Hot Video Alert: Kris Allen feat. Pat Monahan - The Truth

While Adam Lambert is busy being exciting and flamboyant, Kris Allen is apparently busy being boring. What a yawn. I don't know, maybe I was just hoping for another Justin Timberlake after Allen won his season of American Idol, but I've just been left wanting more. Also...didn't "The Truth" come out as a single back in May? Why the huge delay between the single's initial release and the video? "Live Like We're Dying" was a decent showing for Allen but this song, written by Toby Gad and Train frontman Pat Monahan, is just such a snooze! BORING. YAWN. NEXT! I'm not saying I want Kris Allen to go all Lady Gaga on me but he has to do something different...and the charts agree! The song has yet to do any damage on the Billboard Hot 100 and the only place the song has charted is on Billboard's Adult Top 40 Chart, where it peaked at #16. Yes, America voted for Kris Allen but Kris Allen has yet to show me that America was right.

Check out Kris Allen on the web:

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• Kris Allen Explains 'Weird' Video Treatment For 'The Truth' (mtv.com)

Hot Video Alert: M.I.A. - XXXO

I've been largely unimpressed with M.I.A.'s recent singles but there's something I really like about "XXXO," which has yet to chart here in the U.S.  Honestly, I think the last M.I.A. song I really enjoyed listening to was 2008's Paper Planes and that was by and large because of the tremendous DFA Remix.  Admittedly, like many who watched M.I.A.'s disturbing video for "Born Free" I wasn't sure what to expect from her next release but "XXXO" is very listenable.  The video is also CONSIDERABLY more watchable in that there's no senseless slaughters happening during any part of the video.  Yes, I'm easy. That's all it takes for me to really like a video. Not a lot of sensless death. While I know there was a deep meaning behind the video, sometimes less is more.  The "XXXO" video definitely is less and I'm fine with that. M.I.A. looks GORGEOUS, the background is minimal and the FX are kind of cool.  The video's got a very dreamy look and feel which works with the beats and M.I.A.'s vocals.  While the song has yet to chart in the U.S. it has been doing better in Europe, reaching #3 on the airplay charts in Denmark and #26 on the UK Singles chart.  Remixes have been done by Blaqstarr, Fulton Yard/WaltBoogie, SBTRKT and Riton. There's also an official remix with Jay-Z.

Check out M.I.A. on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Hot Video Alert: McFly - Party Girl

WOW. Those McFly boys are back with a brand new look and sound. Their new single "Party Girl" is an electro/pop SMASH unlike anything we've ever heard out of the boys before. Gone are the days when the boys used to sing about "That Girl" and the "5 Colours In Her Hair." "Party Girl" is an unexpected treat from a band that I used to disregard as another Busted-clone. Times, they are a changin' and Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry are changing right there with them. While the video is obviously a cheap ploy to cash in  the whole vampire craze sweeping the world right now and I, think it just might work in their favor. Side note - does this video remind anyone else of the Backstreet Boys "classic" "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"? Same uber-cheese factor I think. Just saying...

The single was written by Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Dallas Austin and produced by Dallas Austin. It's due for release September 6th on 7" picture disc, CD Single and digital download via Island Records. 

Congratulations to the boys, as their single was just added to BBC Radio 1's A-List on August 25th.  Oh...and look out for remixes by Doman & Gooding and Danny Jones.

Check out McFly on the web:

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Hot Video Alert: Kaci Battaglia feat. Ludacris - Body Shots

Oh Kaci Battaglia. Where did things go wrong? "Body Shots" was already iffy for me. I was just waiting for the video to come out, HOPING that it would really blow me away, but it just left me wanting more and feeling dirty. Sometimes if I'm on the fence about a song, a good visual aide can really change my mind. This unfortunately is NOT the case with "Body Shots." The budget on this video is SUPER LOW. Minimal set. Sleazy back up dancers. The most expensive thing appearing in this video is rent-a-rapper Ludacris, who plays his part without ANY energy or passion. He basically just stands there while Battaglia dances beside/infront/behind him. What a blah video!

