[Hot Video Alert] Erik Hassle - Stay

Come on Erik! Why you gotta make me cry! UGH! Sometimes, less really is more and Erik Hassle's new video for "Stay" is evidence of that.  Penned by Malin Dahlström of Niki & The Dove, "Stay" is the first single taken from Hassle's upcoming third full length studio album, entitled We Dance, due out later this Spring on Roxy Records (Hassle's Swedish label). No word yet on whether Hassle's planning a full scale international release with this album, but I'm hoping he is.  This is just too good to keep in Sweden!

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Erik Hassle Releases Heart-Drenched New Single 'Stay', Sophomore Album Due Late Spring

23 year old singer/songwriter Erik Hassle has been one a 'Music Is My King Size Bed' fave, ever since he released his debut Swedish album, Hassle back in 2009.  Now, I'm pleased to announce the release of "Stay," (listen BELOW) a first tease off his forthcoming sophomore album.  The sonically stunning power pop ballad was written by Malin Dahlström of the Swedish electropop trio Niki & The Dove and features Hassle at his best and most vulnerable.  The melancholy track starts out with a lovely piano intro before Hassle's flaw-free, heartfelt vocals ease in.  Violins join the piano on the bridge, followed by light percussion and a big emotional second chorus featuring some of Hassle's best vocal work to date.  THIS is why Erik Hassle was born, folks.  He was born to touch the souls of each and every one of us.  "Stay" is a chill-inducing, heart-wrenchingly beautiful ballad that commands your attention with each note and chord.  Simply stunning.

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Hot Video Alert: Sam Sparro - The Shallow End

Since releasing his BRILLIANT self-titled debut album back in 2008, I've been eagerly awaiting new material from 29 year old Aussie-born/U.S. & UK based singer/songwriter Sam Sparro. Well folks, that moment has FINALLY arrived.  "The Shallow End" is the first tease of new stuff from Sparro, who's sophomore record, Return To Paradise, is due for release in May via EMI. HALLELUJAH!

I'm uncertain, whether or not "The Shallow End" is Sparro's first single or if it's just a promotional teaser of what's to come.  Given the low LOW budget of this "music video," my guess is that it's the former.  The video appears to be a mix of "behind the scenes" footage of Sparro and his band, friends, producers, etc. recording, what I'm guessing to be the forthcoming new album.  There's a lot of footage of Sparro goofing off, playing with his puppies, walking around in a tank, generally acting really casual.  Regardless, at this point I'll take what I can get of Sparro. His first album remains to this day, one of my favorite pop albums of the past few years.  Hell, I'm so desperate for new Sam Sparro, I'll even accept him with that creepy, perv-stache plastered above his upper lip.

Musically speaking, "The Shallow End" doesn't really deviate too far from the electro-soul sound of Sparro's last string of singles (including the Grammy-nominated hit single "Black and Gold") which I guess is a good thing.  According to the press release, Sparro brought on musicians from all over the globe to record Return To Paradise, working with long-time producer and collaborator Jesse "Golden Touch" Rogg.  Other collaborators include the delectable Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Sia), Jono Sloan (from Empire of the Sun), Tim Anderson (from Ima Robot) and Lester Mendez (Shakira, Nelly Furtado).  Musicians wrangled in to play on the album include Stuart Zender (founding bass player from Jamiroquai), violinist Caitlin Moe, the horn section from Hercules and Love Affair, as well as Midnight Magic, Charlie Wilcocks, Dave Wilder, Felix Bloxsom and Sparro's very own brother and father on guitars.  Helping out on the songwriting end, Sparro worked with Best Coast's own Bethany Cosentino, Florence + The Machine's Isabella Summers and Swedish singer/songwriter Erik Hassle (who appears in the video below). Sounds like an AMAZING cluster of talented folks here. From the official release:

"The results are an eclectic collection of songs about love lost and the quest for happiness. Stylistically, there are songs that range from 80′s electro soul and disco dance floor fillers to beautiful ballads."

Can't wait to hear what else Sparro has got.  Sounds like a worthy follow up to me.  Check out the homemade video for "The Shallow End" below and download Sam's debut album on U.S. iTunes HERE before the new one comes out this spring.

UPDATE: Sam Sparro has announced a U.S. "Mini-Tour"! So exciting! Check out the tour dates below:

February 4th//San Francisco, CA//Independent
February 6th//Los Angeles, CA//Key Club
February 19th//Boston, MA//Brighton Music Hall
February 21st//New York, NY//Highline Ballroom
February 23rd//Philadelphia, PA//World Café
February 24th//Washington, DC//Rock and Roll Hotel
February 26th//Atlanta, GA//Masquerade
February 27th//Orlando, FL//Social
February 28th//Miami, FL//Bardot

Check out Sam Sparro on the web:

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

Erik Hassle is iTunes Single of the Week!

