In Case You Haven't Heard Part I; a Collection of Newish Tunes I Missed While on Hiatus

Well, after a lengthy hiatus from the blogging world, I'M BACK! It's been a while, eh? I think my break warrants a brief explanation, so here it goes. After nearly a decade living in Boston, I've relocated my ass to New Jersey for an exciting new work opportunity. Said work opportunity actually starts on Monday which is both exciting AND nerve wracking. Why Jersey? Well, I've always wanted to move closer to the East Coast music mecca that is New York City and this opportunity just seemed like the right fit. Wish me luck!

Now, back to the music.  To kick things off, I wanted to do a little post featuring some great music videos/songs that I fully intended to give a proper feature, but because of time constraints and other obligations surrounding my move, never could. I've split the songs out into two posts; one that's a bit more rock & roll and a second that's a bit more pop.  First up...The Killers!

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Hot Video Alert: Brandon Flowers - Only The Young

I had really hoped that Brandon Flowers' debut solo effort would have made more of an impact on the charts but that doesn't appear to be the case. Flowers' album had all the makings of a hit record...a sound similar to The Killers. Stuart Price serving as producer. Sounds like a pop masterpiece to me. While the album had a reasonably strong debut at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and taking the #1 spot on the UK album chart. Debut single, "Crossfire" managed to take the #6 spot on the Billboard Alternative chart and #11 on the Billboard Rock chart, not to mention #8 on the UK Singles chart. Follow up single (which is not "Swallow It," I guess) "Only The Young" was released in the States on October 16th and will be out in the UK on November 29th. The BEAUTIFUL Sophie Muller-directed video was filmed at Le Reve at Wynn Las Vegas. Muller previously directed Flowers' in the video for "Mr. Brightside" alongside of his Killers cohorts. Check out the stunning video below.

Check out Brandon Flowers on the web:

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

Brandon Flowers Releases 'Swallow It' as Single #2

"Crossfire," Brandon Flowers' first solo effort was solid. It had a little something for the Killers fans but was commercial enough that it SHOULD have done well on Top 40...but alas...it didn't. The single DID do decently on Alternative Radio, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Alternative chart and at #11 on the Billboard Rock chart. Let's see how the song does on UK radio, where it was released this past week. Backed by remixes from the legendary David Morales and Loose Cannons, I feel as if "Crossfire" should do well on the dance charts but who knows what'll happen.

This past week Flowers' second single, "Swallow It" was digitally released here in the U.S.  I'm not sure how I feel about this song.  It kind of sounds like a VERY stripped down Killers' song.  Yes...Flowers was the voice of The Killers but for the first time I feel like I'm really hearing what Flowers sounds like and I have to say...I'm not impressed.  There's no question, Brandon Flowers has a great voice, I just don't know how it does with this particular song.  His delivery is just SO dramatic...which sort of clashes with the instrumental. Produced by Stuart Price and Daniel Lanois "Swallow It" is an interesting choice for a second single.  In other news...check out this live footage of Flowers performing Kim Carnes' classic "Bette Davis Eyes." It definitely restores my confidence in Flowers' vocal abilities.



Flowers' debut album Flamingo is due out in the UK September 6th and in the US on September 14th. All songs were written by Flowers and the majority of the album was produced by Stuart Price, Daniel Lanois and Brendan O'Brien.

Check out Brandon Flowers on the web:

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

Brandon Flowers Unveils 'Flamingo' Album Artwork, Announces U.S. Tour

I know I'm a bit late with this update but...is it really ever too late to post about the hotness that is Mormon rocker, Brandon Flowers of The Killers? I don't think so. THIS is the album artwork for his debut solo album, entitled Flamingo.  It's a bit cluttered, as far as album artwork goes. Lots of THINGS in the room.  Off course everything is in a nice golden-bronze sheen except for Flowers who draws the focus in a nice dark suit.



Flamingo, which features production from Stuart Price, Daniel Lanois and Brendan O’Brien, is due out September 6th in the UK and September 14th in the U.S., courtesy of Vertigo/Island Records. The first single, "Crossfire" was released digitally in North America on June 21st and will see the light of...iTunes...in the UK on August 23rd.  The music video features Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron in a surprisingly meaty role as heroine to Flowers' damsel-in-distress.  So far the song has peaked in the Top 20 on Billboard's Rock and Alternative Rock charts.  The song has apparently been remixed by Chew Fu (GOD I hope this is true).

