Hot Video Alert: DEV featuring Enrique Iglesias - Naked

"Naked" is the latest single to come from singer/songwriter AND protege of electro-hop duo The Cataracs, DEV. If you haven't heard of DEV, you might recognize her voice from Far East Movement's #1 hit back in 2010, "Like A G6."  "Naked" featuring Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias is included on DEV's debut album, The Night The Sun Came Up, which was finally released here in America on March 26th, following the international release last September.  While the album flopped its way onto the Billboard 200, peaking at #61,  it managed to do better as a dance album, peaking at #6.

"Naked" is your average, run-of-the-mill dance-pop single, chock-full of standard vocal effects & other aural embellishments that we've come to expect from a Cataracs/DEV collaboration.  While by no means BORING, "Naked" just doesn't go anywhere for me.  There's a lot of build up on the production side of things, but the minimalist vocals and lackluster lyrics don't allow it to fully blossom as a song.  I keep expecting a big chorus and all I get is more sound effects.  All in all, just a bit disappointing, considering how much I loved DEV's last single, "In The Dark."

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Hot Video Alert: Enrique Iglesias feat. Ludacris & DJ Frank E - Tonight (I'm Loving You)

I love that the email with the link to the new Enrique Iglesias video came with this warning:

The new NSFW version by Enrique Iglesias feat. Ludacris "Tonight..." is now online on the VEVO platform. If you have not heard the buzz around this video, please make sure you are in a safe place before watching - very NSFW!

"NSFW" indeed! Oopsie! I definitely sent it around the office today. Oh well.  Let me just reemphasize...the video is NOT SAFE FOR WORK.  OK. Moving on.

The smoking hot video for "Tonight (I'm Loving You)" was directed by BBGUN and Parris and starts out with Enrique Iglesias walking into a strip club slash S&M bar slash dance club.  Enrique has his eye on a lovely lady sitting across the room in a big thrown like arm chair. Of course, seeing that he's Enrique Iglesias, he gets the girl and proceeds to have his way with her in the club bathroom - keeping it classy.

CUT TO Ludacris in a cab surrounded by beautiful ladies in the backseat.  Old timer is playing some old timer song on the radio and Luda asks him to change the station. Whoa-oh! What do ya know? Radio station changes and guess what song is playing? I'll give you one guess...Luda does his guest rap and then we're in Mexico where Enrique is supposedly waiting for his lovely strip club hook up hottie.  Of course, while waiting for the brunette to arrive Enrique meets up with a pretty blonde. An orgy follows, followed by Enrique and some ladies on a boat in the middle of the ocean.  By this point I'm completely lost and probably infected with some sort of STD which I transmitted through my computer screen....or is that not why I'm burning up?  Whatever...the song still has me moving to the beat.  It's a very provocative video to say the least. As my co-worker so eloquently put it, "Lucky girl."

Taken from Enrique Iglesias' ninth studio album, Euphoria, "Tonight (I'm Loving You)" is an infectious synthy dance/pop smash co-written by Iglesias and produced by DJ Frank E.  The song peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #29 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.  The sleazyfied video, while over the top, is the perfect complement to this dance floor romp.  Download your copy of the single on iTunes now (HERE) and look out for some hot club remixes by Dresden & Johnston, available now on Masterbeat (HERE).  There's also an official remix featuring Pitbull.  The single is out in the UK on January 31st.

Check out Enrique Iglesias on the web:

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

New Remixes from Kelis, Katy Perry, Enrique Iglesias, Eliza Doolittle, Marina and The Diamonds and Macy Gray!

You know how much I LURVE remixes. Here are some remixes I'm excited for this summer.

Kelis - 4th Of July (Fireworks)

"4th Of July (Fireworks)" is the second single off of Kelis' new album Flesh Tone, due out in the U.S. on July 6th. Produced by DJ Ammo, the single came out on June 8th and features a stunning video directed by John "Rankin" Waddell and Nicole Ehrlich. We're treated to remixes for this already dance-tastic new single from Calvin Harris, Fernando Garibay, Richard X, Rusko and Burns. A special remix EP will be available to download on June 29th.

Eliza Doolittle - Pack Up

British singer/songwriter Eliza Doolittle releases her second single "Pack Up" July 5th and it features a stunning remix package from Analog People In A Digital World, Riva Starr and Royal Palms. If you're not already familiar with Doolittle, check out her debut single "Skinny Genes" off her debut self-titled album due out June 28th via Parlophone. You can see the promo tracklisting below. Make sure you check out the video too!

Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull - I Like It

Who doesn't like a good Enrique Iglesias remix? "I Like It" is the second official single off of Enrique's new bilingual album Euphoria and features Pitbull in one of his standard guest vocals. While I'm REALLY amped for remixes to third single, "Heartbeat" featuring Nicole Scherzinger, I'm making do with the remixes available for "I Like It." We have Avicii, Cahill, Daddy's Groove and DJ Chuckie on the remix and...I like it. Check out the new U.S. video below featuring the cast of Jersey Shore.

Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - California Gurls

YES! These are the remixes I've been waiting for! "California Gurls," the new Snoop Dogg-assisted Katy Perry single, her first off her upcoming new CD Teenage Dreams, has unofficial mixes floating around (notably mixes by Tommie Sunshine and Liam Keegan) but these official remixes are making me REALLY happy. On the mix we have Manhattan Clique, MSTRKRFT, Passion Pit and Inner Party System. The MSTRKRFT, Passion Pit and Inner Party System mixes are available to download now on Masterbeat. If you haven't scoped out the fun video yet do do HERE. Also make sure you watch a cool Tommie Sunshine video edit below.

Macy Gray - Lately

Ah Macy Gray. The singer who once said she was afraid clearing her throat would shut down her singing career. She's still here and she's back with a new single, the official second single off her upcoming new album The Sellout, due out June 22nd. First single "Beauty In The World" peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Play Chart (currently at #9) so I can only imagine that with remixes by Ruff Loaderz, Nu Addiction and Cutmore she'll reach new heights on the dance charts with her latest offering. Download the Cutmore and Nu Addiction remixes for "Lately" on Masterbeat.

Marina & The Diamonds - Oh No!

Marina & The Diamonds' album The Family Jewels is one of my favorites so far this year and it looks like it's doing alright here in the States, peaking at #2 on Billboard's Heatseekers Album Charts, #22 on Billboard's Digital Album Charts and #138 on the Billboard 200. The fourth UK single, "Oh No!" is due out on July 26th in the UK and is produced by Greg Kurstin. A video (yet to be released) was directed by Kinga Burza. We have remixes coming by Max Sanna and Steve Pitron, Grum and Jaymo and Andy George. Can't wait!

Hot Video Alert: Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull - I Like It

Oh Enrique. Did you really have to associate yourself with Jersey Shore? This is the video for the RedOne-produced new Enrique Iglesias single, "I Like It." It's not bad, but nothing ground-breakingly original. I do love me some Enrique remixes so hopefully whoever remixes this song turns it into a proper club stomper. The single samples Lionel Richie's "All Night Long (All Night)" and will be featured on the official soundtrack to MTV's reality show smash, Jersey Shore. Apaprently, Enrique will be performing the single live on the American Idol finale. I wonder if Pitbull will make an appearence as well?

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.

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.

Kelly Clarkson Album Leaks & New Album Artwork

First things first, it looks like Kelly Clarkson's new (brilliant) album, All I Ever Wanted, leaked onto the Internet, courtesy of the Norwegian iTunes Store, as Rolling Stone reported earlier today. That's a shame. I hope it doesn't drastically impact sales. It might, given that it's not set to be released for a month. I wonder if the label will bump up the release date? Buy your copy! Pre-order on Amazon, iTunes or wherever you buy your music.

Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up

2nd Single/Release Date - ??

Album - All I Ever Wanted

Now, since it's Friday and I'm WIPED OUT I'm going to keep things light and fluffy tonight with some new album art, available courtesy of my favorite album art resource on the web, Coverlandia. I've talked about them before but they really are fantastic! They have a great team of artists who make their own album art but they also post official artwork. Below, you will find some of my fav new official album and single sleeves. Enjoy!

Leona Lewis - I Will Be

3rd U.S. Single/Released February 3rd

Album - Spirit

Solange - Sandcastle Disco [Remixes]

2nd Single/Released Digitally February 10th

Album: Sol-Angel & The Hadley St. Dreams

Jennifer Hudson feat. Ludacris - Pocketbook

3rd Single/Released February 17th

Album: Jennifer Hudson

Enrique Iglesias feat. Ciara - Takin' Back My Love

2nd Single/Release Date - *

Album - Greatest Hits

* Released in Europe

Lady Gaga - Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)

3rd Australian Single/Released January 31st

Album - The Fame

Gavin DeGraw - Free

3rd Album/Release Date - March 31st

First Single - ??

Lady Sovereign - Jigsaw

2nd Album/Release Date - April 7th

1st Single - So Human/ Released February 3rd