La Roux Previews 'Gold Edition' on MySpace, Available to Download February 8th

Amping up for the release of their Gold Edition album, La Roux and their label, Cherrytree Records have been kind enough to grant fans a sneak peak/listen of the new release on MySpace Music. The Gold Edition features acoustic tracks, remixes, b-sides and other good stuff from the popular electro-pop group's debut self-titled album. La Roux peaked at #2 on the UK Albums Chart and at #70 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned two #1 dance hits in America ("In For The Kill," & "Bulletproof" and one Top Ten Hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Bulletproof."

Check out the Gold Edition tracklisting below and listen to it while you can. The album goes on sale February 8th on iTunes and Amazon, at which point the free preview will be taken down. La Roux are currently at work on their sophomore album which is said to be "less mainstream" than their debut {SOURCE}.  The new record will also see frontwoman, Elly Jackson, experimenting with the full range of her voice, not just her falsetto {SOURCE}. La Roux is currently nominated for two 2011 Grammy Awards - one for 'Best Dance Recording' for "In For The Kill" and one for 'Best Electronic/Dance Album' for their first record.  The Grammy's air February 13th on CBS.

Tracklisting:

1. "In For The Kill"

2. "Finally My Saviour"

3. "Under My Thumb"

4. "I'm Not Your Toy" (Jack Beats Remix)

5. "In For The Kill" (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix)

6. "Quicksand" (Boy 8 Bit Remix)

7. "Bulletproof" (Zinc Remix)

8. "Tigerlily" (Demo Version)

9. "Bulletproof" (Intimate Session at Abbey Road)

10. "In For The Kill" (VEVO Lounge Version)

Check out La Roux on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: La Roux, Robyn, Whitney Houston, Taylor Switft - I Wanna Bulletproof Dancer (Mash Up)

As my final post of 2010 I've chosen this gem. I found this AMAZING video over on Popjustice and decided that I couldn't end 2010 without a little shout out. It's a mega MashUp using La Roux's spectacular "Bulletproof" as the backing track for remixed versions of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." Need I say more? Check it out. Also worth a look, Panos T's YouTube channel for more amazing Mash-Ups, many of them remixed by Titus Jones.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and an amazing 2011!

La Roux Coming Back Strong This Winter

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think La Roux is an amazing new band. They've been called underrated before and frankly, I don't get it. Lead vocalist Elly Jackson, at 21 has proven to be quite the bright and shiny new talent, with U.S. music publication Rolling Stone calling her "the perfect London pop star of the moment." I couldn't agree more. La Roux reiterates everything that I love about the London pop music scene.

When tickets first went on sale for La Roux's first U.S. tour I was so excited. When I threw the invite around to some of my concert-going buddies, no one seemed interested. I sent around links to La Roux videos but no one knew who they were or why they were a big deal. I wanted to scream. Sure, I could have purchased a ticket by myself but I chickened out. The Paradise isn't the kind of venue I would want to go to alone. Call it social anxiety - I don't care. Plus, if I were to go to a La Roux show, I'd want to share the experience with someone else. When I learned that La Roux cancelled the gig due to sickness, I was relieved. Then it was announced that she'd be back January 31st - same venue and all previously purchased tickets would be honored. Shit. I should have acted as soon as the tickets went on sale! Now it's sold out and I'm S.O.L. Oh well. I'm confident that they'll be back and I'll be first in line next time! The January 31st date in Boston kicks off La Roux's U.S. Winter Tour which brings the band to 8 North American cities, ending in New York City at Webster Hall.

Per usual, I latch onto UK artists before they become big here in the States, and La Roux is no different. The band is quickly gaining momentum over on this side of the pond, with FUSE choosing them for their new artist spotlight program "Incoming" which focuses on emerging new talent in the music industry. The network began airing the video for "Bulletproof" during it's music hours on November 2nd. La Roux is also part of MTV's Discover and Download program, spotlighting exciting new artists and allowing for a free download. After having achieved a good deal of international chart success, the band's hit "Bulletproof" hit #1 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart this past September.

La Roux is 21-year old Elly Jackson and co-producer/co-songwriter Ben Langmaid. The two started small and grew into the critical successes that they are today. Nominated for a Mercury Prize, MTV Europe Award and an MTVu Woodie, La Roux doesn't have anywhere to go but up.

