[Hot Video Alert] Olly Murs feat. Flo-Rida - Troublemaker

Perpetually ADORABLE Olly Murs has done it again, folks. The charming UK singer/songwriter has dropped YET ANOTHER infectious pop single and I can't stop listening to it! It's been on repeat for the past hour or so...LORD help me.  "Troublemaker" was produced by Steve Robson (Lily Allen, Take That, Busted, Blue) and written by Murs, Robson alongside Claude Kelly (Christina Aguilera, The Wanted, Jessie J) and Flo-Rida.  While it might sound a bit like a cut off of the new Maroon 5 album, it's not! It's Olly "Heart Skips a Beat" Murs!  "Troublemaker" is the lead single taken from Murs' forthcoming third UK studio album, Right Place Right Time, and is due out November 18th via Epic Records.

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[Hot Video Alert] Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa - Payphone

And just when I thought Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine couldn't get any hotter, he goes ahead and gets all sweaty and sooty in his new music video. In the Samuel Bayer (Justin Timberlake, Green Day)-directed video for Maroon 5's latest single, "Payphone," released last Thursday, Levine plays a lowly bank worker in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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Maroon 5 Breaks Digital Sales Record for a Group, Besting Black Eyed Peas; New Album Out June 26th

Released on iTunes April 17th (June 18th in the UK) "Payphone" is the new Wiz Khalifa-assisted Maroon 5 single.  The LA-based fivesome debuted the song live on the hit NBC reality series The Voice prior to the single release the next day.  Following the song's release, "Payphone" debuted at #1 on the Digital Songs chart.  With nearly 500,000 downloads, "Payphone" broke the Black Eyed Peas previous record for digital sales by a group.  In addition to landing a #1 on Billboard's Digital Songs Chart, the single also managed a #3 debut on the Hot 100 chart. That's INSANE!

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Hot Video Alert: Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger

Well they certainly took their SWEET time with this video, didn't they? Maroon 5 premiered the video for their Billboard Top 10 hit single "Moves Like Jagger" yesterday on E! Online and it's pretty freakin' hot. Directed by the fabulous Jonas Åckerlund (Britney Spears, Madonna) the video features a lot of old Mick Jagger/Rolling Stones footage (SURPRISE SURPRISE) as well as a lot of female Mick Jagger impersonators. The video also has Maroon 5 a lot of lead singer (and judge/mentor on "The Voice") Adam Levine in all his bare chested, heavily inked glory. HALLELUJAH! Levine's co-judge on "The Voice" Christina Aguilera also makes a brief appearance towards the end of the video to do her thing and look fierce while doing it. Job well done.

The song, despite being released months ago, is just as hot as ever. Written by Adam Levine, Benjamin Levin, Ammar Malik and Shellback, and produced by Shellback and Benny Blanco, the song was a top 10 hit on the Billboard 100, peaking at #8 not to mention #9 up there in Canada. While success here in North America is nice, the song was a bonafied international hit, topping the charts in both New Zealand and South Korea and peaking in the top 5 in Australia and the Netherlands as well as going top 10 in Italy. The video's release comes just in time for the singles UK release on August 12th.  Check out the uber-hot video (which was released on VEVO today) for "Moves Like Jagger" below and download it on U.S. iTunes HERE. Oh and look for a hot REMIX package, with mixes from Soul Seekerz, Michael Carrera, and Cutmore. Hot Hot Hot!

Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera Join Forces on New Single

Capitalizing on the popularity of The Voice, the latest in music reality TV, Adam Levine and his Maroon 5 cohorts released a new single, "Moves Like Jagger" on June 21st (A&M/Octone Records). The single features Levine's fellow judge and superstar, Christina Aguilera in what I think is rip-roaring, up-tempo dance/pop/rock SMASH worthy of Maroon 5's extensive back catalog of hits and probably one of the catchiest pop tunes to come out so far this summer. While Christina does make an "appearance" towards the end of the track, make no mistake - Levine is the star here, and Aguilera nothing but an after thought.

