With its seductive combination of big bands, big egos and big music industry expense accounts, The Brit Awards is never a dull affair, and the first ceremony broadcast on live TV since 1989 didn't disappoint.

Nor did the crowd have to depend solely for their entertainment on the admittedly hilarious antics of controversial presenter Russell Brand. The doom and gloom that have characterised descriptions of the British music industry of late seemed to be blown off Earls Court's stage by a superb showcase of the music that has helped the business to blossom against the odds over the past year.

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The show's snappy format meant that acts could only perform one song, putting the pressure on to produce something special.

Scissor Sisters rose to the challenge of being the opening act with a characteristically creative tour de force that was as much performance art as it was pop. Their hit single I Don't Feel Like Dancin' was spiced up by masterfully choreographed blacked-out puppeteers who lifted the band off their feet, allowing them to adopt wonderful, gravity-defying postures.

Amy Winehouse, who beat Lily Allen to the British female solo artist prize, was another highlight. There was only one song she was ever going to sing: Rehab, partly because of its eerily hypnotic retro catchiness, and also because of its allusions to her well-publicised problems with alcohol.

Standing on a stage exquisitely dressed to resemble the TV sets of the Motown era, Winehouse gave the song a poised, understated rendition, the effortless soulfulness of her deep voice belying the quiet passion in her eyes.

As is always the case in the live arena, The Killers acquitted themselves well.

Take That, meanwhile, celebrated a hugely successful comeback - topped off by Patience being declared best British single - by presenting the anthemic hit much as they would have done in their heyday, standing in a line against a simple, glittery backdrop-and revelling in their widespread appeal as mature, chiselled versions of their younger selves.

Deserving winners of the outstanding contribution to music awards, Oasis closed the show.

Swaggering onstage, brushing Brand out of the way in typically boorish style, they launched into an uncompromising rendition of Cigarettes And Alcohol which, for the first time of the night, inspired the crowd to sing along.

Technically, Liam Gallagher's voice was not on top form, but that didn't seem to matter. Breathtaking performances of What's The Story and Don't Look Back In Anger suggested that the group have become national treasures, and consolidated their status as one of the very few British bands who truly embody the spirit of rock 'n' roll.