Massive Album Artwork Update - Part I

I know that some might view a blog post full of album art as a cop out. Trust me...these album artwork updates aren't cop outs. Those who say that have never tried formatting a blog post in Blogger. It's suck a process! Blogger can be so finicky sometimes. It drives me INSANE. I actually spend longer on these Album Artwork posts than I do writing some of my other posts. Anyway, lots of new artwork to catch up on so here we go with part #1.

While not the lead single off of Adam Lambert's major label debut (due out by year's end), "Time For Miracles" is the lead single off of the 2012 movie soundtrack. Produced by Rob Cavallo (Paramore, Green Day, Avril Lavigne), the track has already been tauted a potential "power-ballad smash" by Entertainment Weekly's Michael Slezak. 2012 is the new big budget disaster pic from director Roland Emmerich, due out November 13th. The single will be released on October 20th. I'm definitely looking forward to some new material from Adam Lambert.

Former Mis-Teeq member and solo artist, Alesha Dixon is re-releasing her second album, The Alesha Show - dubbing this one The Encore. Lead single off of the reboot is the John Shanks-produced/Gary Barlow-written ballad, "To Love Again." Not too crazy about the song to be honest. I think Dixon has a perfectly adequate voice, but I much prefer her on an up-tempo track. I don't know if this song is going to be enough to make the album jump up the charts, but who knows. There are 2 other new tracks on the album (including one co-written by Paloma Faith and one produced by Xenomania), out in the UK November 23rd. The single precedes the album on November 15th.

I'm loving the artwork campaign for Amerie's In Love & War album. It's artistic AND sexy at the same time. The music on the other hand...I haven't really been inspired by any of Amerie's new material. Perhaps I haven't given it enough of a chance. There is no release date yet for "Pretty Brown," the third single released from the new album, due out November 3rd. It features hip hop artists Trey Songz.

I don't know if it's bad boy/thug appeal or what, but there's something about Asher Roth that I just find sexy. "She Don't Wanna Man" was actually the 4th single released off of Roth's debut album Asleep In The Bread Aisle. The single came out in July and features R&B artist Keri Hilson. The 5th single, "As I Em" was released on October 6th. I think we can expect big things from Roth, who's only 24. Lots of talent there.

This Britney Spears collection makes me excited...like VERY excited. Not sure if I could or should drop $100 + on the Ultimate Fan Box Edition, but part of kind of wants to. I think I'm going to wait to see what remixes & b-sides are released with each of the singles. I did purchase the Girls Aloud singles collection...in that case, we got a lot more remixes and b-sides. The Britney collection is only offering one extra track per single. We'll have to see. The black cover is for the domestic release of the compilation, due out November 1oth while the purple cover will be on the CD/DVD Edition and International version of the album. The Box Set will be released internationally on November 24th. The album artwork is a bit boring. I'd rather have a new photo but I'll take what I can get.

Mama's Song was first previewed on Billboard.com and is now available for download on iTunes. While not an official album single, it's nice to hear this little teaser off of the album. I'm still really loving "Cowboy Casanova" and am really excited to hear what the new album (Play On - due out November 3rd) sounds like. Mama's Song was co-written by Kara DioGuardi and Carrie Underwood herself.

Darin is another cutey. Oh and go figure, he's Swedish. The Swedish pop singers are all cute. Can anyone clarify what this single (a cover of the Coldplay song) is for? It's not on his 2008 album, Flashback. I know it was recorded in 2009 but I can't seem to find out what it's promoting or if it's just a stand alone single. Regardless, Darin looks great on the single artwork. Darin will be releasing his first UK single in November, a duet with Kat DeLuna called "Breathing Your Love." The track was produced by RedOne and released in Sweden one year ago.

It seems like everyone is releasing a greatest hits album these days. "Alpha Dog" is the first single off of the upcoming Fall Out Boy Greatest Hits album, Believers Never Die. Making an early appearance as a demo on Welcome To The New Administration, the single is due out November 16th (internationally on November 17th). The Greatest Hits album comes out on November 17th and features 15 tracks plus 3 bonus tracks.

And we have another "Best Of" compilation. This one, by the always amazing Janet Jackson will be released on November 17th. Number Ones (called The Best in international markets) is a two-disc album that contains all of Janet's hits PLUS the new track, "Make Me," co-produced by Rodney Jerkins and Miss Janet herself. The album is to be released jointly by A&M/Universal & EMI and features 33 of Jackson's number 1 singles. Wow. What a career! This is a hot song. Can't wait for some remixes.

When I was in Germany this past Spring, one of the CD singles I picked up was Jennifer Paige's "Underestimated." We here in America of course remember Paige for her 1998 hit single "Crush," which managed to hit #1 in several countries that year. Since then, her U.S. success has been relatively non-existent, but she has managed to find a following in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. According to Italian website "Beautiful Lie" is the new single by Jennifer Paige and features Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys fame. Interesting collaboration indeed. It was apparently recorded in LA this past summer, hitting radio in Germany Austria and Switzerland on October 6th. It's due for a digital release in Europe on November 20th. The single is the first off of Jennifer Paige's upcoming 4th album of the same name. Can anyone shed some more light on this track or her upcoming album? Check out this video of Carter and Paige chatting about the single. You can also hear a bit of the single in the clip, which sounds pretty decent.

Christ. 15 years old and he's already a heart throb. Poor guy. Must be rough. Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer who started out on YouTube before hitting the mainstream, signing an album deal with Island Records. His debut album, My World is set to be released on November 17th and is preceded by two singles - "One Time" (released July 7th) which peaked at #12 on Canadian pop charts and 21 in the U.S. The second single, "One Less Lonely Girl," was released on October 6th. Bieber recently made an appearance on NBC's The Today Show (October 12th) where he performed 3 songs in front of a crowd of screaming girls. He's also touring with Taylor Swift on the European leg of her Fearless Tour. Looks like there's lots in store for this talented young singer.

Real Housewife of Atlanta star, Kandi Burruss released her new single "Fly Above" on October 7th. This is Kandi's first single since 2001's "Cheatin' On Me," from her debut solo record Hey Kandi. Formerly part of the R&B group Xscape, Burruss has been writing up a storm since Xscape and her first solo album. Now is the PERFECT time to release a new single. With the popularity of the Bravo show, Kandi's in the spotlight once again and man does she deserve it. Writing hits for the likes of Destiny's Child ("Bills, Bills, Bills," "Bug a Boo"), P!nk ("There You Go"), and TLC ("No Scrubs") - it's about time Kandi wrote herself a few hits. Kandi has previewed snippets of the new track on her reality show and I like what I hear. This track has potential, as does her forthcoming album. An EP will be released on November 10th, including lead single "Fly Above."

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.