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'.
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