Hot Video Alert: Ellie Goulding - Burn

Once again, I am feeling completely out of the pop music loop (although I do have a good excuse this time...I moved to NYC!).  Ellie Goulding is releasing a re-packaged version of Halcyon? Say WHAT? Can't say I'm really surprised, as that's the way major labels are doing it these days with their artists. Rather than let an album sink away into obscurity, throw together a couple of new tracks and some remixes and re-release the album. Hell, it works for me. I'll buy it! That being said, first single "Burn" is FAR from a throw away track. It's an epic electropop masterpiece TOTALLY worthy of being on the album the first time 'round.  "Burn" was produced by Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic, Maroon 5, The Wanted), Greg Kurstin (P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Lily Allen), and Sean Stuart (the three of whom also wrote the track alongside with Ellie, Noel Zancanella and Tedder's OneRepublic cohort, Brent Kutzle).  Check out the ENLIGHTENING new video BELOW.  "Burn" was directed by Mike Sharpe.

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Cheryl Cole Preps for Release of A Million Lights; Call My Name Out June 10th

I don't know WHAT just came over me, but I started sweating bullets for Cheryl Cole's new album, A Million Lights.  Sure, catchy lead single "Call My Name" has a sexy video, but it's all a bit too generic, isn't it?  I mean I love me some SOLO Calvin Harris but he's turning into the next David Guetta, isn't he?

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[Hot Video Alert] Rihanna - Where Have You Been

"Where Have You Been," Rihanna's latest single, hasn't even been officially released and it's already takin' names and breaking records.  According to VEVO, the recently released, Dave Meyers-directed music video has broken VEVO's record for most views in 24 hours! Go RiRi!

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[Hot Video Alert] Cheryl Cole - Call My Name

Time for (possibly) the UNDERSTATEMENT of the year: Cheryl Cole is one FIERCE bitch.  OOZING sex in the JUST released video for new single, "Call My Name," Cheryl gives us all a highly caffeinated, neon-filled tutorial in FABULOSITY and I want to take it AGAIN!  

In the grimy, dirty (yet still somehow chic and classy) Anthony Mandler-directed clip Cheryl first dazzles us into submission by strutting (and posing) her way through some dank graffiti-marred reservoir tunnel whilst wearing a leopard bikini bottom, tattoos on her thighs and ass, and a brightly colored neon print jacket with matching neon peep-toe pumps. Did I miss anything?  Before the song even starts, Cheryl throws us all a massive curve ball when a seemingly out-of-place Marquis de Sade quote about TORMENT flops up onto the screen in a white stencil font. Not sure where the torment comes into play here, but who cares? Just grind and pose Cheryl. Grind and pose.

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[UPDATE] Hot Video Alert: Scissor Sisters - Only The Horses

Sometimes a good music video can transform my opinions on a song from negative to positive.  I was secretly hoping this would happen following the video release of "Only The Horses," the first single from the Scissor Sisters' forthcoming album, Magic Hour.  Unfortunately, tis not the case.  If anything at all, I feel more MEH about the song than I did previously.  Maybe I'm just in a bad mood, but the abstract video did absolutely nothing for me, other than make me wait until the end to see exactly WHAT the song's titular horses were pulling (I won't give it away - you can watch the Lorenzo Fonda-directed video BELOW).  Talk about a big disappointment. MEH!

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[Review] Cheryl Cole's 'Call My Name' Hits UK Radio

Hey Americans!  I know most of you (MuuMuse-excluded) didn't stay up till 3:00 AM to catch the UK radio debut of Cheryl (Cole)'s new single, out June 10th, so I've got the rundown for you.  At 8:10 AM UK time, radio stations all over the country premiered "Call My Name," giving fans a tease of what's to come from her third album, A Million Lights, due June 18th through Polydor Records.  

From the second you hit "PLAY," you know this is a Calvin Harris joint.  The beats are eerily reminiscent of  Harris' Rihanna collaboration, the international #1 hit "We Found Love," (not to mention his NEW RiRi collab, "Where Have You Been") but "Call My Name" is not a clone. Not by any means. Hey, if you have a formula that works (and Calvin does) why not test it out on different artists, tweaking it here and there as necessary? Ryan Tedder worked it out with both Kelly Clarkson and Beyoncé a number of years ago.  While by no means pop innovators here, Calvin & Cheryl know what the people want this summer and that's booty-shakin' dance-pop gold, which is exactly what they deliver on "Call My Name."  The thumping disco-ball beats are steeped in 90s house glamour from beginning to end, making it awful hard not to shake your groove thang.  

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Scissor Sisters Drop New Calvin Harris-Produced Single, Video Premiere Set for Thursday April 19th

Like Gossip, Scissor Sisters are another one of those American bands that are criminally underrated here at home but hugely popular abroad.  The drastically different radio landscapes here and in Europe frustrate the hell out of me sometimes, but what are you gonna do?  On May 14th, Scissor Sisters will release "Only The Horses" as the lead single off their upcoming fourth studio album, entitled Magic Hour (check out the album artwork HERE). 

Written by Scissor Sisters and co-produced by Calvin Harris and Alex Ridha of Boyz Noize, "Only The Horses" presents as a welcomed return for the band, who's last album, Night Work came out two years ago sans any real, honest-to-goodness hits.  While the album itself did moderately well, debuting on the UK Albums Chart at #2 and in America on the Billboard 200 at #18, it failed to produce a real hit single.  The closest we got to a hit was with lead single, "Fire With Fire," which peaked in the UK at #11.  As nice as it will be to have the Scissor Sisters back on radio (hopefully), I have to admit I have yet to be completely bowled over by any of their new material.  "Only The Horses" is a welcomed return, yes, but only in so much that it's nice to hear from the group again. The single is fairly generic dance pop, sounding much like a leftover cut off of Kylie Minogue's 2010's stunner of an album, Aphrodite.  While vastly superior to the the band's originally planned first single, the Azealia Banks-assisted "Shady Love," I was kind of hoping for and expecting more.

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Hot Video Alert: Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris - We Found Love

Barbadian pop singer Rihanna has to be one of the hardest-working woman in popular music right now.  The talented singer's most recent single, the Calvin Harris-produced "We Found Love" recently became her ninth #1 Billboard Hot 100 single (eleventh if you count her collaborations with Eminem and T.I.) and the song's album, Talk That Talk became her sixth top ten album, the last three of which were top five hits. Astonishing!

Looking back on her rather extensive discography, Rihanna has released one album every year for the past three years, amassing nine Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles.  Since the beginning of her career back in 2005, Rihanna has made smart business decisions.  After the success of her debut single, the incredibly infectious "Pon De Replay" (which peaked at #2), Rihanna went ahead and released single #2, the BLAH R&B number, "If It's Lovin' That You Want."  When that single failed to reach the top 20, Rihanna got to work on album number 2.  Why empty water from a sinking ship when you can just get a new ship?  Rihanna really knows hot to keep the momentum going. My only concern is that she's going to wear herself out. Girl needs a serious break!

"We Found Love" was both written and produced by Scottish singer/songwriter/producer Calvin Harris, taking Princess RiRi straight to the club.  Rihanna's recent string of hits have hit everywhere on the pop spectrum from dance pop to R&B pop, even straight up R&B and hip-hop. "We Found Love" is the singer's first strictly club single (assuming you don't count her David Guetta collaboration) and I can't get enough of it.  The intro is a little long but once those trademark Calvin Harris beats start bumping, that's when the real party really starts.  As exciting as it must be for Rihanna to have her ninth #1 single, "We Found Love" becomes Calvin Harris' first #1 single in America. Amazing! Two birds, one stone.

Check out the Melina Matsoukas-directed video clip below and prepare to get dizzy.  As fun and up-tempo as the song is, the video paints an entirely different picture.  The video includes drug addiction, an abusive relationship (verbal more so than physical)...it's fast moving and dark, which is in serious contrast to the dance party like feel of the song.  Whenever I hear the song at a party, I prefer to block out the rough imagery of the video and just get lost in the music, but kudos to Rihanna for tackling such difficult subject matter.  Look for remixes by Chuckie, Cahill, and R3hab, all available on U.S. iTunes HERE.  New single, the Dr. Luke, Cirkut-produced "You Da One" is already climbing the charts, most recently arriving at #14. Looks like RiRi has another top ten single on her hands folks!

Check out Rihanna on the web:

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

The Ting Tings 'Hang It Up' with New Single and Video

After what seemed like an eternity, English pop rock duo The Ting Tings are BACK with a hot new single and an equally hot new music video.  It's been over a year since Jules De Martino (drums, lead guitar, bass guitar, vocals, piano) and Katie White (vocals, guitar, bass drums, bass guitar, and cow bells) dropped the first single off their highly anticipated sophomore album, the Calvin Harris-produced "Hands."  New single "Hang It Up" has the band returning to the more familiar sounds of their 2008 debut album, We Started Nothing and I have to say, I'm only a little bit disappointed.  

Why only a little?  While "Hands" didn't exactly ignite the charts back in September of 2010 (it peaked at #29 in the UK) it teased of a decidedly new dance/pop direction for the band, whose sound previously only dabbled in electronica.  Nearly all of The Ting Tings' singles have been remixed for the clubs, hell, "Hands" even went #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart,  but a whole album of Ting Tings infused dance pop? The gay in me was practically salivating onto my keyboard!  

Cut to...a year later and nary a peep from the Ting Tings, aside from sporadic updates via Twitter and on Facebook.  Hmmm. Clearly "Hands" didn't do what it needed to do so now here we are a year later and the band has all new material.  I totally get that the Tings (and undoubtedly, their label) are being cautious.  Hello! It's been nearly three years since the band's first album came out. That's a long time! Suffering from the oft dreaded sophomore slump at this stage in their career, with only one album under their belt, could be detrimental (quite possibly, an exaggeration)! "Hang It Up" isn't a bad comeback, in fact it's quite catchy.  Call it "Shut Up and Let Me Go" Part 2, if you will.  It's got Katie's trademark shouty bits PLUS a nice little solo bit for Jules, and plenty of their trademark manic spunk but it's not really too drastically different.  "Hands" was different, "Hang It Up" reverts back to the band's SAFE place, the same place that earned them a spot in a prominent iPod commercial back in April 2008.  All disappointment aside, the song is solid.  For fans who didn't latch onto "Hands," "Hang It Up" picks up nicely where We Started Nothing left off.  

Speaking of We Started Nothing - WOW. What a solid pop album.  I've said before that We Started Nothing is honestly an album I can rinse, wash and repeat - over and over again.  Every song is listenable and every beat is danceable.  Upon it's initial release in Europe, We Started Nothing debuted at #1 on the UK Album Charts, spawning two top ten hits, (including the #1 hit single "That's Not My Name") and two top 40 singles ("Great DJ," and "Be The One").  Over in the U.S. the Tings also had a good amount of success, thanks in large part to "Shut Up and Let Me Go" being featured in an Apple iPod commercial (that's where I first heard them!).  When their album was released in July it managed to peak at #78 on the Billboard 200, #7 on the U.S. Heatseekers Albums chart and #8 on the Indie Albums chart.  Only two of the band's singles managed to impact the Billboard Hot 100 ("That's Not My Name - #32, "Shut Up and Let Me Go" - #34) with their 2010 single "Hands" peaking at #1 on the dance charts.  The band's first official single - "Fruit Machine" was released only as a limited 500-copy run and did not chart, while the band's final single "We Walk" peaked at #58.  A pretty impressive start to a promising career.  Let's hope the band picks up momentum as we FINALLY get closer to the release of their follow up effort.

While touring in Europe this past summer, The Ting Tings have been treating crowds to fan favorites as well as new tunes like "Hang It Up."  One of the other new tunes the band has been previewing, "Silence," looks to be the next single and what's more,!?  We have another music video comin right up, at least if the band's most recent Facebook posts are to be believed. On Tuesday the Katie teased via the band's official Facebook page "we will have another song and video out before the end of this month." Chances are it's the complementary video to "Silence," which the band Tweeted about filming back in July.  As for the album (the band's second with Columbia/Sony Music), it was originally slated to come out in the Fall, but looks to be pushed back to January.  While we're waiting, let's have a look at the colorful and fun new video for "Hang It Up,"  filmed in Alicante, Spain and directed by The Ting Tings with Dan Gable.  Check out The Ting Tings U.S. iTunes store HERE.

Check out The Ting Tings on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Calvin Harris feat. Kelis - Bounce

Love me some Calvin Harris. Love me some Kelis. Love me some Calvin Harris & Kelis. "Bounce" is the second single to be taken from Harris' upcoming third studio album. The song premiered on Annie Mac's show on Radio 1 back at the end of April and features hot remixes from Michael Woods, R3Hab, Sandro Silva and Fly Eye. Following his last single, "Awooga," "Bounce" continues to showcase Harris as a producer and DJ as promised, stepping back from singing on his own tracks. While I've always loved everything about Harris (including his vocals) I absolutely LOVE me some Kelis so the fact that Harris isn't singing doesn't bother me in the slightest.  It's nice to see Harris collaborating with electro diva Kelis on his new album.  I absolutely LOVED his remix of her single "4th of July (Fireworks)."

The "Bounce" video was directed by Vincent Haycock (Cheryl Cole, HIM) and features Kelis looking hot, showing up halfway through the video and doing her thing, rocking a glittery Cleopatra headdress of some kind.  The beginning of the video features a girl breaking up with her hip-hop-dancing boyfriend, telling him to "BOUNCE."  The video follows the broken up boyfriend living it up in Vegas, dancing with Elvis, hookin' up with girls and partying like a crazy fool.  The night culminates with said boy showing up at a club where Calvin Harris just happens to be spinning and passing out afterwards in a drunken heap. I sure to love me a good alcohol and sex-fueled music video.  Download "Bounce" when it's released in the UK on June 12th via Fly Eye/Columbia/Sony.

Check out Calvin Harris on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Calvin Harris - Awooga

Back in November of last year, when Calvin Harris announced that he'd be focusing on his DJ work and forgoing his burgeoning singing career, I was a little upset. There are TONS of artists out there who are lacking in the vocal department. The fact that these artists are lacking in singing ability, certainly doesn't prevent them from releasing music. While I appreciate Harris's position and respect his decision, I happened to LOVE both of his last albums, I Created Disco AND Ready For the Weekend. The focus of each album was more the electro/dance style of music, specifically the top-notch production...not Harris' voice. Oh well. C'est la vie.

New song, "Awooga" is the first evidence we've heard of Calvin Harris, sans vocal, and I think he's going to be just fine. The song is hot. The video, while not much more than just live footage of Harris spinning and doing his thing, showcases the pure electricity that comes with seeing him live in concert. Check out the video for "Awooga" below and download the song on Beatport HERE.

Check out Calvin Harris on the web:

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

The Ting Tings are 'Hands' on with New Single!

Holy Hell! The Ting Tings are FINALLY back and back with a vengeance. Their new single "Hands" doesn't come out until October but you can hear it over on NME.com. It's AMAZING. The Ting Tings' last effort, 2008's We Started Nothing DEFINITELY had an electro-rock influence, but no where NEAR as electro as this new single.  Recorded in Berlin with the rest of their forthcoming new album, Kunst,  "Hands" is an electro-pop stomper that marks a not-new-but-exciting-nonetheless direction for the UK band, whose last album produced two top 10 UK singles, including the #1 single "That's Not My Name."  Talking to NME about the album's recording, drummer Jules De Martino had this to say:

"Our time in Berlin was a fresh start, with no rules again. When you've had an album that's been successful, the danger is you go back in the studio, look back and try and emulate it."

Lead singer Katy White added, "It'd be so lazy and easy to make the same album twice," and I completely agree.  This explains the new sound.  The duo's last album managed to take the #1 spot on the UK album's chart and despite receiving some good exposure in the States with "Shut Up and Let Me Go" (featured in one of those usually buzz-generating Apple commercials), the band's UK chart success wasn't matched on this side of the pond.  Sad story. Their debut album only peaked at #78 on the Billboard 200, which for a new UK artist isn't all that bad.  The Ting Tings saw more success on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart where they had three Top 5 singles and with Calvin Harris mixing this new single they're likely to have repeat success on the dance charts.  The single is out October 11th on 12" limited-edition vinyl and digital download.  Download the Retro/Grade remix of "Hands" for free HERE and check out the song below. This is a hot one!

The Ting Tings - "Hands" by Some Kind of Awesome

Check out The Ting Tings on the web:

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

Musical Snippets: Erik Hassle, Blake Lewis, Ting Tings, Katie Melua, Helping Haiti & More

Tweet & Get A Free Erik Hassle Remix: You all know by now that I'm a BIG fan of the poofy-haired Swedish singer/songwriter Erik Hassle. Well, his label here in the States, Universal Republic is offering his fans the chance to download the Penguin Prison Remix of debut single "Hurtful." Simply click on the "Post To Twitter" link HERE and get the remix. It's that easy! Hassle's album is due out in the States this Spring. Those lucky peeps in the UK can expect remixes from the incomparable Wideboys, Michael Mind, FattyPhunk and more.

Blake Lewis - Heartbreak On Vinyl - The Remixes: While I'm a little bit behind on this, remixes are now available for American Idol Season 6 Runner Up Blake Lewis. As much as I enjoyed "Sad Song" (and subsequent remixes by Jason Nevins, Craig C. and Pilotpriest) "Heartbreak On Vinyl" has always been one of my favorite tracks from Lewis' second album of the same name. Remixes are available to download on iTunes right now. Giving Lewis the remix treatment this time around, we have Bimbo Jones, Chew Fu and LA Riots. Good stuff right here! You might as well check out the remixes for "Sad Song" HERE.

The Ting Tings Take SNL By Storm: While I rarely tune in anymore to see Saturday Night Live, I will tune record it if I know an awesome band will be making an appearance. On January 16th, the Ting Tings graced the SNL stage and performed 2 of their hits, "Shut Up & Let Me Go," and "That's Not My Name." Brilliant. Loved seeing them live last year. So good! Can't wait for their new album, which the band is working on right now in Germany. Oh! And congrats to the band for their recent Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist. I was definitely rooting for a Ting Tings win. Watch their SNL performances HERE.

Katie Melua Announces New 2010 European Tour, New Album Coming Along: Katie Melua's music is definitely more on the mellow end of the spectrum when it comes to my musical tastes. That being said, I respect an artist who not only has a beautiful instrument, but also has the ability to express herself so beautifully through her songwriting. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Melua live last year in a more intimate setting and hope to do so again. Starting this Summer Melua will embark on a massive European Tour that will take her to Denmark, Norway, France, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK. For a full list of her European tour dates, check out her WEBSITE. The tour kicks off July 1st in Odense, Denmark. In other Katie Melua-related news, famous electronica producer William Orbit (Madonna) is producing Melua's new album. Orbit confirmed the news via Facebook and has been Tweeting about it as well. Can't wait to hear what they come up with. Should be interesting!

Sarah McLachlan Releases "One Dream" Music Video: Singer/Songwriter and Vancouver native, Sarah McLachlan has written, recorded and shot a new music video for her song "One Dream," which is being used to promote the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics (which begin with the Opening Ceremony this Friday, February 12th). The video saw it's broadcast television premier on January 24th during the 2010 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships and Countdown to the Vancouver Olympics on NBC. Check out the video HERE and download the song on iTunes. Sarah's also busy with Lilth 2010, so check out the official site for another round of additions to the lineup as well as new cities added to the tour.

Broken Bells Premiere "The High Road" Video: Checkout the new Broken Bells video for their debut single, "The High Road." Directed by the talented Sophie Muller, this video is visually stunning and features the gentlemen of Broken Bells - James Mercer of The Shins and Danger Mouse - in all their glory. The single is available to download on iTunes now (free for a limited time). Check out the video HERE. The debut album is due out March 9th, 2010. Pre-Order the Deluxe Edition from the band's website.

Real Housewife - Remixed - Tracy Young Remixes Kim Zolciak's DBTFTP: Superstar DJ Tracy Young has remixed Real Housewife of Atlanta, Kim Zolciak's single "Don't Be Tardy For The Party." HOT HOT HOT. Remixes will be released digitally (via Ferosh Records) on Tuesday February 9th. The mixes will hit all digital retailers including iTunes, Masterbeat, Juno, Amazon, Napster, etc. Young also hints at a physical release at some point down the line as well. For those of you who want a sneak peak of the remixes, head on over to Perez Hilton and check out what appears to be a radio edit. Make sure you get your copy!

Stars Come Together for Haiti - "Everybody Hurts" Released in the UK: The Simon Cowell-produced Haiti Charity Single, a cover of R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" has been released in the UK, along with a video. The track was re-recorded in both LA and London and features the vocal stylings of 21 artists including Robbie Williams, Alexandra Burke, Cheryl Cole, Susan Boyle, MIKA, James Blunt, Rod Stewart and more. Check out the video HERE and if you're in the UK, show Haiti some love by downloading the single.

Miscellaneous Snippets:

• Dionne Bromfield has revealed that she is in fact recording a follow up to her debut album, Introducing Dionne Bromfield. Syze-Up (Desert Eagle Discs) is one confirmed producer on the project.
• New Calvin Harris Single, "You Used To Hold Me" is out now in the UK. On the remix, we have the uber-talented Laidback Luke. Check out the video HERE.
  
• Good news Kimberley Locke fans! We can expect her new single (via Curb Records) on March 16th. It's called "Strobe Light" and it's produced by Randy Jackson.
• New single artwork from Evanescence, Heidi Montag, Norah Jones, P!nk, Jamie Cullum, Ellie Goulding, V.V. Brown, Mariah Carey, Fantasia, Whitney Houston, Guy Sebastian, Toni Braxton (#1 & #2), Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Jedward, JLS (#1 & #2) and Goldfrapp
• New album artwork from Usher, Boyzone, Ellie Goulding, Justin Bieber, Ricki-Lee, Amy MacDonald, Goldfrapp
  

Hot Music Video Alert: Calvin Harris - Flashback

That's What Credit Cards Are For...

On a whim, I decided to buy four CDs on CDWow.com the other day four? Well...because I'm easily enticed by a good deal. CDWow was offering three CDs for $22.00. How could I say no? The fourth CD was something I had intended on purchasing anyway.

Calvin Harris - Ready For The Weekend - I've been loving this CD for months so I finally decided to suck it up and purchase it. I can't wait. Love everything Calvin Harris touches - whether it's an original track, a production credit or a remix. HOTNESS is the word to describe Mr. Harris. The album was released back in August and the third single will be Flash Back, due out November 9th.

Check out Calvin Harris on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Bebo//Youtube

Frankmusik - Complete Me - Another CD that I've been loving for months is Frankmusik's brilliant Complete Me, also released last August and produced by Stuart Price. Check out Frankmusik on the upcoming charity single, "I Got Soul," along with other UK phenoms Pixie Lott, Tinchy Stryder, and more - due out October 19th.

Check out Frankmusik on the web:

Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube

Little Boots - Hands - Little Boots releases her new single "Earthquake," off of her June 2009 album, Hands on November 16th. Hands is an album that I haven't really listened to all that much, but I've loved the singles released off of the album. "New In Town," "Remedy," and of course "Meddle." Looking forward to this album.

Check out Little Boots on the web:

Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/YouTube/Twitter

Paloma Faith - Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful? Despite her album being ripped to shreds in NME, I could not be more pumped for the debut album from burlesque pop singer Paloma Faith. Her debut single "Stone Cold Sober" captured my attention. Her follow up single "New York" turned me into a fan. The album came out in the UK last week. CANNOT WAIT for this one. Paloma Faith can be heard on a track off of Basement Jaxx's new album Scars, out now. She can also be seen in the 2007 British movie St. Trinian's, out now in the U.S.

Check out Paloma Faith on the web:

Facebook /MySpace /YouTube /Twitter /iLike /Bebo /LastFM

Calvin Harris & The HUMANTHESIZER

I heart the new Calvin Harris single, "Ready For The Weekend." With guest vocals by the brilliant Mary Pearce, a cool video, sweet single artwork...how could the second single off of Calvin Harris's new album get any better? Enter the HUMANTHESIZER. Harris teamed up with Sony Music UK and Bare Conductive Body Ink to create this AWESOME live performance of the new single with the world's first human synthesizer. This special paint basically makes the models in this video the instruments. Very cool! Check it out HERE! - Via engadget

Also worth noting...Calvin Harris tweeted today, a picture of him, Jake Shears (of the Scissor Sisters) and Kylie Minogue in the studio together. HOT. Can't wait to hear what they are coming up with. ALSO can't wait to see Kylie in a little over 1 month! So exciting!

Check out Calvin Harris on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Bebo//Youtube

My Weekly Last FM Chart

Once again I haven't been blogging much. It's not for a lack of motivation, or stuff to talk about...it's more a lack of time. I've had a busy past couple of weeks! Anyway...Last FM results from the past week...GO!


Most Listened To Artists:
1. Straight No Chaser

2. Kelly Clarkson

3. V.V. Brown

4. Calvin Harris

5. Wale

6. Paloma Faith

7. Robyn

8. Sam Sparro

9. Atomic Kitten

10. Shakira

It's funny how week after week, the majority of the artists that make it on my "Most Listened To" list are from (or at least popular in) the UK. What can I say...over in the UK they know how to do pop music. For a long time, mainstream American radio has been dominated by hip hop, R&B and country, leaving little room for the run-of-the-mill pop music that I love so dearly. Sure, there are exceptions...Natasha Bedingfield for instance, although her last album definitely crossed over into R&B territory with a couple of tracks.

I'm optimistic about the future of music in the U.S. right now as America embraces artists like Leona Lewis and Lady Gaga. Both are totally different types of artists, but both have done decent business on this side of the pond. Artists popular in the states are starting to experiment with electro beats, working with producers like RedOne. The only worry I have is that we're going to start getting cookie cutter pop songs. New artists, same song.

At any rate, with tons more UK acts crossing the pond this Fall and into next year, I'm over the moon! I'm so excited to watch America fall in love with so many of the singers/bands that I've been listening to for months and months.

My Weekly Last FM Chart

In following with last weeks format, I'll be doing my top 10 listened to artists of the past week, according to my Last FM Chart. Since I work at a desk job, music is really what keeps me going day-to-day. Here are the artists that kept me going this past week.

Most Listened To Artists:

1. Noisettes

2. Erika Jayne

3. Calvin Harris

4. Roisin Murphy

5. Straight No Chaser

6. The Saturdays

7. Natasha Bedingfield

8. Kelly Clarkson

9. V.V. Brown

10. Adele

This weeks chart, like last weeks, is female-dominated. What can I say? I typically prefer a female vocalist to a male. It's just the kind of music I prefer. On the whole, female vocalists have are more impressive to me. In the top position this past week are the Noisettes, mainly because of the concert I attended last Monday. I tend to listen to an artist before a show, as well as after the show. This helps both with blogging about the show as well as prolonging my enjoyment of said concert. Erika Jayne also sits pretty at #2, as I reviewed her album Pretty Mess. Calvin Harris was on my mind as his new album, Ready For The Weekend is out this week and Roisin Murphy, she is working on a brand new record (which I will talk about later). Straight No Chaser released their brilliant new A capella EP, Six Pack which I promptly snagged. As for The Saturdays, Natasha Bedingfield, V.V. Brown and Adele - I was just in the mood at some point during last week to listen to each of those artists and or groups.

Calvin Harris Album Artwork Revealed

Album Artwork Via Coverlandia

Love, Love, Love Calvin Harris. Ready For The Weekend, the new album from the Scottish DJ, is due out in August. Debut single "I'm Not Alone" hit # 1 on the UK Singles Charts and stayed there for 2 consecutive weeks. Nice! The follow up single, "Ready For The Weekend" features vocals by UK singer Mary Pearce and is released in the UK on August 10th, with remixes announced by Dave Spoon, High Contrast and Fake Blood. The video premiered online in June. I love this song! It's got a fantastic old-school vibe too it and Mary Pearce's vocals sound fantastic. I'd love to see a Calvin Harris set should he come do a club tour in the U.S.

Check out Calvin Harris on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Bebo//Youtube

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.