Erik Hassle's debut U.S. single "Hurtful" is now the iTunes single of the week! Go and get your copy on iTunes America!

Hassle has apparently returned home to Europe to record some new material for the forthcoming EP Hassle Sessions, due out in America this Fall.  Listen to Erik Hassle's recent recording of "Standing Where You Left Me." Love this guy! He's so talented!

Check out Erik Hassle on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

What's In Jamie's Shopping Cart?

One day I will become fiscally responsible. One day...maybe before I'm 30 (which is coming up pretty quickly). Until that day, I will continue to support artists that I love, as well as new artists that intrigue me.  Case in point, I've spent quite a bit of money on CDs over the past week. Here's what's in my goodie bag:

Sugababes - Sweet 7: Still not sure if I'm 100% on board with Sugababes 3.0 but there are a few catchy, single-worth tracks on the album.  Favorites? "About A Girl," 'Wait For You," "Thanks For The Heartbreak," and "Sweet & Amazing (Make It The Best)."

Delphic - Acolyte: Delphic are a alterna-tronic English band and I'll be honest. I haven't listened to their album yet.  I read some good stuff about them over on Popjustice and read some other good reviews and just decided to take a chance. First single "The Momentary" is pretty impressive, I gotta say so chances are good that I'm going to like these guys.

Diana Vickers - Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree: This is by far one of my favorite pop albums of the Spring. Diana Vickers from X-Factor fame released her debut album earlier this month, taking it straight to the top of the UK Charts.  The album features songwriting assistance from greats like Cathy Dennis, Eg White, Ellie Goulding, Guy Sigsworth, Nerina Pallot, Starsmith and Björk!  First single "Once" topped the UK singles charts and second confirmed single, "The Boy Who Murdered Love," I'm sure will do well too. Favorites? "Once," "The Boy Who Murdered Love," "Four Leaf Clover," "Put It Together," "You'll Never Get To Heaven," "My Hip," and "Hit."

Marina & The Diamonds - Family Jewels: Perez Hilton's had been raving about Welsh singer/songwriter Marina & The Diamonds for months before I finally checked her out.  I don't know what I was waiting for!  Contrary to what one might assume, Marina &The Diamonds is a one-act show...not a band.  The "Diamonds" are her fans (her last name, Diamandis, translated from Greek) and she loves them!  "I am Marina, you are the diamonds" she says on her MySpace page.  I bought her album (which peaked at #5 in the UK Charts) The Family Jewels as an import because I couldn't wait for the U.S. release (on May 25th via Chop Shop Records).  Featuring production from Greg Kurstin, Ash Howes, Starsmith and others, the album is a good mix of up-tempo, and balladry.  At times her vocals remind me of Regina Spektor but she's definitely got her own unique style.  Her fourth UK single, "Shampain," will be released on June 28th. Favorites? "Shampain," "I Am Not A Robot," "Mowgli's Road," "Hollywood," "Hermit The Frog," "Oh No!," and "Numb."

Gabriella Cilmi - Ten: When I first heard that Aussie popstar Gabriella Cilmi was going "DISCO" for her new album Ten, I have to admit I was excited!  As much as I loved her debut Lessons To Be Learned, dance pop is more my bag.  With production from the likes of Xenomania, The Invisible Men, Dallas Austin and songwriting help from Greg Kurstin, Ellie Goulding, Luciana and Ian Masterson, I was practically salivating.  However, upon my first listen, the young singer's new album disappointed.  I don't know what I was expecting...but it wasn't this.  Initially all I heard was one or two possible hit singles and the rest was filler.  However, after a few more listens, I think I've gone and had a change of heart.  What can I say..."hearts don't lie." In a recent interview Cilmi tells Digital Spy that while nothing has been decided yet about a third single, "there's definitely a 'Defender' vibe going on at the moment." Favorites? "On A Mission," "Hearts Don't Lie," "Love Me Cos You Want To," "Robots," "Superhot," "Glue," and "Sweet About Me (Twenty Ten Version)."

Ellie Goulding - Lights: Ellie Goulding is a talented singer/songwriter (actually lending her talent to of my purchases above - Gabriella Cilmi and Diana Vickers).  I'm so glad that she decided to release her own album, as it's fast becoming one of my favorites.  I started hearing rumbling about Goulding when "Under The Sheets" was released and the hype started mounting. I started reading articles questioning whether or not the hype surrounding this talented artist was actually founded.  Turns out, it was...her debut album managed to reach the top of the UK charts.  Lights features songwriting from Goulding and production from Starsmith, Mark "Spike" Stent, Frankmusik, Fraser T. Smith and more.  The third single, "Guns and Horses" will be released this Monday, May 17th in the UK.  Here's hoping Goulding attempts a crack at the States later this year. Oh...and listen to the lyrics. I love her lyrics! Favorites? "Guns and Horses," "Starry Eyed," "This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)," "Under The Sheets," "The Writer," "Every Time You Go," "You're Biggest Mistake," and "Salt Skin."

Pixie Lott - Turn It Up: A 19 year old triple-threat, singer/songwriter/actress, Pixie Lott is someone to look out for here in the States.  Her debut album (via Mercury Records), Turn It Up peaked at #6 on the UK charts, and her first two singles ("Mama Do," & "Boys and Girls") topped the UK Singles Chart. Not bad for a young artist!  Featuring the songwriting talents of Toby Gad, RedOne, and production from Cutfather, Fraser T. Smith, RedOne and Gad, there's not a lot room for filler on her debut album. Her songs are a little bit pop, a little bit soul/R&B and a lot of fun.  She actually kind of reminds me of a younger Natasha Bedingfield.  Like Bedingfield, she's got a big voice and she's absolutely stunning.  What's more? Lott is planning on releasing her debut album here in the States via Interscope Records.  According to Digital Spy, the artist may be working on a collaboration with Timbaland, who reportedly was impressed by what he heard while Lott was recording in Los Angeles.  Apparently Pixie Lott is THE hot ticket right now, evidenced by her first movie role in a movie called Fred, so the U.S. might have to wait. I think I can be patient. She's worth the wait. Favorites? "Mama Do," "Cry Me Out," "Turn It Up," "Boys and Girls," "Gravity," "My Love," "Jack," "Here We Go Again," "The Way The World Works," and "Hold Me In Your Arms."

Erik Hassle - Pieces": Erik Hassle is the latest in a long run of Swedish pop stars to catch my attention.  We've had Robyn, Annie...no wait...she's from Norway. Shit! Whatever. I LOVE Erik Hassle! He's got a unique look about him...and he's got a fabulous voice to boot!  It's really a shame that his album Pieces failed to chart in the UK back when it was released on February 22nd.  Debut UK single "Hurtful" managed to only peak at #59 on the UK Singles Charts. That's not too good!  When the single was released in his native Sweden, it managed to peak at #11.  Here in the States, (where his album was released digitally the same day as in the UK) the single managed to peak at #30 on the Billboard's Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks Chart. Still - not an impressive showing! I hope and pray that his label (Universal/Island) has some kind of a re-launch in the works as I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to this talented guy.  Sharing songwriting credit with the 21 year old Hassle we have Max Martin, Grizzly, Tommy Tysper and more.  Favorites? "Bump In The Road," "Hurtful," "Don't Bring Flowers," "Isn't It Obvious," "The Thanks I Get," "Bitter End," "First Time," "Love Me To Pieces," and "Amelia."

Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts, Carnival Ride, Play On: Yikes. Don't know what came over me! I've always kept my love of female country artists in check...well...almost always. There was that time that I bought a Dixie Chicks album...and reviewed one of Allison Moorer's CDs for my college paper...and those times I jammed out to Faith Hill and Shania Twain in high school...but besides those instances, I firmly DENIED liking country music.  Then Carrie Underwood comes along and be still my heart...I couldn't resist!  Admittedly I didn't watch American Idol the season Underwood one but she's always been on my radar. I think she's one of the those female country artists I keep secretly hoping will cross over into pop territory.  The trigger for me was watching her video for her third single, "Undo It," off of her third album, Play On. Wow. The video was shot at a live show but still has a real music video feel to it. Her voice...undeniably...is the epitome of power house...combined with the fact that she's absolutely stunning...I was powerless...and proceeded to purchase all 3 of her albums via Amazon.  In my defense, Play On is her LEAST country country album of the three. While not pop, Underwood did work with traditionally-pop songwriters like Mike Elizondo, Max Martin, Kara DioGuardi, and Chantal Kreviazuk.  It was only a matter of time before I became a full on Carrie Underwood fan. Favorites? "Jesus, Take The Wheel," "Before He Cheats," "Wasted," "So Small," "Last Name," "Cowboy Casanova," and "Undo It."