I think with her last single, "Crazy Possessive" we kind of got the impression that she was moving in a more mature popstar direction. Her latest video kind of goes overboard in that regard. "Body Shots" is the second single off Battaglia's forthcoming 4th studio album, Bring It On, her first studio album in 8 years. Right now the song is at #24 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play charts and working it's way up. Seeing how "Crazy Possesive" hit the #1 spot on the dance charts, chances are this new single will do pretty well too. I don't know...I'm still on team Kaci...I'm just a little more cautiously optimistic after this release.

Check out Kaci Battaglia on the web:  

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Brandon Flowers Releases 'Swallow It' as Single #2

"Crossfire," Brandon Flowers' first solo effort was solid. It had a little something for the Killers fans but was commercial enough that it SHOULD have done well on Top 40...but alas...it didn't. The single DID do decently on Alternative Radio, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Alternative chart and at #11 on the Billboard Rock chart. Let's see how the song does on UK radio, where it was released this past week. Backed by remixes from the legendary David Morales and Loose Cannons, I feel as if "Crossfire" should do well on the dance charts but who knows what'll happen.

This past week Flowers' second single, "Swallow It" was digitally released here in the U.S.  I'm not sure how I feel about this song.  It kind of sounds like a VERY stripped down Killers' song.  Yes...Flowers was the voice of The Killers but for the first time I feel like I'm really hearing what Flowers sounds like and I have to say...I'm not impressed.  There's no question, Brandon Flowers has a great voice, I just don't know how it does with this particular song.  His delivery is just SO dramatic...which sort of clashes with the instrumental. Produced by Stuart Price and Daniel Lanois "Swallow It" is an interesting choice for a second single.  In other news...check out this live footage of Flowers performing Kim Carnes' classic "Bette Davis Eyes." It definitely restores my confidence in Flowers' vocal abilities.



Flowers' debut album Flamingo is due out in the UK September 6th and in the US on September 14th. All songs were written by Flowers and the majority of the album was produced by Stuart Price, Daniel Lanois and Brendan O'Brien.

Check out Brandon Flowers on the web:

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Pixie Lott Releases Debut U.S. Single, Unveils New UK Single

AHH. I know I'm a little behind with this bit of news but Pixie Lott FINALLY released a single here in America! "Boys and Girls" was originally released in the UK as Lott's second single off of her debut album, Turn It Up.  The single proceeded to go all the way to the top of the UK Singles chart turning into her second consecutive #1 UK single (after "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)").  I'm BEYOND thrilled that Lott is putting out her brand of pop here in the states.  While I am a little nervous about how it will fare over on this side of the pond, I'm mostly just glad that people in America have the chance to listen.  Pixie Lott looks like a pop star, in that she's gorgeous and blonde but her sound is completely original.  "Boys and Girls" was written by Mads Hauge, Phil Thornalley and Pixie herself. The song was produced by Hauge and Thornalley.  Check out the Diane Martel-directed video below and buy your copy on U.S. iTunes now!  While you're at it America, pick up a digital copy of her live performance at the iTunes Festival!


Pixie Lott - Boys and Girls (Official Music Video) HQ
Uploaded by Videozz. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

As if news of Pixie Lott's American debut wasn't enough, her new song "Broken Arrow," written by Lott, Toby Gad and Ruth-Anne Cunningham, premiered online last week. I'm going to be honest...I'm NOT exactly loving this song. It's nothing new, it's nothing fresh. It's a run-of-the-mill pop song. What saves the song is Pixie's delivery. I just love the rough, raspy quality to her voice. It adds texture to whatever she sings. Rumor has it "Broken Arrow" is going to appear on a re-release of her debut album. Check out the song below:



With the release of "Boys and Girls" in America, and the forthcoming release of her album in the States next year I can only hope this means Lott will make her way to the U.S. for a small tour. Best believe I'll be there. America, get familiar with Pixie Lott.

Check out Pixie Lott on the web:

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'FU' Says Cee-Lo Green

How can you NOT like Cee-Lo Green? Whether you're listening to his solo stuff or collaborative efforts with DJ Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley) or Kelis ("Lil Star") his voice is just so infectious.  "F**k You" was released August 25th via Elektra Records and INSTANTLY became a viral hit, thanks in part to a simple video featuring the song's lyrics appearing in front of a brightly colored background (watch it below).  "F**k You" is from his forthcoming solo album, The Lady Killer, due out December 7th, also through Elektra Records. GOD I love this song. What a perfect FU to the end of summer.

Check out Cee-Lo Green on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Tiffany Page - You Won't

As on-top of new UK music as I like to think I am, every so often, a talented artist slips through the cracks. This unfortunately was the case with 24-year old UK singer/songwriter Tiffany Page.  Page definitely has the look of a pop star, resembling Leighton Meester with a little bit of Stacie Orrico and Gabriella Cilmi.  In other words, she's gorgeous...but can she sing?  To put it simply...YES. Girl can sing.  Her sound is completely unexpected, much like Amy MacDonald.  Pop, rock, soul...her musical style's got a little bit of everything and I kinda like it.  "You Won't," due out on September 27th is the third single off Page's forthcoming debut album Walk Away Slow, due October 4th via Mercury Records.

Page's debut single, the album's title track, came out in March.  Failing to chart, second single "On Your Head" was released back in May, peaking at #102 on the UK Singles chart. Disappointing.  The album was originally expected out in August, however now it appears to have been pushed back until October (per Amazon UK).  While I definitely like the rock & roll edge heard on "Walk Away Slow," I prefer it when Page shows her sassy side in a song like "On Your Head."  The song's still got some rock influences but it's more fun.  The single and video have a very Eliza Doolittle-like flavor which I really think works for her.  "You Won't" is a soft and beautiful pop ballad, showing off yet a different side of Page.  I think it's good that Page is showing her versatility here.  Every single has had a different sound. Hopefully Mercury gets it right with the release of this new single.  Tiffany Page is a talent that shouldn't be squandered.

Check out Tiffany Page on the web:

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Amy MacDonald Set To Release 'Love Love' In October, Embarks on New UK Tour

Scottish singer/songwriter Amy MacDonald is been one of my favorite imports for quite some time now. Well...I guess not all that long since her debut album only came out in 2007 but still. Since 2007 at least I've been raving about Amy MacDonald.  As if I needed another Amy MacDonald song to rave about, she releases her new single "Love Love" on October 4th through Mercury Records.  Brilliant!
There's just something mesmerizing about the way she sings and it could very well be her BEAUTIFUL Scottish accent.  I also have a feeling that it has something to do with her talent, both as a songwriter and as a vocalist.  She just writes and sings so far beyond her years (she's only 23!) it's astounding to me.  Her voice is deeper and more soulful than you'd expect, given her petite appearance but then again, looks can certainly be deceiving. A Curious Thing is the 2010 follow up to her debut album, This Is The Life, which went all the way to the #1 spot in the UK (not to mention in Switzerland, Denmark and Belgium).  While A Curious Thing didn't match it's predessor's chart success, it did quite well on it's own, peaking at #4 when it was released this past March.

"Big, bold and dramatic.  Intimate, tender and touching. It's Amy MacDonald, full-voiced and rebooted and reenergised, with added hammering piano and a couple of guest spots from Paul Weller."

While MacDonald's albums tend to sell, her performance history on the singles chart is less than stellar over in the UK.  To date, her best performing single has been "Mr. Rock & Roll," the second single off of her debut album.  "Love Love" is the fourth single to be released off of A Curious Thing, so hopefully it will do better than her previous three efforts.  Lead single "Don't Tell Me That It's Over" peaked at #48 while "This Pretty Face" only managed to hit the #138 spot.  "Spark" failed to chart at all in the UK.  In all fairness, her singles have been performing better elsewhere in Europe.
Busy promoting the album all over Europe, Amy MacDonald played a sold out UK tour  including a set at the prestigious Shepherds Bush Empire and NOW she's set to embark on a new UK tour this upcoming October.  Check out the tour dates below and pick up her new single "Love Love" on October 4th.

