Hot Video Alert: Ke$ha - Blow

Unicorns, rainbows and James Van Der Beek wearing a bra. Who knew Ke dollar sign ha had such a sense of humor? In the video for new single, "Blow," Ke$ha and James Van Der Beek (playing himself) go head to head in an all out rainbow glitter war of epic proportions. Directed by Chris Marrs Piliero, the very tongue and cheek video places the famous "Tik Tok"-singing heroine in the middle of one of the most bizarre black tie cocktail parties ever, where the only other guests (besides Van Der Beek) are a room full of unicorns. Ke$ha looks glamorous as ever in a slinky black dress and matching black pumps, complete with little guns on the toes (How very Ms. Frizzle 2011 of her!) while Van Der Beek looks dashingly handsome in his classic black tuxedo. The two stars do a sexy little dance around one another before meeting in the middle for a bit of dialogue. You gotta hand it to James Van Der Douche for making himself available for this video. The actor's very presence is only aided by his deprecating sense of humor.

"Blow" is the second single to be lifted off of Ke$ha's Cannibal EP, following "We R Who We R," which went straight to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart when it was released last fall. Produced by a team of talented super-producers including Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Kool Kojak, the single follows the same electro club sound as all of Ke$ha's previous releases. While Ke$ha's vocals have been Auto-tuned to hell the stomping electro beats pulsing throughout the song are as infectious as ever. After it's release in early February, the single peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #19 on the Billboard Pop Songs charts. Check out the amazing video in all it's glory below and download "Blow" on iTunes HERE.

Check out Ke$ha on the web:

Official Site//Myspace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

This & That: Musical Morsels For You To Chew, Swallow or Spit Out

Thank GOD for Twitter. It's a great way to keep up with the latest happenings and news in the music world. It does get harder to pin down news the more people you are following (I am following over 1,500 people) but you learn how to sift through all of the fluff and pick out the bits that are important to you. 'This & That' is something new I'm trying on the blog, an excuse to not let all of these little tidbits and musical morsels go to waste. Some of them come from Twitter, some from other music blogs I follow, all of them juicy (not always good juicy). Enjoy a little bit of 'This & That.' 

Rebecca Ferguson, runner up on the last season of X-Factor has landed a deal with Epic Records.  The talented singer from Liverpool may have come in 2nd but she was first in my book. New label mate Paloma Faith congratulated Ferguson via Twitter: "@beccaxferguson should I be officially welcoming you? Tell me tell me? I'm so excited!" Ferguson replied: @Palomafaith hi I'm really excited! , couldn't have asked for better people to work with ill probably c u soon ;) xxx"

Cher Lloyd has been spotted meeting with mega-producer and hitmaker RedOne (Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, Sugababes) in America.  It's assumed that they were discussing plans for the young pop star's forthcoming debut album.  While it's uncertain at this point which record label signed Lloyd, she did sign a contract with Syco (along with Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction). RedOne + Cher Lloyd? Yes please. {SOURCE}             

Speaking of One Direction, the third-place finishing boy band from last season of the X-Factor appears to be moving in the right direction as far as their burgeoning pop careers are concerned. The first step? A proper band logo.  The logo is fairly straight forward, featuring a black background with a white number "1" and a D with an arrow inside.  Next to the "1 D" is "One Direction" spelled out in red letters.  So are they "One Direction" or "1 Direction?" A bit confusing, no? {SOURCE}

Katrina Darrell (AKA 'Bikini Girl' from American Idol Season 8) has released a TERRIBLE version of "Big Spender." In the accompanying video, Darrell frolics around the beach, on a boat and in the club with a bevvy of half naked men and women.  While the vocals are weak, the video is actually pretty slick.  "Big Spender" was originally written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the musical Sweet Charity.  The song has been covered by many but most famously by Peggy Lee and Dame Shirley Bassey.{SOURCE}

R&B singer JoJo is reportedly hard at work on her long-delayed 3rd studio album for Da Family/Blackground/Interscope Records.  While the New York Post reports that the songs for the new album are all "mastered & ready to go," JoJo Tweeted on Friday about a forthcoming collaboration with R&B megaproducer Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins (Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez), saying: "Grateful 4the wisdom, talent, spirituality + humbleness that makes @ONLY1DARKCHILD the brilliant mind he is . Loving what we're cookin up...." Hmm. Interesting. In September JoJo released her first mix-tape exclusively to Rap-Up.com and if that material is any indication of what JoJo is working on then we have a lot to look forward to.

