Sometimes for me, female rap artists - are like watered down Jack Daniels: goes down a treat, but doesn't quite hit the spot....
My opinions of female rappers in the music industry are that they are either rap artists striving to be pop (arise Dame Nicki Minaj), or pop artists playing at rapping (take a bow Miss Cher Lloyd).
Now don't get me wrong, I think Nicki Minaj is a fantastic performer and a great POP artist, who is clearly a talented rapper... but I don't think her records are groundbreaking or particularly innovative - albeit highly appropriate when you're on your 10th jagerbomb in the middle of a sweaty dancefloor with your t-shirt inexplicable hanging off you.
I couldn't help feeling that sometimes female rap artists are never quite taken seriously enough for their work....
- until Azealia Banks came along.
The image of a young girl in plaits, adorned in a mickey mouse jumper prancing around, spitting how her 'cunt's getting eaten' is probably one of the most thought-provoking, controversial and entertaining debuts a female rap artist could ever possibly make.
And the reason why this debut works so well? - Because Banks is clearly not trying to be something she isn't.
It could be argued that the mistakes of past female rappers has been trying to prove they are just as good as the men - by acting like them, or playing to them. This is arguably a flawed plan because - female rappers aren't men. And can never be taken seriously while they aim to be something they are not. Therefore surely they should not be trying to imitate male rap artists, but substantiate themselves as a whole other force to be reckoned with.
Like sport, female rap artists should take charge of their own league which is something that Azealia Banks has done effortlessly.
As she states in her interviews ""When you really listen to my music you hear a girl who's going through the motions. She's experiencing men, having money, not having money, people who are trying to tell her she's not cute, people telling her she can't rap, she can't dance… She's really dealing with life."
Not once does she make claims of being a notorious drug dealer, gang banging, pimpin', shanking or drive-bying.
Her raps could almost be taken as fast-paced gossip between girls. (Stated in the best way possible :)).
The increasing popularity of Banks in the UK could be put-down to the UK's willingness to adapt to new and innovative music, as generally the eclectic tastes we have over here make us more open to accepting new genres and artists - whereas, according to online hear say - her attempts in the US have been met with a little more resistance....
What sets Banks apart from acts such as the Britney Spearical-Minaj or even the highly innovative M.I.A. is that Banks aims to portray 'herself' first and foremost as an artist, one that just happens to be a fucking awesome rapper, irrespective of the confines of the american Hip-Hop genre.
For those who would like to learn more you should download her free mixtape "The Fantasea", in my opinion the best rap record released by a female artist this decade - Iggy Azalea, Kreayshawn take note....
Friday, 10 August 2012
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
"Knock Knock" "Who's There?" ".....The Brit Awards."
Its award season again. The Oscar's are coming, the Globes have gone, the BAFTA's went, the Grammy's thrilled, and the Brit Awards... cringed.
The Brit Awards have always been a source of controversy. Appearances from Jarvis Cocker, Sharon Osbourne and Liam Gallagher alone showcase the worst/best? of British personalities - without having to mention a medicated Robbie "shabba" Williams, stoned George Michael or in fact any of the numerous intoxicated celebrities that grace our TV screens every year to celebrate the creme de la creme of British muscial talent..... such as One Direction.
No Award show in the world encompasses a perfect blend of National pride and humiliation as the artistic blunder that is the Brits.
There will always be one nominee that provides a talking point as people struggle to think who they actually are - I'm talking of course about past great British talents such as Beth Rowley(?) and Kosheen(?), this years oddball nominee was Anna Calvi... (?)
But I always feel that there can be no greater source of humiliation than when the nominees come out for 'Best British Single'.... And I use the term 'Best' very loosely.
This category is something of a bomb disaster in Afghanistan... random pieces flying everywhere. A quarry that becomes infested with charity singles, covers, one hit wonders - or just plain old shit music.
Considering that the Brits are watched by 6 million people, some of those international, I can't help but think just how embarassing it is when they see some of the nominations that are put up - the country that produced acts such as the Beatles actually believes that Ed Sheerans 'The A Team' should actually be in the same room, let alone the same category as JLS's 'She Makes Me Wanna'. Or that the 'X Factor Finalists' are worthy opponents of Colplay, Adele and Duffy.
For a country that takes so much national pride in its artists on not just a national but a global scale - we don't half take the fucking piss out of them.
This year the big downfalls were a) One Direction ACTUALLY WINNING best british single (Never underestimate the power of a MILITARY size fanbase of pre-pubescent girls experiencing their first wide-ons) and b) Adele, the biggest selling artist of the century so far, being refused an extra 30 seconds during her acceptance speech on receiving 'Album Of The Year' so that Blur could start their 11 MINUTE set. If thats not a punch in the vagina and a spit in the face, I don't know what is. She only won SIX GRAMMYS for fuck sake.
So I implore the people who run the Brit's and the CEO's of ITV - next year... please please please, try and restore some actual serious British pride into the 'most prestigious awards in the country for recorded music' (ugh). And for god sake don't invite George Michael back for another 17 years.
The Brit Awards have always been a source of controversy. Appearances from Jarvis Cocker, Sharon Osbourne and Liam Gallagher alone showcase the worst/best? of British personalities - without having to mention a medicated Robbie "shabba" Williams, stoned George Michael or in fact any of the numerous intoxicated celebrities that grace our TV screens every year to celebrate the creme de la creme of British muscial talent..... such as One Direction.
No Award show in the world encompasses a perfect blend of National pride and humiliation as the artistic blunder that is the Brits.
