The creator of one of the best albums of the past year [getting a bit ahead of yourself aren't you, Mr Pledger? We've not even published our top 10 yet - Ed] is all set to carry on building his reputation, with the announcement of two very special concerts next spring.

Simon Aldred and his band Cherry Ghost have announced a pair of live appearances in the hallowed surroundings Manchester Cathedral and Islington's Union Chapel, with the former taking place on 16th March and the latter London gig kicking off on the following evening. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am, priced at £13.50.

Cherry Ghost's second album "Beneath this Burning Shoreline" has been a huge critical success, despite being largely ignored by the public - until the release of "Finally" appeared, that is. A cover of the garage-classic by Ce Ce Peniston, it has been issued as a flip-side to the recent 12" single "We Sleep On Stones" (itself an excellent choice). Proving to be a popular success online and even making the Ministry Of Sound's radio playlist this month, this under-stated version continues to rack up You Tube hits by the thousand. You can listen to it here - or better still, just go and seek out the album (with the glorious first single "Kissing Strangers" also included).