14-year old Dionne Bromfield is getting to release a new single.  The British singer, who is signed to Godmother Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records, released her debut album in 2009.  The album peaked at #33 on the UK Album Charts and her debut single, a cover of The Shirelles' "Mama Said" peaked at #43. While her first album was a compilation of Motown cover songs, the new record features original material.  First single,  "Yeah Right" features Atlantic Recording Artist Rapper (and son of of Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, one of the founding members of influential hip hop group Run–D.M.C.)  Diggy Simmons.  According to Bromfield (via Twitter) they shot the video for the single last Friday. Expect it to premiere before the single is released on March 20th.

Anyone remember the boy band O-Town?  Here's a quick refresher...the band released two albums in the early 2000s (the first of which reached #5 on the Billboard 200) and 2 top ten singles ("Liquid Dreams" and "All Or Nothing"). After their second album failed to make an impression on the charts they were dropped by J Records and the boys went their separate ways. Ashley Parker Angel went on to have a semi successful solo career, while the other band members faded into relative obscurity...until now.  According to TMZ 4 of the 5 original O-Town members (minus Parker Angel) have gotten back together and are in the process of recording the first new O-Town album since 2002's O2.  Hey I think they have a shot.  Take That did alright without Robbie Williams right? {SOURCE}

I love Mashups, especially when done well. Case in point, check out one of my favorites featuring La Roux, Robyn, Whitney Houston and Taylor Swift. Now for my latest obsession.  Leave it to Perez Hilton to find a brilliant bit of pop fun like this.  Not sure who created this Mashup but it's awesome. The mashup uses Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me," Kat Graham's "Sassy" and Adele's "Rolling In The Deep." In one word...Amazing. {SOURCE}

I have always loved me some Blake Lewis and this new video featuring Lewis with buddy and collaborator BT further solidifies his place in my list of favorite Idol Alums.  To hear Lewis in his beatboxin' element, check out this new video for his original song, "She Loves The Way," produced by BT.  Lewis first performed "She Loves The Way" on the American Idols Live! Tour back in 2007 becoming the first Idol alum to sing an original song on the Idol tour.  This video is set to the Beatbox Stutter Edit Mix of the song and was made using a MacBook Pro, "the iSight, BT's Stutter Edit plugin, Loop Pedals, a Kaoss Pad and KJ Sawka on drums." Brilliant! According to Lewis on his YouTube channel, "3 live takes at London Bridge studios in Seattle, Washington is all it took for BT to take my song and make a kickass example of how Stutter Edit can be used with video." Watch the video HERE.

Well this is unexpected.  Swedish electro-pop Goddess Robyn is releasing a new single off of her fabulous, critically acclaimed Body Talk album.  Co-penned by Robyn and Klas Åhlundm, "Call Your Girlfriend" will be released as the follow up to Robyn's last single, "Indestructible," which peaked at #4 on the Swedish singles charts.  According to Robyn, fans can expect the accompanying video will be released in "probably February or March."  Can't wait for some new Robyn!  Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" was nominated for a 'Best Dance Recording' Grammy so look out to see if she wins when the Grammy's air on February 13th. {SOURCE}

You may remember when Travis Garland performed his debut solo single, the Danja-produced "Believe" on American Idol in May of last year.  Prior to his solo debut Garland was the lead singer of NLT, an American boy band that also featured Kevin McHale, now of Glee fame.  The band released 4 singles and were scheduled to release their debut album however it never materialized on the group disbanded. Promoted heavily be Perez Hilton, Garland's Idol performance was supposed to be the catalyst Garland needed to launch him into solo stardom but that never happened.  Signed to Interscope/Geffen Records the singer/songwriter is supposedly working on his debut album, due out sometime this year, although details are sketchy at best.  As of January 11th, fans can download a free 5-track EP called Last Man Standing.  Get that HERE. It's a nice place holder while we await Garland's next move.