There will always be one nominee that provides a talking point as people struggle to think who they actually are - I'm talking of course about past great British talents such as Beth Rowley(?) and Kosheen(?), this years oddball nominee was Anna Calvi... (?)
But I always feel that there can be no greater source of humiliation than when the nominees come out for 'Best British Single'.... And I use the term 'Best' very loosely.
This category is something of a bomb disaster in Afghanistan... random pieces flying everywhere. A quarry that becomes infested with charity singles, covers, one hit wonders - or just plain old shit music.
Considering that the Brits are watched by 6 million people, some of those international, I can't help but think just how embarassing it is when they see some of the nominations that are put up - the country that produced acts such as the Beatles actually believes that Ed Sheerans 'The A Team' should actually be in the same room, let alone the same category as JLS's 'She Makes Me Wanna'. Or that the 'X Factor Finalists' are worthy opponents of Colplay, Adele and Duffy.
For a country that takes so much national pride in its artists on not just a national but a global scale - we don't half take the fucking piss out of them.
This year the big downfalls were a) One Direction ACTUALLY WINNING best british single (Never underestimate the power of a MILITARY size fanbase of pre-pubescent girls experiencing their first wide-ons) and b) Adele, the biggest selling artist of the century so far, being refused an extra 30 seconds during her acceptance speech on receiving 'Album Of The Year' so that Blur could start their 11 MINUTE set. If thats not a punch in the vagina and a spit in the face, I don't know what is. She only won SIX GRAMMYS for fuck sake.
So I implore the people who run the Brit's and the CEO's of ITV - next year... please please please, try and restore some actual serious British pride into the 'most prestigious awards in the country for recorded music' (ugh). And for god sake don't invite George Michael back for another 17 years.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
"Frank Made Vincent Do It" or "When Artist's Go Wrong"
Every music fan, at some stage in there life, will find that special artist that they absolutely love... and yet... the majority of the public... do not. That artist who you find unique, innovative and talented - but most other people find as thrilling and exciting as the dictionary, or queuing for a bus.
For myself, this particular artist is Frankmusik, or (as he now wishes to be known) Vincent Did It.
In October 2011 Frankmusik announced that he had parted ways with his UK record label, Island Records, after his second album "Do It In The AM" flopped. And I mean phenomenally flopped. If there was an awards ceremony for album floppage, his would undoubtedly have cleaned up in an Beyonce/Amy Winehouse/(Adele?)-type Grammy awards fashion.
And this fact, quite frankly, frustrates me so.
Do people not see the sheer BRILLIANCE of his musicianship? The quirky fresh approach to songwriting? The stellar production skills that both inhabit contemporary songwriting while referencing the modern emerging genres of the 21st century in an original almost breathtaking way!? No. No they don't. Not a sausage.
The following tracks showcase the songwriting/production brilliance I am referring to:
At first it seemed so strange that his second album, which seemed to have made so many progressions from his first album musically - did so much worse commercially. :-/ that was of course... until I stumbled upon the track that was released as the second single off the album.....
After watching that I could only assume that Frankmusik was more concerned about entering the eurovision song contest than having an actually credible music career. I mean.. what the fuck was that? The grease reference? The pointless, reductive lyrics? And who the hell is Colette Carr? It might as well have been Kerry Katona - from when she was still on coke. In fact that would've probably been more entertaining.
In my opinion...I think that Frank and his record label, just made an astronomical mistake. When you look back at one of his earlier videos I get the impression that he was kind of a quirky, indie-come-electro-pop act, maintaining artistic integrity, while cracking the pop charts in a Calvin Harris-esque fashion. There is nothing relevant or artistic about 'No I.D.'
In January 2012 Frankmusik announced he was changing his stage-name to 'Vincent Did It' - with this he posted up a free download of a track 'Dynamo'. Thankfully 'Dynamo' is a hundred times better than 'No I.D.'. Showing that he hasn't had a complete artistic transplant... lets hope that when he comes back, Vincent has better luck thank Frank at winning people over. For my own sanity as much as his.
To download the track simply go to the link below:
http://hulkshare.com/qymt1zwl49cd
For myself, this particular artist is Frankmusik, or (as he now wishes to be known) Vincent Did It.
In October 2011 Frankmusik announced that he had parted ways with his UK record label, Island Records, after his second album "Do It In The AM" flopped. And I mean phenomenally flopped. If there was an awards ceremony for album floppage, his would undoubtedly have cleaned up in an Beyonce/Amy Winehouse/(Adele?)-type Grammy awards fashion.
And this fact, quite frankly, frustrates me so.
Do people not see the sheer BRILLIANCE of his musicianship? The quirky fresh approach to songwriting? The stellar production skills that both inhabit contemporary songwriting while referencing the modern emerging genres of the 21st century in an original almost breathtaking way!? No. No they don't. Not a sausage.
The following tracks showcase the songwriting/production brilliance I am referring to:
At first it seemed so strange that his second album, which seemed to have made so many progressions from his first album musically - did so much worse commercially. :-/ that was of course... until I stumbled upon the track that was released as the second single off the album.....
After watching that I could only assume that Frankmusik was more concerned about entering the eurovision song contest than having an actually credible music career. I mean.. what the fuck was that? The grease reference? The pointless, reductive lyrics? And who the hell is Colette Carr? It might as well have been Kerry Katona - from when she was still on coke. In fact that would've probably been more entertaining.
