Melismatic

WGO: Chart Watch (3/2/2012)

2012-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: If you're curious as to why there have been no posts over the past few days, I wasn't feeling too healthy this past week. Posting will resume in the next few days. I appreciate everyone's concern on Twitter -- I love you all, too!

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

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart:
1. Katy Perry - Part of Me (DEBUT)
2. Adele - Set Fire To the Rain
3. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (DIGITAL GAINER)
4. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...) (AIRPLAY GAINER)
5. Adele - Rolling in the Deep
6. fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae)
7. Adele - Someone Like You
8. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
9. Nicki Minaj - Starships (DEBUT)
10. Chris Brown - Turn Up the Music (DEBUT)

11. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
16. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
18. Jessie J - Domino
21. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
22. Selena Gomez & the Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
23. The Wanted - Glad You Came
24. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Ni**as in Paris
25. Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody
27. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
28. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
29. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
31. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
32. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
36. Whitney Houston - Greatest Love of All
37. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
38. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
39. Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.)
49. Whitney Houston - How Will I Know (RE-ENTRY)
50. Bruno Mars - Runaway Baby (DEBUT)
51. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
53. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
54. Coldplay - Princess of China (feat. Rihanna)
59. Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
62. Rihanna - Talk That Talk
63. Rascal Flatts - Banjo (DEBUT)
66. Beyonce - Love On Top
67. Adele - Rumour Has It (RE-ENTRY)
70. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
72. Rihanna - You Da One
74. Lady Antebellum - Dancin' Alway With My Heart
75. Avicii - Levels
84. Ellie Goulding - Lights
85. Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites (RE-ENTRY)
87. Glee Cast - I Will Always Love You
88. Foster the People - Don't Stop (Color on the Wall...)
92. Glee Cast - Stereo Hearts
95. Skrillex - Bangarang (feat. Sirah) (DEBUT)
96. Black Keys - Lonely Boy
98. Jay-Z/Kanye West - No Church In the Wild (feat. Frank Ocean)
100. deadmau5 - Raise Your Weapon (feat. Greta Svabo Bech) (DEBUT)

US Billboard Dance/Club Play:
1. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...) (GREATEST GAINER)
3. Rihanna - You Da One
4. Zedd - Shave It
5. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
6. Paul Oakenfold - Surrender (feat. J. Hart)
7. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
8. Neon Hitch - F U Betta
9. Blush - Dance On
11. Jin Akanishi - Test Drive (feat. Jason DeRulo)
12. Jessie J - Domino
14. Penguin Prison - Don't Fuck With My Money
17. Jes - It's Too Late
20. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
21. Dev/Enrique Iglesias - Naked
22. Ono - She Gets Down On Her Knees
24. Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.)

Billboard Heatseekers Songs:
1. Avicii - Levels
2. Calvin Harris - Feel So Close (GREATEST GAINER)
4. Ellie Goulding - Lights
5. Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites
7. Skrillex - Bangarang (feat. Sirah)
8. Black Keys - Lonely Boy
11. deadmau5 - Raise Your Weapon (feat. Great Svabo Bech) (DEBUT)
12. Civil Wars - Barton Hollow (DEBUT)
13. Diggy - Do It Like You (feat. Jeremih)

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
1. DJ Fresh - Hot Right Now (feat. Rita Ora) (DEBUT)
2. Emeli Sande - Next To Me (DEBUT)
3. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
4. David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
6. Jessie J - Domino
7. Alyssa Reid - Alone Again (feat. Jump Smokers!)
9. One Direction - One Thing
10. Cover Drive - Twilight

Billboard Japan Hot 100:
1. AKB48 - Give Me Five!
5. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
6. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
9. Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.)
10. Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat
15. Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself
20. Whitney Houston - Saving All My Love For You (DEBUT)
24. Whitney Houston - All At Once (DEBUT)
32. Foo Fighters - Walk
34. Whitney Houston - Greatest Love Of All (DEBUT)
39. Bon Iver - Holocene (DEBUT)
42. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
43. Adele - Someone Like You

Billboard Korea KPOP Hot 100:
3. F.T. Island - Fiercely
4. Davichi - I'll Think Of You
5. T-Ara - Lovey-Dovey
7. Ailee - Heaven
8. Se7en - When I Can't Sing
9. Jay Park - Know Your Name
12. SunnyHill - Grasshopper
13. Hyorin (SISTAR) - I Will Love You
14. Miss A - Touch (DEBUT)
16. Block B - NanrinA
17. BEAST - I Knew It
18. Jung Yup - I Want To Kiss You (DEBUT)
22. IU - You and I
23. Miryo (Brown Eyed Girls) - Dirty
24. Trouble Maker (Hyuna/4minute & Hyun Seung/BEAST) - Trouble Maker
25. Whee Sung - Road of Tears
27. Yenny (Wonder Girls) - Hello To Myself (DEBUT)
28. Teen Top - Going Crazy
29. Kim Bo Kyung - Even When I Close My Eyes (DEBUT)
30. Dalshabet - Hit U
32. Sung Joon - Jaywalking (DEBUT)
33. EXID - Whoz That Girl (DEBUT)
36. MBLAQ - It's War
41. Block B - Synchro 100%
43. Yong Jun Hyung (BEAST) - Living Without You
48. SPICA - Russian Roulette
49. Miss A - No Mercy (DEBUT)

WGO: Chart Watch (2/25/2012)

2012-02-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

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

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart:
1. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) (AIRPLAY GAINER)
2. Adele - Set Fire to the Rain
3. fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae) (DIGITAL GAINER)
4. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
5. Flo Rida - Good Feeling
6. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
7. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (RE-ENTRY)
8. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
9. Tyga - Rack City
10. Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.)