Tour Dates:
October 19/Manchester Apollo
October 20/Aberdeen Music Hall
October 21/Glasgow O2 Academy
October 23/Dundee Fat Sams
October 24/Newcastle O2 Academy
October 25/Cambridge Corn Exchange
October 26/London HMV Hammersmith Apollo
October 28/Birmingham O2 Academy
October 29/Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

Check out Amy MacDonald on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Norah Jones Brings Together Best of the Best for New Compilation

Norah Jones has the kind of voice that lends itself to a variety of different genres of music. From dance to hip-hop, jazz to pop Norah Jones is COMPLETELY versatile in that regard, which is why her new compilation album, ...Featuring is so perfect. Her last album, 2009's The Fall, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, marked a slight change in direction for Jones. The album was a bit more experimental in terms of production and overall sound, something that I was quite excited about. While there's always room on my iPod for Jones' brand of smooth jazz/pop I was excited to hear that she was going a little bit more...all over the place this time. Working with Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse), Ryan Adams and Will Sheff (from Okkervil River) as well as longtime partner Jesse Harris - I was pleasantly surprised with the end result.

A compilation of some of Jones' best duets and collaborations spanning the past decade ...Featuring is due out via Blue Note Records on November 2nd. The album features a talented cast of legendary singers and musicians including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles and more! Speaking of her fantastic history of collaborative efforts, Jones says:

“It's so exciting and flattering and fun when I get asked to sing with somebody that I admire,” says Jones. “It takes you a little bit out of your comfort zone when you're doing something with another artist. You don't know what to expect—it's kind of like being a little kid and having a playdate.”

The album contains early works (2001's "More Than This" with guitarist Charlie Hunter) as well as more recent material ("Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John" with Belle and Sebastian) and sees Jones experimenting with different genres, from country and rock to jazz and even hip-hop. In addition to collaborations with well known artists, ...Featuring also includes collaborations with artists Jones has toured with and worked with in other capacities including The Little Willies, M. Ward, Sasha Dobson, Gillian Welch, and David Rawlings. From covers of songs by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell and Roy Orbison to new material from Ryan Adams and Q-Tip, ...Featuring really is a grab bag of AMAZING. Jones seems pleased with the final collection, saying:

“A lot of the people on this record are people I've worshiped since I was a kid, and some of them are younger and more my contemporaries,” says Jones. “Even though the musicians are so varied, the vibe of the songs makes sense when we put them all together.” 

I should mention that there is one notable omission here..."Dreamgirl," Jones' collaboration with Saturday Night Live outfit The Lonely Island. Oh well.  Pick up your copy when it's released on November 2nd. Her album The Fall is out now.

 
Tracklisting:

1. Love Me – The Little Willies
2. Virginia Moon – The Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
3. Turn Them – Sean Bones featuring Norah Jones
4. Baby It's Cold Outside – Willie Nelson featuring Norah Jones
5. Bull Rider – Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson
6. Ruler Of My Heart – Dirty Dozen Brass Band featuring Norah Jones
7. The Best Part – El Madmo
8. Take Off Your Cool – OutKast featuring Norah Jones
9. Life Is Better – Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones
10. Soon The New Day – Talib Kweli featuring Norah Jones
11. Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John – Belle & Sebastian featuring Norah Jones
12. Here We Go Again – Ray Charles featuring Norah Jones
13. Loretta – Norah Jones featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Dear John – Ryan Adams featuring Norah Jones
15. Creepin' In – Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton
16. Court & Spark – Herbie Hancock featuring Norah Jones
17. More Than This – Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones
18. Blue Bayou – Norah Jones featuring M. Ward

Check out Norah Jones on the web:

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The Ting Tings are 'Hands' on with New Single!