Upon it's release, "Moves Like Jagger" debuted at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 after quickly rising to the #1 spot on the iTunes chart less than a day after being released digitally. The song was written by Levine, Benny Blanco, Ammar Malik and Shellback and produced by Shellback and Blanco. It becomes Maroon 5's first top ten single since 2007's "Makes Me Wonder" and Aguilera's first top ten since 2008's "Keeps Gettin' Better." The song also marks the first time two 'Best New Artist' Grammy winners have come together on a Billboard Hot 100 hit, telling the story of a man who uses his Mick Jagger-like dance moves to impress and seduce one lucky lady.

Given the seemingly bitter TV rivalry of Levine and Aguilera, it's nice to see the two of them come together here on this single. Maroon 5 hits the road with Train later this month in support of their last album, Hands All Over Me, which was released last September and peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's last single, "Never Gonna Leave This Bed" failed to make an impact on the charts, peaking at #56 on the Hot 100 chart. The album's debut single, "Misery" has been the album's most successful single, peaking at #14 on the Hot 100. The release and success of "Moves Like Jagger" can only do good things for Adam and Maroon 5 and with Adam and Christina signed on for a second season of the runaway hit reality show, I can only hope that they see continued success. Check out this live performance of "Moves Like Jagger" from The Voice as well as a lyric video for the single.  Also make sure that you download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Maroon 5 on the web:

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

Check out Christina Aguilera on the web:

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

Singer-Songwriter Gavin DeGraw To Release New Single June 7th, Joins Train + Maroon 5 Summer Tour

To be honest, when I first heard that Gavin DeGraw was releasing a new material, I wasn't that excited about it. The last Gavin DeGraw album I really listened to was his 2003 major label debut, Chariot (J Records), which spawned his one top ten single, "I Don't Want To Be." That album was chock-full of singer-songwriter pop gold including "Follow Through" and the album's title track, "Chariot." DeGraw had an awesome voice that transcended the singer/songwriter genre, vocally speaking. A little bit folk, a little bit country a little bit R&B - Gavin DeGraw was the voice of the moment, a real, raw, untapped talent and someone who would be on our radios for years to come.  Nearly five years later, DeGraw released a follow up to Chariot. The self titled set featured lead single "We Belong Together," which debuted at #38 before peaking at #26. Unfortunately, after the release of "We Belong Together," I can't for the the life of me remember another Gavin DeGraw single. Thank God for Ryan Tedder, I suppose.

On June 7th, singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw is set to release his new single, "Not Over You" to digital music retailers everywhere. The single is a welcome return for the talented artist from New York, who's last album was 2009's Free. "Not Over You" is an uber-radio-friendly pop/rock number, co-written and produced by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder. It's the first single to be taken from his forthcoming fourth album of original material entitled, Sweeter, due out on J Records August 9th. Check out the new single BELOW and let me know what you think of it. I think it's dangerously skirting into straight up pop territory (UM, HELLO! Ryan Tedder?), but I imagine that an acoustic performance of the single will take us back to the soulful, slightly shy Gavin DeGraw that we all know and love.

Sweeter promises to be typical Gavin DeGraw, at least as far as the voice, melodies and charm are concerned. Fans can expect a few new sounds thrown in the mix as well, per the press release:

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Hot Video Alert: Maroon 5 - Never Leave This Bed

Maroon 5's new single is kind of BLAH. Don't get me wrong, I definitely consider myself a Maroon 5 fan but as far as singles go this album, I'm just not really feeling any. OK, that's a lie..."Misery" was a strong track for me but to be honest - everything Adam Levine + crew has put out since 2002's Songs About Jane has just paled in comparison. Now that they're on album #3 I think they kind of need to evolve their sound. I started getting optimistic when they released that remix album, Call and Response, and YES - "Misery" did get some sick dance remixes but this new single is just so lackluster for me.I think there are songs here and there that verge on new sounds ("Give A Little More," for instance is very electro-inspired) but they keep reverting back to their old sound.  It's all just a bit jarring and confusing.