Check out La Roux this winter:

January 31st - Boston,MA @ Paradise Rock Club

February 1st - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall

February 3rd - Quebec City, QC @ Imperial

February 5th - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis

February 6th - Ottawa, ON @ Capital

February 9th - Philadelphia, PA @ Voyeurs

February 10th - Washington, DC @ 930

February 11th - New York, NY @ Webster Hall

Check out La Roux on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

Massive Album Artwork Update

OK...putting up a quick album artwork update while I have some computer access. Currently I'm in the Chicago burbs at my parents place...the tail end of a week long vacation that took me from Boston to Corvallis (Oregon) then to Portland and now, sweet home Chicago. I didn't really do TOO much shopping but while in Portland I stumbled upon a cute little indie music shop (Jackpot Records) and bought a couple of Girl Talk CDs (partially to prepare for November's show). I really fell in love with Portland on this trip. What a GREAT city. Lots of great shops, hipster boys around every corner and amazing food and coffee.

I'll be back in Boston on Monday night and blogging (semi) regularly from then on. For now, here's some cool new album artwork to keep you busy, courtesy of the always helpful Coverlandia and Covermania teams. In interest of getting a good night's sleep tonight...I will be posting three words that describe the album artwork, rather than my usual 1-2 paragraphs of commentary. Sometimes brevity is better.

La Roux - I'm Not Your Toy (SINGLE): Stoic, Regal, Elizabethan

Beyoncé - Broken-Hearted Girl (SINGLE): Sexy, Diva, Vixen

Beverley Knight - Beautiful Night (SINGLE): Classy, Stunning, Strong

Anouk - For Bitter Or Worse (ALBUM): Dirty, Raunchy, Erotic

Wale - Attention Deficit (ALBUM): Innocent, Creative, Retro

Luis Fonsi - Tu Amor (EP): Alluring, Mysterious, Sexy

Tokio Hotel - Humanoid (ALBUM): Unoriginal, Futuristic, Robotic

Carrie Underwood - Play On (ALBUM): Smoldering, Sweet, Suburban

Robbie Williams - Reality Killed The Video Star (ALBUM): Rebellious, Hollywood, Vintage

Robbie Williams - Bodies (SINGLE): Bad-ass, scruffy, Sexy

Shakira - She Wolf (ALBUM): Barbarella, Sequined, Animalistic

Madonna - Celebration (ALBUM): Retro, Iconic, Poptastic

Michael Bublé - Haven't Met You Yet (SINGLE): Jazzy, Classic, Suave

Leona Lewis - Happy (SINGLE): Free-spirited, Fun-loving, Fiery

Mariah Carey - I Want To Know What Love Is (SINGLE): Uninspired, Plain, Lacklustre

Basshunter - Bass Generation (ALBUM): Euro-trashy, Airbrushed, Tease

Natalie Imbruglia - Come To Life (ALBUM): Natural, Wide-eyed, Ingenue

Natalie Imbruglia - Want (SINGLE): Bold, Loud, Floral

Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart - August 20, 2009

Congrats to the new princess of dance...Kaci Battaglia (formerly known as Kaci). She moves up one spot into the top spot on the dance chart. She's had some club chart success in the UK but not a WHOLE lot here in the states. I was hoping she'd have a bit more mainstream success but I'll take what I can get. It appears that Sean Kingston has plateaued at # 3 and Simply Red moves down one spot to #5. We also have three new additions to the Top Ten...Black Eyed Peas ("I Gotta Feeling"), Deadmau5 & Melleefresh ("Attention Whore") and my personal fav, La Roux ("Bulletproof"). Outside of the top 10 we have Madonna with "Celebration" at #16, the Noisettes moving up 4 spots to #18, passing by the Jonas Brothers who now sit pretty at # 19. Good things to come!

Thursday August 20, 2009

Crazy Possessive (Kaci Battaglia)

#1 (Last Week - #2)

Be Alright (Kristine W.)

#2 (Last Week - #5)

Fire Burning (Sean Kingston)

#3 (Last Week - #3)

Sweet Dreams (Beyoncé)

#4 (Last Week - #6)

Money's Too Tight To Mention (Simply Red)

#5 (Last Week - #4)

Goodbye (Kristinia DeBarge)

#6 (Last Week - #7)

Bulletproof (La Roux)

#7 (Last Week - #11)

Waking Up In Vegas (Katy Perry)

#8 (Last Week - #1)

I Gotta Feeling (Black Eyed Peas)

#9 (Last Week - #12)

Attention Whore (deadmau5 & Melleefresh)

#10 (Last Week - #14)

Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart - August 13, 2009

Not too much movement in the Top 10 this past week. Most artists moved either one or two spots up. The Paradiso Girls dropped from 3 to 10, as did the The Pussycat Dolls, but that was to be expected as they were in the #1 spot last week. Bubbling under the Top 10 are some exciting artists including La Roux (Bulletproof - #11), Jonas Brothers (Paranoid - #21), and the Noisettes (Don't Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go) - #22). And without further ado...here's this past week's Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart.

