The capital's soul is harder to pin down than other cities because its musical climate can change between postcodes

If London had the grid system of Manhattan, or had been rebuilt entirely like the Paris of Haussmann, then maybe it would have a readily identifiable sound. After all, you can spot the sound of Manchester â€' whether it's the Hollies, Joy Division, the Stone Roses or MC Tunes â€' at 20 paces. London has always been more fluid, in its architecture and its population. Different eras, and different postcodes, define the sound of the city at any given time. The Barbican's forthcoming Songs In the Key of London event could have included such mismatched performers as Chas & Dave, Rod Stewart, and Dizzee Rascal on the bill and it would have all made perfect sense.

Instead, along with likely lads Suggs and Chris Difford, it features a bunch of singers who aren't even from London â€' Robyn Hitchcock is Cambridge to his toes, Kathryn Williams's Byker Grove accent is a bit of a giveaway. The reason they will be sharing a stage with compere Phil Daniels is that most of the great London songs have been written by outsiders and suburbanites.

David Bowie, tucked away on the fringes of Kent in Beckenham, wrote a few pre-fame songs in the 60s about moving to the big bad city: Can't Help Thinking About Me...

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The “Scars” tour officially came to an end in Tokyo last Saturday night with a storming show at a packed out Studio Coast venue.
Nearly 3000 Japanese Jaxx-freaks witnessed almost 2 hours of the usual mayhem which was followed by tears & champagne backstage afterwards.
Simon & Felix would like to thank their amazing live band, dedicated crew and all the thousands of fans around the world who came along to the shows.
Thank You & Goodnight !

Valentines Day is approaching fast.
Worried about what to get for your loved ones ? Don’t panic !
Basement Jaxx provide the perfect romantic gift - just click on the heart below for immediate delivery.

The biggest stars in British music have come together to raise funds for Haiti with an exclusive fundraising auction. The Jaxx have donated two sets of signed rare vinyl & limited editions. The full auction, organised by Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis and Oxfam, can be seen here . The auction is live at until 0900 2nd February. All the funds will be going to Oxfam’s work in Haiti. Please make a bid!

Tickets for the Jaxx in Tokyo are selling fast so we’ve added another show at Akasaka BLITZ on Thursday February 25th. Get your tickets here These Japanese dates will be the last shows on the “Scars” tour so don’t miss out !

Simon & Felix return from their “Scars” world tour to DJ at Plan B in Brixton on Saturday January 30th. Buy tickets here

The third single to be taken for Scars is ‘My Turn’ featuring Dev ‘Lightspeed Champion’ and its out today! Buy the single from iTunes by clicking here.

Also available today is the drum n bass 12″ of Twerk (Sub Focus remix) that contains Scars (SBTRKT remix)!
A1. TWERK FT. YO MAJESTY (SUB FOCUS REMIX)
B1. SCARS FT. KELIS, MELEKA and CHIPMUNK (SBTRKT REMIX)
B2. TWERK FT. YO MAJESTY (BASEMENT BOOTY MIX)
Cat Num: XLT474
Click here to get your hands on the 12″.

Basement Jaxx present Zephyr, available as a download from Monday 7th December to coincide with their nationwide tour. The album will also be available to purchase at the shows. Available to download
here from Monday 7th December.

Zephyr is described by Basement Jaxx as “a Soundscape”. The original idea for the recent album “Scars” was to make a double album - one CD of the ambient, ethereal & mellow side of the Jaxx output and the other comprised of their more traditional floor fillers. In the end, the band decided to release “Scars” as a stand alone album but wanted the “soundscape” to be available shortly after.

The tracks on “Zephyr” were recorded over a two year period in Berlin, New York, London and Bath and feature guest appearances from legendary Ethiopian musician, Mulatu Astatke, and New York jazz vocalist Jose James.