.:[Double Click To][Close]:.

Total Pageviews

Powered by Blogger.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Hot Video Alert: La Roux, Robyn, Whitney Houston, Taylor Switft - I Wanna Bulletproof Dancer (Mash Up)


As my final post of 2010 I've chosen this gem. I found this AMAZING video over on Popjustice and decided that I couldn't end 2010 without a little shout out. It's a mega MashUp using La Roux's spectacular "Bulletproof" as the backing track for remixed versions of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." Need I say more? Check it out. Also worth a look, Panos T's YouTube channel for more amazing Mash-Ups, many of them remixed by Titus Jones.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and an amazing 2011!

Hot Video Alert: Ellie Goulding - Your Song (Live on The Graham Norton Show)


What a beautiful way to send off 2010. Check out this beautiful performance by my favorite, Ellie Goulding. Singing the current single from her album re-release Bright Lights, "Your Song," Goulding brings a rawness and a realness to her live performance. She might not have the vocal range of some other artists but she doesn't need range. Her voice is perfect just the way it is. Happy New Year indeed!  Bright Lights is in UK shops and available at digital music retailers now.  Her debut album will be released in the States sometime in 2011 via Cherrytree Records.  Her EP, An Introduction to Ellie Goulding is available on iTunes now. Go grab yourself a copy HERE!



Check out Ellie Goulding on the web:

Hot Video Alert: Ulrik Munther - Boys Don't Cry


Ulrik Munther is a 16 year singer/songwriter hailing from Gothenburg Sweden. Like many artists today, Munther caught a HUGE break on YouTube which ultimately lead to a record deal with Universal Music. With over a million hits on YouTube before being signed, it was only a matter of time before a major label or two would be calling him on the phone. Now in the middle of recording his debut album, Munther is set to release his debut single, "Boys Don't Cry" in January. The song first appeared on YouTube as a demo, prompting a mass scramble from major labels in both the U.S. and Britain. Ulrik quickly became a 16 year old jetsetter, flying to Los Angeles, New York, London and all over Europe at the behest of said record labels. What an experience that must have been!

Looks like all of the attention finally turned into something for this talented young musician. In addition to singing, Munther plays the piano, drums, guitar and harmonica - and not only that be he also writes and produces his own stuff, with a little help from Johan Åberg. Check out the video (BELOW) which was shot in LA and Munther's hometown of Gothenburg. There's something really listenable about young Munther's voice. It's not perfect and sometimes sounds a bit strained but I think that's part of what makes him so appealing. It's the imperfections that make him so real and raw. The emotionally-charged pop/rock ballad is the perfect introductory song for this promising new artist. Looking forward to hearing more in the coming year.  Listen to "Boys Don't Cry" in full below.

Ulrik Munther "Boys Don't Cry" by arjanwrites

If you like what you hear, perhaps you'd like to download a free track? Check out a new song from Ulrik Munther called "Life." Get it for free HERE.



Check out Ulrik Munther on the web:

Hot Video Alert: Sean Kingston - Party All Night (Sleep All Day)


Sean Kingston sure knows how to churn out a generic sounding party anthem. His new single, "Party All Night (Sleep All Day)" is no exception. What happened to cheesy pop songs like "Beautiful Girls," his first and to date, only #1 single? Since then Kingston has taken a decidedly club-friendly turn on recent records like "Fire Burning," and now "Party All Night (Sleep All Day)." I'm not really complaining - I like music that moves me physically but this is just too generic for me. Seems like there've been HUNDREDS of songs released recently with the exact same beats (AND lyrics).  Blah. That's how I'm feeling about this one. Just...BLAH.

"Party All Night (Sleep All Day)" was produced by Sandy Vee and Stargate.  The song is Kingston's fourth single lifted off his as-yet-unreleased 3rd studio album, Dumb Love, due in 2011 on Beluga Heights/Epic Records.  Download the single on iTunes HERE.



Check out Sean Kingston on the web:

New Artist Worth a Listen...Kai


Kai is a new artist from our neighbors to the North and she's definitely someone to keep an eye on in 2011. "I Choose Me" (LISTEN BELOW) is the first song released off of her forthcoming EP, 11:11, due out in 2011 and it's been chosen for the January launch of a national ad campaign for First Choice Haircutters. That's a pretty big deal for a new artist! Listen to "I Choose Me" below.

Kai - I Choose Me by AkidaMusic

You can download the song HERE and check out the ad below. The 20-year old Kai has teamed up with producer Brian Moncarz to record her EP. In addition to working with Moncarz, Kai also wrangled in Justin Abedin (Jacksoul), Craig Hunter (Philosopher Kings), Steve Zari and Robbie Grunwald (Jill Barber) to work work with her on her debut. I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more from this talented young Canadian singer/songwriter.  "I Choose Me" is also available for download on iTunes HERE.



