Winehouse raises the Midem spirits.

Vintage performance shows there is plenty to look forward to despite the industry negativity in Cannes

There are many ways to judge Midem. For most - who invest hundreds and thousands of euros in a week of networking at the coldest time of year that Cannes has to offer - it is all about the deals.

But Midem has also become one great big lump of seaweed; the event which shows which way the wind is blowing. And this year it was, overall, about a hefty dose of pessimism.

It has certainly been a chastening start to the year, given events at EMI, HMV and - in the UK - Music Zone, Woolworths and others. Such events left many arriving at Cannes already convinced that the world is coming to an end. But Cannes was also a moment when the industry showed how it is sorting itself out; Merlin and Celas are both part of this drive.

Of course, cynics may argue that it is late in the day. But the world is not on the brink of collapse just yet, not in a market which - for all the negative headlines - has just enjoyed four of the best years for album sales in the history of the UK industry.

One of the great strengths of Midem is its position as a forum for debate and discussion. It is easy, however, to spend days in the bars and restaurants dwelling on the problems, but forgetting about the music. That, perhaps, is Midem's greatest failing.

In more than 10 years heading down to the South of France, I can count on one hand the memorable live performances I've seen. ...