In my opinion...I think that Frank and his record label, just made an astronomical mistake. When you look back at one of his earlier videos I get the impression that he was kind of a quirky, indie-come-electro-pop act, maintaining artistic integrity, while cracking the pop charts in a Calvin Harris-esque fashion. There is nothing relevant or artistic about 'No I.D.'
In January 2012 Frankmusik announced he was changing his stage-name to 'Vincent Did It' - with this he posted up a free download of a track 'Dynamo'. Thankfully 'Dynamo' is a hundred times better than 'No I.D.'. Showing that he hasn't had a complete artistic transplant... lets hope that when he comes back, Vincent has better luck thank Frank at winning people over. For my own sanity as much as his.
To download the track simply go to the link below:
http://hulkshare.com/qymt1zwl49cd
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Something For Nothing - The Cost Of SOPA To Wikipedia.
Yesterday Wikipedia went down for 24 hours, the reasons it gave for this were due to the U.S. SOPA and PIPA legislation currently under review to be passed by Congress. In a nutshell, this legislation aims to try and prevent copyright infringement, by targeting sites suspected of copyright infringement and stopping them having prominence on search engines, and cutting off their access to online payment services - but Wikipedia says it's protest has nothing to do with money....
Today it has been stated that Independent Record Labels in the UK have lobbied the government to prevent the sale of British label giant, EMI as this will mean that other majors (Sony and Universal) will have a disproportionate market share. For those out of the know, EMI is essentially a record label that went bust, entered administration, and has been sold to Sony and Universal.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a361013/indie-labels-want-uk-government-to-stop-emi-sale.html
EMI went bust despite owning the catalogues of the Beatles, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue plus many more. The music industry market has become majorly distorted and the main reasons behind this distortion come down to a very simple entity - money; there isn't any of it left in music.
It's a very well blown trumpet - but piracy actually is killing the creative industries. It is honestly a fact. If anyone out there has a dream of becoming a singer, or playing in a band I would advise them to look at the link below, it shows you how many LEGAL streams/downloads/plays etc an artist needs in order to make minimum wage: just so you can see how much money you're (not) going to be earning....
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/2010/how-much-do-music-artists-earn-online/
This week a British student named Richard O'Dwyer was extradited to the U.S. for creating a website that simply lists where films could be downloaded. He faces 10 years in prison in America if he is convicted. Google does the exact same thing. A 23 year old computing student will have his freedom taken away by mimicking an internet company, when all he was trying to do was pay his University fees.
In 2007 an American Judge ordered Jammie Thomas-Rasset to pay $222,000 in punitive damages for illegally downloading 24 songs, think about how many songs any of you have illegally downloaded.
Now neither of these court rulings are clever or fair - they are both disgustingly stupid. But they do demonstrate how desperate the creative industries have become. They are up shit creek without a pair of armbands let alone a rubber dinghy and a fucking paddle.
Remember: ONLY the creative industries invest in new talent. That is a fact. .
Whether anyone agrees with SOPA or PIPA or not, quite frankly, is irrelevant, because it all comes down to money. The Internet giants oppose this legislation because they make so much money from the way the web is run and are scared of it being jepoardised. Facebook, Google, Twitter, Wikipedia - are worth literally BILLIONS; why the hell would they care about the little guys (artists) getting proper payment for their work?
Copyright legislation is always about money - and at least the record companies admit that.
So the next time you read a heartfelt quote from Wikipedia about how 'they care passionately about the rights of authors' - know that that is bollocks. Wikipedia are a business - they care about a profit margin. Songwriters and Screen-writers are authors and Wikipedia don't give a shit about them?
The next time Wikipedia 'appeals' for some 'donations' to 'help' run its services, do me a favour - don't. Instead, go out, and donate some money towards a struggling band who can barely pay their rent - let alone bank a billion.
And lastly - for the record Jimmy Wales: knowledge at the expense of creativity is not only wrong, but pointless, you hyprocritical fuck.
Today it has been stated that Independent Record Labels in the UK have lobbied the government to prevent the sale of British label giant, EMI as this will mean that other majors (Sony and Universal) will have a disproportionate market share. For those out of the know, EMI is essentially a record label that went bust, entered administration, and has been sold to Sony and Universal.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a361013/indie-labels-want-uk-government-to-stop-emi-sale.html
EMI went bust despite owning the catalogues of the Beatles, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue plus many more. The music industry market has become majorly distorted and the main reasons behind this distortion come down to a very simple entity - money; there isn't any of it left in music.
It's a very well blown trumpet - but piracy actually is killing the creative industries. It is honestly a fact. If anyone out there has a dream of becoming a singer, or playing in a band I would advise them to look at the link below, it shows you how many LEGAL streams/downloads/plays etc an artist needs in order to make minimum wage: just so you can see how much money you're (not) going to be earning....
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/2010/how-much-do-music-artists-earn-online/
This week a British student named Richard O'Dwyer was extradited to the U.S. for creating a website that simply lists where films could be downloaded. He faces 10 years in prison in America if he is convicted. Google does the exact same thing. A 23 year old computing student will have his freedom taken away by mimicking an internet company, when all he was trying to do was pay his University fees.
In 2007 an American Judge ordered Jammie Thomas-Rasset to pay $222,000 in punitive damages for illegally downloading 24 songs, think about how many songs any of you have illegally downloaded.
Now neither of these court rulings are clever or fair - they are both disgustingly stupid. But they do demonstrate how desperate the creative industries have become. They are up shit creek without a pair of armbands let alone a rubber dinghy and a fucking paddle.
Remember: ONLY the creative industries invest in new talent. That is a fact. .