Check out Kai on the web:

Jennifer Hudson Shows Off New Body and New Song For 'Weight Watchers'


Jennifer Hudson is looking GOOD! Wow. If you haven't seen her recent string of Weight Watchers ads then you are in for a surprise. While I always thought she looked good, Hudson has really shed off the pounds (56 lbs reportedly) while still maintaining her curvy features. The newly released video for Hudson's version the of often-covered classic "Feeling Good," a song Hudson recorded exclusively for Weight Watchers, showcases not only Hudson's talent as a singer but her new bodacious body as well. Simply stunning. Weight Watchers won't let me embed the video but you can watch it yourself if you "LIKE" Weight Watchers on Facebook and then click on THIS LINK for the video. Definitely worth a look AND a listen, even if you "Un-LIKE" Weight Watchers right after watching the video. In the meantime, check out these hot photos from the "Feeling Good" photo shoot.



Hudson is currently working on the follow up to her debut self-titled album. Her debut featured the the Top 40 hit "Spotlight" and went on to earn Hudson three Grammy nominations, including R&B Album of the Year, which she won. You can download Jennifer Hudson's version of "Feeling Good" on iTunes HERE. Oh! And you can check out JHud performing the track live tonight on ABC when she appears on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with host Ryan Seacrest.  Hudson joins Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Jason Derulo, Drake, Far East Movement, La Roux, Avril Lavigne, Ne-Yo, Mike Posner, Willow Smith and Train.  Sounds like a party. Can't wait!

Check out Jennifer Hudson on the web:
Enhanced by Zemanta

Sky Ferreira Album Delayed, EP 'hopefully' Out in February


Well this certainly is disappointing. One of my most anticipated releases of 2011 announced recently in a blog post that her debut album is being pushed back. 18-year old Sky Ferreira, who's been mentioned a few times on my blog, announced on her December 16th blog that, although the album is done, it's not coming out on 1/11/2011 as originally planned. Good news is, she hasn't been dropped by EMI, as was the rumor, but we're going to have a wait a little bit longer for the album. Here's the situation...in Sky's own words:
"Okay.  My album is no longer coming out on 1-11-11...unfortunately. It was done, but things/people constantly change within ALL record labels & in life (DUH!). I am now recording even more material for the record because I feel like I've grown (musically) since when I was 15-16 years old. All of the songs will eventually come out because they are all important to me. I'm trying to push for an EP to come out in February too. It's been extremely frustrating,but you know "these kinda things happen for a reason". Thank you for the support and I'm glad I can CLARIFY what's going on...Keep your eyes peeled for some big things happening this winter...STAY TUNED! <3
PS .  I am still on EMI

I'm also glad that Sky got the chance to clear the air here. There's been no news from the Sky Ferreira camp since the release of her video for "Obsession" (watch HERE). Looks like her label is hoping for a hit, hoping Sky and her collaborators can come up with something that U.S. top 40 radio can latch on to. Sky's hit potential is HUMONGOUS and I would hate to see her talent squandered based on a couple early chart failures. Perhaps a few more songs would be good for her international launch as well, considering "One" only managed to peak at #64 on the official UK singles charts. That's at least better than "Obsession," which didn't chart on the Billboard Hot 100, only managing to sneak in at #37 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

I'm definitely rooting for this girl. Here's hoping that EP she's talking about becomes a reality in 2011. Download "Obsession" on iTunes HERE and watch the video for one of my favorite songs from 2010, "One" below.



Check out Sky Ferreira on the web:

Hot Video Alert: J. Lewis - Shut 'Em Up


Blackground/Interscope recording artist J. Lewis is a little bit Justin Timberlake, a little bit Mike Posner and a little bit Jay Sean all neatly rolled up into one attractive pop package. His new single, "Shut 'Em Up" actually came out at the end of October and at that time I did download it...I just haven't really listened to it until now. I tend to do that on 'New Music Tuesdays,' peruse through all of the new digital releases and download a bunch of shit. Sometimes I listen to it right away...sometimes I sit on it for a while. In the case of J. Lewis - I sat on it. Watching the Erik White-directed video I'm left a little bored. J. Lewis is a good looking guy with a really nice voice and lots of urban/top 40 radio appeal...but the video and the song just don't do enough to showcase his talent. As much as I complain about paltry pop ballads, they do a good job showcasing an artist's talent. I'd kinda like to hear J. Lewis just sing a ballad.

"Shut 'Em Up" has a rather irritating hook, if you ask me and while it does give Lewis plenty of riffs to sing, it all comes back to the hook. As far as J. Lewis singles go, I'd much rather listen to "Dancin' For Me" featuring Flo-Rida (Watch HERE). Not only does the song better showcase Lewis' vocal abilities, but it has Flo-Rida. Done and done.

Whatever your thoughts are on these two songs, I think J. Lewis is someone to keep an eye out for in 2011. He's currently working on his debut album, to be released in 2011 on Blackground/Interscope Records. Download "Shut 'Em Up" on iTunes HERE.

 

Check out J. Lewis on the web:

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

'Best of 2010': Robyn Makes Multiple Top Ten and 'Best Of' Lists


When I think about artists who've really made an impression on me over the past year, Robyn definitely stands out.  I've been a fan of Robyn's for a long time, so to see her come back here to the States 13 years after she first debuted on the scene, and make people go CRAZY all over again...it's rather gratifying.  Robyn has always had a fan base here in America, ever since she exploded onto the scene with "Show Me Love" - it's just that her fanbase here NOW is considerably larger, thanks in part to her 2008 self titled album which featured "Cobrastyle," "Handle Me" and "With Every Heartbeat."  This album got people talking about Robyn again.  Robyn, being the smart businesswoman that she is, kept the momentum going the following year by working on material from, what would become her Body Talk album trilogy, releasing first single "Dancing On My Own" in June of 2010.

