Review: Little Boots - Shake

"Shake" is the latest offering from 27 year old English electropop diva Victoria Christina Hesketh, better known to lovers of classy-not-trashy synth-laden smashes as Little Boots. "Shake" offers listeners a tease off of what's sure to be one of my most-anticipated albums of 2012, the young DJ/singer/songwriter's sophomore album, due out sometime this year via 679 and Atlantic Records.  Released back in November on limited edition vinyl and digital download, "Shake" is a synthy, slinky, sexy little electropop ditty co-written by Boots alongside Ellis James, who also serves as producer on the track.  What the song is lacking in the lyrical department (and it's lacking a lot) it more than makes up for in sick beats.  

"As powerful as it is enigmatic, the cavalcade of pounding kick drums and swirling analog synth tension turbo charge her return with an uncompromising energy," the press release goes on.  "It's tightly woven with those unmistakable hooklines and bewitching melodies that first catapulted Victoria Hesketh into the spotlight, reminding us exactly what we've been missing."  

Coined "a monstrous modern disco epic" (and rightfully so), "Shake" is a thunderous return to form for one of my favorite new artists to emerge in the last few years.  While the song is lyrically deprived, the song does offer up a clear message, which Boots elaborates upon in the release: "I love the statement shake 'till your heart breaks; it's that violent kind of romance that runs through some of my favourite songs." 

Little Boots' debut album, 2009's Hands produced a whole bunch of ear candy, including the infectious singles "Stuck on Repeat," "Meddle," Remedy," and "Earthquake."  Hands turned out to be a star-making release for Little Boots, who's album went Gold in the UK and debuted in the top 5 on the Official UK Album Charts.  Over in the U.S. the album (released Stateside on Elektra Records) hit the top 10 on the Heatseekers Albums chart and spawned a little American tour (which I'm still devastated about missing).  To help promote the singles release, Little Boots embarked on a worldwide DJ tour, spinning all over the globe in a diverse array of locales including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo and Beijing, all culminating in a ribbon-cutting warehouse bash in London town. Man...wish I could have been there for that!

Little Boots - Shake (Azari & III remix) by LittleBoots

Little Boots- Shake (Crazy P remix) by LittleBoots

I'm including some hot remixes of the track from Miracle, Azari & III and Crazy P for your enjoyment. Make sure you also listen to the smash in it's original form below.  "Shake" peaked at #37 on the UK Dance Singles Chart when it was released last fall.  Download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Little Boots on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Tumblr//SoundCloud//YouTube

Hot Talent Alert: Erik Hassle

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


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


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


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

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

Hot Music Video Alert: Little Boots - Earthquake

Album Artwork Update

Since I need to go to bed soon, I'm just doing to post a bunch of official artwork from some of my favorite artists without any exposition. While I'd love to do a little write up on each piece...I just don't have the time. (If any of this isn't official, please leave me a comment). The majority of the artwork came from Coverlandia and Covermania - while still others came from official artist and label pages.

Nellie McKay - Normal As Blueberry Pie - A Tribute To Doris Day (ALBUM)

October 13, 2009 - Verve Music Group

Ryan Leslie - Transition (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Universal Motown Records

Mr. Hudson - White Lies (SINGLE)

October 12, 2009 - GOOD Music/Universal

Kid Cudi feat. MGMT & RATATAT - Pursuit of Happiness (SINGLE)

September 8, 2009 - GOOD Music/Universal Motown

Jack Johnson - En Concert (LIVE ALBUM/DVD)

October 27, 2009 - Everloving/Brushfire/Universal

Five For Fighting - Slice (ALBUM)

October 13, 2009 - Aware/Columbia Records

Backstreet Boys - This Is Us (ALBUM)

September 30, 2009 - Jive

Little Boots - Earthquake (SINGLE)

November 16, 2009 - Sixsevenine

50 Cent - Before I Self Destruct (ALBUM)

November 17, 2009 - Aftermath/Interscope

Ashley Tisdale - Crank It Up (SINGLE)

October 16, 2009 - Warner Brothers

Angie Stone - I Ain't Hearing U (SINGLE)

?? - Stax

P!nk - Funhouse Tour: Live In Australia (LIVE ALBUM)

October 27, 2009 - LaFace

Amerie - In Love & War (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Feenix Rising/Def Jam

Weezer - Raditude (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Geffen

Wale feat. Gucci Mane - Pretty Girls (SINGLE)

?? - Allido/Interscope

Leona Lewis - Echo (ALBUM)

November 11, 2009 - Syco/J Records

Allison Iraheta - Friday I'll Be Over You (SINGLE)

October 20, 2009 - Jive

That's What Credit Cards Are For...

On a whim, I decided to buy four CDs on CDWow.com the other day four? Well...because I'm easily enticed by a good deal. CDWow was offering three CDs for $22.00. How could I say no? The fourth CD was something I had intended on purchasing anyway.

