Quote of the day

"I still see Dave every week and he's coping, but I don't think he wanted to do the gigging any more. He has horses and he loves driving them round his grounds and painting gypsy wagons, which he's very good at, so I don't think he'll miss the gigging".

How many musicians decide to quit the business to dedicate themselves to a passion painting gypsy wagons? Not many I'd wager - but then Chas & Dave always were a bit unique.

Musical splits seemed to be the order of the day, with the last remaining original Sugababe (and best) Keisha Buchanan announcing her departure from the group, intimating she's been forced out with mutterings about "a breakdown in communication and lack of trust".

Of course, it was a bit remiss of me not to mention a noteable reunion when the news broke last week: Pavement reforming for some 2010 dates - and maybe more. I must admit I probably greeted the announcement with less enthusiasm than most fans. Yes they were great, and them having put their differences aside and being back together is marvellous - but what does it mean for Mark Ibold's position in Sonic Youth, and for Stephen Malkmus and his Jicks, who last year produced (heresy alert) an album I rate right up alongside Pavement's very best?