Now, as 2010 comes to a close, various outlets are compiling their 'Best Of' lists and Robyn's name is (not surprisingly) appearing on quite a few of them.  MTV has named Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" their #6 pick for song of the year. Nice!  Even better? "Dancing On My Own" is up for a Grammy this year, nominated in the 'Best Dance Recording' category.  This will be Robyn's second Grammy nod, after being nominated last year for 'Best Electronic/Dance Album' for Robyn.  The song, which also recently closed out an intense episode of CW's hit teen drama Gossip Girl, is one of my favorites from the past year. Hands down.
"I don't know why this song wasn't the biggest hit of 2010, honestly," says MTV's  Jim Cantiello. "It's like the perfect pop song."
MTV Shows

Agreed.  Check out more on the MTV News staff's decision to include Robyn in their Top 10.  Definitely a honor, despite the fact that MTV is not the music video mecca that it once used to be.  While "Dancing On My Own" might be Robyn's most talked about single here in the States, her Body Talk album has been garnering quite a bit of praise on it's own.  Spinner, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Spin, New York Magazine and NPR have all highlighted the Swedish songstress's new record as one of the year's best and brightest.  According to Spinner:

"As her stilettos stomped across broken glass, the Swedish former teen star outclassed all comers, pairing soaring synths, thundering drums and emotion-soaked lyrics, showing sympathy for Britney-esque fembots and declaring her indestructible independence. Body Talk is epic pop for epic times. Get on board. Buckle up."

Well summed up. Body Talk, a compilation of the three volumes, is available now on Cherrytree Records (download HERE).  Check out the video for Robyn's new single, "Indestructible" HERE and check out the video for "Dancing On My Own" below.



Check out Robyn on the web:

Hollywood Can't Get Enough of Richard Ashcroft...What About You?


Richard Ashcroft...one of my first rock star crushes as a newly out young gay man. I distinctly remember watching the music video for The Verve's Billboard Hot 100 Top 12 hit single "Bitter Sweet Symphony" on Euro MTV during my 1997 trip to Europe with the family.  Having grown up without cable TV in the home, watching MTV and other music video channels was a rare treat, reserved only for hotels, motels and Holiday Inns.  There was just something sexy about Ashcroft's swagger in the "Bitter Sweet Symphony" video. Something in the way he walked...just something about his whole "I DON'T GIVE A FUCK" attitude in the video. There are days when I feel like I have that swagger.

After "Bitter Sweet Symphony," The Verve sort of dropped off my radar, I guess for good reason, considering they broke up.  The next time I heard from the group was in 2008, coincidentally when the band reunited to release  fourth album...Forth.  Forth included the #4 UK hit, "Love Is Noise," which stuck out in my mind because of impressive dance remixes from Death Metal Disco, Tom Neville and Tong & Rogers.  While no singles from Forth charted here in the States, the album managed a relatively impressive #23 debut, matching the chart position of Urban Hymns, 11 years earlier.  Nearly a year after the release of Forth, the band called it quits once again.

Now...spotlight on Richard Ashcroft, please.  While Ashcroft did have a touch of solo success in the UK (see "A Song For The Lovers"), this will mark his triumphant return to the States. Signed to Razor & Tie (distributed by Sony Music Entertainment), Ashcroft is set to release his solo record, entitled The United Nations of Sound on March 8th.  Produced by reputable hip-hop producer No I.D. (Kanye West, Common), the 12-track album becomes Ashcroft's latest solo vehicle.  What kind of sound can we expect to hear on the new record?  How about "live orchestration" and "big beats?"  Yes please!  Excited yet? Well, chances are you've already heard some of Ashcroft's new material on TV and in film.  Lead track "Are You Ready?" is featured in a Volkswagen Jetta ad campaign (HERE) and appeared in promos for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals.  Sports fans also heard the song in FOX's broadcasts of Major League Baseball's postseason games, including the World Series.  Not a sports fan? No problem! Perhaps you noticed his track "She Brings Me The Music" in a recent episode of NBC's Chuck?  Not enough for you?  You can also look forward to a new song by Ashcroft in the forthcoming Matt Damon thriller The Adjustment Bureau.  Exciting stuff! Ashcroft apparently co-wrote said song with Oscar-nominated composer Tom Newman for it's inclusion in the film's opening.  As if that's not enough exposure, "Are You Ready?" will appear over the film's closing credits.

Why not go and give "Are You Ready?" a listen on Richard Ashcroft's official site.  If you like what you here, you're in luck! It's being offered as a free download HERE.  In case you miss the free download, you can always snag the track on iTunes HERE.  I am quite diggin' the song. I'm really just loving Ashcroft crooning over a big, lush-sounding rock track.  "Are You Ready?" sounds like the kind of music awesome soundtracks are made of. No wonder Hollywood is clamoring like crazy to get Richard Ashcroft good placement. Get ready for Richard Ashcroft's first U.S. solo tour in 2011.


