Melismatic

MIXTAPE: Hot 100 Style with The Wanted, Adele, Rihanna & Florence

2012-02-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

THE WANTED - "Glad You Came"
UK five-piece Boy Band The Wanted are already at household name status in their home country and on album numero dos, but "Glad You Came" marks their official entrance into the States and it's doing surprisingly well for a boy band of the most typical sense.

"Glad You Came," originally released as the second single from the group's sophomore disc Battleground last summer in the UK, opens like it would be a typical swoony boy band ballad, but quickly flips the script with dancey beats and a markedly caribbean-y (new word) feel. I'm guessing that might be part of its real appeal -- as it has a very "party on the beach" kind of sound. Apparently, Americans are in the mood for a summer beach party, as it has officially made a dent in the Hot 100, landing just outside the Top 50 at #64. Not bad for a bunch of lads that Joe American has never even heard of (save for a recent appearance on The Ellen Show and a handful of current live dates in major cities).

"Glad You Came" written and produced by Steve Mac (5ive, Westlife, JLS and The Wanted's other big UK hit "All Time Low"), and debuted at #1 in the UK and in Ireland. Now that the song has charted within the Hot 100, time will only tell whether it will rise or sink...

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ADELE - "Set Fire To the Rain" (listen here)
America's love affair with the UK songstress continues. I think we've all agreed that Adele is the real deal -- the breath of fresh air in a commercialized, AutoTuned Society of Pop Music. "Set Fire To the Rain", the latest release Stateside from the beauty that is 21 is just more fuel to add to the "fire". Hopefully, it will also permanently set fire to Rihanna's "Love" chart run -- I think we're already for something new, yes?

Personally, I find all of the songs on 21 difficult to judge on their own, as they are all equally massive and fantastic. More applause and enjoyment courtesy of one of UK's finest. Cheers, Ms. Adkins. Please continue to read all of our minds and remain as incredible as ever. That is all.

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RIHANNA - "Drunk On Love" (listen here)

I'm not really sure when Rihanna sleeps, as she somehow managed to release two records in the space of a year. 2010's Loud spawned seven singles officially (while only a handful of them seemed to work in the States), and her most recent release Talk That Talk threatens to do much of the same.

I'm putting aside the ubiquitous "We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)" (see above comments), which continues to slay the Hot 100, and is doing battle with "Umbrella" for the biggest hit of her career. While I do love the song (despite it starting to become more than a little overplayed), its sound is a bit of a red herring to her usual style and what appears overall on Talk That Talk. From the minute I heard the record in full, the song that stood out most to me was "Drunk On Love." The song samples The xx's "Intro" and really gives her room to belt it out.

I much prefer the optimistic and honest RiRi to the posing and posturing stance she prone to rocking ("Talk That Talk", "Cockiness (Love It)", "Roc Me Out", "Rude Boy", "Hard"). Fingers crossed for it to appear as an upcoming single.

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FLORENCE + THE MACHINE - "No Light, No Light"
"No Light, No Light" is the third official single from Flo's much celebrated sophomore disc Ceremonials, released this past October. While there is no denying Ms. Welch (and her musical machine) is a huge hit with critics and musicians alike (Kelly Clarkson is covering "Heavy In Your Arms" on her current tour to support her fifth album, Stronger; Katy Perry did a parody homage on SNL; etc. etc.), mainstream and chart success seems to be alluding her on the Hot 100, as second single "Shake It Out" still undeservedly flounders in the lower echelons.

"No Light, No Light" is truly anthematic in its own right, complete with etheral falscetto, power (organ) chords, heavy tribal drums you feel in your gut and a resounding chorus hook. It's another stunner in the Florence hit machine -- and either you love it or you're indifferent. In my case, I adore it.

HEAR THIS: Rebecca Ferguson's "Too Good To Lose"

2012-01-31T10:00:00.003-05:00

I usually file UK X-Factor runner up Rebecca Ferguson along the likes of Leona Lewis or Emeli Sande -- she has a big soulful set of pipes (in Rebecca's case -- in a very jazzy tone), but the material is often so slow or moody, I really have to be in the mood to want to actively listen to it.

However, that all changed when I heard this ace little remix of her upcoming single. The song, "Too Good To Lose," is due for release to radios in the UK in late February/early March. Co-written by Rebecca herself, "Too Good To Lose" is exactly that, especially in its Seamus Haji Remix incarnation. Take a listen to the remix below. It's unsurprising that I adore this version -- as I enjoy the vast majority of Seamus Haji's remixes. He has a real penchant for fusing genres -- his remixes are so much more than just slapping some heavy beats and synth underneath a pop cut and calling it a day.

This is not to bemoan the original, which I enjoy very, very much. On the whole, I find it much stronger than her debut single, the more unassuming "Nothing's Real But Love," which went to Top 10 in the UK. In my opinion, "Lose" is much more radio friendly, accessible and singable in general -- and plays to her vocal strengths.

With the remix, the song completely transforms and takes on an almost 70's disco feel meets current club fare. Ferguson's vocals verge on the Whitney Houston-esque (especially cerca "It's Not Right But It's Okay" -- think Thunderpuss Remix). It's proof positive that when remixes are done right, they can be a really great thing. My only complaint is the remix stripping the song of its heavy piano chords, but overall, it's a really great re-invention of a great single.

The full album, Heaven, has already been declared platinum in the UK.

MAILBAG MONDAY: Lady Pista, Official Hot Mess, Verona

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Want to submit your tunes for future Melismatic Mailbag Mondays (try saying that one aloud three times fast)? Send anything and everything to submissions@melismaticblog.com! :) Read on for this week's ear candy...

LADY PISTA
Song: "Fatal Love"
Genre: Dancehall meets chilled-out club-dubstep meets R&B
File Near: M.I.A., Kid Sister

Canadian songstress Lady Pista has an interesting mix of genres stirred up in her body of work to create something uniquely her own. "Underground Dancefloor" has elements of reggae mixed in with chunky electric guitars and a slight dubstep feel, while softer ballad "Fatal Love" (below) has more of an R&B lean to it mixed with club-ready beats. The Lady's debut EP, Ritual, was released last year, and a full LP release is due sometime in 2012.

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OFFICIAL HOT MESS
Song: "Money Makes the Girl$ Go Round"
Genre: Pop Rock
File Near: Lillix and Aly & AJ, shook up in a Ke$ha blender

Official Hot Mess (or OHM) is a pop rock band fronted by Kristy and Lindsey Landers Niedenfuer, the offspring of actress Judy Landers and baseball famer Tom Niedenfuer. Their debut single, "Money Makes the Girl$ Go Round" was a hot commodity over at MTV, and as also featured on Showtime's "The Real L Word" as well as the reality show following those crazy Kardashian sisters. Kristy & Lindsey are plotting a reality show of their own, starring themselves and their run at pop rock stardom. The song has a kitsch to it that makes it sticky and likeable in that glamorous hot mess kind of way. The video for their other single, "Sexy Face," is set to debut on MTV tomorrow.

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VERONA
Song: "Hero"
Genre: Hazy, Dreamy Electro Rock
File Near: M83

This Aussie rock troupe has found a niche in this slo-rock jam sound set to electro beats, with the proof being the single "Hero", released back in November. They also recently released an original mashup of various current hits in the Verona "style", including Flo Rida's "Good Feeling," Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy", Rihanna's "We Fell In Love" and LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem", dubbed "Music That Makes You Explode (Pop Mini Mix)" with "Hero" mixed in.You can download both for free at their Facebook.

WGO: Chart Watch

2012-01-28T09:00:00.010-05:00

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart:
1. Adele - Set Fire To the Rain (AIRPLAY GAINER)
2. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
3. Flo Rida - Good Feeling
4. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj) (DIGITAL GAINER)
5. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
6. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
7. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
8. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...)
9. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Ni**as In Paris
10. Jessie J - Domino

13. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
15. J.Cole - Work Out
16. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
17. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
19. Adele - Someone Like You
20. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
22. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
23. Selena Gomez & the Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
25. Rihanna - You Da One
28. Glee Cast - Without You (DEBUT)
30. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
32. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
35. Coldplay - Paradise
36. Cobra Starship - You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi)
38. Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss
41. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
42. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
45. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
46. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
47. The Band Perry - All Your Life
49. Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
50. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
56. Glee Cast - We Found Love (DEBUT)
64. The Wanted - Glad You Came
65. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
67. Black Keys - Lonely Boy
69. Avicii - Levels
72. Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
81. Beyonce - Love On Top
82. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
84. Ellie Goulding - Lights
87. Skrillex - Kyoto (feat. Sirah)
88. Glee Cast - Summer Nights (DEBUT)
89. Fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae)
94. Rihanna - Talk That Talk (feat. Jay-Z)
96. Lady Antebellum - Dancin' Away With My Heart (RE-ENTRY)
97. Foster the People - Don't Stop (Color...)
98. Mary J Blige - Mr. Wrong (feat. Drake) (DEBUT)
100. Jay-Z/Kanye West - No Church In the Wild (feat. Frank Ocean) (DEBUT)

US Billboard Dance/Club Play:
1. Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional
3. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
4. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
5. Rihanna - You Da One
6. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
7. Blush - Dance On
8. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
13. Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite the World)
18. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
21. Avicii - Levels
24. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...)

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
1. Jessie J - Domino
3. David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
7. Avicii - Levels
8. Pixie Lott - Kiss the Stars (DEBUT)
10. Coldplay - Paradise

Billboard Japan Hot 100:
1. Bump of Chicken - Good Luck*
22. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
24. Daughtry - Crawling Back To You (DEBUT)
33. Van Halen - Tattoo
38. Namie Amuro - Love Story
38. 2AM - Never Let You Go
44. Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat
46. Amy Winehouse - Our Day Will Come
47. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)

*=Yeah, I'm confused, too.

Billboard Korea KPOP Hot 100:
1. T-Ara - Lovey-Dovey
3. Hyorin (of SISTAR) - I Will Love You (DEBUT)
5. IU - You and I
7. Trouble Maker (HyunA/Hyun Seung) - Trouble Maker
8. Davichi & T-Ara - We Used To Be In Love
10. SunnyHill - Grasshopper
11. MBLAQ - It's War
12. Teen Top - Going Crazy
18. Wonder Girls - The DJ Is Mine
19. T-Ara - Cry Cry
27. Song Ji Eun (of Secret) - It's Cold
29. Wonder Girls - Be My Baby
39. Electro Boyz - Ma Boy 2 (feat. Hyorin of SISTAR)
40. Super Junior KRY - Remembrance (DEBUT)
45. Rainbow Pixie - Hoi Hoi
46. As One - Only U (feat. Donghae of Super Junior)

IN REVIEW: TVXQ!'s Different 'TONE'

2012-01-27T10:30:00.001-05:00

This one was a long work in progress. Forgive me.

Call it bias (because it is), but formally writing a review for TVXQ! (in this formation, as it's a Japanese release, known as Tohoshinki) and their most recent album release in TONE was painstakingly difficult for me. Now, as the duo embarks on their first official concert tour stage since DongBangPocalypse, their first formal headlining tour since 2009's 'The Secret Code', also in Japan, there is no better time than the present to reflect on this not new but certainly different version of TVXQ!

TONE is TVXQ's fifth release in Japan, but unlike its counterpart in fifth Korean release Keep Your Head Down, TONE feels more full, more confident and less jumbled. On the whole, while I'm not nearly as knowledgeable about the Japanese music scene, I've always personally felt that TVXQ's Japanese releases were their strongest (case in point - fourth album 'The Secret Code' being their strongest release top to bottom ever, in any language, period). The reason for this to me is clear -- this material allows them to express what in their native country they couldn't. Part of that comes from the emotions that are exuded through the material. Since Japanese is for most members of 5-TVXQ! their second language, they are continually forced to dig to the heart of the material in order to breathe life into it, whereas, with their Korean material, understanding would come to them naturally.

The project opens with a piano and strings-assisted, dream-like intro dubbed "Magenta", playing off the TONE label, before launching in to the set's third official Japanese single, sexy uptempo "B.U.T (BE-AU-TY)", written by their Korean ~~Max Martin~~ go-to maestro Yoo Young-Jin. If you are first listening to the album without hearing any of the previous singles, "B.U.T" is exactly the kind of confident uptempo pop song Yunho & Changmin need to re-assert their dominance, as it plays right to their vocal strengths and the holes left remaining in their harmony are glazed over in the thumping drums. It's the sexiest (Japanese) lyrics that TVXQ! has been able to get away with since their "Mirotic" days of yore.

My moving fingers from the shoulder to the waist
Oh, feels good (girl, what is the love you need?)
Oh, feels good (baby, what do you want from me?)...

This kiss turns so hot, I can't handle it
B.U.T., the heart that you might read
I'm already so in love
Attracted by fate...

It's dejavu, as if it's impossible
We meet like a scene from a movie
And cling to each other
You become mine
And you say that your instinct said so
It's the best excuse, the only one...

Instead of kneeling down and offering you tribute
Just take me, feel me, baby

Next up is "I Think U Know", and there's a reason why it feels so Euro-Swede-tastic, as it's a Dsign Music (from Norway) production, responsible for several Monrose cuts, along with Girls' Generation's "Genie", BoA's "Hurricane Venus" and f(x)'s "Danger". It's one of TVXQ's first real dalliances in the true dance music category, and in my opinion, would really soar with a proper house remix (or even without it!). While the range plays to Yunho's strength, much of the verses are fairly low for Changmin, while the hook inserts falsetto (Changmin's strength rather than Yunho's) -- a vital example of the reason why this album is called TONE, and how versatile TVXQ! is vocally. However, just when I think Yunho and Changmin are pretty equally matched, the bridge is called up and Changmin slaughters it till its begging for mercy (that's not bias, it's fact). Well, what can I do?

Sparkling Ballad "Duet" is the first glaring reminder that this incarnation of Tohoshinki is missing its three central voices, and it's the first real pity of the album, as the song itself is so heartbreakingly pretty.

If time you and I spent together became a song
I would play few sad notes
Because happiness prefers friendly people
It's a duplet filling the space
Between you and me with two notes
Neither groundless rumors
Nor startling bad jokes
Will ever mislead us
As long as we hear them together...
Whatever I do, I will never hurt you...
It's a never-ending duet

Insert lonely and crying Cassiopeia, insisting this gorgeous midtempo is a sign of strength between our favorite duo, and a sad letter to the "missing" three, here. As often as I'd like to assert that the fan overreaction to lyrical material is unnecessarily (it's never more prominent than in this fandom, I find, and sometimes, it's with good reason), it doesn't get more damning than the word "Duet."

"Thank You My Girl" is called up by a faux orchestra introduction before the arrangement is cut up and distributed in remix form with handclaps and a very distinct orchestral round that is Pachelbel's "Canon" cleverly inserted. It reminds me quite a bit of Jade Valerie's "Unbreakable (Moonlight Sonata)". Despite so much going on in the background, Yunho & Changmin's voices don't necessarily get lost, but are two new musical threads weaving in and out of the round effortlessly.

"Back To Tomorrow" is another string-assisted gem. Yunho really soars vocally here, and that's always lovely to hear. The chorus remains exciting despite the fact that it is the full embodiment of why the HoMin duet arrangement was slightly worrying at first as the divide between their two voices in the typical five-part TVXQ vocal arrangement is as wide as conceivably possible. The chorus uses that fact as a sonic strength insisted of a possible detriment, performed in octaves with Yunho supplying bass and Changmin supplying high tenor.

At the album's halfway point is where the Korean singles make their Japanese debut. Aggressive and intense "Why? (Keep Your Head Down)" (still goosebump-inducing) is paired with "Maximum" exactly as they are in the Korean release (only re-recorded in Japanese). "I Don't Know", a promotional single for the record was an early favorite of mine for its rock-inspired elements and husky low vocal range it was performed in.

This brings us to "Superstar", the project's first new single after the "Keep Your Head Down" re-hashing. The fact that it's a Japanese lyrical revision of an original sung by another duo, British X-Factor ~~irritating~~ twin brother group Jedward is something I'd really like to forget entirely. The song (in English) was basically a lyrical re-tred of O-Town's "Liquid Dreams" as synthy "Everyday Superstar". Luckily for the rest of the pop world, we have a much more listenable version in Tohoshinki's redub, simply titled "Superstar", nixing all of the name-dropping and vocally trumping the original. Jedward, I hope you're pleased with yourselves (and I'm sure you are).

On a separate note, imagine my chagrin upon hearing "Superstar" (in its English version) was co-written by Drew Ryan Scott, a member of US boy-band Varsity Fanclub. His name just keeps popping up where I least expect it, especially in KPOP land, writing a lot of tunes I very much enjoy (case in point: Girlicious' "Maniac", Tynisha Keli's "Shatter'd", Blake Lewis' "Rhythm Of My Heart" and astoundingly, Super Junior's "Why I Like You" and the song that changed KPOP -- "Sorry Sorry"). Dear Drew Ryan Scott, keep writing for my faves, mmkay?

The album is rounded out by the beautiful, unassuming midtempo "Weep" (another to incite "weeping" by Cassiopeia).

I sing because you are watching
It's not for anything else
Just the fact that you are there
Makes joy well up in my heart
I couldn't forget you
There's no way I could forget you
The smile in front of me
Is so precious to me

On the whole, I enjoy the album entirely (surprised?). It certainly has it's holes, but it's strengths outweigh it's weaknesses. And then we get to the final bonus track, in the bewildering inclusion of "Somebody To Love", re-recorded for 2011 (ie, to feature just Yunho & Changmin).

I do understand the reasoning behind its inclusion, but it doesn't mean I necessarily agree with it. "Somebody To Love", first released back in 2005 as a part of Tohoshinki's first Japanese album Heart, Mind and Soul, was TVXQ!'s second official Japanese single. There is no question it was included as a further statement of TVXQ! is now (or at least currently) a two-man show, but considering this version sounds almost identical in output as the original, I don't see the point. Perhaps if they changed the tempo, altered the arrangement more prominently -- did something to make the changes in TVXQ!'s TONE more prominent, I would tearfully applaud it's inclusion. Instead, it felt a bit like trying to re-write history by bottoming out the gorgeous harmony-work and trying to forget three important people were there with you. Would they dare re-release "Hug" with just Yunho & Changmin? Case in point.

Instead of "Somebody to Love", I would have been happier with a Japanese version of the sex that is "Before U Go". Just saying.

The TONE tour has officially begun in Japan, and includes a brand new song, dubbed "Still". Set list, as provided by fans in attendance, is as follows:

1. B.U.T. (BE-AU-TY)
2. Superstar
3. I Think U Know
4. Mirotic
5. Toki Wo Tomete*
6. Thank You My Girl
7. Magenta
8. Maximum
9. Honey Funny Bunny**
10. Before U Go (Japanese Version)
11. Duet
12. I Don't Know
13. Telephone
14. シアワセ色の花 (Flowers With the Color
of Happiness)
15. Back To Tomorrow
16. Rusty Nail***
17. Break Out!
18. Easy Mind
19. Summer Dream
20. High Time
21. Why? (Keep Your Head Down)
-Encore-
22. Rising Sun
23. Still (New Song)
24. Weep
25. Somebody To Love

*=The last formal single released with all five voices in 5-TVXQ!.
**=Yunho's Korean solo song from Keep Your Head Down, apparently translated into Japanese.
***=Changmin's solo in rock cover, "Rusty Nail", originally performed by Japanese rock band X Japan.

HEAR THIS: Flawless & Steph Jones Say "Ah Yeah"

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Confession Time: Ever since the Pastele showcase I attended a few weeks back, I've had one song on constant replay and that is "L.I.E.", a collabo jam between dance rapper Flawless and Amy of Karmin (performed live that night with Pastele supplying the female vocals). So much so, that looking into the rest of Flawless' material seemed like a no-brainer, and when I did, I was momentarily stunned.

A native of Queens, he's opened Ray J, Fabolous & Trey Songz, toured across the US, the UK & China, and was an original finalist for Diddy's first 'Making The Band' (remember The Band? No?). His path to independant success has been non-stop ever since, earning attention from industry elite on the back of his own hard work, so when he says he's on a grind, he really means it.

Everyone who knows me knows that hip hop isn't usually my thing but this is exactly where Flawless stands apart. What I most especially adore about him is his devotion to experimenting with genres, fusing his hip hop rhymes with dance, pop, dubstep and house beats. His overall sound is pretty damn radio-ready minus the ego and label backup. For whatever reason, Flawless comes across as much more authentic and geniune. He's definitely akin to party hip hop jams by Flo Rida or the Black Eyed Peas -- minus the pretentiousness many have come to associate with this style of "party hop".

His latest, the catchy "Ah Yeah", is exactly that, employing former Ludacris protege Steph Jones to sing down the hook. The video starts out as your typical dance party, seguing into a manic pillow fight with lots of tribal-inspired blacklight. Check out the official video below and see what I mean.

Both "Ah Yeah" and "L.I.E." are available for purchase on iTunes & perusal on Spotify. For more on Flawless, visit his website @ ThisIsFlawless.com or follow him on Twitter @ThisIsFlawless.

HEAR THIS: Neon Hitch can "F*ck U Betta"

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Few things that I wanna say
Still got my dignity
No one will love you like me...
She's prettier than I'll ever be
Got yourself a beauty queen, yeah
But there's one thing I gotta say...
-Neon Hitch, "F*ck U Betta"

A sure lot has changed since I last formally checked in on Brit (and now Warner Brothers-recording artist) Neon Hitch two and a half years ago. She wrote tunes for Ke$ha & Sky Ferreira, released an ace buzz single in "Get Over U" (co-written by Sia) and nabbed featured tags alongside 3OH!3 and most recently Gym Class Heroes (on their current radio gem "Ass Back Home").

