Images Finder: July 2009

Friday, July 31, 2009

Disappear & Magical

2 more songs from the WOWP soundtrack have leaked! Here are Disappear and Magical by Selena Gomez!!
DISAPPEAR
MAGICAL

Fall Concerts! Going To Girl Talk & Thinking About Ray LaMontagne

I'm so excited! I just bought tickets (last night) to go see Girl Talk live at the House of Blues in Boston. The concert isn't until November 2nd, but MAN I can't wait for this show. I tried to get tickets last year when he played in Massachusetts, but they were sold out already. I paid $10.00 last year for the physical copy of his last album, Feed The Animals, but you can pay whatever you want and get the digital version. From $0.10 to $10,000! From what I've heard, this guy is OUT OF CONTROL live. Get your tickets now at Ticketmaster.

Check out Girl Talk on the web: Official Site

So...apparently Ray LaMontagne is going on a Fall tour. BLAST! I don't have $$! The pre-sale starts on August 3rd and he's doing a stripped down acoustic set. This sounds AMAZING. His vocals make me melt, and as impressive as it was to see Ray, backed up by his band, it's HIS voice that I want to hear. It's his voice that literally brings tears to my eyes...so in all likelihood, I'm going to see this show. Anyone want to go with me? Tour dates are below and the concert kicks off in Maryland, October 15th.

October 15 - North Bethesda, MD Music Center at Strathmore
October 16 - Baltimore, MD Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
November 1 - Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
November 4 - Boston, MA Wang Center
November 7 - Upper Darby, PA Tower Theater
November 9 - New York, NY Beacon Theatre
November 12 - Chicago, IL The Auditorium Theatre
November 13 - Minneapolis, MN State Theatre
November 15 - San Francisco, CA Nob Hill Masonic Center
November 17 - Denver, CO Ellie Caulkin Opera House
November 20 - Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre

Check out Ray LaMontagne on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook

Chromeo's DJ-KiCKS Tracklisting

Hrm. So last week, I was all excited about the new DJ-KiCKS + Chromeo disc. When I saw that ArjanWrites had posted the full tracklisting to the new DJ-KiCKS album featuring the stylings of Chromeo, I got excited. Then I saw the tracklisting...and I was left somewhat disappointed. Honestly, the only reason I'm disappointed is because I don't know the majority of the artists on the album. The names that stood out? Lifelike, and Chromeo of course. The more I think about this though, the more excited I get. Since when has my not knowing about an artist stopped me from listening to an artists? Chromeo MUST have good taste, right? I've had a change of heart and once again, am excited for this release.

Can anyone recommend a couple of these artists? The album is out on September 29th.

Kano - "Ikeya-Seki"

Pierre Perpall - "J'aime Danser Avec Toi"

Toba - "Moving Up"

France Joli - "Gonna Get Over You"

Donna Allen - "Serious"

Lovelock - "Maybe Tonight"

Chateau Marmont - "Solar Antapex" rework

Val Young - "Seduction"

Soupir - "Larmes de Métal"

Lifelike - "Sequencer"

Carmen - "Time to Move"

Shotgun - "Don't You Wanna Make Love"

Cheri - "Murphy's Law"!

Leo Sayer - "Easy to Love"

Shazam - "Luckier"

Chromeo - "I Can't Tell You Why"

Diane Tell - "Tes Yeux"

The Alan Parsons Project - "Pipeline"

Check out Chromeo on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook

Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart - July 30, 2009

Here's Thursday's Hot Dance/Club Play Chart from Billboard. LA-based dance/electro-pop singer Erika Jayne takes the top spot this week, seeing PSB drop back down to #9. Lady Gaga's "LoveGame" also drops from #5 to #10. I'm BEYOND thrilled that the Paradiso Girls have hit the Top 5 (although I wish they'd hit the mainstream charts with just as much gusto). Not any other big moves in the Top Ten, but a side note...I'm really hoping that all of these rumors circulating about the Pussycat Dolls breaking up aren't true. I can't say that I'd be surprised if they were true, I'm just hoping they aren't. The world still needs some Doll Domination!

