[Hot Video Alert] Melanie C feat. Emma Bunton - I Know Him So Well

"I Know Him So Well," from the musical Chess, is one of my all time favorite duets so when I heard that it was being released as the official first single from Spice Girl Melanie C's recent theater-inspired album, Stages, I was super excited.  What made things even MORE exciting...Mel's duet partner, fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton!  Now, I've been a hankerin' for new Emma Bunton music since the release of her last solo album back in 2006, Life In Mono, and while Melanie C takes the lead on "I Know Him So Well," I'm hoping deep down that this reignites Emma's passion for pop music enough to get her back into the studio to record an album as fabulous as 2004's Free Me.

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Melanie C Unveils 'Stages' Artwork & Album Tracklisting; 'I Don't Know How To Love Him'

Former Spice Girl Melanie C unveiled the artwork for her forthcoming sixth studio album Stages yesterday, as well as the album's tracklisting and release date.  Stages will drop digitally on September 9th via Red Girl Records, and physically one day later on September 10th.  Produced by long-time collaborator Peter-John Vettese (Pet Shop Boys, Cher), Stages features 12-tracks of musical theater masterpieces and other songs chosen by Melanie herself.  Check out the tracklisting BELOW the cut.

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Spice Girl Melanie C Releases Theatrical New Album This September; Stars in West End Production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

At the end of June, Spice Girl Melanie C announced the forthcoming release of her sixth studio album, Stages, featuring "a collection of songs from the theater that have been important to Melanie at various stages in her life."  The album was produced by long time collaborator, Peter-John Vettese (Pet Shop Boys, Cher, Carly Simon) and includes a duet with fellow Spice cohort Emma Bunton as well as the album's first buzz single, "I Don't Know How To Love Him," from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.  Check out the JUST released artwork for the single (shot by Tim Bret-Day), which will be released digitally worldwide starting this Sunday, July 22nd via Melanie's own label Red Girl Records.

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'Latter Day Debbie Harry,' Sky Ferreira Is a StyleCaster Cover Girl

While electropop (soon-to-be) teen sensation Sky Ferreira isn't working on her forthcoming debut album, she's keeping busy as a super model. Love it! Model by day, singer at night. It sounds like a new fangled sort of super hero or something. Sky was recently featured as the StyleCaster cover story, which included a lavish photo spread shot by Hugh Lippe. The photos (two of which can be seen in this post) are ABSOLUTELY stunning.

In the editorial, Sky mentions that her forthcoming album, due in the Fall, is called As If!. Now I'm not sure if this is true or a misprint, as Sky just released an EP with the same name, but no matter. As long as the album is still coming out in the Fall, that's all I really care about. Sky also mentions an early influence in her life - Baby Spice (Emma Bunton). Emma was always my favorite Spice Girl (and solo Spice girl) so it looks like we have something in common...

“The first group I ever heard, really without my parents’ influence, was the Spice Girls. Yeah, Baby Spice. I used to dress like Baby Spice. I actually still do. I still dress like a Spice Girl sometimes." {SOURCE}

OK. While I did love me some Baby Spice, I didn't dress like her. Still, cool of her to say that she was influenced by Ms. Bunton. Anyway, check out these fabulous photos of Ferreira. The rest of the editorial can be read and the photos seen over on StyleCaster by clicking HERE. You can also see some cool behind the scenes photos from the shoot over HERE as well as a cool video featuring Sky HERE.  According to their website, "StyleCaster is a leading platform that creates and curates the best content from across women's lifestyle into a comprehensive style experience."  Download the As If EP on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Sky Ferreira on the web:

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

New Music Blogs!

These blogs aren't necessarily brand new, but they are new to me! I found them while perusing We Are Pop Slags, fast becoming one of my new favorite music blogs. Thanks to these new blog-finds, I've learned quite a few interesting pop music bits. Hears the rundown.