Whether anyone agrees with SOPA or PIPA or not, quite frankly, is irrelevant, because it all comes down to money. The Internet giants oppose this legislation because they make so much money from the way the web is run and are scared of it being jepoardised. Facebook, Google, Twitter, Wikipedia - are worth literally BILLIONS; why the hell would they care about the little guys (artists) getting proper payment for their work?
Copyright legislation is always about money - and at least the record companies admit that.
So the next time you read a heartfelt quote from Wikipedia about how 'they care passionately about the rights of authors' - know that that is bollocks. Wikipedia are a business - they care about a profit margin. Songwriters and Screen-writers are authors and Wikipedia don't give a shit about them?
The next time Wikipedia 'appeals' for some 'donations' to 'help' run its services, do me a favour - don't. Instead, go out, and donate some money towards a struggling band who can barely pay their rent - let alone bank a billion.
And lastly - for the record Jimmy Wales: knowledge at the expense of creativity is not only wrong, but pointless, you hyprocritical fuck.
Monday, 2 January 2012
Representing - The British Artists Of 2011
So that's it - 2011 is now over, and we enter the (apocalyptic?) year 2012.
Already so much hype around 'the next best thing' and desperately trying to forget the past mistakes of the last year. But to be honest 2011 wasn't an all bad year? I mean yes - Steps did reform... but Westlife did split up! I myself can look back at the past year and say with my head held high - "well its better than a kick in the bollocks innit?"
Here's my run-down on the people who got it right in 2011 - (despite what the rest of the british public may think..) . Here are the champions of blighty to whom I say "Jolly good Job well done" and "Dat's some bear good tracks bruv".
25) Matt Cardle
The Yearly debut of another X Factor winner is always a talking point come September - although not well received by the public (compared to previous winners) I can't help but feel that this was always doomed to anti-climax? Mr Cardle just doesn't sit nicely in the X-Factor-Winner-Equation... However 'Starlight' is an absolute corker regardless.
24) Natasha Bedingfield
Unbeknownst, I'm sure, to the entire British public but Natasha Bedingfield actually released an album this year - Strip Me Away was released back in May and featured songs from her last 2 American albums. 'Tis a shame because the album (although a complete flop stateside) I think may have actually done well in blighty if it had had even the slightest of nudges promotionally. I advise you to fire your whole marketing team Natasha.
23) Birdy
After first breaking through with debut track 'Skinny Love' Birdy's album of covers showed an intriguing tenderness for the teenage singer... maybe some original stuff next time?
22) Loick Essien
After a great start with 'How I Roll', sadly Loick's follow-up single 'Me Without You' failed to match the same success - 'tis a crying shame, a great track with a chorus that just clicks.
21) Natalia Kills
One thing Britain seems to be missing is our very own Britney Spears/Madonna/Ga-Ga hybrid pop superstar (although celebs like Cheryl Cole come close in terms of hype) - this act tried her best but didn't quite hit the nail on the head sales wise.... oh well...
20) Skepta
2011 saw the release of Skepta's album 'Doin' It Again', although highly anticipated the album failed to perform well commerically, although saw success on a more niche underground level - could it be the music video/hardcore porn promo for 'All Over The House' - who can say? Although his grime remix of Diddy's 'Hello Good Morning' is nothing short of genius.
Skepta - Hello Good Morning (Grime Mix) [ACTUAL CDQ] by eeekaj
19) Olly Murs
The last appearance of X Factor contestants on my list I promise. But there's something about Brand Olly that.. I just.. don't... hate? Fuck knows what it is... I think he just seems too likeable - although probably a dickhead in real life. His last two songs have been good though... I just dunno why.
18) Clare Maguire
Having released her debut this year and featured on Lord's 'Chase' and 'Status' album, Clare Maguire had a mixed year I feel. An absolute powerhouse of a singer though.... although she needs to drop the Cher impersonations when she sings (listen out for the "ohhohhhhooowahhhaahaaasss")
17) Snow Patrol
The northern Irish rockers dropped their sixth studio album in November. Quietly brilliant, this album is full of crackin' musicianship - standout tracks for me are 'Lifening' 'In The End' and 'The Garden Rules'.
16) James Morrison
What a fuckin' ledge. The man is a musical great. Love his latest album 'The Awakening' although less radio-friendly, still a work of art nonetheless.
15) Emeli Sandé
I think this Scottish lass is going to be hugely-fantastically-massively successful in 2012. 'Heaven' and 'Daddy' are such great tracks, her vocals are amazing, her songs are great crafts. I think she will dominate the coming year....
14) Nero
Dubstep duo Nero from London shook 2011. I reckon they'll be an act which will truely shine through on their second album once they gain more recognition on the music scene in a pendulum-esque fashion. 'Promises' is a massive. MASSIVE. tune.
13) Calvin Harris
Another Scot that has shone through in 2011. 'Bounce' and 'Feel So Close' are such quintessentially british tracks, that Calvin hasn't had much deserved success outside of blighty, however that could all change come 2012 with his album release and the fallout from 'We Found Love'....
12) Rizzle Kicks
Fellow Brightonians - these lads breathe a refreshing breath into urban pop in the UK. For some reason they always remind me of Lily Allen.... for god sake don't ask me why.
11) Katy B
The woman who invented Dub-pop. Her album is a fantastic piece of dance music craft with absolutely no filler. This woman proved that its possible for females to release credible dance music without cavorting around in nipple tassles and a belt - not that there's anything wrong with that.
