

Monday 15th September – Manchester Evening News Arena
Tuesday 16th September – Sheffield Arena
Thursday 18th September – Birmingham NEC
Friday 19th September – London 02 Arena