[Review] Paije Richardson - Bang Bang

Unless you're a resident of the UK, you probably haven't heard of Paije Richardson (even if you are, I'm not sure how well known he is), so here's a bit of a refresher.  Paije competed on the The X-Factor, Series 7, known for his big range, big notes and big talent.  While he was ultimately eliminated from the competition (that went on to crown Matt Cardle as winner), Richardson stuck with it and is ready to release his debut single and album, later this year.  First single, "Bang Bang," is due out July 16th, followed by the release of his album sometime this Fall.

Read more »

[Hot Video Alert] Marcus Collins - Mercy

Marcus Collins really is like Janelle Monae's little brother!  Last year's 23 year old X-Factor runner up shows his true colors (literally) in the video for his forthcoming new single, "Mercy."  The horn-laden retro-soul stomper is the second single taken from Collins' self-titled album, which was released back in March, when it debuted at #7 on the UK Albums Chart.  "Mercy," due June 3rd via RCA Records follows Collins' debut single, a cover of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," which peaked at #9 on the UK Singles Chart in early March.  "Mercy" is backed by remixes from iStep and UK house music duo and remix-extraordinaires Full Intention.

Read more »

[Review] Marcus Collins - Mercy

X-Factor Series 8 runner-up Marcus Collins is gearing up for the release of his second single, "Mercy," on June 3rd via RCA Records.  Taken from his self titled debut album, Collins co-wrote this soulful stunner with Lee McCutcheon (Westlife, Emma Bunton) and Lisa Greene (Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue).  The song serves as the follow up to Collins' top ten debut single, "Seven Nation Army," originally performed by The White Stripes.

Read more »

X-Factor UK Runner-Up Marcus Collins Covers The White Stripes, Preps for March Album Release

While the UK (and the rest of the world) eagerly awaits new music from Little Mix, winners of The X-Factor series 8, runner up Marcus Collins is already prepping for the release of his own debut single and album, both due this March via RCA Records.  Collins, the openly gay (former) hairdresser from Liverpool, came in second during his season of the popular reality music competition.  While Collins was never really one of my favs, the 23 year old was consistent throughout the competition and always put on a show.

Marcus Collins - Seven Nation Army (Audio) from mike roda on Vimeo.

For his first single, Collins is releasing a cover of "Seven Nation Army," a 2003 Top 10 hit by American alternative rock outfit The White Stripes (now defunct).  Certainly an interesting choice for a singer who's genre is pretty tightly confined to pop/R&B.  Collins sings the song well enough, incorporating plenty of funk, flare and a Robin Thicke sort of vibe, (complete with a vibrant horn section) but I can't really get over the oddness of the song choice.  Considering how much flack the contestants got last season for "poor song choice," I wonder who actually selected this song to cover.  Immediately upon releasing the single onto his YouTube page, the negative feedback started pouring in, both from fans and critics alike, with NME calling the song

"Disposable and as forgettable as a McChicken sandwich, yes, but not 'bad'."

Yikes. Not exactly a glowing review.  The magazine goes onto question what exactly has music fans so worked up - the fact that Collins is giving a mainstream makeover ("mainstream pillaging," per NME) to an "alternative" classic or the very fact that he's covering the song to begin with.  What does Collins have to say for himself?

"I’ve always been a fan of the original version of ‘Seven Nation Army’ and hope people like my take on it.”

Ah. So it's the typical "I've always been a fan" defense.  Fair enough, I guess.  In the end, NME decides that Syco/RCA are seeking to capitalize on the musical formula that has served Olly Murs so well these past few years and I happen to agree with that point.  There's no doubt in my mind that Marcus Collins is a talented singer, I'll simply have to reserve any final judgement until after I've heard the full album.  I've learned over the years that you can't really judge a new artist by their first single.

"Seven Nation Army" is due out March 4th (backed by some fierce club mixes by Cutmore), followed by the release of his self titled debut album on March 12th (see album artwork above).  The album was executive produced by Gary Barlow and features additional production from Brian Rawling (Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue).  The album, in addition to original tracks (thank God), features three covers including the single, a Jackie Wilson cover, "Your Love Is Lifting Me Higher," one of his better X-Factor performances, as well as a cover of "Tightrope," originally performed by Janelle Monáe. Catch Marcus on tour with the rest of his X-Factor finalists throughout February, March and April.

Check out Marcus Collins on the web:

Official Site//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO