Gatagordinha

But but but but...Blackpool has an airport!! What's the problem? And... it's only about 25 miles from the village of Dunsop Bridge, which is actually the geographical centre of the British Isles. *clutches at straws*

I sometimes think Mika must wake up every morning and slap himself for putting that Freddie namecheck in the GK lyrics . The reviews are so encouraging; there are still a few snide digs in there, at his dress sense and flamboyance, but what I love is that reviewers are recognising his songwriting talent now.

Sadly I think you're right, if any of us win we'll have been extremely lucky. The more I think about it though, the more I agree that Blackpool would really be such a great place for a proper Mika gig. The donkeys, silly hats, glitter and faded glamour. Perfect

Do I sense a sea change in the general attitude of British journalists? Long may it continue. Thanks for posting; I am enjoying the positive noises coming from the majority of the reviews!

Even if you don't win tickets, you'll still be close to Mika . Good luck and fingers crossed I see you there! And I'll check oout the guest house, just speculatively!

I wish other reviewers would actually listen to his lyrics a bit more closely before they write off his music as kids' bubblegum pop. This is a good review Thanks for posting.

Madness would be ace .

Somebody definitely needs to lighten up! I suppose this is on the positive side (it acknowledges his talent) but honestly, Mika is a 'slightly ridiculous human being'?? Lordy me T4P

Not only a dismissive review but a misinformed and slightly lazy one! But thanks for posting!

I have applied. Let's hope I can be lucky for once, I am really not a lucky (as in winning stuff) person Hopefully the fact that Mika is one of the five acts might put a lot of people off Or is he getting popular now after the success of iTunes .

Thanks Kath, and thanks for letting us know..in my excitement before I forgot to say T4P

I can't believe it, can you? So near to us! Well relatively speaking anyway. Hopefully I will see you there

OMG pinch me someone ..a gig actually near me? Of course I will be applying . How exciting!!

These pictures are beyond stunning! He has really turned into a MAN this past year hasn't he?

I LOVE this review! It is honest and very perceptive, and gets right to the heart of what Mika is all about, without being patronising, and concludes (as I understand it) that Mika's basically a star. Which we all know , but it's just lovely to read it in a review every now and again. Thanks for posting.

I agree, Lover Boy is very much like Killer Queen! I don't like it much tbh, same as I don't like still hearing, after two and a half years, that 'Mika is the new Freddie'... From hearing the snippets I would predict the the singles will be Rain, BIOTG (though I would prefer GGG), I See You and Touches You.

Sad news, he seemed like a nice man and he was certainly a great manager. My best memories of him are from my time living in Portugal in the Nineties when he managed both Sporting and Porto. And of course his England years. RIP

says it better than any words . Thanks for posting!

On iTunes, underneath the WAG tracklisting it gives the Live CD tracklisting too, (Karen's little moment is on the Grace Kelly sample. ) I don't know how to give a link to it though Live Cd sounds great, complete with Mika using some very naughty words between songs (so what's new )..I remember it well! Kids entertainer? I think not .

Well I will be the third prong..albeit an absent one

The live tracks recorded at Sadler's Wells sound really great too I am especially loving ewokwicket's little outburst at the start of Grace Kelly I am sooo glad they didn't cut that out!!!!

Me too Please, will you ask him tomorrow, if you can?? For me

Yes I agree with you there about the other parts of the songs being maybe more distinctive, it is what sets Mika apart from the Gary Barlows of this world IMO. ..and I noticed the Robbie/TT references in the video too! I would MUCH rather have Overrated too. Love that song, and have never liked Lover Boy. To me, it sounds so much like a Queen/Freddie song as to be almost a parody. It plays into the hands of all those critics who insist Mika is just a Freddie impersonator. Just my opinion

That's exactly what I thought too and that's why I was a little bit disappointed. I really don't like TT. But I am sure I'll like the album when I hear it in full, and there are a few songs on there that I really like the sound of already.

For those who are confused, Lady Jane is only on the special iTunes download version, it's not on the physical CD It's an iTunes 'extra'. I have to admit I am a teeny bit at hearing some of these previews. I am not going to comment any further because I will probably regret it Thanks for the link though! I wouldn't have thought to look on iTunes yet. Edit: Ok I cannot resist just one comment..I like the sound of Dr. John and Pick Up Off The Floor *zips mouth shut*