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Music Is My King Size Bed

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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

In Case You Haven't Heard Part II

Promises promises. I know I promised a more POP-focused post following my rock-themed update back on September 9th, but life happened. Apologies.  Now the tunes I wanted to mention here are even more outdated but that's OK.  There are still some quality tunes here worth talkin' about. In this post we cover new stuff from X-Factor winners, Little Mix, UK dreamboat Ben Montague, pop cutie-patootie MIKA, Canadian popstar Esthero, plus a couple more. Enjoy!

Little Mix Wings

How this little JAM slipped by me I'll never understand, especially considering how invested I was in season 8 of the ORIGINAL X-Factor.  Little Mix (formerly known as Rhythmix) are a four-piece girl group comprising members Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirwall and have the distinction of being the FIRST group to ever win it all on The X-Factor.  While they took their sweet-ass time to release any new tunes, first single "Wings" proves that these girls are well worth the wait.



Following the release of the girls' first #1 single, a decent enough POP cover of Damien Rice's tear jerker of a singer/songwriter ballad "Cannonball," they unleashed a proper up-tempo dance/pop tune on Great Britain in the form, of the TMS-produced hit "Wings," which went on to become the girls' second consecutive #1 hit single. You go girls!  The single was released on August 26th, backed by a tight remix package, featuring dance floor makeovers by The Alias and Sunship.  As nice as the remixes were, the song really shines brightest in it's original form.  It's a forceful little stomper of a pop tune, chock-full of plenty of soul and punchy attitude.  

Upon first listen, you could swear Little Mix has been singing together for years, rather than being the prime example of "manufactured" pop, a group made up of four solo singers plucked from the X-Factor reject pile by mentor/judge Tulisa Contostavlos.  The girls prove themselves and THEN some in their first official single, taken from their forthcoming debut album, DNA, which is scheduled to drop November 19th via Syco/will.i.am.   Here's hoping they do well enough in their native land to warrant a trip over here to the States.  If Cher Lloyd could do it successfully, I see no reason why these girls can't!

Download "Wings" on UK iTunes and check out the colorful and fun video ABOVE.

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Hot Video Alert: Agnes - Don't Go Breaking My Heart


Agnes Carlsson could very well be my SECOND favorite Swedish pop singer, next to the lovely Robyn, of course.  All the way back in September, the beautiful 23 year old former winner of 2005's Swedish Idol released a new dance-pop single called confusingly titled "Don't Go Breaking My Heart."  When I first heard the title, I obviously thought of a song by Elton John and Kiki Dee but didn't see any other vocalists featured on the album artwork. Come to find out, Agnes' "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" isn't a cover at all. It's a brand spankin' new song co-written by Carlsson herself, with help from The Nervo Twins, Vincent Pontare (Agnes' boyfriend!) and Magnus Lidehäll, the latter two of whom produced the synthy pop smash.  While not NEARLY as catchy as her international breakout single, "Release Me" or it's successor, "I Need You Now," "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is certainly worthy of accolades if you ask me, as well as chart success.  Unfortunately for Agnes, the song was lacking in the chart department.

"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" became the first Agnes single to ever not chart in the top 60 on the Sverigetopplistan (AKA Swedish Single Chart). Astonishing, considering it followed the same basic pop formula as her previous hit singles.  Perhaps that had something to do with it? Was the new song TOO similar to past favorites?  Despite missing the singles chart altogether, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" did manage to enter the Swedish Download chart at #3 and at #4 on the Svensktoppen (AKA Swedish Airplay Chart).  Reportedly the first single lifted off Agnes' forthcoming fourth studio album, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" has been remixed to perfection by Niclas Kings, and Fredda L & Daif, which should have set things in motion for club chart success.  Here in the States, Agnes' debut American single, "Release Me" topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, so we know she has it in her.  I just hope that the poor chart performance of the song doesn't derail Agnes' plans to release a new album, which is still tentatively scheduled to come out sometime in 2012.

Check out the super sexy video for "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" below, directed by Mikeadelica and download the single on Swedish iTunes HERE.  Oh, and listen to the Niclas Kings remix HERE if you're feeling dancey.


Check Out Agnes on the web:

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Sunday, November 8, 2009

Hot Music Video Alert: Agnes - I Need You Now

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Hot Music Video Alert: Agnes - Release Me (New Official Video)

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Hot Music Video Alert: Agnes Carlsson - On and On

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Saturday, September 26, 2009

Massive Album Art Update - Part 2

This is a huge album artwork. So huge in fact that I couldn't put in all of the labels that I normally would have - one for each artist. Oh well! A majority of these covers came from Coverlandia. Enjoy!


Janet Jackson
"Make Me" is the new song from Janet Jackson and has been called a tribute to her brother Michael's single "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and will be part of her second compilation album, the double disc, 30-track Number Ones which is due for a release on November 17th. I enjoy Janet Jackson and am excited about the new single. I wish her nothing but success. Girl definitely needs it, as her last two albums have not done well in the charts.

Gossip

To be honest, I haven't really gotten into the new Gossip CD. Maybe that's because it hasn't been officially released in CD format here in the states. It came out on iTunes here in June but that's not enough for me. The only time I buy digital CDs is when there's an "exclusive" remix included...and then I go purchase the album version as well. Well...it's finally coming out here in the states on October 6th and will include a new track, "The Breakdown." Gossip is coming to Boston on Sunday October 11th and I'd love to see them. I just need to find someone to go with. "Love Long Distance" is the new single out in the UK and you can watch the video HERE.



Agnes Carlsson

This is the second UK single from Swedish pop star Agnes Carlsson. A follow up to "Release Me," "I Need You Now" was written by Anders Hansson and Sharon Vaughn and has been remixed for the clubs by Cahill, Almighty, Grant Nelson, Ali Payama, Kindervater and Alex K. Sounds hot! The single will be out November 16th digitally, followed by the physical CD release. Nice lineup here for the remixes. Sounds good! Check out the UK radio edit HERE.


Alexandra BurkeAlexandra Burke


Here's the official album and single artwork for the debut Alexandra Burke single. I'm only disappointed because she's wearing practically the same outfit that she's wearing in both the promotional photos released prior to the single. I do like the whole silver thing she's got going on but I was just hoping for a little something extra. Oh well. The song is still fun, as is the video. I'm also enjoying the Moto Blanco remixes of the track and hope that the label releases some more.


Alicia Keys

"Doesn't Mean Anything" is the new single from R&B singer, Alicia Keys. I have to admit that it's pretty damn good. I have to agree with ArjanWrites when he calls it "her poppiest work to date." Check out the single HERE and let me know if you like it. Buy it on iTunes HERE. As far as the artwork goes - it's nice. While I prefer artwork with a photo of the artits, this is quite...pretty? Anyway - good stuff here.


Amerie

In Love & War: The Prelude is the album sampler preceding the upcoming 4th studio album from R&B singer Amerie. The sampler contains six tracks (some full tracks, some snippets). Not bad...Amerie looks hot and the artwork is really cool and different. I haven't really liked an Amerie song since "1 Thing" and "Talkin' To Me" but I'm willing to give her another chance. Hopefully this long-delayed album will be a smash for her. She's got talent - that's not even a question. The album drops on November 2nd in the UK and on November 3rd in the U.S.


Barbara Streisand

YAWN. Don't get me wrong, like any good gay I enjoy Barbara Streisand. Love Is The Answer, her new album of jazz standards (out September 29th) just sounds like a snooze to me. Perhaps if we see some remixes here I might get into it but otherwise, I'm going to have to pass. Apparently, the album was recently promoted on QVC, including a special edition DVD. Funny - QVC definitely seems like the best way to reach her target audience these days. Anyone out there excited for new Barbara?


Flo-Rida

"Be On You" is the official 4th single off of the Flo-Rida album R.O.O.T.S. Produced by hitmakers, Stargate this new single continues in the tradition of hot collaborations that make up the entire album - this time, it's R&B stud Ne-Yo. The single will be released on October 6th. I've liked nearly every other single off of R.O.O.T.S. so I'm sure this one will be no different. Looking forward to any potential remixes as well. Should be hot.


Cascada

"Fever" is the second official single off of the new Cascada album, Evacuate The Dancefloor. The single is coming out in Germany on October 2nd. I like this cover - Natalie Horler looks GOOD. She also looks HOT in the video, which you can check out HERE. Remixes come to us from Ryan Thistlebeck, Ian Carey, D.O.N.S and Mowgli/Bagheera.


Cheryl ColeCheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole (formerly Tweedy) is a member of top selling UK girl group, Girls Aloud, judge on Britain's X-Factor as well as a budding solo artist. Her first single as a solo artist is "Fight For This Love" and it's got JAM written all over it. Written by Steve Kipner, Andre Merritt and Wayne Wilkins, it's due to be released in the UK on October 19th. Off of her upcoming album on Fascination Records, Three Words (out October 26th). I'm really feeling the music video which features Cheryl singing and dancing her way into the spotlight. I hope and pray that this doesn't lead to ALL of the Girls Aloud members to release solo albums causing the group to split. That would be a sad day. Anyway, I'm loving this album and single artwork. Cheryl looks stunning. The script is a little hard to read, but other than that it's quite nice. Check out the video HERE.


Carrie Underwood

"Cowboy Casanova" is the lead single off of country singer and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood's third album, Play On (out November 3rd). I've said before that I don't much care for country music, but I make an exception when it comes to Carrie Underwood. She's beautiful, she's talented and I think she has MASSIVE pop crossover potential. That being said, I don't think she should pull a Leann Rimes and switch genres. She should stick to her guns and keep on making country records. "Cowboy Casanova" is not pop music by any means, but it's certainly crossing over into pop territory a teeny tiny bit. It's got all of the necessary country TWANG without being TOO much. Well done Ms. Underwood. Well done. Check out the song HERE. The single is out in the U.S. now and comes out in the UK on September 27th.


David Archuleta

AWKWARD! David Archuleta looks like a deer caught in the headlights. It looks like Archie has been watching a little too much Tyra and smiling with his eyes. Yikes. He looks awful here - pale, scared out of his wits and frankly, just creepy. Anyway, this is Archuleta's second studio album - Christmas From The Heart, out October 13th.


Dragonette

Fixin' To Thrill is the second full-length studio album from Canadian electro outfit, Dragonette. The band features the talents of singer/songwriter Martina Sorbara, bassist/producer Dan Kurtz, guitarist Chris Hugget and drummer Joel Stouffer. The first single is the title track, available now on iTunes with remixes from Don Diablo. I am loving the creativity here on this cover. WOW. So cool! It's like a creepy, cool collage of some kind. The album is out on September 29th.



Esmee Denters

"Admit It" is the second official single from Justin Timberlake protege, Esmée Denters. Off of her debut album, Outta Here (out January 11th in the UK) "Admit It" is the follow up to her 1st single, "Outta Here" and was written by Denters herself and was produced by Justin Timberlake and Toby Gad. The video was released on September 3rd. The single is out in the UK on December 28th. Check out the video HERE.


Guy Sebastian

Like It Like That is the fifth album from Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian. Due to be released on October 23rd it's preceded by the album's title track and first single which came out August 7th in Australia. Debuting at number 6 on the ARIA singles chart, it finally hit #1 and becomes Sebastian's 4th #1 single down under. Sebastian still has plans to come back to America and release an album here. Hopefully this is the case, as we're always looking for young, fresh talent and Sebastian's blend of R&B, Soul and Jazz would be a welcome, refreshing change. On the album cover...Sebastian looks totally bad ass. I love it.


Jada

"Break Up Song" is the second single (and title of their forthcoming album) from the Boston-based girl group Jada, currently signed to Universal/Motown Records. I have to say that I quite enjoyed their debut single, "American Cowboy" (which was featured on an episode of the hit TV show House) and the fact that they are from Boston is kind of cool, given that's where I live. The girls call the song chill and mid-tempo. Hmm. "American Cowboy" was up-tempo and fun. I hope this new single is a worthy follow up.


Jamie Cullum

The Pursuit is the title of the new album by English jazz crooner Jamie Cullum. Released on November 10th, this will be Cullum's 5th album. Produced by Greg Wells (Katy Perry, OneRepublic and Deftones) and preceded by first single "I'm All Over It," this could be a cool album. I enjoyed Cullum's third album, Twentysomething but could not find a memorable track on the follow up, Catching Tales. These producers have me thinking that Cullum has something going on here with the new record and I'm hoping that I'm right.



Jason Mraz

This is the new live album/DVD from American singer/songwriter Jason Mraz. Recorded in Chicago, the album officially comes out on November 10th but can be pre-ordered on Jason's official website now. If you pre-order the album now on Jason Mraz's official store you'll receive the record before it's in stores (on or around October 27th). Pretty exciting if you're a die hard Jason Mraz fan. Fun and whimsical - I love this cover - just like I love Mraz and his easy-breezy vocal style.


Jesse McCartney


"Body Language" is the new single from actor/singer Jesse McCartney. Man - I can't believe that they are still milking this record for singles. It came out in May of 2008 originally, followed by a re-release in April of 2009. "Body Language" was one of the new tracks included on the re-release version of Departure, Depature: Recharged and features a guest appearence from T-Pain. Yes, Jesse McCartney is a cougar-magnet. That being said, I'd rather not see some sexy, scantily-clad silhouette on the sleeve artwork. Put a photo of the guy on the single artwork. He's too good looking to be ignored. Listen to the single HERE. Buy the single HERE.


JLSJLS

JLS (Jack the Lad Swing) are a British boyband who made their first appearence in Britain's X-Factor Season 5, where they came in 2nd to winner Alexandra Burke. Signing to Epic Records, JLS released their debut single, "Beat Again" in the UK this past summer where it went to #1. Follow up single "Everybody In Love" will be released on November 2nd. Produced by hitmaker J.R. Rotem, the single will precede their debut self-titled album, out November 9th.


Kate Ryan

Belgian pop star Kate Ryan offered me my first taste of europop/dance music back in 2002 when I saw the music video for her fifth single "Libertine," off of the re-release of her debut album Different. French Connection has been billed as a French concept album and is due for release in Canada and France on October 13th and October 23rd respectively. The first single, "Babacar" was released in June and was a cover of France Gall's 1987 song of the same name. In looking at the tracklisting, French Connection appears to feature all French-language tracks - both new and old. I don't know if that's much of a new concept. What does excite me is that included on the album are TWO versions of both "Libertine" and "Desenchantée." The album artwork is a little cheesy with the French flag, but whatever. She looks good. I'm ready to dance.



Kris Allen is just so damn cute that you can't help but crush on him. That being said, Allison Iraheta was my favorite contestant from the last season of American Idol - hands down! I always prefer a female singer to a male singer. I don't know what it is, but girls just tend to have crazy range and better style. Sure, these are both generalizations. Honestly, I'm happy that everyone in the Top 3 received major label contracts. In listening to the lead single off of Allen's debut album, "Live Like We're Dying" and learning that it's actually a cover of a b-side by The Script, I'm left pleasantly surprised. It definitely sounds like a Script song if you ask me, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This single is actually giving me hope for Kris Allen's as yet untitled debut album. The single was released on iTunes on September 25th.


Miranda Lambert

No offense to country music as an institution, but it never used to be this sexy. Female country singers today are sexin' it up to sell records and I don't know - I think it's probably working. Miranda Lambert first gained attention as a finalist on the 2003 season of Nashville Star where she came in 3rd. Signed to Epic Records/Columbia Records, Lambert is getting set to release her third album, Revolution on September 29th. Included on the album are singles "Dead Flowers" and "White Liar" along with 13 other songs. You gotta give props to an artist that writes her own stuff and Lambert co-wrote all but 3 of these tracks. Serving as co-writers on this album are boyfriend Blake Shelton, Ashley Monroe, Charles Kelley and David Haywood of Lady Antebellum.


Omarion

"I Get In" is the new single from former B2K member Omarion. "I Get In" originally leaked this past summer when it featured an appearance by Lil Wayne. After the leak, Omarion asked to be released from Lil Wayne's Young Money Records and has since re-recorded the song with an appearance by Gucci Mane. It recently was announced that Omarion has left SonyBMG and signed on with EMI. His third solo album is called Ollusion and is due to be released November 24th. This single cover has BALLER written all over it. Hot. Looking forward to this.


Joss Stone

This appears to be the official artwork for the new Joss Stone album, Colour Me Free, which I mentioned in my last album artwork update. I LOVE this artwork and hope it's for real. Color by number activities were always my favorite sort of coloring book when I was younger. This artwork is fun and creative and I can't wait to hear what the final product sounds like. It's due out on October 20th and preceded by first single "Free Me." Just a side note - that artwork that I showed in my last update wasn't official, in fact it says "Coverlandia" right there on the cover. Oops! Oversight on my part.


Sliimy

French artiste Sliimy (Yanis Sahraoui) released his debut album Paint Your Face on September 8th. First single "Wake Up" features an impressive line up of remixes from the likes of Eddie Amador, Digital Dog, Ian Neiman, Soul Seekerz, and Buzz Junkies. With a sound that's been compared to Prince and a look that's very similar to MIKA, Sliimy is an interesting character for sure. Signed to Perez Hilton's label Perezcious Music Sliimy's "music will make a lot of people smile," according to Hilton. The artist is currently part of Hilton's first ever concert tour performing in cities across the country. I love this album art - colorful and fun. It reminds me of Lily Allen's artwork for Alright, Still. Purchase his album now and purchase the remix EP for "Wake Up" on September 29th.


Sugababes

Wow. Island Records wasted no time in snapping up some cover art with the new Sugababes. Looks like the girls were snapped right there on the set of their new music video for "Get Sexy" follow up single "About A Girl." The girls do look a little trashy here but as I said before, I'm not going to discount the group quite yet. I'm going to wait until I hear what the new lineup sounds like together before I pass judgment. I've said before that I think Jade Ewen is a talented singer and I think that she should be given a shot. The album, Sweet 7 is still due to be released on November 23rd and will be preceded that same month by second single, "About A Girl."


The Killers

The Killers are releasing a new live album on November 9th in the UK and on November 10th in the U.S. Live From the Royal Albert Hall was recorded in London this past July and features a DVD as well as CD, including footage from festival dates that the band headlined over the summer. The album features tracks from Hot Fuss, Sam's Town, Sawdust and Day & Age. Once again, I absolutely love the whole mosaic style that started with the whole Day & Age album era. I'm pleased to see it still going on with this live album.


The Saturdays

The Saturdays are fast becoming one of my favorite of the imports out of the UK. While I like the title Wordshaker better than Colonial Masses, I'm still left with a big question mark in my mind...WTF is a "wordshaker?" As for the album artwork...I like it for the most part. What I'm NOT crazy about is the font color. Pale yellow does NOT pop against the beige background. They designer would have been wiser to choose a black font and it looks like I Popjustice agrees with me. The first single "Forever Is Over" will be released on October 5th, followed by the album on October 12th.


Glee Soundtrack

Add this album to my list of must haves this fall. Wow! I am in love with Glee. It's a quirky, cute, cheesy, fun TV show on Fox and it's all about a high school glee club. Featuring fun musical numbers and a terrifically talented cast of young people, I was thrilled when they announced that there would be a series of soundtracks released, starting with The Music, Volume 1. Due out on November 3rd, The Music Volume 1 includes 17 tracks including "Don't Stop Believing" (Journey), "Take A Bow" (Rihanna), "Alone" (Heart), "No Air" (Jordin Sparks), "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (The Supremes), "Sweet Caroline" (Neil Diamond) and "Defying Gravity" (from Wicked) and more. Cannot wait for this! Check out the singles available now on iTunes.


Will Young Will Young

At the age of 30 (WOW), Will Young has come a long way since Pop Idol. Ready to release his first Greatest Hits album on November 16th, The Hits features 12 tracks from Young's first four albums - From Now On, Friday's Child, Keep On, and Let It Go. The album also features 2 bonus tracks, one of which - "Hopes & Fears" will serve as the first single, out on November 8th. The album will come in a standard as well as a deluxe edition, the latter which will include a bonus DVD full of videos. While I'd rather have a new album - especially since his new album is going to be dance/pop, working with Superbass, Groove Armada and Gregg Alexander - I think Young has a lot to be proud of with his career. I've always had a bit of a crush on Will and I think he looks great on both covers.

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Massive Album Art Update!

BIG FAT album artwork right now. Some good...some questionable...oh and per usual, most of it is comes from Coverlandia.

Peter Andre - RevelationPeter Andre - Behind Closed DoorsOh Peter Andre. You're so God-damn cute! Following him on Twitter, I'm struck by how loving he is. He loves those kids of his and its just so damn precious. With all of the drama going on in his life right now I wish him all the best. That being said...the album cover l0oks very classy...EXCEPT FOR the red vertical font down the left-hand side. Also not sure about the white on white font for his name. I still haven't had the chance to listen to his new single. Any thoughts? The album is out September 14 in the UK. I've included the single artwork for "Behind Closed Doors," which I enjoy quite a bit more than the album artwork.

Michelle Branch - Everything Comes & GoesAs I've said before, I'm excited about the new Michelle Branch solo record...despite the fact that I know it's going to be more country than I might like. The album artwork is nice...great picture of Michelle. The font is a bet messy if you ask me, but I guess it's supposed to look that way. Her album will be out later this year. First single, "Sooner Or Later," is out now.

Heidi MontagHeidi MontagUGH. Don't get me started here. I'm just going to pretend that Spencer Pratt doesn't exist right now. Let's start with the positive, shall we? Heidi Montag looks absolutely FABULOUS in both of the covers. No wonder she's Playboy's most recent cover model. Musically-speaking I could give two shits about her. The Ralphi Rosario mixes of "More Is More" made her tolerable to listen to, but nothing else I've heard makes me excited to hear more. Perhaps I need to give the new FINAL version of "Body Language" a chance. I'm willing to give the album a shot, especially upon hearing that she hired Cathy Dennis to help her with this record. "Body Language" is available on iTunes now...the album is out next month.

V.V. Brown - Game OverV.V. Brown is ready for her close up! Straying away from the white background shots used for her past three singles, V.V. gets up close and personal with the artwork for "Game Over." I like it! V.V. Brown puts her former career as a model to good use, doing some fierce posing for the camera. The UK flag in the background is a nice touch as well. The single is out September 21st. Remixes by Dave Spoon, Superbass and Chris Kaeser.

Cascada - Evacuate The Dancefloor RemixesI love Cascada...a TOTAL guilty pleasure. I also love "Evacuate The Dancefloor"... this single is essentially uses the same formula that has made Cascada popular in the past...thumping dance beats and catchy hooks. This track has a little bit of an "urban twist." The cover for this remix EP features the band's frontwoman, Natalie Horler, looking hot per usual. Remixes are by Cahill, Wideboys, Ultrabeat, Chriss Ortega, Rob Mayth and more! Which mix is your favorite?

Melanie Fiona - It Kills Me"It Kills Me" serves as the second single off of R&B singer Melanie Fiona's album The Bridge. So far the album appears to be under-performing in Europe and Canada. Its highest peak position was in Canada, where it reached #25. I enjoy first single, "Give It To Me Right,"and the Paul Emmanuel remix is pretty hot. The Toronto-born singer worked with Future Cut & Salaam Remi among others on her debut album and even opened for Kanye West in Europe. The Bridge comes out September 22nd in the U.S.

Nelly Furtado - Manos Al Aire RemixI have to agree with friends here...Tiësto's remix of the new Nelly Furtado track "Manos Al Aire" is unimpressive. I much prefer the Robbie Rivera remixes. The Tiësto remix is available on iTunes now and includes the artwork above.

Jonas Brothers - Fly With MeHoly SMOLDERING EYES Joe Jonas. Wow. While the boys all look good on the cover of their second single off of Lines, Vines and Trying Times, Joe Jonas takes the cake. Apparently the song was featured in the sequel to Night At The Museum, written by the boys and their bassist. "Fly With Me" peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at an unimpressive 83. I'm not a huge fan of the boys, with the exception of their dance remixes. Speaking of..."Paranoid" has made it onto the Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart...inching it's way into the Top 20.

Jason Castro - Let's Just Fall In Love AgainI posted about Jason Castro's forthcoming major-label debut back in April...and now here we have a look at the first single's artwork. Signed to Atlantic Records, "Let's Just Fall In Love Again" is set to be Jason's first single, released to radio next month. Jason is growing on me, although he looks like the Vampire Lestat here on the cover. Those piercing blue eyes and pale skin...plus the dreads...PLUS his expression...totally screams VAMPIRE. Perhaps his label is banking on the whole vampire craze?

Amerie - Heard Em All"Heard 'Em All" is the follow up single to "Why R U?"from Amerie's forthcoming album In Love & War. The album is due out November 3rd, while the new single drops digitally August 25th. I've loved Amerie since I first heard "Talkin' To Me" back in 2003. I also loved some tracks off of Touch ("1 Thing," "Touch") and a track or two off of her last Sony BMG album, Because I Love It ("Gotta Work"). I'm not a die hard fan, but I do think she's super-talented and super-beautiful. My only wish - more dance remixes!

Agnes - Release Me I was pleasantly surprised to see that Agnes Carlsson (otherwise known as Agnes) was releasing her pop single "Release Me" here in the U.S., complete with this new album artwork (it's out now on iTunes). The winner of the second season of Swedish Idol back in 2005, Agnes has had considerable success in her home country and looks to be attempting success internationally now. Agnes released her third album, Dance Love Pop, her first album on independent label Roxy Recordings (whom she joined with after leaving Sony BMG).

First single "On & On" peaked at #8 on the Swedish singles chart...follow up single "Release Me" peaked at #9 in Sweden. It went on to hit #3 in the UK! Impressive! The second single is serving as Agnes' debut international single. Her album will be released in the UK in September on 3BeatBlue/AATW, Warner in Australia and Geffen in the U.S. I love "Release Me" and some of the other stuff I've heard from her album. I'm definitely excited to see how she does stateside. Check out remixes by Cahill, Moto Blanco, and others. Proofpositive once again that good things come out of Sweden.

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