Erika Jayne

Thursday, July 30 2009

Give You Everything (Erika Jayne)

#1 (Last Week - #2)

Hush Hush;Hush Hush (The Pussycat Dolls)

#2 (Last Week - #3)

Waking Up In Vegas (Katy Perry)

#3 (Last Week - #4)

Sing (Wynonna Judd)

#4 (Last Week - #6)

Patron Tequila (Paradiso Girls feat. Lil Jon & Eve)

#5 (Last Week - #7)

Fire Burning (Sean Kingston)

#6 (Last Week - #8)

Money's Too Tight To Mention (Simply Red)

#7 (Last Week - #9)

Crazy Possessive (Kaci Battaglia)

#8 (Last Week - #10)

Love Etc. (Pet Shop Boys)

#9 (Last Week - #1)

LoveGame (Lady Gaga)

#10 (Last Week - #5)

Thursday, July 30, 2009

The Time Of Our Lives [COVER]

Above is the cover for Miley's new EP from Wal-mart.com. I love it!!

Ashley Tisdale: Sessions at AOL

Ashley is currently the featured artist over at Sessions at AOL. Here is her performace:
01 It's Alright, It's OK (Sessions)
02 Hair (Sessions)
03 Hot Mess (Sessions)
04 Masquerade (Sessions)
05 Tell Me Lies (Sessions)
06 What If (Sessions)
D O W N L O A D
credit: Monica

The Time Of Our Lives

"The Time Of Our Lives" is the name of Miley's Wal-Mart exclusive EP being released on August 31st.

SOURCE

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

Another song from the WOWP soundtrack has leaked! Here is Mitchel Musso's rendition of Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic...

D O W N L O A D

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Magic

Here is an iTunes rip of Selena's new single, Magic, from the WOWPM.
D O W N L O A D
creadit: sin.com

Party in the USA

Miley's back with new music! Party in the USA is the first single off of the EP, rumored to be titled Voyage to India, that is being released exclusively to Wal-Mart towards the end of August. This is not the final version, the final version will be released on Friday, so watch out for it!
D O W N L O A D

Monday, July 27, 2009

Coming Up Next...

Just wanted to share with you what you can expect on the blog for the rest of the week. I'll be blogging about some exciting new or not very well known artists, as well as giving you my honest feedback on the new Jordin Sparks record, which I've had in my posession since last Tuesday.

This and more coming at you over the course of the next week. Get excited! Until then...thank you and goodnight!

New Album Artwork - Part II

Oops! My bad. I forgot to include a piece of artwork in my last album artwork update! It's for the new Backstreet Boys single, entitled "Straight Through My Heart." While not newsworthy enough for it's own post, combined with the release of Madonna's new single artwork for "Celebration", I thought I'd do another little album art update.

Backstreet Boys - Straight Through My Heart

via Coverlandia

The new BSB single is surprisingly hot! Not a syrupy ballad, this one has JAM written all over it. "Straight Through The Heart," produced by RedOne, is the first single off of their 7th album This Is Us, out in October. The boys' have lined up the hitmakers for the new album - for sure!! Included in the roster: Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, RedOne, Ne-Yo, Jazze Pha, Pitbull, Akon, Jim Jonsin, T-Pain and more! Wow. This may be the first BSB album that I purchase. The single is due to be released digitally at the end of August/early September.

via Coverlandia

I don't really need to say much more on the Madonna artwork, as I said plenty on her upcoming new greatest hits album in my last post. The single artwork definitely fits in nicely with the album artwork. This is shaping up to be quite a hot summer/fall of music!

Check out the Backstreet Boys on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube//iLike

Check out Madonna on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

New Album Update - Whitney Houston, Beverley Knight, Queen Latifah & Avril Lavigne

With my Blog "To-Do" List growing by the day, I'm cramming a few updates into one right here in an abbreviated form. Here's a little bit of information about a few new albums I'm getting excited about.