Looks like Ke$ha's next single off of Cannibal has been selected.  Fans can expect to hear "Blow" on the radio starting February 8th.  The Dr. Luke/Max Martin/Benny Blanco-produced electro-stomper is typical Ke$ha in that her voice is auto-tuned to shit.  The jury's still out on whether or not this single's any good.  The Prophet appropriately labels it "Take it Off" Part 2 and I can't say that I disagree. Ke$ha's latest release, the mini album Cannibal peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200 chart. First single, the infectiously catchy "We R Who We R" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  "Blow" entered  the Billboard Hot 100 at #97 as a result of it's early promotional release.{SOURCE}

Up & coming singer/songwriter/producer/Duke-graduate Mike Posner has announced his third single and it's one of my favorites off of his debut album, 31 Minutes To Takeoff.  Produced by The Smeezingtons (Sugababes, Travie McCoy, Justin Bieber) "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" is the perfect choice for a third single in that it's a sonic departure from previous two singles "Cooler Than Me" and "Please Don't Go."  The closest thing Posner has to a ballad on the album, "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" is a sexy surprise from Posner. Can't wait to see the video for this one.  The single was sent to U.S. radio outlets on January 18th.  Posner's first single, "Cooler Than Me" peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 while follow up "Please Don't Go" fared less successfully, peaking at #16.  "Please Don't Go" will be released as Posner's second UK single on March 13th. {SOURCE 1, 2)

What's this about Joe Jonas going electro for his upcoming solo album? Sounds...interesting? Dare I admit that I'm intrigued?  This could make me start caring about the Jonas Brothers...err...at least about one of the Jonas Brothers.  Jonas, who's working with Danja (Madonna, Usher, Britney Spears) on a new project, revealed to MTV News that he wants his new sound to be reminiscent of Daft Punk.  Looks like Jonas is planning on riding the dance/pop wave straight onto the charts with this new album. I'm interested to see if he can pull it off.  According to Jonas, "I listen to a bunch of stuff you dance to, kind of electro-based."  Also working with Jonas on his debut? None other than Music Is My King Size Bed-favorite Frankmusik. AMAZING. {SOURCE 1, 2}

Another pop star going dance-crazy? How about American R&B singer Mya.  The "Case of the Ex" singer has recorded a single called "Love Is The Answer" and it was produced by Miami-based DJ, Remixer and Producer Cedric Gervais.  Wow. Can't wait for this one!  Mya, who was runner up on the U.S. reality TV series Dancing With The Stars during it's ninth season, promises lots of dancing in the upcoming music video for the song.  According to Mya in an interview with E! Online, "There is a lot of dancing in this video, but it's nothing like what I did on Dancing With The Stars. It's way more Madonna than ballroom." "Love Is The Answer" is out on February 8th. Listen to a clip HERE. {SOURCE 1, 2)

Hot Video Alert: Ke$ha - We R Who We R

Oh Ke$ha. I love you dearly but I just don't hear WHERE in this song there's an anti-bullying message. I guess the title, "We R Who We R" is empowering...in a way. No matter. In the end this is just another dance party anthem from Ms. Ke$ha and I like it quite a lot.

"We R Who We R" was co-written by Ke$ha and produced by Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and Ammo. The song debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the 23 year old pop singer her 5th consecutive top ten hit in the U.S., Canada AND Australia. The song isn't anything new or groundbreaking for the artist, sticking to her chart-proven formula of "talk-singing" with a little a lot of help from auto-tune. It totally makes sense why the song isn't anything new, considering it comes off of Cannibal, an extension of her debut #1 selling album Animal. Perhaps her sophomore effort will have her taking more risks? In the meantime, she's going with what she knows and keeping herself relevant. Right now Ke$ha = money. Check out the Hype Williams-directed video (which, like the song, has virtually nothing to do with anti-bullying). Explosions...sexy girls...stockings all ripped up the side...this video has it all. Cannibal is out now. So far it's peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200. Grab it on iTunes or in stores.