As for herself, Ms. Hitch has a brand new single that stands apart from the musical identity of when I first discovered her in favor of more scandalicious club beats. Last year saw the release of club single "Bad Dog" -- a hooky piece of innuendo in tribute to bad boys. This year, we have a formal single release, dubbed "F*ck U Betta", and its is the lead release off her upcoming debut album, Beg, Borrow and Steal, due for release later this year. File this one under Guilty Pleasure Club Pop in the very best sense.

Neon Hitch - Fuck U Betta by NeonHitch

With a name like "F*ck U Betta", you can already guess it's a floor-stomping, in-your-face, pompous party cut. It's exactly that, plus a bag of chips. Neon's trademark baby-voiced cooing comes full-Auto-Tuned-throttle, drawing you in to the brash and repetative hook amid smokey synth thumps. The ultimate self-righteous kiss-off to an ex who's moved on? Pretty much.

BACK IN THE DAY: It's A 'Blaque Out'

2012-01-24T11:00:00.005-05:00

2012 brings the revival of my Back in the Day columns, speaking about pop music material from ten years prior, so from here on out, our Year of Pop 2002. In January of 2002, I was still a Freshman in High School (waiting on bated breath for a fourth *NSYNC album that would never come). First up is a girl group I've mentioned once before in this column.

Blaque, a pop-meets-urban trio who saw some success in the late 90's with their Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes-assisted 1999 debut album Blaque, has always remained a question mark in my mind. The majority of this reasoning is becaue their debut record became more than a staple to me during this period.

Their sound and appeal was basically a younger version of TLC gone pop, trading the Fanmail era's space-suits for neon color blocking, bubble wrap and pacifiers (in fact, they even opened for the ladies during the Fanmail tour). Many tossed them off in favor of some of their contemporaries, the biggest being 3LW. Not I -- as Blaque was fully stacked to yours truly. Admittedly, I gathered interest at first due to a bemusing collaboration with *NSYNC's other frontman, but I stayed for other, more R&B-flavored cuts, like "808".

While the momentum rolled in the aftermath of the commercial success of Blaque, Lady Luck was apparently not on Blaque's side. The group recorded a darker followup record, eschewing the bubblegum for "blaque" skin-baring outfits, dubbed Blaque Out which included first single "Can't Get It Back" (which would later be re-recorded and released internationally by UK girl group Mis-Teeq), but Columbia Records wasn't feeling the vibe, shelving the record. The group was dropped. The album was eventually released in modified version in Japan in early 2002 (hence the inclusion in this 'BITD') and in America later (as in five years later) quietly via iTunes. My personal favorite was one of the record's more frenetic up tempos (and the album's namesake) -- the stop & go "Blaque Out".

April 2002 brought on the unexpected death of their mentor and biggest champion in Left Eye, but the group carried on, signing with Elecktra Records and Music World Entertainment (read: Matthew Knowles, Beyonce's poppa) and began recording a third record, Torch, which included bass-heavy, Darkchild-produced first single "I'm Good", which was used in the film Honey. Again, the album was shelved and the group was dropped.

After two shelved records, rapper Natina (often compared to Left Eye for her sound and style) left music entirely, while the group's two singers went on to solo contracts. However, the split didn't last long, and the group reformed in late 2004/early 2005, and began work on a fourth record, dubbed Private Show.

Now seven years later, confirmation of Blaque's status has been little to none. Natina still lists herself as a member of Blaque on her Twitter account, but her official website no longer functions. Shamari, one of the group's main singers, married Ronnie Devoe of Bell Biv Devoe/New Edition fame. Brandi also appears to be pursuing music, on a solo front, per her Twitter. While it appears that a Blaque reunion is not necessarily off the table, it clearly doesn't seem to be the primary focus for any of the ladies.

As mentioned, Blaque Out is now available for purchase on iTunes, or for your perusal on Spotify.

MAILBAG MONDAY: Eva, Kazaky, ControlFreaksUK & Nicole Lawrence

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

Keep sending in your stellar tuneage to submissions@melismaticblog.com! I don't know why I didn't think of this column idea sooner, but I'm glad I did! On to this week's gems:

EVA
Genre: Four-on-the-Floor Electro
File Near: Katy Perry
I've mentioned Eva once before on the blog thanks to her dancefloor romp (co-written by Ke$ha herself), "Ashes". She's still on the dancefloor, and chasing the rising dubstep trend with her latest single, sexy "Body On Mine," featuring Young Money protege of the moment, Tyga. While I'm a bit more partial to the club-ready "Extended Dubstep Remix", the radio edit (see below) could very well have legs...

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KAZAKY
Genre: Fierce 90's Eurodance meets 2012 House

File Near: Visually, these boys have NO competition.
Picture this: four metro!glam boys from the Ukraine, better known as Kazaky, working it out to House Music in stilletto heels. The video for their most recent single, "Dance and Change," is honestly a piece of art in its simplicity as the main spotlight is on the stellar choreography. While the song doesn't exactly move mountains to my ears, it's the visual that draws you in. This boy band has set the bar for dancing so high, it's almost not even fair. How is it that they can do this in heels in the club, while I can barely make it through one song?

-----

CONTROLFREAKSUK
Genre: Mod-Day Radio Dance meets 60's Soul
File Near: C + C the Music Factory, (a 2012 version of) Gloria Gaynor
Burgeoning Brit production duo ControlFreaksUK (or CF-UK to those in the know) have enlisted an 2009 Brit X-Factor flameout Nicole Lawrence and her big soulful pipes in their self-penned current single "Won't Look Back." The cut is a decidedly sunny and tre soulful romp that immediately put a smile on my face and is currently my sing-in-the-shower song of the moment.

WGO: Chart Watch (1/28/2012)

2012-01-21T09:00:00.034-05:00

Below denotes songs and artists of note featured on the Billboard Hot 100 (USA), Hot Dance/Club Play (USA), UK Hot (UK), Japan and KPOP (South Korea) Charts. Italicized items have been discussed on Melismatic.

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart:
1. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
2. Adele - Set Fire to the Rain (AIRPLAY GAINER)
3. Flo Rida - Good Feeling (feat. Sia)
4. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
5. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
6. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
7. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Ni**as In Paris
8. Tyga - Rack City
9. Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa - Young, Wild & Fire (feat. Bruno Mars)
10. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)

12. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem13. J.Cole - Work Out
14. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
15. Jessie J - Domino
16. Adele - Someone Like You
17. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feaet. Adam Levine)
18. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
19. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
21. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) (DIGITAL GAINER)
22. Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
24. Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
28. Rihanna - You Da One
34. Cobra Starship - You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi)
35. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
36. Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss
38. Coldplay - Paradise
39. Drake - Take Care
40. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
42. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
43. Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
44. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
46. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
49. The Band Perry - All Your Life
53. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
58. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
60. Train - Drive By (DEBUT)
65. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
67. Van Halen - Tattoo (DEBUT)
70. Avicii - Levels
74. Beyonce - Love On Top
76. Skrillex - Kyoto (feat. Sirah)
78. Snow Patrol - Called Out In the Dark (DEBUT)
79. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
85. The Wanted - Glad You Came (DEBUT)
86. Fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae)
87. Ellie Goulding - Lights
91. Lana Del Rey - Video Games (DEBUT)
95. Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites
97. Foster the People - Don't Stop (Colors On the Wall) (DEBUT)
98. MGK - Wild Boy (feat. Waka Flocka Flame)
99. Daughtry - Crawling Back To You (RE-ENTRY)
100. Rihanna - Talk That Talk (feat. Jay-Z) (RE-ENTRY)

US Billboard Dance/Club Play: 1. Deborah Cox - If It Wasn't For Love
3. Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional
4. Florence + The Macine - Shake It Out
5. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj) (GREATEST GAINER)
6. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
8. Rihanna - You Da One
9. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
10. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
12. Blush - Dance On
14. Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite the World)
15. Avicii - Levels
18. Chris Willis - Too Much In Love
21. Wynter Gordon - Buy My Love
24. Coldplay - Paradise

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
1. Jessie J - Domino
4. Avicii - Levels
6. Taio Cruz - Troublemaker
7. Coldplay - Paradise
8. David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
9. Olly Murs - Dance With Me Tonight

Billboard Japan Hot 100:
1. KinKi Kids - Kawatta Katachi No Ishi
4. 2AM - Never Let You Go...
18. Namie Amuro - Love Story
30. Shojo Jidal (Girls' Generation/SNSD) - The Boys
32. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
33. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
38. Namie Amuro - Sit! Stay! Wait! Down!
40. Lady Gaga - Born This Way
44. Amy Winehouse - Our Day Will Come

Billboard Korea KPOP Hot 100:
1. T-Ara - Lovey-Dovey
3. Davichi & T-Ara - We Used To Be In Love
6. Trouble Maker (HyunA & Hyun Seung) - Trouble Maker
7. IU - You and I
8. MBLAQ - It's War
9. Wonder Girls - The DJ Is Mine (DEBUT)
10. SunnyHill - Grasshopper (DEBUT)
11. Teen Top - Going Crazy
14. Wanted - Like You (feat. IU)
17. T-Ara - Cry Cry
27. Wonder Girls - Be My Baby
34. MBLAQ - Scribble
35. Rainbow Pixie - Hoi Hoi (DEBUT)
36. Electro Boyz - Ma Boy 2 (feat. Hyorin of SISTAR)
43. Hwan Hee - Don't Go (DEBUT)
46. Nine Muses - News (DEBUT)
47. Girls' Generation (SNSD) - The Boys

RIP Etta James

2012-01-20T16:58:00.002-05:00

I still can't believe today is real.

RIP Ms. Etta James, an essential part of my musical history.

1938 - 2012

CLUB SETLIST: January 2012

2012-01-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

In an on-going effort to introduce new article ideas to Melismatic, each month or so I'll be releasing a "set list" of my some of favorite current club jams (that's DJ Melismatic to you...). This month, I managed to keep it fairly well balanced in the gender department. Introducing to you...

Melismatic's January 2012 Club Set List:

01. Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite the World)
02. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night (R3HAB Remix)
03. Wonder Girls - The DJ Is Mine (feat. School Gyrls)
04. Blush - Undivided (feat. Snoop Dogg) (David Aude Radio Mix)
05. Enrique Iglesias & Dev - Naked
06. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
07. Chris Willis - Too Much In Love (Gina Star Dub Mix)
08. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
09. Skrillex - Summit (feat. Ellie Goulding)
10. Tiesto - What Can We Do (Deeper Love) (feat. Anastacia)

Listen to the majority of this set via my Spotify playlist (and subscribe), or click the cut below and listen to the entire thing online now, complete with commentary (because I wouldn't be me if I didn't).

01. Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite the World)
"Party People" is Erika's sixth Billboard Dance #1, and has been hovering in the Top 20 since November.

Erika Jayne Party People (Ignite The World) Official Video Version by Robin Tp

02. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night (R3HAB Remix) (listen)
While it may not have broken down the charts on the Hot 100, my favorite cut from Born The Way lends itself very well to the club set, as it recently went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play Chart.

03. Wonder Girls - The DJ Is Mine (feat. School Gyrls)
Battle of the Girl Groups, set to dubstep? I'm in! South Korean popstars Wonder Girls, coming off a huge Korean comeback with their recent album Wonder World, begin to make good on that English album promise via their upcoming Teen Nick movie, which also stars Nick Cannon-assisted guilty pleasure School Gyrls. The first taste is "The DJ Is Mine," a surprisingly catchy little stomper that is a sizzler for more than the tweenage set. The song debuted in the Top 10 in the Billboard KPOP Chart this week. Check the video below.

04. Blush - Undivided (feat. Snoop Dogg) (David Aude Radio Remix) (listen on Spotify)
This indie girl group features chicks of all different ethnicities across the Asian continent (China, Japan, South Korea, India & Phillippines), and their debut single "Undivided" rose to the Top 3 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Second single "Dance On" is currently scorching the charts as well.

05. Enrique Iglesias & Dev - Naked (listen)

The latin lover and America's new favorite electro-fused sing-talker collaborate to the tune of this hooky Cataracts production, and in my opinion, it's the hottest thing either of them have done in a while.

06. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj) (listen)
Don't like Nicki Minaj? I got news -- homegirl is here to stay, and jumps into Rihanna territory with this bumping sparkler from Guetta's Nothing But the Beat, the followup album to 2009's goliath that was One Love. Minaj is so on point, forsaking her usual aggressive, repetative rap flow (except for a brief dalliance in the bridge) for a fierce vocal performance that is as unexpected as it is hooky. It's easily the best from the entire record, and encourages an immediate repeat. Wouldn't be surprised if it grabbed the #1 spot from Ms. Fenty soon...

07. Chris Willis - Too Much In Love (Gina Star Dub Mix)
Willis was Guetta's go-to hook singer for international floor-fillers like "Love Is Gone" and "Getting Over You". "Too Much In Love" sees him go it alone, sampling Lenny Kravitz' "Are You Gonna Go My Way", and is the second single from Premium: Songs From the Love Ship Vol. 11, released last year.

Too Much In Love (Gina Star Dub Mix) by Chris Willis

08. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty (watch the hype video)

Trashtastic Bad Girl and Redone protege Porcelain Black has really piqued my interest for her upcoming debut record. Second single "Naughty Naughty" (produced by RedOne) is a true guilty pleasure in its petulance, with unrelenting synth and husky screaming ("Whatcha gonna do about it?"). Side Note: she actually wrote my favorite part of Ashley Tisdale's Guilty Pleasure, the heavy "How Do You Love Someone?", which Black intends to record for herself for her own upcoming album.

09. Skrillex - Summit (feat. Ellie Goulding) (listen)
It's still somewhat bizarre to me that something as underground and euro-esque as dubstep is becoming mainstream in America. When used effectively, dubstep can be a great stepping stone for cross-collaboration between genres, and that seems to be something Skrillex is hell bent on trying to do. Bangarang, his most recent EP, has spawned a truckload of dance-based earworms, including this one with the UK's most hyped artist of 2010, Ellie Goulding.

10. Tiesto - What Can We Do (Deeper Love) (feat. Anastacia)

Couple the Netherland's super DJ with one of the greatest husky alto voices in dance music and the result is a smash. "What Can We Do (Deeper Love)" is the best kind of dance record -- it makes you want to sweat, it's instantly catchy and singable, and it's reminiscent of house music's hay day.

IN REVIEW: Jada Goes 'Supersonique'

2012-01-19T11:00:00.018-05:00

My favorite American foursome in Boston-based Jada are going full steam ahead with their brand new EP release, now available on iTunes and Amazon!

The set is titled Supersonique, after their new single to followup last year's "This Party's On Fire" (which is included in its original form, along with an "extended" remix), and also contains three other brand new cuts.

All of the new cuts, along with "This Party's On Fire" were produced by up and coming producer (and Boston's own!) RIO, and were co-written by the Jacyn, April, Lauren & Elle (see left to right in the cover art you see to the left) themselves. The genres represented are a good smattering in sound, not totally unlike Jada's previous releases in the RedOne-produced uptempo "American Cowboy" and tear-jerking mid-tempo ballad "Break Up Song". Supersonique takes Jada's ease with genres and runs with it, with very good results in a very short span of elapsed playing time.

The single, "Supersonique," is a sky-high, energetic, synth-stomper that was clearly designed for club use, completed by the drawn out "Take me away..."s in the chorus. The song is currently knocking on Top 10's door at Fusion Dance Radio, based in Chicago. "Can't Let Go" (described as an "homage to Ne-Yo") is a fun mid-tempo with a walking beat, perfect to tap your foot to. With each successive chorus, the harmonies build, creating a natural crescendo. It's the first real hint of what makes Jada unique -- their four-part harmony sound pyramid.

My personal fave of the set is the dark but still sparkly "Mercy Killing" -- spouting venom at an ex who's too interested in the scene over the romantic experience. The song is so good, it appears on the EP twice (and for good reason). The original version is complemented with the "Extended Intro" Remix, which in this case would be better named as an 'Extended Club Remix' (which includes a really great acapella bit close to the two-minute mark). If the group wanted a truly radio ready cut, look no further than either version of this gem. "I think this relationship's gonna need a mercy killing to end it all," the chorus coos. By the time the bridge is called up, the melismas scorch and the lyrics get even grittier.

"...Every little memory of my pain with you is now decayed and scattered/I don't need a requiem/No symphony of sadness...Mercy, Mercy/Gonna wash your stain away..."

Honestly, I can't decide whether I like the original or the "Extended" Version best.

The set comes to a natural close with a requisite R&B ballad - the beautiful and relatable "Goodbye" which is the perfect reflection of Jada's trump card. This piano-based ballad is gorgeous in its simplicity, complete with layered harmonies in the bridge. This is the song the group should use as an acapella piece to dazzle at live performance opportunities. It's clear the arrangement was crafted to be very subtle so the main focus was on the gorgeous rounds created by these four women's voices. If you read this column often, you'd know I tend to gravitate to uptempos much more often than to ballads, but when a ballad is done very well, I find it very difficult to move on to other material, and such is the case with "Goodbye".

As for "This Party's On Fire", you can watch the music video here.

You can listen to snippets to all of these cuts at Jada's official website. You can also read my interview with Jada during their "American Cowboy" era from mid-2009(!) here.

Do your part to support quality indie pop and purchase the entire Supersonique EP for less than $7 at iTunes or Amazon now.

NOW KPOPPING: MBLAQ Declares "War"

2012-01-18T11:00:00.002-05:00

I plead the fifth, boys. Just don't hurt me...

If you told me in early 2010 I would become blackhole obsessed with not just one, but two stellar cuts by South Korean boy band five-piece MBLAQ (part of the last generation of Korea's boy bands that are actually around my age -- sob!), I would have told you you were crazy.

Sure, on paper, MBLAQ looks like a stellar troupe to beat. They have capable vocalists (who sound just as good live as they do on their recordings -- very important), tight dance moves, and were mentored by an insignificant solo artist you might have heard of called Rain (insert Mel fanning herself here). But in reality, in a genre that's literally stuffed to the gills with prominent and well-produced boy bands, their debut single "Oh Yeah" just didn't stand out to my ears (the entire hook: "Oh Yeah!/Oh Yeah!/Oh Yeah Yeah Yeah!", in English).

Fast forward to now. 2011 was already pretty good to the Music Boys In Absolute Quality, thanks to the little latin-twinged gem "Mona Lisa", which literally grabbed both my shoulders, shook me, and said, "Hey, we deserve your attention." But it proved to be just the appetizer to the main course -- as MBLAQ has officially declared 2012 their year, via their most recent mini album release, 100% Ver. The entire record is produced by Chance of One Way, including the string- and piano-assisted, swoony and rightfully intense dance ballad "This Is War." The song is a symbolic statement and in my opinion, it could just be the spark MBLAQ needs.

The lyrics for "This Is War" depict a love triangle between two of MBLAQ's members over the same girl (gasp!), declaring the two's friendship is over with the chorus ("You coward/You, who messed with my love/It's war!"). Chance seems to have a real penchant for this theme (perhaps it's inspired by his own personal life?). The theme of the song allows the group to be super macho and possessive in all of its fangirl-melting glory (part of the rap in the second verse: "Will you please shut your dirty mouth?/I will give back these painful tears to you/Engrave this in your ear/I will never leave you alone!").

In the video, the tug of war is between slick gun-slinger Lee Joon and his BFF Thunder (also known as 2NE1's Dara's kid brother in real life), who seems to fall for Joon's girl as time goes on. The storyline is a prominent part of the video, but it is also filled with scenes of the powerful group choreography. The two even physically fight over the leading lady and Joon brings his gun into play (what is it with Korean Idols and their obsession with looking cool with guns?). Dear SM Entertainment, this is how music videos should be done. Just telling you for future SHINee references...

Considering how I spend so much of my KPOP-ping listening to high energy, super synthy, AutoTuned club cuts (see 2NE1 and the majority of SM Entertainment's recent catalog), "This Is War" is a small breath of fresh air. It's imposing without throwing everything plus the kitchen sink into the production, and is another prime example toward One Way's skills. The choreography is stellar, the hook walks the balance of vulnerable and tough, and all five members vocals are on point, especially the falcetto toward the end and (I can't believe I'm writing this!) the rapping.

"Oh Yeah!" indeed, MBLAQ. Well done.

HEAR THIS: Anjulie 'Stands Behind' Her Tunes

2012-01-17T11:00:00.007-05:00

"Yeah, I'm a big dreamer

I'm a believer
Just try to tell me 'no'
I'ma go full steam
No, can't slow me down
I built this house
From the inside out
Block by block
From the bottom to the top
I know just who I is
And I know just who I'm not"
-Anjulie, "Stand Behind the Music"

Canada's Anjulie is quickly creeping up my Stan List for a multitude of definitive reasons. The main one is obvious: she makes catchy hooks that are not only danceable, but lyrically empowering and creative. But really, I love her because she is who she is with no apology. She's a genre-bender in the best poppy sense ("Just name a genre/Yeah, I've tried it.") and it works for her because the common denominator is her attitude.

Her latest single, "Stand Behind the Music," is the second offering from her still untitled sophomore record, following the dance hit "Brand New B*tch." The song is a warrior's battle cry, proclaiming Survival in the Music Industry for a female artist who kind of fits in that other category. She's no sex kitten popstar and nor does she want to be, but she's not a sole soulstress or a serious alternative either. Basically, she's the Every Woman. She's a little of this, she's a little of that -- and she doesn't need labels to pin her down.

"Stand Behind the Music" is Anjulie's version of P!NK's "Don't Let Me Get Me" or "Stupid Girls" in such its a bit of a slap in the face to the Socialite Popstar. "Alright, already/I'm getting blinded/From all the frauds/All the phonies/All the fakes," she sings in the first verse alone. It only gets more biting from there, tossing out "I can't stand this poptart candy/Hos gettin' famous, gettin' naked, gettin' randy/Chew it up/Make my teeth rot/You think I'm talking to you?/I'm probably not/(Not!)."

In addition to being a word to the girls (and boys) who build their careers based on fame itself, "Stand Behind the Music" is a message to Recording Artists of 2012 and Beyond. That message is clear: none of the attention you recieve means anything if your music is empty. It's a message that many anti-pop audiophiles have been spouting for years , and while I personally feel that all music is subjective (it could be the cheesiest song in the universe, but if it means something to you as the listener, it's not necessarily pointless, is it?), the cry doesn't fall on deaf ears. There is no question pop in particular has become incredibly pre-fabricated, but that idea is not exactly new news. Would I appreciate more pop artists writing their own music? Absolutely, if they are capable. However, just because you can write great songs, it doesn't necessarily make you a heavy-weight recording artist (just as many have proven), and vice versa. To be fair, the fact that she's throwing something like this out there, encouraging a dialogue in the very least, shows that Anjulie has some heft to her.

Putting aside the career statements, "Stand Behind the Music" can also serve as the perfect Anthem for a young person who strives to be in control of their life. So in summary, "Stand Behind the Music" is kind of my new found theme song.

"Stand Behind the Music" is available for purchase at iTunes & for perusal at Spotify.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK: Pastele, Benatton, Jay Saint & Flawless

2012-01-16T11:00:00.017-05:00

In lieu of Mailbag Monday this week, I'd like to share my experience at Studio 9G in Midtown Chelsea last Thursday, attending a truly well-balanced live showcase featuring four promising indie artists (including party trio Benatton, pop/R&B solo star Jay Saint and established rapper Flawless) that was headed up by one of my favorite popstars-in-training Pastele. Please continue sending in your tunes in to me for future Music Mondays via submissions@melismaticblog.com or via my SoundCloud DropBox.

Pastele, whose single "Tabletops" was among my Top 40 Fave Cuts of 2011, performed both acoustically and with a DJ & two dancers, opening and closing the night and debuting a few new never-before heard songs including her upcoming single. As she put it, art inspires music and music inspires art, and that was the theme of the night.

The West Arts Chelsea Building is very industrial with a myriad of small, square "studios". High up on the ninth floor was where this "Intimate Evening With Pastele (& Special Guests)" was hosted. The small room was adorned with artwork by Pastele herself (who also doubles as a student at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology in addition to being a budding recording artist) on all four walls of Studio 9G.

Pastele, performing live to a background of her own artwork. Photo is property of Melismatic.

Pastele, dressed in printed pink leggings, a silver tank top & a silver sequins shrug with brown boots, her blonde hair complete with her new trademark stripe of blue, opened the show acoustically with a guitar accompaniment, performing a cover version of Katy Perry's most recent hit "The One That Got Away" along with a new ballad from her upcoming EP, set for tentative release to iTunes in February, called "You're Worth It."

She then handed the stage over to fellow New Jersey-ians in the trio of Parlay, ToNe & Jay Suarez, better known as Benatton, a fun party troupe full of charisma and one-line lyrical jokes, who instantly shot the energy level way up high with their Moby meets Beastie Boys meets Far East Movement vibe. The opened with their original cut "Maple Syrup" (click here to listen to it now), followed by another called "Can I Get A $5 Regular Please?" set to the tune of Phoenix's "1901". They closed their set with an original lyrical remix of the most obvious for their genre -- LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" -- complete with live shuffle choreography by all three group-members. The studio dubs of the latter two cuts are available for streaming at their PodOMatic account. Benatton got the whole crowd moving and smiling, and it was clear the night was off to a good start.

The mic was then passed to another Jersey native Jay Saint, a solo performer a la Jason DeRulo or Taio Cruz, and his troupe of scantily clad dancers, who performed two songs. Most impressive was the dance jam "Boom Boom Vroom" complete with slick choreography and a hook that was instantly stuck in your head. This was followed up by the key single, "Good Feeling," from Jay Saint's upcoming mixtape project, Amour Et La Guerre. The video for the song was just released a few days prior to the showcase, which you can watch here. The stage presence eminating from Jay Saint was really tangible, and that coupled with catchy, immediately radio-friendly tunes was really exciting. In fact, Jay Saint is currently a Top 10 Finalist for Akon's Hitlab Emerging Artist Competition, with the grand prize being signage to Akon's label. It's incredible exposure, so if you like what you hear, take a second and vote for him (in his words, "click on the guy with the hat and the jacket with the red inside").

Photo is property of Melismatic.

After Jay, Pastele returned to the stage, this time with two dancers by her side. After singing a bit of her debut hype single "Young & 'N Love" (which you can still snag for free at her official website, along with her cover of Gym Class Heroes' "Stereo Hearts") acapella, she kept the momentum going with her minimalist, attitude-drenched cut "Step 2 This" (video coming soon!), complete with street step dancing. She followed that up with the never-before-heard upcoming single "Comin' With Me", also off her upcoming EP with a music video release also scheduled for sometime in mid-to-late February. The song is perfect for the dance/club crowd and is easily her best yet! I can't wait to hear the finished studio version!

Next was a one-off impromtu duet performance with Pastele and rapper Flawless, whom she'd also performed with at a prior gig at the Knitting Factory (the two covered the Jessie J/B.o.B. collab "Price Tag"). The two performed Flawless' single "L.I.E.", which originally featured Amy of YouTube-turned-national phenomenon Karmin. What starts off as a perfectly enjoyable urban dance jam switches gears during the bridge into surprise dubstep territory (isn't that the best kind?). The positive reaction was instantaneous. Both the original version and the dubstep-infused remix are availabe for download at iTunes and both are highly recommended by moi.

Pastele then closed the night with another acoustic cover, this time of Bruno Mars' "It Will Rain". Her voice really shined here, especially in the falcetto melismas.

Overall, the night was beyond fulfilling to finally see Pastele perform live (one former Candy Coated Chaos member down, two to go!), but it had the surprise added bonus of being introduced to three other awesome artists for the price of one. You can't beat that! I'll definitely be keeping up with all four as time goes on. For more info on all the artists involved, check out the links below!

Pastele -> Official Site | Facebook | Twitter
Benatton -> ReverbNation | Facebook | Twitter

Jay Saint -> Official Site | Facebook | Twitter
Flawless -> Official Site | Facebook | Twitter

You can also check out my interview with Pastele (then known as Pasquelina) from last March here.

WGO: Chart Watch (1/21/2012)

2012-01-14T11:00:00.002-05:00

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart:
1. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
2. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
3. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
4. Adele - Set Fire to the Rain (AIRPLAY GAINER)
5. Flo Rida - Good Feeling
6. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
7. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Ni**as in Paris
8. Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up (DEBUT)
9. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
10. Adele - Someone Like You

12. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
14. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
16. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
17. Jessie J - Domino
21. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
25. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj) (DIGITAL GAINER)
26. Rihanna - You Da One
28. Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
30. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
32. Cobra Starship - You Make Me Feel...
34. Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
36. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
38. Coldplay - Paradise
39. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
40. Taylor Swift - Safe & Sound (feat. The Civil Wars)
41. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
45. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
46. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
54. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
55. The Band Perry - All Your Life
58. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...) (RE-ENTRY)
69. Black Keys - Lonely Boy
70. Avicii - Levels
73. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
74. Skrillex - Kyoto (feat. Sirah) (DEBUT)
82. Beyonce - Love On Top
84. 3OH!3 - Set You Free (DEBUT)
87. Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites
88. Fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae) (RE-ENTRY)
91. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) (DEBUT)
92. Ellie Goulding - Lights
94. Montgomery Gentry - Where I Come From (DEBUT)
95. Adele - Rumour Has It
97. Waka Flocka Flame - Round of Applause (feat. Drake) (RE-ENTRY)
98. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Gotta Have It (DEBUT)
99. Wale - That Way (feat. Jeremih & Rick Ross) (RE-ENTRY)

US Billboard Dance/Club Play:
1. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night (GREATEST GAINER)
3. Deborah Cox - If It Wasn't For Love
4. Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional
5. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
6. Katy Perry - The One that Got Away
7. Avicii - Levels
8. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
11. Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite the World)
13. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
14. Rihanna - You Da One
15. Chris Willis - Too Much In Love
16. Wynter Gordon - Buy Me Love
17. Swedish House Mafia vs. Knife Party - Antidote
18. Coldplay - Paradise
19. Blush - Dance On

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
1. Flo Rida - Good Feeling
2. Coldplay - Paradise
3. Taio Cruz - Troublemaker (DEBUT)
4. Avicii - Levels
6. Olly Murs - Dance With Me Tonight
8. Jessie J - Domino (DEBUT)
9. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)

Billboard Japan Hot 100:
1. NYC - Wonderful Cupid
10. Lady Gaga - Born This Way
11. Namie Amuro - Love Story
12. Shojo Jidal (Girls' Generation/SNSD) - The Boys
19. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
20. Amy Winehouse - Our Day Will Come
27. KARA - Winter Magic
29. 2AM - Never Let You Go (DEBUT)
31. The Little Willies - Jolene (DEBUT)
32. L'arc En Ciel - CHASE
36. Shojo Jidal (Girls' Generation/SNSD) - Mr. Taxi (RE-ENTRY)
42. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out (DEBUT)
49. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (RE-ENTRY)
50. Adele - Rolling In the Deep (RE-ENTRY)

Billboard Korea KPOP Hot 100:
1. T-Ara - Lovey Dovey
3. Davichi & T-Ara - We Used To Be In Love
4. Trouble Maker (Hyuna & Hyun Seung) - Trouble Maker
5. IU - You and I
8. Teen Top - Going Crazy (DEBUT)
10. T-ara - Cry Cry
11. Lee Hyun of 8Eight - Because It's You
15. MBLAQ - Scribble
21. Wonder Girls - Be My Baby
29. Donghae & Eunhyuk (Super Junior) - Oppa, Oppa
30. Electro Boyz - Ma Boy 2 (feat. Hyorin of SISTAR)
32. Wanted - Like You (feat. IU) (DEBUT)
38. Jea (of Brown Eyed Girls) - Fool
39. Girls' Generation/SNSD - The Boys
40. Jay Park - Star
41. MBLAQ - It's War (DEBUT)

MIXTAPE: In Homage To...with Florrie, Penguin Prison, Darren Hayes & Vanbot

2012-01-11T11:00:00.003-05:00

One of my New Year's Resolutions, along with writing more period, is to be more invested in my little Blogger Community of Comrades, developed over the years through snarky @replies on Twitter and on blog posts as well as through friends of friends. This week's mixtape highlights a few songs that I've started spinning completely ad naseum over the past few weeks, and it's all thanks to some folks I truly admire (and who should definitely grace your Bookmarks List). All of these were mentioned as among these blogger's faves for the Year of Our Pop 2011.