Whitney Houston - I Look To You (Release Date: 8/31/2009 - UK - 9/1/2009 - U.S.): You know what? I don't think I own a single Whitney Houston album! Sad realization! I think I'm going to have to purchase a greatest hits/greatest remixes compilation one of these days. You might then ask WHY the new Whitney Houston album is something that has me excited. I think, more than anything, it's the hype. Houston is one of the finest vocalists of our time, and despite all of her tabloid-troubles - this woman's music is worth listening to. I wish Houston the best and I sincerely can't wait to hear her new material.

Houston premiered the album first in London on July 14th, and more recently on July 21st in New York City. The most recent "listening party" took place at Lincoln Center and was hosted by RCA mogul, Clive Davis. The list of notable invitees included Swizz Beats, Alicia Keys, L.A. Reid, Monica, R. Kelly, Martha Stewart and many more! According to Billboard, nine songs were played for the guests starting with the Swizz Beatz produced "Million Dollar Bill."

At her London listening party, Houston described the new album as a "labor of love," admitting that she was ready to retire when Davis stepped in and told her that the "people want to hear you." Davis is right, most definitely. This could be quite the comeback album. In order for this to happen, however, the album needs hit singles. I Look To You has been described as contemporary R&B which sort of worries me. To me "contemporary R&B" means BALLAD-OVERLOAD...but I guess that's not necessarily true. There are both up-tempo and slow jamz on the album which is promising. Among the collaborators -Alicia Keys, Diane Warren, Stargate, R. Kelly and Akon. I'm pumped. - Via Billboard

Tracklisting:

"Million Dollar Bill"
"Nothin' But Love"
"Call You Tonight"
"I Look To You"
"Like I Never Left" (featuring Akon)
"A Song For You"
"I Didn't Know My Own Strength"
"Worth It"
"For The Lovers"
"I Got You"

Check out Whitney Houston on the web: Official Site//Classic Whitney//Facebook//YouTube////iLike

Beverley Knight - 100% (Release Date: 9/14/2009 - UK): When I first heard Beverley Knight's new single, "Beautiful Night," this morning (via ArjanWrites) I was impressed. I was expecting just another R&B song but I really am digging this one. Knight not only looks stunning in the video, but the mid-tempo jam is actually quite catchy. Slick production, beautiful vocals...what more could one expect from an industry pro like Knight?

When I was in the UK a few years back, HMV actually had more than just one designated shelf for singles. I was perusing the ENTIRE row of singles and found Beverley Knight's cover of the Janis Joplin classic, "Piece of My Heart." I of course also adore her cover of Robyn's "Keep This Fire Burning." You can't really go wrong with Beverley Knight. I'm looking forward to this new record - her first album post Parlophone-split. With her own label (Hurricane Records), Knight's been hard at work with hitmakers including The Rural, Guy Chambers, DJ Munro and Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson). Sounds very promising indeed.

Check out Beverley Knight on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Flickr//YouTube

Artwork via Coverlandia

Queen Latifah - Persona (Release Date: 8/22/2009): As dated as Latifah's '94 single "U.N.I.T.Y." might sound today, there's no denying it was a solid track. It seems like her days of rapping/singing are but a distant memory, with Queen Latifah (Dana Owens) focusing on acting, singing jazz standards and being a CoverGirl spokes model. The time has come for a return to form! Now that we know Latifah can really SING, put those pipes to use on something NOW...something HIP...something radio stations will latch on to. New album Persona, might just be the ticket.

While I don't really think Latifah needs to prove anything to anyone, I'm just anxious to hear her vocals on the radio. In a recent interview with Billboard, Latifah sheds some light on the new album and what we can expect to hear. In the interview Latifah said "I realize that I haven't been in the game for a while...I just want it to be heard." Working with Cool & Dre on much of the album, there will be singing and rapping as well as collaborations.

According to Latifah, "This album is definitely rooted in hip-hop, but there's a lot of singing too. I've always sung on my records. I was always a person who mixed a lot of melody with rhymes." I, for one, cannot WAIT to hear the Queen return to her hip-hop roots. Download the album's lead single "Cue The Rain." - Via Billboard

Check out Queen Latifah on the web: Official Site

Avril Lavigne - Untiled 4th Album (Release Date: November ??): I first heard Avril Lavigne's breakout track "Complicated" online and immediately was drawn to it's angsty chorus. It's been a love/like/dislike relationship with Avril Lavigne ever since. Loved debut album Let Go; liked follow up Under My Skin; disliked The Best Damn Thing. According to Billboard, her new, as of yet, untitled record is going to be more raw and stripped down.

