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.
Tuesday, 27 December 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.....
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Ones To Watch!: Grimey in the USA.
I was at work a few weeks ago when a mate of mine played me a track by an artist that I hadn't heard of before - Azealia Banks. At first I thought this was some kind of fresh-prince-of-bel-air reference - apparently not.
Turns out that rather than being a former child actress - Azealia Banks is actually a female american rap artist who is gearing up an assault on bally old blighty with her new CHOOOOONSS! :)
The tune itself is fuckin AWESOME. '212 feat. lazy jay' available on iTunes now it is siiiiiiiiickk (although quite naughty, even by my profanity meter) I think this girls gonna be huge in 2012 (as do others, considering she just made the 'sound of 2012' list).
In terms of female rappers there is a majorrrr gap in the market. Now - I'm as big a fan of Nicki Minaj as the next hardcore lesbian but I do have this eensy teensy feeling that the reason she has been so successful is because of supply and demand - barring M.I.A's occasional advocations for ginger rights, nicki minaj is pretty much the only global female rap artist - there aren't a lot around, therefore she's in high demand. ergo - success.
Even in the UK with legends such as Ms Dyyy-naa--miii--teeeheee making revolving door appearances, meant we were hankering after a female spittterrr!
But - am I the only one who thinks that american music seems to be taking a lot of references from the UK lately? Those who recognise the dubstep break down in britney spears 'hold it against me' and Flo Rida's 'Good Feeling' will know what I'm talking about. '212' is essentially - in my opinion - a grime track.
For any americans out there - Grime is a UK version of Hip-Hop with lots of electronic influences (Grime 101) syncopation, discord, reverb and distortion (ooooo check me out with the flashy words!)- it seems that the US is taking another cue point from us tea-drinkers with a sense of innovating urban music. Personally I'm ALL FOR IT! :D but there may be those who disagree? just listen to the following tracks to hear for yourself - does Azealia Banks sound more like the american artists or the british ones?
Turns out that rather than being a former child actress - Azealia Banks is actually a female american rap artist who is gearing up an assault on bally old blighty with her new CHOOOOONSS! :)
The tune itself is fuckin AWESOME. '212 feat. lazy jay' available on iTunes now it is siiiiiiiiickk (although quite naughty, even by my profanity meter) I think this girls gonna be huge in 2012 (as do others, considering she just made the 'sound of 2012' list).
In terms of female rappers there is a majorrrr gap in the market. Now - I'm as big a fan of Nicki Minaj as the next hardcore lesbian but I do have this eensy teensy feeling that the reason she has been so successful is because of supply and demand - barring M.I.A's occasional advocations for ginger rights, nicki minaj is pretty much the only global female rap artist - there aren't a lot around, therefore she's in high demand. ergo - success.
Even in the UK with legends such as Ms Dyyy-naa--miii--teeeheee making revolving door appearances, meant we were hankering after a female spittterrr!
But - am I the only one who thinks that american music seems to be taking a lot of references from the UK lately? Those who recognise the dubstep break down in britney spears 'hold it against me' and Flo Rida's 'Good Feeling' will know what I'm talking about. '212' is essentially - in my opinion - a grime track.
For any americans out there - Grime is a UK version of Hip-Hop with lots of electronic influences (Grime 101) syncopation, discord, reverb and distortion (ooooo check me out with the flashy words!)- it seems that the US is taking another cue point from us tea-drinkers with a sense of innovating urban music. Personally I'm ALL FOR IT! :D but there may be those who disagree? just listen to the following tracks to hear for yourself - does Azealia Banks sound more like the american artists or the british ones?
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Ones To Watch: The New David Guetta....
With the close of 2011 we have now arrived at the time of year when the media start to look to the future with anticipation of the next big artist tipped for 2012. One artist that particularly makes my heart beat with excitement is a DJ who is only just beginning to truly achieve mainstream success as an artist in his own right - I am of course talking about swedish DJ mastermind: Avicii.