Calvin Harris - Ready For The Weekend - I've been loving this CD for months so I finally decided to suck it up and purchase it. I can't wait. Love everything Calvin Harris touches - whether it's an original track, a production credit or a remix. HOTNESS is the word to describe Mr. Harris. The album was released back in August and the third single will be Flash Back, due out November 9th.

Check out Calvin Harris on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Bebo//Youtube

Frankmusik - Complete Me - Another CD that I've been loving for months is Frankmusik's brilliant Complete Me, also released last August and produced by Stuart Price. Check out Frankmusik on the upcoming charity single, "I Got Soul," along with other UK phenoms Pixie Lott, Tinchy Stryder, and more - due out October 19th.

Check out Frankmusik on the web:

Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube

Little Boots - Hands - Little Boots releases her new single "Earthquake," off of her June 2009 album, Hands on November 16th. Hands is an album that I haven't really listened to all that much, but I've loved the singles released off of the album. "New In Town," "Remedy," and of course "Meddle." Looking forward to this album.

Check out Little Boots on the web:

Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/YouTube/Twitter

Paloma Faith - Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful? Despite her album being ripped to shreds in NME, I could not be more pumped for the debut album from burlesque pop singer Paloma Faith. Her debut single "Stone Cold Sober" captured my attention. Her follow up single "New York" turned me into a fan. The album came out in the UK last week. CANNOT WAIT for this one. Paloma Faith can be heard on a track off of Basement Jaxx's new album Scars, out now. She can also be seen in the 2007 British movie St. Trinian's, out now in the U.S.

Check out Paloma Faith on the web:

Facebook /MySpace /YouTube /Twitter /iLike /Bebo /LastFM

Music Video Update: Sugababes, Shakira, Gossip, Little Boots & More!

I've been really out of touch regarding my music videos lately, so here's a massive update.

Sugababes - Get Sexy: You've heard me raving about the single, now it's time for me to rave about the video. The girls all look hot and I love the set they are dancing around in. There's definitely some cool visuals going on here and while there's no story line per say, there's definitely plenty to look at - with the Sugababes front and center of course. The single is due out in the UK on August 31st and features remixes by Bitrocka, Max Sanna & Steve Pitron and Superbass. "About A Girl" will be the girls second single, preceding their new album, Reborn. Check out the "Get Sexy" video HERE.

Shakira - She Wolf: Wow. What a hot video! Shakira is showcasing her animal instincts, dancing around in a cage and prancing about in a stomach-like cavern of some kind. There's no denying her true physical prowess after seeing her dance in this video. The more and more I listen to this track, the more excited I get for her forthcoming album (also called She Wolf), due out in early October. Shakira collaborated with Pharrell, Wyclef, RedOne and others on the new album. Be on the look out for "She Wolf" remixes by Moto Blanco and Bimbo Jones,with more to come I'm sure. Check out the "She Wolf" video HERE.

Gossip - Love Long Distance: The new Gossip single has the band half-animated...with a variety of athletic, rollerskating balloon-headed figures dancing around and singing. It's certainly an interesting video visually. I kind of like it. I also like the single, the band's second from Music For Men, which came out earlier this summer. Beth Ditto's voice sounds as fiery and strong as usual. Check out the "Love Long Distance" video HERE.
Little Boots - Remedy: I love love love the new Little Boots album (and still have to buy it), with "Remedy" being one of my clear favorites. Little Boots seems to be channeling some Lady Gaga here with her look and I kind of love it. She looks great! Written by Little Boots in collaboration with RedOne, the track is the official second single ("Meddle" and "Stuck on Repeat" were promotional singles, "New In Town" served as the official first single) of her album Hands. Look for remixes by Rusko, A1 Bassline, Disco Bloodbath, Crazy Cousinz and Style of Eye. Check out the "Remedy" video HERE.

Pixie Lott - Boys and Girls: Pixie Lott is my newest obsession out of the UK right now. This English singer/songwriter is signed to Mercury Records in the UK and apparently Interscope in the U.S. (very promising!). Her first single, "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)" entered both the iTunes chart and the UK Singles Chart at #1 when it was released this past June. Her follow up single, "Boys and Girls" is even more fun than it's predecessor. "Boys and Girls" is expected to be released at the end of August, just before her album, Turn It Up is released September 14th. Look for "Mama Do" remixes from Bimbo Jones, T2, Linus Loves & Donae'o. "Boys and Girls" has remixes from Moto Blanco, Fuzzy Logic and more. Also, look

for covers of the Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," "Apologize" by OneRepublic and Lady

Gaga's "Poker Face." Lott was also named MTV Push's artist of the month for August. Check out the "Boys and Girls" video HERE.

