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Belle & Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch told me he was watching "An Education", starring Carey Mulligan when he wondered if she could sing.ÌýSo not only wasÌýshe nominated for an Oscar, but the next thing she's singing on B&S's new album. I'm sure it didn't happen as quickly as that but he certainly lucked out there as she can really sing. It's not uncommon for actors to find their singing voices. Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman,ÌýKeanu Reeves,ÌýScarlett Johansson, all sound great. Then there's William Shatner,ÌýalthoughÌýthe former Captain Kirk's bad singing is legendary, spoofed even by himself on tv ads!

My favourite actor turned singer isÌýEwan McGregor and his version of "Your Song" in Baz Lurhman's "Moulin Rouge". And in a bizarre twist of fate, Carey Mulligan isÌýabout to appear as Daisy in Baz Lurhman's remake of "The Great Gatsby". If Baz wants her to break into song, she's got her calling card with Belle & Sebastian's "Write about Love".

Update - part 2 of Blog......23.43

I'm just back from seeing B&S live in the Ulster Hall, the first gig in their first UK tour in 4 years. Stuart asked for the lights to be put up in the hall so he could see the audience. "Young" he said, almost surprised. Well the older ones, me included, were down the back, loving "Fox in the Snow" and "Judy and the Dream of Horses", a trip through their back catalogue with a few from the new album too, There's an after show party going on right now. I'm looking forward to my bed. Rock n Roll!