Performing under a variety of names DJ Tim Bergling first found chart success in blighty with 'Seek Bromance' released under the name 'Tim Berg'. Your typical poppy club stomper, but with a bridge that hinted at a deeper talent....
Already a commercially well known remixer since 2008, Avicii's blend of tones circa Calvin Harris, combined with David Guettas own collection of beats created a recipe us brits simply LAVISHED UP.
And G-man himself (no doubt seeing the potential in Avicii's work) got him to feature prominently on his last album 'Nothing But The Beat'.... hmmmm.... so I sense some fear of being overshadowed.... I mean if you can't beat 'em...
Most recently Misseur Avicii has been featured in the media over an embarassing case of plagiarism concerning former X Factor queen Leona Lewis's new single - 'Collide'. Apparently Syco had gained permission from Ministry Of Sound and Avicii to use the sample (and I use the phrase 'sample' very loosely - 'Cover' would probably be more accurate). However no doubt someone behind a desk at Syco thought nobody would notice the pilfering of a relatively unknown DJ's track..... whooops!
Here's the track 'Fade Into Darkness' against Ms Lewis's 'Collide' hastily re-named as a collaboration between herself and Avicii before release - I'm sure after one listen you will be able to see why they had no choice.
I personally see BIG THINGS for Avicii in the coming months - if the likes of Syco and David Guetta are seeking his talents I believe it's only a matter of time before he reaches the status of super-producers such as Calvin Harris, Chase & Status and Timbaland... let's just hope he's around a lot longer than the latter....
And of course how could I forget to mention the current C-H-O-O-N setting the charts alight in the form of 'Levels' - who'dve thought a simple melody could become so addictive (no joke - this song kept me awake. all. night.)... oh Avicii... what will you bring us next....
Performing under a variety of names DJ Tim Bergling first found chart success in blighty with 'Seek Bromance' released under the name 'Tim Berg'. Your typical poppy club stomper, but with a bridge that hinted at a deeper talent....
Already a commercially well known remixer since 2008, Avicii's blend of tones circa Calvin Harris, combined with David Guettas own collection of beats created a recipe us brits simply LAVISHED UP.
And G-man himself (no doubt seeing the potential in Avicii's work) got him to feature prominently on his last album 'Nothing But The Beat'.... hmmmm.... so I sense some fear of being overshadowed.... I mean if you can't beat 'em...
Most recently Misseur Avicii has been featured in the media over an embarassing case of plagiarism concerning former X Factor queen Leona Lewis's new single - 'Collide'. Apparently Syco had gained permission from Ministry Of Sound and Avicii to use the sample (and I use the phrase 'sample' very loosely - 'Cover' would probably be more accurate). However no doubt someone behind a desk at Syco thought nobody would notice the pilfering of a relatively unknown DJ's track..... whooops!
Here's the track 'Fade Into Darkness' against Ms Lewis's 'Collide' hastily re-named as a collaboration between herself and Avicii before release - I'm sure after one listen you will be able to see why they had no choice.
I personally see BIG THINGS for Avicii in the coming months - if the likes of Syco and David Guetta are seeking his talents I believe it's only a matter of time before he reaches the status of super-producers such as Calvin Harris, Chase & Status and Timbaland... let's just hope he's around a lot longer than the latter....
And of course how could I forget to mention the current C-H-O-O-N setting the charts alight in the form of 'Levels' - who'dve thought a simple melody could become so addictive (no joke - this song kept me awake. all. night.)... oh Avicii... what will you bring us next....
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
'Shitting Where You Eat'
I have just read online that Facebook, Google, Twitter, Yahoo, eBay and AOL are opposing a US piracy bill called Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/a351270/facebook-google-oppose-us-piracy-bill.html
The act itself essentially aims to give ISP's ('Internet Service Providers' for those out of the loop) new powers to tackle websites that are used, and encourage, knowingly or otherwise, illegal downloading. The 'Giants' are against this basically... because they don't like not being 100% in control. Diddums.