Check out Richard Ashcroft on the web:

Monday, December 27, 2010

UK Singer/Songwriter Delta Maid does the Delta Blues Justice


Don't judge a book by it's cover. If I showed you a picture of 25 year old Liverpudlian (and Geffen recording artist) Delta Maid and told you she was a Blues artist, I doubt you'd believe me. Well, think again. This young talent from the UK can sing the blues for days, and man does she do it well. A self taught guitarist, Delta became strongly influenced by American roots album from a young age. Album track, "The Changes Made," (Download it free HERE) sounds very much like Jewel. Like Jewel, Delta has a sweet, smooth singing voice, especially when she effortlessly goes into her upper register. Absolutely stunning. Listen to "The Changes Made" below:

Delta Maid - The Changes Made by Delta Maid

Delta's forthcoming album will see a variety of Southern influences from the likes of Patsy Cline, Bessie Smith, Dolly Parton and other American greats, all of whom have a spot in Delta's record collection.  What I find so intriguing about international artists who take on distinctly American genres is where they draw their inspiration from. Seeing that Delta's never been to the Deep South, how does she take this music and make it meaningful to her? This speaks wonders about the universal language that is music. Delta finds parallels between her life in Liverpool and life the deep South, where her genre of music originated. Delta explains:
"There’s something really honest about it. It’'s not convoluted in any way. I feel that’s what Liverpool'’s got in common with delta blues, because there’s a lot of honesty there - we tend to wear our hearts on our sleeves. A lot of the language, believe it or not, is quite similar."
UK fans can pick up Delta's debut EP, Broken Branches (download HERE), which was released this summer. Her debut album, Outside Looking In, is due to be released on March 14th, preceded by lead single "Of My Own" on March 7th. The single, described as a "country fried hip shaker" is only a taste of what we can expect to find on her debut album. Expect a variety of a tempos and styles from sultry, laidback swing to tender acoustic ballads. Kudos to Delta Maid for shedding a spotlight on a genre of music, relatively unknown in the UK. Now, let's hope she comes over across the pond and dazzles American audiences with her talents as well.


Check out some live footage of Delta Maid performing at the Shazam Session (HERE) and at the Mahogany Blog Session (HERE) and check out a lovely video introduction below.



Check out Delta Maid on the web:

Ones to Watch in 2011...Clare Maguire


Sometimes a voice comes along, so mesmerizing, so unique, so hauntingly beautiful, that you can't help but stop all that you're doing and listen. The last voice that captured me like that was Katie Melua. When I first heard "The Closest Thing To Crazy" back in 2003, there was something in her vocals that hooked me and made me an instant fan. While Melua's voice will always have a special place with me, I was recently left MESMERIZED by another singer's interesting voice - that of the beautiful Clare Maguire. Admittedly, I've seen her name floating around the internet but it wasn't until last week, when I watched fellow music blogger Arjan's (of ArjanWrites.com) segment on CNN talking about "Music You need To Hear" that I re-discovered her. Check out the music video for her current single, "Ain't Nobody" below and tell me this lady can't sing?



Maguire's voice is just so interesting, so bewitching. Listen to "Strangest Thing" (HERE) and you kind of hear a little Paula Cole. Listen to "Ain't Nobody" and there are hints of Florence Welsh (Florence + The Machine) and Marina Diamandis (Marina & The Diamonds). I even hear traces of Amy Lee (Evanescence) in her voice. The thing is, I don't think she's drawing influence from all of these artists...this is just how she sounds, this is Clare Maguire's sound and it seems to change with every song. It's easy, as a music fan, to read an interview with a singer, where that singer discusses other influential artists in their career, and then to here traces of those artists in the singer's own music. With Clare Maguire, that didn't happen.  I didn't read any articles or interviews where she discussed her influences growing up.  I just heard what I heard when I listened to her music.  While there may be traces of other artists in her voice, there's no doubt in my mind that Clare Maguire is an original.

Need more proof? Take a listen to this HAUNTINGLY beautiful cover of "Hope There's Someone" originally done by Antony & The Johnsons.

Clare Maguire - Hope There's Someone (Antony & The Johnsons Cover) by Radar Maker

Completely different! While her vocal style in this particular number might not be everyone's cup of tea (it comes across a bit 'old lady in a church choir' with the warbly vibrato) you have to admit, Maguire has a versatile instrument. Listen to this live cover of Maguire doing Fleetwood Mac's "Big Love" for yet another out of left field AMAZING performance!



While we're waiting for Maguire's debut Mark Ronson-assisted debut album, Light After Dark, due February 28th in the UK via Polydor (later in the U.S.), you can download her debut single "Ain't Nobody" which is available as a single and in remix form on iTunes HERE.  You can also download "Strangest Thing" for free on her website RIGHT HERE.  Maguire's next single, "The Last Dance," will be available in the UK on February 20th. Check out a sneak preview of the video HERE.