10) Example
An man who's success can be measured by the amount of celebrities he slags off on twitter. 2011 solidified the career of Example in contemporary british music - lets hope he can keep it up...
9) Kasabian
One of the few Indie rock bands that I can get into bed with. From the first listen through I liked 'Velociraptor!' - for me it shows how Kasabian manage to keep their music contemporary and current... whereas Indie rock can sometimes feel like its stuck in the past to me?
8) Wretch 32
One of my favorite debut's of 2011. I think this man has managed to perfect the balance between british grime and american hip-hop in a way that sounds effortless. His album is full of musical treasures - standout tracks for me are 'Sane's The New Mad', 'Hush Little Baby', 'Traktor' and 'I'm Not The Man'. Quality.
7) Florence + The Machine
I was a massive fan of the groups first album and I love what they've done on their second album - however it does seem to feel a bit samey to me?... Maybe a little bit of experimentation wouldn't hurt... although if it ain't broke....
6) Chase & Status
'No More Idols' was one of my highlights of 2011. I love how Chase & Status manage to keep their own unique style while working with major artists. I salute you.
5) Coldplay
Marmite struck again in 2011. Is it even rock music? I don't think thats for me to decide but their songs are pretty fucking epic. More Please.
4) Jessie J
The woman in the onesie - Jessie J has seen HUGE success in 2011. From her debut - to her signing on to be a television judge. From songs like 'Do It Like A Dude' to 'Who You Are' whether you like her or not she undeniably has two things - versatility and a megaphone for a voice box.
3) Amy Winehouse
When Amy Winehouse passed away I hated the reality that we may not hear any more music from her. Luckily however her family agreed to release another album of unheard recordings. A genuine bona-fide artist. With a monumental hair style to boot.
2) Ed Sheeran
The bloke who proves ginger's do have talent... before him the only likeable gingers in the media were Prince Harry and Linda from 'Gimme Gimme Gimme'. A songwriting master, his album is pretty epic. Touche.
1) Adele ( A cliche I know - But a cliche for a reason?)
Unless you live somewhere cut off from all mankind, like on the ocean floor or inside Kerry Katona's cerebral cortex, you may not have heard of the woman single handedly keeping the music industry alive. Her name is Adele. And her album 21 is the best thing to come out of 2011. Good Day.
Already so much hype around 'the next best thing' and desperately trying to forget the past mistakes of the last year. But to be honest 2011 wasn't an all bad year? I mean yes - Steps did reform... but Westlife did split up! I myself can look back at the past year and say with my head held high - "well its better than a kick in the bollocks innit?"
Here's my run-down on the people who got it right in 2011 - (despite what the rest of the british public may think..) . Here are the champions of blighty to whom I say "Jolly good Job well done" and "Dat's some bear good tracks bruv".
25) Matt Cardle
The Yearly debut of another X Factor winner is always a talking point come September - although not well received by the public (compared to previous winners) I can't help but feel that this was always doomed to anti-climax? Mr Cardle just doesn't sit nicely in the X-Factor-Winner-Equation... However 'Starlight' is an absolute corker regardless.
24) Natasha Bedingfield
Unbeknownst, I'm sure, to the entire British public but Natasha Bedingfield actually released an album this year - Strip Me Away was released back in May and featured songs from her last 2 American albums. 'Tis a shame because the album (although a complete flop stateside) I think may have actually done well in blighty if it had had even the slightest of nudges promotionally. I advise you to fire your whole marketing team Natasha.
23) Birdy
After first breaking through with debut track 'Skinny Love' Birdy's album of covers showed an intriguing tenderness for the teenage singer... maybe some original stuff next time?
22) Loick Essien
After a great start with 'How I Roll', sadly Loick's follow-up single 'Me Without You' failed to match the same success - 'tis a crying shame, a great track with a chorus that just clicks.
21) Natalia Kills
One thing Britain seems to be missing is our very own Britney Spears/Madonna/Ga-Ga hybrid pop superstar (although celebs like Cheryl Cole come close in terms of hype) - this act tried her best but didn't quite hit the nail on the head sales wise.... oh well...
20) Skepta
2011 saw the release of Skepta's album 'Doin' It Again', although highly anticipated the album failed to perform well commerically, although saw success on a more niche underground level - could it be the music video/hardcore porn promo for 'All Over The House' - who can say? Although his grime remix of Diddy's 'Hello Good Morning' is nothing short of genius.
Skepta - Hello Good Morning (Grime Mix) [ACTUAL CDQ] by eeekaj
19) Olly Murs
The last appearance of X Factor contestants on my list I promise. But there's something about Brand Olly that.. I just.. don't... hate? Fuck knows what it is... I think he just seems too likeable - although probably a dickhead in real life. His last two songs have been good though... I just dunno why.
18) Clare Maguire
Having released her debut this year and featured on Lord's 'Chase' and 'Status' album, Clare Maguire had a mixed year I feel. An absolute powerhouse of a singer though.... although she needs to drop the Cher impersonations when she sings (listen out for the "ohhohhhhooowahhhaahaaasss")
17) Snow Patrol
The northern Irish rockers dropped their sixth studio album in November. Quietly brilliant, this album is full of crackin' musicianship - standout tracks for me are 'Lifening' 'In The End' and 'The Garden Rules'.
16) James Morrison
What a fuckin' ledge. The man is a musical great. Love his latest album 'The Awakening' although less radio-friendly, still a work of art nonetheless.