Photos come from Artists' official websites/MySpace pages

The Prophet - Hip Hop/R&B Blog:

• New Brandy Single - "Fall"
• New John Legend Single - "Quickly" featuring Brandy
• New Kelis Music Surfaces - Two songs produced by Diplo
• Kid Kudi Performs "Day N' Nite" on Carson Daly
• New Christina Milian album/single news

Photos come from artists' official websites/MySpace pages

Toya's World - R&B Blog:

• New sneak peak of Ciara's new single, "Love Sex Magic," featuring Justin Timberlake
• New LeToya Luckett (formerly of Destiny's Child) single, "She Ain't Sh** On Me"
• X-Factor Winner, Alexandra Burke working with Akon & Pharrell
• Electrik Red showcases album artwork for debut album, How To Be a Lady: Volume 1
• New Rihanna album expected by the end of the year (WOW!)
• New Leona Lewis album scheduled for Fall (working with Ryan Tedder & Guy Chambers, among others)

Photos come from Artists' Official Websites/MySpace pages

This Must Be... Pop! (formerly Dirrrty Pop) - Pop Music Blog:

• Emma Bunton collaborating with producer/songwriter Max Martin (Kelly Clarkson, Sugababes, Britney Spears) on new material
  

All of this news exciting! I'm particularly excited about the new Kelis, Leona and Emma Bunton. I, like Jessica over on This Must Be... Pop! am a bit surprised that Emma is working with Max Martin. I admittedly purchased Emma's last album and was HUGELY dissapointed. I enjoyed the 60s throwback vibe that Free Me had goin' for it, but I was hoping she's change things up on her next effort. No...she kept up with that whole sound and produced a boring album. This collaboration could be hot...or it could be a hot mess. I'm bettin' on the former!

Check out these other music bloggers when you get a chance!

Does 'Takin' Back My Love' Have International Hit Potential?

Photos from Sarah Connor, Enrique Iglesias & Ciara's Official Sites

We're all under the assumption that record labels know what sells in different international markets. They must have analysts in their payroll that study the international music charts and radio play statistics. Sometimes the labels take calculated risks at releasing an album that does well in one country, into another country. It either pays off or it doesn't.

Photos from Natasha Bedingfield's Official Site & Kelly Clarkson's Official MySpace

Take Kelly Clarkson for instance. The first American Idol winner. While her debut album wasn't initially released in the UK, her follow up album was, banking on the strength of the first single "Since U Been Gone." That risk payed off and now Clarkson is an international superstar. Same with UK artist Natasha Bedingfield, who had solid albums with solid sales in the UK. Her success continued with her U.S. release (although it started out rocky).

Photos from Sarah Connor's Official Site & Emma Bunton's Official MySpace

On the opposite end of the spectrum, look at former Spice Girl Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) or German pop singer Sarah Connor. Both artists had relatively high amounts of success in their respective countries, but when they released their debut U.S. albums, both floundered. While there's something to be said for promotion, it was a calculated risk to release these international albums stateside. There's always a hope that a foreign artist will have crossover success in the international market but that's not always the case.

Single Artwork Courtesy of Coverlandia

Enrique Iglesias - Takin' Back My Love

This is when labels get creative. Take international pop star Enrique Iglesias, who released his English language Greatest Hits album in November. The album contains 14 of the artists big singles as well as 3 new tracks. "Takin' Back My Love" is one of those new tracks and is the second single off the album. To succeed internationally, the label recorded multiple versions of the track to appeal to different audiences. American R&B singer Ciara recorded vocals for the single's U.S. release, while German singer Sarah Connor recorded vocals (in English) for the German release of the single.

Overall, both vocalists do alright in their respective versions. Ciara, not known for her impressive vocal range adequately sings throughout the track, oozing sex appeal the whole way through. Sarah Connor, known for having a more power voice, takes things down a notch to match the song's up-tempo electro-pop beats. The Red One-produced song isn't anything new or different, but it's certainly growing on me the more I listen to it. I just find this international re-tooling interesting and something worth exploring.

Bring Them Back!

This is my humble plea to bring back some of my favorite pop divas...ladies who had their moment of pure pop brilliance and then disappeared as soon as they were either: A.) dropped by their record label, B.) Beckoned by Hollywood, C.) Succumbed to drugs & alcohol or D.) Some Combination of the above. Here it goes. Prepare to be dazzled!

1. Rachel Stevens: Formerly of S Club 7, Stevens has always been a favorite. Not known for her extensive vocal range, Stevens IS known for having one of 2005's best reviewed, least listened to pop records. What a shame! The album spawned 2 top 10 hits ("So Good," "Negotiate With Love") yet that was not enough to keep the singer signed with Polydor Records. If only her label had considered her entire body of work including a total of 5 top 10 UK hits! Her videos and live performances were mini works of art...OK...overstatement...but they were loads of fun! What is Ms. Stevens up to now? Acting it seems. After bit parts in Suzie Gold, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo and most recently, voicing a character in the animated BBC series, Glendogie Bogey--it seems like Rachel is giving singing a rest at the moment and focusing on acting. Pity. Fav Tracks: "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex," "Some Girls,""Nothing Good About This Goodbye."

2. Holly Valance: Australian pop singer, Holly Valance had a #1 single in both the UK & her native land--a cover of Tarkan's "Kiss Kiss" (also covered by Stella Soliel) and while I liked Soliel's version quite a bit more, Holly Valance was quite the performer. Nominated for 4 ARIA awards (Australian Grammys) for her song "Kiss Kiss", Valance also had success with her follow up single, "Down Boy." Third single "Naughty Girl" did well in Australia and made top 20 in the UK. Follow up album was a big flop and only had one single--title track "State Of Mind." While offering nothing groundbreaking, Valance paired up with current producers could potentially turn out another hit. What's keeping her busy now? Acting. Yep. Acting isn't new for Valance--after all she appeared in the Australian soap that launched a thousand pop stars (Kylie, Natalie Imbruglia, Delta Goodrem, Stephanie McIntosh)--Neighbours. More recently, she's had her eyes on American audiences, with guest spots on Shark, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Moonlight, Entourage & Prison Break. Valance has also been busy in movies--National Lampoon's Pledge This, DOA: Dead or Alive and Taken. Hopefully she hasn't COMPLETELY forgotten her music past. Fav Tracks: "Kiss Kiss,""Down Boy,""State Of Mind,""Hypnotic."

3. Kym Marsh: Now I can't honestly say that Kym Marsh was ever a FAVORITE pop star of mine. Her debut solo album Standing Tall, was one of my first import album's purchased at record store in the states. That was very exciting to me at the time. It was before I discovered the websites I use now, so when I saw this $25.00 CD in the bin...I snagged it right up! I had heard her second single "Come On Over" on Now That's What I Call Music Vol. 55 and LOVED it. Little did I know, that was the beginning of the end for Marsh. First single, "Cry" made it to #2 on the UK Charts--"Come On Over" - #10...third and final single "Sentimental" only made it to #35 and Kym was dropped. Kym got her start on the UK show Popstars, forming the group Hear'Say. Kym left the group after the first album. Marsh currently stars on popular UK soap Coronation Street, where she is known as Kym Ryder. Now a Mommy of 2, Kym is still riding the success of Coronation Street (for which she has won numerous British television awards). In 2004 & 2005 she's had a successful West End run in Saturday Night Fever, where she received rave reviews. In 2006 she entered Making Your Mind Up--the UK contest that picks a singer and a song to represent the UK in Eurovision. She came in 4th. Come on Kym...reinvent your sound and come back for another round! Fav Tracks: "Come On Over,""Cry (Almighty Remix)","Cry."

4. Emma Bunton: The first bit of former Spice Girl, Emma Bunton's solo material I ever heard was her Tin Tin Out Collaboration--the cover of Edie Brickell's "What I Am." Back then I was in college (1999-2000) and I furiously sought out additional Emma tracks on Napster (before it went legit). "What Took You So Long," & "Take My Breath Away" quickly became new favorites of mine. I actually found her debut album (A Girl Like Me) on Amazon Marketplace and ordered it used. I loved it, even without the jewel case! In 2004, when I learned that Emma's long awaited follow up album was due to be released, I got excited. I of course heard "Free Me" and the subsequent remixes and fell in love. I bought the import instantly (and bought the US version that came out nearly a year later--unable to keep it from bombing on the US charts--). Emma's second album was a far cry from her days in the Spice Girls...or even her first pop album. Going for a more 60s Soul/Motown sound, the album was surprisingly catchy. "Free Me" was a jam! While she never achieved another #1 (not since "What Took You So Long" in 2001), "Free Me" hit the top 5 in the UK. Second single, "Maybe" (with an amazing video) hit #6, "I'll Be There"--#7. All signs pointed to a downward spiral. Sure enough...final single "Crickets Sing For Annamaria," a cover of an Astrud Gilberto classic, only made it to #15.