Check out Clare Maguire on the web:

Kimberly Caldwell Releases New Single, Debut Album Set for Spring 2011 Release


One year after the release of her debut single, "Mess Of You," Kimberly Caldwell returns with a follow up "Desperate Girls and Stupid Boys." While the year-long span of time between singles, coupled with the fact that "Mess Of You" barely registered a blip on any chart, does not bode for Caldwell, I choose to remain optimistic. She's got some pipes on her. That deep, honey coated voice that I remember from her season of American Idol (Season 2) sounds better than ever now and this "empowerment anthem for people everywhere" is the perfect vehicle to relaunch Kimberly Caldwell into the spotlight.

The song, written by Tommy Henriksen, BC Jean (LOVE her) and Zac Maloy, was released on iTunes on December 7th and features a yet-to-be-released video directed by Lex Halaby. "Desperate Boys and Stupid Girls" will be single #2 from Caldwell's forthcoming debut album, Without Regret, due out in Spring 2011 on Vanguard/Capitol Records. When talking about her jiving with the song, Caldwell says:
“I automatically connected with this song because life is so much brighter and easier when you stop trying so hard to fit in. It’s important to surround yourself with the special people in your life who appreciate you for who you really are and always have your back.”
Listen to "Desperate Girls and Stupid Boys" HERE and check out the stunning "Mess of You" video below. Doesn't Kim look fabulous?  2011 is shaping up to be quite a good year for pop music. Download "Desperate Girls and Stupid Boys" on iTunes HERE.



Check out Kimberly Caldwell on the web:

G. Love Still Special w/out 'The Sauce,' Releases New Solo Project in February


I have some very fond college memories surrounding G. Love (AKA Garrett Dutton) & Special Sauce. Back in 1999 when I embarked on my college adventure at Indiana University, my roommate Christian introduced to me to Mr. Love - in particular 2 songs: "Rodeo Clowns," and "Dreamin'" - both off of the band's 1999 album, Philadelphonic. There was something about the laidback, chill vocal style of Mr. G Love that took me in and opened my eyes to a new genre of music.

On February 22nd G. Love is set to release a new solo album called Fixin' To Die through Brushfire Records (Jack Johnson's label, distributed by Universal Republic). The new album was recorded in North Carolina at Echo Mountain Studios and produced by Scott and Seth Avett (also known as The Avett Brothers).
"After a chance meeting in Boston last fall, G. Love and The Avett Brothers forged a friendship and bonded over their love of back road blues. After performing together onstage and discovering their shared musical heritage, G. Love invited Scott and Seth Avett to not only produce his new album, but perform on it as well."
Sounds like a collaboration worth listening to if you ask me! The album features some G. Love originals, "rearranged traditionals" as well as a Paul Simon cover ("50 Ways To Leave Your Lover"). AMAZING!

According to G. Love, Fixin' To Die is one of his most personal records to date:
“It was an emotional recording session and I was truly blown away by the level of focus, care and passion Scott & Seth brought to it. It was a tremendously positive and encouraging experience. This is the most inspired I’ve ever felt making a record.”
Starting on March 1st in Nashville, TN, G. Love goes on tour to promote the record, so get excited for that (check out Tour Dates HERE).  In the mean time, go onto G. Love's official site and download the title track from "Fixin' To Die" for free. Check it out HERE.

Check out G. Love on the web:

Hot Remix Alert: V.V. Brown - Crying Blood (Rieces Pieces Remix)


Ever Since UK singer/songwriter V.V. Brown went into creative hibernation, working on her forthcoming sophomore record, I've been having MAJOR V.V. Brown withdrawl. While news that Brown's "Shark In The Water" made Spinner's 'Best Songs of 2010' list, it was little consolation.  Enter Rieces Pieces to help bring me around. Rieces Pieces is a Tampa, Florida-based pop music producer who recently turned out an official remix of M.I.A.'s XXXO featuring Rap megastar Jay-Z (Listen HERE).  Signed to Grammy-winning engineer Neal Pogue's Fulton Yard imprint, Rieces Pieces has been busy doing his thing for a variety of artists spanning a variety of genres.  This re-tooling of V.V. Brown's debut single, "Crying Blood" is definitely worth a listen!

VV Brown - Crying Blood (Rieces Pieces Remix) by riecespieces



Check out Rieces Pieces on the web:

Ones to Watch in 2011...The Scarletz


"Quirky pop with an Apple on top!" Yep. That just about describes new UK pop group The Scarletz. The Scarletz are 4 lovely ladies from London - Bryony Jobes, Claire-Martyne Newman, Katiya Borlante and Tahnee Lee - and together they make music. I am LOVING these girls so far. I've actually been loving them even before I heard anything from them. You see...they all started following me on Twitter, which of course sparked my initial interest. First I got a follow request from 'The Scarletz' followed one by one by each of the girls. No better way to a Tweeters heart than through Twitter, is what I always say.

Today, the girls unveiled a sneak peak at their first official single, "Messed Up" and I can't stop listening. It kind of reminds me of what Olly Murs' music could have been had he been female and joined by 3 lovely ladies. I don't mean this is a bad thing at all. It's sweet, sing-songy melody reminds me quite a lot of the best bits from Olly's first two singles "Please Don't Let Me Go" and "Thinking Of Me." The girls each have their own distinct personality which they seem to be showcasing in all of their promotional materials. Counted among the bands' inspirations - All Saints, The Bangles, Lily Allen, No Doubt...I hear all of these acts in the first 30 seconds of "Messed Up" and I want to hear/see more from these girls right away.  To get more of sense of what these lovely and talented ladies have to offer, download their buzz single, "Lazy Bones" on UK iTunes HERE (listen to the track HERE).  I'm quite feeling their vocal harmonies on this song. HOT! I think I might have "The Scarletz" fever!