PENGUIN PRISON - "Don't F*ck With My Money"
Props To: D'Luv @ ChartRigger
The artist Penguin Prison is actually one person -- Chris Glover -- who has been gaining momentum over the past few years for some truly ace remixes. I was already quite fond of his remixes of Ellie Goulding and Marina & The Diamonds. This led me to associate his moniker as a remixer only but boy, was I wrong (and when I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong). After his initial deal with Interscope went south, he signed up with the indie fabulousness that is Neon Gold here in NYC (which is also the US home to the two aforementioned ladies, amongst a myriad of others). He released his debut record, also titled Penguin Prison, last year, and my, is it listenable in a very wonky Mika meets Jamaroquai kind of way. "Don't F*ck With My Money" stands out for its sunny, 80's-esque bravado, coming complete with biting delivery...with a smile.
Other Notable Cuts: "A Funny Thing", "Something I'm Not", "Pinocchio" ...basically the entire record.

VANBOT - "Make Me, Break Me"
Props To: Yuri @ Olga Loves Yuri
So here's something you should know about me. If someone who shares a similar musical taste to mine says there's an awesome pop artist out there who is 1) electro, 2) Swedish, 3) sounds somewhat similar to Robyn, I'm there. Period. No questions asked. In the case of Ms. Vanbot, that dalliance was extremely successful. The dark dance record that is her self-titled debut is somewhere between Body Talk!Robyn and Little Boots (especially in looks and choices of cover art). I was torn between highlighting the lyrical vision that is "Numb" or the more accessible "Make Me, Break Me" (and decided on the latter), but to be perfectly honest, my favorite from this record changes daily. With just over 11,000 hits on her "Make Me, Break Me" video, it's shame more people the world over aren't as aware of her awesomeness.
Other Notable Cuts: "Numb", "Ringing", "Bitter Is The Sweetest Part", "Bad Day (feat. Sebastian
Forslund)"

DARREN HAYES - "Bloodstained Heart"
Props To: Paul @ My Fizzy Pop
Confession Time. Me circa my middle school years, I was all about Savage Garden. To this day "To The Moon & Back" is one of my favorite songs of all time. Despite this (and the vast majority of my blog buddies suggestions), I've never really felt any desire to look into Darren Hays solo material. Until now. His fourth solo release, dubbed Secret Codes and Battleships, was released in October and is often noted for being his most commercial-accessible, which is perhaps why I fell in love at first listen. My entrance into the album came through "Bloodstained Heart" at Paul's suggestion, primarily used for promo in Australia. The song has a shimmering vulnerability to it that reminds me a lot of Savage Garden's A-Material, and that's a very good thing indeed. That and a lot of gorgeous falcetto (which is always a good thing).
Other Notable Cuts: "Talk Talk Talk", "Black Out the Sun" (originally written for Leona Lewis), "Cruel Cruel World", "Don't Give Up"

FLORRIE - "I Took A Little Something"
Props to: Stephen @ XO's Middle Eight
Florrie is a little over a year younger than me, and already she has racked up a resume I'm beyond jealous of as a member of the Xenomania collective in the UK, playing drums for the legendary Girls Aloud amongst others. Thanks to her relation to the much revered Xenomania, her projects have gained a lot of hype around the blogosphere, and while the majority of her Introduction EP left me interested but not excited, her more recent EP, Experiments, did much more to stoke the fire. At the helm was "I Took A Little Something." Florrie is an interesting oddity to my words because she defies what I tend to classify as the "Xenomania Sound", but still sounds familiar in a good way. I will remain forever jealous of the UK's brand of witty dance-pop.
Other Notable Cuts: "Begging Me", "Speed of Light"

MAILBAG MONDAY: Woman E, Sing Me Insomnia, Emeli Sande, Patrick Hagenaar

2012-01-09T11:00:00.003-05:00

I only started this column idea last week and already I have received a TRUCKLOAD of awesome cuts -- which made it actually really difficult to narrow down! You all are amazing! Keep sending your submissions in to submissions@melismaticblog.com! If I didn't get to you this week, rest assured -- so many different e-mails are starred and songs have been spinning in my Spotify. I will get to you eventually!

WOMAN E
Genre: 90's Influenced Electropop/Eurodance
File Near: the Minogue Sisters, Mini Viva
Woman E is an indie London meets Berlin duo and have released a couple of stellar dancey singles ("Few and Far Between" & "Another Renaissance", both available on Spotify) between 2010-2011. They are currently gearing up for their third release, dubbed "Desire," in late February. "Desire" has a twinge of dreamy Kylie Mingoue meets "Video Killed the Radio Star" kind of club groove with an unrelenting bass pulse. Basically, it has club smash written all over it.
Linkable: here here
Listen to a teaser of "Desire" below.
Desire (Teaser) by Aztec Records

SING ME INSOMNIA
Genre: Radio-Friendly Pop Rock with a Punk Edge
File Near: Hot Chelle Rae
Sing Me Insomnia (or SMI to the kids in the know) is a four-piece outfit based in Virginia that have developed a sizeable online presence through YouTube videos. Considering how well produced this little nugget of power pop is, I'm shocked these boys haven't yet been approached by a label! "Miss Me Now", their latest single released last month, is available through iTunes) and comes complete with solid vocals from their frontman, blazing guitar riffs and a Whoa-oh Whoa-oh Whoa-oh Whoa-oh hook that I've had stuck in my head all weekend.
Linkable: here
Watch the lyric video for "Miss Me Now" below.

EMELI SANDE vs PATRICK HAGENAAR
Genre: Massive Dancefloor
File Near: Fedde Le Grand, Seamus Haji, Tiesto
Huge Dance Record Alert! If you like your subwoofers bouncing and to get lost in a swirl of blackhole repeat at the club, you need to give the Emeli Sande vs Patrick Hagenaar one-off bootleg of "Heaven" a try. It's one of those dancey mixes that within four seconds, you already like it -- mostly because it employs all of the necessary attributes of a super dance record. Best part, you can download it for free. Cha ching.
Linkable: here
**FREE DOWNLOAD** Emeli Sande vs Patrick Hagenaar - Heaven (Whitelabel) by Patrick Hagenaar

WGO: Chart Watch (1/14/2012)

2012-01-07T10:47:00.001-05:00

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart:
1. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
2. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
3. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
4. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
6. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (DIGITAL GAINER)
7. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Ni**as in Paris
8. Adele - Set Fire to the Rain
9. Adele - Someone Like You
10. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
11. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
13. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
19. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
21. Jessie J - Domino
22. Rihanna - You Da One
24. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
25. Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
27. Selena Gomez & the Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
29. Cobra Starship - You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi)
30. Adele - Rolling In the Deep (AIRPLAY GAINER)
31. Taylor Swift - Safe & Sound (feat. The Civil Wars)
32. Jason DeRulo - It Girl
37. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
38. Coldplay - Paradise
46. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
48. Rascal Flatts - Easy (feat. Natasha Bedingfield
49. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
51. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj
53. Justin Bieber - Mistletoe
54. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
56. The Band Perry - All Your Life
57. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night
60. Outasight - Tonight is the Night
64. Nelly - The Champ (DEBUT)
65. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
70. Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites
71. Avicii - Levels
75. Adele - Rumour Has It
79. The Black Keys - Lonely Boys
86. Beyonce - Love On Top
89. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
90. will.i.am - T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) (feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez) (RE-ENTRY)
92. Kenny Chesney - Reality (RE-ENTRY)
93. Edens Edge - Amen (RE-ENTRY)
95. Keith Urban - You Gonna Fly (RE-ENTRY)
96. Lee Brice - A Woman Like You (RE-ENTRY)
97. Skrillex - First of the Year (Equinox)
98. B.o.B - Play the Guitar (feat. Andre 3000) (DEBUT)
99. Ellie Goulding - Lights (RE-ENTRY)
100. Roscoe Dash - Good Good Night

US Billboard Dance/Club Play:
1. Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite the World)
2. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
3. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night (GREATEST GAINER)
6. Avicii - Levels
7. Deborah Cox - If It Wasn't For Love
8. Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional
9. Chris Willis - Too Much In Love
10. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
11. Wynter Gordon - Buy My Love
13. Coldplay - Paradise
14. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
17. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
18. Gravitonas vs Roma Kenga - Everybody Dance
19. Swedish House Mafia vs Knife Party - Antidoe
20. Blush - Dance On
21. Rihanna - You Da One
25. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
1. Coldplay - Paradise
2. Olly Murs - Dance With Me Tonight
5. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
6. Little Mix - Cannonball
7. Ed Sheeran - Lego House (RE-ENTRY)
8. Labrinth - Earthquake (feat. Tinie Tempah) (RE-ENTRY)
9. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It (RE-ENTRY)
10. Rizzle Kicks - Mama Do the Hump (DEBUT)

Billboard Japan Hot 100:*
1. SMAP - Boku No Habun
4. L'arc En Ciel - CHASE
12. John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
14. Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You
16. Wham! - Last Christmas
19. Justin Bieber - All I Want For Christmas Is You (with Mariah Carey)
20. KARA - Winter Magic
21. BoA - Milestone
30. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
31. BoA - Meirkuri
36. Band-Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas?
38. Jackson 5 - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
39. Michael Buble - All I Want For Christmas
44. Amy Winehouse - Our Day Will Come
47. Lady Gaga - Born This Way

*=Japan has a thing for English Chrismtas tunes...after Christmas, it seems.

Billboard Korea KPOP Hot 100:
1. IU - You and I
2. Davichi & T-Ara - We Used To Be In Love
3. Trouble Maker (4minute's Hyun A & BEAST's Jang Hyun Seung) - Trouble Maker
4. Zia - I'm Upset
5. T-Ara - Cry Cry
7. Wonder Girls - Be My Baby
11. Jay Park - Star (DEBUT)
15. Electro Boyz - Ma Boy 2 (feat. Hyorin of SISTAR)
17. Donghae & Eunhyuk (of Super Junior) - Oppa, Oppa
19. Lee Hyun (of 8EIGHT) - Because It's You
20. T-Ara - Lovey Dovey (DEBUT)
21. Park Wan Kyu - COnfession (DEBUT)
22. Joo Suc - Sun & Star (DEBUT)
26. Girls' Generation - The Boys
27. JEA (of Brown Eyed Girls) - Fool
30. Infinite - Lately
36. Girls' Generation - Mr. Taxi
37. Noel - Love Song
39. Koyote - Saying What I Said... (DEBUT)
40. Davichi - Don't Say Goodbye
41. Secret - Love Is Move
42. Kim Won Joo (of 4MEN) - Winter Sonata (DEBUT)
43. MBLAQ - Scribble (DEBUT)
44. Yoon Min Soo - When the Spring Comes (DEBUT)
45. Suzy (of Miss A) - Too Much Tears
46. Crayons - Someone That I Miss (DEBUT)
49. Jaurim - One Day (DEBUT)
50. Gummy - PS I Love You (DEBUT)

IN REVIEW: Mandy Ventrice's '1985' Plays Like A Soundtrack To My Life

2012-01-05T11:00:00.013-05:00

I'm not gonna deny I waited a long time for this one, friends.

1985 was a great year for pop. It saw Whitney Houston's official debut. Lisa Lisa & the Cult Jam, Tears For Fears and a-Ha were on the radio. Madonna was just starting to get "Into the Groove". And it was also the year Mandy Ventrice was born.

Mandy Ventrice, who quite possibly holds the honor of being the solo indie artist with the longest-running stanship by yours truly (we're taking long before Melismatic existed - back in Mandy's girl group days of yore long), finally released an album to the masses this past Tuesday. Do yourself a favor right now and purchase the six-song EP. Like right now, right now. Don't worry, I'll wait. If you're not an Apple person, it's also available on Amazon in addition to iTunes. Just $5.99 nabs you six nuggets of under-appreciated pop and the bragging rights to say you were a fan of Mandy Ventrice when. Just saying. At the very least, peruse the album on Spotify. You shan't be disappointed. Case in point, "Paradox"...

Paradox by mandyventrice

1985 does what good introduction pieces do (although to be fair to Mandy -- this is hardly an introduction for those of us who've been following her for awhile now) -- it plays to the artist's strengths and broadcasts a large range of supreme listen-ability to tug at the heartstrings of just about any type of music listener. At the same time, Mandy manages to establish her "sound" while still being entirely versatile in terms of true "genre". Her true calling card is her penchant for writing familiar, relatable and singable hooks (complete with plenty of ooh-whoa-ohs) that get stuck in your eardrums, but in a pleasant kind of way. 1985 also works rather effortlessly as a kind of concept album; heavy or light, many of the songs can be described with a 80's influence.

EDIT: Added Bonus --> Mandy has offered the one-off "Die Happy", which was also recorded during the 1985 sessions, as a free download via her SoundCloud.

In my personal preference, the six-song set reads a bit like a dalliance in my daily life -- the tip of the iceberg kind of soundtrack in terms of how I feel as a young woman, lyrically painted much more poetically than I could have ever hoped or done myself. Click beyond the cut for a track by track breakdown.

01. 1985

In A Nutshell: minimalistic electro with a dreamy falsetto-ized bridge
Hook: I just wanna rewind the time/And re-do life/And go back, go back/To 1985
Best Bit: It used to be better than this.../Tell me does it get much better than this?
Perfect For When You're Feeling: a little nostalgic about how good it used to be, and by "it" I mean music, your personal life or just in life in general.

02. Revival

In A Nutshell: piano-based melancholy
Hook: I, I need a revival/'Cuz the mundane ain't good enough for me/There's gotta be more to life/Tell me if I'm gonna find it
Best Bit: the cascading, Alicia Keys-esque bridge.
Perfect For When You're Feeling: "so burned out" and as a young person in this economy, that burn out happens much more frequently than I'd like. In my case, it's usually due to the day job. Can I get an Amen?

03. Paradox

This was faraway my fave from the project when I heard some of the songs mid-last year, and I premiered the song on my Pop Power Hour radio show at Resolution Radio. The lyrics are some of her most picturesque in my opinion, and the music-box piano is the perfect complement.

In A Nutshell: there's a reason why this is the centerpiece to the record -- it's the sparkling highlight with no question and is the "must-hear".
Hook: I won't break if I don't believe in love/(oh-oh-oh)/I don't have to give in if I never have to give you up/With your hands around my heart I swear I won't fall apart/But everything that we want get's lost/In this paradox
Best Bit: the piano backdrop; I'ma tell you lies/Cuz the truth get in the way; You say you want me to be happy/As you break my heart real slow; truthfully, I love the whole thing to bits and pieces.
Perfect For When You're Feeling: that Robyn's shimmery, dance-floor-influenced heartbreak cuts ("Dancing On My Own", "Be Mine", "With Every Heartbeat") need some company on your iPod.

04. Personal Heartthrob
And the award for Best Song Title On This Record goes to...

In A Nutshell: the most fluffy, electropoppy slice of the entire record
Hook: You're all mine/You're all mine/And I don't want nobody else to grab ya...I love you like it's my job/And I treat you like my personal heartthrob
Best Bit: I'd write your name right next to mine with little baby hearts/Add it up with a plus sign/So we won't come apart
Bonus Asterisk: There is a subtle callback to the 80's staple "It Takes Two" (Rob Base & DJ EZ Roc) weaving into the background of the second verse. (To be a stickler, it's primarily the bits that were sampled from Lyn Collins' "Think (About It)".)
Perfect For When You're Feeling: like fangirling the eff out, whether it's about a cute new prospect in your real life or your "secret" celebrity husband (~~I have far too many to list here~~).

05. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

In A Nutshell: mellow, chilled out, heavy on the reggae-saunter
Hook: Make my lips kiss kiss/My heart go bang (bang)/So what you wanna do with room for two/In my backseat?
Best Bit: Boogie Woogie Woogie. Enough said.
Perfect For When You're Feeling: so lovedrunk that grammar is a non-issue and only onamonapia will suffice.

06. L.Y.T.D. (Love You To Death)

In A Nutshell: (deceivingly) rollicking mid-tempo, with some of Mandy's best vocals
Hook: It always hurts/I guess this means you'll never change.../So why does it burn/Everytime I hear your name?/I guess I can't forget/I still love you to death
Best Bit: I keep you close to me/Hoping it'll bring me peace/But I can feel is my heart failing to heal
Perfect For When You're Feeling: that you love him but you don't want to leave him in your rear view mirror just yet.

06. U Never Happened 2 Me

In A Nutshell: petulant denial with a side of snark turned into an synthesized dance jam
Hook: Just like magic/I can pretend you never happened/(ooh-whoa-oh)/It's so tragic/So I'ma act like I imagined it/I close my eyes/You disappear/It's almost like you were never here/(ooh-whoa-oh)
Best Bit: Thank for the waste of time/You should know you suck at life
Perfect For When You're Feeling: like what the hell were you thinking? After all, denial is the first step to recovery.

For more on Mandy, check out her official site/blog ThisIsCheeky.com, follow her on Twitter or 'Like' her on Facebook.

NOW KPOPPING: Trouble Maker, T-Ara & Infinite

2012-01-04T11:00:00.018-05:00

For this offering of Now KPopping, we have a collabo "sub-unit" from Cube's finest, a promising new-ish boy band & a sophisticated version of a sophmoric girl group. I'm refraining from squeeing over the latest Eunhae (Super Junior's Donghae/Eunhyuk "disco" romp, "Oppa Oppa (Oppa Has Risen)") -- I think its needless to say that it's brie cheese rolled in gorgonzolla and dipped in Velveeta, right? I'm totally side-eyeing Lee Soo Man for reportedly thinking that was the song to promote officially over the gorgeous "I Wanna Love You". But still, they are so pretty and do look like they are having a blast when they perform it live...Yes, Donghae, you are a yeoja kee-lah. ::sighs:: Anywho, where was I?

TROUBLE MAKER - Trouble Maker

Cube Entertainment has announced plans to create a string of "sub-units" for its three main idol artists -- 4minute, BEAST & soloist G.NA (pronounced like Gina, not like DNA, like I originally thought) -- and first out the gate is Trouble Maker, featuring one of BEAST's lead vocalists, HyunSeung(dubbed JS), and 4minute's resident sexpot HyunA. I have to admit the concept behind these sub-units is very promising, and I really love the cross-promotional idea helping keep their idols relevant and allowing them to explore new genres.

Trouble Maker is of a lounge, mellow kind of vibe, complete with a whistled hook that you can't get out of your head if you try (I blame Maroon 5 and OneRepublic for making this a global trend) and lots of ~~at times awkward~~ shimmying on each other. Given South Korea's at times ridiculous censorship cries, much of this is considered very risque, but in terms of an international view, it kind of helps make KPOP reachable, especially to a jaded, oversexed American public (just saying). I kind of wish more Idols would be willing to be so touchyfeely with the opposite gender, as often when they do, it's a huge deal. Whether or not we'll see this sub-unit pairing again is anyone's guess, but there is no denying there is a bit of a spark with this one.

For those of you who aren't as familiar with 4minute & BEAST, I suggest you get to know them better with some of their best offerings: "HuH" and "Breathe", respectively.

T-ARA - Cry Cry

Sexy seven-tet in girl group T-Ara (like tiara) has been making big moves since I first joined the KPOP scene in late 2009. I originally wrote them off as being too cutesy musically for my taste ("Bo Peep Bo Peep" anyone?), but after taking that very song in its Japanese incarnation to the #1 Position in Japan (a first for a "rookie" KPOP girl group...ever), I was forced to take a second glance. They wowed Asia with their summer single "Roly Poly", but for me, it doesn't get better than their latin- twinged, smokey sizzler "Cry Cry", off their most recent EP, Black Eyes. It's reminiscent of Oops! or Britney era Britney in a very good way, and shows the group in a more sophisticated light than previous releases. Since it's debut on the charts a few weeks back, it's remained in the Top 10.

INFINITE - Be Mine

Really, Mel? Another boy band? (If you have to ask, you clearly don't know me at all.)

INFINITE is a seven-membered boy band (ranging in age from 18 to 22, so I don't feel too old) signed to the same entertainment company that brought the KPOP world the hip hop troupe Epik High. The group debuted in 2010, but really gained momentum this past year, blowing past other rookie boy band competition. While their original EP, First Invasion, did nothing for me, their slickness and sheer appeal was brought to the forefront with their full Korean release, Over the Top (and even more recently with its repackage, dubbed Paradise). They also quickly embarked into the Japanese market.

Their music is distinctly different from my usual faves in the KPOP boy band spectrum (read: the SM Entertainment Aesthetic), as they rely less on party-time synth and more on the tried-and-true boy band themes of yore. "Paradise" sounds like something straight out of the early to mid 90's (not complaining), but if I have to pick a must-hear, it's "Be Mine". The 'Orchestral Remix' of the song often used on music performance shows harkens to a bit of Ace of Bace's "Beautiful Life". Below is the original music video.

Infinite is a glaring reminder to my heart that there doesn't have to be an American boy band to keep me content -- South Korea can get the job done very well.

MAILBAG MONDAY: Mike and Cody, John Rowley, Chanelle Ray & Dolly Rockers

2012-01-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

I recieve so many awesome demos and music suggestions from YOU everyday it has often become overwhelming to me to keep up with. Enter Mailbag Monday -- a new feature I am incorporating for 2012. Here will be a weekly wrap-up of the little golden nuggets that grace my mailbox from week to week.

Want to submit your music to Melismatic? Send anything and everything you got to submissions@melismaticblog.com!

MIKE AND CODY
File Near: The Sounds, Outasight
Boston-based (told you it was a groundswell!) Indie 'lectropoppers (and do-it-yourself-ers) Mike and Cody released their seven-track digi EP, Let's Go!, back in October. I really like mellow "Headphones On" and the underdog anthem "I'm Gonna Steal Your Date" is downright brilliant. The whole thing is really very enjoyable without coming off as hipster pretentious, and is even more impressive when you realize these two talented dudes do all of the heavy lifting themselves (production, instrumentation and vocals). You can listen to the whole EP here (as well as purchase it -- highly recommended). FYI - for the Spotify set, the record is also available there. They also spun out a just-for-fun 8Bit-esque cover of TLC's "No Scrubs" that's very smile-worthy.

Linkable: http://mikeandcody.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: @MikeandCody

JOHN ROWLEY
File Near: FrankMusik, Sam Sparro
Super adorbs Australian teen synth up-and-comer John Rowley has a handful of demos on his Soundcloud page that make me more than a little excited for what's to come with surprisingly witty lyrics and catchy lyrics (example: "This pop is just so throwaway / It's gone tomorrow, but it's here today" -> story of my life, right?). While the demos are promising (especially "Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder"), I'm a HUGE fan of his cover mashup of Marina & The Diamonds's "Radioactive" with Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" (affectionately dubbed "Radio Kicks").
Best part? All is downloadable for free. Boom.
Linkable: http://soundcloud.com/john-rowley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/johnrowleymusic

CHANELLE RAY
File Near: Keri Hilson, Aaliyah
I've mentioned my adoration for Chanelle Ray & her big bro Sean Ray several times on my old radio show at Resolution Radio, and more recently on the blog with their cover of DJ Khalid's "I'm On One". Chanelle is back with a fresh jams "Like a Drum" featuring rapper Zikki, detailing a love affair as a lesson in percussion. It blows my mind that this chick (and her equally talented brudder) are still indie. Banger Alert!

Linkable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYi03kVPXLY
Twitter: @ChanelleRay

DOLLY ROCKERS
File Near: Belle Amie, The Saturdays
Three-piece UK girl group Dolly Rockers recently sent out a video blog outlying their recent visit to Paris to record with their main producer, RedOne (wait, don't get turned off yet! It's all good, I promise!). Their sound has morphed quite a bit from their true wonky pop days of yore years back (circa "Je Suis Une Dolly" and "Gold Digger") if the snippet of new cut "Spin The Bottle" is anything to go by. For a RedOne standard, its still very straight ahead pop, but has flashes of electric guitar which makes me kinda psyched. Not gonna lie. Last month, they also put up this cover of Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper" which I also really like (perhaps because it's downright The Saturdays-esque), especially since it shows off their true vocal chops.
Linkable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v18-urFuSQc&feature=relmfu
Twitter: @TheDollyRockers

2011: A Year In Review

2011-12-31T13:00:00.002-05:00

2011 literally flew by, right? It feels like only yesterday that I was anticipating its arrival (read: HoMin's Keep Your Head Down) and here it is, almost the year the Mayan's predicted as the Year of Doom. I spent a vast majority of the year completely revelling in South Korea's finest (at least in terms of Idols), so there is no questioning a Year End Chart would be a bit biased (but you love that about me, right? ::doe eyes::). As time as gone on, and as Melismatic is now experiencing its fourth New Years in the Blogosphere, I've decided to do things slightly differently, considering my now geniunely haphazard listening history.

Presenting to you...Melismatic's 2011: A Year In Review.

For those of you who have Spotify, you can listen to the vast majority of the songs I've preached and rambled about here on the blog in the past year via my 'Favorites in 2011' Playlist here. Keep in mind much of the KPOP I've written about is unavailable on Spotify (::glare::), but if there's something you're interested in hearing for yourself, leave a comment or shoot me a message at mel@melismaticblog.com and your girl will hook you up.

Read More for a truly Melismatic look at the Year of Pop that was 2011...

Concert Flashback Highlights:
It was a good year for KPOP here at Melismatic HQ. Check out my four in-concert reviews:

1. SMTOWN NYC (October) {featuring Mel's Top 2 Male Biases in KPOP}
2. Simon Curtis @ Superfraiche (April) {also featuring Sky Ferreira, Databoy & She's the Queen}
3. 2NE1 is the 'Best' New Band (December) {also featuring La Vida Boheme, Yuna & Gyptian}
4. Janet. Ms. Jackson If You're Nasty (April) {also featuring Mindless Behavior}
5. Manika 'Won't Let You Go' (June)

Melismatic Q&A's With:
1. Avery
2. Pastele {formerly known as Pasquelina}

Because Last.FM Doesn't Lie:

Here are the 40 songs I've listened to the most in the past year. I apologize ahead of time for all of the Super Junior...

40. T Lopez - Breathe (feat. Lil Wayne)
39. JoJo - Lie To Me
38. TVXQ! - Superstar
37. Ro Danishei - Michelle (feat. Simon Curtis)
36. Simon Curtis - Flesh
35. Nicola Roberts - Beat of My Drum
34. Pastele - Tabletops
33. Aubrey O'Day - Automatic
32. Brown Eyed Girls - Sixth Sense
31. Super Junior - Be My Girl
30. Joe Jonas - See No More
29. Miss A - Love Alone
28. Katy Perry -E.T.
27. Girls Nite Out - Goin' Gone
26. Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory
25. Kelly Rowland - I'm Dat Chick
24. TVXQ! - Before U Go
23. Lady Gaga - Judas
22. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
21. SNSD - Bad Girl
20. Big Bang - Tonight
19. Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend
18. Mandy Ventrice - Paradox
17. Jordin Sparks - I Am Woman
16. Jennifer Lopez - On the Floor (feat. Pitbull)
15. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
14. Infinite - Be Mine
13. 2NE1 - Lonely
12. F(x) - Pinocchio (Danger)
11. Kara - STEP
10. Simon Curtis - Superhero
9. 2NE1 - I Am the Best
8. Super Junior - A-CHA
7. The Saturdays - Notorious
6. Super Junior - Opera
5. TVXQ! - Maximum
4. Super Junior - Superman
3. Super Junior - Mr. Simple
2. TVXQ! - Why (Keep Your Head Down)
1. Super Junior M - Perfection (surprised?)

US Hot 100 #1's:
1. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris) (8 weeks)
2. Adele - Rolling In the Deep (7 weeks)
3. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (6 weeks)/
Lady Gaga - Born This Way (6 weeks)
4. Adele - Someone Like You (5 non-consecutive weeks)/
Katy Perry - E.T. (feat. Kanye West) (5 non-consecutive weeks)
5. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera) (4 nonconsecutive weeks)/
Bruno Mars - Grenade (4 non-consecutive weeks)
6. Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) (2 weeks)/
Katy Perry - Firework (2 nonconsecutive weeks)

And The One Week-Ers:
Pitbull - Give Me Everything (feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer) (1 week)
Rihanna - S&M (1 week)
Wiz Khalifa - Black and Yellow (1 week)
Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me (1 week)

The Must-Have KPOP Releases:

In no particular order...

Brown Eyed Girls - Sixth Sense (repackaged)
2NE1 - The 2ND Mini Album
TVXQ! (HoMin) - Keep Your Head Down (repackaged)

And also:
Wonder Girls - Wonder World
JYJ - In Heaven
Super Junior - Mr. Simple/A-CHA (repackage)
BEAST - Fact or Fiction
Infinite - Paradise (repackage)
Kara - Step

Plus the KPOP infused Japanese Album:
TVXQ! (HoMin) - Tone

The Must-Have Western(-Ish) Releases:
In no particular order...

Adele - 21
Lady Gaga - Born This Way
Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials
Fefe Dobson - Joy
Robyn - Body Talk
Nicola Roberts - Cinderella's Eyes
Selena Gomez & the Scene - When the Sun Goes Down
Simon Curtis - RA
Jennifer Lopez - Love?
Ro Danishei - End of the Rainbow (deluxe repackage)
The Saturdays - On Your Radar
Beth Ditto - Beth Ditto EP

WGO: Chart Watch (1/7/2012)

2011-12-31T11:00:00.010-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you all have plans to make an idiot of yourself tonight, complete with flashing necklaces and glittery 2012 glasses.

Below denotes songs and artists of note featured on the Billboard Hot 100 (USA), Hot Dance/Club Play (USA), UK Hot (UK) and KPOP (South Korea) Charts. Italicized items have been discussed on Melismatic.

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart:
1. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
2. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
3. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
4. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
5. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Ni**as In Paris
7. Adele - Set Fire to the Rain
8. Adele - Someone Like You
9. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
11. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
12. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
14. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
17. J.Cole - Work Out
20. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
22. Rihanna - You Da One
23. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
25. Jessie J - Domino
27. Selena Gomez & the Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
28. Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
29. Hot Chelle Rae - I Like It Like That (feat. New Boyz)
31. Cobra Starship - You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi)
35. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
39. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
47. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
48. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
49. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
50. Rascal Flatts - Easy (feat. Natasha Bedingfield)
54. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
58. The Band Perry - All Your Life
62. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
69. Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites
71. Avicii - Levels
75. Mac Miller - Donald Trump
76. Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself
78. Adele - Rumour Has It
81. Nicki Minaj - Stupid Hoe
82. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
83. Gym Class Heroes - Ass Back Home (feat. Neon Hitch)
85. Skrillex - First of the Year (Equinox)
87. The Script - Nothing
88. Mac Miller - Knock Knock
89. Beyonce - Love on Top
90. Mac Miller - Party On Fifth Ave.
96. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

US Billboard Dance/Club Play:
1. Katy Perry - The One that Got Away
2. Avicii - Levels
3. Wynter Gordon - Buy My Love
5. Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite the World)
7. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
10. Deborah Cox - If It Wasn't For Love
13. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
15. Anjulie - Brand New Bitch
16. Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional
19. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
20. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
21. Gravitonas vs. Roma Kenga - Everybody Dance
22. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
24. Swedish House Mafia vs. Knife Party - Antidote

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
2. Little Mix - Cannonball
3. Lou Monte - Dominick the Donkey (The Italian Christmas Donkey)*
4. Alex Day - Forever Yours
6. Olly Murs - Dance With Me Tonight
9. Avicii - Levels
10. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)

*=Side-eyeing you so hard, UK.

Billboad Korea KPOP Hot 100:
1. IU - You and I
2. HyunA & Jang Hyun Seung - Trouble Maker
3. Davichi & T-Ara - We Used To Be In Love
4. T-Ara - Cry Cry
7. Wonder Girls - Be My Baby
8. Ali - Don't Be A Fool
10. Kim Bo Kyung - Echo
15. 8Eight - One Person
17. Electro Boyz - Ma Boy 2 (feat. Hyorin of SISTAR)
19. Jea (of Brown Eyed Girls) - Fool
20. Donghae & Eunhyuk (of Super Junior) - Oppa, Oppa
26. Zia - I'm Upset
28. Girls' Generation - The Boys
30. Infinite - Lately
36. NS Yoon-G - What Do You Know?
37. Suzy (of Miss A) - Too Much Tears
39. U-Kiss - For Kiss Me
40. Girls' Generation - Mr. Taxi
42. Davichi - Don't Say Goodbye
44. Secret - Love Is Move
49. Wonder Girls - Girls Girls