[Hot Video Alert] Taylor Swift - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

I think it's safe to say that I've NEVER EVER EVER been this excited for a Taylor Swift record.  As soon as "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" appeared online I KNEW my love affair for country-pop music was about to experience a MAJOR surge.  The single is the first to be taken from Swift's forthcoming fourth studio album, Red, due October 22nd via Big Machine/Mercury Records.  Featuring production from Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Beyonce), Nathan Chapman (The Band Perry, Shania Twain), Dann Huff (Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts), Max Martin (Britney Spears, Robyn, Kelly Clarkson) and Shellback (Britney Spears, P!nk, Maroon 5), Red looks to be Taylor Swift's most crossover friendly album to date and that VERY much excites me!

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Hot Video Alert: Taylor Swift - Mean

"Mean" is the third single lifted off of Taylor Swift's 3X Platinum-selling Speak Now album. The DeClan Whitebloom directed-video is Swift's response to the recent epidemic of teen bullying plaguing the country, although it seems to send mixed messages. Interspersed throughout the touching anti-bullying anecdotes are clips of Swift dressed up in various vintage costumes. While touching, the video is also a bit campy which kind of contradicts the whole message of the video, doesn't it? I don't think Swift is making light of bullying but the theme of the video is a little bit confusing.

"Mean" was originally released in October as a promotional single, however in March it was made an official single. Chart wise, the song did reasonably well, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and at #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming Swift's thirteenth consecutive single to reach the top ten on the Hot Country Songs chart. Written by Swift and produced by Nathan Chapman the single is available to download on iTunes HERE! Swift's fourth single, "The Story Of Us" is also available to download on iTunes HERE. Check out the video for that single, directed by Noble Jones.

Check out Taylor Swift on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: La Roux, Robyn, Whitney Houston, Taylor Switft - I Wanna Bulletproof Dancer (Mash Up)

As my final post of 2010 I've chosen this gem. I found this AMAZING video over on Popjustice and decided that I couldn't end 2010 without a little shout out. It's a mega MashUp using La Roux's spectacular "Bulletproof" as the backing track for remixed versions of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." Need I say more? Check it out. Also worth a look, Panos T's YouTube channel for more amazing Mash-Ups, many of them remixed by Titus Jones.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and an amazing 2011!

Music's Biggest Night

What can I say about the Grammys? While it was certainly more enjoyable than the Golden Globes (YAWN!) I'm still glad I TIVO'd the whole thing because there are always performances that I want to FAST-FORWARD through (i.e. - Dave Matthews Band, Eminem/Drake/Lil' Wayne, etc.). I know that the Grammys are celebrating ALL music, which is great. I, personally, do not listen to all music, so having the option to skip those undesirables is...well...desirable.

Standout performances for me included the dramatic opener starring Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John, P!nk's high-flying (and soaking wet) number and the Michael Jackson tribute featuring Usher, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood and Smokey Robinson (minus the 3D FX). Halfway decent performances included Green Day's "21 Guns" performed by the cast of the American Idiot musical, the Jamie Foxx/T-Pain/Slash & Doug E. Fresh spectacle, the Les Paul tribute with Jeff Beck & Imelda May and The Black Eyed Peas doing "Imma Be"/"I Gotta Feeling." Disappointing performances included Beyoncé's "If I Were A Boy"/"You Oughta Know" medley and Taylor Swift's off-key "Today Was A Fairytale"/"Rhiannon"/"You Belong With Me" (the latter two featuring an appearance by Stevie Nicks) medley. The Fast-Forward-Worthy performances for me included Bon Jovi, DMB, Lady Antebellum, Maxwell and The Zac Brown Band.

All in all it was a good show. I did get excited for a minute when I thought Stephen Colbert was going to be hosting the show, but then I realized that the Grammys typically don't have a host. All the better if you ask me. It was overall GREAT seeing all of the musicians and miscellaneous stars of film and television present awards and random Lifetime Achievement awards. It was also great hearing someone from the industry telling the television audience to help support the artists by buying music legally. We'll see if America listens. Hopefully they do.

The only thing I'm really left on the fence about is the whole appearance by Michael Jackson's children - Paris & Prince Michael. Did they want to be there or did someone else want them to be there? I would like to think that they wanted to be there to honor their father. Both kids were obviously nervous, but felt the need to speak out about their father. It was touching in a way, but also rather unnerving.

Music's Biggest Night was just that for CBS. 25.8 million Americans tuned in to watch the broadcast which is the largest audience for the telecast in six years. Pretty impressive!

Photos Via Grammy.com

Here's a rundown of some of the bigger categories:

Record Of The Year: Kings Of Leon - "Use Somebody" (given the choices, I would have to agree)
Album Of The Year: Taylor Swift - Fearless (not necessarily my first choice, but good for her)
Song Of The Year: Beyoncé - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" (DEFINITELY agree)
Best New Artist: Zac Brown Band (I personally was for The Ting Tings but whatever)

For a full list of the nominees and winners, check out Grammy.com.

