Music Is My King Size Bed

Hot Video Alert: Florence + The Machine - No Light, No Light

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I find it hard to believe that the last post I did on Florence + The Machine was back in May 2010 with a write up on the "Cosmic Love" video. That's insane! Clearly my blogging has taken a back site to life over the past few months. Case in point? Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that I'm just NOW watching the video for Florence + The Machine's new single, "No Light, No Light." Well, I suppose it's fitting that my two Florence posts are on songs that are so similar, at least according to Alix Buscovic from BBC who compared the new single to 2010s "Cosmic Love," the topic of my last Flo post. So, without further ado - the stunning Florence + The Machine and her brilliant new single, "No Light, No Light."

"No Light, No Light" is Florence + The Machine's second official single, serving as a follow up to the incredibly infectious "Shake It Out" and the hauntingly beautiful "What The Water Gave Me." Recorded at The Abbey Road Studios, the song was written by Florence Welch (the band's front-woman and lead singer) and Isabella "Machine" Summers (singer/songwriter/producers/remixer) with production brought to you by the amazing Paul Epworth (Adele, Cee-Lo, Foster The People). With the way things have been going for Florence's career lately, I'd say she's most certainly on the right track which helps her being able to land mega-hit producers like Epworth.

"No Light, No Light" features Florence Welch's trademark, gut-wrenchingly-beautiful vocals, which (of course) sound as pristine as can be. I'm going to go ahead and say it right now. Welch has one of the most unique and interesting voices in music today. Welch's voice has an uncanny ability to transcend genres (the epitome of 'genre-bending') seamlessly shifting from indie rock to Top 40 pop, to hip-hop, even to dance. As an artist, versatility is key, especially the longer you want to stay relevant and from the looks of it, Florence + The Machine is going to stay relevant for quite some years to come if she keeps this up.

As even a casual Florence + The Machine fan will attest, Florence Welch has a penchant for drama. Every video and nearly every performance turns into a big production, not just visibly but audibly as well. Partially taking place in a church, the Ami & Kinski (duo from Iceland)-directed music video (below) features a radiantly beautiful Welch running through the streets, being chased by a mysterious-looking young child, and ends with a beautiful, long-lasting dive off the top of some skyscraper. While I'm honestly not sure what the concept is for the video, it's got no shortage of arresting visuals.

The first song released off of Ceremonials, Florence + The Machine's sophomore album, was called "What The Water Gave Me" which peaked at #24 over in the UK singles chart and #91 on the Billboard Hot 100. First OFFICIAL single, "Shake It Out" went all the way to #12 on the UK chart, and peaked at #79 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Ceremonials was released this past fall, where it debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart. #6 is a pretty good turn out considering how quickly Florence + The Machine rose to the top and made a name for themselves over on this side of the pond. Not easy to do for an import artist, but Florence Welch has got talent for days, not to mention a quirky fashion sense and personality. LOVE.

"No Light, No Light" is due for release next Monday, January 16th in the UK so get excited for that. Here in the States, you can buy a 2-track Remix EP for the new single, featuring remixes by DAC and Breakage, so grab that HERE. You also might as well check out "Shake It Out" on iTunes HERE, and make sure you snag yourself a copy of Ceremonials (I just did!).

Check out Florence + The Machine on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Dia Frampton - The Broken Ones

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Released back in November, "The Broken Ones" is the first official single from Dia Frampton, one half of the sister-sister singer/songwriter duo Meg & Dia and runner-up on the premiere season of U.S. reality show The Voice. While I'd heard of Meg & Dia before, I really only got to know Dia for the first time while she appeared on The Voice and it was then that I fell in love with her talent, her beauty and her humble, quiet confidence. Criticize her "lack of personality" if you like but the spotlight of fame isn't for everyone. For some true, genuine artists, it's really all about the art and I felt it was that way for Frampton.

"The Broken Ones" was penned by Frampton, alongside talented up & coming singer/songwriter Ross Copperman (Jennette McCurdy),Tom Shapiro (Sara Evans, Brooks & Dunn) and produced by Greg Wells (Adele, MIKA, Katy Perry). Quite the lineup, if you ask me. The song is heartbreakingly beautiful and sung to perfection by Frampton. While the song definitely feels as commercial as Colbie Caillat or Sara Bareilles, Dia maintains that free spirited singer/songwriter vibe without leaning too far into Top 40 territory. While I certainly do miss her brilliant arrangements on songs like Kanye West's "Heartless," it's nice to see Frampton put out an album of original material.

Before her time on The Voice, Dia Frampton had a taste of success while signed with Warner Brothers Records between 2007 and 2010, For the better part of three years, the girls rode the roller coaster that is being an employee of a major record label. They toured, they did interviews, they did MTV, they did ads and other various promotional activities but ultimately, it didn't work out. The album, Here, Here and Here failed to gain much traction, debuting at #103 on the Billboard 200 and ultimately the girls were dropped by Warner, left to fend for themselves as unsigned artists. Some might call this past dabble with success an unfair advantage on a music reality show, but it's important to remember that The Voice is different than most other reality shows. The Voice is not American Idol or X-Factor. The Voice doesn't have embarassing audition rounds. The Voice is casting talent and while they probably wouldn't shy away from someone fresh and new, they aren't afraid to give someone a second chance.

When Dia Frampton first set foot on The Voice stage, with her frequent downward glances and awkward mannerisms, you couldn't help but fall in love with her. When she opened her mouth to sing, and when her fingers touched the piano - that was it. I knew this girl was going all the way. Now signed to Universal Republic, Dia Frampton has a new album out and everything. Red, released December 6th, features top notch production from the likes of Greg Kurstin, Mark Foster (Foster The People), Toby Gad and many more. Co-writing the entire album herself, Frampton had a little help from friends like Isabella Summers from Florence + The Machine, and Isom Innis, touring keyboardist for Foster The People. Now that sounds like a powerhouse debut to me. The album debuted at #106 on the Billboard 200 chart and currently sits at #8 on the Top Heatseekers album chart, after debuting at #1 the week of December 24th.

Check out the video for "The Broken Ones" below, featuring a stunning Frampton frolicking around in the woods with some bad-ass looking kids...not quite sure what's going on, but Dia looks fab and the scenery is beautiful. It's funny how every bit of awkwardness seems to just melt away while she's in her element. This girl just excudes passion for her craft. Listen to Frampton's fantastic uptempo new single, the Kid Cudi-assisted "Don't Kick The Chair" HERE and download her new album Red on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Oh...and speaking of The Voice season 2 starts up again February 5th after the Super Bowl on NBC so get excited for that!

Check out Dia Frampton on the web:

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

Erika Jayne Lands Sixth Consecutive #1 on Billboard's "Hot Dance/Club Play Songs" Chart, Remains Flawless

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Erika Jayne really knows how to make an entrance. In the video for her latest club stomper, "Party People (Ignite The World)," Jayne slinks into the room, dressed to kill in a hot pink leather jacket, hounds tooth mini dress and sparkly Louboutins. With an entrance like that, it was pretty clear to me that Erika Jayne was well on her way to the top.

Since it's release in November via Jayne's own Pretty Mess Records, "Party People (Ignite The World)" has been steadily climbing the Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs chart before finally hitting the top of the chart this week, becoming Jayne's sixth consecutive #1 dance single. That's quite the accomplishment! Written and produced by Swedish (of COURSE Swedish) duo Andreas Carlsson (Katy Perry, Britney Spears) and Niclas Kings (Kate Ryan, Nervo), the song is the ultimate party anthem. "Party People (Ignite The World)" serves as a rallying cry to everyone, from club kids to homebodies, to get their asses onto the dancefloor and ignite the world. While at times the song dips into cheesy Cascada territory, sounding eerily similar to "Evacuate The Dancefloor," all is forgiven by the time we hit the second verse. Jayne carries the song with a combination of sexuality, powerhouse club diva vocals, and sexy, fierce ferocity. As soon as the single hit iTunes, it was destined to ignite the charts.

