Hot Video Alert: Dan Black featuring Kelis - Hearts

I feel like I've been raving on and on about British-born/Paris-based singer/songwriter/producer Dan Black for YEARS, but really it's only been four years?  Ever since I heard his BRILLIANT, never officially released "HYPNTZ" (which ultimately turned into the single "Symphonies") I've been obsessed with Mr. Black, with my obsession coming to a head during the Robyn + Kelis All Hearts Tour in 2010, wherein Black was one of the openers (along with a pre-"Like A G6" famous Far East Movement).  Witnessing Black do his thing live was ALL that I needed to see to convince me that this guy was a musician to watch out for.  Now, three years after dropping his debut album here in America, Black is BACK with a beautiful new single, "Hearts," which sees a reunion of sorts with All Hearts Tour-mate and Kaleidoscope-lovin', Wanderland dwelling, Tasty Milkshake-slurpin', indie pop DIVA extraordinaire, 'Kelis (Was Here)' who's 2010 album, Flesh Tone, remains one of my favs to this day.  Check out "Hearts" below the cut.

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Dan Black Returns with 'RAW' New Single; Hints at Kelis Collaboration

Electro hipsterpop singer/songwriter Dan Black recently unveiled some details about his forthcoming new album, including a planned duet with electroGODDESS Kelis.  While the as-yet-untitled album's first single, "RAW" won't be dropping digitally until July 31st, you can catch a sneak peak of the new track in a recently released video promoting the new Absolut flavor of vodka, Caipiroska.  The video features Black hard at work in his Paris-based studio, putting the finishing touches on his new single.  While there's not much to go on just yet, all signs point to this being another flawless showcase of Dan Black's intelligent pop prowess.

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The Noisettes Tease Upcoming Third Album, New Single, 'Winner' Released July 9th

This is the moment I've (and hopefully you've) been waiting for!  English indie rock darlings, the Noisettes have a new single coming out this summer!  It's been nearly three years since we've heard a peep of new music from the talented London-based threesome, consisting of the ever ravishing singer/bassist Shingai Shoniwa, guitarist Dan Smith and drummer Jamie Morrison, and I don't know about you but my mouth has been salivating with anticipation!  Well, it's safe to say that the wait is finally ALMOST over.  Due July 9th, the aptly titled "Winner," offers music lovers a small sampling of what's to come off of the band's upcoming third album, and boy are we in for a treat.  Two weeks ago, the band uploaded a 1:29 clip of the new single onto their SoundCloud page, so feast your ears folks...

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Hot Video Alert: Calvin Harris feat. Kelis - Bounce

Love me some Calvin Harris. Love me some Kelis. Love me some Calvin Harris & Kelis. "Bounce" is the second single to be taken from Harris' upcoming third studio album. The song premiered on Annie Mac's show on Radio 1 back at the end of April and features hot remixes from Michael Woods, R3Hab, Sandro Silva and Fly Eye. Following his last single, "Awooga," "Bounce" continues to showcase Harris as a producer and DJ as promised, stepping back from singing on his own tracks. While I've always loved everything about Harris (including his vocals) I absolutely LOVE me some Kelis so the fact that Harris isn't singing doesn't bother me in the slightest.  It's nice to see Harris collaborating with electro diva Kelis on his new album.  I absolutely LOVED his remix of her single "4th of July (Fireworks)."

The "Bounce" video was directed by Vincent Haycock (Cheryl Cole, HIM) and features Kelis looking hot, showing up halfway through the video and doing her thing, rocking a glittery Cleopatra headdress of some kind.  The beginning of the video features a girl breaking up with her hip-hop-dancing boyfriend, telling him to "BOUNCE."  The video follows the broken up boyfriend living it up in Vegas, dancing with Elvis, hookin' up with girls and partying like a crazy fool.  The night culminates with said boy showing up at a club where Calvin Harris just happens to be spinning and passing out afterwards in a drunken heap. I sure to love me a good alcohol and sex-fueled music video.  Download "Bounce" when it's released in the UK on June 12th via Fly Eye/Columbia/Sony.

Check out Calvin Harris on the web:

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

Robyn Unveils Body Talk Pt. 2 Artwork and Tracklisting

I know this news broke a while back but I don't care. I'm seeing Robyn on the All Hearts Tour at the House of Blues on Wednesday, with Kelis, Dan Black and Far East Movement. I can HARDLY WAIT! While seeing the setlist might ruin the surprise for some, it only makes me more excited!  This tour, while still a good few weeks in advance of Body Talk Pt 2's release on September 7th, should get me good and ready for the new album.  What Robyn's doing with Body Talk is really smart!  Instead of the following the usual write-record-promote schedule that most artists follow, Robyn decided to write enough material for 3 albums and then focus on promoting all three all over the world.  It's like a never-ending pot of gold!  While I'm a little disappointed that she's only releasing one single per album (at least so far) I'm BEYOND thrilled that we're getting three new Robyn albums before the year is out. 2010 is looking to be the year of Robyn and I'll take what I can get.

Tracklisting:

1. In My Eyes

2. Include Me Out

3. Hang with Me

4. Love Kills

5. We Dance to the Beat

6. Criminal Intent

7. U Should Know Better (featuring Snoop Dogg)

8. Indestructible (Acoustic Version)

Check out Robyn on the web:

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

New Kelis Promotional Photos

Flesh Tone, the new album by the beautiful and talented Kelis, has already been released in the UK and other countries but we here in the U.S. must wait until July 6th. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous for Kelis. The album peaked at #46 in the UK and now is nowhere to be seen in the Top 100! The album saw it's highest chart position in Greece, where it peaked at #12. Why am I nervous? These numbers aren't that impressive. If I was sure if Kelis was going to do well ANYWHERE with her new electro sound, it would have been in Europe, where dance music is infinitely more popular than it is here in the States.

I guess my only consolation is that the singles are performing better with "Acapella" peaking at #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Play Chart and "4th Of July (Fireworks)" already hitting #39 in the UK dance singles chart. We'll just have to wait and see I guess. This doesn't bode well for Kelly Rowland's dance success here in the States. At least she has an urban remix with Nelly to fall back on.  Meanwhile, why don't you sit back and enjoy some new promotional photos of Kelis (many of which appear to be taken from the set of her "4th of July (Fireworks)" video).

Check out Kelis on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Kelis - 4th Of July (Fireworks) (Live on The Jay Leno Show)

I stayed up extra late last night...fought through the exhaustion...to catch Kelis' appearance on Jay Leno and I'm glad I did. She delivered a nearly flawless performance of new single "4th Of July (Fireworks)", looking like a Goddess the whole time, dressed in a flowy blue dress, a matching hair accessory, fierce makeup and red hair. I like that Kelis is starting out in a higher key during her recent string of performances here. The album version of the track is a bit TOO low and while Kelis does have a beautiful range, sometimes her lower register doesn't sound so hot live. This performance is EXCELLENT. Perfect. Love. Getting SO excited to see her on tour with Robyn next month.

Check out Kelis 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: Kelis - 4th Of July (Fireworks)

Kelis has released the STUNNING video for her new DJ Ammo-produced single, "4th of July (Fireworks)," the second single off of Flesh Tone is out in America now and will be released in the UK on July 5th. The video (which sees Kelis continuing on with the "tribal" themes seen in her "Acapella" video) was co-directed by Kelis, John "Rankin" Waddell and Nicole Ehrlich and filmed in the desert just outside of Los Angeles. The video features Kelis in HER ELEMENT as the the elements (earth, wind, water and fire).  Now I'm even more excited to see Kelis and Robyn together next month. This concert is going to be SICK.

Artwork Revealed for New Kelis Single, '4th Of July (Fireworks)'

LOVE this. Thanks to my musically-inclined blogger bud MuuMuse for the heads up. "4th Of July (Fireworks)" is the second single from Kelis' forthcoming album Flesh Tone, out now internationally via Polydor/Universal and due out July 6th in the U.S. via Interscope Records. No word as of right now when we can expect the new single's release.  Look out for Kelis and Robyn to go on tour  later this year.

Check out Kelis on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Robyn - Dancing On My Own

Robyn 'Dancing On My Own' (Official Video) from Robyn on Vimeo.

Robyn unveiled her new video for "Dancing On My Own" and it's a stunner. I LOVE this song! "Dancing On My Own" is due out on June 7th in the UK, followed by her album, Body Talk Pt. 1 which comes out June 14th (June 15th in the U.S.). Look out for a HOT remix package featuring remixes by Michael Woods, Fred Falke, Jakwob, Buzz Junkies and Rex The Dog. Also - look for Robyn and Kelis to tour together sometime this next year (per a Twitter conversation between the two artists). GOD I hope this happens. How amazing of a show would that be?

A NOT-SO-QUICK QUICKY Album Art Update

It's super late so I have time for one more QUICKY. With so much STUNNING album artwork out there, I just had to post some of my favorites. Oh and speaking of beautiful album artwork, DEFINITELY check out my last post on Ms. Katie Melua as well as my posts on Sarah McLachlan, Jewel and Cyndi Lauper - all of whom have new albums/singles coming out with some beautiful artwork. The artwork for this new album/single are beyond gorgeous. Thanks to Coverlandia and MuuMuse for the artwork. Oh - I should also mention that release dates listed below are mostly for UK.

Sia - "Clap Your Hands" (Single/Out Now on iTunes)

Check out the video for Sia's new single, "Clap Your Hands." How fun is this? Such a creative, cooky artist. I absolutely ADORE her. Check out fun remixes by Fred Falke and Diplo.

Robyn - Body Talk Part I (Album/June 7th)

Thanks to Bradley over on MuuMuse for posting this. I love this artwork. I love Robyn even more. Body Talk Part I is one of my most hotly anticipated summer records. Robyn's released three songs on iTunes to tie us over. Check out "Fembot," "Dancehall Queen" and "None of Dem" on iTunes (in the U.S.).

Robin Thicke w/ Estelle - "Rollacoasta" (Single/Out Now)

While the artwork might not be anything special, there's a big honkin' photo of Robin Thicke. Enough said? Oh...and R&B superstar Estelle makes an appearance. Check out the video. I am loving this song more and more.

Macy Gray - The Sellout (Album/June 28th)

Macy Gray is back and better than ever! In looking through my CD collection, I have more Macy Gray CDs then I remember purchasing. As quirky as she is, she's talented. I am very excited about the new record and while "Beauty In The World", the first single off of The Sellout is still growing on me, the Cutmore remix of the track already has me sold.

Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite (Album/July 5th)

*DIES* After having seen Kylie Minogue on her first ever North American tour, I am STILL riding that high and don't plan on stopping any time soon. Lucky for me (and Kylie fans everywhere) the wait for new material won't be much longer. New Kish Mauve-produced single "All The Lovers" will be released on June 28th, followed by the album Aphrodite on July 5th. *DIES*

Kelis - Flesh Tone (Album/May 17th)

I already blogged about the stunning music video for the new Kelis single, "Acapella" and now we have the official album artwork. It's a little bit gaudy for my tastes but I still kind of love it. I cannot WAIT for this album. I haven't been this excited about a Kelis album since Tasty. Lookout for the Kelis-assisted Benny Benassi collaboration, "Spaceship," the video for which has already been shot.

Kate Nash - My Best Friend Is You (Album/Out Now)

While this artwork is CUTE, it's not really blog-worthy by itself. I just wanted to include it b/c I'm going to see Kate Nash live next week at Great Scott in Allston, MA (outside of Boston). Small, intimate gig - the same place I saw V.V. Brown actually (WHICH I still need to post about - oops!). I'm beyond excited. The new album came out this week and I am still warming up to it. There's so much to love about her first album, but I'm sure that in time I'll love the new one as well. If the streaming concert I listened to today (live from Cologne) is any indication, her live set is going to be AWESOME! Check out the video for her new single "Do-Wah-Doo."

Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid (Album/May 17th)

Janelle Monáe is a talented young lady. I remember when her first EP came out a while back with the song "Many Moons" - I loved her look and voice and now...FINALLY she's back with a full length album (due out May 17th in the UK and the following day in the U.S.). This is going to be a hot album...which by the way is sort of reminiscent of Kelis' new artwork. It's also channeling the movie poster for 20s silent film Metropolis. Very cool. Watch the video for new single feat. Big Boi (of OutKast fame) called "Tightrope."

Diana Vickers - Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree (Album/May 3rd)

Former X-Factor contestant Diana Vickers' debut album drops on May 3rd and features lead single "Once" (which has glorious remixes from Manhattan Clique). Having heard part of a leaked album sampler, I'm very excited for Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree. Vickers is a talent, and while her sound is similar to that of Little Boots and Ellie Goulding, I think her talent stands on it's own. I'm interested to see what the finished product sounds like. Check out the video to her single "Once."

Before Kelis...My Whole Life Was Acapella

Acapella

Kelis | MySpace Music Videos

I LOVE Kelis. The video for her new David Guetta-produced single "Acapella" officially premiered on Monday and it's a stunner. I LOVE all of the tribal influences and Kelis looks absolutely fabulous throughout.

"Acapella" is the first single off of Kelis' forthcoming 5th studio album (her first with Interscope Records). Flesh Tone is due out May 17th in the UK and sometime in June in the U.S. The single was co-written by Kelis, Makeba Riddick and Jean Baptiste and features remixes by Dave Audé, David Guetta and Bimbo Jones. It's available on iTunes now in the U.S. and will be released April 26th in the UK. For Flesh Tone, in addition to David Guetta, Kelis roped in talent like Benny Benassi, Diplo, Boyz Noize, Switch and will.i.am. Now THAT's a solid club record right there. Lookout for Kelis performing "Acapella" on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on April 6th.

I have high hopes for this single and album. I've been following Kelis since her Kaleidoscope days and really think she's a force to be reckoned with in the industry. I really thought she shined on the Richard X collaboration "Finest Dreams" and other such dabs in electronic music. While I definitely appreciated her R&B/Hip-Hop leanings, that's not where I normally gravitate (although Tasty is undoubtedly one of her best albums to date).

Flesh Tone seems like the logical NEXT STEP after Kelis Was Here failed to impact the charts (aside from "Bossy" which managed to crack the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100). While she achieved a little more success in Europe, electro is where it's at these days - especially if you've got David Guetta guiding you along the path. After topping the Billboard Dance Club charts with "Acapella," it looks like she made the right call! While I would love to see the single do well in other U.S. radio formats, I'm not certain it will. it'll do really well overseas but I'm still holding out hope for U.S. success. We are in the era of Lady Gaga so anything is possible.

Check out Kelis on the web:

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

Hot Music News & Snippets: Adam Lambert, Gabriella Cilmi, Grammy Nominations & More

In the wake of negative press that Adam Lambert's controversial American Music Awards Performance left behind, the talented young singer is now just focusing on the music. Lambert sang his heart out on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (airing December 1st), singing a powerful rendition of the album track, "Whataya Want From Me," which was co-written by singer and P!nkMax Martin. Perfection. This is exactly the kind of performance that Adam needs to be doing going forward. I'm not saying that all of this flack that he's been getting is completely justified, in fact I do agree that there's a certain double standard in play here - but this was just a smart move on the part of Adam and his management. Just Adam, a microphone and his fabulous rock-star voice. No theatrics or spectacle. Hopefully this is the kind of performance we can expect when Adam Lambert joins Barbara Walters, Whoopie Goldberg and the the other ladies of The View on December 10th.

Australian pop singer Gabriella Cilmi (whom I absolutely love) is readying new material for her follow up to 2008's Lessons To Be Learned. Gabriella has been keeping her fans posted via her official blog and Twitter. According to a recent Tweet, Cilimi's apparently met with her label's A&R reps and new material should be premiering very shortly. Going in a decidedly more sexy direction than her last album, Cilmi worked with Xenomania & Greg Kurstin, Dallas Austin and Danger Mouse (one half of Gnarls Barkley). According to Cilmi, "[the album was] inspired by Donna Summer, Flashdance and 80s disco." This sounds potentially HOT! The album is due out early next year, preceded by the first single and video. "The first single is all about unleashing your inner super-hero and it's a big anthem for women." Brilliant! Can't wait to hear Gabriella's new stuff. I always thought she had an interesting voice.

Kelis is one of those rare artists whose entire collection I own. Ever since I took a chance and purchased Kaleidoscope at my local college music shop, I was hooked. Kaleidoscope = brilliant. 2001's Wanderland wasn't so much my cup of tea, but she redeemed herself with 2003's Tasty, known as the album that made Kelis famous here in the U.S. Meanwhile, her 2006 album Kelis Was Here bombed in my book, and on the charts. Not so coincidentally, Kelis Was Here was the first album without her long time collaborators The Neptunes. If this pattern of one brilliant album followed by one not so brilliant album is any indication, her new album is going to be HOT and so far, things are heating up nicely. Newly signed to Will.I.Am Music Group via Interscope/Geffen Kelis will be releasing the David Guetta produced single "Acapella," which has already been getting attention since it premiered online on November 23rd. Entertainment Weekly added "Accapella" to it's Must List in the December 11th issue on newsstands right now. Other collaborators include will.I.Am, Free School, Boyz Noize, Burnze and DJ Ammo.

Yeah, Yeah, I know I'm a bit late here regarding the Grammy Nominations. I can't say I'm too shocked or appalled by any of the results, aside from maybe Whitney Houston snub. When I saw that Whitney wasn't nominated, I assumed that it was because her album wasn't released in time for consideration, but then I read reports that producers rushed the album into release in part to be considered for a Grammy. Other than that, things played out as I expected them to with artists like Beyonce (10 nominations), Taylor Swift (8 nominations), The Black Eyed Peas (6 nominations) and Kanye West (6 nominations). Included amongst this years Album of the Year nominees are Lady Gaga's The Fame as well as albums from Beyonce, Taylor Swift, The Black Eyed Peas and Dave Matthews Band. As for record of the year, we have Beyonce's "Halo," "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas, Kings Of Leon's hit single "Use Somebody," "Poker Face" and Swift's "You Belong With Me." Up for Song of the Year this year we have "Poker Face," "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," "Use Somebody," Maxwell's "Pretty Wings" and "You Belong With Me." Best new artists include the Zac Brown Band, Keri Hilson, The Ting Tings, MGMT and the Silversun Pickups. Check out a full list of nominees at Grammy.com.

Hot Song Alert: Kelis - Acapella (Produced by David Guetta)

Wow. This song is FIRE! Nice to have Kelis back in good form. Cannot WAIT for the new album.

New Music Blogs!

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

Photos come from Artists' official websites/MySpace pages

The Prophet - Hip Hop/R&B Blog:

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

Photos come from artists' official websites/MySpace pages

Toya's World - R&B Blog:

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

Photos come from Artists' Official Websites/MySpace pages

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

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

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

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