The video, which premiered yesterday on VEVO, seems to be all about living life in the public spotlight. Levine and a pretty lady are scene making out and rolling around in a bed on a moving truck, among other public places. Directed by Tim Nackashi (OK Go) the video illustrates the harsh reality dating in the public spotlight, perhaps beating us over the head with it. Hands All Over (A&M/Octone) was released last September and peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. So far, "Misery," the album's debut single has been the most successful released off the album, peaking at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Follow up single, "Give A Little More" peaked at a disappointing #86. The band is currently in the midst of a (mostly sold-out) European Tour. The band will be back in the States this summer.  Check out the band's website for tour dates.  Check out the video for "Never Leave This Bed" below.

Check out Maroon 5 on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: V.V. Brown - Shark In The Water (Degrassi Version)

Well this is a pleasant surprise. One of my FAVORITE imports from across the pond, V.V. Brown released a new video for her hit single "Shark In The Water," this time as part of a promotional campaign for Degrassi, the Canadian teen drama which airing on TeenNick here in America. The video features the cast of Degrassi in character at an amusement park. V.V. Brown plays a beautiful singer. While I might prefer the original video, this one is cute. Brown is currently on tour in the U.S. with Maroon 5 through early September.

Maroon 5 Tour Dates:

Aug 19/Miami, FL/Bayfront Park Amphitheater/with Kris Allen
Aug 21/Alpharetta, GA/Verizon Wireless Amph/with Kris Allen
Aug 24/Davidson, NC/Davidson College/with Kris Allen
Aug 29/Pittsburgh, PA/Amphitheater @ Station Square/with Kris Allen
Sep 4/Mahnomen, MN/Shooting Star Casino

Check out VV Brown on the web:

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

V.V. Brown Performs on Letterman

Oops! Missed this news! One of my favorites, V.V. Brown stopped by the Late Show w/ David Letterman last night to perform her single, "Shark In The Water." It's nice to see Brown change up the performance a bit. Bigger band. Back up singers. Tambourine. Solid performance. Released this past February in America, "Shark In The Water" is V.V. Brown's first U.S. single.  It managed to peak at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart as well as #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Songs chart. Pretty impressive.  Her album, Travelling Like The Light made it all the way up to #179 on the Billboard 200. Brown is currently on tour in the U.S., opening for Maroon 5. Check out the performance below. Good job V.V.!

Check out VV Brown on the web:

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

V.V. Brown Hits The Big Time, Goes On Tour with Maroon 5, Climbs U.S. Dance Charts

Now that I've seen V.V. Brown live twice in a small, intimate gig I'm really curious to see how she's going to change up her show for a bigger audience.

Living in Boston for the past 6 years, I've really grown fond of the number of intimate gigs big-time artists come here and play. I've had the pleasure of seeing Katie Melua, the Noisettes, V.V. Brown and Kate Nash all play to a small crowd and I have to say...I'm completely spoiled now. While arena's and larger-scale venues tend to be better acoustically-speaking, there's just something I love about seeing the artists I love up close and personal (I still count seeing Noisette's lead singer Shingai Shoniwa doing a somersault on a bar table 4 feet in front of me as one of the best live musical moments of my life). That being said, I also appreciate when an artist that's popular overseas gets the opportunity to open for a big band here in America, that's no small honor.

When I heard that V.V. Brown would be opening for American Pop/Rock Superstars Maroon 5 I was really excited for her. While still relatively unknown here in the States, this opportunity will most certainly boost her Stateside cred. Brown's single "Shark In The Water" is climbing the Billboard Hot 100 Charts (currently at #67) as well as Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Chart (currently at #11). While her album only peaked at #179 on the Billboard 200, that's probably more than she expected as she set out to win over the music-loving Americans. This tour will definitely provide Brown with more U.S. exposure which can only be a good thing for the young singer.

