[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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Olly Murs To Release Debut U.S. Album September 25th on Columbia Records

Just because I've been sitting on this, now OLD news, doesn't make it any less exciting. Olly Murs, the handsome and talented UK singer/songwriter who just finished up a successful opening slot on the One Direction U.S. tour is prepping for the release of his debut album here in America! FINALLY!  Olly's album, In Case You Didn't Know, featuring lead single "Heart Skips A Beat," assisted by Chiddy Bang will drop September 25th on Columbia Records. Pre-order it on iTunes or Amazon.

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[Hot Video Alert] Olly Murs feat. Chiddy Bang - Heart Skips a Beat

Last week, UK singing sensation Olly Murs dropped his debut American single, "Heart Skips a Beat," featuring hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang.  Murs originally released "Heart Skips a Beat" last August as the lead single from his sophomore UK album, In Case You Didn't Know.  The UK version of the single featured the popular English rap duo, Rizzle Kicks and went on to debut at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Olly Murs' second #1 hit single.

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It's Official, Olly Murs Signs with Columbia Records, 'Heart Skips A Beat' Out May 22nd

A couple months after making the announcement via his own personal Twitter, UK singer/songwriter Olly Murs' U.S. label, Columbia Records confirmed the news by way of an official press release.  The label proceeded to confirm both Murs' signing as well as announcing his first U.S. single, a new version of the UK #1, "Heart Skips A Beat," featuring American hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang, due May 22nd (iTunes U.S.), and debut album due out in the Fall.  Listen to "Heart Skips A Beat" BELOW.

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[Hot Video Alert] Cher Lloyd - Want U Back

Releasing "Want U Back" as Cher Lloyd's official first U.S. single was a smart move on the part of her U.S. label, Epic Records.  Releasing it without X-Factor's resident rapper Astro was also a smart move. Astro's addition to the UK version of the single always seemed contrived to me. Hell, it certainly didn't add anything valuable. The song's strengths lie completely in Lloyd's sassy delivery, Shellback's spunky production and Savan Kotecha's punchy, fresh lyrics.  Astro, as talented as he is, was always an after thought, a gimmick thought up by his X-Factor mentor (and chairman/CEO of Epic Records) L.A. Reid.

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Olly Murs Set to Crack America, Opening for One Direction

Oh My Goodness! Olly Murs has confirmed that he is indeed the opening act for a good portion of One Direction's American tour this summer. This is FANTASTIC news and should provide Murs with some excellent exposure Stateside.  I'm sure American One Direction fans will just eat him alive, considering their fanbase here mainly consists of teenage girls and gay men (myself included in the latter demographic).

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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

Hot Video Alert: Olly Murs - Dance With Me Tonight

Oh Olly Murs. You're just too cute for words! In the recently released video for "Dance With Me Tonight," (directed by Marcus Lundin) cute-as-a-button Olly Murs gets hauled into the police station, mug shots taken, all before flashing back to the events that landed him in the slammer. Trouble maker Murs drives all over town, pickin' up his friends (even a couple of randoms) in his convertible Peugeot before heading over to a lovely blonde's flat. It's here that the trouble begins, with Olly and friends setting up an elaborate scene outside this girls place, complete with fireworks, smoke machines, streamers, flags and the whole nine yards. Having a bit of a Say Anything moment, (with Olly as John Cusack and the blond as Ione Skye) Murs holds his boom box up over his head and starts an elaborate song and dance routine to get the girl's attention. It clearly works as he gets the girl out onto the street to join him in the dance. Unfortunately for poor Olly, a crotchety old woman calls the cops and it's all over.

A giddy little pop-tune, "Dance With Me Tonight" is the second single taken from Olly Murs' forthcoming sophomore album, In Case You Didn't Know," due November 28th via Sony Music.  Co-written by Murs, Claude Kelly (Britney Spears, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson), and Steve Robson (Rascal Flatts, Take That, Paloma Faith) the single is due out November 20th in the UK and follows the Rizzle Kicks-assisted #1 single "Heart Skips A Beat," which came out in August.  Continuing in the tradition of past singles, Murs latest features a tight little package of club remixes, this time by Billionaire and CagedBaby.  As if a new single, album and remixes weren't enough to look forward to, Olly Murs will be promoting the new album in 2010 with a headline arena tour.  Check HERE for tour dates and more info.

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Olly Murs featuring Rizzle Kicks - Heart Skips A Beat

By now you all know about my Olly Murs crush. Well, latest single "Heart Skips A Beat" does absolutely nothing to get me off of my Olly Murs high. He's still cute as ever. I also was pleasantly surprised by the new song, in that it wasn't just another summery early Will Young, Jack Johnson jam song like most of his previous efforts. "Heart Skips A Beat" is actually more current than anything else he's released to date. Olly even incorporates reggae, some hip-hop and electronic elements into the track. How very refreshing. "Heart Skips A Beat" was co-written by English rapper Example, Samuel Preston, Jim Eliot and Rizzle Kicks, the latter who also appear on the track.

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Hot Video Alert: Olly Murs - Busy

I have SUCH a crush on Olly Murs. The runner-up on series six of the UK's X-Factor, Murs is absolutely adorable and unfortunately for me, the video for his latest single only makes me love him more. Due out May 29th in the UK, new single "Busy" was written by Murs, Adam Argyle and Martin Brammer. Taken from his self titled debut album, "Busy" is the fourth single and the follow up to "Heart On My Sleeve," which came out in March. While the song doesn't stray too far outside of the box, at least in terms of his last few singles, in Murs' case that's not a bad thing. He's got that Jason Mraz-quality about his voice, and that coupled with his good looks and charming personality means he'll be around for a while.

The music video features Murs as a seemingly desperate man trying to find love in any way that he can. Directed by Corin Hardy (Keane, McFly) the video was inspired by Lars and the Real Girl, a 2007 indie film about a man (Ryan Gosling) who develops a romantic thing for a sex doll. Of course, Olly Murs is a FAMILY-FRIENDLY singer/songwriter so this is the G-rated version (although there is a shower scene, ladies). The single, which is due out next Monday, features two B-Sides, including one new song and an acoustic cover of "Please Don't Let Me Go," Murs' debut single.  UK fans check out the video for "Busy" below (U.S. readers watch it HERE).  Another easy, breezy summer pop tune from Mr. Murs.

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Olly Murs - Heart On My Sleeve

Olly Murs released the video for his new single, "Heart On My Sleeve" today and just like the song, it's a syrupy puddle of ooze. The song itself is a sad one and sadly missing the reggae-pop stylings of Murs' two previous singles. I guess, after two mid-tempo pop/rock tunes it was time for Olly to go and release a ballad but I just can't get into this one. The video is nice enough but echoes the whole sentiment and vibe of the song - a lot of Olly sitting around looking sad and melancholy, strolling limply through the city. YAWN! My only hope, as I mentioned before, is that the remixes from StoneBridge and JC can liven things up for me.

If "Heart On My Sleeve" sounds familiar to you there might be good reason. Back in 2009 American Idol season 7 contestant (and another cutie) Michael Johns released the song as a digital single. The song even went on to reach #22 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. Hmm. I'm going to have to track that one down. "Heart On My Sleeve" was co-written by James Morrison and John Shanks and will be released on March 6th in the UK. The single will feature a new song as the B-Side called "C'Mon, C'Mon." Check out the video for "Heart On My Sleeve" below.

In other news, make sure you're rooting for Olly Murs on the BRITS February 16th when his single "Please Don't Let Me Go" is up for 'Best British Single.'  Voting closes on February 11th so get voting if you haven't already!  Also make sure you catch Olly on tour this Spring. You can see a list of dates HERE.  The tour kicks off on April 29th.

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

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

Olly Murs to Release 'Heart On My Sleeve' As Single Number 3

Thank you Sony for the high-res artwork!

Series Six X-Factor runner up (and all around cutie) Olly Murs is abandoning the "upbeat ska-pop" sound of his previous two singles in favor of a straight up ballad. The track is a good showcase piece for Murs' vocal ability, which up until this point I hadn't really heard. While the album version of the James Morrison/John Shanks co-penned ballad is a bit too syrupy for my taste (think typical Westlife, Boyzone fare) forthcoming remixes from StoneBridge and JC should satisfy my Olly Murs dancefloor urges as Digital Dog and Cahill remixes did for his last two singles, "Please Don't Let Me Go" and "Thinking Of Me."

The single is due for release on March 6th via Epic Records and features a new track written by Murs called "C'Mon C'Mon." UK fans can catch Olly Murs this Spring when he embarks on a sold out UK headlining tour starting in April. UK fans, act fast as one new date has been added at London's Hammersmith Apollo theater on May 26th (get tickets HERE). Congrats go out to Olly for his first BRIT Award nomination. Debut single "Please Don't Let Me Go" is up for Best British Single and faces tough competition from the likes of Alexandra Burke, Matt Cardle, Cheryl Cole, The Wanted, Tinie Tempah, Taio Cruz, Florence + The Machine and more. Chosen by the British public, voting closes 12 PM on February 11th followed by the results announcement at the BRIT's ceremony, to be held at London's O2 Arena on February 16th. Good luck to Olly! Vote for Olly HERE.

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Olly Murs - Thinking Of Me

Oh Olly Olly Olly. You really can do no wrong in my book. I absolutely LOVED Olly Murs' first single "Please Don't Let Me Go." It was sweet, catchy and the video was absolutely adorable. That song also gave us a good feel for the kind of sound Murs' was going for on his debut album, due out November 29th. Murs' sound is a little bit pop, a little bit R&B, a little bit retro. His voice reminds me very much of Will Young, and while that's not a bad thing, his songs are beginning to sound like Will Young songs. Sure, he's his own artist. The musical style is different but the delivery is very reminiscent of the Pop Idol winner's vocal delivery. No matter.

Second single, "Thinking Of Me" follows suit, in terms of overall feel and sound. Due November 22nd, "Thinking Of Me" was co-written by Murs, Steve Robson and Wayne Hector and co-produced by Robson and Future Cut. What could have made this single better for me is if Professor Green would have made an appearance, as originally planned. Unfortunately that never happened, so Murs is left to fend for himself. The video clip is cute as ever, featuring Olly falling asleep in his Ice Cream truck and daydreaming about pretty girls. These two singles have me hopeful for the album and while I sincerely hope that the ENTIRE album doesn't have this same laid back islandy vibe...I'd love it all the same no matter what.  When it comes to Olly Murs, I'm pretty easy to please.

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

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

Album Artwork Round Up; Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Cee-Lo, JLS, P!nk and Rihanna!

It's been a WHILE since I've posted a good old fashioned artwork update so I thought, WHY NOT...since there's so much good stuff out there. First up? Olly Murs. YUMMY! I'm really excited for Olly's debut album. Seeing how well his first single ("Please Don't Let Me Go") did on the UK charts, I anticipate that his album will do as well...if not #1 definitely landing a spot in the top 5. The album, Feel Free is due out on Epic Records/Syco Music November 29th.  The album features collaborations with John Shanks, Eg White, Roy Stride, Trevor Horn and more.  Olly's follow up single is reportedly called "Thinking Of Me" featuring British rapper Professor Green.  Love the album artwork here. Olly is looking fine (per usual) in B&W with a red font for his name.

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

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

I've been championing Pixie Lott for a while now on this blog.  I love her. I think she's different. I think she's talented, both as a singer and as a songwriter. As much as I generally frown upon an album's flashy re-release (as a means to milk an album for all it's worth) I'll take all the Pixie I can get right now.  Turn It Up Louder comes out on October 18th in the UK (via Mercury Records) and features the new single "Broken Arrow" (October 11th) plus 4 other new tracks.  Also included on the release is the supposed next single, "Coming Home" which features American R&B/popstar Jason Derulo.  Lott's debut U.S. single "Boys & Girls" is out now on iTunes.

Check out Pixie Lott on the web:

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

I don't really know what else to expect from Cee-Lo Green's new album but I expect it's going to knock my freakin' socks off. It's the other songs on the disc are even half as brilliant as "F**k You" then we're all in for a real treat. Upon it's initial release "F**k You" received over two million plays in less than a week and that was BEFORE an official music video even came out. Even though I first fell in love with Green as 1/2 of Gnarls Barkley Green has been doing his own thing for a LONG time, signed to Arista for 2 records.  The Lady Killer is out November 9th via Elektra Records. "F**k You" is out now in America and the UK.  Take my word for it and skip over the radio-friendly "Forget You."

Check out Cee-Lo Green on the web:

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

A little over a year after the release of their self-titled debut album, the boys of JLS are back with their sophomore effort. Called Outta This World, JLS are releasing their follow up album November 22nd on Epic Records. Outta This World will be preceded by BBC Children In Need Charity single "Love You More," (November 15th) the album's official second release and follow up to "The Club Is Alive." The album features collaborations with Steve Mac, Lucas Secon, Chris Braide, The Runners and others. Barbadian R&B/Popstar Shontelle features on a track called "Ay Mama" (produced by The Runners) which is rumored to be a future single from the album. The boys' debut album is out now in the U.S. on Jive.

Check out JLS on the web:

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

Long unappreciated here in U.S., P!nk's star has recently become a bit brighter here in the U.S.  I wish I could pinpoint WHAT it was that boosted her profile Stateside (was it her acrobatic performance singing "Glitter In The Air" at the The Grammys?) but I'm glad that she's still releasing stuff here.  P!nk's forthcoming greatest hits compilation, Greatest Hits...So Far!!! (November 16th) released on LaFace/Jive Records features 18 tracks including the INFECTIOUS new Max Martin-produced single "Raise Your Glass" (October 18th)  This is one greatest hits album I would DEFINITELY buy, whether or not I already owned all of P!nk's previous releases. SOLID.  The album will be available in both a standard edition as well as a Deluxe edition with a DVD.  Check out the tracklisting here.

Check out P!nk on the web:

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

After enduring the dark, depressing, albeit sophisticated sound on Rated R, I think Rihanna's fans are ready for something lighter, fluffier...LOUDER. Maybe her friendship with Katy Perry has influenced her musical style, because new single "Only Girl (In The World)" is JUST what the doctor ordered. The Stargate, Sandy Vee-produced single is dance-pop in it's simplest, purest form. No bells and whistles...just good pop music. The single went on to peak on the Billboard Hot 100 at #3 and is currently at #13 and #17 on the Billboard pop and dance charts respectively. Loud, due for release November 12th in the U.S. (Def Jam) and November 15th in the UK (Mercury), comes right on the heels of her previous release. I have MAD respect for Rihanna as an artist. Girl works HARD to put out quality music. After her debut album's two singles failed to ignite the charts, Rihanna got to work on her follow up album, which was released less than a year after her debut came out. Then a little over a year after that...Good Girl Gone Bad. Workaholic much? As long as it's hot she cam put out albums every year. Just don't rush it Ri Ri! Loud features collaborations with Taio Cruz, Alex da Kid, Sean Garrett, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, Timbaland, Shontelle, David Guetta and Drake...to name a few. Sounds like Rihanna's got another hit on her hands.

Check out Rihanna on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Olly Murs - Please Don't Let Me Go

Olly Murs may very well be my next pop crush. While he may have lost to Joe McElderry on the sixth series of X-Factor, he's already got the 1UP, releasing the first post-X-Factor single from his debut album, due out in September on Epic/Syco Music. Close your eyes and "Please Don't Let Me Go" could very well be another Will Young single. Open your eyes and...well...same story. Murs shares many similarities to Young and while that's not necessarily a bad thing, I'm hoping his album shows a bit more pop variety.

The video features Murs as a guest at a "Summer Solstice Garden Party" along with a myriad of other colorful characters (including an eccentric, boozy old lady with a dog). Amongst the guests we meet the object of Murs' desires, a pretty young lady playing hard to get. The video is fun, summery and safe, much like the song itself. Not a bad first effort but we'll have to see how the song charts when it's released on August 30th.

Co-written by Murs, Steve Robson and Claude Kelly, Murs is also known to be collaborating with Roy Stride from Scouting For Girls, John Shanks, Eg White, Trevor Horn, Wayne Hector and Matty Benbrook on his debut album. "Please Don't Let Me Go" will be available as a CD and digital download, with b-side called "This Ones For The Girls." Also worth noting, Digital Dog has remixed Murs' debut single. Given how remixable Will Young's music is, I'm sure this single will lend itself well to the dance genre.

Tracklisting:

1. Digital Dog Club Mix

2. Digital Dog Dub

3. Digital Dog Radio Edit

4. Radio Edit

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

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

X-Factor Runner Up Olly Murs to Release First Single in August

Come on Joe McElderry! Hurry up and release something new before you become irrelevant! Olly Murs' new single has already surfaced and he was the X-Factor Series 6 runner up! Kind of a cross between Will Young and American Idol's Jason Castro, the single is really quite catchy. It's got a lackadaisical, islandy sound that's carefree and very summery. Now I have yet to watch a series of X-Factor but based on cuteness alone, I would have absolutely voted for Murs to win. Now, after having heard his first major label effort, it looks like I would have been right-on. "Please Don't Let Me Go" will be released August 30th via Epic Records/Syco Music. Listen to the single below:

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

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