This & That: Musical Morsels For You To Chew, Swallow or Spit Out

Thank GOD for Twitter. It's a great way to keep up with the latest happenings and news in the music world. It does get harder to pin down news the more people you are following (I am following over 1,500 people) but you learn how to sift through all of the fluff and pick out the bits that are important to you. 'This & That' is something new I'm trying on the blog, an excuse to not let all of these little tidbits and musical morsels go to waste. Some of them come from Twitter, some from other music blogs I follow, all of them juicy (not always good juicy). Enjoy a little bit of 'This & That.' 

Rebecca Ferguson, runner up on the last season of X-Factor has landed a deal with Epic Records.  The talented singer from Liverpool may have come in 2nd but she was first in my book. New label mate Paloma Faith congratulated Ferguson via Twitter: "@beccaxferguson should I be officially welcoming you? Tell me tell me? I'm so excited!" Ferguson replied: @Palomafaith hi I'm really excited! , couldn't have asked for better people to work with ill probably c u soon ;) xxx"

Cher Lloyd has been spotted meeting with mega-producer and hitmaker RedOne (Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, Sugababes) in America.  It's assumed that they were discussing plans for the young pop star's forthcoming debut album.  While it's uncertain at this point which record label signed Lloyd, she did sign a contract with Syco (along with Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction). RedOne + Cher Lloyd? Yes please. {SOURCE}             

Speaking of One Direction, the third-place finishing boy band from last season of the X-Factor appears to be moving in the right direction as far as their burgeoning pop careers are concerned. The first step? A proper band logo.  The logo is fairly straight forward, featuring a black background with a white number "1" and a D with an arrow inside.  Next to the "1 D" is "One Direction" spelled out in red letters.  So are they "One Direction" or "1 Direction?" A bit confusing, no? {SOURCE}

Katrina Darrell (AKA 'Bikini Girl' from American Idol Season 8) has released a TERRIBLE version of "Big Spender." In the accompanying video, Darrell frolics around the beach, on a boat and in the club with a bevvy of half naked men and women.  While the vocals are weak, the video is actually pretty slick.  "Big Spender" was originally written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the musical Sweet Charity.  The song has been covered by many but most famously by Peggy Lee and Dame Shirley Bassey.{SOURCE}

R&B singer JoJo is reportedly hard at work on her long-delayed 3rd studio album for Da Family/Blackground/Interscope Records.  While the New York Post reports that the songs for the new album are all "mastered & ready to go," JoJo Tweeted on Friday about a forthcoming collaboration with R&B megaproducer Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins (Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez), saying: "Grateful 4the wisdom, talent, spirituality + humbleness that makes @ONLY1DARKCHILD the brilliant mind he is . Loving what we're cookin up...." Hmm. Interesting. In September JoJo released her first mix-tape exclusively to Rap-Up.com and if that material is any indication of what JoJo is working on then we have a lot to look forward to.

14-year old Dionne Bromfield is getting to release a new single.  The British singer, who is signed to Godmother Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records, released her debut album in 2009.  The album peaked at #33 on the UK Album Charts and her debut single, a cover of The Shirelles' "Mama Said" peaked at #43. While her first album was a compilation of Motown cover songs, the new record features original material.  First single,  "Yeah Right" features Atlantic Recording Artist Rapper (and son of of Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, one of the founding members of influential hip hop group Run–D.M.C.)  Diggy Simmons.  According to Bromfield (via Twitter) they shot the video for the single last Friday. Expect it to premiere before the single is released on March 20th.

Anyone remember the boy band O-Town?  Here's a quick refresher...the band released two albums in the early 2000s (the first of which reached #5 on the Billboard 200) and 2 top ten singles ("Liquid Dreams" and "All Or Nothing"). After their second album failed to make an impression on the charts they were dropped by J Records and the boys went their separate ways. Ashley Parker Angel went on to have a semi successful solo career, while the other band members faded into relative obscurity...until now.  According to TMZ 4 of the 5 original O-Town members (minus Parker Angel) have gotten back together and are in the process of recording the first new O-Town album since 2002's O2.  Hey I think they have a shot.  Take That did alright without Robbie Williams right? {SOURCE}

I love Mashups, especially when done well. Case in point, check out one of my favorites featuring La Roux, Robyn, Whitney Houston and Taylor Swift. Now for my latest obsession.  Leave it to Perez Hilton to find a brilliant bit of pop fun like this.  Not sure who created this Mashup but it's awesome. The mashup uses Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me," Kat Graham's "Sassy" and Adele's "Rolling In The Deep." In one word...Amazing. {SOURCE}

I have always loved me some Blake Lewis and this new video featuring Lewis with buddy and collaborator BT further solidifies his place in my list of favorite Idol Alums.  To hear Lewis in his beatboxin' element, check out this new video for his original song, "She Loves The Way," produced by BT.  Lewis first performed "She Loves The Way" on the American Idols Live! Tour back in 2007 becoming the first Idol alum to sing an original song on the Idol tour.  This video is set to the Beatbox Stutter Edit Mix of the song and was made using a MacBook Pro, "the iSight, BT's Stutter Edit plugin, Loop Pedals, a Kaoss Pad and KJ Sawka on drums." Brilliant! According to Lewis on his YouTube channel, "3 live takes at London Bridge studios in Seattle, Washington is all it took for BT to take my song and make a kickass example of how Stutter Edit can be used with video." Watch the video HERE.

Well this is unexpected.  Swedish electro-pop Goddess Robyn is releasing a new single off of her fabulous, critically acclaimed Body Talk album.  Co-penned by Robyn and Klas Åhlundm, "Call Your Girlfriend" will be released as the follow up to Robyn's last single, "Indestructible," which peaked at #4 on the Swedish singles charts.  According to Robyn, fans can expect the accompanying video will be released in "probably February or March."  Can't wait for some new Robyn!  Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" was nominated for a 'Best Dance Recording' Grammy so look out to see if she wins when the Grammy's air on February 13th. {SOURCE}

You may remember when Travis Garland performed his debut solo single, the Danja-produced "Believe" on American Idol in May of last year.  Prior to his solo debut Garland was the lead singer of NLT, an American boy band that also featured Kevin McHale, now of Glee fame.  The band released 4 singles and were scheduled to release their debut album however it never materialized on the group disbanded. Promoted heavily be Perez Hilton, Garland's Idol performance was supposed to be the catalyst Garland needed to launch him into solo stardom but that never happened.  Signed to Interscope/Geffen Records the singer/songwriter is supposedly working on his debut album, due out sometime this year, although details are sketchy at best.  As of January 11th, fans can download a free 5-track EP called Last Man Standing.  Get that HERE. It's a nice place holder while we await Garland's next move.

Looks like Ke$ha's next single off of Cannibal has been selected.  Fans can expect to hear "Blow" on the radio starting February 8th.  The Dr. Luke/Max Martin/Benny Blanco-produced electro-stomper is typical Ke$ha in that her voice is auto-tuned to shit.  The jury's still out on whether or not this single's any good.  The Prophet appropriately labels it "Take it Off" Part 2 and I can't say that I disagree. Ke$ha's latest release, the mini album Cannibal peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200 chart. First single, the infectiously catchy "We R Who We R" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  "Blow" entered  the Billboard Hot 100 at #97 as a result of it's early promotional release.{SOURCE}

Up & coming singer/songwriter/producer/Duke-graduate Mike Posner has announced his third single and it's one of my favorites off of his debut album, 31 Minutes To Takeoff.  Produced by The Smeezingtons (Sugababes, Travie McCoy, Justin Bieber) "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" is the perfect choice for a third single in that it's a sonic departure from previous two singles "Cooler Than Me" and "Please Don't Go."  The closest thing Posner has to a ballad on the album, "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" is a sexy surprise from Posner. Can't wait to see the video for this one.  The single was sent to U.S. radio outlets on January 18th.  Posner's first single, "Cooler Than Me" peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 while follow up "Please Don't Go" fared less successfully, peaking at #16.  "Please Don't Go" will be released as Posner's second UK single on March 13th. {SOURCE 1, 2)

What's this about Joe Jonas going electro for his upcoming solo album? Sounds...interesting? Dare I admit that I'm intrigued?  This could make me start caring about the Jonas Brothers...err...at least about one of the Jonas Brothers.  Jonas, who's working with Danja (Madonna, Usher, Britney Spears) on a new project, revealed to MTV News that he wants his new sound to be reminiscent of Daft Punk.  Looks like Jonas is planning on riding the dance/pop wave straight onto the charts with this new album. I'm interested to see if he can pull it off.  According to Jonas, "I listen to a bunch of stuff you dance to, kind of electro-based."  Also working with Jonas on his debut? None other than Music Is My King Size Bed-favorite Frankmusik. AMAZING. {SOURCE 1, 2}

Another pop star going dance-crazy? How about American R&B singer Mya.  The "Case of the Ex" singer has recorded a single called "Love Is The Answer" and it was produced by Miami-based DJ, Remixer and Producer Cedric Gervais.  Wow. Can't wait for this one!  Mya, who was runner up on the U.S. reality TV series Dancing With The Stars during it's ninth season, promises lots of dancing in the upcoming music video for the song.  According to Mya in an interview with E! Online, "There is a lot of dancing in this video, but it's nothing like what I did on Dancing With The Stars. It's way more Madonna than ballroom." "Love Is The Answer" is out on February 8th. Listen to a clip HERE. {SOURCE 1, 2)

Album Artwork Update

AHHH. More album artwork. Yay! Ironically enough, I just removed all of the artwork from my iPod as I needed to free up some space. Most of the artwork from this update comes to us from Coverlandia. The Bublé artwork comes directly from the artist's website, while other artwork comes to me from Cover-Mania. Enjoy!


Yummy. Michael Bublé's new album artwork has been unveiled and I love it. A nice pop of color. While the whole emergency tape artwork has been done before a few times, I love how it's framing his face. Who am I kidding, I am just looking for an excuse to drool over this guy...AND I'm excited that Mr. Bublé is releasing new material! The album, Crazy Love, comes out October 13th, preceded by lead single, "Haven't Met You Yet"out August 31st. Delicious.

This is the album artwork for French DJ, Producer & Singer Space Cowboy's (AKA Nick Dresti) brand new album, Digital Rock Star. Prior to hearing his recent RedOne-produced single, "Falling Down," which features guest vocals courtesy of Paradiso Girl Chelsea Korka - I wasn't aware that Space Cowboy had previous solo albums out. I quite enjoy the single (a remix EP was released on iTunes today) and I enjoy his remixes...so I'm excited about this release.

I blogged about the video for this song a little ways back and still love the song. I'm excited that Pixie Lott has herself a U.S. record deal. I hope and pray that we see some of here on this side of the pond. "Boys and Girls" is a catchy tune, and I'm loving the remix promo, which I purchased on Ebay - featuring remixes by Moto Blanco, Hot Pink Delorean and Fuzzy Logic.

This artwork is looking super cheesy. Mya looks like some sort of reality star hoochie, and the couch pattern isn't helping. This is the first single off her upcoming fall release, Beauty & The Streets Mixtape Volume 1. Featuring a guest appearance by Houston-based rapper Bun B, I haven't had the pleasure of listening to the track. I have liked some of Mya's past singles and there's no denying the girl's got talent...I'm just questioning everything about her styling in this artwork. The single is due to be released soon.

Finale night of American Idol Season 5 had one good outcome: Katharine McPhee. While she lost out to Taylor Hicks, McPhee emerged as the true talent. Her range and vocal strength impressed me and got me to call in, night after night. When she lost to Hicks, I was none too happy. Then she released her self-titled album. I wasn't much happier. I don't know how much creative control McPhee had over her album and how much RCA had...but the album was very empty for me. None of the songs connected with me. Everything sounded forced and contrived. I enjoyed the singles - "Over It" and "Love Story" (particularly the latter) but it was nothing new - nothing ground breaking.

When McPhee parted ways with her label and joined the Verve family- I was elated. "Had It All" is the debut single off of her upcoming second album, Unbroken (October 6, 2009). When I saw it for sale on iTunes, I snatched it right up. Not too bad. Written by David Hodges, Mitch Allan and Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, the song isn't what I expected. When I think Verve, I think of the jazz greats - Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday and the like. This song is more poppy than I thought it would be...but more adult contemporary than her previous efforts. It's growing on me and I think she looks gorgeous with her new blond bob.

"Up/Down" is the fifth single off of Australian singer, Jessica Mauboy's Platinum-selling debut solo album - Been Waiting. The album was recently re-released down under as a special "Deluxe Edition," complete with bonus tracks (including a Jason Nevins remix of "Burn") and a DVD with videos. All four of Mauboy's previous singles ("Running Back," "Burn," "Been Waiting," & "Because") have hit inside the Top 20 on the ARIA single charts (#3, #1, #12 & #9) while the album debuted at #16 on the ARIA album chart. Not too shabby for a 21 year old singer.

After she placed 2nd on the fourth season of Australian Idol, Mauboy released a live album and joined the Aussie girl group Young Divas (featuring other Australian Idol finalists Paulini Curuenavuli, Ricki-Lee, Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams). After one album with the girls, Mauboy quit to focus on a solo career. According to an interview this past January, Mauboy was planning a trip to New York City, after having performed a showcase in front of Sony International big deals. It's coming upon a year since that meeting and no peep from Jessica here in the states. I wonder if that's still happening? I'd love to see Mauboy hit the states. She's a talented singer with the kind of sound that would really work well on U.S. radio.

I honestly don't know much about Vita but I want to know more! From what I've heard of her debut single, "Like Boom," it's hot and her single artwork is supporting that hot factor TOTALLY and completely. According to her MySpace music profile, her name is Vita Chambers and she hails from Barbados (like Rihanna!) and she was discovered after posting videos of herself singing on the web. Currently signed to SRP/Universal Motown, the single is set to be released soon, followed by her album, slated for release sometime this fall. I'm definitely ready to be re-VITA-lized, for sure!

"Songs Remind Me Of You" is serving as the official lead single off of Norwegian pop star Annie's long-awaited Don't Stop album. The track was written by Annie, Richard X and Hannah Robinson and is certainly quite catchy. It's considerably dancier than anything else she's done. Popjustice has called the song "amazing," while MuuMuse described it as a mixture of "lush disco, breathy vocals, and intergalactic swarms of electronica." This all sounds good to me. Can't wait to see what remixes are churned out for this club slammer. Get it on iTunes now.