Check out the Grammys on the web:
Official Site//Facebook//MySpace//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Music News & Snippets: Adam Lambert, Gabriella Cilmi, Grammy Nominations & More

In the wake of negative press that Adam Lambert's controversial American Music Awards Performance left behind, the talented young singer is now just focusing on the music. Lambert sang his heart out on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (airing December 1st), singing a powerful rendition of the album track, "Whataya Want From Me," which was co-written by singer and P!nkMax Martin. Perfection. This is exactly the kind of performance that Adam needs to be doing going forward. I'm not saying that all of this flack that he's been getting is completely justified, in fact I do agree that there's a certain double standard in play here - but this was just a smart move on the part of Adam and his management. Just Adam, a microphone and his fabulous rock-star voice. No theatrics or spectacle. Hopefully this is the kind of performance we can expect when Adam Lambert joins Barbara Walters, Whoopie Goldberg and the the other ladies of The View on December 10th.

Australian pop singer Gabriella Cilmi (whom I absolutely love) is readying new material for her follow up to 2008's Lessons To Be Learned. Gabriella has been keeping her fans posted via her official blog and Twitter. According to a recent Tweet, Cilimi's apparently met with her label's A&R reps and new material should be premiering very shortly. Going in a decidedly more sexy direction than her last album, Cilmi worked with Xenomania & Greg Kurstin, Dallas Austin and Danger Mouse (one half of Gnarls Barkley). According to Cilmi, "[the album was] inspired by Donna Summer, Flashdance and 80s disco." This sounds potentially HOT! The album is due out early next year, preceded by the first single and video. "The first single is all about unleashing your inner super-hero and it's a big anthem for women." Brilliant! Can't wait to hear Gabriella's new stuff. I always thought she had an interesting voice.

Kelis is one of those rare artists whose entire collection I own. Ever since I took a chance and purchased Kaleidoscope at my local college music shop, I was hooked. Kaleidoscope = brilliant. 2001's Wanderland wasn't so much my cup of tea, but she redeemed herself with 2003's Tasty, known as the album that made Kelis famous here in the U.S. Meanwhile, her 2006 album Kelis Was Here bombed in my book, and on the charts. Not so coincidentally, Kelis Was Here was the first album without her long time collaborators The Neptunes. If this pattern of one brilliant album followed by one not so brilliant album is any indication, her new album is going to be HOT and so far, things are heating up nicely. Newly signed to Will.I.Am Music Group via Interscope/Geffen Kelis will be releasing the David Guetta produced single "Acapella," which has already been getting attention since it premiered online on November 23rd. Entertainment Weekly added "Accapella" to it's Must List in the December 11th issue on newsstands right now. Other collaborators include will.I.Am, Free School, Boyz Noize, Burnze and DJ Ammo.

Yeah, Yeah, I know I'm a bit late here regarding the Grammy Nominations. I can't say I'm too shocked or appalled by any of the results, aside from maybe Whitney Houston snub. When I saw that Whitney wasn't nominated, I assumed that it was because her album wasn't released in time for consideration, but then I read reports that producers rushed the album into release in part to be considered for a Grammy. Other than that, things played out as I expected them to with artists like Beyonce (10 nominations), Taylor Swift (8 nominations), The Black Eyed Peas (6 nominations) and Kanye West (6 nominations). Included amongst this years Album of the Year nominees are Lady Gaga's The Fame as well as albums from Beyonce, Taylor Swift, The Black Eyed Peas and Dave Matthews Band. As for record of the year, we have Beyonce's "Halo," "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas, Kings Of Leon's hit single "Use Somebody," "Poker Face" and Swift's "You Belong With Me." Up for Song of the Year this year we have "Poker Face," "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," "Use Somebody," Maxwell's "Pretty Wings" and "You Belong With Me." Best new artists include the Zac Brown Band, Keri Hilson, The Ting Tings, MGMT and the Silversun Pickups. Check out a full list of nominees at Grammy.com.

Forthcoming & Recently Released Remixes!

Here are some upcoming remixes that are being serviced to DJs, either digitally or via CD. I'm jealous. I wish I knew how to spin. I'd love to sign up for one of these services. Anyway - these are some of my favs! Can't wait for some of them to surface!
Jordin Sparks - Battlefield: I cannot WAIT for this song to get remixed. I'm thrilled that Bimbo Jones is on the mix. I was hoping for an anthem, not something Bimbo Jones usually delivers. Perhaps some U.S. mixes will surface? What a great track.

Release Date: 6/09/2009

Label: RCA/Jive

Tracks:

1. Bimbo Jones Radio Edit

2. Bimbo Jones Club Mix

3. Monk & Prof Mix
4. Monk & Prof Instrumental
5. Radio Edit

Jonas Brothers - Paranoid: I've never really been a Jonas Brothers fan to be honest. It's a bit below my demographic, however I'm willing to give anything remixed by StoneBridge a chance. Last remixes I heard from these boys were the Jason Nevins remixes of "When You Look Me In The Eyes." These sound promising.

Release Date: 6/08/2009

Label: Hollywood Records

Tracks:

1. Stonebridge Edit
2. Stonebridge Club Mix
3. Stonebridge Dub

4. Soul Seekerz Edit

5. Soul Seekerz Club Mix
6. Soul Seekerz Dub
7. Original

Lady Gaga - Paparazzi: I've already heard these puppies and let me tell you - Moto Blanco worked it out (in my opinion). Love, Love, Love! Stuart Price's pop mix is actually a nice alternative to the radio edit. The Yusek mix is interesting as well, though not so good for a dance club. I need to listen to the others. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that there were mixes for this track already!

Release Date: 7/6/2009

Label: Interscope

Tracks:

1. Radio Edit
2. Filthy Dukes Mix

3. Stuart Price Mix
4. Yuksek Mix

5. Moto Blanco Edit
6. Demo Remix

7. James Camareta Mix

8. Bonus - Moto Blanco Club Mix

9. Bonus - Moto Blanco Dub

Metro Station - Seventeen Forever: While I most certainly do NOT want to be 17 forever, I'm interested to hear these mixes. Lenny B also did some mixes for the bands first single, "Shake It" which were alright. I'll give these a shot. I wish there was more of a package here. Oh well.

Release Date: TBC

Label: Columbia

Tracks:

1. Lenny B Extended Mix
2. Lenny B Instrumental
3. Original

4. Instrumental

Royksopp feat. Robyn - The Girl & The Robot: I love most any music out of Sweden, and anything with Robyn on vocals. While I still think I prefer the original version of the song to any of the remixes, the Spencer & Hill mixes are quite nice. I need to give the rest of them a good listen.

Release Date: 5/27/2009

Digital Release Date: 5/27/2009

Tracks:

1. Radio Edit
2. Album Version3. Spencer & Hill Remix
4. Spencer & Hill Edit
5. Joakim Remix

6. Kris Menace Re Interpretation

Taylor Swift - Teardrops on My Guitar: I absolutely LOVED the Digital Dog, J Stax and Nevins mixes of "Love Story," so when I saw that there was a Cahill mix for Swift's "Teardrops on My Guitar," I nearly died. Of course, I'd rather there be a bunch of mixes - I'll take this one please. Thanks. ;-) P.S. - anyone know how long this "edit" is? Is there a full length mix?

Release Date: 6/01/2009

Tracks:

1. Cahill Edit

The Script - Before The Worst: These sexy boys are coming back to Boston soon. They were scheduled to play at the Paradise but the show was cancelled (poor ticket sales?). Last remixes I heard from these guys was "We Cry," with remixes by Bimbo Jones, Ashanti Boyz, Afroganic. I kind of wish "The Man That Can't Be Moved" got some remixes, but beggars can't be choosers. Armand Van Helden (almost) always delivers, so this should be good.

Release Date: 6/15/2009

Tracks:

1. Armand Van Helden Mix
2. Original
Valeriya - Wild: Love this song! Wow. This song AND it's remixes are FIRE! Back when this Russian pop star (who many say is the Russian equivalent to Madonna) released her first UK single - "The Party's Over," it took a while for me to get into it. The remixes were alright, with jams churned out by the Manhattan Clique & Ortega & Gold, the song just wasn't anything special. "Wild" should have been the first single - HANDS DOWN! An impressive remix package includes mixes by Manhattan Clique, Oretega & Gold, Ian Carey and Bimbo Jones. I'll say it again - FIRE!

Release Date: TBC

Format: Digital

Tracks:

1. MHC Remix
2. Bimbo Jones Remix

3. Ian Carey Remix
4. Ortega & Gold Remix
5. Ian Carey Club Mix

6. MHC Dub

7. Bimbo Jones Dub
8. Ortega & Gold Dub

Will Young - Tell Me The Worst: Who's my favorite Pop Idol? Well, it's not Michelle McManus (although I did enjoy the Soul Survivor remix of "Just For You"). Will Young - not only do I have a crush on the guy, but his voice melts souls...in a good way. I bought his last album, I also bought a promo for his single "Grace" off of Ebay. Remixes for "Grace" came to us from Fred Falke and Tom Neville. There were also some great remixes for his first single, "Changes," by Chris Lake & Superbass. The new single features remixes by Fred Falke. Can't wait!

Release Date: 7/07/2009

Digital Release Date: 7/07/2009

Label: RCA

Tracks:

1. Fred Falke Radio Edit

2. Fred Falke Full Version
3. Fred Falke Dub

Dolly Rockers - Je Suis Une Dolly: Don't know much about these girls, but I love their look and their video. This song is fun and the Soul Seekerz generally churn out a decent pop/dance remix. I'm game.

Release Date: TBC

Label: Parlophone

Tracks:

1. Radio Edit
2. Soul Seekerz Retro Club Mix
3. Soul Seekerz Club Mix

Chris Cornell - Long Gone: Chris Cornell remix. Never thought I'd see the day. Well, that's not true - but still a little surprise. I enjoyed the remixes to "Part of Me" by DJ AM, DJ Demarko, Quentin Harris, Steve Aoki, Kleerup and others. Not bad...nice rock edge...sort of Tommie Sunshine-esque. These mixes for "Long Gone" come to us from Digital Dog, which sounds like fun to me!

Release Date: TBC

Label: Interscope

Tracks:

1. Digital Dog Club Mix

2. Digital Dog Dub
3. Digital Dog Edit
4. Digital Dog Urban Extended
5. Radio Edit
6. Radio Pop Mix Edit

V.V. Brown - Shark In The Water: While I already own some of these, the promo I got on Ebay wasn't the same one mentioned below. Noticeably and disappointingly absent from my promo were the Wendel Kos Sunlight Mix and the Louis La Roche Dub. Overall, I'm disappointed. I was hoping for something a bit more "housey" but I guess they'll do. Can't wait for her album. It's certainly one of my anticipated summer albums of this year. Girl's got talent for miles.

Release Date: 08/06/2009

Digital Release Date: 08/06/2009

Label: Island

Format: Digital

Tracks:

1. Wendel Kos Sunlight Mix
2. Wendel Kos Dubb
3. Louis La Roche Remix
4. Louis La Roche Dub
5. Crazy P Mix6. Blame Mix7. Zombie Disco Squad Remix

Zarif - Over: Love her. Just got into her, but I already love her. I just started listening to her remixes for "Let Me Back" and now we get word that her second single is already being remixed? HOT! Can't wait. Bimbo Jones, Digital Dog, Paul Jackson - hot trio right there.

Release Date: 9/10/2009

Digital Release Date: 9/10/2009

Label: RCA

Format: Digital

Tracks:

1. Shy Fx & Benny Page Remix
2. Digital Dog Club Remix

3. Digital Dog Radio Remix
4. Bimbo Jones Club Remix
5. Bimbo Jones Radio Remix
6. Paul Jackson Remix
7. Breakage Remix

MSTRKRFT & John Legend - Heartbreaker: I'm sure there will be some mixes of this song...at least I hope so. I love John Legend and I enjoy MSTRKRFT. The combo sounds like a winner to me. I very much enjoyed the remixes I heard of "Ordinary People," and of course the remixes of "Green Light." I have high hopes for this one!

Release Date: 7/27/2009

Digital Release Date: 7/27/200

Label: Geffen

Format: CD

Tracks:

1. Radio Edit

Kevin Rudolph feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World: Kevin Rudolph...is he pop? Is he rock? Is he R&B? Is he hip hop? I don't know anything about this guy! I love him all the same, but I don't know a thing about him. I could always do some research (and perhaps I will) but for right now, it's all about the music. This promo features mixes from RedTop. There are also mixes floating around from Mike Rizzo. I enjoyed the remixes I heard of Rudolph's "Let It Rock," and I of course enjoy Kid Cudi - so I'll give these a listen.

Release Date: 5/31/2009

Digital Release Date: 5/31/2009

Label: Universal Island

Format: Digital

Tracks:

1. Red Top Extended Remix

2. Red Top Dub
3. High Rankin Remix
4. Red Top Radio Edit

Taylor Swift Club Remixes?

Trust me. I was slightly perplexed when I heard about these as well. In preparation for Taylor's UK unveiling ("Love Story" is released in February, and her album Fearless a month later) there is an impressive remix package being serviced to DJs. Now a remix of a country tune isn't unheard of. It's happened before with crossover talent like Faith Hill and Shania Twain, & Jewel. It's even happened with more overtly country acts like Gretchen Wilson and Dolly Parton. I don't really know why I'm surprised by the release of these Taylor Swift remixes. Perhaps just because the song has been out here in the US for a while, I had sort of given up hope. Additionally Swift's record label recently put out a Top 40 mix (available on iTunes) of the song to appeal to a broader range of US radio stations. The song is a hit so its a smart move for the label to try and make it hit on as many levels in as many markets as it possibly can. It's just an unexpected surprise. Remixes are by J Stax and Digital Dog.