Backed by a super hot Mikey Minden-directed video (Pussycat Dolls choreographer!) and an intensely satisfying remix package (Jody den Broeder, Bimbo Jones, Hector Fonseca and more!), "Party People" hits just the right spot this winter, packing all the heat of a summer club anthem just as temperatures begin to drop. If anyone's going to draw a club kid out of hibernation and onto the dancefloor, you know it's going to be Erika Jayne. As previously mentioned, "Party People" is Jayne's sixth consecutive #1 dance single, following the release of 2010's "One Hot Pleasure," which stormed to the head of the chart, topping major players including Katy Perry, Cher and Enrique Iglesias. Since the beginning of her career, Jayne has proven herself as a major force to be reckoned with in the world of dance pop divas.

Jayne first struck Billboard dance gold back in 2007 with the release of her debut single, "Rollercoaster." Releasing her next single, "Stars" the following year, Erika Jayne continued her streak of #1 hits each consecutive year after (2009 - "Give You Everything"; 2010 - "Pretty Mess," "One Hot Pleasure") culminating in her latest chart-topping smash. Jayne released her debut album, Pretty Mess back in 2008 and is rumored to be working on a follow up due for release sometime this year. Catch the super sexy video for "Party People (Ignite The World)" below and download the single on iTunes HERE . Also make sure you snag the remix EPs on iTunes HERE and HERE. Now...on to the next hit, Ms. Jayne.

Check out Erika Jayne on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Selena Gomez & The Scene - Hit The Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Fan Art by mikayla156 via Coverlandia

Well it certainly appears that pint-sized pop princess Selena Gomez has found her pop music niche. Unfortunately for Gomez, that niche - catchy-but-generic dance/pop - is one that I'm quickly growing tired of. Case in point, her latest single. The Dreamlab-produced "Hit The Lights" (released all the way back in October) was co-penned by Leah Haywood, Daniel James (both part of the production team Dreamlab) alongside Tony Nilsson. Like her last single...and the single before that...and the single before that...and the single before that, "Hit The Lights" is an up-tempo dance/pop number infused with all the personality of a rusty nickel. Sure, the beats are pumping but it's just another generic dance tune in a long line of generic dance tunes. While I'm about as interested in hearing Selena Gomez sing a ballad as I am in watching paint dry, I was hoping for something a little different. Call me crazy!

I guess one can't fault Gomez for trying to keep the momentum up, after releasing four #1 Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs singles ("Naturally," "A Year Without Rain," "Who Says," and "Love You Like A Love Song") but come on! Diversify! "Hit The Lights" wasn't even remixed for the clubs (at least not yet) which is a bit surprising. Maybe Gomez's label, Hollywood Records, requires a song to go at least Top 40 on the Hot 100 Chart before making it into a dance remix? I say this because not one of Gomez's singles has charted in the Top 20, yet all have made it into the Top 40...with the exception f two...her debut single "Falling Down" (#82) and "Hit The Lights" (as yet uncharted). While the song pretty much flopped in the U.S., it did show itself internationally, peaking at #15 on the Belgian chart, in Slovakia at #33 and in #60 in Canada. So I guess it's not entirely a failure...just mostly.

"Hit The Lights" is the third single to be lifted off of Selena Gomez & The Scene's ('The Scene' being her band: Greg Garman, Ethan Roberts, Joey Clement, Dane Forrest) third studio album, When The Sun Goes Down, released last summer. The album went on to peak at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the young starlet's highest charting debut to date. Say what you will about "Hit The Lights," Selena Gomez is a little workhorse with a fierce work ethic so she at least deserves credit for that. Pulling a Rihanna and releasing an album a year for the past three years, I'm definitely a fan of Ms. Gomez. I think she just needs to take a little break, pool her creative resources and come up with something fresh and excited, because let's face it...the last thing pop music needs is another generic kiddy club anthem.

Check out Selena Gomez & The Scene on the web:

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

Review: Little Boots - Shake

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

"Shake" is the latest offering from 27 year old English electropop diva Victoria Christina Hesketh, better known to lovers of classy-not-trashy synth-laden smashes as Little Boots. "Shake" offers listeners a tease off of what's sure to be one of my most-anticipated albums of 2012, the young DJ/singer/songwriter's sophomore album, due out sometime this year via 679 and Atlantic Records. Released back in November on limited edition vinyl and digital download, "Shake" is a synthy, slinky, sexy little electropop ditty co-written by Boots alongside Ellis James, who also serves as producer on the track. What the song is lacking in the lyrical department (and it's lacking a lot) it more than makes up for in sick beats.

"As powerful as it is enigmatic, the cavalcade of pounding kick drums and swirling analog synth tension turbo charge her return with an uncompromising energy," the press release goes on. "It's tightly woven with those unmistakable hooklines and bewitching melodies that first catapulted Victoria Hesketh into the spotlight, reminding us exactly what we've been missing."

Coined "a monstrous modern disco epic" (and rightfully so), "Shake" is a thunderous return to form for one of my favorite new artists to emerge in the last few years. While the song is lyrically deprived, the song does offer up a clear message, which Boots elaborates upon in the release: "I love the statement shake 'till your heart breaks; it's that violent kind of romance that runs through some of my favourite songs."

Little Boots' debut album, 2009's Hands produced a whole bunch of ear candy, including the infectious singles "Stuck on Repeat," "Meddle," Remedy," and "Earthquake." Hands turned out to be a star-making release for Little Boots, who's album went Gold in the UK and debuted in the top 5 on the Official UK Album Charts. Over in the U.S. the album (released Stateside on Elektra Records) hit the top 10 on the Heatseekers Albums chart and spawned a little American tour (which I'm still devastated about missing). To help promote the singles release, Little Boots embarked on a worldwide DJ tour, spinning all over the globe in a diverse array of locales including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo and Beijing, all culminating in a ribbon-cutting warehouse bash in London town. Man...wish I could have been there for that!

Little Boots - Shake (Azari & III remix) by LittleBoots

Little Boots- Shake (Crazy P remix) by LittleBoots

I'm including some hot remixes of the track from Miracle, Azari & III and Crazy P for your enjoyment. Make sure you also listen to the smash in it's original form below. "Shake" peaked at #37 on the UK Dance Singles Chart when it was released last fall. Download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Little Boots on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//Tumblr//SoundCloud//YouTube

Ones To Watch in 2012: Yasmin

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Yasmin is someone I've kind of been sitting on for a while, then with all of my laziness and blog inactivity just sort of forgot to post about. Man, am I sorry about that now! I'm right now, for the very first time, listening to Yasmin's new "old school, reggae infused carnival jam," "Light Up (The World)" featuring D'n'B/Jungle master Shy FX and the lovely Ms. Dynamite. While I know the song has since been remixed by MJ Cole, the Freemasons and others no doubt, the original version of the song is simply beautiful! WOW!