"A lot of the songs are mainly the acoustic and my vocal. It's a lot different from anything I've done before," Lavigne tells Billboard. "It's not a pop rock record. This is more about emotion and feeling."

Interesting. I could possibly dig this. In listening to her ballads and mid-tempo singles, you can tell Lavigne has the pipes. It's when she starts jumping up and down and "rocking out" that her vocals get all wavery and inconsistent. After the album, which was considerably "poppier" than any of her previous efforts, Lavigne needs to take it down a notch.

While first single isn't a sure thing yet, it could be the full length version of the song Lavigne recorded to help launch her first fragrance called "Black Star." Not bad at all. Husband and Sum41 frontman Deryck Whibley produced much of the album, while Lavigne wrote. In addition, Lavigne collaborated with former bandmate (and aspiring solo artist) Evan Taubenfield. I'll definitely be purchasing the new record - if for no other reason than to complete my Avril Lavigne CD collection. Sounds like she's off on the right track. - Via Billboard

Check out Avril Lavigne on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Imeem//YouTube

Sunday, July 26, 2009

DJ-KiCKS + Chromeo = AWESOME

Well this is exciting news! The new installment of the DJ-KiCKS series is coming soon and features the talents of none other than Chromeo! DJ-KiCKs + Chromeo = AWESOME. I'm familiar with the DJ-KiCKS series mainly because of Norwegian electro-pop singer Annie's contribution a couple of years back.

Photo by May Truong via MySpace

DJ-KiCKS is a series of albums mixed by various artists for the independent !K7 Records. Past compilers include DJs, producers, and musicians. Included amongst the names - Kruder & Dorfmeister, Thievery Corporation, Stereo MC's, Tiga, Chicken Lips, Annie, Hot Chip, Booka Shade and more.

Photo by May Truong via MySpace

Ever since I saw Chromeo perform live last year, I've been craving more from the Montreal-based duo, Dave One and Pee Thugg. With their last release, 2007's Fancy Footwork, I became an instant fan! If you sign up for the !K7 email list, you'll get an exclusive Chromeo synthesized cover of the Eagles "I Can't Tell You Why." This track will definitely keep me occupied until the new DJ-KiCKS album drops. Sign up and get your free Chromeo track HERE.

Check out Chromeo on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook

Carmen Reece - Right Here - Steamweaver Remixes

I was thrilled when Steamweaver sent me his latest batch of remixes for the Carmen Reece club-stunner, "Right Here." I loved his remixes of Beyoncé's "Sweet Dreams," so of course I was game to hear whatever he was working on next.

Up until now, I hadn't really heard of Carmen Reece. I saw a couple of tracks appear on dance music compilations and on iTunes (including a nice mix from Dave Audé) but I never stopped to listen. I'm glad that I did because this girl has a great voice! Steamweaver's mixes definitely do this song justice. Thanks to these mixes, I'm now a Carmen Reece fan.

Download the mixes HERE. Mixes are available in WAV and 320Kbps MP3. The Radio Mix #2 can be heard on Steamweaver's MySpace page. Next up from Steamweaver? Britney remixes!

Right Here (Steamweaver Club Mix) - 9:20
Right Here (Steamweaver Radio Mix #1) - 3:48
Right Here (Steamweaver Radio Mix #2) - 4:31

Check out Carmen Reece on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

My Weekly Last FM Chart

Here's this weeks Last FM chart, chronicling this past week in terms of most listened to artists and songs.

Most Listened To Artists:

1. Jordin Sparks

2. Regina Spektor

3. Duffy

4. Blake Lewis

5. Lily Allen

This past week, the new Jordin Sparks album came out. As a result, Jordin appears in both my most listened to artists for the week as well as most listened to tracks. I've been dealing with a bad cold/flu this past week, so the soothing sounds of Regina Spektor and Duffy were helpful in making me feel better. Blake Lewis...as I get ready for his new album, Heartbreak On Vinyl...I went back and listened to his debut album, as well as his new brilliant single "Sad Song." Good stuff! Lily Allen...there's always room for Lily! Her music just makes me happy.

Most Listened To Songs:

1. Jordin Sparks - The Cure

2. Jordin Sparks - Don't Let It Go To Your Head

3. Jordin Sparks - Faith

4. Brooke White - Hold Up My Heart

5. Jordin Sparks - Walking On Snow

Hmmm...turns out I didn't to the same song more than twice this past week. All of these songs I listened to 2 X exactly. Other songs that made the list include the rest of the Jordin Sparks record and the Brooke Hogan/Flo Rida jam, "Ruff Me Up."

New Album Artwork!

First things first...that Holly Valance artwork I blogged about last week? FAKE! I knew it was too good to be true. Holly took to her MySpace blog to address "comeback" rumors, saying "Why would anyone release something without promoting it and anyone hearing it first? It takes months of promotion and plugging to get radio onboard and people in the know about your music." She continues, "For those that wanna hear a new record, it will be done the right way. Like it was last time. You just might be waiting a while."

That being said, I'm a bit dissapointed but not surprised. The artwork reminds me of Jessica Simpson's artwork for "A Public Affair." I knew I would have heard something about a comeback single if it actually existed. Looks like she's taking her sweet time, so good for her. I hope she comes back strong. The girl deserves a music career for sure.

Anyway, here's some other cool other official artwork posted on Coverlandia.

I gotta say...I'm excited to hear the new Pitbull record. I have a bit of a crush on him to...he's HOT. I love that he's infusing hip hop and dance in his new music...first with "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" and now with "Hotel Room Service." The album artwork appears to feature Pit's "Calle Ocho" video co-star Sagia, lookin' fierce as ever in camo body paint.

When I saw the trailer for the new movie BandSlam, I thought "oh no...another High School Musical clone...not to mention the fact that it stars HM alum, Vanessa Hudgens. This movie looks better. Plus, it stars Lisa Kudrow so there's an obvious plus! The boys of Honor Society are cute and talented and are featured on the soundtrack album (via Hollywood Records) for the movie. Check out their new single "Where Are You Now" from the BandSlam soundtrack and see them on tour this summer with the Jonas Brothers.

Here's the single artwork for R&B singer Cassie's new jam featuring Akon. Looks like she's showing off the new haircut that's been photographed recently. It's an interesting look. Cassie is absolutely stunning so I think she'd pretty much look good bald. Looking forward to her new album.

I enjoy the Arctic Monkeys. I'm not the BIGGEST fan per say, but I have enjoyed the singles that I've heard, downloaded them on iTunes and the like. This album artwork was just too cool looking NOT to post about. I'm interested to hear what these guys have coming next.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Magic [Music Video]

Above is the music video for Selena's new song, Magic, from the WOWP soundtrack!

Friday, July 24, 2009

New Obsession...The Dolly Rockers - Gold Digger!

Photos via Flickr

I gotta admit, I wasn't sold on these girls when I first heard their first single "Je Suis Une Dolly," in fact it left no impression on me at all! I don't remember it! The name "Dolly Rockers" reminded me of one of those gimmicky pop groups like The Fast Food Rockers. Turns out, I judged too quickly. While their fashion sense could be classified as one part Ginger Spice, two parts street whore...(in a good way)...they definitely bring something fun and interesting to the pop scene.

Photo via Flickr

The new song by The Dolly Rockers...I can't stop listening to it! I've most definitely been "Dolly Rockered." The girls' label, Parlophone is apparently selling this as their debut single, which I think is a smart move as "Gold Digger" is a hot mess, EMPHASIS on the HOT! Sure, they aren't really the best vocalists...doing quite a bit more shouting than actual singing...but who cares! I'm not looking for filler. I'm looking for good, fluffy electro-pop.