Kate Miller-Heidke - The Last Day On Earth: I'd heard about Australian singer/songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke but never really took the time to investigate who she was or what she sounded like. Then, a couple of weeks ago I saw someone post a link to a live performance of a HILARIOUS song called "R U Fucking Kidding Me?" I was hooked. Check out the previous singles from her current album Curiouser before you check out her latest single- "Can't Shake It," and "Caught In The Crowd." - Check out "The Last Day on Earth" video HERE.

Jade Ewen - My Man: With numerous West End productions & various UK/Aussie TV series under her belt, plus a stint with R&B group Trinity Stone, British singer/actress Jade Ewen now has her eyes on pop chart success. Ewen participated in the 2009 UK Eurovision Song Selection contest and was ultimately selected to represent the UK in the international contest. The single, "It's My Time" was composed by Andrew Lloyd Weber, who accompanied the singer during the live show. Ewen finished in 5th place, the highest placing for the UK since 2002. Now, signed to Polydor, she'll release her debut solo album in September. Ewen collaborated with Take That's Gary Barlow, Guy Chambers (Anastacia, Melanie C.,

Jessica Simpson), Ina Wroldsen (Pussycat Dolls, The Saturdays), Cutfather (Pussycat Dolls, Kylie Minogue, Jordin Sparks) and more. "My Man" is the lead single off of the new album. Look out for remixes by Cahill, Parampay and more. Check out the "My Man" video HERE.

Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone: Moving past the controversy surrounding this Ryan Tedder-produced single - it really is a beautiful song. Whether you are listening to it in it's original form or in the stripped down acoustic version that Kelly's been performing live (check her out on Letterman last week) - it's a beautiful ballad. Kelly Clarkson looks absolutely stunning in this video. I really hope all of the drama that's been going on with Clarkson and her label gets resolved. It would be a shame if this were the last single off of All I Ever Wanted. Looking forward to the GORGEOUS StoneBridge remixes (track #5 in his player) StoneBridge...if you're reading, I'd kill to get my hands on your mixes! Check out the "Already Gone" video HERE.

Paloma Faith - New York: Yes, I know that I mentioned this video in my last post but I couldn't resist. It's THAT GOOD. I'm so excited about this album, you have no idea! Paloma Faith is the real deal. "Stone Cold Sober" was truly something else, but this follow up single is even better in my opinion, and with remixes by the legendary Tom Middleton, as well as by Cutmore and Starsmith - it's bound to be a club smash as well. Check out the "New York" video HERE.

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

VV Brown Remixes & My Latest Ebay Music Buying Binge

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better. I mentioned earlier this week that VV Brown was releasing "Shark In The Water" as her next single, which is an awesome track with a super sleek video. Now I learn that there's an impressive remix package being promoted by the label? Sweet! I'm definitely on the prowl for these! The promo boasts remixes by Wendel Kos, Louis La Roche, Crazy P and Zombie Disco Squad.

1. Wendel Kos Sunlight Mix

2. Wendel Kos Dubb

3. Louis La Roche Remix

4. Louis La Roche Dub

5. Crazy P Mix

6. Blame Mix

7. Zombie Disco Squad Remix

Check out VV Brown on the web:

Official Site/Blog/Facebook/Bebo/YouTube/Twitter

Speaking of remixes, while perusing Ebay today I snagged a "rare promo" of mixes for Lily's last single, "Not Fair." At first I questioned the official label as this was the first I had heard of any remixes of "Not Fair. Now...I don't know. I'm thinking it might be legit! Remixes are by Style of Eye, Annie Nightingale & Far Too Loud, Kris Di Angelis, Eddie Kid & Richard Searle and others.

1. Annie Nightingale & Far Too Loud Electro Radio Edit
2. Annie Nightingale & Far Too Loud Electro Mix

3. Annie Nightingale & Far Too Loud Bassline Mix

4. Kris Di Angelis & Dobie Circus Remix
5. DJ NG Funky Dub

6. DJ NG Urbance Mix

7. DJ Urbance Long Radio Edit
8. Eddie Kid & Richard Searle Mix

9. Style of Eye Remix

Check out Lily Allen on the web:

Official Site/MySpace/Facebook/Twitter/YouTube/Bebo/LastFM

My final Ebay purchase today was the new Little Boots promo with remixes. Little Boots is another fantastic UK artist who churns out hot little electro numbers (see "Meddle" and "Stuck on Repeat"). Her new single "New In Town" features remixes by Drop The Lime, Fred Falke and Bimbo Jones, and A1 Bassline.

1. Fred Falke Remix
2. Bimbo Jones Remix
3. A1 Bassline Remix
4. Fred Falke Instrumental

5. Drop The Lime Dub

6. Bimbo Jones Edit

Check out Little Boots on the web:

Official Website/MySpace/Twitter/Facebook/Bebo/YouTube/LastFM