Thursday, August 13 2009

Waking Up In Vegas (Katy Perry)

#1 (Last Week - #2)

Crazy Possessive (Kaci Battaglia)

#2 (Last Week - #4)

Fire Burning (Sean Kingston)

#3 (Last Week - #5)

Money's Too Tight To Mention (Simply Red)

#4 (Last Week - #6)

Be Alright (Kristine W.)

#5 (Last Week - #7)

Sweet Dreams (Beyoncé)

#6 (Last Week - #9)

Goodbye (Kristinia DeBarge)

#7 (Last Week - #10)

Hush Hush;Hush Hush (The Pussycat Dolls)

#8 (Last Week - #1)

Give You Everything (Erika Jayne)

#9 (Last Week - #8)

Patron Tequila (Paradiso Girls feat. Lil Jon & Eve)

#10 (Last Week - #3)

New Music Tuesday: VV Brown, Dan Black & More

And I wonder where all of my money goes...in addition to dropping just over $100 on that Girls Aloud Singles Boxed Set, I bought some full length albums as well this week. Here's the rundown...

Regina Spektor - Far: I love, love LOVE this album. I really got hooked on Regina Spektor with her commercially successful single "Fidelity" (another thank you owed to "Grey's Anatomy") but I went back and started listening to some of her older stuff as well. I liked it. While I still prefer Begin To Hope, to previous effort, Soviet Kitsch - Far may be my new favorite. I was surprised to read that Jacknife Lee produced a few tracks on the album. Why surprised? Because I knew Jacknife Lee as a remixer only! He did remixes for Christina Aguilera's "Can't Hold Us Down," Pink's "Just Like A Pill" and U2's "Vertigo" to name a few.

Top Tracks: "Laughing With," "Wallet," "One More Time With

Feeling," "Dance Anthem Of The 80's"

Check Out Regina Spektor on the web: Official Site//MySpace//YouTube

VV Brown - Travelling Like The Light: [SEE PREVIOUS POST FOR FULL REVIEW] I ordered the debut album from British artist VV Brown on Monday morning from CDWOW, in addition to two other CDs.

Top Tracks: "Shark In The Water," "Crying Blood," "L.O.V.E.," "I Love You"

Check Out VV Brown on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Bebo//YouTube//Twitter

La Roux - Self Titled: As for La Roux, I don't know much about them, other than what I've read and what I've heard. I know I love singles "In For The Kill," "Quicksand," and "Bulletproof," as well as all of the associated remixes. I also know that I love Elly Jackson's vocals and personal style. Finally...I know that I'm disappointed that La Roux isn't coming to Boston as part of their small U.S. tour. My hope is that this tour is just a small teaser and that they will be back. Next single in the UK is "I'm Not Your Toy," and I'm looking forward to familiarizing myself with that track as well as the rest of the album.

Check out La Roux on the web: Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

Dan Black - ((Un)): You've heard me rave about Dan Black as well. Well, truth be told, other than this online sampler that's been floating around (including the now defunct single "Hypntz" - a cover of Notorious B.I.G.'s "Hypnotize") and clips of his new single "Symphonies," I don't know the first thing about Dan Black! I know he's cute and talented. I also know that I like his style of electro-pop and that he has HUGE remix potential. He kind of reminds me of Sam Sparro, another electro-pop artist that I enjoy. Like La Roux, Dan Black is another artist I am looking forward to familiarizing myself with. Check out previous singles "Alone," "Yours" and the acoustic version of "U + Me =". Order the album HERE.

Check out Dan Black on the web: Official Site//MySpace//YouTube//Twitter

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AND THERE'S MORE...on iTunes today I purchased the new Shakira single "She Wolf," the long-awaited digital remix EP of "It's Your Love" from Melinda Doolittle, "First Train Home" from Imogen Heap and a couple "Love In July" remixes by Sally Shapiro.

What a week! And it's only Tuesday! Ha! I think I'm good for a little while...at least until the new Jordin Sparks album drops on July 21st.

Any other new music I should check out?

My Favorite Music Videos RIGHT NOW!

So, I'm not ashamed to admit it...the disposable income I do have goes to music AND the occasional music video, which I then put onto my iPod for some enjoyment on the T(rain). Here are some of my favorite music videos of the moment.

