Chart Rigger

When Did Snow Patrol Suddenly Become Infinitely More Exciting Than JLS?

2009-11-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Former X Factor snooze boy band JLS land their second #1 on the U.K. singles chart this week with "Everybody In Love"—a boring-to-the-point-of-being-offensive affair that makes their previous derivative single, "Beat Again," sound like Debussy by comparison.

The only thing remotely interesting about this all is that now producer J.R. Rotem has the distinction of having the #1 single in both Britain and the U.S. (with Jason DeRulo's "Whatcha Say.")

Moving on, Snow Patrol's "Just Say Yes" debuts at #15. The surprisingly synthy number is one of three new songs included on the band's upcoming hits collection—though the track was originally written for Gwen Stefani, who apparently rejected it, a few years back. (It was next offered to Nicole Scherzinger for her eventually-scrapped album.)

I haven't liked Snow Patrol for two albums now, but "Just Say Yes" is undeniable shimmery pop goodness! See what you think:

Moving on, Calvin Harris' "Flashback"—a truly hit-worthy single—suffers the fate of only scraping up to #18 in the week of its official release. Oh, well, Calvin. You'll always have "I'm Not Alone."

Meanwhile, what ever happened to The Saturdays' Wordshaker? Strippers, you gotta stay on the pole if you want the cash! Last week Wordshaker slid from #40 to #57 on the album chart in only its third week on shelves. And this week? C-YA!

The U.K. Top 10:

1. "Everybody In Love" - JLS *new* *1 week*
2. "Fight For This Love" - Cheryl Cole
3. "Meet Me Halfway" - The Black Eyed Peas
4. "Down" - Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne
5. "Bad Boys" - Alexandra Burke feat. Flo Rida

6. "TiK ToK" - Kesha *new*
7. "Haven't Met You Yet" - Michael Buble

8. "What About Now" - Westlife

9. "End Credits" - Chase & Status *new*

10. Bad Romance" - Lady GaGa

Lady GaGa Announces Re-Release Is Off, Full New Album Will Issued...Or Something

2009-11-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

Lady GaGa appeared on German program Wetten Dass this evening wearing what looked like a Batman cape around her thighs and previewed a clip from her "Bad Romance" video, the full thing of which will debut on Monday.

She also said that she's been "fighting" with her label, and now The Fame Monster will be its own album, rather than a re-release.

Hmmm. So does this mean it's still only eight tracks, as originally planned? If so, it'll kinda be like that recent Miley Cyrus Time Of Our Lives EP. Oh, Lady—what a mysterious broad you are.

Below is the clip of the Gag on Wetten Das—wherein she appears to have some translating mic in her ear. Hot. ("Bad Romance" clip is at the end.)

Throwback: Goodbye To The Rhythm Of The Night

2009-11-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

This year has brought about abrupt endings and new beginnings, but perhaps the one goodbye that's particularly kick in the old nostalgia pants is the upcoming closing of Pittsburgh's oldest surviving gay bar—and my '90s haunt—Pegasus.

I was a bit sad to hear that after 29 years that dive's shutting its doors for good on December 6. Interestingly, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review notes that "the nightclub also was where Wexford native Christina Aguilera entered 'teen night' talent contests." That would have been around the time of my hanging out there regularly—she must've blended in with all the other skanked-out drag queens/hookers.

The first time I ever climbed down the dark stairwell to the underground (literally!) club was in December 1994—nearly 15 years ago—when I was home on Christmas Break during my first year away at university.

I wasn't quite "gay" then. I was in that brief gray area in-between or something. A group my fellow co-eds who lived within about a half hour drive from each other all got together, and our 18-year-old friend Todd wanted to go to Pegasus to meet up with some guy he had just started seeing. So off we went!

Todd had the cassette single for Corona's "The Rhythm Of The Night," and we played it about 10 times on repeat on the way there.

I think the thing I remember most is getting the worst case of butterflies in the gut that felt like they were flying up my throat as we walked in the Liberty Avenue entrance and descended the stairs into Pegasus. It's the type of feeling you only ever get when you're young and 20 and slowly but surely walking into something you know there's never going to be any return from.

At first, I kind of took shelter at the underage bar as soon as we got there. It took about 45 minutes before I ventured onto the dancefloor. But venture I did. And it was great!

My old Pegasus jams:

I started going back whenever I could. There was always someone driving a car full of us into Pittsburgh on Tuesdays and Thursdays (under 21 night) over the next year-and-a-half from IUP.

MoogaBoo and I were good pals by then, and we practically spent the entire summers of 1995, 1996 and 1997 at Pegasus. It was good times—many hearts were won and broken, many drinks were downed and there was always some really good Eurodance to groove to.

Here's a trashy pic of me (nice earring) circa Halloween 1995 at the club (note to self—making that face is fucktard-tastic):

Below is my "Thanks For The Memories, Pegs" playlist, comprised of songs either heard for the first time there or that were played regularly. But, surely, they're ones that will always remind me of more footloose and fancy free days:

1. "Another Night" - Real McCoy
2. "The Rhythm Of The Night" - Corona
3. "100% Pure Love" - Crystal Waters
4. "One Night In Heaven" - M People
5. "U Sure Do" - Strike
6. "Don't Give Me Your Life" - Alex Party
7. "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" - Nicki French
8. "Dreamer" - Livin' Joy
9. "Do You Wanna Party?" - DJ Scott & Lorna B
10. "Always Coca Cola" - Un Disco In Lattina
11. "I Luv U Baby" - The Original
12. "Run Away" - Real McCoy
13. "Magic Carpet Ride" - Mighty Dub Katz
14. "Turn The Beat Around" - Gloria Estefan
15. "Don't Make Me Wait" - Loveland
16. "The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall Into My Mind)" - Bucketheads
17. "Open Your Heart" - M People
18. "Everybody Be Somebody" - Ruffneck feat. Yavahn
19. "When I Think Of You" - Whigfield
20. "Be My Lover" - La Bouche
21. "Close To You" - Fun Factory

THIS PIECE PRECEDES:
* Throwback: You Can Depend On Me

Listen To Same Difference's 'Souled Out'!

2009-11-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

The other day there was the snazzy news that pop duo Same Difference have signed a new label deal, and are working away on a new album due out in 2010.

And in case you've yet to check out "Souled Out"—which, despite its title, is not an R&B affair, more like Steps scissoring Scooch at a rave. (Oh, only in my dreams!)—here it is.

PopLife, the new label, also says Same Difference's 2008 album Pop will be getting an international release "with a slightly tweaked tracklisting."

In the meantime, check out Fizzy Pop's recent interview with Sarah and Sean of Same Difference.

Pet Shop Boys Pull A Pet Shop Boys And Release A Non-Album (Sort Of) EP

2009-11-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

For the first time in 12 years, Pet Shop Boys are releasing what is essentially a non-album single. Well, it's actually an EP. And "All Over The World"—from recent album Yes—is on it, so technically, that might shoot a torpedo through my non-album statement. But it's a new recording of "All Over The World"!

Okay, so Christmas is the name of the EP, and here's what's on it:

1. A new version of "It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas"—a fan club release from 1997 that eventually surfaced on a Starbucks/Hear Music holiday compilation Elton John organized back in 2005.

2. "My Girl"—cover a Madness song.
3. "All Over The World"—new version co-produced by Marius De Vries and the PSBs.
4. "Domino Dancing/Viva La Vida"—studio version of a medley they performed on their recent tour, this one produced by Stuart Price.
5. "My Girl (Our House Mix)"—done by PSBs themselves, hence the "our" in "Our House Mix." But, also being a Madness cover, who sang "Our House"...well, you get the picture.

The Pets used to be great at releasing surprise singles in the midst of their albums—like "Always On My Mind" around Christmas 1987 (hence the pic way up at the top), or their 1991 mashup of "Where The Streets Have No Name" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."

All in all, a nice Christmas gift to shove up your stocking.

ALSO SEE:
* Chart Rigger's Top 40 Pop Singles Of The Decade List

Jason DeRulo, Lady GaGa And Taylor Swift Have A Big Sexy Threesome On The Chart

2009-11-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Jason DeRulo's "Whatcha Say" has now become the third #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 for sample-happy producer J.R. Rotem, following Rihanna's "SOS" in 2006 and Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls" in 2007.

It's also now the fifth week in a row where a different song has been at the top of the chart (factoring in two non-consecutive weeks for Jay Sean's "Down") since the 14-week stretch of The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" ended

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift has set a Billboard Hot 100 record by debuting five songs from her Platinum Edition re-release of Fearless in the Top 30, led by "Jump Then Fall" at #10. Interrupt that, Kanye West.

Just above Taylor—or, rather, on top of Taylor with a bowl of strawberries, a whip and a mind full of leather-clad thoughts—is Lady GaGa, who debuts at #9 with "Bad Romance." This now gives the pint-sized disco hooker her fifth Top 10 single of the year. "Paparazzi" is at #6 for a third week.

Also stuck in place is Chris Brown's "I Can Transform Ya," at #24. Scandal aside, I really hope that trash continues its flop streak. It's just kind of run-of-the-mill material from him.

Here's the album cover for Brown's upcoming third album, Graffiti:

Edgy. Elsewhere, Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" moves up from #100 to #75. Expect that dismal dirge to lumber into the Top 10 next week, following its first week of digital availability.

FLOP WATCH: After only three weeks on the chart for each, Usher's "Papers" dropps from #31 to #41, and John Mayer sinks from #44 to #68 with his stoner track "Who Says." Oh, and Adam Lambert's "Time For Miracles" has flizz-opped off the Hot 100 entirely after one week at #50.

The U.S. Top 10:

1. "Whatcha Say" - Jason DeRulo *1 week*
2. "Fireflies" - Owl City
3. "Empire State Of Mind" - Jay-Z feat. Alica Keys
4. "Down" - Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne
5. "Party In The U.S.A." - Miley Cyrus
6. "Paparazzi" - Lady GaGa
7. "Run This Town" - Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West
8. "3" - Britney Spears
9. "Bad Romance" - Lady GaGa *new*
10. "Jump Then Fall" - Taylor Swift *new*

ALSO SEE:
* Chart Rigger's Top 40 Pop Singles Of The Decade List

Same Difference Sign With New Label

2009-11-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

Former X Factor contestants Same Difference may have been unceremoniously dropped from their label after only one single release, but they've now been picked up by the indie PopLife—the same company that released Crazy Loop's single last month in the U.K.

See, D'luv told you baby, they aren't done! You can hear their brother-sister duo Same Difference's new song, the slightly Steps-y "Souled Out," over on PopLife's MySpace.

And there's even more SD news—their 2008 debut album Pop is getting an international release with some new tracks added, while a new album is in the wings for sometime next year.

ALSO SEE:
* Chart Rigger's Top 40 Pop Singles Of The Decade List

Aqua's 'Greatest Hits' Should Tide You Over Till The Maybe/Maybe Not New Ace Of Base Album

2009-11-04T00:13:00.000-08:00

Aqua's Greatest Hits—complete with new songs "Back To The 80's," "My Mamma Said" and "Life Fast - Die Young"—was released in the U.S. today.

The lyrical content and video for new single "My Mamma Said" are both creepy affairs. At one point it sounds like gravel-voiced René Dif is singing, "Mamma just cross-dressed, cross-dressed," while he's eating raw meat at a funeral. Hot.

Love the video, and the haunting song is strangely compelling. Well, more so than "Back To The 80's." Don't get me started on that one again.

ALSO SEE:
* Chart Rigger's Top 40 Pop Singles Of The Decade List

Beyonce And Lady GaGa Will Double Duet

2009-11-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

Gosh, everyone's been shrieking about Lady GaGa and Madonna collaboration rumors, but turns out LG's next duet partner is gonna be Beyonce—twice!

Billboard notes that I Am...Sasha Fierce is being re-released in a deluxe edition (of course it is!) on November 23, and included will be the extra track "Video Phone," featuring GaGa.

So, for those keeping track—Lady GaGa's own re-release, The Fame Monster, will contain the Rodney Jerkins-produced track "Telephone" which features Beyonce, and B's own re-release will contain and extended mix of the song "Video Phone."

Plus, both updated albums are out the week of November 23. Along with Adam Lambert's album. And Susan Boyle's album. And Rihanna's. And Shakira's. And...

ALSO SEE:
* Chart Rigger's Top 40 Pop Singles Of The Decade List

Uh Oh, Booty Luv—Mini Viva Are On A Roll!

2009-11-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

After a rousing chart performance two months back where Brit girlie duo Mini Viva landed their debut single "Left My Heart In Tokyo" in the U.K. Top 10, it sorta seemed like the days of cheap 'n catchy colorful shimmer pop was back upon us.

But screw sorta! The video for Mini Viva's upcoming second single "I Wish"—shot in downtown Los Angeles—is shiny Lego-infused fantastic-ness!

Yikes! It kind of makes you wonder if Booty Luv—who's own single "Say It" had a middling peak at #16 on the Brit chart in September–are feeling like their turf on double-trouble cutesy dance pop is being tramped upon.

I know which set of broads I'm shakin' my booty to, luvs!

"I Wish" is officially released December 7. But I wish (har-de-har-har!) they'd toss out a full album ASAP!

ALSO SEE:
* Chart Rigger's Top 40 Pop Singles Of The Decade List

It's Chart Rigger's Top 40 Pop Singles Of The '00s!

2009-11-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

In early August, D'luv and Chart Rigger sidekick MoogaBoo began sifting through the past decade's pop singles. It wasn't the best 10 years for the genre—in fact, pop music seemed to go underground in America for the bulk of the George Bush years. But we still sussed out what we feel are the primo tunes that impacted the planet, in our not-so-humble opinions.

While re-visiting and re-listening, it dawned on us that sometimes the obvious choices ("Can't Get You Out Of My Head," "Umbrella," etc.) weren't always the best the respective artists had to offer. So instead, the two of us culled together what we feel to be 40 single releases from around the world that defined the first decade of the 21st century, taking into consideration merit, the test of time and personal and public favorites.

It was tough to narrow down—and, by all means, there were definitely more outstanding songs than could be featured from the last 10 years. That said, here now are Chart Rigger's picks for the top 40 singles of the '00s.

************************

40. Ricky Martin with Christina Aguilera - "Nobody Wants To Be Lonely" (2001)

MOOG Says: "Two singing sensations, one undeniable chorus and 18 hairstylists couldn't get this higher than #13 in the American charts, but it's wedged forever in my heart."

CHARTS: ITALY #1, SWE #3, U.K. #4, U.S #13

39. Elton John - "Are You Ready For Love" (2003)

MOOG Says: "Somehow this re-released 1979 obscurity encapsulated everything I was feeling in 2003. I actually get a little tearzy when I hear it now, which either makes me a.) very old, b.) a big softy, or c.) Elton."

CHARTS: U.K. #1, U.S. Dance #1

38. Miley Cyrus - "See You Again" (2008)

D'LUV Says: "When this single came out, a dancey electro-pop number was the last thing anyone expected from Miley. It became her first Top 10 hit, and the be-wigged Hannah Montana alter ego was pushed down the stairs as a tween starlet was born!"

CHARTS: CAN #4, AUS #6, U.S. #10

37. Emma Bunton - "Maybe" (2003)

MOOG Says: "Emma's unflagging enthusiasm and retro-styled fuck-me pumps made this one of the best Spice Girls solo outings (admittedly, there weren't a lot from which to choose). If those first few bars don't get you frugging down the hallway, you might be dead."

CHARTS: U.K. #6, U.S. Dance #6

36. Madonna - "Hung Up" (2005)

D'LUV Says: "After American Life, Madge needed to pull something classy out of her skirt, STAT. Anyway, in lieu of that, she at least offered up this ABBA-sampling jam, which made Stuart Price a household name. Well, in gay households, at least."

CHARTS: U.K. #1, GER #1, U.S. #7

35. Michelle Branch - "All You Wanted" (2002)

D'LUV Says: "People often forget that Michelle Branch's guitar-girlie-pop hit the scene just before Avril Lavigne. She sorta got shafted when Maverick went bust as her second album came out."

CHARTS: U.S. #6, AUS #25, U.K. #33

34. *NSYNC - "Bye Bye Bye" (2000)

D'LUV Says: "In March 2000, I bought a discman and this import CD single at Virgin Megastore. I then promptly drove to Santa Monica and rollerbladed for three hours with 'Bye Bye Bye' on a continuous loop. The height of the teen pop/Cheiron revolution."

CHARTS: AUS #1, SWE #3, U.S. #4

33. Franz Ferdinand - "Take Me Out" (2004)

MOOG Says: "This always reminds me of one electric night in Pittsburgh when, after catching FF on SNL, I set out to the disco blasting the big, sexy guitar riff in my car with the moon roof open. There was much debauchery and dancing."

CHARTS: U.K. #3, CAN #7, U.S. #66

32. Girls Aloud - "Call The Shots" (2007)

MOOG Says: "In 2007, the GA broads decided to get classy, so they turned in their tube dresses and green-screen videos for an adult (not ADULT XXX) look at relationships. Et voila—their best song! (And two more years of not having to hook.)"

CHARTS: U.K. #3, IRE #9

31. Pink - "Just Like A Pill" (2002)

D'LUV Says: "Pink's current Max Martin output is great, but there was just an overall excitement when she first reinvented herself. 'Get The Party Started' was gimmicky, but 'Just Like A Pill' just plain rawked. Pink's greatest hits—when it comes out—will put most others to shame."

CHARTS: U.K. #1, SWE #5, U.S. #8

30. Rihanna - "Take A Bow" (2008)

MOOG Says: "People will be shocked that one of Rihanna's ballads (actually, it's more mid-tempo!) made this list. Well, in its defense, 'Take a Bow' has a melody and a lyrical depth that put the rest of her schlocky catalog in the shade. And peace out to Hillary."

CHARTS: U.S. #1, U.K. #1, CAN #1

29. Justin Timberlake - "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" (2007)

MOOG Says: "This is the single that made Madonna want to work with Justin. No, really—his halo of dollar signs had nothing to do with it. Anyway, Justin in bitter-scorned-lover mode is always his best suit."

CHARTS: U.S. #1, AUS #3, U.K. #4

28. Britney Spears - "Stronger" (2000)

D'LUV Says: "From the first play of Britney's Oops... album, 'Stronger' —with its overblown foghorn, its bombastic bass and its irresistible handclaps—was always the song for me. Still sounds 10 times better than anything she's done with Max Martin since."

CHARTS: SWE #4, U.K. #7, U.S. #11

27. Nelly Furtado - "Say It Right" (2006)

MOOG Says: "I loved the 'adult contemporary' feel of 'Say It Right' when it was out three winters ago—it was very VH1 circa 1990. Maybe because Nelly's hair in the video reminded me of Basia."

CHARTS: U.S. #1, GER #2, U.K. #10

26. Hoku - "Another Dumb Blonde" (2000)

MOOG Says: "If just one dumb blonde, somewhere, was inspired by this piano-laden, robot-kissed anthem to dump her triflin' boyfriend and go to rocket science school, then Hoku's short reign was all worth it."

CHARTS: U.S. #27

25. Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron & Drew Seeley - "Breaking Free" (2006)

D'LUV Says: "'Breaking Free' still makes me smile! Chart Rigger kicked off in 2005, but really found its footing in 2006. I always feel High School Musical—and all its coverage here—was a big part of that."

CHARTS: U.S. #4, U.K. #9

24. Fragma - "Toca's Miracle" (2000)

D'LUV Says: "This will forever dredge up insanely giddy memories of Summer 2000—including MoogaBoo's first visit to Los Angeles, and many drunken, lost nights in clubs over those two weeks. Skip the 2008 remix for the original, which still stands up."

CHARTS: U.K. #1, NOR #2, AUS #8

23. Kylie Minogue - "Love At First Sight" (2002)

D'LUV Says: "I had jury duty in Compton for two effing weeks when this was all over radio. I drank a lot those 14 days, but this cracker—especially the 'Ruff and Jam' 7" mix—got me through."

CHARTS: U.K. #2, AUS #3, U.S. #23

22. Enrique Iglesias - "Be With You" (2000)

MOOG Says: "A peak moment for Enrique, METRO and even Thunderpuss, whose remix was integrated into the video. Sadly, none of these acts can get arrested today. You'll always have the memories, boys!"

CHARTS: U.S. #1, SWE #13

21. JoJo - "Too Little Too Late" (2006)

D'LUV Says: "JoJo was this decade's most inappropriate pop princess, in terms of her lyrical content versus her age at the time. That said, the banterview Moog and I did when this song was out is probably my favorite Chart Rigger post ever."

CHARTS: IRE #2, U.S. #3, U.K. #4

20. Keane - "Everybody's Changing" (2004)

D'LUV Says: "For me, 2003 and 2004 held so many great 'indie-pop' discoveries—The Killers, Snow Patrol, Interpol and Keane. 'Everybody's Changing' was a standout heartbreaker from the first listen."

CHARTS: ITALY #2, U.K. #3, FRANCE #10

19. Riva feat. Dannii Minogue - "Who Do You Love Now?" (2001)

MOOG Says: "Although Neon Nights is generally considered by serious critics to be Dannii's definitive work, this pre-album single really brought the whips and poppers."

CHARTS: U.K. #3, BEL #10, AUS #15

18. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - "Murder On The Dancefloor" (2001)

MOOG Says: "I don't know anyone who doesn't love this song—and I live in America, where it flizz-opped so hard they wouldn't even play it in Abercrombie & Fitch. Bonus points for irresistible video dance routine."

CHARTS: ITALY #1, U.K. #2, AUS #3

17. Green Day - "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" (2004)

D'LUV Says: "The topic of Chart Rigger's very first chart roundup, and probably the best rock power ballad—let alone pop song—summing up the overall disillusionment with life in the post-9/11 Bush era."

CHARTS: U.S. #2, IRE #2, U.K. #5

16. Destiny's Child - "Say My Name" (2000)

D'LUV Says: "I took acting classes (Christ almighty!) in 2000, and went to see a fellow student in a play somewhere deep in the Valley. On the drive, I heard 'Say My Name' for the first time. Beyonce has yet to top this."

CHARTS: U.S. #1, AUS #1, FRANCE #1

15. Britney Spears - "Toxic" (2004)

D'LUV Says: "Lightning-in-a-bottle pop that had all the stars—mainly Britney, Cathy Dennis and Bloodshy & Avant—perfectly aligned. Thankfully, time has erased Brit's two-second marriage to Jason Alexander around the same period."

CHARTS: U.K. #1, AUS #1, U.S. #9

14. Bananarama - "Look On The Floor (Hypnotic Tango)" (2005)

MOOG Says: "These ladies single-handedly launched the cougar movement and, setting aside their usual Euro-thump for something a little more elegant, this single was their irresistible siren call."

CHARTS: U.S. Dance #2, SPAIN #12, U.K. #26

13. Robyn with Kleerup - "With Every Heartbeat" (2007)

MOOG Says: "Years later, I'm still trying to figure out how something so minimal can coax so much emotion out of me—and also make me dance. Magical."

CHARTS: U.K #1, U.S. Dance #5, SWE #18

12. Chris Brown - "Forever" (2008)

D'LUV Says: "Our top pick from last year. Chris Brown's temper aside, 'Forever' was still the best out-of-nowhere pop single to grace 2008. Polow Da Don came close to perfection with Fergie's 'Glamorous,' then mastered it here."

CHARTS: IRE #1, U.S. #2, U.K. #4

11. Kylie Minogue - "On A Night Like This" (2000)

MOOG Says: "Kylie gettin' back to tuneful, trashy Euro—and, a Rutger Hauer cameo in the video defines such an exercise—was the best thing she ever did. Some of her bigger singles almost pale in comparison."

CHARTS: AUS #1, U.K. #2

************************

10. The Feeling - "Never Be Lonely" (2006)

D'LUV Says: "So simple, yet such powerful pop. There's a reason this song helped The Feeling become the most-played act on U.K. radio in 2006. And I still have naughty dreams about frontman Dan Gillespie Sells."
MOOG Says: "Perfectly re-created the sound of the AM-lite music one heard in the early '80s at the orthodontist's office. Yes, that's a compliment. Pardon me for having emotions for my orthodontist."
CHARTS: U.K. #9

9. Texas - "Inner Smile" (2001)

MOOG Says: "Texas were really happening for a minute there, thanks in large part to Gregg whatsisname from the New Young Radicals. This was the finest fruit of their collaboration—an uplifting, lusty pop dynamo."
D'LUV Says: "Bend It Like Beckham would never have been the same without 'Inner Smile.' Still adds a hop to my step every time I hear it out."
CHARTS: U.K. #6

8. Saint Etienne - "How We Used To Live" (2000)

D'LUV Says: "A near-perfect epic—pretty much three songs in one—with a killer second 'stanza'. It's ultimately hampered by its 8:50 run time, but still absolutely worth it if you've got the patience."
MOOG Says: "The Etiennes, forever sounding like a sequined disco dress strewn against the rocks and debris of some urban waterway, summed up the '00s before they'd even begun."
CHARTS: Run time made it ineligible to chart in the U.K.

7. All Saints - "Pure Shores" (2000)

MOOG Says: "William Orbit's turn-of-the-century dreampop soothed our fears of Y2K, Internet meltdowns and the oncoming non-stop media saturation of Jennifer Lopez."
D'LUV Says: "Another one of my rollerblading classics at the beach. Still sends me dreaming when I hear it."
CHARTS: U.K. #1, IRE #1, ITALY #1

6. Sugababes - "Push The Button" (2005)

D'LUV Says: "Sheesh—this was already two incarnations ago for the Sugababes. Their absolute peak, both creatively and lineup-wise."
MOOG Says: "Too bad they hit the eject button and flung Mutya out the window after this. Things were never quite as funky—or fun—again."
CHARTS: U.K. #1, AUS #3, SWE #4

5. Mariah Carey - "We Belong Together" (2005)

MOOG Says: "Mimi, Jermaine Dupri plus some chintzy keyboards. And, presto—a new standard for the American songbook."
D'LUV Says: "Mariah was given one Get Out Of Jail card after Glitter, and, boy, did she ever make the most of it. The electrifying ballad we always knew she had in her."
CHARTS: U.S. #1, AUS #1, U.K. #2

4. The Killers - "Somebody Told Me" (2004)

D'LUV Says: "Brandon Flowers was Chart Rigger's first great lust. 'Somebody Told Me' thankfully made it OK to bring synthesizers and sexual ambiguity back to pop."
MOOG Says: "Sexy, rock-y and dancey, with a queer edge effectively delivering on everything the mid-'00s promised to be."
CHARTS: U.K. #3, DEN #6, U.S. #51

3. Lady GaGa - "Poker Face" (2009)

MOOG Says: "Whether this broad becomes the next Madonna or the next A'me Lorain, she's got one certified, timeless, gold-plated classic under her leotard belt."
D'LUV Says: "In total recessionista fashion, The Fame became the soundtrack to my months on the dole earlier this year. And 'Poker Face' will forever remind me of those bittersweet, freeing days, and 2009 in general."
CHARTS: U.S. #1, U.K. #1, JAP #1, AUS #1

2. Daft Punk - "One More Time" (2000)

D'LUV Says: "In November 2000, Bush scammed his way into the White House. But at least we got this defiantly-celebratory Euro jam as a consolation prize."
MOOG Says: "Post-rave party anthem that even mainstream overexposure couldn't destroy. I swear I can still smell rum and coke every time I hear it."
CHARTS: U.S. Dance #1, FRANCE #1, CAN #1, U.K. #2

1. Kelly Clarkson - "Since U Been Gone" (2004)

MOOG Says: "We all know Kelly's an ungrateful twerp—it's her brand. But even she should get on her knees and thank the gods (Uncle Clive, Max Martin, Dr. Luke etc.) for this, the bitch anthem that re-inflated her career and launched a thousand imitators."
D'LUV Says: "It all comes full circle, as this was Chart Rigger's very first year-end top pick, back in 2005. Ultimately, Kelly's pop anthem wins out due to it being arguably the most unifying single across the board this past decade. Plus, it still just plain rocks."
CHARTS: CAN #1, U.S. #2, IRE #4, U.K. #5

PAST LISTS:
* The Best Pop Singles Of 2008
* The Best Pop Singles Of 2007
* The Best Pop Singles Of 2006
* The Best Pop Singles Of 2005
* The Worst Singles Of 2008
* The Worst Singles Of 2007
* The Worst Singles Of 2006

Westlife: Still Irrelevant 10 Years Later

2009-11-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

Just what the world was clamoring for—Westlife covering Daughtry!! My god, I can die now. Bucket of magic "What About Now" is at #2 on the U.K. singles chart this week.

Here's a small clip of the video, because the full thing hasn't premiered yet or someone came to their senses and destroyed the original tape:

Elsewhere, Jay Sean's U.S. chart-topping single "Down" debuts at #3, while Miley Cyrus' "Party In The U.S.A." enters at #11. And while Calvin Harris' splendid jam "Flashback" climbs up to #25, sadly Alphabet plummet from #20 to #30 with "The Spell."

Cheryl Cole has control of both the single and album charts this week, as her LP 3 Words arrives at #1—despite a minor debacle where it was made available for free to download from Last FM earlier in the week.

Finally, Michael Jackson's concert rehearsal film This Is It was the top earner at the American box office this weekend. The sort-of soundtrack debuted at #3 on the U.K. album chart.

Eeeee-Heeeee!!

The U.K. Top 10:

1. "Fight For This Love" - Cheryl Cole *2 weeks*
2. "What About Now" - Westlife *new*
3. "Down" - Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne *new*
4. "Bad Boys" - Alexandra Burke feat. Flo Rida
5. "Haven't Met You Yet" - Michael Buble
6. "Meet Me Halfway" - The Black Eyed Peas

7. "Oopsy Daisy" - Chipmunk

8. "Million Dollar Bill" - Whitney Houston

9. "Bodies" - Robbie Williams

10. "I Gotta Feeling" - The Black Eyed Peas

Halloween Was A Thriller!

2009-11-01T09:24:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a safe and sexy Halloween. D'luv Jackson sure did!

Agnes: The Spooky Chart Rigger Interview

2009-10-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! This year for the fright-filled holiday, I decided to do something a little bit different and d'luvvly—interview Swedish pop minx Agnes Carlsson! After all, she's performing here in Los Angeles (at Cherry Pop—click flier below to enlarge) tomorrow night, on All Hallows' Evening.

Agnes' European hit "Release Me" is currently haunting iTunes, and her second U.K. single "I Need You Now" is set for a November 16 release.

Here now is Agnes talking to D'luv about the delightfully spooky Swedish vampire flick Let The Right One In, cutting her hair to look like Robyn and—shriek!!—Whitney Houston!

ROBBIE DAW: So, you're performing here Los Angeles—or, more exact, West Hollywood, at Cherry Pop—on Halloween. You do realize there are going to be thousands of folks dressed up?
AGNES: Oh, my God! I haven't decided yet, but I don't think I'll be wearing really crazy stuff. Maybe something, because it's Halloween.

RD: Maybe toss on a pair of devil horns, to show what a naughty vixen you are.
AGNES: Exactly! [Laughs]

RD: Oh, who are we kidding? You don't need devil horns. We already know. What's your favorite horror movie?
AGNES: You know, I think those kind of movies are too scary. But if I look at a really scary movie, I have to look at a comedy after. I can say that a movie I really like is The Shining.

RD: Yeah, that one freaked me out as a kid.
AGNES: Oh, yeah. I remember when I saw it, I had my fingers in front of my eyes. It was hard to see anything—I was like, Aaah! I can't look at it!

RD: Did you see the Swedish vampire flick, Let The Right One In? I think it's one of the best horror movies in the past decade.
AGNES: Yeah! It's really good!

RD: It's really sad, too.
AGNES: You've seen it?

RD: Yeah, it came out here in the States last year.
AGNES: Oh, I didn't know that.

RD: It's sad and it's scary. Those two kids in it are really good.
AGNES: I know! It's beautiful, in a way.

RD: You've been to Los Angeles a few times now. Do you ever have time to go shopping while you're here?
AGNES: I haven't, but maybe this time. I love to shop! I hope I'm gonna have some time to just look around.

RD: So, your album Dance Love Pop comes out in the U.K. in November?
AGNES: In December!

RD: When can we expect it here in the States?
AGNES: In January, maybe. I don't know exactly yet. But I'm also going to record some new songs for the U.S. release.

RD: Congratulations on your MTV Europe Music Award nomination, by the way.
AGNES: Thank you! Actually, I'm not going to be there because I'm going to be in Sweden. I think [the show] is in Berlin. I'm not going to do that.

RD: Is it true that when you were younger, you cut your hair to look like Robyn?
AGNES: [Laughs] Yeah, I did! I like her. I love her music. I thought she was so cool. I had to have my hair like her.

RD: You've been traveling nonstop since you won Swedish Idol in 2005. Are you ready to fall over yet?
AGNES: You know, it's exciting, but of course you get tired when you only sleep, like, three hours. But I love it. I'm so happy now that everything is going so well. That gives me energy.

RD: When you go back to Sweden, do you have time to visit with family?
AGNES: I hope so! [Laughs] I'm going back on Monday so I hope to have a day to just meet with my family.

RD: When you're back there, does the paparazzi follow you around?
AGNES: You know, we don't have paparazzi in Sweden. So, no, it's really cool.

RD: Were you surprised at how huge "Release Me" became in England?
AGNES: Well, I remember when me and Anders Hansson, the producer, wrote the song—and also Sharon [Vaughn]—and I remember when we started to record it, all of us said this is a really, really good song. But I'm so happy that a lot of people think that, too. Of course, I was surprised that everything went so well because "Release Me" is on Dance Love Pop—it's my third album and it's also my first album I released outside Sweden. I'm just really happy everything's going so well.

RD: Another artist you've said you always liked is Whitney Houston. Have you heard her new album?
AGNES: I haven't heard her whole new album, but I've heard the single. You know, I saw her when she performed live on Oprah. I think she's really amazing. Of course, she doesn't sound exactly the same, but I think she's still amazing.

RD: She's still had an amazing career. I hope your career turns out just as well!
AGNES: Yes, but without the drugs! [Both laugh]

RD: Well, just don't marry Bobby Brown, doll.
AGNES: Exactly!

RD: Who are you listening to these days?
AGNES: I love La Roux! And I love the song with Kelly Rowland and David Guetta...

RD: "When Love Takes Over!"
AGNES: Yeah! I love that song. I always work out to, [singing beautifully]"When love takes over—"

RD: [Singing horribly off-key, a bird falls out of the sky and plummets to its death] "Yee-aaah!" Speaking of working out, you look great! Do you work out every day?
AGNES: I try to. I have a book, Give Me A Quarter Every Day. The workouts you can do at home, in your hotel room—[she's interrupted by someone correcting her]—[Laughs] Oh! I mean Give Me 50 Minutes Every Day! [Both laugh] It's a really good way to work out when you travel a lot and you don't have a gym everywhere.

RD: Well, you have very nice legs.
AGNES: Oh, thank you!

RD: I posted your U.S. video for "Release Me," and a lot of people have commented on your hairstyle changing. Do your fans bring up your hair a lot?
AGNES: I think they talk about everything! [Laughs] But I just wanted to do something different.

RD: Alright, have a safe flight to L.A. from San Francisco!
AGNES: Are you coming when I perform?

RD: Well, if you twist my arm I might.
AGNES: I hope I can meet you then.

RD: Sold!

Download "Release Me" from U.S. iTunes or the Amazon MP3 store.

Damn You, Sinitta!

2009-10-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

So, the other day, my copy of Sinitta's The Hits+ Collection 86-09: Right Back Where We Started From arrived from Amazon U.K. I pulled into the driveway, and there Sinitta was, slumped over against my front door like a hooker making a house call. Yay!

Cut to Thursday, when I went to visit my friend Lisa, and decided to give her a crash course in the magic of Sinitta. But while the paper-thin jams of Simon Cowell's ex were dazzling all within earshot, my car was being towed away outside. I only realized it when I went out to grab my sweatshirt, which I'd left in the car. Something about me parking in front of a school—yeah, as if kids need to go anymore, now that there's XTube and TMZ!

$207 later, after rescuing my wheels from the dregs of North Hollywood, we got right back to where we started from: Torturing Lisa's neighbors with Sinitta at full volume!

The moral of the story is this: The 12" Mix of Wicked album track "I Just Wanna Spend Some Time With You" is why God invented ears, pop kidz!

I Can't Believe Owl City Are #1!

2009-10-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! I never in a million years would have predicted Owl City—aka one-man band consisting of cute indie dude Adam Young—would reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with "Fireflies." It's almost as if the Black Eyed Peas clogged things up for 26 weeks, then came the Drano and the anything-goes floodgates were finally opened!

I honestly feel like "Fireflies" has to be one of the first dreamy synth-pop jams to hit #1 since, like, Tears For Fears' "Everybody Rules The World" back in 1985, or something! And, yeah, it's nice when Britney Spears occasionally tops the charts with her Auto Tune sex jams—but let's face it, her best tunez are long behind her. I always believed that "Fireflies" truly deserved to be a hit, and here it is now—at #1!

Let's have that video one more time:

Over on the Top 200 Albums chart, Owl City's Ocean Eyes jumps from #23 to #8, as well. This is so cool! Ha! I mean, this guy recorded this album in his basement!

So, anyway, Beyonce's sixth single off I Am... Sasha Fierce, "Sweet Dreams," now becomes her fourth to enter the Top 10 (at #10).

Also, Kesha (or Ke$sha)—who D'luv warned you back in March would soon be pop's biggest pole dancer since Samantha Fox—sees her Dr. Luke jam, "TiK ToK," leap from #55 to #22. Speaking of which, Cascada crawls up to a new high of #29 with "Evacuate The Dancefloor."

And Adam Lambert's single "Time For Miracles"—despite what his fans will tell you about it not being a single—debuts at #50. Someone anonymously commented last night that they can't believe how gays aren't supporting Lambert. I'd like to point out that I've written about Adam every f-ing day this week! Sure, I don't like "Time For Miracles," but even some of Adam's lambs have admitted the song is a snooze. Not supportive! Sheesh!

And, finally, while we're on the topic of utterly boring cack, Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" enters the Hot 100 at #100. (That's actually quite high for that trash.)

The U.S. Top 10:

1. "Fireflies" - Owl City *1 week*
2. "Watcha Say" - Jason DeRulo
3. "Down" - Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne
4. "Party In The U.S.A." - Miley Cyrus
5. "Run This Town" - Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West
6. "Paparazzi" - Lady GaGa
7. "Meet Me Halfway" - Black Eyed Peas
8. "3" - Britney Spears
9. "I Gotta Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas
10. "Sweet Dreams" - Beyonce

Adam Lambert Is Aiming To Achieve Stunning Blake Lewis-Type Greatness

2009-10-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

During my nightly bout with insomnia, I was sitting there thinking, where have I seen that ill-advised purple space background on Adam Lambert's album cover before?

What other American Idol runner-up could possibly have used it? Ah, right—Blake Lewis!

Here's hoping For Your Entertainment has the same success Audio Day Dream did, too! Oh, shit. Wait a minute...

JoJo Defends Gay Marriage, But Her Songs Are Yanked Off iTunes

2009-10-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

JoJo posted this pic on her Twitter account the other night, but quite frankly, I was too scandalized by Adam Lambert's bedazzled album cover to make my fingers work enough to upload it!

JoJo has joined the campaign against California's Proposition 8, which defines marriage in the state as being between a man and a woman. In other words, the gays can't get hitched here.

I think JoJo also needs to join the campaign to get her old jams put back on iTunes! Has anyone else noticed that her two albums have been removed (probably following her drama with her label)?

Bring back "Too Little, Too Late"! Also, if you've never read the greatest piece of literature ever unleashed upon humankind—aka, Chart Rigger's JoJo banterview—do it now!

JoJo's third album is due out in January.

All Adam Lambert's Album Cover Is Missing Is Pink Glitter And A Rainbow Brite Doll

2009-10-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

Well, this more than makes up for those irked that Adam Lambert was posing with lady box jammed in his face in his Details photo shoot.

The cover of the painted Lamb's album, For Your Entertainment, basically leaves no question about the rocker's sexual leanings. Because, after all, blue hair = gay. Let's hope the traxxx live up to the attempted glam sass.

And, sorry, you thousands of broads who thought you'd one day have your thighs wrapped around the Idol runner-up's face like a feedbag—that mouth ain't for your entertainment.

ALSO SEE:
* It's Time For A Miracle, Adam Lambert!
* Move Over, Rihanna—Adam Lambert's Got 2009's Most Boring Song

The Killers Shack Up In 'Hotel California,' Ready New Holiday EP Offering

2009-10-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Killers Latin-tinged cover of the Eagles' "Hotel California" has been available on Rhythms Del Mundo's Classics album since August. (You can grab it off iTunes.)

Now the track—which is kind of a snooze—is said to be included on next month's (November 30) Killers EP with yet another of the band's annual holiday offerings for the Red campaign, "Happy Birthday, Guadalupe."

I think that's what I like most about this band—even when they're on "off time" from their studio albums and singles, they still release plenty of goodies in the interim.

That said, as far as their holiday jams go, I don't think they've topped "A Great Big Sled."

Somebody Made A Boo Boo: Grab Cheryl Cole's Album While It's Free!

2009-10-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

Girls Aloud's most chav stripper, Cheryl Cole, has found her entire 3 Words album (read Pop Trash Addicts gut-busting review) popping up on Last FM, with each track being available as a free download!

Someone at Polydor's gonna get beaten with a reed over this one. Meanwhile, Cole's single, "Fight For This Love," debuted at #1 on the U.K. singles chart Sunday.

As for 3 Words, it's like when a hooker cries—no one wants to hear that shit, let alone pay for it.

It's Time For A Miracle, Adam Lambert!

2009-10-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Well, after the premiere of Adam Lambert's "Time For Miracles" vid last week—which initially propelled the single to #9 on the iTunes daily downloads chart—the dirge has flizz-opped down to #49 a mere five days later.

Crikey! Has 2012 arrived already and rained down biblical doom upon poor Adam's pop career so soon? Maybe it's just God's will.

Look, it's not that I have anything against Adam. Though, after being told to "die in a fire you insufferable prick" and that "by not supporting Adam, you're a traitor to gays" by several Lamb-tards over the past few months, you'd think I ought to.

I just want the 17 people in charge of the American Idol runner-up's career this month to make better choices for him. After all you don't want him to end up dropped and rooming with Bo Bice in a Tarzana studio apartment, huffing Ajax all day while playing "Time For Miracles" on a continuous loop as the credit card companies keep calling endlessly to make Idol threats into the voicemail that's about to be disconnected—now do you?

The days of a huge blockbuster flick starring ~~Kevin Costner Nicolas Cage Bruce Willis~~ John Cusack producing a hit Diane Warren-esque ballad went down like Monica Lewinsky about 11 years ago.

Adam needs to go about etching out his hit-song career the tried-and-true way: By leaking a sex tape.

Cheryl Cole Might Be A Fat Has-Been Someday

2009-10-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Probably the only thing that could further boost Girls Aloud broad Cheryl Cole's profile these days is if she did an entire episode of the X Factor while sitting on fellow judge Dannii Minogue's lap and bounced up and down like an impatient teen stripper eager to tackle the pole for the first time.

Then, and only then, might Cheryl's debut solo single, "Fight For This Love," have sold a tad more. Instead, the tune still sold an impressive 290,000 copies this past week to debut at #1. This also marked the fastest-selling single in the Britain for 2009. (Geez, if only same magic had worked when American Idol judge Paula Abdul was shilling her attempted "comeback" ditties!)

Here's "Fight For This Love":

Not a bad jam overall. But look, baby—Gary Barlow's first two solo singles went to #1, too. Then before you knew it, he was a porked-out wash-up who got chucked into the flop dumpster.

Speaking of which, Whitney Houston jumped up to #5 with "Million Dollar Bill"! But more exciting is Calvin Harris, whose superb "Flashback" debuts at #30 two weeks ahead of its official release.

Yee-horsey!

The U.K. Top 10:

1. "Fight For This Love" - Cheryl Cole *new* *1 week*
2. "Bad Boys" - Alexandra Burke feat. Flo Rida

3. "Oopsy Daisy" - Chipmunk

4. "Bodies" - Robbie Williams

5. "Million Dollar Bill" - Whitney Houston

6. "Break Your Heart" - Taio Cruz

7. "I Gotta Feeling" - The Black Eyed Peas
8. "Empire State Of Mind" - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

9. "Haven't Met You Yet" - Michael Buble
10. "I Got Soul" - Young Soul Rebels *new*

Please Please Please Get Well, Morrissey!

2009-10-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Morrissey collapsed on stage last night after performing one song in Swindon last night. You gotta get better Moz! :*(

Exploring Saint Etienne's 'Foxbase Beta' + Remembering The Kid Who Bought 'Alpha'

2009-10-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm listening to the commentary now on the second bonus disc on the limited edition of Saint Etienne's Foxbase Beta—the remixed version of their debut album, Foxbase Alpha.

If you're a Richard X fan, you really oughtta pick this up (if it's still available?), because he pretty much leads the conversation in the commentary on the second disc, Foxbase Extra! It's a bit surprising, since Richard X—to me, at least—always seemed like such a mysterious figure. I guess I just didn't know much about him other than his groovy mixes (Pet Shop Boys, etc.) and productions (Richard X Presents His X Factor, Annie, Liberty X, Sugababes).

I don't wanna go on about the commentary too much, but there's much to gleen from it—such as how much of a complete Etienne fan Richard X has been from day one, not to mention all the little stories and origins of certain tracks and between-song snippets.

Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs also revisit what it was like to be young guys exploring London for the first time, trying to make their first record. That's always been Saint Etienne's charm—at once revealing, while also building up, the mystery and allure of London.

I was 17 when I first bought Foxbase Beta on cassette (along with Bananarama's Pop Life) one Sunday afternoon in 1991 at Disc Jockey, at the local shopping mall in my hometown. There was a dance music radio station in Pittsburgh at the time that occasionally played "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," so the group was on my radar, I suppose.

Jumping to Foxbase Beta, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"—a song I rarely play in its original form now—is totally punched up with the full-on Richard X treatment.

I was driving the other morning when I heard this new version, and I gotta say—that's the best thing to be doing the first time you hear this:

Here, "Girl VII" and "Stoned To Say The Least" are given an equally adrenalin-quickening boost. "She's The One" sounds like classic Richard X. And "Carnt Sleep," while being completely overhauled, somehow retains its minimal, dreamy quality. Also, "Like The Swallow" just completely rawks.

I guess what surprised me was that there are only 13 tracks on Foxbase Beta. That "Kiss And Make Up" and "People Get Real" were never on the original U.K. version of Alpha was completely lost on me all these years! (Apparently they were recorded after the initial British album, but done in time for the U.S. release.)

Yes, this release is definitely worth grabbing for those asking for a review in the comments on my post from earlier this week. I believe only 3,000 of the two-disc version were pressed. Mine is #1909. Check out Saint Etienne.com to see if this one's still available.

If not, the single disc version is going to be made available at some point.

Last thing I wanna say is that with the advent now of album re-releases with commentary, it's often a music geek's dream to find out all the backstory.

But sometimes, there's still that 17-year-old in me stuck in his suburban bedroom, who prefers the unknown—and likes only being able to guess about the places and people these strangers are making music about.