According to Pop In Stereo, Flowers will be setting out on tour to support his album, this summer.  Playing five dates in August, Flowers will get things started on August 15th at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Catch Brandon Flowers on tour if you can:


8/15 Las Vegas Hilton The Shimmer Room
8/17 Los Angeles Troubadour
8/19 San Francisco Slim’s
8/23 Chicago Park West
8/26 New York Highline Ballroom

Check out Brandon Flowers on the web:

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

Killers' Front Man Brandon Flowers Caught in the 'Crossfire' with new rock-tinged Single

When I heard those rumors about The Killers going on hiatus, I was of course bummed. Bummed that is until I heard other rumors about front man Brandon Flowers going solo. The Killers website had a placeholder page up for a little while slowly unveiling details of Flowers' debut album, Flamingo (due out in September via Island Records) and now first single, "Crossfire" (artwork above).  The single is released digitally on June 29th and on 10" Vinyl on July 13th.  The single isn't actually all that different than a Killers single...which of course is not a bad thing. Maybe part of me was hoping Flowers would do a complete 180, turning out some sort of a Adam Lambert/electro-pop direction. Adam Lambert, "Crossfire" is most certainly NOT but it's a quality song and given the Killers remix-friendly music, I have high hopes for some cool electro/dance re-fixes.  Listen to Flowers' single on his official website OR right HERE on the Rock On The Streets blog.  What do you all think of the song?

Check out Brandon Flowers on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

HOT SINGLE ALERT! Young Soul Rebels - I Got Soul (War Child Charity Single)

Where have I been? I just learned about this fantastic charity single out in the UK on October 19th. The video is one of those "behind-the-scenes" videos interspersed with clips of happy children dancing and singing. You can see the impressive roster of Island Records talent singing their parts and rehearsing in and around the recording studio. Included on this single: V.V. Brown, Bashy, Chipmunk, Domino Go, Egypt, Frankmusik, Pixie Lott, Ironik, Kid British, McLean, Mpho, N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder and the London Community Gospel Choir.

Produced by Fraser T Smith (whom I know from his remixes but also has worked with Tinchy Stryder and James Morrison), the track is being released by Island Records and the War Child charity to raise funds for children affected by conflict around the world. Recorded back in July, the song, "I Got Soul" is a re-written cover version of The Killers' "All These Things That I've Done" The hook - "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" is one of my favorite lyrics of all time, and very touching to hear in this new single.
According to War Child in a statement, the new record is "a defining moment for the UK's music scene, which is currently ablaze with world class talent." It continues to say that "the song is the perfect way to educate British youth on the plight of thousands of children across the globe. UK urban and soul music has never been bigger - the artists here have featured on five number one singles already this year."
Well said. Well done all around. This is the feel-good-charity single of the moment. Love it.

Loads of New Album & Single Artwork!

Massive album artwork update here. Per usual, most of the artwork came from Coverlandia and Covermania. Enjoy!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm looking forward to reviewing the debut album, Pretty Mess, from dance music artist, Erika Jayne. Her album is due out August 11th (this Tuesday) and features her #1 dance hits "Rollercoaster," "Stars" and "Give You Everything." Jayne recorded the album with veteran producers Peter Rafelson and Eric Kupper. Can't wait for this one!

Wow. This song makes me really excited about the new Whitney Houston album. "I Look To You" is absolutely gorgeous but this up-tempo jam, produced by Swizz Beats, is HOT. Whitney looks great in the sleeve artwork as well. Nice to see a return to form for Ms. Houston. "Million Dollar Bill" is supposedly going to be released simultaneously with first single, "I Look To You," most likely to appease multiple formats.

Patrick Wolf is quite the performer. I had the good fortune of seeing him open for Amy Winehouse at what used to be Avalon. Such a good show. I enjoyed his last album The Magic Position, and should probably check out some of his new material. This is the album artwork from his most recent album, The Bachelor. Not particularly new, since the album was released in June. The first two singles off of the album are "Hard Times" and "Vulture." Also, of particular interest to me...the title song...it features an appearance from English folk musician Eliza Carthy. I reviewed Carthy's CD, Angels & Cigarettes for the Indiana Daily Student back when I was in college. Oh the joys of receiving free music. Of course, most of the CDs I wanted to review I had to pay for. Oh well!

Also not particularly new is the single artwork for the third UK single from The Killers' last album, Day & Age. The artwork for "The World We Live In" (which was released in May) continues in the tradition set by previous singles, featuring a mosaic portrait of one of the band members...this time of bass guitarist Ronnie Vannucci Jr. First single, "Human" featured keyboardist David Keuning, "Spaceman" featured the hotness that is lead singer Brandon Flowers and "A Dustland Fairytale" features guitarist Mark Stoermer.

The new artwork for the second Paloma Faith single has been unveiled. Lovely. Just as classy and elegant as the "Stone Cold Sober" artwork, and album artwork for her forthcoming debut Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful? - out September 21st. "New York" comes out in the UK on September 13th - the video has already been shot. I haven't heard this song yet but I can't wait! Paloma's album is one of my most anticipated albums of the year and one of my "artists to watch." Additionally, you can expect remixes from Tom Middleton, Cutmore and Starsmith. [EDIT] - I LOVE THIS SONG. The video is stunning as well. Wow. Powerhouse.

"Party In The U.S.A." is the first single off of a new Walmart-exclusive Miley Cyrus EP, The Time Of Our Lives. Apparently it's going to be released in conjunction with the unveiling of Miley's new clothing line. The track was officially released to radio stations on July 29th. I'm not the biggest Miley fan, but she does look more mature in this artwork. She's growing up, alright.

The new Mika album, entitled The Boy Who Knew Too Much, has me really excited. Not only is Mika super cute, but he's super talented. I hope he supports this new album here in the states. It's due out September 22nd in the U.S. (September 21 in the UK) and is lead by first single "We Are Golden." I still need to buy his first album, Life In Cartoon Motion." The album artwork was designed by Mika's sister, who works under the name DaWack. Good stuff!

This appears to be new album artwork from Swedish singer Erik Hassle, though I'm not sure what this is...album? Single? I was under the impression that THIS was the album artwork. Can anyone confirm? Perhaps this artwork is for the album's UK debut? Regardless...this looks pretty cool.

This was Hassle's first Swedish single, "Hurtful." I love the stencil-like fonts here, as well as the black and white photo with the pink lettering. Simple and clean.

"Don't Bring Flowers" is Erik Hassle's UK debut single and has been described as a "synthy acoustic number." Very cool. I'm looking forward to hearing this album in full! The Swedes really do know how to do pop music right. The official video was filmed in LA and has yet to be released but in the meantime - check out this unofficial video.

"The Journey" is the first single off of the new Dolores O'Riordan album, No Baggage, released on August 24th globally and August 25th in the U.S. Released to U.S. radio on July 13th, the single is expected to be released in Europe on August 10th. I've always loved O'Riordan's vocals - ever since she was a member of The Cranberries. The Morgan Page remix of "Ordinary Day," from O'Riordan's debut solo album is hot so I'm hoping for some new remixes from this album. We shall see I guess. The artwork has O'Riordan looking VERY pop. I love it! What do you think?
Voted for by the fans, this is the official artwork for "Gold Digger" by The Dolly Rockers. Due out on August 30th, this group is already one of my summer favorites. I've watched the video probably 1000 times and love the Bimbo Jones remix. First single "Je Suis Une Dolly" is also one of my favorite songs of the summer. The girls are recording their debut album, due out at the end of the year.

This is the third single from the new Daniel Merriweather CD, Love & War. "Impossible," due to be released on August 17th is the follow up to his last single "Red." Daniel is looking better than ever here...well...maybe not as hot as he did on the cover for "Red," but still...who am I to complain? I'm still hoping he takes a stab at the U.S. market with this new album. I'd love to see him do a live club show here.

Britney, Pink, The Killers, GaGa - Oh My!

On my lunch break today I walked over to the Newbury Comics on Newbury Street. I knew I was going to be buying Britney's new album, "Circus." What I didn't plan on was that I would also buy The Killers' new record (and by record, I of course mean CD), P!nk's "Funhouse" (which is FABULOUS) and Lady GaGa's album. And I complain about being broke! Ha. I'll review each CD formally sometime later this week (possibly a Britney review tonight, depending on how I'm feeling).

Just Purchased on iTunes...

Well...it's New Release Tuesday and I've already made some iTunes purchases. More on what I purchased below but first...did you hear that UK Digital Music retailer, 7Digital is launching a US store soon? I had been a customer on the 7Digital UK site for some time until digital licensing laws recently changed (or started being enforced) and only EU customers were allowed to purchase on the store. I was bummed! I got many remixes, B-Sides and other rare Euro pop/dance that I couldn't find legally online anywhere else. Hopefully this new venture will be fruitful for 7Digital AND for me!

Now...onto todays purchases...


Brazilian Girls - Good Time (Diplo/Mad Decent Remix)

James Morrison - Nothing Ever Hurt Like You (Single)

Dido - Don't Believe In Love (Single)

John Legend ft. Estelle - No Other Love (Single)

David Cook - Light On (Single)

Jack White & Alicia Keys - Another Way To Die (Single)

The Killers - Human (Single)

Christina Aguilera - Keeps Gettin' Better (Single)