Catch V.V. Brown on Tour with Maroon 5 this summer:

Aug 5/Clarkston, MI/DTE Energy Center/with Owl City
Aug 6/Noblesville, IN/Verizon Wireless/with Owl City
Aug 7/Canandaigua, NY/Constellation Perf. Arts Center/with Owl City
Aug 10/Mansfield, MA/Comcast Center/with Owl City
Aug 11/Wantagh, NY/Jones Beach/with Owl City
Aug 13/Bristow, VA (DC)/Jiffy Lube Live/with Owl City
Aug 14/Camden, NJ/Susquehanna Bank Center/with Owl City
Aug 15/Holmdel, NJ/PNC Bank Arts Center/with Owl City
Aug 19/Miami, FL/Bayfront Park Amphitheater/with Kris Allen
Aug 21/Alpharetta, GA/Verizon Wireless Amph/with Kris Allen
Aug 24/Davidson, NC/Davidson College/with Kris Allen
Aug 29/Pittsburgh, PA/Amphitheater @ Station Square/with Kris Allen
Sep 4/Mahnomen, MN/Shooting Star Casino

VV Brown - New Music - More Music Videos

Check out VV Brown on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Maroon 5 - Misery

Maroon 5 - New Music - More Music Videos

Oh Adam Levine...how I lust after you. I do quite enjoy Maroon 5 and their new single "Misery" doesn't really change anything at all. The track was written by Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Sam Farrar and produced by Mutt Lange. The video, which premiered yesterday was directed by Joseph Kahn. The song is the first single off the band's third studio album, called Hands All Over (check out the racy album artwork below). The band is on tour this summer, supported by my girl V.V. Brown, American Idol winner Kris Allen and Owl City. Check out Maroon 5's official site for tour dates.

Always on the Sunny Side...(in the U.S. anyway)

So I was getting ready for work this morning and I heard that Natasha Bedingfield was going to be performing. I knew I didn't have time to wait around so I set my TIVO to record it. I got home this evening and watched it.

When Matt Lauer introduced Ms. Bedingfield, he said that her album, POCKET FULL OF SUNSHINE would be released soon. I did a double take. Pocket full of what? Really Natasha? Why? When the album was released at the end of April in the UK, it was called NB (obviously her initials). What's with the change? And why such a cheesy title? Everything has to change for the U.S. doesn't it? How ridiculous. Granted, I Wanna Have Your Babies isn't a genius name for a first single (that was her first UK single from her latest album), and a different single might be a wiser choice for the U.S. radio market, did her label really have to rename the whole album? The single wound up peaking at number 7 on the UK charts. Not halfway bad. Second single, a ballad called Soulmate also peaked at number 7 on the UK charts. Her duet with Adam Levine from Maroon 5, Say It Again was her third UK single.

In the U.S. a new song was released as the first single. Love Like This featuring label mate--reggae teen sensation Sean Kingston. I definitely prefer the song to I Wanna Have Your Babies and it's slowly growing on me. Forthcoming remixes by Johnny Vicious should seal the deal for me (Johnny Vicious tore it up on his remixes of her number 1 single in the U.S., Unwritten).

Now back to the fact that Natasha is calling her album Pocket Full Of Sunshine for it's U.S. market debut. I just don't get it. According to Wikipedia.com which we all know isn't really reliable...the U.S. version will feature two new tracks...Love Like This and a title track, Pocket Full Of Sunshine. I guess this means new album art will be forthcoming as well. All enough for me to buy the U.S. version, despite owning the UK version already (I purchased both the U.S. and UK versions of her debut album). Stupid record label politics. Like they did for the U.S. release of 28 Days Later (re-shot the ending because the original was deemed to macabre by U.S. audiences--that was the rumour anyway), the U.S. version of Bedingfield's new album has a happy new title and (at least) two new songs. *sigh.