The group, consisting of Brooke Challinor, Lucie Kay, and Sophie King, first gained some notoriety when they competed together on Simon Fuller's X-Factor back in 2006. Now signed to a major label, they're working on their first album due out sometime later this year. P.S. - I'm even starting to like "Je Suis Une Dolly" now! Curses! I'm easy. Look out for "Gold Digger" remixes from Bimbo Jones, and Superbass. "Je Suis Une Dolly" was also remixed by the Soul Seekerz. "Gold Digger" is out in the UK on August 30th.

Check out The Dolly Rockers on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube//Twitter//Flickr

New Straight No Chaser EP Out July 30, 2009!

Ahhhhh! So exciting. Back in October of last year I blogged about my favorite A Cappella group, SNC...otherwise known as Straight No Chaser. Being an Indiana University Alumn, I carry a certain sense of pride knowing that these guys walked the same campus that I did and knew some of the same people that I knew.

Since being signed to Atlantic Records, the boys have released a Christmas album last year, Holiday Spirits, performed on the Today Show, Fox & Friends and on TNT's Christmas in Washington. Not only that, but their holiday album became the #1 selling holiday album on both iTunes and Amazon.

While holiday music in the Spring, Summer and Fall normally is enough to drive me insane, I could listen to these boys all day, every day. That being said, I've been anxiously awaiting the

release of some new material. This past January saw the release of "Live Your Life & Flo With Whatever You Like," a slick A Cappella mashup of songs by T.I. & Flo Rida.

After hints of a full length album in the works, news of new material appeared on the official Facebook page and website today. On July 30, their new EP called "Six Pack" will be released including six brand new tracks:

1. Rehab (Amy Winehouse)
2. I'm Yours/Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Jason Mraz/Israel Kamakawiwo'ole)
3. The Man Who Can't Be Moved (The Script)
4. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours/I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder)
5. You Send Me (Sam Cooke)
6. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You (Lauryn Hill)

Now I know A Cappella isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if their hip-hop A Cappella stylings weren't enough to convert you, wait until you here some of these versions. You can listen to a sampler on both the group's MySpace and their official website.

I still melt while listening to their rendition of Toto's "Africa." The group also announced via video message that a 60 city U.S. tour is in the works. Dates/locations will be released on August 10th and tickets will go on sale August 14th. If they hit up Boston, I'll be there with some recently converted fans. I.U. Pride!

Check out Straight No Chaser on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Queen of Pop Gearing Up To Release New Single & Hits Compilation

There's definitely going to be a Celebration on September 29th as Madonna releases her third Greatest Hits collaboration and final album with Warner Brothers Records (Madonna inked a new deal with Live Nation in 2007). New single and title track, "Celebration" will serve as the first single (released to DJs July 24th and to radio August 3rd).

via Coverlandia

I have yet to hear a single snippet of this new song, co-produced by Madonna and Paul Oakenfold. I want to be surprised...hopefully pleasantly. I wasn't such a big fan of Madonna's last album, Hard Candy...the R&B/Hip-hop influence just didn't work for me with Madonna's vocals. SORRY! Most of the songs just sound forced, contrived...blah. My favorite tracks on the album were the ones that leaned more towards the pop side of the spectrum..."4 Minutes," and "Miles Away." In my opinion, the dance beat-driven sounds of Confessions On The Dance Floor are far superior to the urban influenced beats of Hard Candy.

While the tracklisting hasn't been released just yet Billboard reports that Madonna's label has confirmed that "Celebration will contain songs 'remastered and selected by Madonna and her fans' including 'Everybody,' 'Express Yourself,' 'Vogue' and '4 Minutes.'"

So...it looks like unlike her previous two GH albums...this one is going to be an overall compilation...including tracks that were on the first two. I guess it makes sense. Billboard goes on to say that "the album will be available in both single-disc and double-disc configurations and a DVD of the icon's music videos will also be issued simultaneously."

Can't wait for this! Also...can I just say how much I LOVE the album artwork? Not really original but still HOT. Way to keep it classy. Are you all excited for a Celebration?

Check out Madonna on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

The Dance Diva is Back! New Amber Single Out Now

German/Dutch dance diva Amber is back with a new single! Finally! I remember Amber from her big hit, "This Is Your Night" when it came out back in 1996/1997. I also remember "One More Night," and "Colour of Love" from that first album - back when Amber was signed to Tommy Boy Records. Her self-titled follow-up album, Naked featured singles "Love One Another," "Above The Clouds," and my favorite "Sexual (Li Da Di)." Oh...don't forget about "If You Could Read My Mind" from the Studio 54 movie soundtrack, featuring Ultra Naté and Jocelyn Enriquez. Her final album with Tommy Boy featured less dance and more pop and included singles like "Yes!," "The Need To Be Naked," and "Anyway (Men Are From Mars)."

Photo via MySpace by D'Andre Michael

Photo via MySpace by D'Andre Michael

After Naked, Amber parted ways with Tommy Boy - releasing her next album, My Kind Of World, 2 years later on her own label. Singles "You Move Me," "Voodoo," and "Just Like That" experienced less mainstream success then some of her Tommy Boy material - but attracted much-deserved attention at the clubs.

Photo via MySpace by D'Andre Michael

Between 2006 and 2008, Amber released the dance track "Melt With The Sun," with remixes from Tracy Young, Hex Hector and others. She released Undanced II in 2007 with some unreleased remixes and songs. Because of some legal distribution issues "This Is Your Night" and other Tommy Boy era singles have not been released digitally, so Amber re-released a bunch of her old songs with re-recorded vocals and new production. I hope Tommy Boy and Amber work out their differences...because there are a lot of classic mixes that I'm dying for. I suppose I could buy the physical copies on ebay...but come on!

Amber & Zelma Davis

Last year saw the release of the Amber/Zelma Davis collaboration, "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)," originally done by Donna Summer & Barbara Streisand (I got my copy at Perfect Beat!). This past Tuesday, Amber's newest single "I Don't Believe In Hate (Drip Drop)" was released digitally and on a limited edition CD. Remixes are by Pathos V2 and Yinon Yahel. I have to say...the song in it's original form is beautifully sung. Amber's vocal strength is undeniable. In all honesty, I prefer the remix edits to the original. The Pathos V2 edit is my favorite, although the Yinon Yahel full length mix is beautiful. What do you all think of Amber's new single?

Check out Amber on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

New Jordin Sparks Remix! - S.O.S. (Let The Music) Play"

I bought the new Jordin Sparks album, Battlefield yesterday and love it. Sure it's got a few more ballads than I might normally like ...but they aren't the soupy-sappy kinda ballad...nope! They're the slick-hooky kind of ballad...meaning filled with catchy hooks! With the writing/producing team she had with this album, it totally makes sense.

The remix package for first single "Battlefield" was decent. Mixes by Bimbo Jones, Jason Nevins, Mike Rizzo and others were all...DECENT. With an anthemic jam as strong as "Battlefield" - the remixes should have been equally as powerful. Here's hoping that second single, "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)" does "Battlefield" one better. We're off to a good start, with this Matt Pendergast remix posted exclusively on Billboard.com. What do you all think of this remix?

Unofficial Fanmade Single Artwork Via Coverlandia

Check out Jordin Sparks on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube

Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart - July 23, 2009

Billboard has always been one of my top resources for this blog. My favorite sections? The news section of course, the charts and the Ask Billboard column (now written by Gary Trust).

Sometime early this week or late last week, Billboard.com got a complete makeover. While it took me a little while to get used to it...I'm really starting to like it. It appears that the Ask Billboard column has now been melded together with Chart Beat. Makes sense I guess. The charts section AMAZING now. I love it. Gray and pink...good color scheme, Billboard. Nice work.

Every Thursday without fail, I check out Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Play Chart to see which of my favorite dance artists are moving where. This chart tracks "the week's most popular songs played in dance clubs, compiled from reports from a national sample of club DJs."

Starting today, and every Thursday after I'll be posting the top 10 from Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Play Chart. Sure, it's redundant if you read Billboard on your own but if you don't and you like dance music - I've got you covered!