It always surprises me when people 'Shit where they eat' so to speak. Do these companies not realise that the reasons why they have become so successful is centered around the content they exploit day after day? Take YouTube for example (a Google owned company) - over the half the videos watched on YouTube are music videos. Twitter - who are some of the most followed people on there? Lady GaGa and Justin Bieber (sadly). eBay - Think of the thousands of music and film-related items that are sold on there every day. None of these companies would be half as successful without content - in fact I would suggest that the internet itself would not be nearly as sexy as it is today without the appearance of creative content - so why do they feel they don't owe them anything?
Take the Radio for instance - Luckily in the UK the radio pays a license in order to play music over the airwaves - In the US however the radio stations managed to convince the judiciary system that radio is in fact a PROMOTIONAL vehicle for radio - therefore they shouldn't be charged for playing their records. Hang on a minute.... are you telling me that in the 21ST CENTURY where the radio airplay is at the LOWEST it has ever been - musicians need radio? no no no no no - I think you will find, my friends, that it is radio which needs music. Think of how many people would stop listening to the radio if it didn't play music - if ALL you had to listen to was Chris Moyles massaging his massive ego while chatting to his celebrity pals - except he wouldn't have any. Because they wouldnt be on there promoting records.
Apple is another culprit - Music made Apple sexy. Would you buy iPods if you couldn't put music on there? Apple owes half of its profit margin to the music industry - but instead it charges a 40% digital distribution fee to every track downloaded off of iTunes. This would be like Plastic surgeons paying Katie Price to have boob jobs. Where is the reasoning?
These big companies need music as much as music needs them. To think otherwise is not only stupid - but bordering on clinically insane. So why do these companies continue to unfairly fuck over the music companies? Do they not realise that the less people pay for artists records, the less artists' there will be?
The argument that people make of course is that artists make TONS of money from endorsements and touring. Which is to some extent - true. The sad and real truth however is that the actual percentage of artists that makes TONS of money from this - is small. And whats even MORE truthful - IS THAT RECORD COMPANIES DON'T MAKE MONEY FROM THIS. Its RECORD COMPANIES that are going bust, and being unable to invest in new talent. RECORD COMPANIES that are shutting down and dropping acts because they have no money to support talent. Whatever your opinion of record companies is - the facts are that they are the ones who take risks and invest enormous sums of money in order to promote the works of artists. The fact is that if people don't buy music - there will be less and less talent. It is ONLY record companies that have the resources and funds to nurture and launch acts. Record companies make their money from the sale of recorded music. FACT.
In life you have to pay for your health. In life you have to pay for water. When these things become free and readily available to everyone - it will be then be OK to illegally download music. While we still have to pay for the things we rely on for our survival - we will still need to pay for music. They say that 19/20 downloads are illegal. I've read that roughly 4 billion songs are downloaded legally each year so times that number by 19 = 76 Billion. That's a lot of profit lost that could've been invested in the next James Morrison, Lady GaGa, Adele, Amy Winehouse or Coldplay.
My pledge to you is simple - if you like an artist, and would like to hear them release more music. Donate £8 to buying their album. And do something good - hug HMV.
And to all the Internet giants out there who believe that music should be free - I leave you with the wise words of a recording artist who retired due to piracy.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/a351270/facebook-google-oppose-us-piracy-bill.html
The act itself essentially aims to give ISP's ('Internet Service Providers' for those out of the loop) new powers to tackle websites that are used, and encourage, knowingly or otherwise, illegal downloading. The 'Giants' are against this basically... because they don't like not being 100% in control. Diddums.
It always surprises me when people 'Shit where they eat' so to speak. Do these companies not realise that the reasons why they have become so successful is centered around the content they exploit day after day? Take YouTube for example (a Google owned company) - over the half the videos watched on YouTube are music videos. Twitter - who are some of the most followed people on there? Lady GaGa and Justin Bieber (sadly). eBay - Think of the thousands of music and film-related items that are sold on there every day. None of these companies would be half as successful without content - in fact I would suggest that the internet itself would not be nearly as sexy as it is today without the appearance of creative content - so why do they feel they don't owe them anything?
Take the Radio for instance - Luckily in the UK the radio pays a license in order to play music over the airwaves - In the US however the radio stations managed to convince the judiciary system that radio is in fact a PROMOTIONAL vehicle for radio - therefore they shouldn't be charged for playing their records. Hang on a minute.... are you telling me that in the 21ST CENTURY where the radio airplay is at the LOWEST it has ever been - musicians need radio? no no no no no - I think you will find, my friends, that it is radio which needs music. Think of how many people would stop listening to the radio if it didn't play music - if ALL you had to listen to was Chris Moyles massaging his massive ego while chatting to his celebrity pals - except he wouldn't have any. Because they wouldnt be on there promoting records.
Apple is another culprit - Music made Apple sexy. Would you buy iPods if you couldn't put music on there? Apple owes half of its profit margin to the music industry - but instead it charges a 40% digital distribution fee to every track downloaded off of iTunes. This would be like Plastic surgeons paying Katie Price to have boob jobs. Where is the reasoning?
These big companies need music as much as music needs them. To think otherwise is not only stupid - but bordering on clinically insane. So why do these companies continue to unfairly fuck over the music companies? Do they not realise that the less people pay for artists records, the less artists' there will be?
The argument that people make of course is that artists make TONS of money from endorsements and touring. Which is to some extent - true. The sad and real truth however is that the actual percentage of artists that makes TONS of money from this - is small. And whats even MORE truthful - IS THAT RECORD COMPANIES DON'T MAKE MONEY FROM THIS. Its RECORD COMPANIES that are going bust, and being unable to invest in new talent. RECORD COMPANIES that are shutting down and dropping acts because they have no money to support talent. Whatever your opinion of record companies is - the facts are that they are the ones who take risks and invest enormous sums of money in order to promote the works of artists. The fact is that if people don't buy music - there will be less and less talent. It is ONLY record companies that have the resources and funds to nurture and launch acts. Record companies make their money from the sale of recorded music. FACT.
In life you have to pay for your health. In life you have to pay for water. When these things become free and readily available to everyone - it will be then be OK to illegally download music. While we still have to pay for the things we rely on for our survival - we will still need to pay for music. They say that 19/20 downloads are illegal. I've read that roughly 4 billion songs are downloaded legally each year so times that number by 19 = 76 Billion. That's a lot of profit lost that could've been invested in the next James Morrison, Lady GaGa, Adele, Amy Winehouse or Coldplay.
My pledge to you is simple - if you like an artist, and would like to hear them release more music. Donate £8 to buying their album. And do something good - hug HMV.
And to all the Internet giants out there who believe that music should be free - I leave you with the wise words of a recording artist who retired due to piracy.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
New Muzic 'n' Ting Tings....
CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER always starts to depress me - coming to the end of another year - the fact that I am going to be YET ANOTHER BLOODY YEAR older - however, one thing that I love about Christmas is all the new music that it brings..... *i can feel the tightness in my trousers as I write...*.
Here's just 10 of the newest tracks out at the moment that are helping me to maintain that feeling.....
Hang It Up - The Ting Tings
Absolutely loving the Ting Tings new tunage. Such a good beat and brings back the unique feeling of 'That's Not My Name'. Glad to see that they're representing stateside too - I find that sometimes in music less can be more? and for me these guys hit that nail on its head all the time....
Good Feeling - Flo Rida (*Featuring Etta James*)
Flo Rida is definitely one of the biggest guilty pleasures going at the moment. As a pop act - I think he is fantastic. As a hip-hop act - nothing short of horrendous. Nevertheless I can't help but appreciate all his fine choooooons. Whoever said that 'sampling' isn't an art needs to wake up and smell the tainted love.
Betty Woz Gone - StooShe
StooShe. The urban polar opposite answer to Girls Aloud. I heard their single 'Fuck Me' ('Love Me' for the faint-hearted) and these girls got stuck on my music radar. Betty Woz Gone - another sampling miracle - espesh the fresh prince of bel air bit. As much as I love electronic music - its so refreshing to hear artists songs without synths. Definitely an act that people are gonna pidgeon-hole as a gimmick... which is a lazy criticism if you ask me...
Love U More - Sunday Girl
I saw this act about a year ago supporting Ellie Goulding in Brighton - Was a good gig and they sounded so good live... however when I saw the video for their single 'Stop Hey' - I thought she'd had a botched vocal transplant. She sounds completely intoxicated on the studio version.... I think this is a classic example of someone trying to mix genres and images and coming up with... a great big mess. However their new single for 'Love U More' sounds great - even if shes still off her tits in the video. Whereas the Ting Tings have mastered 'less is more' - I think Sunday Girl need to focus on the 'More'. A relentless catchy single nonetheless....
Hangover - Taio Cruz (Featuring Flo Rida)
I have been a massive fan of Taio Cruz since 'Departure' (strangely enough - his debut album). Songs like 'I'll never love again' showcase Taio's FANTASTIC songwriting ability. 'Hangover' on the other hand... shows Taio's complete indulgence in pure unashamed pop (the appearance of Floridas finest proving this.... yes that is why he is called 'Flo Rida'). A catchy tune regardless - even if the lyrics are as deep and meaningful as a pair of Rokstarr shades.... - bring back the tortured artist Taio! - although everyone loves a bit of hedonism....
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Twilight has embraced pop (as if it ever deluded itself into being anything else...). Christina Perri is probably one of my favourite debuts this year, a late starter of the Amy Winehouse clones (just check out the tats). A powerful alto voice coupled with a formidable songwriting ability. The woman literally transforms emotions into music - can't wait to see what else she brings to the table - considering this epic creation was just for a film about a girl who forgot the condoms.
What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - Kelly Clarkson
After a few questionable albums Kelly Clarkson is back with 'The first album her and her record label have agreed on' - hmmmmm. This song is a good'un though - reminiscent of her 'because of you' days. In my book as long as she keeps 'that voice' I'll happily listen to her - even if she wants to continue experimenting with images... although... after album number 5 - you'd think her 'college years' were over. But good music speaks for itself....
Still Speedin' - Sway
Swayyyyyy! another sampling blueprint making its way onto the charts. Liking the dimensions of this track - such a big orchestral-like sound for a grime artist that creates something unique for the charts at the moment. His 'spit' from 2:20 onwards is also nothing short of breath-taking... literally. Take note Bieber.
Midnight Run - Example
I'm always in two minds whenever I hear Example singing... I heard his cover of Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream' and ever since then I can't decide if it makes me want to smile or convulse. Hes singing on this one again so chunder moments are a danger. There is something about his tracks that just 'do it' for me... although generally I'd prefer it if he just rapped - stick to what you know mate. I like his melodies a lot - the bit at 0:42 does sound like the beginning of a christmas single however.... although that is probably the point.
Like Smoke - Amy Winehouse (Featuring Nas)
From the grave the legend lives on. The woman who cultivated the current landscape of music both British and globally (nods to Adele, Jessie J, Lady GaGa, Nicki Minaj, Ellie Goulding, Florence etc...) posthumously releases this absolute corker of a track! Like Smoke seamlessly combines the elements of soul with classic hip-hop. (For some reason Nas' verses remind me of Lauryn Hill?... anyone?) As hungry as I am for more Amy Winehouse 'choons' all this does is remind me of the sad truth that there was so much more music to hear from the late Ms Winehouse. However... as Tesco say - 'Every Little Helps'.
Here's just 10 of the newest tracks out at the moment that are helping me to maintain that feeling.....
Hang It Up - The Ting Tings
Absolutely loving the Ting Tings new tunage. Such a good beat and brings back the unique feeling of 'That's Not My Name'. Glad to see that they're representing stateside too - I find that sometimes in music less can be more? and for me these guys hit that nail on its head all the time....
Good Feeling - Flo Rida (*Featuring Etta James*)
Flo Rida is definitely one of the biggest guilty pleasures going at the moment. As a pop act - I think he is fantastic. As a hip-hop act - nothing short of horrendous. Nevertheless I can't help but appreciate all his fine choooooons. Whoever said that 'sampling' isn't an art needs to wake up and smell the tainted love.
Betty Woz Gone - StooShe
StooShe. The urban polar opposite answer to Girls Aloud. I heard their single 'Fuck Me' ('Love Me' for the faint-hearted) and these girls got stuck on my music radar. Betty Woz Gone - another sampling miracle - espesh the fresh prince of bel air bit. As much as I love electronic music - its so refreshing to hear artists songs without synths. Definitely an act that people are gonna pidgeon-hole as a gimmick... which is a lazy criticism if you ask me...
Love U More - Sunday Girl
I saw this act about a year ago supporting Ellie Goulding in Brighton - Was a good gig and they sounded so good live... however when I saw the video for their single 'Stop Hey' - I thought she'd had a botched vocal transplant. She sounds completely intoxicated on the studio version.... I think this is a classic example of someone trying to mix genres and images and coming up with... a great big mess. However their new single for 'Love U More' sounds great - even if shes still off her tits in the video. Whereas the Ting Tings have mastered 'less is more' - I think Sunday Girl need to focus on the 'More'. A relentless catchy single nonetheless....
Hangover - Taio Cruz (Featuring Flo Rida)
I have been a massive fan of Taio Cruz since 'Departure' (strangely enough - his debut album). Songs like 'I'll never love again' showcase Taio's FANTASTIC songwriting ability. 'Hangover' on the other hand... shows Taio's complete indulgence in pure unashamed pop (the appearance of Floridas finest proving this.... yes that is why he is called 'Flo Rida'). A catchy tune regardless - even if the lyrics are as deep and meaningful as a pair of Rokstarr shades.... - bring back the tortured artist Taio! - although everyone loves a bit of hedonism....
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Twilight has embraced pop (as if it ever deluded itself into being anything else...). Christina Perri is probably one of my favourite debuts this year, a late starter of the Amy Winehouse clones (just check out the tats). A powerful alto voice coupled with a formidable songwriting ability. The woman literally transforms emotions into music - can't wait to see what else she brings to the table - considering this epic creation was just for a film about a girl who forgot the condoms.
What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - Kelly Clarkson
After a few questionable albums Kelly Clarkson is back with 'The first album her and her record label have agreed on' - hmmmmm. This song is a good'un though - reminiscent of her 'because of you' days. In my book as long as she keeps 'that voice' I'll happily listen to her - even if she wants to continue experimenting with images... although... after album number 5 - you'd think her 'college years' were over. But good music speaks for itself....
Still Speedin' - Sway
Swayyyyyy! another sampling blueprint making its way onto the charts. Liking the dimensions of this track - such a big orchestral-like sound for a grime artist that creates something unique for the charts at the moment. His 'spit' from 2:20 onwards is also nothing short of breath-taking... literally. Take note Bieber.
Midnight Run - Example
I'm always in two minds whenever I hear Example singing... I heard his cover of Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream' and ever since then I can't decide if it makes me want to smile or convulse. Hes singing on this one again so chunder moments are a danger. There is something about his tracks that just 'do it' for me... although generally I'd prefer it if he just rapped - stick to what you know mate. I like his melodies a lot - the bit at 0:42 does sound like the beginning of a christmas single however.... although that is probably the point.
Like Smoke - Amy Winehouse (Featuring Nas)
From the grave the legend lives on. The woman who cultivated the current landscape of music both British and globally (nods to Adele, Jessie J, Lady GaGa, Nicki Minaj, Ellie Goulding, Florence etc...) posthumously releases this absolute corker of a track! Like Smoke seamlessly combines the elements of soul with classic hip-hop. (For some reason Nas' verses remind me of Lauryn Hill?... anyone?) As hungry as I am for more Amy Winehouse 'choons' all this does is remind me of the sad truth that there was so much more music to hear from the late Ms Winehouse. However... as Tesco say - 'Every Little Helps'.
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