K-Pop Superstars Girls' Generation Impress With Flawless U.S. Television Debut

If you were to ask me my thoughts on K-POP yesterday, I would have had nothing for you. Absolutely

N-O-T-H-I-N-G! 

Don't call me a hater, just call me ignorant.  I just never stopped to listen. Korean pop just wasn't on my radar.  I was acutely aware of music coming out of the UK, Sweden and the States but Asia? Not even on my list.  Why? Ignorance. Stereotypes. In other words...no good reason.  Finally, after months and years of reading skipping over posts by fellow pop aficionado The Prophet, praising the genre of K-POP and it's talent, I know why he's been going crazy for it.  Two words - GIRLS' GENERATION!

Last night, Girls' Generation made their network TV debut in the States with a flawless live performance on The Late Show with David Letterman and WOW, did these girls ever impress me.  Most people would probably think that a nine-member girl pop group would be a hot mess of trashy outfits, big egos, clunky choreography and mediocre vocals.  Well, I can tell you...after watching Girls' Generation on Letterman, that assumption has been shot to hell.  Not only did the girls bring energy to their performance, they also brought near-flawless LIVE vocals, kick-ass dance moves and plenty of sex appeal to boot.  Was  EVERYTHING about the performance perfect? No. There were a couple of nerves-related vocal issues but overall...F-L-A-W-L-E-S-S!  Girls' Generation has made a believe (in K-POP) out of me.  Check out their performance of single "The Boys" on Letterman HERE.  Here's a tiny bit of background on the girls.

Girls' Generation are a South Korean girl group made up of nine members: Taeyeon, Jessica, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona and Seohyun.  Formed in 2007 by an indie Korean record label, S.M. Entertainment, the girls have all been performing together since they were between the ages of 10-15, at least according to an interview on Live! with Kelly earlier this morning (following yet another flawless performance).  To date, the girls have released three Korean albums, three Korean mini-albums, one Japanese album and a bunch of singles.  Most recently, on January 17th, Girls' Generation released Boys, the English language version their hit Korean album The Boys, which came out back in October of last year.  Now signed to Interscope/Universal Music Group, the girls of Girls' Generation are set to take the world by storm, one flawless live performance at a time.

Written, composed and arranged by Teddy Riley (Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga), hit single "The Boys" was released in both English as well as in Korean.  Released internationally on October 18th, the single failed to make a dent on Billboard's Hot 100 chart but it did creep into the iTunes Top 30.  The Korean version of the track also managed to chart, this time on Billboard's K-Pop Hot 100 chart.  Launched last August, the mere existence of a K-POP chart goes to show just how big a force this genre is today.  Scope out the absolutely stunning music video for "The Boys" below and download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE, including some SICK-ASS remixes by Clinton Sparks & Disco Fries, David Anthony, Teddy Riley himself and more. Here's hoping Girls' Generation are here to stay.

Oh, and Prophet...never again will I skip over your incessant K-POP posts. Mark my words.

Check out Girls' Generation on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Hot Video Alert: Katharine McPhee - Beautiful (SMASH Cast Version)

I'm hoping and praying that THIS might be the break Katharine McPhee has so long deserved.  I've been a fan of McPhee's since she busted onto the scene as a fresh faced & flawless contestant on season 5 of American Idol.  While she may have lost to Taylor Hicks, America will see who the real winner is once Katharine's buzzed about new TV show SMASH premieres next Monday, February 6th on NBC.

To help promote the Steven Spielberg-produced series, NBC put out a video of McPhee singing Christina Aguilera's hit 2001 Linda Perry-penned ballad, "Beautiful," a song with which her character in SMASH auditions for a Broadway show.  The video starts out with McPhee looking as fresh faced and flawless as she did during her American Idol audition in 2006 and ends with her looking like the pop star she never became.  Interspersed throughout the video (of course) are clips of McPhee and the rest of the SMASH cast taken from the premiere season.  There's no doubt in my mind that if SMASH is successful, Katharine McPhee will finally find that much deserved spotlight.

Soon after coming second during her season of American Idol, McPhee was signed to RCA Records, subsequently releasing her debut album single "Over It" followed by her self-titled debut album.  While the album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart it's singles failed to make much of an impression on the charts.  "Over It" was a Top 30 hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Pop 100 charts, however follow up single "Love Story" was a complete chart failure, missing the Hot 100 altogether.  The reason for the failure, to me, was pretty obvious.  RCA wanted McPhee to be a cookie cutter, run-of-the-mill pop star, which she wasn't.  McPhee has pipes. There's no way she'd excel in a market that banks on slick beats and sexy videos.  McPhee simply isn't that kind of artist.  On her season of Idol, she blew every performance out of the park with flawless vocal delivery and professional-grade control.  She was a ballad singer.  The junk that RCA threw at McPhee for her debut was worthless Top 40 garbage.  The young singer deserved a lot better.

After being released from her RCA contract and recording one-off songs for soundtracks and various collaboration albums, McPhee would eventually join the Verve Forecast Records/Universal Music Group family.  Finally a move that made sense!  Working with a diverse range of songwriters (including Richard Marx, Troy Verges, Alex James & more) McPhee released her sophomore album, entitled Unbroken (read my review of Unbroken HERE).  The album was vocally and stylistically a much better fit for McPhee.  This was the album that she should have released first.  Sure, it catered to an older demographic but it sounded like the kind of artist McPhee was meant to be since the beginning.  While not as successful as her tragic debut album, Unbroken debuted at a halfway decent #27 on the Billboard 200 chart.  Following the release of her second album, McPhee released a holiday album, Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You, which wound up just missing the Top 10 on Billboard's Top Holiday Albums chart, debuting at #11.

In June of 2011 it was announced that McPhee had signed with Columbia Records (back to Sony?), the label that, in association with NBC, would release/distribute music from SMASH.  This series marks McPhee's largest acting gig to date, roles in The House Bunny and Shark Night 3D not withstanding.  Co-starring Hollywood heavy hitters including Debra Messing, and Angelica Huston, up & coming talent like Broadways's Megan Hilty, and uber-sexy Brits Raza Jaffrey (from BBC's MI-5/Spooks) and Jack Davenport (BBC's Coupling), NBC is counting on SMASH to be the next big thing, and with Katharine McPhee sitting pretty as the leading lady, I think it has a shot.  Check out the promotional video for "Beautiful" below and tune into the premiere of SMASH on Monday, February 6th on NBC.  Download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Katharine McPhee on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Anastacia Set To Release New Version of 'What Can We Do (A Deeper Love)', Promises "2012 is Happening"

I can't believe that it's been over three years since the release of Anastacia's last album, 2008's Heavy Rotation. That's an insanely long time for the world to be without one of the greatest pop voices of all time.  Well, the wait is nearly over music lovers.  According to Anastacia via a January 17th video blog on her newly relaunched website, 2012 is going to be a big year for the 43 year old Platinum-selling singer/songwriter!

"2012 is happening.  It's motivating...it's Škoda, it's new album, it's new material...all-year-long!" 

Brilliant!  In case the words themselves aren't enough, there's video evidence that Anastacia is back in the studio! Doubly brilliant!  In case you were wondering, Škoda is a Czech auto manufacturer and Anastacia is doing a song for a new ad campaign.  The song, "What Can We Do (A Deeper Love)" was originally released December 27th by Dutch mega DJ and Producer Tiësto, but without crediting Anastacia as the vocalist. LAME. Hasn't she already paid her dues?

The good news is that Anastacia is working on a NEW version of the track with production team The Heavyweights (AKA Jack Kugell, Jamie Jones, and Jason Pennock, who are responsible for producing for Shontelle, The Pussycat Dolls, Guy Sebastian, Michelle Williams (of Destiny's Child) and more.  The Heavyweights also were responsible for a few tracks on Heavy Rotation.  From the sounds of it, Anastacia will be morphing the track from house to Anastacia's signature SPROCK (soul, pop & rock) sound.  Per the singer herself via her blog:

"Just finished mastering a new version of the Škoda commercial song. Putting the Sprock-Stacia vibe to the track with producers, The Heavyweights. As I said on Twitter, the Škoda  Campaign will happen in Prague in February. We have the Photo shoot, Music Video, and much more in store.........So get ready!!

As for the photo shoot, you can check out the fruits of her labor by taking a peak at the singers newly redesigned website.  The photos were taken by Peter Svensson, the man behind her beautifully shot Anastacia album {SOURCE}. Absolutely stunning.  While we're waiting for the new version of "What Can We Do (A Deeper Love)" to come out, check out the video for Tiësto's single...sans Anastacia unfortunately. You can also download a 3-track EP on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check Out Anastacia on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Ones to Watch in 2012: Rebecca Ferguson

I've had my eye on 25 year old Rebecca Ferguson since her flawless days appearing on the seventh series of The X-Factor in 2010. From the moment she first stepped foot on that audition stage, I knew big things were in store for the Liverpudlian single mother. Since coming in second on The X-Factor, the stunning Rebecca Ferguson has been hard at work launching her solo career.

Signed almost immediately to Syco Music/Epic Records, Ferguson released her debut single, the emotionally gripping ballad "Nothing's Real But Love" towards the end of November. Co-penned by Ferguson and Eg White (Adele, Will Young, Duffy) and produced by White, the song debuted at #10 on the UK Singles Chart on November 26th. The song has since been released as Ferguson's debut U.S. single, and made available to download on January 10th from iTunes and other digital music retailer, spurring rumors of an eventual U.S. release of her debut album sometime later this year.

Rebecca Ferguson released her debut album, entitled Heaven, on December 5th in the UK, where it went on to debut at #3 on the UK Albums Chart.  Co-writing the entire album, Ferguson wrangled in a powerhouse team of songwriters and producers, big industry names including Steve Booker (Natalie Imbruglia, Sugababes), Fraser T. Smith (Jennifer Hudson, Ellie Goulding), Xenomania (Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud), Paul Barry (Cher, Enrique Iglesias), Mark Taylor (Britney Spears, Tina Turner), among others.  The resulting collection of songs proves to be a solid (and just a little bit sleepy) debut effort for the  twenty something singer from Liverpool.  Effortless vocals and flawless production are present throughout the album, the only issue I have is with the tempo.  Sure, mid-tempo pop and R&B ballads definitely play to Ferguson's strengths, but I could have done with a couple more up-tempo numbers.  Take Ferguson's BRILLIANT (albeit stiff, performance-wise) vocal take on Robin S's club classic "Show Me Love."  That was stunning!

That being said, the album does have a couple of good up-tempo tracks and plenty of what Ferguson does best, emotion-riddled pop/R&B ballads.  Stand outs from the album include the sunshiney "Mr. Bright Eyes," the the uber-peppy "Glitter & Gold" (one of the more up-tempo tracks on the album), a slinky jazz number called "Fighting Suspicions," a sexy little retro R&B stunner called "Diamond To Stone", the disco infused "Run Free" and of course, Ferguson's brilliant second single, "Too Good To Lose" (also co-written and produced by Eg White), due out March 4th in the UK.  Stay tuned for news on the upcoming release of her the "Too Good To Lose" music video.

The good news is, Syco/Epic has been generous with the remixes.  Apparently I'm not the only one that thought Ferguson's signature sound is further complemented by sick dance beats.  First single "Nothing's Real But Love" got the remix treatment (courtesy of Logistics) and forthcoming new single, "Too Good To Lose" has been remixed to perfection by Seamus Haji and Dukebox. Excellent stuff!



While details of a U.S. release are non existant just yet, Ferguson's just about to embark on her first solo UK tour and dates are quickly selling out! Try and catch her if you can! Oh and America...you can listen to a bunch of the tracks off of Heaven on Ferguson's YouTube page if you're so inclined.  Also make sure you check out this video on VEVO, where Ferguson explains the meaning (in her thick Liverpudlian accent) behind some of the songs from Heaven.  A voice like Rebecca Ferguson's doesn't come around too often.  This girl is here to stay.

Tour Dates: 


SOLD OUT February 20th//Manchester Bridgewater Hall
SOLD OUT February 22nd//Gateshead Sage 1
February 22nd//Glasgow, Clyde Auditorium
February 24th//Oxford New Theatre
February 25th//Sheffield City Hall
February 27th//Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
February 28th//Portsmouth Guildhall
March 1st//Birmingham Symphony Hall
March 2nd//York Barbican
March 3rd//Blackpool Opera House
March 8th//Cardiff St Davids Hall
SOLD OUT March 9th//Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
SOLD OUT March 10th//Liverpool Philharmonic Hall –
March 12th//Bristol Colston Hall
SOLD OUT March 13th//London Theatre Royal Drury Lane
March 15th//Plymouth Pavilions
March 16th//Reading Hexagon
March 17th//Liverpool Echo Arena – Echo Two

Check out Rebecca Ferguson on the web: 

Official Site//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube//SoundCloud

Hot Video Alert: Florence + The Machine - No Light, No Light

I find it hard to believe that the last post I did on Florence + The Machine was back in May 2010 with a write up on the "Cosmic Love" video.  That's insane!  Clearly my blogging has taken a back site to life over the past few months.  Case in point? Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that I'm just NOW watching the video for Florence + The Machine's new single, "No Light, No Light." Well, I suppose it's fitting that my two Florence posts are on songs that are so similar, at least according to Alix Buscovic from BBC who compared the new single to 2010s "Cosmic Love," the topic of my last Flo post.  So, without further ado - the stunning Florence + The Machine and her brilliant new single, "No Light, No Light."

"No Light, No Light" is Florence + The Machine's second official single, serving as a follow up to the incredibly infectious "Shake It Out" and the hauntingly beautiful "What The Water Gave Me."  Recorded at The Abbey Road Studios, the song was written by Florence Welch (the band's front-woman and lead singer) and Isabella "Machine" Summers (singer/songwriter/producers/remixer) with production brought to you by the amazing Paul Epworth (Adele, Cee-Lo, Foster The People).  With the way things have been going for Florence's career lately, I'd say she's most certainly on the right track which helps her being able to land mega-hit producers like Epworth.

"No Light, No Light" features Florence Welch's trademark, gut-wrenchingly-beautiful vocals, which (of course) sound as pristine as can be.  I'm going to go ahead and say it right now.  Welch has one of the most unique and interesting voices in music today.  Welch's voice has an uncanny ability to transcend genres (the epitome of 'genre-bending') seamlessly shifting from indie rock to Top 40 pop, to hip-hop, even to dance.  As an artist, versatility is key, especially the longer you want to stay relevant and from the looks of it, Florence + The Machine is going to stay relevant for quite some years to come if she keeps this up.

As even a casual Florence + The Machine fan will attest, Florence Welch has a penchant for drama.  Every video and nearly every performance turns into a big production, not just visibly but audibly as well.  Partially taking place in a church, the Ami & Kinski (duo from Iceland)-directed music video (below) features a radiantly beautiful Welch running through the streets, being chased by a mysterious-looking young child, and ends with a beautiful, long-lasting dive off the top of some skyscraper.  While I'm honestly not sure what the concept is for the video, it's got no shortage of arresting visuals.

The first song released off of Ceremonials, Florence + The Machine's sophomore album, was called "What The Water Gave Me" which peaked at #24 over in the UK singles chart and #91 on the Billboard Hot 100.  First OFFICIAL single, "Shake It Out" went all the way to #12 on the UK chart, and peaked at #79 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.  Ceremonials was released this past fall, where it debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart.  #6 is a pretty good turn out considering how quickly Florence + The Machine rose to the top and made a name for themselves over on this side of the pond.  Not easy to do for an import artist, but Florence Welch has got talent for days, not to mention a quirky fashion sense and personality.  LOVE.

"No Light, No Light" is due for release next Monday, January 16th in the UK so get excited for that. Here in the States, you can buy a 2-track Remix EP for the new single, featuring remixes by DAC and Breakage, so grab that HERE.  You also might as well check out "Shake It Out" on iTunes HERE, and make sure you snag yourself a copy of Ceremonials (I just did!).

Check out Florence + The Machine on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Hot Video Alert: Dia Frampton - The Broken Ones

Released back in November, "The Broken Ones" is the first official single from Dia Frampton, one half of the sister-sister singer/songwriter duo Meg & Dia and runner-up on the premiere season of U.S. reality show The Voice.  While I'd heard of Meg & Dia before, I really only got to know Dia for the first time while she appeared on The Voice and it was then that I fell in love with her talent, her beauty and her humble, quiet confidence. Criticize her "lack of personality" if you like but the spotlight of fame isn't for everyone.  For some true, genuine artists, it's really all about the art and I felt it was that way for Frampton.

"The Broken Ones" was penned by Frampton, alongside talented up & coming singer/songwriter Ross Copperman (Jennette McCurdy),Tom Shapiro (Sara Evans, Brooks & Dunn) and produced by Greg Wells (Adele, MIKA, Katy Perry).  Quite the lineup, if you ask me.  The song is heartbreakingly beautiful and sung to perfection by Frampton.  While the song definitely feels as commercial as Colbie Caillat or Sara Bareilles, Dia maintains that free spirited singer/songwriter vibe without leaning too far into Top 40 territory.  While I certainly do miss her brilliant arrangements on songs like Kanye West's "Heartless," it's nice to see Frampton put out an album of original material.

Before her time on The Voice, Dia Frampton had a taste of success while signed with Warner Brothers Records between 2007 and 2010,  For the better part of three years, the girls rode the roller coaster that is being an employee of a major record label.  They toured, they did interviews, they did MTV, they did ads and other various promotional activities but ultimately, it didn't work out.  The album, Here, Here and Here failed to gain much traction, debuting at #103 on the Billboard 200 and ultimately the girls were dropped by Warner, left to fend for themselves as unsigned artists.  Some might call this past dabble with success an unfair advantage on a music reality show, but it's important to remember that The Voice is different than most other reality shows.  The Voice is not American Idol or X-Factor. The Voice doesn't have embarassing audition rounds. The Voice is casting talent and while they probably wouldn't shy away from someone fresh and new, they aren't afraid to give someone a second chance.

When Dia Frampton first set foot on The Voice stage, with her frequent downward glances and awkward mannerisms, you couldn't help but fall in love with her.  When she opened her mouth to sing, and when her fingers touched the piano - that was it.  I knew this girl was going all the way.  Now signed to Universal Republic, Dia Frampton has a new album out and everything.  Red, released December 6th, features top notch production from the likes of Greg Kurstin, Mark Foster (Foster The People), Toby Gad and many more.  Co-writing the entire album herself, Frampton had a little help from friends like Isabella Summers from Florence + The Machine, and Isom Innis, touring keyboardist for Foster The People.  Now that sounds like a powerhouse debut to me.  The album debuted at #106 on the Billboard 200 chart and currently sits at #8 on the Top Heatseekers album chart, after debuting at #1 the week of December 24th.

Check out the video for "The Broken Ones" below, featuring a stunning Frampton frolicking around in the woods with some bad-ass looking kids...not quite sure what's going on, but Dia looks fab and the scenery is beautiful.  It's funny how every bit of awkwardness seems to just melt away while she's in her element.  This girl just excudes passion for her craft. Listen to Frampton's fantastic uptempo new single, the Kid Cudi-assisted "Don't Kick The Chair" HERE and download her new album Red on U.S. iTunes HERE.


Oh...and speaking of The Voice season 2 starts up again February 5th after the Super Bowl on NBC so get excited for that!

Check out Dia Frampton on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Erika Jayne Lands Sixth Consecutive #1 on Billboard's "Hot Dance/Club Play Songs" Chart, Remains Flawless

Erika Jayne really knows how to make an entrance.  In the video for her latest club stomper, "Party People (Ignite The World)," Jayne slinks into the room, dressed to kill in a hot pink leather jacket, hounds tooth mini dress and sparkly Louboutins. With an entrance like that, it was pretty clear to me that Erika Jayne was well on her way to the top.

Since it's release in November via Jayne's own Pretty Mess Records, "Party People (Ignite The World)" has been steadily climbing the Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs chart before finally hitting the top of the chart this week, becoming Jayne's sixth consecutive #1 dance single. That's quite the accomplishment!  Written and produced by Swedish (of COURSE Swedish) duo Andreas Carlsson (Katy Perry, Britney Spears) and Niclas Kings (Kate Ryan, Nervo), the song is the ultimate party anthem.  "Party People (Ignite The World)" serves as a rallying cry to everyone, from club kids to homebodies, to get their asses onto the dancefloor and ignite the world.  While at times the song dips into cheesy Cascada territory, sounding eerily similar to "Evacuate The Dancefloor," all is forgiven by the time we hit the second verse.  Jayne carries the song with a combination of sexuality, powerhouse club diva vocals, and sexy, fierce ferocity. As soon as the single hit iTunes, it was destined to ignite the charts.

Backed by a super hot Mikey Minden-directed video (Pussycat Dolls choreographer!) and an intensely satisfying remix package (Jody den Broeder, Bimbo Jones, Hector Fonseca and more!), "Party People" hits just the right spot this winter, packing all the heat of a summer club anthem just as temperatures begin to drop.  If anyone's going to draw a club kid out of hibernation and onto the dancefloor, you know it's going to be Erika Jayne.  As previously mentioned, "Party People" is Jayne's sixth consecutive #1 dance single, following the release of 2010's "One Hot Pleasure," which stormed to the head of the chart, topping major players including Katy Perry, Cher and Enrique Iglesias.  Since the beginning of her career, Jayne has proven herself as a major force to be reckoned with in the world of dance pop divas.

Jayne first struck Billboard dance gold back in 2007 with the release of her debut single, "Rollercoaster." Releasing her next single, "Stars" the following year, Erika Jayne continued her streak of #1 hits each consecutive year after (2009 - "Give You Everything"; 2010 - "Pretty Mess," "One Hot Pleasure") culminating in her latest chart-topping smash.  Jayne released her debut album, Pretty Mess back in 2008 and is rumored to be working on a follow up due for release sometime this year.  Catch the super sexy video for "Party People (Ignite The World)" below and download the single on iTunes HERE . Also make sure you snag the remix EPs on iTunes HERE and HERE. Now...on to the next hit, Ms. Jayne.

Check out Erika Jayne on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Selena Gomez & The Scene - Hit The Lights

Fan Art by mikayla156 via Coverlandia

Well it certainly appears that pint-sized pop princess Selena Gomez has found her pop music niche.  Unfortunately for Gomez, that niche - catchy-but-generic dance/pop - is one that I'm quickly growing tired of.  Case in point, her latest single.  The Dreamlab-produced "Hit The Lights" (released all the way back in October) was co-penned by Leah Haywood, Daniel James (both part of the production team Dreamlab) alongside Tony Nilsson.  Like her last single...and the single before that...and the single before that...and the single before that, "Hit The Lights" is an up-tempo dance/pop number infused with all the personality of a rusty nickel.  Sure, the beats are pumping but it's just another generic dance tune in a long line of generic dance tunes.  While I'm about as interested in hearing Selena Gomez sing a ballad as I am in watching paint dry, I was hoping for something a little different.  Call me crazy!

I guess one can't fault Gomez for trying to keep the momentum up, after releasing four #1 Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs singles ("Naturally," "A Year Without Rain," "Who Says," and "Love You Like A Love Song") but come on! Diversify!  "Hit The Lights" wasn't even remixed for the clubs (at least not yet) which is a bit surprising.  Maybe Gomez's label, Hollywood Records, requires a song to go at least Top 40 on the Hot 100 Chart before making it into a dance remix? I say this because not one of Gomez's singles has charted in the Top 20, yet all have made it into the Top 40...with the exception f two...her debut single "Falling Down" (#82) and "Hit The Lights" (as yet uncharted).  While the song pretty much flopped in the U.S., it did show itself internationally, peaking at #15 on the Belgian chart, in Slovakia at #33 and in #60 in Canada.  So I guess it's not entirely a failure...just mostly.

"Hit The Lights" is the third single to be lifted off of Selena Gomez & The Scene's ('The Scene' being her band: Greg Garman, Ethan Roberts, Joey Clement, Dane Forrest) third studio album, When The Sun Goes Down, released last summer. The album went on to peak at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the young starlet's highest charting debut to date.  Say what you will about "Hit The Lights," Selena Gomez is a little workhorse with a fierce work ethic so she at least deserves credit for that.  Pulling a Rihanna and releasing an album a year for the past three years, I'm definitely a fan of Ms. Gomez.  I think she just needs to take a little break, pool her creative resources and come up with something fresh and excited, because let's face it...the last thing pop music needs is another generic kiddy club anthem.

Check out Selena Gomez & The Scene on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Review: Little Boots - Shake

"Shake" is the latest offering from 27 year old English electropop diva Victoria Christina Hesketh, better known to lovers of classy-not-trashy synth-laden smashes as Little Boots. "Shake" offers listeners a tease off of what's sure to be one of my most-anticipated albums of 2012, the young DJ/singer/songwriter's sophomore album, due out sometime this year via 679 and Atlantic Records.  Released back in November on limited edition vinyl and digital download, "Shake" is a synthy, slinky, sexy little electropop ditty co-written by Boots alongside Ellis James, who also serves as producer on the track.  What the song is lacking in the lyrical department (and it's lacking a lot) it more than makes up for in sick beats.  

"As powerful as it is enigmatic, the cavalcade of pounding kick drums and swirling analog synth tension turbo charge her return with an uncompromising energy," the press release goes on.  "It's tightly woven with those unmistakable hooklines and bewitching melodies that first catapulted Victoria Hesketh into the spotlight, reminding us exactly what we've been missing."  

Coined "a monstrous modern disco epic" (and rightfully so), "Shake" is a thunderous return to form for one of my favorite new artists to emerge in the last few years.  While the song is lyrically deprived, the song does offer up a clear message, which Boots elaborates upon in the release: "I love the statement shake 'till your heart breaks; it's that violent kind of romance that runs through some of my favourite songs." 

Little Boots' debut album, 2009's Hands produced a whole bunch of ear candy, including the infectious singles "Stuck on Repeat," "Meddle," Remedy," and "Earthquake."  Hands turned out to be a star-making release for Little Boots, who's album went Gold in the UK and debuted in the top 5 on the Official UK Album Charts.  Over in the U.S. the album (released Stateside on Elektra Records) hit the top 10 on the Heatseekers Albums chart and spawned a little American tour (which I'm still devastated about missing).  To help promote the singles release, Little Boots embarked on a worldwide DJ tour, spinning all over the globe in a diverse array of locales including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo and Beijing, all culminating in a ribbon-cutting warehouse bash in London town. Man...wish I could have been there for that!

Little Boots - Shake (Azari & III remix) by LittleBoots

Little Boots- Shake (Crazy P remix) by LittleBoots

I'm including some hot remixes of the track from Miracle, Azari & III and Crazy P for your enjoyment. Make sure you also listen to the smash in it's original form below.  "Shake" peaked at #37 on the UK Dance Singles Chart when it was released last fall.  Download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Little Boots on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Tumblr//SoundCloud//YouTube

Ones To Watch in 2012: Yasmin

Yasmin is someone I've kind of been sitting on for a while, then with all of my laziness and blog inactivity just sort of forgot to post about.  Man, am I sorry about that now! I'm right now, for the very first time, listening to Yasmin's new "old school, reggae infused carnival jam," "Light Up (The World)" featuring D'n'B/Jungle master Shy FX and the lovely Ms. Dynamite.  While I know the song has since been remixed by MJ Cole, the Freemasons and others no doubt, the original version of the song is simply beautiful! WOW!  

For those of you who don't know, Yasmin is really Yasmin Zarine Shahmir, a 23 year old DJ/Singer/Songwriter from England.  Signed to Levels Entertainment, an imprint of famed English dance label Ministry of Sound, she is a relative newcomer to the scene.  After completing a UK headlining tour with popular English rapper Example, Yasmin was given the opportunity to feature on a track by one of her co-openers, another English rapper called Devlin.  See, Yasmin had the privilege of opening alongside Devlin and a then little known singer/songwriter called Ed Sheeran.  Devlin's second single "Runaway," featuring Yasmin went top 20 on the Official UK Singles Chart, peaking at #15.  Now, with a small taste of chart success, Yasmin forged on with her own career, signing to Levels Entertainment and releasing her own solo single "On My Own" in January of 2011.  'On My Own" was a top 40 hit, peaking at #39 not to mention landing at #6 on the UK Indie chart.  In the Spring of 2011, Yasmin released a follow up single, the insanely catchy "Finish Line" which was produced by Labrinth.  Yasmin's sophomore single had considerably more success than it's predecessor, peaking at a respectable #13.

Yasmin is definitely an artist I'm keeping an eye out for in 2012, as I'd love the chance to see her play a live gig here in the States.  Her musical style is very similar to that of Katy B, in terms of it being a sexy female vocal on top of some sick beats.  Of course Yasmin is more than just a sexy vocal (as is Katy B of course), there's definitely something substantive there in the lyrics.  There's no doubt in my mind that Yasmin has talent for days.  I'm just going to wait and see what sorts of diverse sounds her album offers listeners before making my final judgement, although so far so good.

Since making a name for herself in the UK, Yasmin has played festivals all over and has supported an array of talented musicians including Big Boi, Aloe Blacc and Snoop Dogg garnering acclaim all  along the way, including a MOBO nod for 'Best Newcomer' at the 2011 awards.  She's been working working on her debut album with (among others) Jamie Smith, producer and remixer of The XX as well as with Diplo and The Smeezingtons.  Make sure you download her new single "Light Up (The World)" when it's released in the UK on January 15th.  In the meantime, check out the stunning video shot on location in Cuba, below. It's as gorgeous as the song - trust me. Also make sure you listen to the HOT Freemasons remix right HERE. Try and resist the urge to dance. I dare you.  Download "On My Own" on U.S. iTunes HERE and snag "Finish Line" on UK iTunes HERE.

Check out Yasmin on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Wolfette - Trophy Girl

Wolfette ROCKS. No doubt about it.  When I heard her second official single, "Different Story" last summer there was something about her that I just loved.  Obviously there was something, I hailed her one of my 'Ones To Watch' in 2011.  Sorry it took me until 2012 to post something else about her. My how time flies.  Wolfette is feisty, fiery...she just has it.  Her music is the perfect blend of pop and rock & roll with a gritty, grungy, rough around the edges vocal, hard hitting beats and a look that totally says I'M A POP STAR.  Listen to the single below:

Trophy Girl by Wolfette

Now I don't know too much about this track as far as who wrote it/produced it but I'm definitely ready for what's next. "Different Story" definitely whet my appetite for Wolfette and "Trophy Girl" only makes me hungry for more.  Listed as influences on her official Facebook page:

"Crazed nights, passionate fights, velvet rope and scarlet lips...Champagne highs, dirty basslines, Coco de Mer and whirlwind kisses...Green monster eyes, blood stained cries, firecrackers and broken glass...Knives in backs, nails that scratch, Vegas sins and diamond masks..."

Hell yeah! Rock on Wolfette.  This album is going to be FIRE. "Trophy Girl" is out now on UK iTunes HERE and on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Wolfette on the web:

MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Sarah Burgess - Sassy

Sarah Burgess...where have you been all my life?  She's got a sort of Kat Graham/Neon Hitch mixed with Jessie and The Toy Boys vibe about her, which I love! A new(ish) video for a song called "Sassy" was recently sent to me and while I've only watched it a couple of times, I can already safely say that I'm obsessed with this girl.  The Ohio-born and current Pittsburgh resident, 24 year old Sarah Burgess first grabbed the attention of American television audiences during season six of American Idol.  Burgess let it slip during her audition that her father was vehemently against Sarah having a music career, yet unable to stop her from playing hookie and auditioning in New York City.  Unfortunately, Burgess' Idol dreams were short lived when she was cut during Hollywood Week.  Fortunately for Burgess, her time on Idol wasn't for naught as she was quickly snatched up by indie label PME Records, with whom she released a couple of singles including the Colbie Caillat/Mikal Blue-penned "Didn't Matter That" and "Dangerouz," which received some national airplay in 2008 and supposedly was a top 40 hit for the singer (according to Wikipedia, however not according to Billboard archives).  Following the release of her singles, Burgess dropped her debut album, One in June of 2008.

Parting ways with PME Records in 2009, Burgess has since signed with Swiss label, Solymar Music AG based out of Zurich in association with Iceberg Records and is in the midst of recording her sophomore record, presumably which will include "Sassy" (see video BELOW).  According to posts on her blog, Burgess says that the new album will be more "edgy rock" mixed with pop, a slight departure from the more mainstream sound of her debut album.  In 2010 Burgess entered into yet another competition, this time to compete on Swiss television for the chance at representing the country in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song "Just Me."  Where Sarah Burgess' love for Switzerland came from, I'm really not quite sure, but the country seemed to embrace her as she made it into the finals, ultimately losing out to Anna Rossinelli who received 23.93% of the national vote (Burgess only received 7.7%).

The video for "Sassy" was uploaded onto the Iceberg Records YouTube channel November 11th.  According to the YouTube page, the track was written and produced by Måns Ek (Sarah Connor) and co-written by Charlie Mason (Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale).  Despite having a homemade feel to it, the video is packed full of energy, spunk and oh yes...lots of sass.  Looking forward to hearing more from Sarah Burgess.  Download her first album, One, on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Sarah Burgess on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Tumblr//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Katy Perry - The One That Got Away

As much as I now love Katy Perry's latest Teenage Dream single, "The One That Got Away," seeing Perry in old woman makeup is making it rather difficult to take her seriously.  I'm of course referring to the Floria Sigismondi (Katy Perry's "E.T.", the film Runaways)-directed video in which Perry, playing herself as an old woman, reminisces back on an old love (played by Diego Luna) who died tragically years before.  As emotional as the subject matter is, I can't help but be reminded of Marty McFly's mother, played by actress Lea Thompson playing an older version of herself in Back To The Future II. The aging makeup effects were horrendous there as well! If you are able to get past the making up effects, it really is quite a nice video.

As far as the song itself is considered, "The One That Got Away" isn't my favorite Teenage Dream single, but considering we're already six singles in I guess that makes sense.  The song was co-written by Perry, Dr. Luke and Max Martin, the latter two whom also produced the track.  Perry sounds pretty good on the mid-tempo pop ballad, shaking off all of the haters who claim she can't sing a slow song.  While I much prefer Katy Perry doing something up-tempo, it's nice that she can show this sort of versatility.  It's also nice to see that Perry isn't a slave to her record label, releasing singles at their whim. According to a statement from EMI Music/Capitol Records Executive Vice President of Marketing and Promotion, Greg Thompson to Billboard, that the single was released at Perry's behest, because it was different and because she has an ear for catchy top 40 radio hits. I'm not going to disagree there. Katy has had more than her fair share of hit singles.

To date the single has peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart becoming her sixth top 5 single from Teenage Dream and eighth of her career.  The single does have the misfortune of being the first single from Teenage Dream to not go #1, however it is climbing still so there's still a chance at the top spot.  The single already topped Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart and has been doing well elsewhere in the world, peaking at #18 in the UK, and #1 in both Belgium and Poland.

The video for "The One That Got Away" was officially premiered on November 11th on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, followed by a premier on VEVO.com later that afternoon.  An extended version of the video was shown at select advance screenings of the much buzzed about My Week With Marilyn, starring Michelle Williams.  Check it out below and download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE. You can also get a the remix EP featuring mixes by 7th Heaven, Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda, R3hab, Plastic Plates and Tommie Sunshine & Disco Fries HERE.  There's also an obligatory rap remix featuring B.o.B. that you can download right HERE.

Now, as news recently broke over Katy Perry's impending divorce from Russell Brand, I'm wishing her all the best during this no doubt difficult time. Take a break girl. You deserve some time off.

Check out Katy Perry on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Hot Video Alert: Graffiti6 - Free

So...Graffiti6 released a new video. It's not flashy, it's not crazy...it's understated and beautiful.  The Jay Martin-directed video is for the English electropop/rock duo's latest single, "Free" lifted off of their EP of the same name which came out back in October.  Set in a sparsely furnished loft somewhere in download LA, the video features an incredibly sexy Jamie Scott (lead singer) paired up with an attractive female model.  The video is full of stunning imagery and light tricks, in addition to beautiful art work by the band's own resident artist and illustrator Jimi Crayon (see artwork above), who manages to create a kaleidoscopic visual effect all the while keeping the soft pastels, earth tones and light greys present throughout the clip. Simply stunning.  The video complements the weightlessness of the song perfectly, with Scott's beautiful falsetto creeping in like little rays of sunshine through a tattered curtain (imagery from the video).

"Free" went top 15 at AAA radio and was the most added song in it's first week at the format. Pretty impressive!  The song was a staple at such influential radio stations as KLLC and KFOG in San Francisco, KINK in Portland, KBCO in Colorado, KRVB in Boise, WYEP in Pittsburgh, KKXT in Dallas and KUT in Austin. Not only that, but "Free" was the 'Pick of the Week' in USA Today, which praised the song's "melodic bassline and singer Jamie Scott's exquisite falsetto breaks" {SOURCE}.  It was only a matter of time that Graffiti6 got some love here in the States.  After all of the prominent television spots they've had (Grey's Anatomy, Covert Affairs, CSI: NY, One Tree Hill, MTV's Teen Wolf) you'd expect that this would have happened sooner. Oh well, I'll take what I can get and I'm sure the band was beyond thrilled with the write up.  MTV even featured the group in its Freshmen 5, Artist to Watch and Push campaigns.

Just a little refresher, Graffiti6 is made up of singer/songwriter Jamie Scott and songwriter/producer TommyD, both from England.  I've been a fan of Scott's since his first attempt at a solo career as well as his dabbling in singer/songwriter folk/pop as Jamie Scott & The Town.  While I loved the neo-soul stylings of his first album, and digged on the whole folk-pop vibe of The Town, Graffiti6's brand of soul pop/rock is much more up my alley.  Look for the band to get even more attention later this month when they embark on a tour opening for American rock band Augustana starting January 17th in Anaheim, CA.  Graffiti6 will release their debut album Colours, on January 24th via Capitol Records. Check below for tour dates and download the Free EP on U.S. iTunes HERE. Also, check out my review of their Boston concert this past summer.

Tour Dates: 
January 17th//Anaheim, CA//House of Blues
January 18th//Los Angeles, CA//El Rey Theatre
January 19th//San Francisco, CA//Great American Music Hall
January 21st//Seattle, WA//The Crocodile
January 22nd//Portland, OR//Doug Fir Lounge
January 24th//Salt Lake City, UT//Club Sound
January 25th//Denver, CO//Bluebird Theater
January 27th//Minneapolis, MN//Varsity Theater
January 28th//Chicago, IL//Park West
January 30th//Ann Arbor, MI//Blind Pig
January 31st//Boston, MA//Paradise
February 1st//New York, NY//Gramercy Theatre
February 3rd//Philadelphia, PA//Theatre of the Living Arts
February 4th//Washington, DC//9:30 Club
February 6th//Charlotte, NC//Visulite Theatre
February 7th//Atlanta, GA//Vinyl

Check out Graffiti6 on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Mylène Farmer - Du Temps

I can't believe that the last Mylène Farmer single/video I posted about was 2010's brilliant RedOne-produced "Oui...mais non." Clearly I've dropped the ball with regards to this fabulous French dance/pop diva.  "Du Temps" is the most recent single released by the French Madonna and like all of her recent hits, it's uber catchy, despite my not knowing what the hell she's singing about.

Translated into English, "Du Temps" means "Some Time" and was written by Farmer and Laurent Boutonnat.  Taken from her recent compilation album, 2001.2011, "Du Temps" peaked at #8 on the French Singles Chart, breaking her streak of #1s that started back with "Appelle mon numéro" from her album Point de Suture back in 2008.  Farmer's most recent album, 2010's Bleu Noir featured, of course "Oui...mais non" as well as the title track and a vampy little electropop single called "Lonely Lisa," all of which were #1 hits.

In the video, directed by songwriter Laurent Boutonnat, we see some candid behind the scenes footage of the now 50 year old Farmer looking fabulous and elegant as ever with her flaming orange hair and porcelain skin.  The video also features some choreography done on a wet floor Rihanna "Umbrella" style (without the props), backed by six gorgeous male dancers.  While not nearly as catchy as "Ouis...mais non" or "Lonely Lisa," (both of which you have to listen to/watch IMMEDIATELY) "Du Temps" is a nice effort.  I have to say that while it's great to see her putting out current music, fitting in with the worldwide obsession with electropop, Farmer's music was, at one point, somewhat ahead of it's time in terms of production and style.  The past few releases have all been essentially the same, suggesting that perhaps she's hit some sort of a creative plateau? I don't know - regardless of all of that, Mylène Farmer is pure class and elegance. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Unfortunately, "Du Temps" is only available to download on iTunes in Europe and Canada (HERE) but American fans can download some other albums/singles from her extensive discography on U.S. iTunes HERE. Look out for remixes by Tomer G and Mico C.

Check out Mylène Farmer on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Melanie C - Weak

"Weak" is the second official single taken from The Sea, the new album from former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (AKA Melanie C), her first album in four years.  It's a beautiful, stirring pop ballad that really showcases the voice of the Spice Girls.  Despite having to share the spotlight with four other ladies, there's no denying that Sporty was the one with the pipes.  Sure, the others had their moments but as far powerhouse vocals and impressive range goes, Melanie C was it.  "Weak" is a bit bland and one note in the build up, but when it comes time for Chisholm to take it home, boy, does she ever.  The song was co-penned by Chisholm, alongside Ina Wroldsen and Jez Ashurt with Andy Chatterley taking producer credit.

"Weak" is the follow up to the very commercial "Think About It," the first international single taken from Mel C's new record. Single #1 barely made it into the top 100 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at a disappointing #95.  Considering how poorly the first song did, I wonder if anyone had high hopes for "Weak." While the single failed to chart on the mainstream singles chart, it did manage a #29 spot on the UK Indie Singles Chart and #50 on the UK Airplay Chart.

The Sea was released back in September on Chisholm's own indie label, Red Girl Records (UK & US) with Warner Brothers taking on international distribution duties.  The album peaked at #45 on the UK Album Chart.  Not that great if you consider that her first two albums (1999's Northern Star and 2003's Reason) both went top 5 upon their initial 5.  At the same time, it could have been worse. Melanie C's last album, 2007's This Time, became her lowest charting album debuting and peaking at #57.  

Ever since parting ways with Virgin Records, Melanie has struggled to find the chart success she had as a major label artist.  If it's any consolation, a lot of artists experience the same problems going from a major to an indie.  It all comes down to money and budgets and promotion, all of which are shrunk down to very little in an indie environment.  While some artists have more success than others, I think it must be particularly hard for a member of a top selling girl group trying to maintain some kind of a lucrative solo career.  Whatever happens, I hope Melanie C keeps releasing the kind of music she wants to release.  Check out the video below and download "Weak" on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Melanie C on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube