Electropop Duo Van Go Lion Release First Ever Cover Song

Guys! If you have yet to be smitten by Portland-based electropop duo Van Go Lion (AKA Amy Paige & Josh Loerzel)...go kick yourself in the head and THEN go check out my previous posts (#1, #2, #3).  Once you've recovered from that swift kick in the head, the next thing on your agenda should be to listen to the duo's first ever cover song! I almost hate to say that I love when an artist does a cover song, but oftentimes it's that rendition of an old favorite that wins over so many new fans.  Case in point...Ellie Goulding's cover of Elton John's "Your Song," which went on to become Goulding's highest charting single in her native UK.

For their first cover song, Van Go Lion chose a pop classic, "Shattered Dreams" by English pop group Johnny Hates Jazz. Released in the UK in 1987, the single peaked at #5 and spent a total of 16 weeks on the UK Singles charts. Here in America the song was an even bigger success, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, not to mention #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The U.S. version of the video was shot in all black and white and directed by acclaimed film director, David Fincher (The Fight Club, The Social Network). The song has been covered in the past by a number of acts including UK boyband Ultra, house artist Jaybee, Russian pop star Sergey Lazarev among others. The Van Go Lion version is BRILLIANT and fits right in to their already 80s electropop vibe. What's more, the remix has been given a big thumbs up by Johnny Hates Jazz themselves:

"25 years since 'Shattered Dreams' was originally a worldwide hit, and after nearly three and a half million airplays in the US alone, its great that the song is reaching a new generation of music fans. We celebrate Van Go Lion's innovative new recording, and have no doubt that it will add to this continuing success."

Um...that's pretty EPIC! Listen to Van Go Lion covering "Shattered Dreams" below and prepare to fall in love all over again (or for the first time) with this incredibly talented pair of artists. Download the duo's last single, "We Don't Miss A Beat" on U.S. iTunes HERE and on U.K. iTunes HERE.


Van Go Lion: Shattered Dreams (Johnny Hates Jazz cover) by VanGoLion

Check out Van Go Lion on the web:

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

Van Go Lion 'Can't Miss A Beat' on Debut UK Single

This is EXCITING, at least for you UK peeps (I'm a TAD bit jealous). You may recall a couple of posts I did about Portland-based electro duo Van Go Lion (AKA Amy Paige & Josh Loerzel). They're freshy fresh and oh so talented and now, UK music lovers...they're all yours!

Van Go Lion made their UK debut yesterday, June 13th, with the Aztec Records release of "We Don't Miss A Beat." Don't worry U.S. fans, the song isn't catchier than "Body Moves," so you're really NOT missing out...OK. Who am I kidding. OF COURSE you're missing out! The song is amazing. "We Don't Miss A Beat" is a pure party anthem through and through, complete with an anthemic chorus, flawless vocals from Paige and spot on synthesized accompaniment from Loerzel.

"We Don't Miss A Beat" was written and produced by Van Go Lion and is available for download on UK iTunes HERE. U.S. fans, go pick up the band's Body Moves EP over on U.S. iTunes HERE.  Now, why don't you go listen to the new single below. I promise, you won't be sorry.

Van Go Lion: We Don't Miss A Beat by VanGoLion

Amazing, right?  Well U.S. fans that's great, cos you're in luck. Turns out it IS available on U.S. iTunes. Download "We Don't Miss A Beat" HERE and pick up two extra tracks, "The Ache" and " Say Goodbye."  You can also snag some hot remixes by Qubiq of their last single, "Body Moves."  Van Go Lion is a treasure and a pleasure.

Check out Van Go Lion on the web:

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

Spin Spin Satellite: Portland-based Electro Duo Van Go Lion Releases New EP

I can't believe that it's been almost a year since my last Van Go Lion post? Well, now is as good a time as any to bring them back into your sights for the release of their new Body Moves EP (available on iTunes now).

First, a little refresher on the Portland-based duo. Van Go Lion is Amy Paige (vocals, lyrics) and Josh Loerzel (keys, music) and the music they make together is magical. The two met on Craigslist when Amy answered Josh's ad looking for a singer for his band. Bonding over a mutual love for 80s music, the two ultimately left the band and explored making their own 80s/90s-inspired music. Thank God for that!

New single, "Body Moves" is electro-pop at it's finest. Calling to mind some favorite dance classics from the 90s and early 2000s, "Body Moves" serves as the perfect re-introduction to the band, who's previous self-released EP came out last Spring. Written and produced by Van Go Lion, "Body Moves" was released April 5th via Ninthwave Records. The 4-track EP features 3 original songs and one fabulous "Body Moves" remix by Prince Vince. Generally, there's one stand out track on an EP but I can honestly say that EVERY SONG on the Body Moves EP is a pure joy to listen to and completely singleworthy.  The wait was absolutely worth it and I'm SO excited to share with you new Van Go Lion material.  Here's hoping we hear a lot more from these guys in 2011. Listen to "Body Moves" below and make sure you download the EP on iTunes HERE. You won't be sorry! Check out the Prince Vince remix HERE.

Check out Van Go Lion on the web:

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

Get Familiar With: Van Go Lion

Van Go Lion is a group that you need to familiarize yourselves with. The Portland-based electro-pop duo consists of Amy Paige on vocals and Josh Loerzel on keys.  A lot of electro-pop today is lacking in the vocal department.  All too frequently too much energy and attention is paid to the production and beats, leaving the vocalist swallowed up by the sound.  Amy Paige is NOT that sort of vocalist. A beautiful, strong voice combined with crystal clear annunciation and delivery, her vocals persevere, enhancing the beautiful melodies produced by her classically-trained pianist partner, Loerzel. The importance of their partnership isn't lost on Amy.

"Pop music can be fun, but it can have more substance. If you really listen to the songs and what Josh is playing, it's really involved stuff -- a lot of these tracks are classical at the core. Just because its pop doesn't mean it's throwaway."

The band saw it's start after Amy moved cross-country from New York City to Portland, answering Josh's Craigslist advert looking for a singer for a band.  The two bonded over a mutual love for Tears For Fears' "Head Over Heels" and decided to split from the band and go off on their own 80s/90s inspired direction.  The debut self-titled EP features six songs written by the pair and really only whets my appetite for more.

"It's pretty clear we're a couple of 80's dorks when you hear our music. It's quirky, it makes you dance, and if you do it right, there's nothing better than a good pop song. We listen to a lot of Prince, Tears for Fears, Hall and Oates, Eurythmics and early Madonna."

Every song on their MySpace player is a catchy electro-pop smash. Standouts for me include "The Ache," "Glow" and "Excuses, Please" the latter of which is available on their debut digital EP, on iTunes now.  Van Go Lion is a sweet, synthy, surprise.  Listen to "The Ache" below:

Check out Van Go Lion on the web:

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