By the time word of her third album started to materialize, my worst fears were confirmed--she was doing another 60s/Motown-inspired album. Life In Mono was a certifiable bomb (Of course I bought it). First single was a cover of Petula Clark's "Downtown"-- done for BBC's Children In Need charity--capitalizing on Emma's Strictly Come Dancing (British version of Dancing With The Stars) role. The music video even featured some cast-mates from the reality show. "Downtown" made it's debut at #3 on the British Charts. Follow up single did not fare so well...treacly ballad, "All I Need To Know" stalled at #60. There was no third single due to Emma's pregnancy and the inability to properly promote the record. As a result, the album stalled at #65. A bummer. I was hoping her cover of Mono's "Life In Mono" would make it as a single, but it was never to be. Bunton, now a new Mommy of a baby boy, just finished touring with the Spice Girls for their much hyped reunion tour. For now, according to Emma on her blog, she's "reading scripts." It looks like, for the time being, she's put music on hold. *sigh. And so it goes...another pop star gone by the wayside. The good news as far as Ms. Bunton is concerned...is, as of right now anyway, she's still signed to her record label. So fingers crossed she makes good on that and records another album soon! Fav Tracks: "What Took You So Long,""A Girl Like Me,""We're Not Going To Sleep Tonight (3AM Mix)","What I Am,""Free Me,""Maybe,""No Sign Of Life,""Something So Beautiful."

5. Amy Winehouse: I don't need to say anything at all about this one. Get better soon girl. That Bond song would have rocked with you on vocals. Fav Tracks: "You Sent Me Flying (Edit),""Stronger Than Me,""Fuck Me Pumps,""Help Yourself,""In My Bed,""Take The Box,""You Know I'm No Good,""Back To Black,""Tears Dry On Their Own,""Love Is A Losing Game,""Me & Mr. Jones,""Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" (cover from Bridget Jones: Edge Of Reason Soundtrack).

2nd Is The Best (Or Is It?)

It seems to be a trend lately for artists to re release an album with bonus tracks or remixes when sales aren't quite as high as they could be. Beyonce, Shakira and most recently, Amy Winehouse. Sometimes this works...sometimes it doesn't. When Shakira released "Oral Fixation Vol. 2" with bonus tracks, including Hips Don't Lie...it sort of paid off. If it's an artist that I really like, and the tracklisting is different enough--I would consider purchasing the album again. This is often the case with import albums that are ultimately released in the U.S. When Natasha Bedingfield released UNWRITTEN in the UK, I got it because I saw it was making chart waves across the pond. It was eventually released in the U.S. as well and I decided to purchase it solely based on the fact that there was an additional track and a different artist featured on one of the old songs. That was enough for me. Emma Bunton's album FREE ME was released in the U.S. with 2 remixes included. I have both the UK and U.S. version of that album.

On Tuesday November 20th, Amy Winehouse's debut album , FRANK comes out in the U.S. --exactly 4 years and a month after it was released in the UK. I stumbled upon this album in the Virgin Megastore on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This had to have been sometime during the summer of 2004. It was in the "Import Basement." I had heard of Winehouse, having looked at various UK music websites and keeping up with the weekly charts. I knew she was getting good buzz in her native country and I kept hearing all about F**k Me Pumps. The CD was not that expensive so I snagged it. I fell in love INSTANTLY. Jazzy and cool, this album is completely different than her successful BACK TO BLACK album of last year. Winehouse was a completely different person back then. She was healthy for one. However, reading interviews with Winehouse where she talks about that album--she was unhappy. It wasn't her album. BACK TO BLACK was much more personal. FRANK should not be dismissed by any means, in fact, in many respects it's a superior album.

Back to my dilemma...I would totally purchase FRANK again but I'm getting conflicting reports as to what the tracklisting will be. Amazon.com has the tracklisting as being the same as the original release. All music.com however has the 2007 edition as having an unreleased track, titled Know You Now which I've never heard before. You can listen to a clip on All Music's website. If this track were actually on the album, I might consider purchasing it. I am a little upset that there are hidden tracks on the new edition. You Sent Me Flying and Cherry are combined into one track, similar to the version of the album I have. The original UK release apparently had them as two separate tracks. Hidden tracks always annoy me. But I digress. Come on Universal Records...make it worth my while. Release the album with a bonus track! The U.S. is dying for some new Amy Winehouse music, even if it's technically old. If you don't I'm just going to order the new Girls Aloud record (which I'm probably just going to get anyway).