Hot Video Alert: Tulisa - Young

I don't really know what to make of X-Factor judge and now former N-Dubz vixen, Tulisa Contostavlos' debut solo single, "Young." The song was written by Peter Ibsen, Ali Tennant and Richard 'Fazer' Rawson, who also served as producer on the track.  "Young" just might be one of those mindless summer club anthems that everybody dances to because it's playing.  Stop and listen to the lyrics (or lack their of) and you'll quickly realize that this song is completely without substance.  Of course there's a place for this kind of music, unfortunately for Tulisa, Cascada currently corners that market and has for sometime.  Here's hoping the rest of her album offers a bit more.

"Forgive me for what I have done, cos I'm young," she repeats over generic David Guetta-lite dance beats.  I guess if Tulisa was looking to create a fun, clubby summer anthem, she's completely succeeded.  The single is complemented perfectly by a beautifully shot video, filmed early March in Miami.  The video features Tulisa and some friends having fun, trashing a big luxurious hotel suite and frolicking on the beach.  About what you'd expect, given the song's depth.  Overall,  I was just hoping for a little bit more.  While it's quite evident that Tulisa can sing, "Young" just does absolutely nothing to showcase her talents.  

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Erika Jayne Lands Sixth Consecutive #1 on Billboard's "Hot Dance/Club Play Songs" Chart, Remains Flawless

Erika Jayne really knows how to make an entrance.  In the video for her latest club stomper, "Party People (Ignite The World)," Jayne slinks into the room, dressed to kill in a hot pink leather jacket, hounds tooth mini dress and sparkly Louboutins. With an entrance like that, it was pretty clear to me that Erika Jayne was well on her way to the top.

Since it's release in November via Jayne's own Pretty Mess Records, "Party People (Ignite The World)" has been steadily climbing the Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs chart before finally hitting the top of the chart this week, becoming Jayne's sixth consecutive #1 dance single. That's quite the accomplishment!  Written and produced by Swedish (of COURSE Swedish) duo Andreas Carlsson (Katy Perry, Britney Spears) and Niclas Kings (Kate Ryan, Nervo), the song is the ultimate party anthem.  "Party People (Ignite The World)" serves as a rallying cry to everyone, from club kids to homebodies, to get their asses onto the dancefloor and ignite the world.  While at times the song dips into cheesy Cascada territory, sounding eerily similar to "Evacuate The Dancefloor," all is forgiven by the time we hit the second verse.  Jayne carries the song with a combination of sexuality, powerhouse club diva vocals, and sexy, fierce ferocity. As soon as the single hit iTunes, it was destined to ignite the charts.

Backed by a super hot Mikey Minden-directed video (Pussycat Dolls choreographer!) and an intensely satisfying remix package (Jody den Broeder, Bimbo Jones, Hector Fonseca and more!), "Party People" hits just the right spot this winter, packing all the heat of a summer club anthem just as temperatures begin to drop.  If anyone's going to draw a club kid out of hibernation and onto the dancefloor, you know it's going to be Erika Jayne.  As previously mentioned, "Party People" is Jayne's sixth consecutive #1 dance single, following the release of 2010's "One Hot Pleasure," which stormed to the head of the chart, topping major players including Katy Perry, Cher and Enrique Iglesias.  Since the beginning of her career, Jayne has proven herself as a major force to be reckoned with in the world of dance pop divas.

Jayne first struck Billboard dance gold back in 2007 with the release of her debut single, "Rollercoaster." Releasing her next single, "Stars" the following year, Erika Jayne continued her streak of #1 hits each consecutive year after (2009 - "Give You Everything"; 2010 - "Pretty Mess," "One Hot Pleasure") culminating in her latest chart-topping smash.  Jayne released her debut album, Pretty Mess back in 2008 and is rumored to be working on a follow up due for release sometime this year.  Catch the super sexy video for "Party People (Ignite The World)" below and download the single on iTunes HERE . Also make sure you snag the remix EPs on iTunes HERE and HERE. Now...on to the next hit, Ms. Jayne.

Check out Erika Jayne on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Cascada - San Francisco

Every night before bed, I count my blessings. At least once a year, I thank God for Cascada and the brand of generic, trash euro-pop that vocalist Natalie Horler, DJ Marnian and Yanou bring to clubs all over the world. OK - I don't do any of that but you gotta love Cascada. How can you not? I have to tip my hat to any band that can successfully makeover a country hit like "What Hurts The Most" into a Top Ten hit throughout Europe (and almost a top 50 hit in America).

Cascada's latest single, the uber-catchy "San Francisco," follows the same basic formula that their last few singles used. Dance beat. CHECK! Generic, disembodied man's voice shouting throughout the song (i.e. - "EVERYBODY IN THE CLUB!" and "PYRO-PYRO MANIA MA-MA-MA-MANIA!"). CHECK! Sexy video. CHECK!

For what it's worth, the formula works. Cascada has had more than a few chart successes throughout Europe and even a couple here in the States. "Evacuate The Dancefloor" peaked at #25 on the mainstream Billboard Hot 100 chart, turning into Cascada's biggest U.S. hit since 2005's "Everytime We Touch," which peaked at #10 on the very same chart. Nearly all of Cascada's most recent singles have been in the same vein, catchy RedOne-like electropop tailor-made for a night of clubbing.

When last year's "Pyromania" was released, there were no plans for an album. Instead, Cascada was going to release a few singles (an approach being explored by a number of pop stars in recent years). Following "Pyromania," Cascada released another stand alone single, "Night Nurse," although not officially.  The single wasn't available for download, but a video was made for the song and it appeared on a UK dance music compilation.  "San Francisco" due out July 4th in the UK becomes single #3 from Cascada's recently announced fourth studio album. The video was shot on March 26th and directed by Lisa Mann with choreography by Luther Brown. Apparently Cascada shot the video for a follow up single, "Au Revoir," that same weekend in Toronto (according to a since removed job posting) though I haven't read anything to confirm.  "Pyromania," "Night Nurse" and "San Francisco" will likely appear on Cascada's fourth album, Original Me, due out June 20th in the UK via Zooland Records.  Check out the video for "San Francisco" below and get ready for another string of Cascada club hits just in time for the summer!  Remixing "San Franscisco," we have Cahill, Wideboys, Frisco and Lockout.  Pre-order on UK iTunes HERE!

Check out Cascada on the web:

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

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.

Massive Album Art Update!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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