Robbie Williams - Intensive Care : as always, the media is in complete overdrive for Robbie’s new release - there seems to be almost wall-to-wall coverage on TV and Radio - documentaries, live shows and chat-show appearances…we’ve seen a huge feature in GQ with Robbie and a bevy of naked ladies (nice work if you can get it)…but the only thing that really matters is the 5 inches of silvery plastic that contain the 7th studio album from Stokes favourite prodigal son. Intensive Care is the first album Robbie has made without Guy Chambers on writing credits…Stephen Duffy is in, who released a brilliant record with Keep Going”>Lilac Time - Keep Going - and you can hear a more grown up thoughtful sound in Robbies Work - lyrically this album is amazing, from the opener Ghosts - which is very powerful and I understand the new show starter, through the ska sounding, chopped guitars of Tripping (the single) and a lovely tune called Advertising Space which is beautifully constructed. My stand-out track is ‘The trouble with me’ - superb lyrics - well sung and nicely produced. Its really easy to dismiss Robbie Williams - but you do so at your peril, despite the media circus - and the obvious (to the press) troubles - he’s really delivering the goods as one of the few British singers who can REALLY entertain. Nice one Robbie (not that you’ll read my tiny review!).