For those of you who don't know, Yasmin is really Yasmin Zarine Shahmir, a 23 year old DJ/Singer/Songwriter from England. Signed to Levels Entertainment, an imprint of famed English dance label Ministry of Sound, she is a relative newcomer to the scene. After completing a UK headlining tour with popular English rapper Example, Yasmin was given the opportunity to feature on a track by one of her co-openers, another English rapper called Devlin. See, Yasmin had the privilege of opening alongside Devlin and a then little known singer/songwriter called Ed Sheeran. Devlin's second single "Runaway," featuring Yasmin went top 20 on the Official UK Singles Chart, peaking at #15. Now, with a small taste of chart success, Yasmin forged on with her own career, signing to Levels Entertainment and releasing her own solo single "On My Own" in January of 2011. 'On My Own" was a top 40 hit, peaking at #39 not to mention landing at #6 on the UK Indie chart. In the Spring of 2011, Yasmin released a follow up single, the insanely catchy "Finish Line" which was produced by Labrinth. Yasmin's sophomore single had considerably more success than it's predecessor, peaking at a respectable #13.

Yasmin is definitely an artist I'm keeping an eye out for in 2012, as I'd love the chance to see her play a live gig here in the States. Her musical style is very similar to that of Katy B, in terms of it being a sexy female vocal on top of some sick beats. Of course Yasmin is more than just a sexy vocal (as is Katy B of course), there's definitely something substantive there in the lyrics. There's no doubt in my mind that Yasmin has talent for days. I'm just going to wait and see what sorts of diverse sounds her album offers listeners before making my final judgement, although so far so good.

Since making a name for herself in the UK, Yasmin has played festivals all over and has supported an array of talented musicians including Big Boi, Aloe Blacc and Snoop Dogg garnering acclaim all along the way, including a MOBO nod for 'Best Newcomer' at the 2011 awards. She's been working working on her debut album with (among others) Jamie Smith, producer and remixer of The XX as well as with Diplo and The Smeezingtons. Make sure you download her new single "Light Up (The World)" when it's released in the UK on January 15th. In the meantime, check out the stunning video shot on location in Cuba, below. It's as gorgeous as the song - trust me. Also make sure you listen to the HOT Freemasons remix right HERE. Try and resist the urge to dance. I dare you. Download "On My Own" on U.S. iTunes HERE and snag "Finish Line" on UK iTunes HERE.

Check out Yasmin on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Wolfette - Trophy Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Wolfette ROCKS. No doubt about it. When I heard her second official single, "Different Story" last summer there was something about her that I just loved. Obviously there was something, I hailed her one of my 'Ones To Watch' in 2011. Sorry it took me until 2012 to post something else about her. My how time flies. Wolfette is feisty, fiery...she just has it. Her music is the perfect blend of pop and rock & roll with a gritty, grungy, rough around the edges vocal, hard hitting beats and a look that totally says I'M A POP STAR. Listen to the single below:

Trophy Girl by Wolfette

Now I don't know too much about this track as far as who wrote it/produced it but I'm definitely ready for what's next. "Different Story" definitely whet my appetite for Wolfette and "Trophy Girl" only makes me hungry for more. Listed as influences on her official Facebook page:

"Crazed nights, passionate fights, velvet rope and scarlet lips...Champagne highs, dirty basslines, Coco de Mer and whirlwind kisses...Green monster eyes, blood stained cries, firecrackers and broken glass...Knives in backs, nails that scratch, Vegas sins and diamond masks..."

Hell yeah! Rock on Wolfette. This album is going to be FIRE. "Trophy Girl" is out now on UK iTunes HERE and on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Wolfette on the web:

MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Sarah Burgess - Sassy

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Sarah Burgess...where have you been all my life? She's got a sort of Kat Graham/Neon Hitch mixed with Jessie and The Toy Boys vibe about her, which I love! A new(ish) video for a song called "Sassy" was recently sent to me and while I've only watched it a couple of times, I can already safely say that I'm obsessed with this girl. The Ohio-born and current Pittsburgh resident, 24 year old Sarah Burgess first grabbed the attention of American television audiences during season six of American Idol. Burgess let it slip during her audition that her father was vehemently against Sarah having a music career, yet unable to stop her from playing hookie and auditioning in New York City. Unfortunately, Burgess' Idol dreams were short lived when she was cut during Hollywood Week. Fortunately for Burgess, her time on Idol wasn't for naught as she was quickly snatched up by indie label PME Records, with whom she released a couple of singles including the Colbie Caillat/Mikal Blue-penned "Didn't Matter That" and "Dangerouz," which received some national airplay in 2008 and supposedly was a top 40 hit for the singer (according to Wikipedia, however not according to Billboard archives). Following the release of her singles, Burgess dropped her debut album, One in June of 2008.

Parting ways with PME Records in 2009, Burgess has since signed with Swiss label, Solymar Music AG based out of Zurich in association with Iceberg Records and is in the midst of recording her sophomore record, presumably which will include "Sassy" (see video BELOW). According to posts on her blog, Burgess says that the new album will be more "edgy rock" mixed with pop, a slight departure from the more mainstream sound of her debut album. In 2010 Burgess entered into yet another competition, this time to compete on Swiss television for the chance at representing the country in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song "Just Me." Where Sarah Burgess' love for Switzerland came from, I'm really not quite sure, but the country seemed to embrace her as she made it into the finals, ultimately losing out to Anna Rossinelli who received 23.93% of the national vote (Burgess only received 7.7%).

The video for "Sassy" was uploaded onto the Iceberg Records YouTube channel November 11th. According to the YouTube page, the track was written and produced by Måns Ek (Sarah Connor) and co-written by Charlie Mason (Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale). Despite having a homemade feel to it, the video is packed full of energy, spunk and oh yes...lots of sass. Looking forward to hearing more from Sarah Burgess. Download her first album, One, on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Sarah Burgess on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Katy Perry - The One That Got Away

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

As much as I now love Katy Perry's latest Teenage Dream single, "The One That Got Away," seeing Perry in old woman makeup is making it rather difficult to take her seriously. I'm of course referring to the Floria Sigismondi (Katy Perry's "E.T.", the film Runaways)-directed video in which Perry, playing herself as an old woman, reminisces back on an old love (played by Diego Luna) who died tragically years before. As emotional as the subject matter is, I can't help but be reminded of Marty McFly's mother, played by actress Lea Thompson playing an older version of herself in Back To The Future II. The aging makeup effects were horrendous there as well! If you are able to get past the making up effects, it really is quite a nice video.

As far as the song itself is considered, "The One That Got Away" isn't my favorite Teenage Dream single, but considering we're already six singles in I guess that makes sense. The song was co-written by Perry, Dr. Luke and Max Martin, the latter two whom also produced the track. Perry sounds pretty good on the mid-tempo pop ballad, shaking off all of the haters who claim she can't sing a slow song. While I much prefer Katy Perry doing something up-tempo, it's nice that she can show this sort of versatility. It's also nice to see that Perry isn't a slave to her record label, releasing singles at their whim. According to a statement from EMI Music/Capitol Records Executive Vice President of Marketing and Promotion, Greg Thompson to Billboard, that the single was released at Perry's behest, because it was different and because she has an ear for catchy top 40 radio hits. I'm not going to disagree there. Katy has had more than her fair share of hit singles.

To date the single has peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart becoming her sixth top 5 single from Teenage Dream and eighth of her career. The single does have the misfortune of being the first single from Teenage Dream to not go #1, however it is climbing still so there's still a chance at the top spot. The single already topped Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart and has been doing well elsewhere in the world, peaking at #18 in the UK, and #1 in both Belgium and Poland.

The video for "The One That Got Away" was officially premiered on November 11th on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, followed by a premier on VEVO.com later that afternoon. An extended version of the video was shown at select advance screenings of the much buzzed about My Week With Marilyn, starring Michelle Williams. Check it out below and download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE. You can also get a the remix EP featuring mixes by 7th Heaven, Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda, R3hab, Plastic Plates and Tommie Sunshine & Disco Fries HERE. There's also an obligatory rap remix featuring B.o.B. that you can download right HERE.

Now, as news recently broke over Katy Perry's impending divorce from Russell Brand, I'm wishing her all the best during this no doubt difficult time. Take a break girl. You deserve some time off.

Check out Katy Perry on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Graffiti6 - Free

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

So...Graffiti6 released a new video. It's not flashy, it's not crazy...it's understated and beautiful. The Jay Martin-directed video is for the English electropop/rock duo's latest single, "Free" lifted off of their EP of the same name which came out back in October. Set in a sparsely furnished loft somewhere in download LA, the video features an incredibly sexy Jamie Scott (lead singer) paired up with an attractive female model. The video is full of stunning imagery and light tricks, in addition to beautiful art work by the band's own resident artist and illustrator Jimi Crayon (see artwork above), who manages to create a kaleidoscopic visual effect all the while keeping the soft pastels, earth tones and light greys present throughout the clip. Simply stunning. The video complements the weightlessness of the song perfectly, with Scott's beautiful falsetto creeping in like little rays of sunshine through a tattered curtain (imagery from the video).

"Free" went top 15 at AAA radio and was the most added song in it's first week at the format. Pretty impressive! The song was a staple at such influential radio stations as KLLC and KFOG in San Francisco, KINK in Portland, KBCO in Colorado, KRVB in Boise, WYEP in Pittsburgh, KKXT in Dallas and KUT in Austin. Not only that, but "Free" was the 'Pick of the Week' in USA Today, which praised the song's "melodic bassline and singer Jamie Scott's exquisite falsetto breaks" {SOURCE}. It was only a matter of time that Graffiti6 got some love here in the States. After all of the prominent television spots they've had (Grey's Anatomy, Covert Affairs, CSI: NY, One Tree Hill, MTV's Teen Wolf) you'd expect that this would have happened sooner. Oh well, I'll take what I can get and I'm sure the band was beyond thrilled with the write up. MTV even featured the group in its Freshmen 5, Artist to Watch and Push campaigns.

Just a little refresher, Graffiti6 is made up of singer/songwriter Jamie Scott and songwriter/producer TommyD, both from England. I've been a fan of Scott's since his first attempt at a solo career as well as his dabbling in singer/songwriter folk/pop as Jamie Scott & The Town. While I loved the neo-soul stylings of his first album, and digged on the whole folk-pop vibe of The Town, Graffiti6's brand of soul pop/rock is much more up my alley. Look for the band to get even more attention later this month when they embark on a tour opening for American rock band Augustana starting January 17th in Anaheim, CA. Graffiti6 will release their debut album Colours, on January 24th via Capitol Records. Check below for tour dates and download the Free EP on U.S. iTunes HERE. Also, check out my review of their Boston concert this past summer.

Tour Dates:
January 17th//Anaheim, CA//House of Blues
January 18th//Los Angeles, CA//El Rey Theatre
January 19th//San Francisco, CA//Great American Music Hall
January 21st//Seattle, WA//The Crocodile
January 22nd//Portland, OR//Doug Fir Lounge
January 24th//Salt Lake City, UT//Club Sound
January 25th//Denver, CO//Bluebird Theater
January 27th//Minneapolis, MN//Varsity Theater
January 28th//Chicago, IL//Park West
January 30th//Ann Arbor, MI//Blind Pig
January 31st//Boston, MA//Paradise
February 1st//New York, NY//Gramercy Theatre
February 3rd//Philadelphia, PA//Theatre of the Living Arts
February 4th//Washington, DC//9:30 Club
February 6th//Charlotte, NC//Visulite Theatre
February 7th//Atlanta, GA//Vinyl

Check out Graffiti6 on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Mylène Farmer - Du Temps

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I can't believe that the last Mylène Farmer single/video I posted about was 2010's brilliant RedOne-produced "Oui...mais non." Clearly I've dropped the ball with regards to this fabulous French dance/pop diva. "Du Temps" is the most recent single released by the French Madonna and like all of her recent hits, it's uber catchy, despite my not knowing what the hell she's singing about.

Translated into English, "Du Temps" means "Some Time" and was written by Farmer and Laurent Boutonnat. Taken from her recent compilation album, 2001.2011, "Du Temps" peaked at #8 on the French Singles Chart, breaking her streak of #1s that started back with "Appelle mon numéro" from her album Point de Suture back in 2008. Farmer's most recent album, 2010's Bleu Noir featured, of course "Oui...mais non" as well as the title track and a vampy little electropop single called "Lonely Lisa," all of which were #1 hits.

In the video, directed by songwriter Laurent Boutonnat, we see some candid behind the scenes footage of the now 50 year old Farmer looking fabulous and elegant as ever with her flaming orange hair and porcelain skin. The video also features some choreography done on a wet floor Rihanna "Umbrella" style (without the props), backed by six gorgeous male dancers. While not nearly as catchy as "Ouis...mais non" or "Lonely Lisa," (both of which you have to listen to/watch IMMEDIATELY) "Du Temps" is a nice effort. I have to say that while it's great to see her putting out current music, fitting in with the worldwide obsession with electropop, Farmer's music was, at one point, somewhat ahead of it's time in terms of production and style. The past few releases have all been essentially the same, suggesting that perhaps she's hit some sort of a creative plateau? I don't know - regardless of all of that, Mylène Farmer is pure class and elegance. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Unfortunately, "Du Temps" is only available to download on iTunes in Europe and Canada (HERE) but American fans can download some other albums/singles from her extensive discography on U.S. iTunes HERE. Look out for remixes by Tomer G and Mico C.

Check out Mylène Farmer on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Melanie C - Weak

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

"Weak" is the second official single taken from The Sea, the new album from former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (AKA Melanie C), her first album in four years. It's a beautiful, stirring pop ballad that really showcases the voice of the Spice Girls. Despite having to share the spotlight with four other ladies, there's no denying that Sporty was the one with the pipes. Sure, the others had their moments but as far powerhouse vocals and impressive range goes, Melanie C was it. "Weak" is a bit bland and one note in the build up, but when it comes time for Chisholm to take it home, boy, does she ever. The song was co-penned by Chisholm, alongside Ina Wroldsen and Jez Ashurt with Andy Chatterley taking producer credit.

"Weak" is the follow up to the very commercial "Think About It," the first international single taken from Mel C's new record. Single #1 barely made it into the top 100 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at a disappointing #95. Considering how poorly the first song did, I wonder if anyone had high hopes for "Weak." While the single failed to chart on the mainstream singles chart, it did manage a #29 spot on the UK Indie Singles Chart and #50 on the UK Airplay Chart.

The Sea was released back in September on Chisholm's own indie label, Red Girl Records (UK & US) with Warner Brothers taking on international distribution duties. The album peaked at #45 on the UK Album Chart. Not that great if you consider that her first two albums (1999's Northern Star and 2003's Reason) both went top 5 upon their initial 5. At the same time, it could have been worse. Melanie C's last album, 2007's This Time, became her lowest charting album debuting and peaking at #57.

Ever since parting ways with Virgin Records, Melanie has struggled to find the chart success she had as a major label artist. If it's any consolation, a lot of artists experience the same problems going from a major to an indie. It all comes down to money and budgets and promotion, all of which are shrunk down to very little in an indie environment. While some artists have more success than others, I think it must be particularly hard for a member of a top selling girl group trying to maintain some kind of a lucrative solo career. Whatever happens, I hope Melanie C keeps releasing the kind of music she wants to release. Check out the video below and download "Weak" on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Melanie C on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Monarchy feat. Britt Love - You Don't Want To Dance With Me

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Yes, this is ancient by now but I couldn't just ignore a song/video featuring Britt Love, one half of the now defunct English synthpop group Mini Viva. The song, the very Frankmusik-esque "You Don't Want To Dance With Me," originally appeared sans Britt Love on Around The Sun, the debut band from NOT defunct English synthpop duo, Monarchy. You might actually already know Monarchy from their remixes of top artists like Ellie Goulding, Kelis, Lady Gaga, Marina & The Diamonds, Jamiroquai, Kylie Minogue and more (that's where I recognized them from, anyway). It was released as a single on October 31st in the UK via 100% Records and is all about a "love ignored."

Below, check out the simple yet effective video, released September 21st on the band's YouTube channel. Featuring Monarchy and Britt Love spinning around on some sort of rotating platform dressed up for a masquerade ball, the video relies heavily on lights, shadows and minimal special effects. Truly stunning - particularly Britt Love in a ravishing red gown.

As much as I miss the glory that was Mini Viva, I'm happy that Britt Love is keeping busy. Definitely can't wait to see what she does next. Download "You Don't Want To Dance With Me" on U.S. iTunes HERE, along with remixes by Moonlight Matters, Bondax, Meridian, Vivien, Picture House, Kezokichi and Dusk. You can also snag the album, Around The Sun on U.S. iTunes HERE and listen to "You Don't Want To Dance With Me" in it's original form.

Check out Monarchy on the web:

Official Site//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Matt Cardle - Starlight

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

If chart position really matters in the music biz, then things aren't looking good for last year's X-Factor winner Matt Cardle. Entering the UK Singles Chart at a dismal 185 upon it's release in early December, the reality star's latest single, "Starlight" was co-penned by Cardle himself alongside Ash Howes, Richard "Biff" Stannard and Seton Daunt. The single is considerably more up-tempo than Cardle's debut effort, the exceptionally bland "Run For Your Life," which somehow managed to peak at #6. "Starlight" features a nice combination of guitar and electro beats, sounding a bit like U2 (think How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb era) mixed with Coldplay. Featuring a nice set of remixes by Alias, the song made it to #2 on the Commercial Pop Top 30 Club Chart.

While Matt Cardle won me over on his season of X-Factor with his trademark falsetto-laden cover songs, and folk-pop sensibilities, his debut album Letters left much to be desired. I just haven't been able to connect with any of his new material and I'm not sure why that is. The talent is still there, perhaps it's just the material he has to work with that's lacking? Debut X-Factor single "When We Collide" was a bit of a creative dud in my opinion, although it did reach the #1 spot, a feat achieved by many past X-Factor winners. Matt's album Letters also fared pretty well on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at #2, featuring production by Stannard, Howes, current X-Factor Judge (and Take That member) Gary Barlow and songwriting assistance from Eg White, Eliot James, David Sneddon and others. No word on whether there will be a third single released from the album, but by the looks of things, Cardle's career with Syco might very well be short lived. Pity really. Here's hoping the label gives Cardle another chance. While I can't see him becoming an international superstar, I think he's got talent for days and would love to see him record a follow up album.

Check out the lovely video for "Starlight" below, directed by Sean De Sparengo and download the single on UK iTunes HERE.

Check out Matt Cardle on the web:

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

Ones To Watch in 2012: Ricki-Lee

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Ricki-Lee is hands down one of my favorite Aussie pop singers today. Sure, the Australian pop scene is saturated with an abundance of talent, but Ricki-Lee should be right up there in the mix as far as I'm concerned. The first single off her forthcoming third studio album (her first signed with EMI), a stunning dance/pop jewel called "Raining Diamonds" was released in Australia back in October and went on to peak at #19 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The song is accompanied by a beautiful Krozm-directed video that contains visual elements from a laundry list of recent popstar videos (i.e. Cheryl Cole's "Fight For This Love" and Rihanna's "Umbrella," to name a couple) showcasing a stunning Ricki-Lee rockin' her moves while looking like a cross between a Fembot and Barbarella. GORG!

Rising to fame on Season 2 of Australian Idol back in 2004, Ricki-Lee Coulter made a splash from the very beginning, auditioning with a rendition of En Vogue's "Don't Let Go." Shortly after her untimely sixth seventh place exit, Ricki-Lee started carving out her own pop career, turning down a major label deal with Sony BMG, instead signing with Australian Indie label Shock Records. When her first single, the decidedly R&B "Hell No" debuted at #5 on the ARIA Singles Chart in the summer of 2005, any doubt people might have had that she could turn herself into a successful pop star was eliminated. I can only imagine what people were thinking post Idol. The very fact that she turned down a deal with Sony probably seemed crazy at the time but this girl knew what she wanted and had the guts to go for it. While her self-titled debut album only managed to peak at #30 on the ARIA Albums Chart, girl landed two top 10 singles, with single #2, the uber-bubbly "Sunshine" peaking at #8. The album's third and final single, a ballad called "Breathe" didn't fare too poorly either, charting at a respectable #14.

Photo Credit: Cybil Malinowski

2006 saw the formation of Young Divas, a pop supergroup of sorts. Formed by Sony BMG, the group tapped into past seasons of Australian Idol, plucking out contestants Paulini (Season 1), Emily Williams (Season 3), Kate DeAraugo (Season 3 - Winner) and of course, Ricki-Lee (Season 2). The reported original purpose of this supergroup was to promote each singer as her own, individual solo artist, and would have the girls go on tour together. First single, a cover of Donna Summer's disco-pop single "This Time I Know It's For Real" peaked at #2 on the ARIA Singles Chart and went on to achieve platinum certification. When second single, "Happenin' All Over Again" became a top 10 hit (peaking at #9) Sony decided to have the girls release an entire album of disco/pop covers. The album was a success, going double platinum and peaking at #4. So much for promoting their solo careers. As fantastic as Young Divas' runaway success story was, big-voiced Ricki-Lee was itching to get back to her solo career and ultimately left the group, replaced by 2006 Aussie Idol runner-up Jessica Mauboy, a pop star in her own right.

Ricki-Lee released the infectiously addictive, supermodel strut-inducing "Can't Touch It" as the first single off her sophomore record and it was a hit, debuting at #2 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The album, entitled Brand New Day, debuted at #37 (seven spots below the debut of her...well, debut) yet still cranked out two more top 10 singles ("Love Is All Around" & "Can't Sing A Different Song"). 2007-2008 was overall a very successful period in Coulter's career. Not only did she sign with UK dance music label Ministry of Sound, but she also landed a prestigious opener spot on U.S. pop star Hilary Duff's Dignity Tour (Australian leg of course). Ricki-Lee closed out the year with the release of a compilation album and a new single, "Wiggle It," which managed to debut and peak at #11.

Photo Credit: Cybil Malinowski

While 2009 was a good year professionally for Coulter, musically things started to fall apart. Serving as co-host on Australian Idol earned her rave reviews, but the first single, "Don't Miss You," from the first incarnation of her forthcoming third studio album (the as of yet unreleased Hear No, See No, Speak No) became her lowest charting debut single to date, debuting at #24. Single #2, the album's title track, fared even worse, peaking at a disappointing #46. After the first two singles failed, Coulter scrapped plans to release the album altogether, essentially calling out her label for picking the wrong songs. Things seemed to continue on, business as usual in 2010 with Coulter supporting the Backstreet Boys on their Australian tour and seeing a version of her hit single "Can't Touch It" appear in international promo spots for Sex and the City 2 as well as on the official soundtrack. Finally, in 2010 and 2011, Ricki-Lee began to take back control of her career, ditching her long-time manager, management company, record label and signing a lucrative global record deal with EMI.

While some might scoff at her decision to sign with a major after her last bout of label woes, bite your tongue. The girl has now been in the industry for a few years and probably knows a thing or two about the business. Ricki-Lee still knows what she wants and knows how to get it and from the looks of it, reading her Tweets and such, it's obvious that she's passionate about this new project. She knows now about both success and failure and because of that, she's giving it 110%. You go girl. Now watch the stunning video for "Raining Diamonds" below...unless you're in America, in which case you can't watch the video due to international licensing hiccups. At least you can catch some behind the scenes footage from the video HERE and see her performing the track live (to a backing track) on The X-Factor Australia this past fall. Hopefully EMI will make the song available for U.S. music lovers soon. Otherwise, what good is a "global record deal?" Just wondering.

Download "Raining Diamonds" on Australian iTunes HERE and Americans snag some of Ricki's older material on U.S. iTunes HERE!

Check out Ricki-Lee on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Jessie J - Domino

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

"Domino" is the latest single by international pop star Jessie J and it's a hot one. Originally released as the first (and as of yet, only) single off of the re-release of her debut album, Who You Are, "Domino" was co-penned by Jessie alongside Dr. Luke, Claude Kelly, Max Martin and Henry Walter, with production brought to you by Dr. Luke and Cirkut. With a team like that behind you, how can you not have a hit? What "Domino" lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in fun factor. The song is a just what we needed after hearing her depression-inducing yet emotionally stirring last UK single "Who You Are." "Domino" is bubblegum pop at it's finest. Another thing I like about the song is how well it showcases Jessie J's vocal range. It's easy for a a voice to get lost in the production of a song, especially an up-tempo dance/pop number like this one. On "Domino," Jessie J comes out the gate, chirping her way to Mariah Carey-like vocal heights. While there are most definitely some vocal effects in play here, there's no doubt in my mind that Jessie J can hit those high notes live. Despite what haters might say, the girl has talent for miles, and she's only 23!

While "Domino" actually came out back in August (before the November release of "Who You Are") the colorful, sexy and carefree Ray Kay-directed video (see below) only just premiered yesterday so I'm taking some liberties by calling it her "latest" single. As far as I'm concerned, a video is a pretty major promotional tool and if it's being released now, the label (Island/Lava) still must have plans for"Domino." Over here in the U.S., Jessie J has been taking baby steps with regards to an American career. Officially, "Domino" is only her second single here in the States, serving as a follow up to the B.o.B.-assisted "Price Tag" which managed to peak at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last winter. While not as successful as it's U.S. predecessor, "Domino" still managed to chart at a respectable #28 on the Hot 100 Chart, not to mention #16 on the Billboard U.S. Pop Songs chart and #39 on the U.S. Adult Pop Songs chart. While not officially released as a single in her native England, "Domino" peaked at #54 on the Official UK Singles Chart. Not too shabby. Not too shabby at all. Check out some sick "Domino" remixes, done up by none other than the Jump Smokers and Hype Jones. Hot indeed.

Since making her debut in the UK with the hit single "Do It Like A Dude" back in 2010, Jessie J has been making waves. The openly bisexual singer is a BRIT Award-winner and has been announced as one of the judges slash mentors on the UK version of the hit U.S. music reality show The Voice which is set to premiere on BBC One sometime in 2012 where she'll be joined by Tom Jones and The Script frontman Danny O'Donoghue and will.i.am. Jessie's first taste at U.S. success came with the release of Miley Cyrus' "Party In The U.S.A," a song which Jessie J co-wrote with Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly (two of her collaborators on "Domino"). Her debut album, Who You Are, peaked at #2 on the UK charts when it was released last February and to date has spawned four top 10 UK singles ("Do It Like A Dude," "Price Tag," "Nobody's Perfect" and "Who You Are"). While she's certainly had more success in her native UK, Jessie J is just picking up momentum her in the U.S. and it's only a matter of time before she explodes.

Jessie J's U.S. profile received a nice, healthy boost when she earned herself a prestigious 'musical guest' spot on Saturday Night Live back in March and played 'House Band' on the MTV VMA's. Jessie J. was all set to open for Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour, but was replaced by Music Is My King Size Bed-favorite Ellie Goulding after a foot injury put her out of commission. No matter. When Who You Are finally came out here in November, it debuted at an impressive #11. Well done Ms. J. Well done. While I'd love to see Jessie release some of her other UK singles Stateside, I think it's a smart move on her label's part to release new material here. Speaking of new material, Jessie J's rumored third U.S. single is none other than "LaserLight," a David Guetta-produced/Invisible Men-co-penned track that appears on the album's re-release. As much as it pains me to see her hooking up with David Guetta, he does know a thing or two about making a hit record. Look for a video for "LaserLight" sometime in 2012. Right now, you can download "Domino" on U.S. iTunes HERE and watch Jessie J perform on 'NBC's New Years Eve with Carson Daly' where she'll be joined by U.S. Voice judges Blake Shelton and Cee-Lo Green, Drake, Tony Bennett and many more.

Check out Jessie J on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: JoJo - Disaster

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

When "Disaster" was released at the end of the summer, I had high hopes that we'd be seeing a new JoJo album before the end of the year. Unfortunately, it looks like we have to wait a little bit longer. Originally released back in August, "Disaster" was the first tease of what's to come on JoJo's forthcoming, long delayed, MuuMuse-anticipated third studio album, Jumping Trains, now due sometime in early 2012.

Written by JoJo alongside Gino Barletta and Mario Marchetti (both of whom also served as producers), the mid-tempo pop, R&B number stalled at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming JoJo's 2nd lowest charting single to date, the first being 2006's "How To Touch A Girl" from sophomore release The High Road. While the song rightfully draws comparisons to JoJo's last real hit, "Too Little Too Late" (also from The High Road), "Disaster" shouldn't be cast aside as a complete clone. In listening to the lyrics and JoJo's voice, there's most definitely growth here. JoJo (who turns 21 today) has come leaps and bounds from where she started back in 2004.

Here's hoping JoJo's record label doesn't drop the ball on the promotion of Jumping Trains, like it did with "Disaster." From the sounds of it, the album has a sick lineup of producing talent, not to mention JoJo's performance chops and powerhouse vocals, so it's in the label's hands, as far as I'm concerned. Lord knows JoJo's been ready to get moving with this record for years! This talented young singer/songwriter has too much talent to squander. I'd be devastated if ANOTHER bad record label experience drove her to quit music and focus on acting. Speaking of acting, check out JoJo flexing her dramatic chops in the Benny Boom-directed clip below, which debuted on JoJo's official site November 1st, and on VEVO the following day. Download "Disaster" on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out JoJo on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

"Born To Die" is the stunning title track taken from Lana Del Rey's forthcoming debut album due out January 30th in the UK (Polydor) and January 31st in the U.S. (Interscope). According to Lana, "The songs I've written are an homage to true love and a tribute to living life on the wild side." Besides "Born To Die," other confirmed tracks on the album include "Million Dollar Man," "Off To The Races," "Blue Jeans," "Carmen" and of course "Video Games." The new single is set to come out in the UK on January 23rd, backed up by some undoubtedly fierce remixes from Damon Albarn, Woodkid and Clams Casino. While the song offers no surprises, it's far from being a disappointment. "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans" were both subtly amazing. They offered nothing in the way of big anthemic choruses, soaring high notes or catchy beats, instead focusing on the unique and retro tone of Del Rey's voice. With the release of "Born To Die," Lana Del Rey reiterates the fact that less is more. Pop music truly can be beautiful without pomp and circumstance.

Since the release of "Video Games," Del Rey's official first single, the girl's been blowing up on the blogosphere. People either love her or they hate her. I for one, am in head over heels in love (check out my 'Ones To Watch' post). Sure, I take issue with the fact that "Lana Del Rey" is little more than a character created by a label to sell records, but her talent is undeniable. For me...talent overshadows politics and Lana Del Rey has proven herself in the talent department. After her homemade video for "Video Games," released back in July, amassed over 8 million hits, the song started gaining momentum. The song hit #1 on iTunes in nine countries including the UK, Australia, Holland, and France. The song went on to peak at #1 in Germany and a respectable #9 on the Official UK Singles Chart. The song has won over critics worldwide as well, earning the prestigious "#2 track of the year" title from Q Magazine, with the magazine also naming Del Rey the "Best New Thing." While U.S. success has been elusive as of yet, I'm hopeful that America will come to it's senses soon enough.

Check out the sweepingly cinematic video for "Born To Die" below. Directed by Woodkid, the video was conceived by Lana Del Rey herself. The video is truly epic, with no expenses spared by her label. I was worried that with the release of her first major label-funded, big budget music video, we'd lose some of the darkness that we've been seeing in Del Rey's homemade productions. Well, don't you worry. "Born To Die" is filled with heartbreak and tragic loss, all the while showcasing stunning camera work, beautiful scenery and even two adorably ferocious tigers. Lana Del Rey looks like a goddess. The video truly is the perfect complement to an already perfect song. I cannot WAIT for this album to drop. While you're waiting, why not download the "Video Games" remix EP on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Lana Del Rey on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Kelly Clarkson - What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Unofficial Single Cover designed by Benikari47

"What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" is everything Kelly Clarkson's first single should have been. This up-tempo pop anthem has #1 written all over it, unfortunately, it's not looking good as the song peaked at at a devastatingly low #64 back when the new album was first released. While the song did re-enter the Billboard Hot 100 the week of November 20th, it only made it as high as #99. Very disappointing indeed. Releasing a bummer of a song like "Mr. Know It All" was a mistake for sure. #64 is a place far better suited for that boring bit of pop slush. Here's hoping the song is a bigger hit abroad when it's released in Germany on February 3rd and in the UK on February 5th.

The song was written by Jörgen Elofsson (who co-wrote Clarkson's debut single, "A Moment Like This") , Ali Tamposi, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin, produced by Kurstin and is the second single to be lifted off of Clarkson's fifth studio album, Stronger. "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" is a powerful anthem of a song, and unlike some of Kelly Clarkson's other anthems (i.e. - "Since U Been Gone"), this one is equal opportunity. Boys, girls, young old - this song's message resonates with everyone. In the chorus and throughout the song, Clarkson sounds powerful and confident as ever, proving with her pipes why she's one of the best things to come out of a reality show competition in years.

Check out the video below, directed by Shane Drake and featuring fans from all over the world doing a little choreographed number. Clarkson even gets in on the dance action, showing why she's better off standing behind a mic and leaving the dancing to the professionals. Download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Kelly Clarkson on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: V.V. Brown feat. Chiddy Bang - Children

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Back before Halloween I did a little write up on UK singer/songwriter V.V. Brown's tremendous new single "Children," and of course shortly after I stopped blogging for a month, she went ahead and released the official music video for the song. The song offers listeners a little lick of what's to come from her sophomore release, Lollipops & Politics, due February 7th via Capitol Records here in America. Written by Brown as well as C. Harmon, E. Kidd Bogart & Chiddy (of Chiddy Bang fame), the latter whom also raps on the track.

When the song starts, you don't really know what of make of it. "Where is this going?" Of course, being that it's V.V. Brown we're talking about, it doesn't take long before it ascends into pop greatness. This unconventional little pop tunes samples the familiar ice cream truck jingle ("Do Your Ears Hang Low") likely recognized by little children everywhere. The song is slathered in originality, something that Brown has always brought to her tunes. It's funny that I say "always." Girl has only released one album, yet here she is acting like she's been doing this for years. She amazes me.

Buzzed about in her native England long before she made a splash stateside, V.V. Brown's critically acclaimed debut album, Travelling Like The Light, was released in the UK back in July of 2009 and finally in the states in February of this year. Brown wrote and co-wrote the entire 12-track album and worked with producers such as Kid Gloves, Steve Dub and Jeremy Wheatley While the album was chock-full of quirky little pop gems, the most successful single released was "Shark In The Water." Most successful, I say, because none of her other singles charted at all. "Shark In The Water" was the song that introduced Brown to North American TV audiences, with prominent placements in popular TV shows Degrassi and Ugly Betty.

Surprisingly enough, the single was more successful overseas than it was in the UK, where it stalled out at #34 on the Official Singles Chart. In France, "Shark In The Water" peaked at #13 while here in the States it did respectably well for an otherwise unknown singer from England, going Gold and peaking at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also fared well in other formats, coming in at #20 on Billboard's Hot Adult Contemporary chart and an amazing #11 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Her album charted respectably, peaking at #30 at home in the UK, #16 in France and #179 on the tough to crack Billboard 200.

"Children" is the first single released off the new album and the first tease of what V.V. Brown has up her sleeve and if it's any indication of what we can expect to hear on the new record, I think we're all in for a sweet treat. Check out the very "REAL" video for "Children" below, shot in Los Angeles and look out for some sick dance remixes from Mike Rizzo, Twice as Nice, Club Cheval and Easy Does It. Download "Children" featuring Chiddy on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out VV Brown on the web:

Official Site//Myspace//Facebook//Bebo//YouTube//Twitter

Hot Video Alert: Agnes - Don't Go Breaking My Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Agnes Carlsson could very well be my SECOND favorite Swedish pop singer, next to the lovely Robyn, of course. All the way back in September, the beautiful 23 year old former winner of 2005's Swedish Idol released a new dance-pop single called confusingly titled "Don't Go Breaking My Heart." When I first heard the title, I obviously thought of a song by Elton John and Kiki Dee but didn't see any other vocalists featured on the album artwork. Come to find out, Agnes' "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" isn't a cover at all. It's a brand spankin' new song co-written by Carlsson herself, with help from The Nervo Twins, Vincent Pontare (Agnes' boyfriend!) and Magnus Lidehäll, the latter two of whom produced the synthy pop smash. While not NEARLY as catchy as her international breakout single, "Release Me" or it's successor, "I Need You Now," "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is certainly worthy of accolades if you ask me, as well as chart success. Unfortunately for Agnes, the song was lacking in the chart department.

"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" became the first Agnes single to ever not chart in the top 60 on the Sverigetopplistan (AKA Swedish Single Chart). Astonishing, considering it followed the same basic pop formula as her previous hit singles. Perhaps that had something to do with it? Was the new song TOO similar to past favorites? Despite missing the singles chart altogether, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" did manage to enter the Swedish Download chart at #3 and at #4 on the Svensktoppen (AKA Swedish Airplay Chart). Reportedly the first single lifted off Agnes' forthcoming fourth studio album, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" has been remixed to perfection by Niclas Kings, and Fredda L & Daif, which should have set things in motion for club chart success. Here in the States, Agnes' debut American single, "Release Me" topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, so we know she has it in her. I just hope that the poor chart performance of the song doesn't derail Agnes' plans to release a new album, which is still tentatively scheduled to come out sometime in 2012.

Check out the super sexy video for "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" below, directed by Mikeadelica and download the single on Swedish iTunes HERE. Oh, and listen to the Niclas Kings remix HERE if you're feeling dancey.

Check Out Agnes on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Katy B - Movement

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Six singles? Really Columbia? Don't get me wrong, I love me some Katy B but releases six singles off of one album? Completely unnecessary. I'm all for listening to an artist's entire debut album over and over again until their second album drops, but I don't need every single album track released as it's own single. That kind of seems like a waste of money on the label's part, doesn't it? Especially given the fact that the last single didn't even crack the top 100. Come on people. I'll say it again. COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY.

"Movement" is the sixth single to come off of Katy's debut album, On A Mission, which came out back in April. Produced and co-written by drum and bass/breakstep DJ Zinc, "Movement" is probably the least exciting single to come off the album, not to mention the least exciting corresponding video. Shot in Ibiza, the video basically chronicles Katy letting loose with her girlfriends in a beautiful, tropical setting. Beautiful scenery but blah everything else. It is nice seeing a more laid back, not-heavily made up Katy B but I'm going to just be honest. I'm ready for album #2. Download Katy's album on U.S. iTunes HERE.

In other more exciting Katy B news...get excited about a rumored Katy B/Mark Ronson Olympic collaboration. According to Katy in an interview with music.geeks.co.uk, Ronson traveled all over the world and sampled sounds made by various athletes doing athletic things...like swimming, archery arrows hitting targets, etc., "then he made the samples into drumkits." Wow. Very cool concept indeed. The single is expected to come out sometime in 2012 in advance of the London Olympic Games. Bring it on! Mark Ronson + Katy B surely will equal auditory genius.

Check out Katy B on the web:

Official Site//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Jessie and The Toy Boys - Let's Get Naughty

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

As much as I love and adore Jessie Malakouti's pop-perfect outfit, Jessie and the Toy Boys I just can't seem to get into her latest single, the appropriately titled "Let's Get Naughty." For me, the song is just missing something. "Push It" had a certain something something that just worked. "Let's Get Naughty" is missing that something something. "All my hoes, touch your toes!" she says a number of times. I'm all for a bit of fun, dirty pop but this song is just dirty without the fun. Blah. Sorry Jessie, but I'm just not feeling this one. In an interview with the website, ArtistDirect.com Malakouti admits to having completely forgotten about the song. "I wrote 'Let's Get Naughty' over a year ago," she said. "Then I was going through all my material to decide what songs I was going to play for [Britney Spears'] The Femme Fatale Tour, and I came across it in my demos folder on my computer." Turns out, the song was a big crowd hit during Britney's tour, and Jessie decided to release a studio version for her "fannequins." Well, maybe I'd have a different opinion of the track had I seen it done live.

In the super hot video directed by Don Tyler, Jessie tramps it up with her mannequins along with a sexy troupe of real live, flesh & blood back up dancers. The choreography is as slick, and suggestive as ever and Jessie looks absolutely fabulous as she traipses around in a multitude of sexy costumes and get-ups. The video was shot while on tour with Britney, half in LA and half in Cleveland. Check out Jessie and The Toy Boys in all of their glory below and download the single on U.S. iTunes HERE. To my knowledge, no remixes have been released as of yet. Since you're here...why not check out my interview with Jessie from back in April.

Check out Jessie and the ToyBoys on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Will Young - Come On

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The original winner of Pop Idol (the UK reality series and precursor to the X-Factor) Will Young has had a long and illustrious pop career spanning nine years, quite impressive considering he's only 32 years old. Since the release of debut #1 album, 2002's From Now On, Young has amassed a total of three #1 albums, not to mention two top 5 albums. On the singles front, Young has been fairly successful as well, releasing four #1 singles and six top 5 albums. Not too shabby Mr. Young. So what happened with the release of his seventeenth single, "Come On?" The song has the misfortune of becoming Young's lowest charting single to date, peaking at a disappointing #83. Has Young lost his mojo? God, I hope not.

Originally a 2009 single by British electro-duo Kish Mauve, Young' cover was released November 21st from his fifth studio album Echoes. The album was entirely produced by electro-mastermind Richard X, with songwriting credits from various top English talent, including longtime Will Young collaborator, Andy Cato, Fred Falke, The Sound of Arrows, Richard Stannard, Pascal Gabriel and more. The album, which was released this past August became Young's third #1 album and spawned the top 5 hit single "Jealousy." The fact that the album's second single barely cracked the top 100 does not bode well for any of the album's future singles, which makes me nervous. Would Young's long-time label drop him for one low charting single taken from a #1 album? I sure hope not.

What really MAKES this song for me is the heartwarming and heartbreaking video clip, directed by Chris Sweeney. The video tells the tale of a boy (i.e. Will Young) and his dog. A flashback sequence mid-way through the video fills in some details about the boy's history with the charmingly adorable mutt. Back in the present, Young is showing his dog at a Crufts-like dog show of some kind. Surrounded by perfectly primped and pretty pups, Young's mutt stands out for what he is...a mutt. After the dog bumbles his way through some obstacles, injuring his paw, the dog turns it around and delivers for his master and best friend. Watching the video, it's impossible not to tear up a bit watching these two together. The video serves as a perfectly thought out complement to an already beautiful song. Why this song and video failed to connect with music-listeners is beyond me. I hope Young can turn things around with his next single. He's far too talented to have this be it.

Look out for "Come On" remixes by Cahill, which you can download on UK iTunes HERE. Also check out Will Young on the UK horror series "Bedlam," in which he plays a charmingly nerdy tenant in a haunted apartment complex which used to serve as a mental hospital.

Check out Will Young on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube//iTunes (U.S.)

Hot Video Alert: Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris - We Found Love

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Sward) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Barbadian pop singer Rihanna has to be one of the hardest-working woman in popular music right now. The talented singer's most recent single, the Calvin Harris-produced "We Found Love" recently became her ninth #1 Billboard Hot 100 single (eleventh if you count her collaborations with Eminem and T.I.) and the song's album, Talk That Talk became her sixth top ten album, the last three of which were top five hits. Astonishing!

Looking back on her rather extensive discography, Rihanna has released one album every year for the past three years, amassing nine Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles. Since the beginning of her career back in 2005, Rihanna has made smart business decisions. After the success of her debut single, the incredibly infectious "Pon De Replay" (which peaked at #2), Rihanna went ahead and released single #2, the BLAH R&B number, "If It's Lovin' That You Want." When that single failed to reach the top 20, Rihanna got to work on album number 2. Why empty water from a sinking ship when you can just get a new ship? Rihanna really knows hot to keep the momentum going. My only concern is that she's going to wear herself out. Girl needs a serious break!

"We Found Love" was both written and produced by Scottish singer/songwriter/producer Calvin Harris, taking Princess RiRi straight to the club. Rihanna's recent string of hits have hit everywhere on the pop spectrum from dance pop to R&B pop, even straight up R&B and hip-hop. "We Found Love" is the singer's first strictly club single (assuming you don't count her David Guetta collaboration) and I can't get enough of it. The intro is a little long but once those trademark Calvin Harris beats start bumping, that's when the real party really starts. As exciting as it must be for Rihanna to have her ninth #1 single, "We Found Love" becomes Calvin Harris' first #1 single in America. Amazing! Two birds, one stone.

Check out the Melina Matsoukas-directed video clip below and prepare to get dizzy. As fun and up-tempo as the song is, the video paints an entirely different picture. The video includes drug addiction, an abusive relationship (verbal more so than physical)...it's fast moving and dark, which is in serious contrast to the dance party like feel of the song. Whenever I hear the song at a party, I prefer to block out the rough imagery of the video and just get lost in the music, but kudos to Rihanna for tackling such difficult subject matter. Look for remixes by Chuckie, Cahill, and R3hab, all available on U.S. iTunes HERE. New single, the Dr. Luke, Cirkut-produced "You Da One" is already climbing the charts, most recently arriving at #14. Looks like RiRi has another top ten single on her hands folks!

Check out Rihanna on the web:

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