15) Emeli Sandé
I think this Scottish lass is going to be hugely-fantastically-massively successful in 2012. 'Heaven' and 'Daddy' are such great tracks, her vocals are amazing, her songs are great crafts. I think she will dominate the coming year....
14) Nero
Dubstep duo Nero from London shook 2011. I reckon they'll be an act which will truely shine through on their second album once they gain more recognition on the music scene in a pendulum-esque fashion. 'Promises' is a massive. MASSIVE. tune.
13) Calvin Harris
Another Scot that has shone through in 2011. 'Bounce' and 'Feel So Close' are such quintessentially british tracks, that Calvin hasn't had much deserved success outside of blighty, however that could all change come 2012 with his album release and the fallout from 'We Found Love'....
12) Rizzle Kicks
Fellow Brightonians - these lads breathe a refreshing breath into urban pop in the UK. For some reason they always remind me of Lily Allen.... for god sake don't ask me why.
11) Katy B
The woman who invented Dub-pop. Her album is a fantastic piece of dance music craft with absolutely no filler. This woman proved that its possible for females to release credible dance music without cavorting around in nipple tassles and a belt - not that there's anything wrong with that.
10) Example
An man who's success can be measured by the amount of celebrities he slags off on twitter. 2011 solidified the career of Example in contemporary british music - lets hope he can keep it up...
9) Kasabian
One of the few Indie rock bands that I can get into bed with. From the first listen through I liked 'Velociraptor!' - for me it shows how Kasabian manage to keep their music contemporary and current... whereas Indie rock can sometimes feel like its stuck in the past to me?
8) Wretch 32
One of my favorite debut's of 2011. I think this man has managed to perfect the balance between british grime and american hip-hop in a way that sounds effortless. His album is full of musical treasures - standout tracks for me are 'Sane's The New Mad', 'Hush Little Baby', 'Traktor' and 'I'm Not The Man'. Quality.
7) Florence + The Machine
I was a massive fan of the groups first album and I love what they've done on their second album - however it does seem to feel a bit samey to me?... Maybe a little bit of experimentation wouldn't hurt... although if it ain't broke....
6) Chase & Status
'No More Idols' was one of my highlights of 2011. I love how Chase & Status manage to keep their own unique style while working with major artists. I salute you.
5) Coldplay
Marmite struck again in 2011. Is it even rock music? I don't think thats for me to decide but their songs are pretty fucking epic. More Please.
4) Jessie J
The woman in the onesie - Jessie J has seen HUGE success in 2011. From her debut - to her signing on to be a television judge. From songs like 'Do It Like A Dude' to 'Who You Are' whether you like her or not she undeniably has two things - versatility and a megaphone for a voice box.
3) Amy Winehouse
When Amy Winehouse passed away I hated the reality that we may not hear any more music from her. Luckily however her family agreed to release another album of unheard recordings. A genuine bona-fide artist. With a monumental hair style to boot.
2) Ed Sheeran
The bloke who proves ginger's do have talent... before him the only likeable gingers in the media were Prince Harry and Linda from 'Gimme Gimme Gimme'. A songwriting master, his album is pretty epic. Touche.
1) Adele ( A cliche I know - But a cliche for a reason?)
Unless you live somewhere cut off from all mankind, like on the ocean floor or inside Kerry Katona's cerebral cortex, you may not have heard of the woman single handedly keeping the music industry alive. Her name is Adele. And her album 21 is the best thing to come out of 2011. Good Day.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Overlooked: The Best Album Tracks Of 2011
As we come to the end of 2011 people always like to reflect on the year just passed - the good, the bad and the ugly. However people always focus on the highlights, what about the hidden gems that people don't take notice of, or don't appreciate?
I've decided to blog about my favourite album tracks of 2011 - the filler, the diamonds in the rough, the tunes that the record labels didn't feel deserved any promotional release (at least not as of yet....). So I dedicate this blog to anyone who feels they have been overlooked and underappreciated in the year 2011 - this blog is for you.
15) Made In America - Jay-Z, Kanye West & Frank Ocean
From their duet album 'Watch The Throne' this track is the best highlight of the album, fusing classic and contemporary beats to bring about this sentimental partnership with Frank Ocean, definitely a highly underrated moment on the album.
14) Everybody Hurts - Avril Lavigne
Think whatever you like of Ms Lavigne as an artist, but her songwriting abilities are pretty much spot on - I think she's the perfect example of an artist being pulled apart by her record label trying to achieve commercial success at the risk of honing her craft - little ditties like this track, show that there's much more to her than meets the magazine cover - (and no I'm not referring to her self-branded perfume).
13) I Can Only Imagine - David Guetta, Chris Brown & Lil Wayne
This next track was a major standout for me on David Guetta's 'Nothing But The Beat'. The bridge that leads into the chorus is quality, with Weezy's rapping hinting at the sheer genius that could be achieved if only G-Dawg and him would hook up more often.....
12) Abracadabra - Jessie J
Having recently been confirmed as the best-selling debut of the year, Jessie J is in high demand both in the UK and globally. Abracadabra is a great feel-good track that really shows off her musicianship. One of the best on the album.
11) Microphone - Example
Example - the rapper-come singer has seen his music turn mainstream in 2011. Microphone is such a well-written song, a ballad completely throughout which helps to balance his street cred against credible musicianship.
10) Bad Kids - Lady GaGa
When Gag-Gag first came onto the music scene, she was interesting and quirky - now she's become something of a novelty act. She has taken the 'shock' out of 'shock factor', but when you look past the preachy sermons she calls songs, you can remember the reason why she maintains success over her contemporaries - because at the heart of it all, she's just a talented songwriter.
9) Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran
The unexpected success story of 2011 comes in the form of short, ginger couch-hopper Ed Sheeran. Already having released 4 EP's on iTunes before his signing to Warner Music, Ed Sheeran has followed in the footsteps of Adele and SuBo by defying convention and achieving massive success. Give Me Love is one of my favourite songs on his album... of many more to come, I hope. Good on ya ginge!
8) Oh My Love - Chris Brown
2011 saw the first 'proper' return of Chris Brown musically since THAT INCIDENT which abrubtly stunted his chances of becoming a legend for all the right reasons. Nevertheless this song is a highpoint of his album F.A.M.E. - if people can just look past the ginormous elephant in the room.
7) Hard To Get - Katy B
The closing track of 'On A Mission' this is a song that Katy's voice is perfectly suited for - showing that her abilities as a vocalist are in top notch condition! All that Brit-School training has certainly paid off.....
12-katy b-hard to get by tiger2801
6) Love Is A Suicide - Natalia Kills
Sadly one of the major flops of 2011 - Natalia Kills is a British artist mentored by Will.i.am through his interscope hybrid record label. Kills uses the same glam-pop-shock-factor method as GaGa, although her efforts weren't met with nearly as much success.... bad times 'talia.
5) Hurts Like Heaven - Coldplay
Coldplay - the marmite gods of music, you either love them or hate them - I myself have become a turned believer. This track is more upbeat than Coldplay's previous offerings, but carries the same euphoric feelings as 'Viva La Vida' or 'Every Teardrop'. Classic.
Coldplay - Hurts Like Heaven by DJ ERM
4) Teach Me How To Be Loved - Rebecca Ferguson
There will be those people who will have felt themselves visibly shiver when I mentioned a former 'X Factor' contestant - never mind a RUNNER-UP. However unbiased or not - this track is undeniably an excellently written/performed song. Her voice is fantastic and having co-written every track on the album could it be that the X Factor ACTUALLY FOUND some real genuine talent?... I hope so....(btw Glitter & Gold, is also a tune.)
3) Brixton Briefcase - Chase And Status Ft. Cee-Lo Green
Such an unlikely pairing that works absolutely BEAUTIFULLY. Chase & Status really are musical geniuses. Nothing more to be said. Brilliant, just brilliant.
2) I'll Be Waiting - Adele
The Woman of the year, and what a year it has been. This track is my a personal standout on the album and really shows the more upbeat side to Adele, beyond the darker sadder tales - but tbh, every track on that album is a standout.
Adele - I'll be Waiting by apohllionaire
1) I Was Here - Beyonce
4 was probably one of Beyonce's most understated albums released - although there was a lot of hype around it. This track is the musical highpoint on the album, written by Diane Warren - why it wasn't released as a single is beyond me. Definitely the most overlooked track of 2011.
I've decided to blog about my favourite album tracks of 2011 - the filler, the diamonds in the rough, the tunes that the record labels didn't feel deserved any promotional release (at least not as of yet....). So I dedicate this blog to anyone who feels they have been overlooked and underappreciated in the year 2011 - this blog is for you.
15) Made In America - Jay-Z, Kanye West & Frank Ocean
From their duet album 'Watch The Throne' this track is the best highlight of the album, fusing classic and contemporary beats to bring about this sentimental partnership with Frank Ocean, definitely a highly underrated moment on the album.
14) Everybody Hurts - Avril Lavigne
Think whatever you like of Ms Lavigne as an artist, but her songwriting abilities are pretty much spot on - I think she's the perfect example of an artist being pulled apart by her record label trying to achieve commercial success at the risk of honing her craft - little ditties like this track, show that there's much more to her than meets the magazine cover - (and no I'm not referring to her self-branded perfume).
13) I Can Only Imagine - David Guetta, Chris Brown & Lil Wayne
This next track was a major standout for me on David Guetta's 'Nothing But The Beat'. The bridge that leads into the chorus is quality, with Weezy's rapping hinting at the sheer genius that could be achieved if only G-Dawg and him would hook up more often.....
12) Abracadabra - Jessie J
Having recently been confirmed as the best-selling debut of the year, Jessie J is in high demand both in the UK and globally. Abracadabra is a great feel-good track that really shows off her musicianship. One of the best on the album.
11) Microphone - Example
Example - the rapper-come singer has seen his music turn mainstream in 2011. Microphone is such a well-written song, a ballad completely throughout which helps to balance his street cred against credible musicianship.
10) Bad Kids - Lady GaGa
When Gag-Gag first came onto the music scene, she was interesting and quirky - now she's become something of a novelty act. She has taken the 'shock' out of 'shock factor', but when you look past the preachy sermons she calls songs, you can remember the reason why she maintains success over her contemporaries - because at the heart of it all, she's just a talented songwriter.
9) Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran
The unexpected success story of 2011 comes in the form of short, ginger couch-hopper Ed Sheeran. Already having released 4 EP's on iTunes before his signing to Warner Music, Ed Sheeran has followed in the footsteps of Adele and SuBo by defying convention and achieving massive success. Give Me Love is one of my favourite songs on his album... of many more to come, I hope. Good on ya ginge!
8) Oh My Love - Chris Brown
2011 saw the first 'proper' return of Chris Brown musically since THAT INCIDENT which abrubtly stunted his chances of becoming a legend for all the right reasons. Nevertheless this song is a highpoint of his album F.A.M.E. - if people can just look past the ginormous elephant in the room.
