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Various Artists - 12"/80s Pop (UK 3CD)

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Various Artists - Original 80s Remix Box Set (EURO 3CD)

“The Road To Nashville” is the title of a new DVD??from synthpop legends Erasure. However, as on the latest “Union Street” album, the music is strictly acoustic this time around. Filmed in Nashville in May 2006, Vince Clarke and Andy Bell perform their biggest hits backed by a full band. A short film and a bonus audio CD are also included.

Europeans can buy the DVD on January 29, 2007, but North Americans has to wait until February 20.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Taku Restaurant—fantastic Asian cuisine in the Excelsior Hotel Ernst (www.o-taku.de) which is as good as anywhere else in the world, including Tokyo. Plus it’s right next to Cologne’s famous Cathedral.

Where can you get the best view of Cologne?

Osman 30, a nice restaurant and lounge in the new media tower of Cologne. It’s a very sexy place and is especially great at night with the lights of the city around you.

What’s your favourite open space in the city?

The Rhine promenade with its spectacular view of Cologne’s cathedral. It’s perfect any time of year, but is especially beautiful in Spring and at Christmas. You can see all the amazing bridges and stop off at the Catheral or the Ludwig Museum.

What’s your favourite shop?

Taurus & Twins (www.taurusandtwins.de) is a extremely fine designer label from Cologne, which also stocks well-known European and international designers such as Martin Margiela.

Where do you go out drinking and why?

The whole Friesenviertel area is a great place to hang out. You find some original Cologne breweries (Päffgen), and also some very cool lounge bars. Friesenviertel has lots of great stores and record shops too. These days Cologne is very much the modern European city!
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What nightlife tips would you give?

Check out the Triple A Club, it has a great variety of musical styles and the people are always friendly. It’s definitely a good way for the visitor to capture the current mood of Cologne nightlife.

What are your favourite things to do on a day off?

I like to browse in record shops, go to lunch with friends and watch movies (check out Pan’s Labyrinth, it’s wonderful!). I also love going to art galleries: and Cologne has so many and such a variety of artists??? go to www.koeln-galerien.de.

Interview by Richard Bence

Fans in Sydney were the first to see the tour in November as Minogue, covered in pink feathers, returned to the stage. The star - who wrote a children's book during her recovery - said the show would be "the biggest party of all".

Minogue has another six dates planned at Wembley in 2007, followed by a six nights in Manchester.

Minogue's record company, Parlophone, has also said she is working on material which could be released in 2007.