Holy Hell! The Ting Tings are FINALLY back and back with a vengeance. Their new single "Hands" doesn't come out until October but you can hear it over on NME.com. It's AMAZING. The Ting Tings' last effort, 2008's We Started Nothing DEFINITELY had an electro-rock influence, but no where NEAR as electro as this new single.  Recorded in Berlin with the rest of their forthcoming new album, Kunst,  "Hands" is an electro-pop stomper that marks a not-new-but-exciting-nonetheless direction for the UK band, whose last album produced two top 10 UK singles, including the #1 single "That's Not My Name."  Talking to NME about the album's recording, drummer Jules De Martino had this to say:

"Our time in Berlin was a fresh start, with no rules again. When you've had an album that's been successful, the danger is you go back in the studio, look back and try and emulate it."

Lead singer Katy White added, "It'd be so lazy and easy to make the same album twice," and I completely agree.  This explains the new sound.  The duo's last album managed to take the #1 spot on the UK album's chart and despite receiving some good exposure in the States with "Shut Up and Let Me Go" (featured in one of those usually buzz-generating Apple commercials), the band's UK chart success wasn't matched on this side of the pond.  Sad story. Their debut album only peaked at #78 on the Billboard 200, which for a new UK artist isn't all that bad.  The Ting Tings saw more success on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart where they had three Top 5 singles and with Calvin Harris mixing this new single they're likely to have repeat success on the dance charts.  The single is out October 11th on 12" limited-edition vinyl and digital download.  Download the Retro/Grade remix of "Hands" for free HERE and check out the song below. This is a hot one!

The Ting Tings - "Hands" by Some Kind of Awesome

Check out The Ting Tings on the web:

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Cool Kompetition: Make A Video for Kassidy and Win £1000!

Taking FULL advantage of the social media craze rockin' the music scene in recent years, Scottish rock outfit Kassidy has just launched a new competition to celebrate the release of the Rubbergum EP Volume 2. The competition is pretty simple. All fans have to do is make a video using the song "Panic Day" as the soundtrack. Just download the track HERE and upload your video as a response to Kassidy's video below. It's that simple!  The winner's video will be used as the OFFICIAL "Panic Day" promo video as well as winning £1000. The competition closes on September 13th so get crackin'! The competition is open to residents of the UK only.  The Rubbergum EP Volume 2 is in shops now.

Check out Kassidy on the web:

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Get Familiar With: Zoe Scott

I LOVE what I do. While I don't get paid for blogging about music, there's definitely a pay out. The reward for me is the music itself...whether it be new stuff from an old favorite or a new discovery. Singer/Songwriter Zoe Scott is the latter. Her new single, "Hard Habit" is DEFINITELY worth a listen (or two). Check it out when it's released on August 31st.

Scott's new album, Woman On Top features a talented group of collaborators including The Wax Team (Rihanna, Norah Jones), Wizards Of Oz and master mixers Jim Scott (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Mike Shipley (Aerosmith, Shania Twain). Scott wastes no time showing us what she's got in her new single "Hard Habit." (Listen to the single HERE) Strong vocals mixed with ROCK solid pop/rock production equals a very solid effort. At first, listening to Scott brought to mind Lucy Woodward's 2003 single "Dumb Girls." Not necessarily a bad comparison to make but nothing truly groundbreaking. By the middle of the song Scott goes ROCK & ROLL complete with crazy guitar riffs and a big, loud, powerful chorus. Gone is the Lucy Woodward comparison, now she sounds like classic Sheryl Crow.

The LA-based singer/songwriter is very much influenced by all of the places she's been. "I see places as canvases," she says. "It's what I react to."  Born in London, she moved to Rome, did some acting, moved back to London, moved back to Italy before heading off to Spain. From España, it was off to Sunny California with her sister.

The rock-influence in her music is not shocking. Heavily influenced by Jim Morrison, Zoe Scott lived in a Ford Econoline van right down the street from the late singer's house in Laurel Canyon.  "We were so passionate and so young. We were here to make rock and roll music like our favorite artists." In 2005 Scott released her debut album via Zeus Records with guests John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) and drummer Kenny Arnoff. According to Scott, her debut was "earthy and laid back." While there are definitely elements of that sound in her new material, Woman On Top appears to be, overall, a different kind of sound - an "upbeat rock and roll manifesto of empowerment, liberation and authenticity." Expect big things from Zoe Scott.

Check out Zoe Scott on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Sonny With A Chance (EP Tracklisting)

Take a look at the tracklisting for the Sonny With A Chance EP being released this fall!

1. Me, Myself & Time
2. Hanging
3. Kiss Me
4. What To Do
5. How We Do This
6. Work of Art
7. Come Down With Love
8. Sure Feels Like Love
9. So Far So Great
Source: TeamDD365

Fight or Flight (Tracklisting)

Below is the tracklisting for Emily Osment's upcoming album, Fight or Flight, due out on Oct. 5th!

1. Lovesick
2. Get Yer Yah-Yah's Out
3. 1-800 Clap Your Hands (The Water is Rising)
4. Marisol
5. The Cycle
6. All the Boys Want
7. Double Talk
8. Truth or Dare
9. Let's Be Friends
10. You Get Me Through
11. Gotta Believe in Something

Let's Be Friends (Acoustic)

At a recent TV interview, Emily Osment performed acoustic versions of her new single Let's Be Friends, and a new song, 1-800 Clap Your Hands!
D O W N L O A D
thanks Drew!

Anoraak To Release Eclectic Debut Album This Fall

THIS is how you make a music video. Anyone can fill a club up with extras and perform on a stage lit with strobe lights and glittery disco balls. Anoraak and his video for °Above Your Head° is something different...something cool...something unique and I dig it.  From his forthcoming new album Wherever The Sun Sets, "Above Your Head" is conceptual video art at it's coolest.  Shot by acclaimed director/artist Milosh Luczynski, the video was filmed in 360°with 8 cameras. Never seen that before in a music video, have you? Alright Anoraak...I'll bite.


ANORAAK - °ABOVE YOUR HEAD° from MILOSH on Vimeo.

After testing out the indie rock scene for a while, Anoraak (born Frederic Riviere) quickly grew bored and began looking for his true calling as a solo artist. Moving to the West of France and joining some friends in "the most livable spot in all of Europe," Nantes, Riviere found inspiration in this new locale, helping to launch the Valerie Collective/blog (Russ Chimes, College, Minitel Rose, The Outrunners, Maethelvin).  The "Anoraak" project actually began 8 years ago in Riviere's own bedroom as he was searching for work as a sound engineer. After finding nothing but bar work, it was time for something bigger.  Firmly reestablished in Nantes Riviere put out an EP Nightdrive With You, a "buzz-stirring attempt at everything from moon-lit club music to Boards of Canada-inspired IDM."  Seems like with this "buzz-stirring" first attempt Anoraak was onto something.  The EP's title track received the remix treatment from Grum, Jupiter, Saycet, Minitel Rose and Fear of Tigers. Tremendous vote of a support from some of the big names in electronic music, no? (Download the remixes HERE).

Now nearly 2 years after the release of the Nightdrive With You EP, Anoraak is back with a full length album, Wherever The Sun Sets, due out digitally on September 21st and physically on October 26th via Naive Records.  The 11-track album features a mostly "feel good" sound sprinkled with traces of melancholy.  Sounds like a well-balanced album. 

 "A seamless blend of live and programmed elements that's essentially an electronic take on the SoCal rock LPs that Riviere loved as a kid growing up in the South of France."  

Sounds intriguing, right?  Throw alt.-disco diva Sally Shapiro on one of the tracks and you have me completely sold.  But wait! The intrigue doesn't stop there!  Another song features guest vocals by Scottish folk singer Siobhan Wilson.  This is sounding more and more like a musical mixed bag, and I'm all for it!  The album features an eclectic mix of sounds - everything from Italo-disco and "Motown-schooled funk" to "sepia-toned pop music" this is looking to be one INTERESTING LP. Listen to a selection of songs and check out the track listing below:

Track Listing:

01 Above your head

02 Try Me

03 Can’t stop

04 Don’t be afraid (feat. Sally Shapiro)

05 Crazy eyes

06 Long hot summer night

07 You taste like cherry

08 Dolphins & highways (feat. Siobahn Wilson)

09 Cloud | Rain | Love

10 Midnight Sunset

11 Here you go

Download the new track "Above Your Head" now for free HERE.  You can also download the new EP Try Me which features remixes of "Above Your Head" by Enola and remixes of the title track by the We Have Band, Michael Cassette and RAC.

Check out Anoraak on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

Get Familiar With: Van Go Lion

Van Go Lion is a group that you need to familiarize yourselves with. The Portland-based electro-pop duo consists of Amy Paige on vocals and Josh Loerzel on keys.  A lot of electro-pop today is lacking in the vocal department.  All too frequently too much energy and attention is paid to the production and beats, leaving the vocalist swallowed up by the sound.  Amy Paige is NOT that sort of vocalist. A beautiful, strong voice combined with crystal clear annunciation and delivery, her vocals persevere, enhancing the beautiful melodies produced by her classically-trained pianist partner, Loerzel. The importance of their partnership isn't lost on Amy.

"Pop music can be fun, but it can have more substance. If you really listen to the songs and what Josh is playing, it's really involved stuff -- a lot of these tracks are classical at the core. Just because its pop doesn't mean it's throwaway."

The band saw it's start after Amy moved cross-country from New York City to Portland, answering Josh's Craigslist advert looking for a singer for a band.  The two bonded over a mutual love for Tears For Fears' "Head Over Heels" and decided to split from the band and go off on their own 80s/90s inspired direction.  The debut self-titled EP features six songs written by the pair and really only whets my appetite for more.

"It's pretty clear we're a couple of 80's dorks when you hear our music. It's quirky, it makes you dance, and if you do it right, there's nothing better than a good pop song. We listen to a lot of Prince, Tears for Fears, Hall and Oates, Eurythmics and early Madonna."

Every song on their MySpace player is a catchy electro-pop smash. Standouts for me include "The Ache," "Glow" and "Excuses, Please" the latter of which is available on their debut digital EP, on iTunes now.  Van Go Lion is a sweet, synthy, surprise.  Listen to "The Ache" below:

Check out Van Go Lion on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Indie Band Sky Larkin Back With New Skills, New Passion, New Album

If you haven't yet heard of Sky Larkin, you better jump on that NOW. Sky Larkin is an indie band from the UK currently signed to Wichita Recordings The band includes lead vocalist/guitarist Katie Harkin, Doug Adams on bass and Nestor Matthews on drums. Their new album Kaleide featuring the single "Still Windmills" was just released digitally on August 10th, with a physical release to follow on October 12th.

Kaleide is released 18 months to the day their debut album, 2009's The Golden Spike was released.  Recorded in Seattle with producer John Goodmanson (Death Cab for Cutie, Hot Hot Heat, Blondie) the new album "is a strident record that takes everything they shot for as a newer, greener three-piece and pulls it into shape."

Between releases a lot of bands keep busy writing songs but Sky Larkin has been busy honing their craft, learning new things and improving upon the talent they already possess.  For example, bassist Doug Adams has been busy learning to play new instruments, Nestor "continues to break cymbals and invent new grimaces" and Katie is playing "harder than ever."

How can you NOT like this band?  They have a song simply titled "Anjelica Huston" (one of my favoirite actresses growing up).  The song is not lyrically complex at all, in fact it revolves around one phrase repeated over and over again:  "When the train pulled out of the station, the light hit your face, like Anjelica Huston."

According to Katie, "It's greatest strength isn't narrative, but if I wanted to tell a story I'd write a book. If I want to communicate an intensity of feeling, I should write a song that makes me feel it." Well said.  Check out the video for "Still Windmills" below:


Still Windmills from Sky Larkin on Vimeo.

Check out Sky Larkin on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Alexandra Burke feat. Laza Morgan - Start Without You

Oh Alexandra Burke. I had such high hopes for this video. What happened to your video budget on this hot mess? The choreography isn't tight...the set is basically non-existent...yikes!  The only positive I have for this is Burke looks HOT HOT HOT in her black lace leotard. Wow.  I'm still loving "Start Without You" but the video is just such a horrendous disappointment.  It's basically a slightly more elaborate version of her live performance of the song, which I GUESS isn't altogether a bad thing but change it up a little bit!  Also, what's with the cheap "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" choreography?  I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't this...

"Start Without You" is due out in the UK on September 6th and features remixes by StoneBridge.

Check out Alexandra Burke on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Armin van Buuren vs. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Not Giving Up On Love

"Not Giving Up On Love," the new single from Dutch Trance producer/DJ Armin van Buuren is out now and features a stunning video with the beautiful and talented Sophie Ellis-Bextor.  The song is from van Buuren's forthcoming fourth album Mirage, due out September 10th.  The album features a bunch of exciting collaborations from the likes of Christian Burns (BBMak), Nadia Ali, BT, Ferry Corsten, Adam Young (Owl City) and of course Ms. Ellis-Bextor.  The video, which was filmed in beautiful Ibiza features lots of pretty scenery, lots of Sophie laying out by the pool, having fun on a yacht as well as some cool club footage with van Buuren spinning up a storm.  Very David Guetta-esque...but what are you going to do? I guess you have to feature the DJ somewhere in the video.  As excited as I am for van Buuren's album this really only just makes me more anxious to hear new solo material from Sophie Ellis-Bextor.  According to Ellis-Bextor, Straight To The Heart will be out in October.

Check out Armin van Buuren on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

American Idol's Lee DeWyze to Release Major Label Debut This November

Looks like last year's American Idol winner Lee DeWyze will be dropping his major label debut (as of yet untitled) album on November 16th. The 19 Recordings/RCA Records recording artist is American Idol's more soft-spoken, shy, humble version of Chris Daughtry and while I was rooting for Mama Sox all season long, hearing Lee's debut is definitely something I'm looking forward to. I'm hoping for a similar sound maybe to that of label-mate Ray LaMontagne, but I really don't know what to expect from his debut. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

 
DeWyze, who's currently in the midst of his American Idol Live Tour, hails from my hometown of Chicago so there was definitely a part of me that was proud to see another talented artist come out of The Windy City. In addition to touring with Crystal Bowersox and fellow Idol contestants, DeWyze has been busy writing and recording for his debut.

"I've been very fortunate to be able to collaborate with some amazing songwriters on new songs over the past three months," Lee said in a statement. I can't wait for everyone to hear my debut album."

We can expect his new music to "showcase Lee as an individual artist and longtime songwriter," so I'm especially eager to see who the label drafts to help him out with this record. His first single, a cover of U2's "Beautiful Day" peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #13 on the Canadian charts. Congrats to Lee who recently won the Teen Choice Award for Male Reality/Variety Star. Check out Lee on the road this summer with the rest of the season's singers:

Tour Dates:

Aug 21/Portland, OR/Rose Garden
Aug 23/Denver, CO/Comfort Dental Amplitheatre
Aug 25/St. Louis, MO/Scottrade Center
Aug 26/Des Moines, IA/Wells Fargo Arena
Aug 27/Minneapolis, MN/Target Center
Aug 28/Chicago, IL/United Center
Aug 29/Toledo, OH/The Huntington Center
Aug 30/Cincinnati, OH/Riverbend Music Center
Aug 31/Indianapolis, IN/Conseco Fieldhouse

Check out Lee DeWyze on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

Cover Songs

While on tour, Selena Gomez & The Scene are covering some great songs! Click on the covers above to download!