• Pitbull - I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) - Dirty, slutty good fun. The song is a bit overplayed right now, but this is my late-discovery. This is my walking around the city jam.

• VV Brown - Shark In The Water - I've talked about this girl before, but I can't stop raving! Her album is out in the UK soon and this is her latest single. She looks stunning in the video!

• Lady Gaga - Paparazzi - One word...E-P-I-C!!

• Cobra Starship feat. Leighton Meester - Good Girls Go Bad - Fun little peak at what Leighton Meester's debut album is going to sound like. Plus Gabe Saporta from Cobra Starship is mighty cute.

• Paradiso Girls feat. Lil Jon & Eve - Patron Tequila - Fabulous, fun summer pop. The girls look hot as ever.

• The Killers - Dustland Fairytale - Brandon Flowers = SEX

• Wale feat. Lady Gaga - Chillin' - Love Gaga in anything.

• La Roux - Bulletproof - If you haven't heard of La Roux yet, CHECK them OUT NOW. They are a new act out of the UK and they're doing a small U.S. tour this summer.

• Pussycat Dolls - Hush Hush; Hush Hush - Call me gay (I am gay), but I love me some PCD. This song is plenty of fun and the girls look amazing.

• Freemasons feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer) - Sophie has been my girl ever since I saw the video for "Murder on the Dancefloor."

• Gossip - Heavy Cross - Two words...Beth Ditto!

• Dan Black - Symphonies - Wish he was able to release his cover of Biggie's "Hypnotize," but this is a suitable replacement single.
  
  

• Paloma Faith - Stone, Cold Sober - Beautiful video, beautiful girl.

• Jordin Sparks - Battlefield - Video is a little boring, but the song is still ace in my book.

• Tinchy Stryder feat. Amelle Berrabah (of the Sugababes) - Never Leave You - Loved his song "Take Me Back," as well as his follow up single "Number 1." This one isn't as good as it's predecessors, but I do love me a featured vocal by a Sugababe.

• Frankmusik - Confusion Girl - Love this dude! Can't wait to get his album. It's going to be fantastic! I love the appearance in the video from Aussie singer/actress Holly Valance.

• David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over - Holy dance hit! Congrats to Kelly, who, although was dropped from her label recently, collaborated with dance genius David Guetta and put out this number 1 dance hit!

• Daniel Merriweather - Red - Beautiful song. Beautiful man.
• Lily Allen - Fuck You (Explicit) - Hilarious video.

Most Anticipated Summer Albums

Here it goes, my most anticipated albums of the next couple of months. If there's an album that I've missed or if you have a suggestion, feel free to leave me a comment! I'm always up for hearing new music.

June

Daniel Merriweather - Love & War (June 1st)

Aussie pop star Daniel Merriweather is poised to release his second solo album (the first of which was never released) on June 1st in the UK. The record contains the UK top 10 hit "Change," as well as his current single, "Red." I first heard Merriweather's vocals on Mark Ronson's fabulous "Stop Me," followed by an appearance on Wiley's single "Cash In My Pocket." I'm glad he's now in the spotlight, as he truly has a fantastic voice and he's super cute to boot.

Check out Daniel Merriweather on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/Bebo/YouTube

Little Boots – Hands (June 8th)

British electropop artist Little Boots releases her debut album on June 8th. I first heard her on a remix of her first single "Meddle" and was instantly intrigued. I then heard her doing an acoustic version of Kid Cudi's "Day 'N' Nite." Brilliant. Her new single "New In Town" is equally amazing, as is the Fred Falke remix. Written in LA with Greg Kurstin and Joe Goddard I'm still hoping this one gets a U.S. release. U.S. TV host Carson Daly did an entire show dedicated to her and she made an appearance at the prestigious SXSW festival in Texas, so hopefully this is a good sign for us U.S. fans.

Check out Little Boots on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/YouTube/Twitter

Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) (June 9th)

I've never been a huge Black Eyed Peas fan, in fact I never really listened to them before Fergie joined the group. Their upcoming album, released Stateside on June 9th (June 8th in the UK) appears to be right up my alley. The electro-infused hip hop beats that make up first single "Boom Boom Pow" marks a new direction for the band. I don't know how die hard fans of the Peas like the new sound, but to me, it's a sound that's very fresh and Euro. Follow up single " I Gotta Feelin'" produced by David Guetta sounds a little bit too pop for my liking, while digital only release "Imma Bee" follow more closely in style to "Boom Boom Pow." "Alive" will be released as another digital-only single on May 26th. We'll see what the E.N.D. result will be. I'm optimistic.

Check out the Black Eyed Peas on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/ILike

Gossip - Music For Men (June 23rd)

This marks the major label debut for the U.S. Indie Rock group Gossip. The group's fourth album comes out in the UK on June 22nd and the next day in the U.S. While they've traditionally had more success in the UK, with some proper promotion, they could do well in the U.S. Backed by a strong gay following, the groups most popular single, "Standing In The Way of Control" was all about gay marriage. On my last trip to the UK I picked up the album of the same name as well as an EP of dance remixes from that album. Good stuff. "Heavy Cross" is the first single off this new album, available on iTunes now.

Check out Gossip on the web: Official Site/MySpace/YouTube

Regina Spektor – Far (June 23rd)

I admittedly only recently joined the Regina Spektor fanclub, namely after her song "Fidelity" became well known here in the states and "On The Radio" appeared on an episode of "Grey's Anatomy." Since then, I purchased her last album Begin To Hope and as a result, have 2 new favorite tracks - "Samson," & "Better." I'm sad that her new album hasn't really received much in the way of promotion as of yet. New single "Laugh With" barely hit iTunes with a whisper and the album is coming out next month! Her new music sounds very similar to songs on her last album, so chances are I'm going to love this new one as well.

Check out Regina Spektor on the web: Official Site/MySpace/YouTube

La Roux – La Roux (June 29th)

La Roux is the next big thing to come out of the UK. This electropop duo is made up of singer Elly Jackson and producer/co-writer Ben Langmaid. With a sound heavily influenced by by 1980s synth pop including Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Yazoo and Prince, La Roux brings a distinctive style to their music and I expect big things from their debut album on Polydor. So far two singles have been released, "Quicksand" and "In For The Kill" which peaked on the UK charts at number 2. Third single, "Bulletproof" is released on June 15th.

Check out La Roux on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/YouTube

July

Dan Black – ((Un)) (July 6th)

Formerly part of English alternative band, The Servant, Dan Black is now a solo entity since the band split up in 2007. Black now is set to release his solo debut, ((Un)) on July 6th in the UK. The first single, "Yours" was released in fall of 2008, while follow up single "Alone" came out this past March. According to a blog post, Black was all set to film the video to his brilliant third single, "Hypnotz" (a loose cover of "Hypnotz" by the late, great Notorious B.I.G. before it was all nixed due to legal issues. Apparently, Biggie's estate wasn't allowing anyone to use Biggie's lyrics. Instead, Black wrote a new song "Symphonies" which will serve as the new single, out on June 29th. This is disappointing to me, as I loved "Hypnotz" so much. We will move forward somehow and Dan Black's album will still no doubt be brilliant.

Check out Dan Black on the web: Official Site/MySpace/YouTube/Twitter

Frankmusik - Complete Me (July 13th)

Yet another UK electropop artist for me to love - Frankmusik releases his hotly anticipated debut album on July 13th in the UK. Previously having opened for such acts as Sam Sparro and Keane and the upcoming Pet Shop Boys tour - Frankmusik is ready to explode onto the scene. Both a remixer and a writer, he's completed remixes for Alphabeat, Pet Shop Boys and Mika. He's also working with Holly Valance. His next single, "Confusion Girl" looks to be a hot one just as previous singles "3 Little Words" and "Better Off As Two" were.

Check out Frankmusik on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube

VV Brown - Travelling Like The Light (July 20th)

I'm so excited for this album, I can hardly contain myself! Everything about VV Brown is just so infectious! Her voice, her sense of style, her pure talent - everything! I wish this album was coming out now! From promotional single "Crying Blood," to her first official release "Leave!" and upcoming single "Shark In The Water" - everything this lady puts out is pure genius. Her music has a little bit of everything - soul, rock, pop, electronica - it's the perfect mix!

Check out VV Brown on the web: Official Site/Blog/Facebook/Bebo/YouTube/Twitter

Jordin Sparks – Battlefield (July 21st)

This American Idol knows how to churn out the hits, as evidenced by all three singles off her last album hitting the top 20 on Billboard's Pop and Hot 100 charts. Her new single co-written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder is already doing well on the digital charts and is officially released to radio this week. Sparks just announced via Twitter that the album will be released on July 21st and that the video for "Battlefield" is near completion. Her new album features contributions from hitmakers like Stargate, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Claude Kelly, Lucas Secon, Toby Gad, and Jesse McCartney. This album is going to be epic!

Check out Jordin Sparks on the web: Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube