[Hot Video Alert] Melanie C feat. Emma Bunton - I Know Him So Well

"I Know Him So Well," from the musical Chess, is one of my all time favorite duets so when I heard that it was being released as the official first single from Spice Girl Melanie C's recent theater-inspired album, Stages, I was super excited.  What made things even MORE exciting...Mel's duet partner, fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton!  Now, I've been a hankerin' for new Emma Bunton music since the release of her last solo album back in 2006, Life In Mono, and while Melanie C takes the lead on "I Know Him So Well," I'm hoping deep down that this reignites Emma's passion for pop music enough to get her back into the studio to record an album as fabulous as 2004's Free Me.

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UK Girl Group The Saturdays Set to Take America by Storm; Announce 2013 E! Reality Series

Arguably the best UK-based girl group to emerge since Girls Aloud, The Saturdays have their sites set on an a U.S. takeover.  With eleven top 10 singles and three top 10 albums, The Saturdays are already bonafied superstars in their native Great Britain  but here in America success has been elusive, mainly due to the fact that they've been focusing their energies at maintaining a successful career back at home.  That being said, the girls haven't gone COMPLETELY unnoticed here in the U.S., receiving lots of coverage on various pop music blogs, even earning the love and adoration of the notoriously critical Perez Hilton.  It was recently announced that the five-some consisting of Mollie, Una, Rochelle, Vanessa and Frankie, would be starring in their own reality series on the E! Network (home to Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Chelsea Lately), fittingly called Chasing The Saturdays.  Premiering January 20th at 10 PM, each 30 minute episode follows the girls as they attempt to duplicate their success back home here in America, signing with Mercury/Island Def Jam Records all the while dealing with their own complicated personal lives.  Sounds like the type of RIVETING television that only E! could bring us. Count me in!

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Melanie C Unveils 'Stages' Artwork & Album Tracklisting; 'I Don't Know How To Love Him'

Former Spice Girl Melanie C unveiled the artwork for her forthcoming sixth studio album Stages yesterday, as well as the album's tracklisting and release date.  Stages will drop digitally on September 9th via Red Girl Records, and physically one day later on September 10th.  Produced by long-time collaborator Peter-John Vettese (Pet Shop Boys, Cher), Stages features 12-tracks of musical theater masterpieces and other songs chosen by Melanie herself.  Check out the tracklisting BELOW the cut.

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Spice Girl Melanie C Releases Theatrical New Album This September; Stars in West End Production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

At the end of June, Spice Girl Melanie C announced the forthcoming release of her sixth studio album, Stages, featuring "a collection of songs from the theater that have been important to Melanie at various stages in her life."  The album was produced by long time collaborator, Peter-John Vettese (Pet Shop Boys, Cher, Carly Simon) and includes a duet with fellow Spice cohort Emma Bunton as well as the album's first buzz single, "I Don't Know How To Love Him," from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.  Check out the JUST released artwork for the single (shot by Tim Bret-Day), which will be released digitally worldwide starting this Sunday, July 22nd via Melanie's own label Red Girl Records.

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Melanie C Plans Ibiza-Inspired Dance EP, The Night, Due May 13th

On May 13th, Melanie C (AKA "Sporty Spice") will release a BRAND NEW Ibiza-inspired dance EP called The Night.  In the works since early last year, the three track EP is a collaboration with London-based DJ Jodie Harsh.  Back in February 2011, Melanie spoke with celebrity columnist Dean Piper at an InStyle event, gushing about the collaboration, saying:

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Hot Video Alert: Melanie C - Weak

"Weak" is the second official single taken from The Sea, the new album from former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (AKA Melanie C), her first album in four years.  It's a beautiful, stirring pop ballad that really showcases the voice of the Spice Girls.  Despite having to share the spotlight with four other ladies, there's no denying that Sporty was the one with the pipes.  Sure, the others had their moments but as far powerhouse vocals and impressive range goes, Melanie C was it.  "Weak" is a bit bland and one note in the build up, but when it comes time for Chisholm to take it home, boy, does she ever.  The song was co-penned by Chisholm, alongside Ina Wroldsen and Jez Ashurt with Andy Chatterley taking producer credit.

"Weak" is the follow up to the very commercial "Think About It," the first international single taken from Mel C's new record. Single #1 barely made it into the top 100 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at a disappointing #95.  Considering how poorly the first song did, I wonder if anyone had high hopes for "Weak." While the single failed to chart on the mainstream singles chart, it did manage a #29 spot on the UK Indie Singles Chart and #50 on the UK Airplay Chart.

The Sea was released back in September on Chisholm's own indie label, Red Girl Records (UK & US) with Warner Brothers taking on international distribution duties.  The album peaked at #45 on the UK Album Chart.  Not that great if you consider that her first two albums (1999's Northern Star and 2003's Reason) both went top 5 upon their initial 5.  At the same time, it could have been worse. Melanie C's last album, 2007's This Time, became her lowest charting album debuting and peaking at #57.  

Ever since parting ways with Virgin Records, Melanie has struggled to find the chart success she had as a major label artist.  If it's any consolation, a lot of artists experience the same problems going from a major to an indie.  It all comes down to money and budgets and promotion, all of which are shrunk down to very little in an indie environment.  While some artists have more success than others, I think it must be particularly hard for a member of a top selling girl group trying to maintain some kind of a lucrative solo career.  Whatever happens, I hope Melanie C keeps releasing the kind of music she wants to release.  Check out the video below and download "Weak" on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Melanie C on the web:

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

'Latter Day Debbie Harry,' Sky Ferreira Is a StyleCaster Cover Girl

While electropop (soon-to-be) teen sensation Sky Ferreira isn't working on her forthcoming debut album, she's keeping busy as a super model. Love it! Model by day, singer at night. It sounds like a new fangled sort of super hero or something. Sky was recently featured as the StyleCaster cover story, which included a lavish photo spread shot by Hugh Lippe. The photos (two of which can be seen in this post) are ABSOLUTELY stunning.

In the editorial, Sky mentions that her forthcoming album, due in the Fall, is called As If!. Now I'm not sure if this is true or a misprint, as Sky just released an EP with the same name, but no matter. As long as the album is still coming out in the Fall, that's all I really care about. Sky also mentions an early influence in her life - Baby Spice (Emma Bunton). Emma was always my favorite Spice Girl (and solo Spice girl) so it looks like we have something in common...

“The first group I ever heard, really without my parents’ influence, was the Spice Girls. Yeah, Baby Spice. I used to dress like Baby Spice. I actually still do. I still dress like a Spice Girl sometimes." {SOURCE}

OK. While I did love me some Baby Spice, I didn't dress like her. Still, cool of her to say that she was influenced by Ms. Bunton. Anyway, check out these fabulous photos of Ferreira. The rest of the editorial can be read and the photos seen over on StyleCaster by clicking HERE. You can also see some cool behind the scenes photos from the shoot over HERE as well as a cool video featuring Sky HERE.  According to their website, "StyleCaster is a leading platform that creates and curates the best content from across women's lifestyle into a comprehensive style experience."  Download the As If EP on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Sky Ferreira on the web:

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

Bring Them Back!

This is my humble plea to bring back some of my favorite pop divas...ladies who had their moment of pure pop brilliance and then disappeared as soon as they were either: A.) dropped by their record label, B.) Beckoned by Hollywood, C.) Succumbed to drugs & alcohol or D.) Some Combination of the above. Here it goes. Prepare to be dazzled!

1. Rachel Stevens: Formerly of S Club 7, Stevens has always been a favorite. Not known for her extensive vocal range, Stevens IS known for having one of 2005's best reviewed, least listened to pop records. What a shame! The album spawned 2 top 10 hits ("So Good," "Negotiate With Love") yet that was not enough to keep the singer signed with Polydor Records. If only her label had considered her entire body of work including a total of 5 top 10 UK hits! Her videos and live performances were mini works of art...OK...overstatement...but they were loads of fun! What is Ms. Stevens up to now? Acting it seems. After bit parts in Suzie Gold, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo and most recently, voicing a character in the animated BBC series, Glendogie Bogey--it seems like Rachel is giving singing a rest at the moment and focusing on acting. Pity. Fav Tracks: "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex," "Some Girls,""Nothing Good About This Goodbye."

2. Holly Valance: Australian pop singer, Holly Valance had a #1 single in both the UK & her native land--a cover of Tarkan's "Kiss Kiss" (also covered by Stella Soliel) and while I liked Soliel's version quite a bit more, Holly Valance was quite the performer. Nominated for 4 ARIA awards (Australian Grammys) for her song "Kiss Kiss", Valance also had success with her follow up single, "Down Boy." Third single "Naughty Girl" did well in Australia and made top 20 in the UK. Follow up album was a big flop and only had one single--title track "State Of Mind." While offering nothing groundbreaking, Valance paired up with current producers could potentially turn out another hit. What's keeping her busy now? Acting. Yep. Acting isn't new for Valance--after all she appeared in the Australian soap that launched a thousand pop stars (Kylie, Natalie Imbruglia, Delta Goodrem, Stephanie McIntosh)--Neighbours. More recently, she's had her eyes on American audiences, with guest spots on Shark, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Moonlight, Entourage & Prison Break. Valance has also been busy in movies--National Lampoon's Pledge This, DOA: Dead or Alive and Taken. Hopefully she hasn't COMPLETELY forgotten her music past. Fav Tracks: "Kiss Kiss,""Down Boy,""State Of Mind,""Hypnotic."

3. Kym Marsh: Now I can't honestly say that Kym Marsh was ever a FAVORITE pop star of mine. Her debut solo album Standing Tall, was one of my first import album's purchased at record store in the states. That was very exciting to me at the time. It was before I discovered the websites I use now, so when I saw this $25.00 CD in the bin...I snagged it right up! I had heard her second single "Come On Over" on Now That's What I Call Music Vol. 55 and LOVED it. Little did I know, that was the beginning of the end for Marsh. First single, "Cry" made it to #2 on the UK Charts--"Come On Over" - #10...third and final single "Sentimental" only made it to #35 and Kym was dropped. Kym got her start on the UK show Popstars, forming the group Hear'Say. Kym left the group after the first album. Marsh currently stars on popular UK soap Coronation Street, where she is known as Kym Ryder. Now a Mommy of 2, Kym is still riding the success of Coronation Street (for which she has won numerous British television awards). In 2004 & 2005 she's had a successful West End run in Saturday Night Fever, where she received rave reviews. In 2006 she entered Making Your Mind Up--the UK contest that picks a singer and a song to represent the UK in Eurovision. She came in 4th. Come on Kym...reinvent your sound and come back for another round! Fav Tracks: "Come On Over,""Cry (Almighty Remix)","Cry."

4. Emma Bunton: The first bit of former Spice Girl, Emma Bunton's solo material I ever heard was her Tin Tin Out Collaboration--the cover of Edie Brickell's "What I Am." Back then I was in college (1999-2000) and I furiously sought out additional Emma tracks on Napster (before it went legit). "What Took You So Long," & "Take My Breath Away" quickly became new favorites of mine. I actually found her debut album (A Girl Like Me) on Amazon Marketplace and ordered it used. I loved it, even without the jewel case! In 2004, when I learned that Emma's long awaited follow up album was due to be released, I got excited. I of course heard "Free Me" and the subsequent remixes and fell in love. I bought the import instantly (and bought the US version that came out nearly a year later--unable to keep it from bombing on the US charts--). Emma's second album was a far cry from her days in the Spice Girls...or even her first pop album. Going for a more 60s Soul/Motown sound, the album was surprisingly catchy. "Free Me" was a jam! While she never achieved another #1 (not since "What Took You So Long" in 2001), "Free Me" hit the top 5 in the UK. Second single, "Maybe" (with an amazing video) hit #6, "I'll Be There"--#7. All signs pointed to a downward spiral. Sure enough...final single "Crickets Sing For Annamaria," a cover of an Astrud Gilberto classic, only made it to #15.

By the time word of her third album started to materialize, my worst fears were confirmed--she was doing another 60s/Motown-inspired album. Life In Mono was a certifiable bomb (Of course I bought it). First single was a cover of Petula Clark's "Downtown"-- done for BBC's Children In Need charity--capitalizing on Emma's Strictly Come Dancing (British version of Dancing With The Stars) role. The music video even featured some cast-mates from the reality show. "Downtown" made it's debut at #3 on the British Charts. Follow up single did not fare so well...treacly ballad, "All I Need To Know" stalled at #60. There was no third single due to Emma's pregnancy and the inability to properly promote the record. As a result, the album stalled at #65. A bummer. I was hoping her cover of Mono's "Life In Mono" would make it as a single, but it was never to be. Bunton, now a new Mommy of a baby boy, just finished touring with the Spice Girls for their much hyped reunion tour. For now, according to Emma on her blog, she's "reading scripts." It looks like, for the time being, she's put music on hold. *sigh. And so it goes...another pop star gone by the wayside. The good news as far as Ms. Bunton is concerned...is, as of right now anyway, she's still signed to her record label. So fingers crossed she makes good on that and records another album soon! Fav Tracks: "What Took You So Long,""A Girl Like Me,""We're Not Going To Sleep Tonight (3AM Mix)","What I Am,""Free Me,""Maybe,""No Sign Of Life,""Something So Beautiful."

5. Amy Winehouse: I don't need to say anything at all about this one. Get better soon girl. That Bond song would have rocked with you on vocals. Fav Tracks: "You Sent Me Flying (Edit),""Stronger Than Me,""Fuck Me Pumps,""Help Yourself,""In My Bed,""Take The Box,""You Know I'm No Good,""Back To Black,""Tears Dry On Their Own,""Love Is A Losing Game,""Me & Mr. Jones,""Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" (cover from Bridget Jones: Edge Of Reason Soundtrack).

Music I want...