Lauren Pritchard takes the TLC classic, “Waterfalls” and adds her own amazing spin on it. I love her voice and style. Lauren is one of my favorite artists/singers to emerge in the past year, and it’s amazing to see her gaining so much well deserved momentum before the release of her debut album, Wasted in Jackson. The album comes out in the UK on the 18th of October. Pre-order your copy already, it’s going to be a keeper.

She’s released several EPs, including The Jackson Sessions which featured my favorite tune, “When The Night Kills The Day” (review of the EP). Next came the Painkillers EP, with the massively catchy and successful “Painkillers” (here’s the music video, live performance is also posted below). She also played at this years iTunes Festival in London, opening for Florence and The Machine. Her iTunes Festival 2010 EP from the show is also available in the UK.

Here’s Lauren’s awesome cover of “Waterfalls”:

And just because I really love this song, here’s a live performance of “Painkillers”:

Lauren is one of the artists I’ve been keeping my eye on for a while (since her Spring Awakening days), and I’m really excited for all her success in the UK with the EPs and gigs, and I’m sure it will continue with her album. She’s planning on releasing her songs in the US after the UK, so America, take note and stay tuned. She’s still touring and playing live shows all the time, (sadly, she had to cancel her show in LA, I was really bummed), if you get a chance to see her, don’t miss out.

I really can’t stop listening to Sharon Corr’s cover of “Small Town Boy”. It’s absolutely fantastic! I had been watching her live performance on Wave 105 non-stop, but Sharon has graciously given us two live downloads… FREE downloads!. The first is a live recording of “Jenny’s Chicken”, a great upbeat traditional Irish tune. The second is another stunning live performance of “Small Town Boy” – and since you can download it, you can add it to your iTunes and put it on repeat for hours… which is what I immediately did. I highly suggest you do the same.

Sharon’s debut album, Dream of You, is released on the 13th of September in the UK. You can pre-order your copy here, and in the US, you can get it as an import here.

And while we’re talking about Sharon, in case you missed it, here is the music video for her current single, “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime”.

I’m really excited about her album and hopefully you are as well.

Sharon sounds amazing in everything I’ve heard so far, and what really impresses me is that so far, the music she’s writing/singing is very true to who she is and has been for the past 15 years with The Corrs. Everything is as I’d expect it to be from Sharon. We know she loves writing and performing, and is doing it because she loves it and for no other reason. She is genuine and I’m really appreciating it, as a huge fan of The Corrs. Once again, Go Sharon!

Last May, Dido released a track called “Everything To Lose” via the Sex and The City 2 Soundtrack. While she is currently working on her fourth album and with other artists (including Jason Mraz), she released a digital EP of remixes for the song. The Digital EP has 5 remixes of the track by Armin van Burren, Fred Falke and ATFC. They are lengthy, but worth the listen. The original track is great, but the remixes add a nice kick. Dido’s voice is amazing and works great with trance/electronic songs. Take a listen:

Here’s the original album track:

The Armin van Burren remix:

The Fred Falke Extended Vocal Remix:

The ATFC Remix:

For the time being, the tracks are not available in the US, but if for everyone in the UK, get your 5-track Digital EP here.

Dido is on my list of artists I’d love to see in concert. I missed the opportunity the last few times, but am determined to make it happen!. So hopefully she will release her next album in the early months of 2011, and will play a few shows in the US, particularly in Los Angeles.

Pixie Lott is busy busy busy! She’s filling in for Danni Minogue on X-Factor this week (at least I think it airs this week, and yes, it was taped a while ago, I know).

She also debuted her new UK single, “Broken Arrow” last week, on the same day as the release of her first single in the US (I’ll post this tomorrow for the everyone in the US) [Let the UK POP domination of US begin! woot-woot!].

In the meantime, check out Pixie’s new song, “Broken Arrow” and share your thoughts:

Since X-Factor Season 7 has began, I’ve been in full blown pop mode, listening to great UK pop music. I’m excited to see how the US version does and if it serves as a platform for launching the UK acts in the US. The auditions also reminded me of all the great audition moments from the previous years.. and here’s one of my favorites.

Last year, Lucie Jones was my favorite and I really wanted her to win. I was absolutely gutted when she was sent home instead of Jedward when Simon Cowell took the decision to deadlock… I’m actually still really annoyed at that decision/result! After her early departure from the show, Lucie is now in the West End production on Les Miserables as Cosette. She’s also done some modeling, but hopefully she will be get a recording contract and release a few albums.

