Topics for debate

Speaking of debating - a great one to throw in the pot is music. We may not realise it, but we are incerdibly attached to our choice of music - it holds memories of childhood, teenage years, and almost every significant event in our lives. No wonder you can cause a few sparks with a couple of carefully selected comments thrown into conversation. Try these for starters:

1) U2 are twats, and really not that talented. Discuss.

If you say this to any Irishman, it is honestly the worst possible insult you can bestow upon them. I'm not kidding - U2 are like royalty over there. So if I'm going to offend a whole nation, let me take a minute to justify myself.

U2 have had some great hits - this is undeniable. But consider the amount of time it takes them to write an album, the amount of money behind them, and the producers they work with. Give this same resource to an 'average' band and see the results. Early TV appearances highlighted their amateur musicianship and, despite giving loads of mony to charity, Bono is undeniably a ball-sack.

2) The Beatles were in the right place at the right time. Discuss.

Again, undeniably, The Beatles have written some of the most iconic songs in history - so one could not possibly say they weren't a great band - at the time. The question is this - would the same people have stood out in today's competitive market? There's only a finite amount of songs that can be written - did they just stumble across the melodies before anyone else, or are they truly brilliant? If you're into music, you can pick up a guitar and play any three chords in a row - guaranteed it's one of The Beatles songs, so not particularly tricky if you ask me. And the lyrics - I love you, you love me , she loves you etc etc. Not the work of great poets - just your bog standard 60s tripe. Oh, and Seargant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is absolute shite.

3) Abba's music is genuis and blokes shouldn't be ashamed to listen to it. Discuss.

Guys - listen to ABBA, they are amazing. Just don't get caught.

4) S-Club 7 had some great hits. Discuss.

See 3)