"Messed Up" will be available to download in early 2011. In the meantime, listen to a few new tracks and watch the promo video for the new single.  Both of these should nicely tide you over until we get more Scarletz.

Latest tracks by thescarletz




Check out The Scarletz on the web:

Hot Video Alert: SoundGirl - I'm The Fool


Sassy Sassy Sassy! I am LOVING SoundGirl, a new UK girl group from West London. Debut single "I'm The Fool" is the perfect introduction for these lovely ladies, all of who started out as a friends before jumping into the studio to make some musical magic. SoundGirl are Little Nikki, Izzy B and Olivia and together they make some of the sweetest electro-soul music I've ever heard. One part Floetry, one part Sugababes, SoundGirl is a unique blend of pop, R&B with electronic influences. The girls are working on their debut album for a 2011 release on Mercury Records, enlisting the help of hitmakers on both sides of the pond including Xenomania (Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud) and Toby Gad (Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson). Sounds like there's more good stuff to come from these lovely ladies. Look out the debut single from SoundGirl in April 2011! Can't wait!



Check out SoundGirl on the web:

Introducing Bobby Long...


Shaggy hair? Check. Hipster sex appeal? Check. British accent? Check. Smooth, soulful voice and mad guitar playing skills? Check Check. Let me introduce you to Bobby Long, an up and coming British singer/songwriter who's debut album, A Winter Tale, will be released on February 1st on ATO Records. Produced by Grammy-winner Liam Watson (White Stripes), A Winter Tale features material written by the talented 24-year old artist from Wiltshire in South West England. Studying music and film at London Metropolitan, Long became well known and respected on the local open mic night circuit. It was during his time playing various open mic nights that he met future Twilight-mega star/dream boat Robert Pattinson, who would eventually sing one of Long's songs ("Let Me Sign," co-written by Long and Marcus Foster) in that blockbuster about vampires. What sets Bobby Long apart from the rest, apart from a Twilight connection? Well...for starters there's Long's catchy melodies, soulful voice (reminiscent of Jamie Cullum) and deeply personal yet imaginative lyrics. His pure, raw talent and scruffy good looks makes this burgeoning young singer/songwriter someone to look out for in 2011.

Make sure you check out Bobby Long on his U.S. club tour this Winter (check dates HERE) and pick up a copy of A Winter Tale when it's released on February 1st. In the meantime, check out this promo video for the new album and pick up some of his older stuff on iTunes (HERE).



Check out Bobby Long on the web:

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Hot Video Alert: Sam Sparro - Pink Cloud


Sam Sparro's self titled debut album was one of my favorite releases back in 2008 and his canceling his appearance in Boston because of Visa issues was one of my biggest disappointments. His single "Black and Gold," while not a mainstream chart success story in the States, did manage to hit #12 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart when it was released here back in June of 2008. Since then Sparro was featured on releases from Basement Jaxx ("Feelings Gone") and Dutch production duo Mason ("Corrected"), in addition to working on his forthcoming sophomore release. "Pink Cloud" originally premiered on East Village Radio's Accidental Rhythm back in July in an un-mastered format. Then...just last week, Sparro unveiled a music video for the song and explained via Twitter that "Pink Cloud" is NOT a single. Per Sparro himself:
"It is not a single- more of art project. I appreciate ur comments about wanting 2 hear more of my vocals. no fear- the album is full of them."
The super-cool, super artsy video was directed by Franc/Fernandez and features Sparro rocking a number of looks, nearly all of which include some amount of face and body paint, masks, headdresses and other tribal-influenced fashion. What's more, Sparro is offering a free download of the song + remixes and an additional track. Looks like this is just what Sam Sparro fans have been looking for to tide us over between now and the new album. Get your free download below and check out the video.




Check out Sam Sparro on the web:

Hot Video Alert: Jesse McCartney - Shake


Oh Jesse McCartney. You don't look a day over the age of 13. What is your secret? I know I'm a bit late with this one but that's OK. The more I hear McCartney's new song, "Shake," the more I like it. McCartney released the single on September 21st without much fanfare surrounding it. Pity. "Shake" only managed to peak at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song fared better on the Billboard Pop Songs chart where it peaked at #17.

The song isn't really anything that new for McCartney, who's last album Departure, featured the same sort of urban pop style with maybe a bit more electronic influence throughout. His previous single, the T-Pain-assisted "Body Language" and it's predecessor "How Do You Sleep?" featured help from Ludacris. It's clear that urban pop is the direction that Hollywood Records/Universal is pushing young McCartney but I can't help but wonder if this is the right move? So far "Leavin'" marks McCartney's strongest chart performance to date, landing at #10 but since then, McCartney has been flailing all over the charts trying to find his next hit. I can't say I'm surprised by "Shake's" low chart performance...that being said I'm hopeful that he has some more tricks up his sleeve on his forthcoming fourth studio album Have It All, to be released sometime next year.