Check out Ke$ha on the web:

Official Site//Myspace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Ke$ha - Take It Off

Unofficial Artwork/Courtesy of Coverlandia.us

While I'd still LOVE for a song like "Stephen" to be released as a single, "Take It Off" is a smart choice for Ke$ha. It should continue her string of Top Ten hits off her debut album, Animal.  While so far none of her singles have managed to see the same chart success as her debut "Tik Tok" which went #1, both "Blah Blah Blah" and "Your Love Is My Drug" managed to land inside the top ten (#7 and #4 respectively) so chances are good that "Take It Off" will do the same.  The Ke$ha, Lucas Gottwald, Claude Kelly-written/Dr. Luke-produced song currently sits at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.  The song is fun, despite not really showing off any of Ke$ha's singing ability. I guess "singing" isn't what sells records these days. Oh well. No matter.  Ke$ha has plenty of time to show the world whether or not she can sing.  Video clips found on YouTube suggest she CAN in fact sing.

The just released video for "Take It Off" sees Ke$ha partying it up with a bunch of her dirty, raunchy friends at some skeezy desert motel.  The video is similar in vein to her friend Adam Lambert's video for "If I Had You," except considerably more triz-ashy. Overall, a fun time. Animal is FULL of single-worthy tracks so I'm excited to see WHAT the label chooses to release next, if anything at all.

Check out Ke$ha on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: 3OH!3 feat. Ke$ha - My First Kiss

3OH!3 - New Music - More Music Videos

Ke$ha is EVERYWHERE you look! First, with UK R&B/Pop Star Taio Cruz and now with the Boulder's own electro- "crunkcore" outfit 3OH!3. "My First Kiss" the bands first official single off of their third album, called Streets Of Gold due out June 29th via Photo Finish Records. The single peaked in the #9 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart, and is currently at #36.  The video is cute...Ke$ha makes more of a cameo than anything else but evidently that was enough to propel the track into the Top Ten. Looks like the star owed the boys a favor for appearing in her video for "Blah Blah Blah." Whatever her reasoning, the song is starting to grow on me.

Taio Cruz to Release 'Dynamite' New U.S. Single

The second official U.S. single off of Taio Cruz's Rokstarr album is apparently "Dynamite," and not the Ke$ha-assisted "Dirty Picture" which is the Brit's current single out in Europe.  I'm frankly a little surprised that "Dirty Picture" isn't the next U.S. single, although maybe the label wants to release a single without any guest vocalists/rappers just to showcase Cruz by himself. That makes sense, especially considering "Break Your Heart" had Ludacris thrown on the track for the single's U.S. release.  Also, to be fair, "Dynamite" is a new track so who knows. Maybe it's AMAZING. I just hope that "Dirty Picture" is released as a single here at some point.  It's a hot song and Ke$ha is kind of exploding right now. "Dynamite" will be released digitally on May 25th, followed by the release of his U.S. album on June 1st.  Also, you can check out Taio Cruz on the Regis & Kelly Show on June 3rd.

Tracklisting:

1. "Dynamite"
2. "Break Your Heart" (featuring Ludacris)
3. "Dirty Picture" (featuring Ke$ha)
4. "Take Me Back" (Tinchy Stryder featuring Taio Cruz)
5. "I'll Never Love Again"
6. "I Can Be"
7. "No Other One"
8. "Come On Girl" (featuring Luciana)
9. "Falling In Love"
10. "Higher"
11. "Feel Again" (Bonus Track)
12. "Dirty Picture" (featuring Ke$ha & Fabolous)(Bonus Track)
13. "Break Your Heart" (featuring Ludacris, Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda Mix) (Bonus Track)
14. "Forever Love" (Digital Pre-order only)

Check out Taio Cruz on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug

It's the new Ke$ha video for "You're Love Is My Drug." I love it! It's whimsical and fun and part cartoon. Not generally a fan of cartoon videos (see Britney Spears' video for "Break The Ice") but this one is different. It combines live action footage and animation.

So behind...

