Anastacia 'SPROCKS' Her Way Back Into our Hearts with New Album; Covers Aerosmith, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin and More!

Everybody's Europe's fav 90s dance/pop diva, Anastacia is BACK and sounding better than ever on her new record, It's A Man's World, out now digitally via BMG Rights Management/Rough Trade Distribution.  The album features the big voiced singer taking on rock classics, both new and old, songs by Led Zeppelin ("Ramble On"), Guns N' Roses ("Sweet Child O' Mine"), the Rolling Stones ("You Can't Always Get What You Want"), U2 ("One"), AC/DC ("Back In Black"), Aerosmith ("Dream On"), Kings of Leon ("Use Somebody"), Bon Jovi ("You Give Love A Bad Name"), and Oasis ("Wonderwall").  With her latest single, "Best of You," the bespectacled vocal power house covers The Foo Fighter's politically-inspired 2005 Top 20 hit with great bravado, making it abundantly clear to the entire world that the, now forty-four year old Anastacia, still has voice for days.  Absolutely stunning!

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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. 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

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.

Howie Day, Annie Lennox, Anastacia, Hot Coco & More!

Photo is cropped from an original on Howie's official site

Howie Day: More randomness for you today. Now that I have a BlackBerry, my email is always accessible, assuming I'm above ground. I got an email from Howie Day's official list the other day, informing us that he has a new tour coming up to promote his forthcoming album Counting On Me, due out in the Spring. This new album will be his first of new material in nearly 6 years so it's long over due! I saw him a few years back at a club in Boston. I loved the set, but was annoyed that he came out late. Oh well, he's a young talent that is due for a comeback so hopefully this will be it for him. According to his MySpace blog, the tour will consist of Howie "playing new stuff, old stuff and everything in between." The first set of tour dates is below. He'll be announcing East and West coast dates shortly. Also be on the look out for a free download of a new Howie track via his MySpace blog in the weeks to come!

Tour Dates:
3/6 - Fox Theater - Boulder, CO
3/7 - Bluebird - Denver, CO
3/11 - Waiting Room - Omaha, NE
3/12 - Redstone Room - Davenport, IA
3/13 - Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN
3/14 - The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
3/16 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
3/18 - The Ark - Ann Arbor, MI
3/19 - The Basement - Columbus, OH
3/21 - Lake Shore Theater - Chicago, IL
3/24 - Blueberry Hill - St Louis, MO
3/25 - The Record Bar - Kansas City, MO
3/27 - House of Blues - Dallas, TX
3/28 - tba - Austin, TX

Annie Lennox: Via ArjanWrites via Spinner.com I stumbled upon Annie's new video for "Shining Light," her Ash cover that's serving as the first single off her forthcoming The Annie Lennox Collection compilation album due out February 10th. It's one of two new tracks on the album, the other of which is a cover of Keane's "Pattern of My Life." The video features Annie (looking amazing) in multiple roles, as various players in a band. It's a fun pop song and Annie sounds great.

Photo via Coverlandia Blog

Anastacia: Nothing new to report on the Anastacia front...in fact I'm still waiting to find out if she plans on releasing her album Heavy Rotation, here in the states. If not, then I have to pick up the import pronto. New European single "Absolutely Positively" is fast growing on me, as is the Moto Blanco remix that's making it's round at the clubs in Europe. Hot!
Modern Music: On TV the other night, a State Farm commercial came on about young drivers. The song playing was a fresh, contemporary electro-rock cover of "Sixteen Going On Seventeen" from The Sound Of Music. At the end of the commercial, they plugged the State Farm website where you can download the song for free. I did and I love it! The song file was pre-tagged with the artists name listed as Modern Music. According to their website, Modern Music "delivers custom scores, original songs, remixes, sound design and complete music supervision services for advertising, film, television, gaming and new media." Interesting. I also learned via the Modern Music website that they are writing an original song for a direct-to-DVD hip hop sequel to the 2000 film Center Stage. Doubly interesting.

Photo Via www.myspace.com/jennifercoolidge

Jennifer Coolidge as Hot Coco: On a recent episode of the cutting edge FX drama Nip/Tuck, actress Jennifer Coolidge reprised her character Candy Richards, coming back this time as a "rapper" called Hot Coco. She comes to the doctors asking to be given "black features" so she can have a successful rap career. It sounds controversial but it was actually rather hilarious. Jennifer Coolidge is a true comic genius. You have to check out the video for yourself. Inappropriate? Yes. Very. But hilarious all the same.

Photo Via Jennifer Hudson's Official Site

Jennifer Hudson: Don't forget to check out Jennifer Hudson singing the National Anthem before this Sunday's big game! It's her first public performance since the tragic deaths of her mother and nephew.

New Album Artwork

Coverlandia is a great resource if you are in search of new or recent album artwork from your favorite artists. The talented crew of the Coverlandia blog posts official and fanmade artwork for top artists from all over the music charts! Here is some of my favorite official sleeve artwork from the past couple of weeks. What's your favorite? - Via Coverlandia

Still don't think I've heard this song all the way through. Love this album art though. Beautiful!

So glad Melinda Doolittle is back! Loved her on Idol, and while I though Jordin Sparks was more Top 40 material, Melinda had tons of talent, no question! Single artwork is on top, album art below.

I think Daniel Powter (of "Bad Day" fame) looks sexy here.

I love the campaign they are using for Lily's new record! She looks amazing! This is the single (top) and album (bottom) artwork.

Love the vintage look of this. Katy is gorgeous.

Beautiful and festive.

Not 100% sure this is official or not, but regardless. I'm SO excited that Kelly is back with some new material! Word is we can expect to hear this in mid-late January.

Danny Saucedo was a contestant on the Swedish version of American Idol. This is his new single off his new album.

Not sure if Ciara could ever come up with a better set of singles than she had with her last album. "Goodies" and "1-2 Step" were hot! Ts artwork is fun. Love the comic book inspiration!

I guess Beyonce is releasing two singles at a time now? I'm still stuck on "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" and "Diva" isn't really doing it for me. Perhaps it will grow on me. "Halo" is gorgeous, no doubt.

Love Anastacia. Still need to pick up her new album. Perhaps I'll wait to see if it gets released in the U.S. This is her new European single and the sleeve art is virtually identical to that of her first single, "I Can Feel You." The only difference is Anastacia is facing the camera. Her first single's sleeve had an off the shoulder shot. She's stunning! Kind of miss her sunglasses though.

This is the debut single from Alexandra Burke - the new X-Factor winner for 2008! It's a cover of "Hallelujah," most famously sung by the late Jeff Buckley.

Pink or Gaga? - That Is The Question

Two CDs that I want come out tomorrow - P!NK's new album, Funhouse and Lady Gaga's album The Fame. I don't think I should buy both for financial reasons but I don't know which one to get. I've heard both albums in full already and both are pretty amazing. I think Lady Gaga might have the edge, but only because I've listened it to it way more often (since it had it's Canadian release a few months back. Let's break down my options:

Lady Gaga - The Fame:

New York City club queen, Lady Gaga (born Stefani Gabriella Germanotta) has a hard, edgy dance-club album out full of potential club hits. Favorites of mine include all the singles released so far ("Beautiful, Dirty, Rich," "Poker Face," "Just Dance") as well as songs that would make excellent, commercial singles ("Love Game," "Starstruck," "The Fame") - who am I kidding. All of the songs would make great singles! Lady Gaga's record is pure dance-pop fun! She doesn't take herself TOO seriously (as evidenced by her wack-a-doo fashion sense), which I like. She knows what her audience wants and lives up it. She's a blend of Gwen Stefani, Fergie, and Madonna. I, personally think she is the best of all three! Whether or not her career will see the same kind of longevity as Madonna's career has remains to be seen.

Tracklisting (U.S. Version):

"Just Dance" (featuring Colby O'Donis) – 4:04
"Love Game" – 3:33
"Paparazzi" – 3:30
"Poker Face" – 3:59
"Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)" – 2:57
"Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" – 2:54
"The Fame" – 3:44
"Money Honey" – 3:08
"Starstruck" (featuring Space Cowboy and Flo Rida) (Produced by Martin Kierszenbaum and Space Cowboy) – 3:37
"Boys Boys Boys" – 3:22
"Paper Gangsta" (Produced by RedOne) – 4:23
"Brown Eyes" – 4:05
"I Like It Rough" – 3:22
"Summerboy" – 4:16

P!NK - Funhouse:

I've pretty much only given P!NK's new album a once-over listen all the way through. To be honest, no tracks other than "So What" stand out but that's probably only because I haven't listened to it all more than once. P!NK's sound is completely different than Lady Gaga's - more rock-tinged pop than dance-pop, P!NK's album is a bit deeper and less superficial, which I guess could be a good thing. It's meant to be taken at more than face value and it's meant to FELT. Not that Gaga's music isn't FELT...it's just much more fluffy than P!NK's style. The only reason I've considering purchasing this album is because I KNOW it has the potential to live up to my expectations. Her last album, I'm Not Dead, was fantastic and early reviews that I've read have been decent for this new record. I just don't have enough to go on yet.

Tracklisting:

1 "So What" - 3:37
2 "Sober" - 4:14
3 "I Don't Believe You" - 4:38
4 "One Foot Wrong" - 3:27
5 "Please Don't Leave Me" - 3:54
6 "Bad Influence" - 3:38
7 "Funhouse" - 3:27
8 "Crystal Ball" - 3:28
9 "Mean" - 4:20
10 "It's All Your Fault" - 3:54
11 "Ave Mary A" - 3:18
12 "Glitter In The Air" - 3:49

What to do, what to do? Thoughts? If I had to buy JUST one of the CDs, which would you buy?
ON DECK - Anastacia - Heavy Rotation:

I've listened to Anastacia's new record, Heavy Rotation and I'm not sold yet on whether or not I should buy it. I've always loved Anastacia but again, haven't listened to this record enough yet to justify purchasing it. I'm not completely sold that I will love her whole, entire record through and through, like I KNOW I will P!NK and Lady Gaga. Thoughts on this?

I'm Back!

Wow. It's been since June since I've last posted? Really? Insanity! Lots going on I guess. It's also a lot of work maintaining a blog! I've started a blog about lighting as well at work. Check it out! Anyway...back to the music.

There sure has been a lot happening with music since the last post. For one thing...the Jennifer Hudson album is due out tomorrow! I don't know yet if I'll buy it or not. I've heard clips of several tracks and I was hoping for more uptempo jams...not so heavy on the ballads. But I guess it makes sense, given Hudson's range.

So...let's talk about some of my favorite singles our right now - both Stateside and abroad.


Britney Spears - Womanizer

The one thing I keep hearing people say about this, Britney's new comeback single off her upcoming album Circus, it's how it's repetitive, yet addictive. One girl on Ryan Seacrest's radio show compared her to Rihanna (saying she was NOT a fan) however I couldn't agree more. While yes, both Rihanna & Britney have limited vocal talent (without the assistance of electronic vocal manipulation and pitch control devices, this song is quite irristable. With the inevitable barage of remixes that are sure to be forthcoming, this is sure to at least top the club charts. Thank God Brit Brit is back in full form.

Writers: Nikesha Briscoe, Rafael Akinyem

Producers: The Outsyders

Radio Release Date: September 26, 2008(Worldwide Radio)

Digital Release Date: October 7, 2008

Sugababes - Girls

While initially, this song took some time to grow on me, I wound up really starting to dig it once I saw the video. The girls look hot and I enjoy most of the remixes - particularly the Funkerman remix. It's a fun up-tempo dance/club track mixed with a little bit of an urban vibe. Can't wait for their new album, Catfights & Spotlights, due out on October 20th in the UK.

Writers: Allen Toussaint, Amelle Berrabah, Keisha Buchanan, Heidi Range

Producers: Si Helbert and Melvin Kuiters

Release Dates: September 20, 2008 (digital)/October 6, 2008 (physical)

Will Young - Changes

I've loved Will Young for a while. Not really watching him on Pop Idol, I do have two of his older albums and a couple of his singles. Not only does he have a sweet, soulful voice, but he's pretty cute too! Oh...and he was in one of my favorite movies, "Mrs. Henderson Presents." His new single is kind of mid-tempo/ballad-like but I don't mind that at all. I like the musicality of it and I'm just glad that he's back doing music! Of course, first single 'Changes' already has some remixes and I'm hoping some more get commissioned for other album tracks. I'm also excited that Freemasons (UK Dance group) have produced some tracks (or one track?) on the album. Can't wait!

Writers: Will Young, Francis 'Eg' White

Producers: ??

Release Date: September 15, 2008 (digital & physical)


Little Jackie - The World Should Revolve Around Me

Little Jackie is made up of singer Imani Coppola and DJ/Producer Adam Pallin. This song is hot. Hot, hot, hot. Again, it was a song that took some time to grow on me. I wasn't sold initially. I thought it was...nothing special. The video didn't sell it for me either...it was just a matter of rinse and repeat. I kept listening to it as it randomly came up on my iPod and saw them on Conan O'Brien one night. Awesome live. I loved it ever since. Wideboys have remixed it too...not half bad.

Writers: ??

Producers: ??

Release Dates: August 25, 2008 (UK)

Bryn Christopher - Smilin'

Bryn Christopher is a young singer from the UK who had a song featured at the end of Season 4 of Greys Anatomy. 'The Quest' was a ballad...not too bad...a little too sweet for me. I'm generally NOT a fan of ballads. This single is way more up-tempo and fun. The video is a bit oddball but Bryn is a cutie and he has an interesting/good voice. He opened for Amy Winehouse in the UK through June 2007. Looking forward to hearing more out of him in the coming months!

Writers: ??

Producers: ??

Release Dates: August 31, 2008 (UK)

Robin Thicke - Magic

I've loved Robin Thicke (son of Alan Thicke) since he called himself 'THICKE' and released his album 'Cherry Blue Skies.' Good stuff has come since then and he's now kind of a big deal. 'Blue Eyed Soul' is what they call his style of R&B...and he's damn good looking too which doesn't hurt. I got his first disc when I was writing reviews for the Indiana Daily Student and at that time, I had no idea who he was. Magic Touch is actually a remix of album single 'Magic', with added vocals from Mary J. Blige. Both are good. Moto Blanco has turned it up on the remix.

Writer/Producer: Robin Thicke

Release Date: May 20, 2008 (U.S.)

Anastacia - I Can Feel You

Anatacia! Welcome back! It seems like it's been a whole eternity since your last record. She sounds (and looks) amazing. Ditching her signature shades, joining up with Universal Records, her new single is a definitely a smart mid-tempo jam. I can't wait for her new album, Heavy Rotation, due out at the end of October in Europe.

Writers: Ne-Yo, Chuck Harmony

Producer: Chuck Harmony

Release Dates: September 12, 2008 (digital download)/October 13, 2008 (physical)

Brandy - Right Here (Departed)

Finally, Brandy is back as well. After some personal drama and legal troubles, she's back on a new label (Epic) and she looks and sounds better than ever. AGAIN, this song took some time for me to like it...and once I saw the BEAUTIFUL video, I fell in love. I can't wait to hear more from this superstar and wish her the best of luck!

Writers: Evan "Kidd" Bogart, Victoria Horn, Rodney Jerkins, Erika Nuri, David "DQ" Quiñones

Producer: Rodney Jerkins

Release Dates: August 13, 2008 (US)