New Look, New Blog Post

Hello friends! It's been far too long. You'll notice a couple of differences on my blog. Well...probably one and that's the layout. I am loving Blogger's new layout design tools. I thought it was time for a change so I just went ahead and changed things over. Still has the same look overall but I'm using a new template.

I thought I would EASE my way back into blogging with a "back to basics" approach - the all too simple "Album Artwork Update." Yeah, I know it doesn't take too long to upload a bunch of pictures but hey - give me a break! I need to take it slow here.

So without further ado...

Oh...Side Note: Some of this information might seem a bit out of date. This is likely because I started the post a couple of weeks ago and never finished it. Forgive me.

I don't really think this song needs any introduction. Written by Lady Gaga, Rodney Jerkins, LaShawn Daniels, Lazonate Franklin and Beyoncé "Telephone" had one of the most anticipated video premieres ever...and for good reason. It's a masterpiece! If you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for? Check it out HERE. I love the single sleeve here. It mirrors the whole Kill Bill influence seen throughout the video in terms of the fonts and still photos. Download the remix EP on iTunes HERE. You can also pick up the video HERE.

"Scars" is the second single from American Idol's third runner up Allison Iraheta last season and it's a ballad. Debut single "Friday I'll Be Over U" was cute, uptempo and fun but didn't really showcase Iraheta's chops. "Scars" should do that and then some.


"Put It In A Love Song" served as Alicia Keys' official 3rd single in the U.S. ("Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" will serve as her third UK single, due out May 24th) and was released in January. "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)" will be her official 4th single and was released to radio on March 15th. It's really a shame that Love Song featuring Beyoncé didn't have more of an impact on radio as it's one of my favorites from The Element of Freedom. "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)" is a ballad featuring Drake produced by Noah "40" Shebib. It's got a really stripped down, raw feeling. Not as "fun" as it's predecessor but it really showcases Keys' vulnerability and talent.

"Whataya Want From Me" is Adam Lambert's second single from his debut album For Your Entertainment. After the crazy debacle that was his performance at the AMAs last year, Lambert and his label seemed anxious to move on. Lambert made a series of TV appearances performing the ballad. Written by P!nk, Max Martin and Johan Shellback, the track was originally intended for P!nk's Funhouse album, but never made the final cut. The song is growing on my considerably, thanks in part due to the remixes by Fonzerelli that have surfaced. Check out the video HERE and check out THIS stripped down Australian performance.

Now I've never been a fan of Hole OR Courtney Love for that matter, but I'm always up for a good comeback/trainwreck. To be honest, I was kind of excited about Courtney's long-in-the-works solo career that never materialized so it will be interesting to see how this goes. "Skinny Little Bitch" will serve as Hole's first single off of Hole's fourth album, Nobody's Daughter and fourteenth single overall. The song isn't something I would normally listen to but it's growing on me. After a 10 year hiatus, it's safe to say that this is one of the years most anticipated comebacks. Download it on iTunes HERE.

"Freak" featuring Kardinal Offishall is the new David Guetta-produced single for UK R&B singer Estelle, who took the U.S. (and the world) by storm two years ago with her Top Ten single "American Boy,"featuring American rapper Kanye West. This time around she's pairing up with Canadian rapper/producer Kardinal Offishall on a decidedly LESS R&B/Hip-Hop sounding track. "Freak" is an electro JAM with Guetta's trademark beats all over it. Check out the cool video HERE. Download it on iTunes HERE.

Diana Mae Vickers is the latest pop star to come off of the UK talent show The X-Factor. Vickers competed in the 2008 series (Alexandra Burke, JLS), ultimately being signed with RCA Records. "Once" is the debut single (April 19th) from her forthcoming album Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree, due to be released May 3rd. After X-Factor, Vickers went on to star in her first West End show, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, showcasing her talent on the stage. Nerina Pallot, Ellie Goulding, Starsmith, Alexis Strum, Patrick Wolf, and Guy Sigsworth are just some of the big names Vickers' collaborated with while making this album. "Once" is a beautiful song (with a beautiful video) and I think she has lots of potential to become another X-Factor success story.

"Pyromania" is a new single from Cascada, and while it's not part of the Evacuate The Dancefloor album, it's got a very similar sound. According to lead singer Natalie Horler, Cascada is working on a new album so in all likelihood "Pyromania" will make an appearance. I like the cheesiness of the song. While I don't think the track will have much influence on mainstream radio here in the U.S., I think that this song has the same potential to do well in the clubs. I'll always be a closet Cascada fan. They are SUCH a guilty pleasure! Check out the new video HERE.

"Upside Down" is Paloma Faith's 4th UK single, released on March 15th. I am a HUGE fan when an artist's artwork all follows a theme and so far Faith's has been consistently top notch. Colorful costumes, crazy hair and makeup...I love it! The song is also one of my favorites from Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful? It's got a great old fashioned jazzy feel to it. The video is also fantastic, as are the club remixes from Cahill. This is one artists who I would die to se live here in the U.S. I think we're ready for a Paloma Faith invasion.

Poor Pussycat Dolls. They keep losing members left and right! With all of the girls now working on solo projects, Robin Antin and Nicole Scherzinger both are saying that some "new faces" will be coming on board. Sounds like a reinvention. I honestly can't say that losing Carmit Bachar was all that devastating to the group's success but losing EVERYONE except for the lead singer? That could be potentially very jarring. I mean, who are we kidding...it's always been Nicole Scherzinger front and center with her back up dancers and I can't foresee that changing so who really cares who's in the group, right? As long as the songs are hot, that's all that really matters? At any rate - Kimberly Wyatt has released a new promo single called "Not Just A Doll" in which she claims to be a "dreamer" and that she's "not just a doll." Nothing spectacular, but feel free to check it out on iTunes. The real solo album I'm looking forward to from this crew is Melody Thornton, though it would be interesting to hear what Jessica Sutta comes up with. I quite liked her in German DJ/Remixer Paul Van Dyk's "White Lies."

Taio Cruz is another fantastic British artists that I've been familiar with for quite some time, who's starting to get popular here in the States. His single "Break Your Heart" was released in America at the end of February and went all the way to the top of Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Pretty impressive for a first single! I'm guessing that the re-jiggered American version featuring Rapper Ludacris didn't hurt. U.S. radio stations do tend to prefer it's pop music with R&B/Hip-Hop influences, so Taio Cruz's blend of the two musical genres should do him very well here in states, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I've already turned several friends onto his beats. America - get used to Taio Cruz. He's gonna be huge. Now...if only the video for his next UK single would finally premiere. Cruz is releasing "Dirty Picture" featuring the ever popular Ke$ha on April 26th. It will serve as the official third UK single. If the U.S. label were smart, they'd release it as his second U.S. single. Ke$ha is sort riding high at the moment.

Hot Video Alert: Allison Iraheta - Friday I'll Be Over U

Album Artwork Update

Since I need to go to bed soon, I'm just doing to post a bunch of official artwork from some of my favorite artists without any exposition. While I'd love to do a little write up on each piece...I just don't have the time. (If any of this isn't official, please leave me a comment). The majority of the artwork came from Coverlandia and Covermania - while still others came from official artist and label pages.

Nellie McKay - Normal As Blueberry Pie - A Tribute To Doris Day (ALBUM)

October 13, 2009 - Verve Music Group

Ryan Leslie - Transition (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Universal Motown Records

Mr. Hudson - White Lies (SINGLE)

October 12, 2009 - GOOD Music/Universal

Kid Cudi feat. MGMT & RATATAT - Pursuit of Happiness (SINGLE)

September 8, 2009 - GOOD Music/Universal Motown

Jack Johnson - En Concert (LIVE ALBUM/DVD)

October 27, 2009 - Everloving/Brushfire/Universal

Five For Fighting - Slice (ALBUM)

October 13, 2009 - Aware/Columbia Records

Backstreet Boys - This Is Us (ALBUM)

September 30, 2009 - Jive

Little Boots - Earthquake (SINGLE)

November 16, 2009 - Sixsevenine

50 Cent - Before I Self Destruct (ALBUM)

November 17, 2009 - Aftermath/Interscope

Ashley Tisdale - Crank It Up (SINGLE)

October 16, 2009 - Warner Brothers

Angie Stone - I Ain't Hearing U (SINGLE)

?? - Stax

P!nk - Funhouse Tour: Live In Australia (LIVE ALBUM)

October 27, 2009 - LaFace

Amerie - In Love & War (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Feenix Rising/Def Jam

Weezer - Raditude (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Geffen

Wale feat. Gucci Mane - Pretty Girls (SINGLE)

?? - Allido/Interscope

Leona Lewis - Echo (ALBUM)

November 11, 2009 - Syco/J Records

Allison Iraheta - Friday I'll Be Over You (SINGLE)

October 20, 2009 - Jive

Album Deals In Place For 3 Idol Finalists

Bing, Bang, Boom. Just like that - Kris Allen, Adam Lambert & Allison Iraheta sign deals with 19 Recordings. How exciting. While Kris Allen was a given, Adam was virtually a given...Iraheta's label deal was a very pleasant surprise.

Sure, part of me worries that Adam and Allison signed on too quickly, I'm really hoping that the label gives them the freedom they need to branch out and put out the kind of record they all NEED to put out.

According to Billboard, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta have both signed to 19 Recordings/Jive, while Adam Lambert signed on 19 Recordings/RCA.

About Allen's deal, Chairman & CEO of RCA/Jive Barry Weiss had this to say: "He’s a super-talented singer and all-around gifted musician who has that rare common touch which will give him the ability to connect with the broadest possible audience. We're really excited to welcome him to the Jive family." (Via Billboard)

Regarding Lambert's deal, Simon Fuller, "Idol" creator and 19 Entertainment CEO had this to say: "To find a talent as exceptional as Adam Lambert is a rare and special event. I am thrilled that 'American Idol' was the platform for the world to discover this brilliant young man. He is unique and unforgettable and a certain star of tomorrow." (Via Billboard)

Regarding Iraheta's deal, Barry Weiss said: "Allison was an absolute stand-out this season. Her bluesy, powerful voice, spunky attitude, and edgy star power immediately captivated us and it didn't matter where she ranked on ‘Idol,' we knew we wanted her to join our amazing crop of young talent at Jive." (Via Billboard)

Photos via AmericanIdol.com

Interesting that Danny Gokey still remains deal-less. According to EW.com, 19 Entertainment doesn't have anything to report quite yet re: Gokey. I'd be surprised if he wasn't snapped up too. Honestly, I'm just thrilled that deals are in place for Glambert & Iraheta. I just hope they stay true to themselves and release some QUALITY JAMS.

Who do you think is going to have the most major-label success of the three?