Here’s her audition, one of my favorites:

Lucie picks a HUGE, possibly the biggest song of all time to sing, Whitney Houston’s epic “I Will Always Love You” and nails it. She adds her own spin, making it unique and youthful. She has such phenomenal control over her voice, it’s really amazing to watch. She also starts out very timid and shy, and eventually becomes more comfortable and really gets into the song, impressing the judges and audience. She starts off as a girl from a small village, and leaves as a talented force to be reckoned with. Go Lucie!

Cee Lo’s new single, “FUCK YOU!” is already a massive hit and has received a lot of attention. “FUCK YOU!” (yes, all caps), is the lead single from Cee Lo’s third solo album, The Lady Killer, due on December 7th.

Here is the brand new video for “FUCK YOU!”:

Both the song and video are unique and fantastic. The song is super catchy with it’s potty-mouth lyrics/chorus and it’s suave smooth vocals over the cool doo-wop beat. The video juxtaposes the retro diner with a contemporary feel, and lots of vibrant colors. It’s got just enough cheese and novelty to make it fun and interesting, without mocking itself too much. Now,  “ain’t that some shit!”.

At last, the video for Sharon Corr’s current single, “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime” has arrived. The single will be released on the 3rd of September, and is the second single from her debut album, Dream of You, released the 13th of September. You can pre-order the album through Amazon.co.uk here.

The video was directed by Pedro Castro and was shot in several locations, including Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. Sharon has shared her interest in one day performing at the palace, and she was granted permission to record scenes for her video there. Here’s what Sharon said about the palace and filming there, “Well, my dream came true this week when I was allowed to shoot my video in the magical Moorish palace. I could feel it’s incredible history flow through me as I walked and performed.”

These beautiful beach scenes were at Balcon de Europa in Nerja, and parts of the video were shot in the town of Frigiliana. My favorite location in the video are the scenes of Sharon on the cliff, in her white dress playing the black piano and also the violin. These scenes were shot  in Maro, Spain. The cliff and sunset are beautiful, as in Sharon.

The video is quite simple, no flash, no cheesy love story, just Sharon singing the beautiful ballad surrounded by beautiful places. A few of the shots and edits are a bit questionable, but that’s if I’m being super picky.  I love the bright vivid colors, especially all the blue hues. I also love that we see Sharon play the piano and the violin, she is super talented and it’s great for those that don’t know her musical background to see it.

The video is simple, classic, romantic and beautiful… all words that can also be used to describe the song and Sharon.

Be sure to pre-order Dream Of You and check out Sharon’s website for more goodies.

Florence and The Machine is one of my favorite singers at the moment.

I constantly find myself singing her tunes, and I don’t really mind it. She has such a powerful voice combined with a distinct sound that is soothing yet invigorating. She is a brilliant song writer with a unique vision and sound. Her album captivated my attention, but it is her live performances that showcase her brilliance. If you don’t already have her debut album Lungs, you are missing out big time. And if you enjoyed the album be sure to pick up her iTunes Festival London EP and be ready to have your mind blown. The acoustic arrangement of the songs is fantastic as it really allows Florence’s vocals take center stage with her incredible tone and range, and emotion. My only complaint is that the EP is only 6 songs long, she actually performed a few more songs in the show than are available on the EP, including “Dog Days Are Over”, and “You’ve Got The Love”“Hurricane Drunk”… but frankly, I’d like to see an acoustic version of Lungs…

“Drumming Song” from iTunes Festival London 2010

“Between Two Lungs” from iTunes Festival London 2010

These songs are not on the EP…

“You’ve Got The Love” from iTunes Festival London 2010

“I’m Not Calling You A Liar” from iTunes Festival London 2010

“Dog Days Are Over” from iTunes Festival London 2010

“My Boy Builds Coffins” from iTunes Festival London 2010

Florence and the Machine is amazing, no?

Mary Bryne exemplifies the reason why I watch X-Factor (and American Idol)… she’s talented, has a great personality and a great spirit/heart. It’s heartbreaking to hear that people as talented as her suffer from low self-esteem and give up on their dreams when they clearly have the potential and talent. But it’s amazingly beautiful and heartwarming to see their talents validated and their dreams revitalized in a few minutes.

I was very impressed with Mary Bryne and hope she does well. Regardless of how she does on the show, it’s evident that the few minutes she was on the stage profoundly changed her life for the better. I admire Simon Cowell for what he says to contestants, especially Mary. His honest criticism validated Mary and her dream.

With one song, in a few minutes, Mary went from a cashier at a supermarket to an inspiration.

For all the Mary Bryne’s in the world… Keep you’re head up and follow your dreams. Do whatever makes you happy and don’t let others bring you down!

So touching and inspiring.

What do you dream of doing/becoming?

Mark Ronson debuted the second single from his upcoming album, Record Collection. The song is called “The Bike Song” and features Mark’s band, The Business Intl. The song features vocals by Kyle Falconer, and a verse from a rapper called Spank Rock.

Last month the lead single from the album was released, “Bang, Bang, Bang”, and eventually topped the singles chart at #6. “The Bike Song” will be released on September 19th in the UK, while the album, Record Collection will be released on the 27th.

Here’s the music video for “The Bike Song”:

For me, the song is just alright. It’s got a nice vibe, like an old school beach jam, but it’s missing something, at least for me. It’s not up to far with “Valerie” with Amy Winehouse and “Stop Me” with Daniel Merriweather. I like that Mark Ronson is always changing it up, aside from all the horns, but I’m not sure about this one…. it doesn’t strike me as being a single, definitely an album cut, but not really a single. It may just need to grow on me some more.

What do you all think of “The Bike Song”?

Arcade Fire are such great innovators and they’ve scored again with their interactive video for “We Used To Wait”. I’m not quite sure if it is technically a music video, but it’s a great piece by Chris Milk called “The Wilderness Downtown” that features “We Used to Wait” by Arcade Fire.

I just spent the last hour playing with this interactive music video. It is genius! I can’t believe no one thought of this before. Check it out yourself….

It really does work best with Google Chrome, but regardless of what browser you use, it’s genius and uber creative. Well done!

Experience The Wilderness Downtown.

“Mad World” sung by Gary Jules has always been a favorite of mine. It’s such a great dark song. It was originally performed by Tears For Fears in 1982, with a heavy synthesized backing the track. The version recorded by Gary Jules for the movie Donnie Darko is dark, with vocals by Gary Jules accompanied only by a piano and cello.

The lyrics are very vivid and dark. There are two lines in particular that strike a chord with me, “And I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad, the dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had”, and “children waiting for the day they feel good, happy birthday, happy birthday”. So beautiful!

This is the perfect song to listen to when I’ve had a stressful day or on a gloomy day; it always puts in a pensive mood. It’s such a beautiful song.

And more X-Factor releases. In 2007, Same Difference (brother and sister Sean and Sarah Smith) made it to the semi-finals of X-Factor, finishing in 3rd place, with Rhydian Roberts coming in second, and Leon Jackson winning the title. Same Difference released an album post X-Factor called Pop in 2008. The album was pop indeed, and very youthful pop, generating comparison to S Club 7 and High School Musical.

Sean and Sarah are back with a new single, “Shine On Forever (Photo Frame)” which was released world-wide yesterday. Their sound and look is more mature, no longer catering to kids, but young adults. They are now being compared to the likes of Katy Perry, JLS and Kylie.

“Shine On Forever (Photo Frame)” is as catchy as pop can get. It’s instantly stuck in my head as my head bobs back and forth to the beat. It’s been getting great reviews and has been well received. Hopefully it will chart well and will help re-launch their career. As seen on X-Factor, Sean and Sarah are not only talented singers, but they work tremendously hard and are incredibly kind, caring and humble. Their debut album was a bit too pop for me, but I really enjoy this new mature sound and am excited for their future.

And for good measure, here’s their audition from 2007… They were soooo annoying, but talented and likable at the same time. The judges comments are so hilarious, and spot on.

Simon Cowell says, “You are possibly two of the most annoying people I’ve ever met”… little did he know Jedward was in his future…

That’s the chorus from the awesome new track by The Ting Tings called “Hands”. After teasing us for 7 months, we finally get to hear the track. The song has a great electronic/80’s feel, but also sounds contemporary. Katie sounds amazing on the track; her vocals are always spot on.

The single will be released in the UK on October 11th. The is the first track released from The Ting Tings next album, called Kunst, which is expected to be released in 2010  (no official date yet).

Both “Hands” and Kunst are going to be massive, I’m already hooked on “Hands”. I’m still really into their debut album, We Started Nothing. It has some really great tracks like ‘Traffic Light”, “We Walk”, “Be The One”, and “Fruit Machine”. I’ve got high expectations for Kunst….

Take a listen and spend some quality time with “Hands”:

“Clap your hand if you’re working too hard.”

Gamu Nhengu is one of my favorites on X-Factor so far. She’s got such a great spirit and personality. And she’s got the voice to match. She chose an odd song, but she really made it her own, and had fun. She’s got great quirky style, slightly reminds me of Diana Vickers.

I’m such a sucker for the contestant’s back story, I love that she wants to give back to her mom. I usually don’t care much when people, “it means the world to me”, but with Gamu, you get that feeling that it really does mean the world to her, and she has the talent to back it. You see her talent validated on stage and it’s incredible to watch. And the hug with her mom at the end… oh my, so touching. X-Factor always get me so emotional. It’s great watching talented people realize their dreams.

Go Gamu!

X-Factor 2010, Season7, began last week!

There have been some great acts so far, and many interesting ones. As they get down to the Bootcamp week, I’ll highlight more acts, but for now, enjoy Shirlena Johnson’s version of “Mercy”, originally by Duffy.

“Release Me. Release You. Please! Release me and Release you today. We all need mercy! MERCY! PLEASE! We do!”

Stay Tuned for more X-Factor clips and thoughts.

Sharon Corr recently posted some live performances of a few tracks from her upcoming album. The album is called Dream Of You and is Sharon’s first as a solo artist. The album comes out on the 13th of September in the UK.

The album opens with a beautiful instrumental called “Our Wedding Day”. As we’ve seen in the past, Sharon is a romantic, which looks to be a central theme on the album.

“Our Wedding Day”:

From all the songs from the album that Sharon has played thus far, her cover of “Smalltown Boy” is my favorite. It is exactly the type of song I’d imagine her to play, it’s a slow ballad with great depth and emotion. And Sharon has a beautiful voice and sings with so much passion. (I’ve heard snippets of “Butterfly” and it sounds incredible)

“Smalltown Boy”:

There are two other songs that Sharon has been playing recently that don’t appear to be on the album, but here they are, “Over It”, and a great instrumental “Jenny’s Chicken”. Hopefully they’ll be b-sides down the line.

“Over It”

“Jenny’s Chicken”

Before the album’s release, Sharon will be releasing the music video for her first single, “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime”, which was shot in Spain. From the stills I’ve seen, Sharon looks absolutely beautiful. I’m so excited for all the success that she is about to experience.

There’s only two more weeks of waiting before we get to hear the album, and I’m really excited. I’m a huge fan of The Corrs, and Sharon’s album isn’t going to disappoint.

Seriously, is it September 13th yet?!

Robbie Williams. Gary Barlow.

After all the speculations and rumors, Robbie and Gary finally debuted their collaboration, their first in 15 years. It’s been a long time coming, and many didn’t think it would happen… but Robbie and Gary on a track together… that’ pop happiness!

Here’s a brief history on the two for all the American who may know Robbie from this singles “Millennium” and “Angels” and have no idea who Gary Barlow is: Robbie and Gary were in a boy band in the early 90’s called Take That. They were hugely successful in the UK and even had a hit song in the US, “Back For Good”. Gary was the main songwriter for the group. In 1995, Robbie left Take That, and a year later, in 1996, Take That disbanded. In 1996, Robbie started his solo career, and would become the most successful solo artist in the UK. During his solo career, Robbie was outspoken about his Take That days, and said some harsh things about Gary Barlow and the band. Nonetheless, Robbie’s solo career was unstoppable until 2006, when Robbie released his seventh solo album, Rudebox, and it didn’t do too well. And his next album, 2009’s Reality Killed The Video Star also flopped based on his previous standards. (I personally like both albums, while they are not classic Robbie albums, they aren’t bad. My favorite albums are Sing When You’re Winning and Escapology – so good!) Just as Robbie’s solo career was starting to slow down in 2005, Take That reformed as a 4-piece, sans Robbie. In 2006 the band released Beautiful World, which relaunched the band’s careers. They followed the album up with 2008’s The Circus, which was another smash hit. Robbie’s solo career was cooling off, while Take That was a massive force in pop… which brings up to present day… and go!

This is the first time Gary and Robbie have worked together in the last 15 years. The song, “Shame” will be on Robbie’s upcoming 3-disc Greatest Hits album, In and Out of Consciousness: The Greatest Hits 1990-2010. The single is released on October 4th, while the album comes out on October 11th in the UK. (And yes, this is Robbie’s second Greatest Hits album…yup, 2nd).

Due to their history, friendship and their talents (these two men are responsible for some of the greatest pop songs of the last 20 years), this single is massive news for UK Pop.

And here’s the song and music video:

I personally like the song, but it had to grow on me. I don’t really like the ending, but it’ll do. It’s really odd and it’s strange to have two men sing a love song about their relationship (both are straight and married), with a hint of country. I don’t really like the country-vibe in the song or the video, not my cup of tea. But, these two men know how to write songs and the lyrics are great. The song is clearly about their relationship, the highs and lows, and their newly established friendship. It’s biographical, which is great, but also a bit awkward. But if you can get beyond the oddities and country-vibe, it is a good song.

The video is also really odd. I don’t really know what to make of it… really, I don’t. What are your thoughts on the video? Please, comment your thoughts away.

What I do know is that, like most of the UK, I’m really excited to see what these two man (and the rest of Take That) do in the next few months. They are rumored to be releasing a new album later in the year, and a full tour of the UK next year. Hopefully that is true, and we can see some classic Take That songs and discover some soon-to-be classics.

And it looks like Blue is also reuniting… maybe Steps will also reunite? But on the top of my list are The Spice Girls… I want another Spice Girls reunion!

Her EP Waiting On The 9 is great, and I’m sure Masquerade will follow suit. Here are two songs from Lelia I enjoy; “Shoot for the Moon”, the lead single from Masquerade, and  “Scared to Feel”, my favorite from Waiting on the 9.

Get to know Lelia Broussard and her music. Do it!

“Shoot for the Moon” Live

“Scared To Feel” Music Video

Linkin Park just released the official music video for their current single, “The Catalyst”. The song is the epic and anthemic lead single from the band’s fourth studio album, A Thousand Suns, which will be release on September 14th.

With Minutes to Midnight, Linkin Park stepped up their game in regards to lyrics and themes. Based on what I’ve heard and read, A Thousand Suns, will continue with the same depth and will address serious issues with powerful lyrics and concepts. I like the direction and growth and am excited to hear the new album.

Here’s the video for “The Catalyst”.

What are your thoughts on “The Catalyst” and Linkin Park?

It’s crazy how time flies. It’s been 9 year since the untimely death of singer Aaliyah. I was a fan and remember being devastated at the news of her tragic accident. She was on the verge of super-stardom, ushering in a new sound and sophistication. Her eponymous album continues to be one of my favorite RnB albums. She showed growth and maturity on the album, positioning herself to becoming a driving force in RnB. Her absence has been felt in the music industry since her passing.

R.I.P. Aaliyah.

“I Miss You” Aaliyah Tribute

A mega-mix of Aaliyah’s hits:

I was really excited to see Garrison Starr do a cover of Joey Ryan’s “Broken Headlights” for The Voice Project. I remember the first time I heard the song live at Hotel Cafe by Joey and it instantly became one of my favorite songs. It’s a simple song, but so beautifully written with sincerity and emotion. A few weeks ago, I saw Garrison Starr at Hotel Cafe and she covered this song, and I’m glad you all get a chance to hear her beautiful rendition.

Enjoy.

Bonus: Check out Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale covering Cary Brother’s “Ghost Town” for The Voice Project here

On the eve of their debut album’s release, Fitz and The Tantrums premiere the official music video for the infectious first single, “MoneyGrabber”. Their album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, was one of the albums I was looking forward to this year, and have been listening to it daily since I got a copy a few weeks ago. There are so many great catchy songs, read the full review here, or grab yourself a copy of Pickin’ Up The Pieces and hear it for yourself.

And here’s the music video for “MoneyGrabber” (download the MP3 for free here)

Fitz And The Tantrums will be performing at Amoeba Records in Hollywood tomorrow (8.24) at 7pm. They are such a fun energetic live band, make it out and support FATT.

If for some reason you need more convincing as to how awesome FATT are, take a listen to Pickin’ Up The Pieces in full below:

One of the latest albums in heavy rotation for me is Suburbs, the new album from Arcade Fire. On August 5th, the band played a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in NYC that was streamed live and made available on YouTube as part of the American Express Unstaged series. Here are a few tracks from that show, you can catch the rest of the crazy show here.

“Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)”

“Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”

“Wake Up”

“Keep The Car Running”

“The Suburbs”

“Echo” is the latest single from Klaxons, the great band from the UK. The song is from the bands sophomore album, Surfing the Void, which will be released in the UK on Monday. Their debut album, Myths of The Near Future earned many awards and recognition, including the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2007. Myths Of The Near Future had some great tracks including, “Magick”, “Golden Skans”, “As Above, So Below”, and my favorite track, “It’s Not Over Yet”.

Based on their debut album, the Klaxons have some big shoes to fill, and the debut single from the album, “Echo”, doesn’t disappoint.