"Shake" was co-written by McCartney and written and produced by Joshua Coleman. The music video (BELOW) was directed by Toben Seymour and features McCartney dancing and looking cool while surrounded by a multitude of sexy women, all of whom are probably older than him. Download "Shake" on iTunes HERE.



Check out Jesse McCartney on the web:

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Hot Video Alert: Kylie Minogue - Santa Baby


Merry Christmas one and all. Just wanted to share this super cheesy Christmas video from my favorite Aussie Pop Queen Kylie Minogue. Channeling Marilyn Monroe in her rendition of "Santa Baby," Kylie is all dolled up, playfully flirting with the camera while sitting in front of a Christmas tree. Kylie looks like a total pin up girl her straight out of the 1950s: bright red lips, curls...she really looks the part. While the budget of this video clearly couldn't have been higher than $100.00 it's fun and festive. Perfect for Christmas. Pick up Kylie's 2-track Christmas EP, A Kylie Christmas, is on iTunes now (HERE). The EP features "Santa Baby" and "Let It Snow." Listen to her version of "Let It Snow" HERE.

Until next time...Happy Holidays from Music Is My King Size Bed!



Check out Kylie Minogue On the Web:

Ke$ha - Cannibal

Made By Me

Taylor Swift - Rare Acoustic Demos

Made By Me

Fergie - Loosin' It

Made By Me

Rihanna - Loud

Made By Me

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

Made By Me

Fefe Dobson - Joy

Made By Me

Taylor Swift - Dark Blue Tennesse

Made By Me

Cheryl Cole - Messy Little Raindrops DE

Made By Me

Bonnie Mckee - Bonnie Mckee

Made By Me

Friday, December 24, 2010

Hot Video Alert: Kerli - Army Of Love


Estonian pop princess Kerli is BACK with a new single called "Army Of Love" and it's quite lovely. Produced by Free School, the single is being offered as a FREE DOWNLOAD (HERE) so go ahead and grab it when you get a chance. Kerli is currently at work on her sophomore album, the follow up to her 2008 disc Love Is Dead released via Island Records. Love Is Dead went #1 in her native Estonia and managed to peak at #126 on the Billboard 200. We heard from Kerli more recently in March of this year when she released "Tea Party" as a single, off the Almost Alice soundtrack. "Tea Party" was a trippy fun pop number that featured remixes by Jason Nevins and Chew Fu and if "Army Of Love" is any indication, Kerli's follow up album is going to be just as good.

Kerli recently unveiled the music video for "Army Of Love," which you can take a look at below. The video features Kerli dressed up as some kind of a mystical fairy princess, rounding up her army of moon children soldiers. White hair, a flowy white top, tight white pants and some big ass white platforms = FABULOSITY. Kind of drag queen esque but in a good way of course. Leading her soldiers like some kind of a sexed up Pied Piper, Kerli takes them into a forest, where there's an Adam Lambert like rave going on. The video is one big visual stimulant complete with bright lights, fabulous costumes, a glittery swing and YES...Kerli riding on a Unicorn. AMAZING.Check it out below. More to come from Kerli in 2011! Can't wait.

Army of Love from KerliTv on Vimeo.

Check out Kerli on the web:

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Hot Video Alert: Enrique Iglesias feat. Ludacris & DJ Frank E - Tonight (I'm Loving You)


I love that the email with the link to the new Enrique Iglesias video came with this warning:
The new NSFW version by Enrique Iglesias feat. Ludacris "Tonight..." is now online on the VEVO platform. If you have not heard the buzz around this video, please make sure you are in a safe place before watching - very NSFW!
"NSFW" indeed! Oopsie! I definitely sent it around the office today. Oh well.  Let me just reemphasize...the video is NOT SAFE FOR WORK.  OK. Moving on.

The smoking hot video for "Tonight (I'm Loving You)" was directed by BBGUN and Parris and starts out with Enrique Iglesias walking into a strip club slash S&M bar slash dance club.  Enrique has his eye on a lovely lady sitting across the room in a big thrown like arm chair. Of course, seeing that he's Enrique Iglesias, he gets the girl and proceeds to have his way with her in the club bathroom - keeping it classy.

CUT TO Ludacris in a cab surrounded by beautiful ladies in the backseat.  Old timer is playing some old timer song on the radio and Luda asks him to change the station. Whoa-oh! What do ya know? Radio station changes and guess what song is playing? I'll give you one guess...Luda does his guest rap and then we're in Mexico where Enrique is supposedly waiting for his lovely strip club hook up hottie.  Of course, while waiting for the brunette to arrive Enrique meets up with a pretty blonde. An orgy follows, followed by Enrique and some ladies on a boat in the middle of the ocean.  By this point I'm completely lost and probably infected with some sort of STD which I transmitted through my computer screen....or is that not why I'm burning up?  Whatever...the song still has me moving to the beat.  It's a very provocative video to say the least. As my co-worker so eloquently put it, "Lucky girl."