Oi Oi Oi! I'm so behind. Well isn't this the UNDERSTATEMENT of the year (so far). I've been running around like crazy. Who knew I was such the social butterfly? While some of my unintentional blogging hiatus can be explained by my social schedule, a lot of it can be explained by pure laziness. I've been in a bit of a funk lately and understandably so. When I'm not surrounding myself with friends, I'm lazing about the apartment, catching up on the TIVO and yes...listening to music. YES! I said it. I've been listening to music. Writing about music...that's another story.

My goal for this upcoming weekend is to give my blog some LONG-OVERDUE TLC. I have a crap-ton of stuff to talk about (some of which is probably irrelevant by now), including this Sunday's Grammy Awards - which I will definitely be watching, although probably not live. At any rate - the stack of CDs above are all waiting for me to review. Many of them I purchased myself, some of them were sent to me. All of them I enjoy immensely. I'll give you a rundown some of my early favs from the stack (in no particular order). *NOTE* Keep in mind that many of these are already "old news." I'm well aware but I think they are still worth a listen.

Owl City - Ocean Eyes
Not sure if it's the infectious synth beats or the cute/emo lyrics but I LOVE Adam Young/AKA Owl City. - Fav Tracks - "Hello Seattle," "Dental Care," "Umbrella Beach," "Fireflies"

Dragonette - Fixin' To Thrill
Is it too late to jump on the bandwagon as a Dragonette fan? Vocalist Martina Sorbara is AMAZING. - Fav Tracks - "Fixin' To Thrill," "Pick Up The Phone," "Okay Dolore"

Dan Black - ((Un))
I've been raving about this guy FOREVER it seems. His album is finally being released in the states. First U.S. single "Symphonies" is available now digitally. - Fav Tracks - "Symphonies," "U + Me =," "Alone," "Wonder"

Frankmusik - Complete Me
Not only is Frankmusic DREAMY & British, but he's got a sweet, soulful voice that sounds like PERFECTION over driving electro-pop beats. I also need to get the acoustic version of his debut album, Complete Me. - Fav Tracks - "Better Off As 2," "Confusion Girl," "When You're Around," "3 Little Words"

David Homyk - True Story
David Homyk is an up and coming singer/songwriter/producer. His STUNNING debut album True Story is beautiful. This guy has skills. He has the talent to become huge. - Fav Tracks - "Hard To Make A Friend," "Fool In The Middle"

Paloma Faith - Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?
Another artist I've been raving about for months - Paloma Faith is a former burlesque performer, turned singer/songwriter. She's got the look and the pipes to match. - Fav Tracks - "Stone Cold Sober," "Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful?" "Upside Down," "New York," "Smoke & Mirrors,"

Rihanna - Rated R
Upon my first listen, this album depressed me. Now, it seems more relate-able. Perhaps that's the sadness in my heart speaking - but hey - you gotta listen to your heart. Ri-Ri's new album has really grown on me. - Fav Tracks - "Cold Case Love," "Hard," "Rockstar 101," "Russian Roulette," "Fire Bomb," "Photographs"

Katharine McPhee - Unbroken
I've loved Katharine McPhee since Idol. In fact, I voted my ass off for her that season. While I liked a couple songs off of her debut, THIS was the album she was born to make. The more mature style and sound really suits her well. - Fav Tracks - "Had It All," "Say Goodbye," "Faultline," "Lifetime," "Brand New Key"

Dionne Bromfield - Introducing Dionne Bromfield
When I heard that Amy Winehouse had started her own record label and signed her God Daughter as it's first artist, of COURSE I was skeptical. Then I heard the young Dionne Bromfield sing and all traces of skepticism were gone. This girl has a voice WAY beyond her years. - Fav Tracks - "Beachwood 45789," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "My Boy Lollipop," "Mama Said"

Ke$ha - Animal
This album is the perfect summer album my sad, grey winter needed. Enough said. - Fav Tracks - "Tik Tok," "Blah Blah Blah," "Boots & Boys," "Take It Off," "You're Love Is My Drug," "D.I.N.O.$.A.U.R.," "Back$tabber," "Stephen"

Oh...before signing off - go check out Masterbeat. They are giving away a free 6 remix sampler from Island/Def Jam. The offer expires on February 1st so hurry up! Masterbeat is one of my top resources for CD quality official dance remixes. Included on the sampler are remixes from Mariah Carey, Rihanna, The Bravery, Utada, the Noisettes and Taio Cruz. Go Go Go and I'll do some more updates this weekend.

P.S. - make sure you're following me on Twitter. Lots of music tweets (and Re-Tweets).

In My Stocking...

Let the post holiday spending begin! Last week I got myself a pair of the BOSE ear buds. So far so good. The sound quality is excellent and they are very comfortable. I think they are quieter than my iPod ear buds which is also a plus. I don't want anyone to tell me to turn my music down AND there's nothing I dislike more than hearing someone elses music on the train or bus.

In addition, I did a little shopping on CDWow.com. They were having a post-holiday 40% - 80% off sale for CDs, DVDs and other things, running till New Years Eve. With their free shipping and large selection of imports, I thought I'd stock up. Here's the rundown on what I got:

CHERYL COLE - 3 WORDS

I've been listening to Cheryl Cole's album non-stop since it leaked. It's really a quality pop album, if you ask me. While there is a little bit too much of will.I.Am for my liking, the tracks are all solid. I'm absolutely loving the second single, "3 Words," featuring Mr. will.I.Am. The video for that single is absolutely stunning. I also dig the forthcoming 3rd single which has been announced as "Parachute." Check out Cheryl on the cover of UK music magazine, Q, on newsstands now. Hot Tracks: "3 Words," "Parachute," "Fight For This Love," "Rain On Me," "Heaven"

ALICIA KEYS - ELEMENT OF FREEDOM

I haven't purchased an Alicia Keys album since her debut. I'm honestly not too sure why I purchased this, her fourth album. Keys is undoubtedly talented but lately her genre of music as a whole just hasn't impressed me that much. I think that given my state of mind of late, more mellow sounds are calming and relaxing to me, rather than the driving dance/electro beats that I've craved up until now. I'm always on the lookout for that next emotional ballad to unlock the waterworks in my eyes. With Keys' knack for writing emotive and passionate songs, combined with her crazy piano and vocal skills - it's pretty safe to assume that there are some cry-worthy songs on this album. Hot Tracks: "Doesn't Mean Anything," "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart," "Wait Til You See Me Smile," "Love Is My Disease," "Put It In A Love Song," "Through It All," "Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down," "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)"

LEONA LEWIS - ECHO

Leona Lewis' second album has been growing on me in the months since my initial review. The more I listen to Echo, the more easily I am able to connect to it. My initial complaint was that there weren't enough up-tempo numbers, with Lewis instead resorting to her standard brand of "boring" ballads. Perhaps that was unfair. There's definitely a place for big ballads. Not every artist needs to sing up-tempo Gaga-esque dance tracks. At this time in my life, I need all of the big, beautiful sad ballads I can get my hands on. I guess you can say that this purchase was an emotional one. Leona releases "I Got You" next in the States and rumor has it that "Outta My Head" will serve as the next international single. Both are stand outs in my opinion. Hot Tracks: "I Got You," "Love Letter," "Fly Here Now," "Brave," "Alive," "Outta My Head," "Broken"

WILL YOUNG - THE HITS

Will Young is one of my biggest celebrity crushes. The handsome singer/actor has struck me ever since I first heard of him back when his career was just taking off in the UK. Not only is Young a talented singer, but he's also a role model, coming out as a gay man. He also had brilliant role in Mrs. Henderson Presents..., a beautiful little British film. It's hard to believe that this young talent (only 30 years old) has had four albums out since winning Pop Idol back in 2002. His greatest hits album (titled The Hits) features 12 songs taken from his first four albums, plus two new tracks - single "Hopes & Fears," and "If It Hadn't Been For Love." Young has a reportedly brilliant collaboration with Groove Armada and is rumored to be working on a more dance/electro album for his next project. Well...we know how well that turned out for Robbie Williams (see Rudebox) but I love Will and think a dance album will really suit his voice. Hot Tracks: "Leave Right Now," "Your Game," "Friday's Child," "Switch It On," "All Time Love," "Who Am I," "Changes," "Hopes & Fears"

ALEXANDRA BURKE - OVERCOME

I think Alexandra Burke's debut album was what I was looking for in Leona Lewis' second album. There are ballads but there are also plenty of up-tempo club friendly tracks. That being said, I think there's room for both artists. As I mentioned above, I've really become attached to Leona's Echo. Alexandra's album is definitely suited for the U.S. Top 40 market and may even get some play on U.S. R&B radio stations. Leona's album is definitely more suited for adult contemporary radio stations, though it seems to be getting some play on mainstream radio as well. Regardless, I have space on my iPod for both X-Factor winners. They both do their own thing and do it well. Burke will reportedly be re-tooling her debut album for U.S. markets, but will be releasing the same videos that have already seen a UK release. U.S. audiences can expect Burke's new album to drop sometime in 2010. Hot Tracks: "Bad Boys," "Broken Heels," "Nothing But The Girl," "You Broke My Heart," "Overcome," "It's Over"

In addition, I snagged these albums:

WHITNEY HOUSTON - I LOOK TO YOU

JOSS STONE - COLOUR ME FREE

THE SATURDAYS - WORDSHAKER

THE SATURDAYS - CHASING LIGHTS

ANNIE - DON'T STOP

JAMIE CULLUM - THE PURSUIT

DAVID GUETTA - ONE LOVE

Next week (January 5th) I'll likely be picking up brand new albums by Katharine McPhee (Unbroken) and the debut album, Animal by Ke$ha. Oh and January 26th sees the release of the much anticipated album The Sea by Corinne Bailey Rae. Lots of good music coming in the New Year.

Ke$ha Unleashes Her Inner 'Animal'

One artist I'm ABSOLUTELY obsessed with right now is Ke$ha. When I obsessed, I mean NEED NEW MUSIC NOW. This why I'm scouring YouTube looking for new song clips. I've already fallen in love with her hit single, "Tik Tok," as well has her rumored follow-up single, "Blah, Blah, Blah," featuring 3OH!3. Now I've just heard a clip of "Dinosaur," and OMG. I can hardly contain myself. She kind of sounds like a cross between Lady Gaga and female rapper, Sarai (remember her song "Ladies"?). She brings the electro-hop sound to life and I can't wait for her debut album, which is due out January 5th on RCA Records.

You might recognize Ke$ha from her vocals on Flo-Rida's smash "Right Round," but as a solo artist she is really blowin' up. Peaking on the Billboard Hot 100 at #3, the song has gone to the top in several other countries.

The 14-track album, titled Animal features production from supertalents like Benny Blanco (Ciara), Dr. Luke (Katy Perry), Greg Kurstin (Nelly Furtado) and Tom Neville (Calvin Harris) and songwriting from the likes of Max (Britney Spears), former Amy Winehouse school-mate Neon Hitch, and Ke$ha herself, to name a few. Mark your calendars for this one folks. Pre-order it NOW on iTunes for only $6.99! Oh, and also check Ke$ha on tour with Lilith 2010.


Tracklisting:

1. Your Love Is My Drug
2. TiK ToK
3. Take It Off
4. Kiss N Tell
5. Stephen
6. Blah Blah Blah (featuring 3OH!3)
7. Hungover
8. Party At A Rich Dude's House
9. Backstabber
10. Blind
11. Dinosaur
12. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
13. Boots & Boys
14. Animal

Check out Ke$ha on the web:
Official Site/Myspace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube

Lilith Fair Lineup Announced - Round #1

Last week part of the lineup for Lilith 2010 was announced. Wow. POWERHOUSE! One of the things that I love about Lilith Fair, aside from it's knack for showcasing strong, talented females in the music industry, is how much variety the line up has to offer. Nearly every genre of music is represented here and this is only the first round of artists! Included in the group we have Sarah McLachlan (of course), Sheryl Crow, Indigo Girls, Mary J. Blige, Brandi Carlile, Ke$ha, Sugarland, Tegan & Sara, Metric, Janelle Monae and more. Check out the full list HERE.

Check out Lilith 2010 on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

Hot Music Video Alert: Ke$ha - TiK ToK