7) Hard To Get - Katy B
The closing track of 'On A Mission' this is a song that Katy's voice is perfectly suited for - showing that her abilities as a vocalist are in top notch condition! All that Brit-School training has certainly paid off.....
12-katy b-hard to get by tiger2801
6) Love Is A Suicide - Natalia Kills
Sadly one of the major flops of 2011 - Natalia Kills is a British artist mentored by Will.i.am through his interscope hybrid record label. Kills uses the same glam-pop-shock-factor method as GaGa, although her efforts weren't met with nearly as much success.... bad times 'talia.
5) Hurts Like Heaven - Coldplay
Coldplay - the marmite gods of music, you either love them or hate them - I myself have become a turned believer. This track is more upbeat than Coldplay's previous offerings, but carries the same euphoric feelings as 'Viva La Vida' or 'Every Teardrop'. Classic.
Coldplay - Hurts Like Heaven by DJ ERM
4) Teach Me How To Be Loved - Rebecca Ferguson
There will be those people who will have felt themselves visibly shiver when I mentioned a former 'X Factor' contestant - never mind a RUNNER-UP. However unbiased or not - this track is undeniably an excellently written/performed song. Her voice is fantastic and having co-written every track on the album could it be that the X Factor ACTUALLY FOUND some real genuine talent?... I hope so....(btw Glitter & Gold, is also a tune.)
3) Brixton Briefcase - Chase And Status Ft. Cee-Lo Green
Such an unlikely pairing that works absolutely BEAUTIFULLY. Chase & Status really are musical geniuses. Nothing more to be said. Brilliant, just brilliant.
2) I'll Be Waiting - Adele
The Woman of the year, and what a year it has been. This track is my a personal standout on the album and really shows the more upbeat side to Adele, beyond the darker sadder tales - but tbh, every track on that album is a standout.
Adele - I'll be Waiting by apohllionaire
1) I Was Here - Beyonce
4 was probably one of Beyonce's most understated albums released - although there was a lot of hype around it. This track is the musical highpoint on the album, written by Diane Warren - why it wasn't released as a single is beyond me. Definitely the most overlooked track of 2011.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Ones To Watch: Lana Del La Machine
I first heard the debut single from Lana Del Rey back in august - while fumbling around online, her single 'Video Games' popped up - 'hmmmmmmm' I thought 'I wonder what this is...' after one listen I came to a very quick conclusion - 'pfffffffffffft - this is shit'.
However after many various accidental exposures through radio and other media channels the song itself began to grow on me. For my taste (as I thought when I first listened to songs by Katy Perry or Ke$ha) the girl seemed just a teensy bit too american for me - not necessarily a criticism - but maybe just more a casual annoyance, she also has this hideous habit of sliding her voice from one note to the next which only accentuates her status as 'female american crooner'.
But when I stumbled upon Lana's next single 'Born To Die' I actually had a change of heart - this woman is essentially America's sexy-pouty answer to Florence + The Machine, a group that I personally am a big fan of. Always quick to judge, I wrote off Lana as being a simple gimmicky cast-off from the US market, hoping to make a quick buck overseas - however now I realise that maybe us brits are just more open to quirky acts like Lana ala Florence.
Both songstresses use classic, gothic imagery musically and visually for effect, and rely on more organic instruments for their compositions, their lyrics trying to bring about deeper meanings than what is simply prima facie (which means 'on the face of it' for any people who didn't have to study a gruelling law module for their education.) Although like most american translations, Lana's songs are a much more polished, glamorous soiree than Florence's rougher, edgier shindigs.
I will be interested to see just how Lana fairs Brit-side, when she drops her debut sometime next year - Although I'm sure there is more to her than meets the eye, I sometimes find that when record labels try to re-package a certain type of 'popstar' by 'sexing-it-up' (imagine Florence Welch with lips the size of Brazil) it can sometimes fall spectacularly flat on its face- however with 'Video Games' peaking at number 9, it appears we brits may just be warming up to this latest sultry export.....
However after many various accidental exposures through radio and other media channels the song itself began to grow on me. For my taste (as I thought when I first listened to songs by Katy Perry or Ke$ha) the girl seemed just a teensy bit too american for me - not necessarily a criticism - but maybe just more a casual annoyance, she also has this hideous habit of sliding her voice from one note to the next which only accentuates her status as 'female american crooner'.
But when I stumbled upon Lana's next single 'Born To Die' I actually had a change of heart - this woman is essentially America's sexy-pouty answer to Florence + The Machine, a group that I personally am a big fan of. Always quick to judge, I wrote off Lana as being a simple gimmicky cast-off from the US market, hoping to make a quick buck overseas - however now I realise that maybe us brits are just more open to quirky acts like Lana ala Florence.
Both songstresses use classic, gothic imagery musically and visually for effect, and rely on more organic instruments for their compositions, their lyrics trying to bring about deeper meanings than what is simply prima facie (which means 'on the face of it' for any people who didn't have to study a gruelling law module for their education.) Although like most american translations, Lana's songs are a much more polished, glamorous soiree than Florence's rougher, edgier shindigs.
I will be interested to see just how Lana fairs Brit-side, when she drops her debut sometime next year - Although I'm sure there is more to her than meets the eye, I sometimes find that when record labels try to re-package a certain type of 'popstar' by 'sexing-it-up' (imagine Florence Welch with lips the size of Brazil) it can sometimes fall spectacularly flat on its face- however with 'Video Games' peaking at number 9, it appears we brits may just be warming up to this latest sultry export.....
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