Jewel - Lullaby, Sweet & Wild: Jewel is one of the few artists whom I will support and love unconditionally, no matter which musical direction she goes in.  When I first heard that she was "going country" after the commercial failure that was 0304, I was devastated.  Sure, This Way was a touch country, but it had a bit more ROCK to it than what I thought of as traditional country music.  0304 wasn't necessarily my favorite Jewel album, it's just that it was her first purely up-tempo pop album, where every track was practically BEGGING to be remixed (and "Intuition," & "Stand" were!) and that's the music I LOVE.  The one thing I did know, after having seen Jewel perform once in college, this lady could sing anything and sound amazing, so country music wasn't going to be a be all end all for me and Jewel. Goodbye Alice in Wonderland was the singer/songwriter's last album with Atlantic Records, going indie and signing to Valory for her next release, Perfectly Clear.  While neither country album really spoke to me the same way that her past folk-pop releases had, I loved the voice and the lyrics.  Jewel has a knack for the written word and when she adds a melody and starts to sing...Wow. I'm putty.  When Jewel paired up with Fisher Price to release Lullaby an album of...lullabies I wasn't too shocked. Jewel's voice is well suited for children's music but I was desperately hoping this wasn't the direction she was going in long term. Lucky for me, it's not!  Jewel will be releasing "Sweet & Wild" (as I mentioned before) through Valory, featuring a mix of different sounds, sure to appeal to the masses and MAYBE...just maybe we'll get another remixable track. Sweet & Wild is out June 8th, but can be pre-ordered now with a special double album including acoustic tracks.  The first single "Stay Here Forever" from the soundtrack to the movie Valentines Day is out now and will be followed by the second single "Satisfied." Favorites? "Sweet Dreams," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Dreamer," "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," "Simple Gifts," "Brahm's Lullaby," "Stay Here Forever."

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 Talent Alert: Erik Hassle

I think that Sweden is secretly stockpiling musical talent. The first bit of Swedish talent I've ever come into audible contact with is Robyn. I've followed her over the years and am happy to see how she's progressed as an artist and as a business woman. Forming her own label after parting ways with one of the majors, she's been able to sustain both a successful career and a sense of independence that comes through in her music. Robyn's really grown into herself as an artist and I for one, can't wait to hear what's next for her. Erik Hassle is another name from out of Sweden who, at 20 years old, is already growing into himself. Combining a beautiful voice, songwriting skills, a contemporary pop sound and fabulous hair - Erik Hassle is someone to watch.


I've been listening to Hassle's debut album (released August 2009 in Sweden), Hassle for months and every time I hear it, it's like I'm hearing it for the first time. There's just something so beautiful about his voice. More and more I've been listening to albums all the way through, where as in the past I would skip songs to get to the one that made me feel what I needed to feel at that moment. With Hassle, every song is a must-listen-to. Achieving some success in his home country, he's now bringing his brand of lyrically-driven/slickly-produced pop music to the rest of the world. Hassle plans to release Pieces in the U.S. this December, followed by a February 2010 release in the UK.


Hassle's been studying music since the age of 15, but his passion can be traced back to the age of 5, when he picked up his first drum stick at the age of 5. Hassle's come a long way, both personally and professionally. From growing up in a small village 93 miles outside of Stockholm to living in East London and traveling around the world touring with the likes of Little Boots, (he filmed the video for "Don't Bring Flowers" in LA), the artist somehow manages to keep a level head. Definitely keep your eyes peeled for Erik Hassle. He's going places and I for one can't wait to be one of the first American fans to boast "I KNEW this guy was going to be huge."


Watch his videos for "Hurtful" and "Don't Bring Flowers." Also, be sure and check out his fantastic covers of ABBA's "SOS" and "In For The Kill" by La Roux. P.S. - check out this awesome interview of Erik Hassle over on EQ.

Check out Erik Hassle on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

Loads of New Album & Single Artwork!

Massive album artwork update here. Per usual, most of the artwork came from Coverlandia and Covermania. Enjoy!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm looking forward to reviewing the debut album, Pretty Mess, from dance music artist, Erika Jayne. Her album is due out August 11th (this Tuesday) and features her #1 dance hits "Rollercoaster," "Stars" and "Give You Everything." Jayne recorded the album with veteran producers Peter Rafelson and Eric Kupper. Can't wait for this one!

Wow. This song makes me really excited about the new Whitney Houston album. "I Look To You" is absolutely gorgeous but this up-tempo jam, produced by Swizz Beats, is HOT. Whitney looks great in the sleeve artwork as well. Nice to see a return to form for Ms. Houston. "Million Dollar Bill" is supposedly going to be released simultaneously with first single, "I Look To You," most likely to appease multiple formats.

Patrick Wolf is quite the performer. I had the good fortune of seeing him open for Amy Winehouse at what used to be Avalon. Such a good show. I enjoyed his last album The Magic Position, and should probably check out some of his new material. This is the album artwork from his most recent album, The Bachelor. Not particularly new, since the album was released in June. The first two singles off of the album are "Hard Times" and "Vulture." Also, of particular interest to me...the title song...it features an appearance from English folk musician Eliza Carthy. I reviewed Carthy's CD, Angels & Cigarettes for the Indiana Daily Student back when I was in college. Oh the joys of receiving free music. Of course, most of the CDs I wanted to review I had to pay for. Oh well!

Also not particularly new is the single artwork for the third UK single from The Killers' last album, Day & Age. The artwork for "The World We Live In" (which was released in May) continues in the tradition set by previous singles, featuring a mosaic portrait of one of the band members...this time of bass guitarist Ronnie Vannucci Jr. First single, "Human" featured keyboardist David Keuning, "Spaceman" featured the hotness that is lead singer Brandon Flowers and "A Dustland Fairytale" features guitarist Mark Stoermer.

The new artwork for the second Paloma Faith single has been unveiled. Lovely. Just as classy and elegant as the "Stone Cold Sober" artwork, and album artwork for her forthcoming debut Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful? - out September 21st. "New York" comes out in the UK on September 13th - the video has already been shot. I haven't heard this song yet but I can't wait! Paloma's album is one of my most anticipated albums of the year and one of my "artists to watch." Additionally, you can expect remixes from Tom Middleton, Cutmore and Starsmith. [EDIT] - I LOVE THIS SONG. The video is stunning as well. Wow. Powerhouse.

"Party In The U.S.A." is the first single off of a new Walmart-exclusive Miley Cyrus EP, The Time Of Our Lives. Apparently it's going to be released in conjunction with the unveiling of Miley's new clothing line. The track was officially released to radio stations on July 29th. I'm not the biggest Miley fan, but she does look more mature in this artwork. She's growing up, alright.

The new Mika album, entitled The Boy Who Knew Too Much, has me really excited. Not only is Mika super cute, but he's super talented. I hope he supports this new album here in the states. It's due out September 22nd in the U.S. (September 21 in the UK) and is lead by first single "We Are Golden." I still need to buy his first album, Life In Cartoon Motion." The album artwork was designed by Mika's sister, who works under the name DaWack. Good stuff!

This appears to be new album artwork from Swedish singer Erik Hassle, though I'm not sure what this is...album? Single? I was under the impression that THIS was the album artwork. Can anyone confirm? Perhaps this artwork is for the album's UK debut? Regardless...this looks pretty cool.

This was Hassle's first Swedish single, "Hurtful." I love the stencil-like fonts here, as well as the black and white photo with the pink lettering. Simple and clean.

"Don't Bring Flowers" is Erik Hassle's UK debut single and has been described as a "synthy acoustic number." Very cool. I'm looking forward to hearing this album in full! The Swedes really do know how to do pop music right. The official video was filmed in LA and has yet to be released but in the meantime - check out this unofficial video.

"The Journey" is the first single off of the new Dolores O'Riordan album, No Baggage, released on August 24th globally and August 25th in the U.S. Released to U.S. radio on July 13th, the single is expected to be released in Europe on August 10th. I've always loved O'Riordan's vocals - ever since she was a member of The Cranberries. The Morgan Page remix of "Ordinary Day," from O'Riordan's debut solo album is hot so I'm hoping for some new remixes from this album. We shall see I guess. The artwork has O'Riordan looking VERY pop. I love it! What do you think?
Voted for by the fans, this is the official artwork for "Gold Digger" by The Dolly Rockers. Due out on August 30th, this group is already one of my summer favorites. I've watched the video probably 1000 times and love the Bimbo Jones remix. First single "Je Suis Une Dolly" is also one of my favorite songs of the summer. The girls are recording their debut album, due out at the end of the year.

This is the third single from the new Daniel Merriweather CD, Love & War. "Impossible," due to be released on August 17th is the follow up to his last single "Red." Daniel is looking better than ever here...well...maybe not as hot as he did on the cover for "Red," but still...who am I to complain? I'm still hoping he takes a stab at the U.S. market with this new album. I'd love to see him do a live club show here.