Taken from Enrique Iglesias' ninth studio album, Euphoria, "Tonight (I'm Loving You)" is an infectious synthy dance/pop smash co-written by Iglesias and produced by DJ Frank E.  The song peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #29 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.  The sleazyfied video, while over the top, is the perfect complement to this dance floor romp.  Download your copy of the single on iTunes now (HERE) and look out for some hot club remixes by Dresden & Johnston, available now on Masterbeat (HERE).  There's also an official remix featuring Pitbull.  The single is out in the UK on January 31st.



Check out Enrique Iglesias on the web:

Hot Video Alert: Taio Cruz feat. Kylie Minogue & Travie McCoy - Higher


I hate when record labels do this, release two versions of the same song for different geographic regions, as they are doing now with the new Taio Cruz single, "Higher." I understand WHY they do it I just hate that they have to do it.  Kylie Minogue is an international singing sensation yet CLEARLY not a big enough draw here in America to be included in the U.S. release of Cruz' 5th single off of Rokstarr.  For the single's North American release we have Travie McCoy, of Gym Class Heroes fame, doing a guest rap.  All bitterness aside, I kind of like Travie's contribution. I'm BEYOND thrilled that he and Kylie are not doing the same bit, rather, Travie does a guest rap and Kylie actually sings with Taio in the song.  The videos are virtually identical - so much so that in a couple of scenes it looks as if Kylie was just digitally removed.  The videos both feature Taio driving around in a car (or being driven around) and standing around in some huge, cavernous underground parking garage.  In Kylie's version of the video, Minogue is writhes sexily in the backseat of another car and on the hood of a parked car, where in Travie's version there is no writhing or dancing. He just does his thing in the back of a car or standing in front of a car with Cruz, looking "gangsta." It's a slick video (directed by Alex Herron) no matter how you cut it and who you put it in it.  I'd love to see a version of the video with both McCoy AND Minogue. That would be hot.

Take a look at the two versions of video below and let me know which one you prefer.  I'm leaning more towards Kylie but Travie's version is growing on me. Oh and if anyone has the Flemish version of the single with Dutch/Flemish girl group K3, I'd love to hear what that sounds like too! U.S. fans can download "Higher" featuring Travie McCoy now on iTunes (HERE) and pick up a copy of Taio Cruz's album on iTunes HERE.  "Higher" featuring Kylie Minogue is out February 7th in the UK.





Check out Taio Cruz on the web:

Hot Video Alert: Crystal Bowersox - Farmer's Daughter


THIS is why Crystal Bowersox got my votes during her season of American Idol. Watch the video for Bowersox's first single, "Farmer's Daughter" and tell me you don't think she's talented. While I initially didn't see the appeal whatsoever in Season 9 winner Lee Dewyze, I've since admitted that those feelings were premature. That being said, I still maintain that Crystal Bowersox should have won her season and listening to her sing this stunning, emotional and autobiographical new single I think I am right. Listen to the POWER behind those vocals. Bowersox mixes strength and vulnerability in her performance and the fact that she wrote the lyrics makes it all the more meaningful. While she's clearly living her dreams now as an artist, it's clear to me who she's really doing this for - her beautiful boy.

Crystal Bowersox's debut album, Farmer's Daughter, is out now (HERE) via Jive Records. Check out the video below and watch Bowersox perform the single live on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (HERE).



Check out Crystal Bowersox on the web:

Hot Video Alert: Elizabeth & The Catapult - You and Me


From the looks of things, I should have known about Brooklyn-based pop/rock trio Elizabeth & The Catapult YEARS ago, considering the band formed in 2004. Where the eff have I been?!  I've definitely seen the name "Elizabeth & The Catapult" floating around my musical periphery but I guess I've never stopped to look (or listen).  Typically, when going through my press releases and emails I flag things based on a couple of factors: have I heard of this artist? If not...does it sound like something I would dig? If the answer to both questions is "NO" then I delete. If the answer to just one of those questions is "YES" then it goes onto my TO-DO/REVIEW list. Lucky for me, Elizabeth & The Catapult's music video for "You and Me" made it onto my "YES" pile.

"You and Me" is the lead single off the band's sophomore record, The Other Side of Zero (Verve Forecast) and the video for the single is absolutely beyond adorable. Directed by Ben Richardson, the video chronicles the end of a relationship between a pretty girl and a funny-looking blue alien (no, really) and the ultimate realization that they just can't live without one another in their lives. Frontwoman Elizabeth Ziman plays the part of the girlfriend, while the part of the little blue alien is played by...a little blue alien? Elizabeth's lover looks like a strange mix between ET, Roger (the alien from the American Dad cartoon) and the sad little bouncing rock from those old Zoloft commercials. In other words - FRICKIN' WEIRD. The video takes us on a trip through their day-to-day lives without one another, ultimately ending in a chance meeting on the street that reunites the lovers. I do love a good happy ending.


Elizabeth Ziman is mesmerizing to watch and a pleasure to hear. She's a little bit Zooey Deschanel (She & Him) mixed with Sara Bareilles with a little bit of Feist and maybe a sprinkle of Kate Nash thrown in for good measure. Go pick up the single "You and Me" on iTunes HERE and if you like what you hear, why not download the new album The Other Side of Zero (HERE) or maybe first album Taller Children (HERE). You won't be disappointed!



Check out Elizabeth & The Catapult on the web: