Adele Maintains Position Atop the Official UK Singles & Albums Charts

For the second week in a row, Adele's beautiful ballad "Someone Like You" remains in the top spot.  Co-penned by Adele and Dan Wilson (who also served as producer) the single started gaining traction a couple of weeks ago after a poignant performance at the BRIT Awards.  So far the single has peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #35 on the Canadian Hot 100.  Check out a magnificent live performance of the song taken from VH1 Unplugged: Adele HERE.  While "Someone Like You" was released as the official single in the UK, elsewhere in Europe, the equally brilliant Fraser T. Smith-produced "Set Fire To The Rain" was released as the official second single.  Below, listen to this brilliant dance remix of "Someone Like You" by The Thin Red Men.

Elsewhere on the singles chart, Jessie J and Rihanna maintain their #2 spots where as Adele drops back to #5 leaving room for Lady Gaga to rise to #4.  Both Chipmunk and Alexis Jordan sink one spot to #6 and #7  respectively.  Singer/songwriter Jessie J, who's album was released this past week must be pleased to see her debut single "Do It Like A Dude" reenter the Top Ten.  As far as new chart entries this week, there aren't too many worth mentioning with the exception of the new Foo Fighters single (#22), and two Jessie J album tracks - "Who You Are" & "Nobody's Perfect" (#40, #81).  Disappointing chart performances include new entries from Alesha Dixon, who's new single, "Every Little Part Of Me" featuring Jay Sean, enters the chart at a measly #78.  Promising beginnings for Britney Spears' who's new single "Till The World Ends" enters at #55 after only being released last Friday and The Black Eyed Peas new single, which was officially released only yesterday in the UK enters the chart at #89.  New singles out this week include "That's The Truth" from McFly, "Mirrors" by Natalia Kills, Olly Murs' "Heart On My Sleeve," Willow Smith's second single, and Tinie Tempah's "Wonderman," featuring Ellie Goulding.  What will happen next week? Do any of these new entries have what it takes to dethrone Adele? We'll have to wait and see I suppose.

Official UK Singles Top 10//March 12, 2011

1. Adele//Someone Like You

2. Jessie J feat. B.o.B.//Price Tag

3. Rihanna//S&M

4. Lady Gaga//Born This Way

5. Adele//Rolling In The Deep

6. Chipmunk feat. Chris Brown//Champion

7. Alexis Jordan//Good Girl

8. Chris Brown//Yeah 3X

9. Bruno Mars//Grenade

10. Jessie J//Do It Like A Dude

[SEE THE FULL TOP 100 HERE]

On the album chart front, Adele also maintains her #1 position for the sixth consecutive week.  This is BEYOND impressive.  What's even more impressive is how well the album's been doing in America, debuting in the #1 spot and selling over 350,000 copies, becoming the highest debut yet of 2011.  Coming in strong at #2 is Jessie J's debut album, Who You Are, which was bumped up by nearly an entire month, all for the best it turns out.  English rock band Beady Eye (made up of former members of Oasis, including Liam Gallagher) debuts at #3 on the UK Albums Chart, while Clare Maguire's Light After Dark makes an impressive entrance at #7 following the #23 debut of her second single, "The Last Dance."  The final new entry in this week's Top Ten, Alexis Jordan, who's self titled debut was released last week slides into the #9 slot, following the #6 debut of her second single "Good Girl" last week.

Other new chart entries this week come from Lykki Li, who's sophomore set Wounded Rhymes enters the chart at #37 (a vast improvement from the #112 debut of 2008's Youth Novels) and Far East Movement, who's debut album Free Wired debuts at #63.  U.S. acapella group Straight No Chaser also enters the chart this week with their latest album, With A Twist, coming in at #91 on the UK Albums Chart.  New albums out this week which should chart next Sunday include Avril Lavigne's Goodbye Lullaby as well as new releases from Lupe Fiasco, Marianne Faithfull, Noah & The Whale and Slash.


Official UK Albums Top 10//March 12, 2011

1. Adele//21

2. Jessie J//Who You Are

3. Beady Eye//Different Gear, Still Speeding

4. Adele//19

5. Rihanna//Loud

6. Bruno Mars//Doo-Wops & Hooligans

7. Clare Maguire//Light After Dark

8. Mumford & Sons//Sigh No More

9. Alexis Jordan//Alexis Jordan

10. Cee-Loo Green//The Lady Killer

[SEE THE FULL TOP 100 HERE]

Hot Video Alert: Alesha Dixon feat. Jay Sean - Every Little Part Of Me

"Every Little Part Of Me" might very well be the best song off of Alesha Dixon's new album, The Entertainer. Produced by Slick & Magic and written by Michael Hannides, Anthony Hannides, Alan Sampson and Jay Sean, this up-tempo electro-pop/R&B single is as catchy as anything out right now by Taio Cruz. Jay Sean is the perfect addition to an already near perfect slice of pop heaven and Dixon is a vision in the clip (BELOW).

The Entertainer was released in November on Asylum/Atlantic Records, where it peaked at #84. The song fared slightly better on the UK R&B charts where it was a Top 20 hit, peaking at #16. I have to say that Dixon's plans for U.S. domination aren't looking too good right now. While lead single, "Drummer Boy" did alright, debuting at #15 on the UK Singles chart, follow up single "Radio" was a disappointment, coming in at #46. Here's hoping "Every Little Part Of Me" improves upon it's predecssor when it's released on February 27th. Backed by remixes from Steve Smart & WestFunk, Culture Shock, Mike Deliquent Project and Self Taught Beats, it looks like Dixon is hoping for a club hit at the very least. Check out two of the mixes HERE and HERE.

Check out Alesha on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Alesha Dixon - Radio

Former Mis-Teeq member Alesha Dixon is back with the second single off her forthcoming third studio album, The Entertainer, called "Radio." "Radio" is going to be released in the UK on November 28th, followed the next day by the album's release.  The single will be backed with remixes by 7th Heaven (listen HERE), True Tiger (listen HERE), Mutated Forms (listen HERE) and a new pop edit featuring Wiley on a guest verse (listen HERE). BRILLIANT!  The single is a decent enough electro-pop-ballad, "Radio" really allows Dixon to showcase her pipes (which honestly, I didn't really know she had). Sure, she's released ballads before but I guess I just paid them no mind. This song isn't anything new but paired up with a dark video about domestic abuse, you've got yourself something interesting...provocative even. As a follow up to the rather cluttered hot mess that was "Drummer Boy" (emphasis on the "HOT"...not the "MESS" - I DID like the song eventually) "Radio" is a pleasant treat for the ears. Pretty song. Well done, Alesha.

Check out Alesha on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Alesha Dixon - Drummer Boy (Live on Tonight's The Night)

Mis-Teeq's Alesha Dixon continues to impress me as promotion for her new single, "Drummer Boy" gets underway.  The single which started out as a cluttered, noisy mess of percussion and shouting has turned into pop magic before my very ears. I honestly don't know what happened.  Perhaps I've beaten myself over the head enough times?  Whatever the reason is, I now find myself shimmying and shaking along screaming out the lyrics. Not a pretty sight.  TRUST ME.

In her first (?) televised performance of new Shama "Sham" Joseph-produced single Dixon is full of energy and impressive Drumline-inspired choreography.  The 2007 Strictly Come Dancing winner (the UK version of Dancing With The Stars) showed her dancing chops, appearing on the BBC's Tonight's The Night, hosted by actor/singer John Barrowman.  The show, which helps make audience members' wishes come true, welcomed Dixon who not only performed her new single but performed with a young audience member, singing a duet of The Zutons' "Valerie." How nice of her.  While THIS rendition definitely pales in comparison to the Amy Winehouse version (not to mention The Zutons' version), Dixon does fine, as does Lauren Simister, Dixon's young duet partner.

"Drummer Boy" is due out on September 6th featuring remixes by Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP, Benny Benassi, Crazy Cousinz, Swindle and MoDrums.  Check out the performance below!

Check out Alesha on the web:

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

Benny Benassi, Yolanda Be Cool + DCup Remix New Alesha Dixon Single

Alesha Dixon's new single isn't out until September 5th but we already have the official tracklisting for the digital EP and SURPRISE SURPRISE we have some REMIXES!  UK fans can pre-order "Drummer Boy" now on iTunes.  The downloadable EP includes the single version + five remixes + the music video.

Tracklisting:

1. Drummer Boy
2. Drummer Boy (Yolanda Be Cool + DCup Remix)
3. Drummer Boy (Benny Benassi Remix)
4. Drummer Boy (Crazy Cousinz Remix)
5. Drummer Boy (Swindle Remix)
6. Drummer Boy (MoDrums Remix)
7. Drummer Boy (Video)

There's also a UK promo coming out with the radio mix, the Benassi mix and a new mix by Chico Secci.  Now, I know I went into detail about my thoughts on this song in my last blog post, but you learn something new EVERY DAY. Did you know that "Drummer Boy" features drum samples from the Dallas Austin-produced 2002 film Drumline? Neither did I! The song was written by Akon's latest find Shamrock and lyricist Nate Walka (Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, M.I.A.).  Sounds like Dixon is really turning up the heat with The Entertainer.  At the rate "Drummer Boy" is growing on me, I'll be a full blown Alesha Dixon fan again in no time! The Entertainer is due out November 24th via Asylum Records.

Check out Alesha on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Alesha - Drummer Boy

Oh man, oh man. I DO NOT want to like this but I'm afraid I have to agree with Popjustice here when they call the new Alesha Dixon (AKA 'Alesha') single "a bit of a grower."  The first single off of her forthcoming third studio album The Entertainer (due out in November), "Drummer Boy" will be released in the UK September 6th.  At first listen, the Shama Joseph-produced song is nothing more than a lot of shouting but the more you listen to the song, especially when accompanied by the mesmerizing Ray Kay-directed music video, the more you like it.  Alesha was never the one with the greatest voice but that didn't stop her from forging ahead with her solo career. More power to her. She's got energy for days and she's an absolute stunner.

If you haven't heard of Alesha Dixon, you may remember British R&B girl group Mis-Teeq (Dixon, Sabrina Washington, Su-Elise Nash) who had one modest hit in America with "Scandalous" back in 2004.  While the song only managed to peak at #35 in the U.S. it was a Top 2 hit in the UK. After the group broke up in 2005 Alesha Dixon was the first of the girls to try for solo success.  First single, "Lipstick" peaked at #14 on the UK singles charts but follow up single, "Knock Down" only managed to hit #45, resulting in her label, Polydor scrapping her album's UK release.  The album was later released in Japan.  After parting ways with Polydor, Dixon signed with Asylum Records (in association with Warner Music Group) and released The Alesha Show, which peaked at #11 and spawned two Top 5 hits ("The Boy Does Nothing" and "Breathe Slow").  Dixon also saw success on UK television where she won the UK version of Dancing With The Stars called Strictly Come Dancing, later returning as a judge.

Dixon's new album The Entertainer, pairs her up with Jim Beanz, Xenomania, Buzbee and Soulshock & Karlin.  Collaborations with Rodney Jerkins and Gary Barlow are also rumored to be in the works.  As if UK chart domination isn't all Alesha has to worry about, it appears that she's planning to try her luck in America as well, at least according to producer Jim Beanz.  "We’re going to build some up-tempo dance songs to take the UK and the US by storm" (via The Daily Star).  Watch the action-packed video for "Drummer Boy" below.

Check out Alesha on the web:

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

Rihanna & Jay Sean Celebrate Cash Money Records in London

Rihanna & Jay Sean

U.S. hip-hop label Cash Money Records partied it up across the pond on November 27th, hosting a lavish party at The Royal Exchange in London. Nearly 500 people attended this exclusive event, including Rihanna, Jay Sean, Birdman, Ice T, JLS, Alexandra Burke, Alesha Dixon, Jamelia, Craig David, The Saturdays and many more. The who's who crowd of music industry talent was celebrating Cash Money Record's first ever party outside of the States.

Birdman, Alexandra Burke & Jay Sean

Cristal was flowing all night long (9:00 PM - 3:00 AM) thanks to Cash Money co-founders Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams. The bash reportedly cost a whopping $170,000 and everyone in attendance certainly dressed for a show. Birdman, Slim and Jay Sean (the most successful male UK R&B artist in US chart history) all arrived in matching Rolls Royce Phantoms. HOT!

Birdman, Alesha Dixon & Jay Sean

Jay Sean played a special live performance of his number one single, "Down" as a thank you for the UK's support of Cash Money Records. This sounds like one HOT party.

The Saturdays & JLS

Hot Music Video Alert: Alesha Dixon - To Love Again

Massive Album Artwork Update - Part I

I know that some might view a blog post full of album art as a cop out. Trust me...these album artwork updates aren't cop outs. Those who say that have never tried formatting a blog post in Blogger. It's suck a process! Blogger can be so finicky sometimes. It drives me INSANE. I actually spend longer on these Album Artwork posts than I do writing some of my other posts. Anyway, lots of new artwork to catch up on so here we go with part #1.

While not the lead single off of Adam Lambert's major label debut (due out by year's end), "Time For Miracles" is the lead single off of the 2012 movie soundtrack. Produced by Rob Cavallo (Paramore, Green Day, Avril Lavigne), the track has already been tauted a potential "power-ballad smash" by Entertainment Weekly's Michael Slezak. 2012 is the new big budget disaster pic from director Roland Emmerich, due out November 13th. The single will be released on October 20th. I'm definitely looking forward to some new material from Adam Lambert.

Former Mis-Teeq member and solo artist, Alesha Dixon is re-releasing her second album, The Alesha Show - dubbing this one The Encore. Lead single off of the reboot is the John Shanks-produced/Gary Barlow-written ballad, "To Love Again." Not too crazy about the song to be honest. I think Dixon has a perfectly adequate voice, but I much prefer her on an up-tempo track. I don't know if this song is going to be enough to make the album jump up the charts, but who knows. There are 2 other new tracks on the album (including one co-written by Paloma Faith and one produced by Xenomania), out in the UK November 23rd. The single precedes the album on November 15th.

I'm loving the artwork campaign for Amerie's In Love & War album. It's artistic AND sexy at the same time. The music on the other hand...I haven't really been inspired by any of Amerie's new material. Perhaps I haven't given it enough of a chance. There is no release date yet for "Pretty Brown," the third single released from the new album, due out November 3rd. It features hip hop artists Trey Songz.

I don't know if it's bad boy/thug appeal or what, but there's something about Asher Roth that I just find sexy. "She Don't Wanna Man" was actually the 4th single released off of Roth's debut album Asleep In The Bread Aisle. The single came out in July and features R&B artist Keri Hilson. The 5th single, "As I Em" was released on October 6th. I think we can expect big things from Roth, who's only 24. Lots of talent there.

This Britney Spears collection makes me excited...like VERY excited. Not sure if I could or should drop $100 + on the Ultimate Fan Box Edition, but part of kind of wants to. I think I'm going to wait to see what remixes & b-sides are released with each of the singles. I did purchase the Girls Aloud singles collection...in that case, we got a lot more remixes and b-sides. The Britney collection is only offering one extra track per single. We'll have to see. The black cover is for the domestic release of the compilation, due out November 1oth while the purple cover will be on the CD/DVD Edition and International version of the album. The Box Set will be released internationally on November 24th. The album artwork is a bit boring. I'd rather have a new photo but I'll take what I can get.

Mama's Song was first previewed on Billboard.com and is now available for download on iTunes. While not an official album single, it's nice to hear this little teaser off of the album. I'm still really loving "Cowboy Casanova" and am really excited to hear what the new album (Play On - due out November 3rd) sounds like. Mama's Song was co-written by Kara DioGuardi and Carrie Underwood herself.

Darin is another cutey. Oh and go figure, he's Swedish. The Swedish pop singers are all cute. Can anyone clarify what this single (a cover of the Coldplay song) is for? It's not on his 2008 album, Flashback. I know it was recorded in 2009 but I can't seem to find out what it's promoting or if it's just a stand alone single. Regardless, Darin looks great on the single artwork. Darin will be releasing his first UK single in November, a duet with Kat DeLuna called "Breathing Your Love." The track was produced by RedOne and released in Sweden one year ago.

It seems like everyone is releasing a greatest hits album these days. "Alpha Dog" is the first single off of the upcoming Fall Out Boy Greatest Hits album, Believers Never Die. Making an early appearance as a demo on Welcome To The New Administration, the single is due out November 16th (internationally on November 17th). The Greatest Hits album comes out on November 17th and features 15 tracks plus 3 bonus tracks.

And we have another "Best Of" compilation. This one, by the always amazing Janet Jackson will be released on November 17th. Number Ones (called The Best in international markets) is a two-disc album that contains all of Janet's hits PLUS the new track, "Make Me," co-produced by Rodney Jerkins and Miss Janet herself. The album is to be released jointly by A&M/Universal & EMI and features 33 of Jackson's number 1 singles. Wow. What a career! This is a hot song. Can't wait for some remixes.

When I was in Germany this past Spring, one of the CD singles I picked up was Jennifer Paige's "Underestimated." We here in America of course remember Paige for her 1998 hit single "Crush," which managed to hit #1 in several countries that year. Since then, her U.S. success has been relatively non-existent, but she has managed to find a following in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. According to Italian website "Beautiful Lie" is the new single by Jennifer Paige and features Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys fame. Interesting collaboration indeed. It was apparently recorded in LA this past summer, hitting radio in Germany Austria and Switzerland on October 6th. It's due for a digital release in Europe on November 20th. The single is the first off of Jennifer Paige's upcoming 4th album of the same name. Can anyone shed some more light on this track or her upcoming album? Check out this video of Carter and Paige chatting about the single. You can also hear a bit of the single in the clip, which sounds pretty decent.

Christ. 15 years old and he's already a heart throb. Poor guy. Must be rough. Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer who started out on YouTube before hitting the mainstream, signing an album deal with Island Records. His debut album, My World is set to be released on November 17th and is preceded by two singles - "One Time" (released July 7th) which peaked at #12 on Canadian pop charts and 21 in the U.S. The second single, "One Less Lonely Girl," was released on October 6th. Bieber recently made an appearance on NBC's The Today Show (October 12th) where he performed 3 songs in front of a crowd of screaming girls. He's also touring with Taylor Swift on the European leg of her Fearless Tour. Looks like there's lots in store for this talented young singer.

Real Housewife of Atlanta star, Kandi Burruss released her new single "Fly Above" on October 7th. This is Kandi's first single since 2001's "Cheatin' On Me," from her debut solo record Hey Kandi. Formerly part of the R&B group Xscape, Burruss has been writing up a storm since Xscape and her first solo album. Now is the PERFECT time to release a new single. With the popularity of the Bravo show, Kandi's in the spotlight once again and man does she deserve it. Writing hits for the likes of Destiny's Child ("Bills, Bills, Bills," "Bug a Boo"), P!nk ("There You Go"), and TLC ("No Scrubs") - it's about time Kandi wrote herself a few hits. Kandi has previewed snippets of the new track on her reality show and I like what I hear. This track has potential, as does her forthcoming album. An EP will be released on November 10th, including lead single "Fly Above."

Musical Snippets: Britney Spears, Joss Stone, Ryan Ferrada, Alexandra Burke, Rob Thomas & More

Lots going on in the pop music world of late. Here's a little rundown of what caught my eye.

Britney Spears - 3 - This week saw the release of the new Britney Spears single, "3" which will be the lead single off of Britney's upcoming The Singles Collection due out November 24th. The track was debuted on September 29th on New York's Z100 and will be available to download October 6th in North America. Major Industry publications and blogs are a buzzin' over the new single, which was produced by hitmaker Max Martin. I too am lovin' the track. It's nothing new and sounds like it could have come off of her last record - but it's fun. I am a little bummed that "Unusual You" wasn't really promoted here in North America as that has always been one of my favorite tracks off of Circus, but with the tour over and a new album in the works - I guess it makes sense to cease promotion. Listen to the single HERE.

Joss Stone on Jimmy Kimmel - If you're going to be in the LA area Thursday, October 1st (tomorrow) you can grab your tickets to see Brit songstress Joss Stone. I totally would if I were in the area! I've been dying to see her live for years. Girl needs to do a small club tour or something to promote her new album, Colour Me Free out October 20th in the States (November 2nd in the UK). First single "Free Me" is oozing with sexy soul appeal and with collaborations from Nas, Sheila E, and Raphael Saadiq - it's looking to be a hot one. Get your tickets HERE.

Photo by Kenton Thatcher

Ryan Ferrada - Room 501 - The half American, half Spanish ALL SEXY Ryan Ferrada is gearing up to release his latest album, Room 501. If sexy first single "Dirty In The Club" was any indication, his album is going to be HOT, harmless poppy fun. According to Ferrada's latest blog post, "90% of the album is up-tempo, and 90% of the lyrics are about sex!" For the ballad lovers, don't worry. There's at least one ballad on the album as well as a song dedicated to Ferrada's grandmother. Room 501 looks to have it all - dance, R&B, pop ballads and even the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Producer Greg Fitzgerald (Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Jessica Simpson) worked with Ferrada on the album, which is due out before the end of the year. "I am not a fabricated puppet," Ferrada says. "I'm fully involved in every aspect of the album. From writing the lyrics, to directing the producer so he understands the kind of music I love doing." Sounds like he's a boy that knows what he wants.

Alexandra Burke - Pre-Order Overcome Today - The debut album from X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke, doesn't come out in the UK until October 19th, but you can pre-order it now on various websites. Lead single, "Bad Boys" featuring Flo-Rida comes out in the UK on October 12th. A U.S. release is also expected sometime in the new year, following a five-album record deal with Epic Records. Overcome features production from Stargate, Red One, Ryan Tedder, Freemasons, Element and The Phantom Boyz who produced the first single. Pop singer Pixie Lott also gets writing credit for a track on the album. This looks to be one of the pop albums of the year. Pre-order the album on Amazon, HMV, Play and Tesco.

Rob Thomas - Someday (Video Premiere) - Matchbox 20 frontman and solo artist Rob Thomas premiered his new video on VH1 this week. Check it out HERE. "Someday" is the second single off of Thomas' second solo album, Cradlesong, which came out in June. His first single, "Her Diamonds" managed to hit #23 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #1 on Billboard's Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks. The video for "Someday" was filmed on the streets of New York City. Thomas is currently on tour right now with special guests OneRepublic and Carolina Liar. Check out upcoming tour dates HERE and watch the music video for "Someday" HERE.

New Band - James Mercer (The Shins) & Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley/Gorillaz) - This is exciting news. The Shins frontman James Mercer is joining forces with Danger Mouse to create a brand new band - (temporarily) called Broken Bells. The group's debut album is due out next year on Columbia records and has been in the works for a while now. In an interview with Pitchfork, Mercer teased at a new project. According to a new story on Pitchfork, this collaboration isn't just a one night stand. Mercer and Danger Mouse are in it to win it and have already started conceptualizing past the first album. I'm very intrigued by this collaboration, but sincerely hope that we haven't heard the last of either Gorillaz or Gnarls Barkley. Sign up for Broken Bells updates on the OFFICIAL SITE.

Jewel Records Up-tempo Album - Don't mistake me - by up-tempo, we're not talking about another 0304 (which I don't think would be the end of the world to be honest) - we're talking about a sound similar to that of 2001's This Way. OK. I can live with this. I loved This Way, which featured the single "Standing Still," which managed to hit 25 on Billboard's Hot 100. The album also featured "Serve The Ego," which turned into the first club hit for Jewel, hitting #1 on Billboard's Club and Dance Charts. According to Jewel via her blog, the upcoming new album will be produced by Dann Huff (whom she worked with on This Way) and will be serviced to country radio. According to Jewel, "I'm very excited about how the music business is changing...there are no rules, and everything seems possible." The singer goes on to say "I'm looking at making more records more frequently and releasing them, but maybe start to cut back on the two year-promo it has typically taken to get them out there." Sounds good to me. As long as she releases the occasional club track, I'll be happy.

Alesha Dixon - To Love Again - To help celebrate the re-release of her second album, The Alesha Show - The Encore (due out November 22nd), Alesha Dixon is releasing a new single called "To Love Again." The "sumptuous," new single is a piano-led ballad written by Gary Barlow due for release in the UK on November 15th. The three-track digital single can be pre-ordered now on the UK Itunes store for £1.99. No remixes included but a boy can dream. Listen to the new single HERE.

Photo credit to Alex Lake

Amy Winehouse Launches Lioness Records - If we are to believe what we're reading, Amy Winehouse is on the mend. It's about time! And while I'd love to hear more information about Amy's forthcoming 3rd album, I'll take all the news I can get! Amy has launched her own label, Lioness Records, the name for which was inspired by a Lioness pendant given to Winehouse by her grandmother. The labels first release will be Introducing Dionne Bromfield, the debut album from 13-year old Brit Dionne Bromfield - due out October 12th. Wow. Pretty talented! No wonder Amy set her sights on making her a star. According to Bromfield's official MySpace Blog, she was taking to the London Streets to film the video for first single, "Mama Said" on Tuesday September 29th. Pre-order Dionne's debut album HERE. This is all fine and good...but bring on some new Amy material!

Sarah McLachlan Releases New Single - One Dream - Hard at work on her new album, due for release in April 2010, the new single is already available for download on iTunes. Get it HERE! I'm definitely excited for some new pop balladry from this uber-talented Canadian. In addition to prepping for a new album, Sarah McLachlan will also be readying Lilith Fair for a Summer 2010 comeback. Busy lady! She was lovely singing "I Will Remember You" during this years Emmy Awards. Very touching. I'll always have a soft spot for Sarah.

My Weekly Last FM Chart

So, since I rarely listen to the same track more than...2 - 3 times on average. Sure...there are the occasional tracks that really grab a hold of me (i.e. - "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," "Je Suis Une Dolly") but for the most part I like to change things up. With that being said, I'm going to just post my top listened to artists each week. Perhaps I'll do top listened to tracks once a month? Perhaps not. Here it goes...my most listened to artists for the past week, according to Last FM.

Most Listened To Artists:

1. Sugababes

2. Ray LaMontagne

3. Jordin Sparks

4. Billie Piper

5. Noisettes

6. Elliott Yamin

7. Alesha Dixon

8. Kelly Clarkson

9. Kylie Minogue

10. Cyndi Lauper

Will you look at that? All of my girls, right there in my Top Ten. And then there's Ray LaMontagne. This weeks chart is indicative of the music I was feeling this past week. With life as hectic and stressful as it is, I lost myself in my work and my music. To help get me through the day, I need up-tempo, driving dance beats that both cheer me up and keep me energized. At the same time, those days that I am exhausted, beat down or just hung over...I need to slow down the pace and put on music that helps me relax. Looking at this chart, we cover all of our bases.

On the up-tempo side, we have the Sugababes, Kylie Minogue, Cyndi Lauper and Alesha Dixon...and to slow things down we have Ray LaMontagne, Elliott Yamin and to an extent, Jordin Sparks. We also have some artists that strike the perfect balance of the two - artists like the Noisettes, Billie Piper, and Kelly Clarkson. Speaking of Billie Piper...I wish she'd consider a return to music...I love her to death in Secret Diary of a Call Girl, but I ADORE her pop hits of the late 90s/2000s. Pure pop brilliance. Like honey to the bee.

My European Music Shopping Experience

Alright. Back to the music. I just returned yesterday from my week long European excursion to London, Munich & Ingolstadt. Had lots of fun and didn't really spend money on anything other than food, drink and music! Here's a quick rundown on some of my music purchases.

Photo by Jamie Sward, Please Contact Me Before Using

London - So apparently there are a couple of HMVs on Oxford Street but I only found one of them. The last time I was in London, I visited the HMV and found a LOT more selection in the way of CD singles. This one had one wall. Very disapointing. I also got some CDs at the HMV at London Heathrow.

Polly Scattergood - Polly Scattergood (2009): While I already downloaded her album as soon as it leaked, I had to pick up a hard copy. It's a fantastic album and it sees a US release later this Spring. Polly Scattergood is one to look out for, most definitely.

Noisettes - Wild Young Heart (2009): I enjoyed most of the Noisettes' last album, What's The Time Mr. Wolf?, and this was one of the new releases that came out just before I arrived. Haven't really listened to the album yet, other than first single "Don't Upset The Rhythm."

Gossip - Standing In The Way of Control (2006): I quite enjoy Gossip...especially Beth Ditto's vocals and fashion sense. I loved seeing her in all her glory on the cover of this month's Out magazine. I also look forward to the band's major label debut later this year.

Gossip - Rework It (2008): Rework It features remixes for "Listen Up," "Standing In The Way of Control," "Jealous Girls," and "YR Mangled Heart." I had some of these mixes from various sources but I was happy to find these all in one place.

Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone (CD Single) (2009): I was hoping the single would have some mixes but oh well. This track wasn't available on iTunes in the US (at least not yet). The single only includes the radio edit and an extended mix but it's a dope track. I love it. Plus I have a crush on Calvin Harris.

Chicane - The Best of Chicane - 1996 - 2008 (2008): I primarily purchased this collection for one song...Chicane's 2007 track featuring American vocalist Jewel - "Spirit." This track has always been a favorite of mine and in the album notes, Chicane says that he wouldn't rule out releasing it as a single at some point. In fact, in 2007 there was a limited release promo CDR with reworks by Chicane and WAWA. Hot commodity! The rest of the album has some hot songs featuring the vocal work of Tom Jones, Keane, Bryan Adams and Natasha Bedingfield. Quality dance music.


Anastacia - Heavy Rotation (2009): Anastacia's last album, released everywhere except the United States of course. I already had this album downloaded but I love my Anastacia and wanted a copy of the CD for myself.

Photo by Jamie Sward, Please Contact Me Before Using

Ingolstadt - On my second day in Germany, my friend Amelia took me to Müller, this German chain store that sells everything from household items to CDs. I spent about 25 - 30 minutes perusing the CD section and picked up the following.

Christina Stürmer - In Dieser Stadt (2009): My friend Amelia said that one of her songs on the radio was pretty good. I wanted to get a CD in German, despite not knowing a lick of German. Haven't yet listened to the CD but I'm excited to give it a go. Christina Stürmer is from Austria and apparently pretty popular out there and in Germany. The good thing about Müller was it's selection of CD singles. While not amazing, it was better than HMV!

Sarah Connor - Soulicious (2007): Now Sarah Connor and I have a love hate relationship. I think she's released some gems in her time...and some completely laughable crap. While this CD questionably straddles the "crap" line...I have all of her other CDs so I sort of just wanted to round out my collection. This album is full of soul covers plus 2 original songs. I wish that her version of "Sexual Healing" with Ne-Yo was on this album but oh well.

Sarah Connor - Sexy As Hell (2008): Sarah's most recent album from last year, it marks a return to pop form. I enjoy most of the songs that I have heard but I definitely need to give them a re-listen. I'm particularly excited to listen to her collaboration with super producer J.R. Rotem ("Fall Apart").

Enrique Iglesias ft. Sarah Connor - Takin' Back My Love (CD Single) (2009): I was hoping for more of a tracklisting here but I definitely do enjoy this song. While I still think I might prefer Ciara's version...Sarah Connor definitely brings it. Enrique Iglesias isn't too bad either.

Gabriella Cilmi - Sanctuary (CD Single) (2008): I bought the remix promo CD on Ebay, I bought the "new version" when it was released on iTunes in the US, and I have the CD. I basically bought this on CD because of the Pocketknife re-edit. It's not bad. Good song. Gabriella Cilmi is a singer that I desperately want to hear new material from.

Alesha Dixon - The Boy Does Nothing (CD Single) (2008): I really like Alesha Dixon (formerly of Mis-Teeq). I bought the promo single for her second single, "Breathe Slow..." this was her first single. Remixes by Fred Falke and Crazy Cousinz. Wish the Bimbo Jones mixes were included here.

Jennifer Paige - Underestimated (CD Single) (2008): I had no idea that Jennifer Paige (Singer of 90s dance hit "Crush") was still releasing music. Well...I take that back. Her albums are all available on iTunes but I think just as a courtesy to her fans. She's been quietly releasing albums in Germany, Italy and elsewhere in Europe. I was more curious than anything else, hence this obscure purchase.