11. Adele - Someone Like You
13. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
14. Jessie J - Domino
17. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
18. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
20. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Ni**as in Paris
21. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
22. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
23. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
24. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
25. The Wanted - Glad You Came
26. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (Feat. Kimbra)
30. Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
32. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
33. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
35. Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (RE-ENTRY)
40. The Band Perry - All Your Life
41. Whitney Houston - Greatest Love Of All
45. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
48. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
49. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
50. Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss
51. Meek Mill - Ima Boss (feat. TI, Birdman, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross & Swizz Beatz) (DEBUT)
54. Rihanna - You Da One
56. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
59. Rihanna - Talk That Talk (feat. Jay-Z)
60. Avicii - Levels
65. Beyonce - Love On Top
68. Lady Antebellum - Dancin' Away With My Heart
71. Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
72. Jay-Z/Kanye West - No Church In the Wild (feat. Frank Ocean)
73. Nicki Minaj - Stupid Hoe
75. Coldplay - Princess of China (feat. Rihanna (RE-ENTRY)
78. Black Keys - Lonely Boy
79. Ellie Goulding - Lights
80. Lindsey Pavao - Say Aah (DEBUT)
81. Glee Cast (feat. Ricky Martin) - Sexy and I Know It
86. Foster the People - Don't Stop (Color...)
87. Mary J Blige - Mr. Wrong (feat. Drake)
89. Kip Moore - Somethin' Bout A Truck (DEBUT)
90. Calvin Harris - Feel So Close (DEBUT)
91. Melanie Fiona - 4 AM
93. Glee Cast - Smooth Criminal (feat. 2CELLOS)
94. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
96. Kirko Bangz - Drank In My Cup (DEBUT)
97. Diggy - Do It Like You (feat. Jeremih)
99. Glee Cast (feat. Ricky Martin) - La Isla Bonita
100. YG - Snitches Ain't (feat. Tyga, Snoop Dog & Nipsey Hussle) (DEBUT)

US Billboard Dance/Club Play:
1. Blush - Dance On
2. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...) (GREATEST GAINER)
3. Havana Brown - We Run the Night (feat. Pitbull)
4. Rihanna - You Da One
6. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
7. Erasure - Be With You
10. Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional
12. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
13. Paul Oakenfold - Surrender (feat. J Hart)
15. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
16. Jin Akanishi - Test Drive (feat. Jason DeRulo)
17. Porcelain Black - Naught Naughty
18. Neon Hitch - F U Betta (Love U Betta/F*ck U Betta)
19. Penguin Prison - Don't F*ck With My Money
23. Jessie J - Domino

Billboard Heatseekers Songs:
1. Meek Mill - Ima Boss (feat. TI, Birdman, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross & Swizz Beatz) (RE-ENTRY)
2. Avicii - Levels
3. Black Keys - Lonely Boy
4. Ellie Goulding - Lights
5. Lindsey Pavao - Say Aah
7. Calvin Harris - Feel So Close (GREATEST GAINER)
8. Brantley Gilbert - You Don't Know Her Like I Do
10. Diggy - Do It Like You (feat. Jeremih)
11. YG - Snitches Ain't (feat. Tyga, Snoop Dogg & Nipsey Hussle) (DEBUT)
12. Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites
13. Hunter Hayes - Storm Warning
15. Skrillex - Kyoto (feat. Sirah)

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
1. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
2. David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
3. will.I.am - T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever) (feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez) (DEBUT)
4. Jessie J - Domino
5. Alyssa Reid - Alone Again (feat. Jump Smokers!)
9. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...)
10. Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

Billboard Japan Hot 100:
1. NMB48 - unjo U-19
4. Kiyoshi Hikawa - Sakura (DEBUT)
7. Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.)
11. Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat
21. Lana Del Rey - Video Games
23. Paul McCartney - My Valentine
27. Perfume - Chocolate Disco (DEBUT)
28. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
29. Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself
34. Bruce Springsteen - We Take Care of Our Own (DEBUT)
41. CN Blue - Where You Are
45. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (RE-ENTRY)
49. Arashi - Wild At Heart (DEBUT)
50. Kim Hyun Joong - Kiss Kiss

Billboard Korea KPOP Hot 100:
1. Lyn - To Turn Back Hands of Time
2. Davichi - I'll Think of You
3. F.T Island - Fiercely
4. T-Ara - Lovey-Dovey
5. Se7en - When I Can't Sing
8. Hyorin (SISTAR) - I Will Love You
9. SunnyHill - Grasshopper
10. K.Will - I Hate Myself
12. BEAST - I Knew It
13. Ailee - Heaven (DEBUT)
15. Jay Park - Know Your Name
18. IU - You and I
19. Whee Sung - Road of Tears
20. Block B - NanrinA
22. Teen Top - Going Crazy
23. Miryo (Brown Eyed Girls) - Dirty
24. MBLAQ - It's War
25. Trouble Maker (HyunA/4Minute & HyunSeung/BEAST) - Trouble Maker
26. Davichi & T-Ara - We Used To Be In Love
28. K.Will - I Need You (DEBUT)
30. Dalshabet - Hit U
31. Yong Jun Hyung (BEAST/B2ST) - Living Without You
37. Haha - Todak Todak (DEBUT)
38. Block B - Synchro 100%
39. SPICA - Russian Roulette (DEBUT)
44. T-Ara - Cry Cry
49. Kim Jo Han & Mir & Lee Joon (of MBLAQ) - Do You Remember? (DEBUT)
50. Rainbow Pixie - Hoi Hoi

BUBBLING UNDER: Cady Groves, Martin Solveig, Frank Ocean, Gotye

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mom! ;)

CADY GROVES - "This Little Girl"

Oklahoma youngin' Cady Groves was already two self-released EPs deep into her country-flavored pop career prior to her very recent EP release, This Little Girl, her debut major label bow. Her drive and ability to craft singable songs on her own minus the label help is what gained her an intense amount of public interest, a slot on the Bamboozle tour and a deal with RCA.

Her first single, "This Little Girl," (brilliant hook of "Every girl is capable of murder if you hurt her" and all) still has a slight country bend with a pop sheen and is a promising nugget of what could be coming down the pike. She's already logged time in the studio with Cheiron alumn Kristian Lundin. Fingers crossed. I mean hey, it worked for Taylor Swift. And in my humble opinion, Cady's unique voice is just as pleasing (if not more so)...and pop friendly.

MARTIN SOLVEIG - "Ready 2 Go" (feat. Kele)

Quirky French DJ Martin Solveig was first introduced me to the lovelies in Dragonette (another artist that deserves so much more!) with 2010's "Hello". It appears the gears are really starting to turn in Martin's favor in terms of mainstream success, as his dance single "Ready 2 Go," off his fifth album Smash, has charted in France and the UK, and sounds hand-crafted for America's new found dance meets dubstep obsession.

Oh, and did I mention the fact that he was recently announced as a producer for Madonna's upcoming MDNA album?

JAY-Z/KANYE WEST - "No Church In the Wild" (feat. Frank Ocean)

The song hasn't even technically been released as a single from Watch the Throne (yet) but it was far and away my favorite song from the album when I first heard it. The song was recently featured in a trailer for an upcoming Denzel Washington movie, which could contribute as to why it popped into the Billboard Hot 100 this past week.

No matter the reasoning -- this bass-heavy thudder immediately commands attention (hence its use as the opening cut in the album itself). It also features Frank Ocean on the hook, who's name has been tossed around for several months now as a potential "next big thing". He's already written cuts for Queen Beyonce, Brandy and John Legend, and was runner up in this year's BBC "Sound of 2012" Poll. His formal solo release is expected in early 2012, but for now, he's been touring in support of his mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra.

GOTYE - "Somebody That I Used To Know" (feat Kimbra)

Gotye (go-tee-eh) is hardly a new artist down under (and he recently hit #1 in the UK), but on the back of the hype surrounding the excellent hype single "Somebody That I Used To Know" with Kiwi artist Kimbra, he's starting to gain traction in the States. Once again, American jumps on the bandwagon late, as the song has already scored the coveted 'Single of the Year' title at last year's ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards (the Australian Grammy's). (It should also be noted that Gotye won Best Male Artist, and Kimbra won Best Female Artist.)

The minimalist sound featured in "Somebody That I Used To Know" definitely stands apart from the surge of loud, in-your-face brash dance music that is soaking our charts, and has gained him comparisons to Sting. Heavy stuff indeed. What drew me in to the song was the story told through its four minutes -- it's proper crescendo build-up of instrumentation perfectly melding in counterpart. I'm also a sucker for a creative use of an "odd" instrument (xylaphone anyone?).

His rise to relevancy in America is of the meteroic kind, and makes me lament that this very well could be the kind of 'One Hit Wonder' success that many international acts are subject to. Whether or not that is the case, at least we'll always have Gotye with "Somebody That I Used To Know".

THROWBACK THURSDAY: Livin' Joy "Don't Stop Movin'"

2012-02-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

Perfect opportunity to introduce yet another new column idea in Thowback Thursday -- differing slightly from the Back in the Day format, in these are just 90's jams that you might have forgotten about that have been subject to recent blackhole repeat on my iPod. For our debut session...

Livin' Joy was a eurodance group from Italy that only have a handful (as in two) main hits to their name. My personal fave -- "Don't Stop Movin'" -- was the later of those two, released in 1996. The song went Top 5 in the UK and Top 3 on the US Dance Charts, but where I first heard it was thanks to that ubiquitous CD compliation series that everyone in my elementary/middle school seemed to have -- Tommy Boy Records' Jock Jams. "Don't Stop Movin'" was one of my favorite cuts to spin while dancing around in my room, for obvious reasons. The cheerleader chant interlude that it was paired with on the disc, however, I could have done without. ;)

I'm so predictable. Even back in the day, I was into the positive affirmation dance jams. The unrelenting oompt-oompt bass and hi-hat combo, the vogueing and aggressive choreography, the C + C Music Factory-esque power vocal...they just don't make 'em like this anymore, do they?

NOW KPOPPING: Block B Returns with "NalinA"

2012-02-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

"Just look at me, lady
Don't you wanna go crazy?
Wherever I go there are shouts
Coming out of people's mouths...
It's my own thing
Do not copy what's mine
And make it yours...
Because everything about me is perfect"
-Block B, rough English translation of "NalinA"

The sophomore rookies of Korean boy band Block B made their official debut onto the scene last year with their album, New Kids on the Block (yes, I know the joke is right there in front of me - I'm choosing to ignore it.). In a sense, their style is a fusion of YG's Big Bang and JYP's 2PM, a hip hop meets pop idol feel -- and I stood behind them mostly because out of all of the male rookies, Block B stood out in terms of sound, energy and appeal. Also, their song "Halo" (sonically, ha-low) is really effing catchy.

What's interesting about Block B is their amount of creative input into their music -- leader, Zico, actually serves as a producer for much of their sophomore album's content (not totally unlike Big Bang, which is clearly a huge influence). Also - given their hip-hop-influenced sound, their main stumbling block appears to be the banning of a lot of their music on main music platforms, often because the content is deemed too sexual and therefore too inappropriate for broadcast. (It goes without saying that "too inappropriate" in Korea definitely does not equal "too inappropriate" in the USA -- so clearly I'm not in the right mindset to judge...but you get where I'm going with that one.) In my opinion, this only serves to bolster their "bad boy image", but let's be truly fair. Being blocked on major networks in South Korea is more than just a mere difficulty that can easily be overcome (case in point: JYJ). Without having a medium to promote yourself, it becomes that much harder to connect with an audience -- especially when you're still a relatively young and inexperienced artist.

They have recently returned to the music scene with their second album, dubbed Welcome to the Block (again a play off the word "Block"? Really?), fronted by the lead single "NalinA" or "NanrinA" (translated: I Go Crazy or I Make You Crazy). It doesn't exactly cover new ground for the group -- it's really more of what sort of worked before -- but unlike in 2011, there are additional kinks to this equation. Once again, the group has suffered setbacks in a few singles already being deemed "too risque" for broadcast. They now have new competition in the "bad boy band" genre in the form of B.A.P. (Best Absolute Perfect...no, I'm not joking) who have already recieved quite a bit of hype and fame, and long-time kings of the genre, Big Bang, have a scheduled comeback at the end of this month.

Still, "NalinA" is a fun dirty party jam that sonically has a bit heft to it than B.A.P's "Warrior" -- more of a club appeal. Will it be enough to make Block B a household name? Probably not. But still - I applaud Block B for being themselves in a musical market that doesn't usually allow such nonsense to happen. And clearly, the market is there -- Welcome to the Block recently achieved an "all kill" in the KPOP market, which basically means the act/era was #1 on all important "charts" for a ambiguously "significant" period of time. It's the KPOP equivilant of having a #1 record on the Billboard Hot 100.

Spend some time on Block B with "NalinA" below.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is the part where I write something cheesy about it being 'Love Day' and all, but then I get all cynical like it's only 'Love Day' if you're in love which I'm not. Then I get depressed and want to rant about that until I remember this is a music blog. Le sigh.

Happy Valentine's Day to those of you are able to celebrate it for the ~~Hallmark~~ right reasons. You are all so cute. I'm just so darn happy for you. And I sincerely mean it with no sarcasm.

But for everyone else who's a lil' bit like me, I vote we have our own Valentine's Day party, which involves a lot of dancing, a lot of friends and a lot of attractive photos and videos of the sex you're most attracted to. This year's Cupid of choice...

Swoon. You may be my #2 Bias in KPOP, Super Junior's gorgeous Lee Donghae, but that doesn't mean you have to be #2 all of the time. Something tells me you're exactly the right person to think about on mushy days like these. Excuse me while I go buy chocolates for my imaginary hunky boyfriend, and then envision this, to the tune of "Marry You"...

If you watch it enough times, it looks like his lips are saying "I love you, Mel" in English. No? It doesn't? OK, maybe it's in Korean. Shut up, you probably don't know Korean!

Anyway, readers -- Happy Valentine's Day. And seriously, I do love you.

FYI - If the gifs don't move, click on them. Just saying.

RIP: Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T13:08:00.000-05:00

Honestly, never would I have ever thought when I woke up this morning that I would be sitting here typing these words.

Earlier this morning, while folding laundry and listening to the radio (which to be fair, I don't do so often anymore - I just felt compelled), I found it strange they would play three Whitney Houston songs back to back. It was only once I turned on my laptop and saw the news of her death at just 48 years young that things started to register.

It's almost impossible to put into words what Whitney Houston's influence has meant to me, as a ardent fan of music and of vocal talent. The love affair began with the 1992 soundtrack album The Bodyguard. I wouldn't see the film until years later -- remember, I was just five-six years old -- but the power, the strength, the intensity behind her voice was striking to me, even at such a young age.

When describing what vocal talent is to my ears, what bowls me over, what makes my skin raise up in goosebumps -- that X-Factor is usually related to one person. She is the woman who not only was a huge part of my musical history, but she's tended to be the common denominator in terms of influences for the majority of the female (and some male) artists I would gravitate to. And now, she's no longer with us.

It goes without saying her power will go on, will never be forgotten and will be memorialized through song -- especially with this generation and with future generations who will have grown up listening to her music and the music of other's she's influenced. She was a vocal role model who set a benchmark for pop music.

It is truly, truly difficult to choose the right words in this kind of situation, but vocally, Whitney Houston always was and always will be a hero of mine. Without her, I most certainly would not be who I am -- there'd be no Melismatic itself, as she was part of the reason why I named this blog what I did to begin with.

Rest in Peace, Whitney. I hope you are in a happier, safer place now. Know that your influence will remain, and for now, that will have to be enough. Without further ado, presenting to you -- the greatest rendition of a love song of all time.

WGO: Chart Watch (2/18/2012)

2012-02-11T09:00:00.003-05:00

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

Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart:
1. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...) (AIRPLAY GAINER)
2. Adele - Set Fire To the Rain
3. Flo Rida - Good Feeling
4. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
5. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
6. Jessie J - Domino
7. Tyga - Rack City
8. Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa - Young, Wild & Free (feat. Bruno Mars)
9. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
10. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain

11. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Ni**as In Paris
13. Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.) (DEBUT)
14. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
18. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
19. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
20. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
22. Adele - Someone Like You
23. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
24. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
25. Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
26. Glee - Smooth Criminal (feat. 2Cellos) (DEBUT)
27. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
29. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
30. The Wanted - Glad You Came
34. Rihanna - You Da One
36. Coldplay - Paradise
37. The Band Perry - All Your Life
40. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
41. fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae) (DIGITAL GAINER)
42. Taylor Swift - Ours
43. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
44. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
45. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
48. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
56. Glee - Human Nature (DEBUT)
57. Lil Wayne - Mirror (feat. Bruno Mars)
60. Avicii - Levels
63. Beyonce - Love On Top
64. Glee - Black Or White (DEBUT)
65. Rihanna - Talk That Talk (feat. Jay-Z)
71. Lady Antebellum - Dancin' Away With My Heart
78. Glee - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (DEBUT)
80. Glee - Bad (DEBUT)
81. Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
82. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
83. Ellie Goulding - Lights
91. Mary J Blige - Mr. Wrong (feat. Drake)
92. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
96. Jay-Z & Kanye West - No Church In the Wild (feat. Frank Ocean)
97. Melanie Fiona - 4AM (DEBUT)
98. Foster the People - Don't Stop (Color...)
99. Diggy - Do It Like You (feat. Jeremih)

US Billboard Dance/Club Play:
1. Rihanna - You Da One
2. Blush - Dance On
4. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
7. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...) (DIGITAL GAINER)
8. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
9. Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional
13. Deborah Cox - If It Wasn't For Love
14. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
16. Laurent Wery - Hey Hey Hey (Pop Another Bottle) (feat. Swiftkid & Dev)
18. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
19. Jin Akanishi - Test Drive (feat. Jason DeRulo)
20. Paul Oakenfold - Surrender (feat. J. Hart)
21. Penguin Prison - Don't Fuck With My Money
23. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night

Billboard Heatseekers Songs:
1. Avicii - Levels
2. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
3. Ellie Goulding - Lights
4. Hunter Hayes - Storm Warning
5. Diggy - Do It Like You (feat. Jeremih)
6. Brantley Gilbert - You Don't Know Her Like I Do
7. Kirko Bangz - Drank In My Cup (GREATEST GAINER)
8. Skrillex - Kyoto (feat. Sirah)
9. Kip Moore - Somethin' 'Bout A Truck
10. Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites
11. Lana Del Rey - Video Games (RE-ENTRY)
12. Jack White - Love Interruption (DEBUT)
13. Future - Magic (feat. T.I.)

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
1. David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
2. Alyssa Reid - Alone Again (feat. Jump Smokers!) (DEBUT)
3. Gotya - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
4. Jessie J - Domino
8. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You...)
9. Lana Del Rey - Born to Die (DEBUT)

Billboard Japan Hot 100:
1. Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi - Hitotsu
2. CN Blue - Where You Are
14. Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat
19. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
23. Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself
25. Kim Hyun Joong - Kiss Kiss
27. Van Halen - Tattoo
35. Avril Lavigne - Push
42. Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.) (DEBUT)

Billboard Korea KPOP Hot 100:
2. Se7en - When I Can't Sing (DEBUT)
3. T-Ara - Lovey-Dovey
4. F.T Island - Fiercely
5. B2ST/BEAST - I Knew It
7. Miryo (Brown Eyed Girls) - Dirty (DEBUT)
8. Hyorin (Sistar) - I Will Love You
9. Yong Jun Hyung - (B2ST/BEAST) - Living Without You (DEBUT)
10. SunnyHill - Grasshopper
13. MBLAQ - It's War
14. Teen Top - Going Crazy
15. Block B - NanrinA (DEBUT)
17. Trouble Maker (HyunA/4MINUTE & HyunSeung/BEAST) - Trouble Maker
19. Mario - Text Message*
20. Davichi & T-Ara - We Used To Be In Love
27. Dalshabet - Hit U
30. T-Ara - Cry Cry

*=No, not the American Mario. A Korean rapper of the same name.

HEAR THIS: Chris Brown Says "Turn Up the Music"

2012-02-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

"Turn up the music
Can I hear it til the speakers blow?...
Just turn it up loud...
I need it in my life, yeah"
-Chris Brown, "Turn Up the Music"

For the lead single off Chris Brown's upcoming fifth record, Fortune, it really doesn't get more simplistic. But combining a basic call to the dance floor and a repetative and singable chorus with stomping synth certainly served him well before. I mean, "Turn Up the Music" is the most pop-radio friendly nugget we've seen from him since "Forever", and that was forever ago (2008!).

I'll be honest when I say I'm still not sure whether or not I'm ready to "forgive" Chris, but the reality is -- the boy's paid his penance. If we can let Rihanna prance around with cuts like "S&M" and "Rude Boy", it would be completely hypocritical to not let him (whether or not she should be warbling on and on about said topics is another debate -- but then again, we can't tell artists what material to record). He's an incredibly talented vocalist and performer. I could do without the petulant attempts to display his "swagger" (and that goes for Rihanna as well, I'm not biased), but perhaps that's why "Turn Up the Music" appealed to me so much -- its direction is very simple and clear. It's a paint-by-numbers party song for the clubs. And to be honest, it's perfect fautter to kick off the weekend.

So with that said, TGIF, fam (seriously). Go "Turn Up the Music", and turn it up loud.

COVER WARS: Pastele vs. The Wanted, Mike & Cody vs. Nelly, Glee vs. MJ, Jayesslee vs. Wonder Girls

2012-02-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest things about pop music on the whole is that it is universal and open to new expressions and interpretations. Creativity is a beautiful thing, and when an artist adapts a song that is not their own into their own style and the result is effective and captivating, I'm a very happy camper...

GLEE CAST - "Smooth Criminal"
I've said it before and I'll say it again. While I enjoy Glee's musical renditions (especially their inventive mashups), on the whole, I'd much rather listen to the original if they aren't even going to try an effective, unique twist on the material (isn't that the point?). Their recent homage to Michael Jackson had some high points, and some indifferent ones (because even a cover of Michael is still good stuff if the singers are competent, and in the case of Glee, they usually are). "Smooth Criminal" sees the pairing of the show's godsent in Nayer Rivera and rival Sebastian Smythe, with a stripped down verbal sparring match set to aggressive acoustic cellos. Oh Nayer, please release a pop album already!

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PASTELE - "Glad You Came"
The adorable Pastele has lend her pipes to a ballad version of The Wanted's "Glad You Came" (and offered it up for free download at her website), complete with a techno-color video accompaniment whilst recording in the studio. The tempo is cooled off, the Ibiza-influenced synth is stripped out, and the boy band sweetness is replaced with Pastele's husky cooing & attitude-drenched delivery. So basically, it's awesome.

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MIKE & CODY - "Hot in Herre"
I first mentioned Mike & Cody last month with their unique brand of 8-bit synth pop and penchant for unexpected covers (TLC's "No Scrubs"), but they have recently trumped themselves with a relaxed version of Nelly's "Hot In Herre". Yes, really. These guys have to be the kings of "What the...?" on paper, and then you hear the final product and you're jamming. I can't wait to hear what they come up with next!

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JAYESSLEE - "Nobody"
Jayesslee is a Korean-Australian acoustic duo that has garned a lot of attention for their YouTube covers. The ladies, Janice & Sonia Lee (hence J-S Lee, get it?), are twins and are currently recording their debut EP independantly. Despite being on their own, they've garnered over 250,000 "likes" on Facebook. Their dreamy, sweet, acoustic harmony is instantly charming and captivating. They've got lots of covers to choose from on their YouTube Account including Bruno Mars' "Just The Way You Are", The Script's "Breakeven" and the (criminally underrated) Jonas Brothers' cut "When You Look Me In the Eyes" with 'American Idol' cast off Andrew Garcia (better known as that guy who did that ballad cover of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up"). But my current favorite is the balladized version of the Wonder Girls' big hit "Nobody" (in Korean!).

OVERHEARD ON TWITTER: Girls' Generation "Slays", Teddy Riley Loves KPOP, SHINee's Comeback

2012-02-08T08:30:00.001-05:00

This post will be all over the place but I regret nothing.

For those of you who don't follow my Twitter account (for shame!), you might not have caught me spazzing a bit last week regarding some upcoming ~~SM Entertainment-related~~ KPOP goodies...

The nine ladies in Girls' Generation returned to New York this past week to promote their one-off English version of "The Boys", an urban-KPOP fusion produced by Teddy Riley. The group appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" (how they all managed to fit and dance around provocatively on that tiny stage will forever be a me-ster-ee) and "Live with Kelly" (complete with loud fanchats -- KPOP fans are so awesome and Soshi's are kinda crazy...in a good way, I promise) performing "The Boys" live on American Network Television for the first time. For more on the song, see my post about it following SMTown New York last November.

While they got some flack for lip synching at SMTown New York (although I swear they performed it live when I saw it - it was just synched for the YouTube "music video" provided by SM), the girls were very much live during these two performances (get it, Taeyeon!). They even had a short interview with Kelly Ripa and guest host Howie Mandel -- and both were floored by how enthusiastic the crowd was, clearly impressed by KPOP's frontrunner girl group. (Hyoyeon -- how you dance like that in those heels, I'll never know, but you're my hero.)

A lot of people were freaking out about the group's official hat toss into the American market, including Paris Hilton, Katy Perry, and even my fave in Simon Curtis who apparently got Ro Danishei hooked on it! Some will bemoan SM for their lack of promotion of the group, but I'm not. Interscope Records managed to nab them two huge coups in performing on live television, something their unnie sunbae in BoA never received (and definitely deserved) during her stab at American success when SM was going at it alone.

Objectively, this is clearly SM/Interscope's attempt to not do what the Wonder Girls did. "The Boys" is the only English offering on the full The Boys album, which is now available for American consumption on iTunes. They are not trying to overly sell the group with an American sound, and instead are promoting them based on the fact that they are very popular in Asia -- take it or leave it. Unlike the Wonder Girls, who came to America with the intent to record an entire album in English (while the progress the group made in Korea became eclipsed by other artists, including GG themselves) only to still have tangibly little success-wise to show for it in the US market years later, Girls' Generation are spinning out an English version of a song that worked in the Asian market, produced by an American producer who is both familiar and to some degree trusted by the music-buying public. If it works, more will follow. If it doesn't, then it doesn't
.
We are still in a Tastemaker Phase with this whole KPOP Going Global trend. KPOP fans need to remember that. Just because we dig it, doesn't mean Joe America will. Still, "The Boys" producer Teddy Riley was, of course, over the moon by the press & success the group received, stating...

"I hope to work on more SM projects. Where ever or whatever projects they assign for me I will do. So I hope to work with SNSD again. 'The Boys' was a learning process and first time SM project for me. It was my chance {sic} to learn The SM Way of doing things, at the same time learning what the kpop fans like. I'm a true student of kpop."

Riley also tweeted the following to a fan:

Are you seeing that? My little babies in SHINee?

SHINee is currently in Studio Beast Mode for their upcoming third Korean album, which is what I'm guessing this prospective Teddy Riley collab would be for. I highly doubt it would be for an International (read: English/USA) release, mostly because it just doesn't seem probable at this point in time. Although, this is SM we are talking about, and if anyone in their boy band arsenal has a chance of going Stateside, it's SHINee, without a doubt. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Teddy can pull something out of his sleeve that is phenomenal for Onew, Key, Jonghyun, Taemin & Minho, because they deserve it. It's just yet another pointer toward World Domination in Album #3 for SHINee, as rumors are already swirling of a proposed comeback stage that will be an attempt to display Manly SHINee (a la "Lucifer" to a new degree). So long as they use this stage as a template, I don't foresee that being a problem.

Still, a part of me kind of weeps that Teddy Riley clearly wasn't even thought of for use during Super Junior's Mr. Simple recording. I'm guessing that was Eunhyuk's feelings too, seeing as he's such a fan of "No Diggity" and all...Fast forward to 4:14 to see what I mean.

HEAR THIS: Chris Richardson Stops "In The Name Of Love"

2012-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

I can't explain the magic
That we happened to obtain
And now you know we got that something
That will make me stay
The perfect addiction, baby
See what I've been missing
You can have the best of me like no tomorrow
All I need is what you got to get me high
-Chris Richardson, "In The Name Of Love"

Oh, the fangirl crush. How quickly it comes flooding back. Chris Rich - I just knew you wouldn't let me down!

Let me refresh your memories. The year was 2007, and American Idol was still a popstar delivery machine (or so it seemed). Chris Richardson, an amiable pop/r&b singer who was quickly likened to Justin Timberlake, broke through to the upper ranks in the show's sixth season, which also spawned winner Jordin Sparks, runner-up (and bitterly underrated) Blake Lewis, vocal powerhouse Melinda Doolittle, and yes, Sanjaya Malakar. Chris finished fifth, and is best known for his BFF-ery with Blake and for making Jason Mraz's b-material ("Geek In the Pink", anyone?) relevant pre-"I'm Yours". I fell for his honeycomb voice, his winning smile, his humble appeal -- he had the whole poptastic package.

Post-'Idol' Chris's future looked bright, but as the years slid by with still no tangible release, my dreams of my fave male contestant from that year (well, if you count him as a tie with Blake) becoming a household name started to fade. The leak of his quiet and somber "All Alone" could only hold me over for so long. Little did I (and Joe Public) know, Chris was taking his time -- writing, recording and paying his dues. He reappeared last year, collaborating with up-and-coming rapper of the moment Tyga with his single "Far Away" which charted on the Hot 100's lower echelons. It was shortly thereafter announced he had signed with Cash Money Records (Tyga's label, and also home to another artist close to my heart, Ms. T-Lopez). Footage also leaked last year of him in the recording booth with Nick Jonas of all people. Be still my beating fangirl heart...

It's clear 2012 is the year to ramp up Chris's promotions -- and it's long overdue. First on the dock is the dreamy, falcetto-drenched ballad "In the Name of Love". The music video popped up on YouTube a few weeks back, and an official iTunes is pending "very soon" per Chris's Twitter. The stripped-down sparkler is accented by the cinematic video, shot in black-and-white. I'm so glad that Chris kept on the grind, in pursuit of a style that was reflective of him rather than caving to what could have been. Check out the video below.

Dear Chris, why must you turn me into mush with your falcetto, huh? Why? Every damn time, too. Keep making us proud of you, bb. Love, Mel

MAILBAG MONDAY: Dirty Little Billy, POB, Starrah, Chanelle Ray

2012-02-06T10:00:00.003-05:00

Want to be considered for future Mailbag Mondays? Send in your jams to submissions@melismaticblog.com (preferably with "MAILBAG MONDAY" in the subject line). Now, on to this week's gems...

DIRTY LITTLE BILLY
Song: "Give It To You"
Genre: Pop with a R&B lean
File Near: Jessie J

With a name like Dirty Little Billy and her Dev-esque promotional photography, I wasn't really expecting the throwback 90's-esque R&pop that Homegirl was supplying on her latest disc, Put Your Love On Me, but that's what I got. The record is a dalliance from her business as usual (which is electro, which makes more sense), but you gotta respect an artist that likes to experiment. "Give It To You" has a great R&B lean to it that you just don't see much in mainstream pop artist these days, and I really dig it.

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POB
Song: "I'm The One"
Genre: Synthy Club Pop
File Near: Darin, Simon Curtis

Brit 'lectropopper POB has some really promising demos, both production-wise and in the hook capacity. Hype single "Shout It Out Loud" is an early favorite of mine in terms of commercial sound, but the slightly more relaxed "I'm The One" is perfect for the dance/trance crowd.

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STARRAH
Song: "Break Your Heart (feat. Chanelle Ray)"
Genre: R&B/Hip Hop
File Near: A female version of Drake

Starrah is a newbie in my books, but when I saw she collaborated with my girl Chanelle Ray on her most recent mixtape, dubbed Songs For You, I was immediately interested. Their soft, candle-light collab, called "Break Your Heart", sounds like an indie version of a prospective Drake/Rihanna song a la "Take Care" or "Marvin's Room" ('cept - it's a girl/girl version). Chanelle digs deep with one of her more vulnerable performances. You can snag the full mixtape for free here.

HEAR THIS: Madonna Cheers for "Give Me All Your Luvin'" with Nicki Minaj & M.I.A. + BONUS! Mel's Fave MDNA Tunes

2012-02-05T10:00:00.003-05:00

So today is kind of a holiday here. It's Super Bowl Sunday, a time-honored tradition of getting together to eat an obscene amount of snack food and watch a football game. Oh, America.

Throughout the years -- since I'm such a sports buff -- I've tended to root for whatever team is closest mile-wise to my home state of New York. This year makes things super easy -- as the "home team", the New York Giants, are themselves being televised. That wraps that up. So you can pretty much expect I will be doing my American duty -- gorging myself on port wine, chips & dip, occasionally pumping my fist and saying "Go Giants!/Go Big Blue!/Go Eli Manning!" while watching essentially several hours of grown men in tight clothes chase each other over a ball like it's life or death.

For the rest of us who could really care less the outcome of tonight's game, the main attraction of the Super Bowl is: 1) the "clever" advertising campaign commercials (some years are better than others), 2) the Half-Time Show. In the interest of Melismatic, that is of course, the latter, because who is performing tonight but the Queen of Pop herself.

While I'm hardly a Madonna "stan" persay, to say she's not a truly influential woman in music listening history would be a complete and utter lie. Mostly I'm interested because she will be premiering the first official live performance of her latest single, off her hotly anticpated new album (due in March). The song was premiered in video format a few days ago, called "Give Me All Your Luvin'". And I've kind of become blackhole obsessed with it.

"Give Me All Your Luvin'" is a great pop song -- mostly because it doesn't try too hard to rock the boat -- it's Madonna doing her thing in a mainstream, appealing way. Unlike previous attempts with Hard Candy, this feels less gimmicky in an attempt to ride on the coattails of that's hot at the moment (which in itself is so not Madonna) -- although the addition of a "verse" by Nicki Minaj initially made me a little squeamish in fear.

After seeing the final product, I actually came to enjoy her and M.I.A.'s additions quite a bit, as they add some spice to an otherwise straight-ahead pop song and make it all the more commerically viable -- but it needs to be said that they do feel a little tacked on since they don't really add much to the overall production in terms of cohesiveness. Perhaps if M.I.A.'s verse was in the very beginning or paired with the first verse, while Minaj's went second or during the bridge, it would have felt more balanced and stronger as a cohesive, overall package. Still, if it's going to be a band of strong-willed females, M.I.A. & Nicki Minaj are pretty spot-on in my opinion. In fact, if we're going by the video standard itself, Nicki looks so over the moon to be there (although, she kind of looks over the moon all the time), its very clear that working with Madonna is considered a badge of honor (as it well should), as there is no doubt the Queen of Pop has influenced all (and yes, I can use that as a blanket term) of the female popstars of today, no matter their genre.

The video really hit the nail on the head -- its the type of song that's not meant to be taken so serious. The comical aspects and interesting camera shots only heighten that appeal -- reminiscent of her Austin Powers single, the 60's-esque "Beautiful Stranger" -- along with the gum-smacking, Toni Basil-influenced hook of "L-U-V/Madonna/Y-O-U/You wanna?" And how good did she look? I mean, really. I'll switch to Kabbalah if it means I can look, sound and move that sexy at 53. If she can recreate any of that tonight (and she will, obviously), I will probably not be able to contain myself.

You can pre-order Madonna's upcoming album, MDNA, on iTunes now.

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BONUS - MEL'S FAVORITE MADONNA JAMS
While I found it more than a little difficult to determine my "ultimate" favorites in Madonna's vast and popalicious back catalogue, the seven below tend to be the ones I listen to the most. Got Spotify? You can listen to this Playlist here. In no particular order...

-"Into the Groove", Like A Virgin (1984)
Given my penchant for poppy dancefloor romps (especially romps about "dancing" itself) always being instant winners in my book, this shouldn't really surprise you.

-"Music", Music (2000)
While I didn't quite care for the album in full, I did have the single. Remember this was released during the height of the teen-pop boom. I was just 13 years old, but I remember distinctly fighting for this song's relevance among my peers, mostly because it was so dancefloor throwaway.

-"Frozen", Ray Of Light (1998)
By all technical accounts, the Ray of Light album was my first official introduction to Madonna. "Frozen" stood apart for being so ominous and dark. The song itself is a piece of art with its layering -- the drums, the strings, the synth -- and feels just so round and cohesive. I also firmly believe it's some of Madonna's best lyrics ever.

-"Take A Bow", Bedtime Stories (1994)

Not to be confused with the Rihanna or Leona Lewis songs respectively (because it's better than both of them). "Bow" is unarguably one of the best pop ballads of the early 90's, and I attribute a lot of that to it being co-written by the R&B balladeer extraordinare Babyface.

-"Hung Up", Confessions On A Dance Floor (2005)

Okay, so it's all about the ABBA "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" sample. But anyone who has enough sense to melodically sample an ABBA song effectively is usually A-OK with me.

-"Borderline", Madonna (1984)
The final single from Madonna's debut album, "Borderline" helps set the tone for the female independance mantra that would be a reigning theme for the rest of her career.

-"Express Yourself", Like A Prayer (1989)
Oh, come on -- do I really have to qualify this one for you? This should be every woman's (and gay man's) theme song by now.

WGO: Chart Watch (2/11/2012)

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

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. Adele - Set Fire To the Rain
2. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) (DIGITAL GAINER)
3. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
4. Flo Rida - Good Feeling
5. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
6. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain7. LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It
8. Jessie J - Domino
9. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
10. Tyga - Rack City

11. Jay-Z/Kanye West - Ni**as in Paris
15. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
17. J.Cole - Work Out
18. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
20. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
21. Adele - Someone Like You22. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
23. Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
24. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
26. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
28. Rihanna - You Da One
31. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)
33. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
38. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
39. Cobra Starship - You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi)
40. The Wanted - Glad You Came
41. The Band Perry - All Your Life
43. Adele - Rolling In the Deep
44. Wale - Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)
49. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
62. Avicii - Levels
63. Fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae)
69. Beyonce - Love On Top
71. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
76. Lady Antebellum - Dancin' Away With My Heart
77. Rihanna - Talk that Talk (feat. Jay-Z)
78. Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
80. Ellie Goulding - Lights
85. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
88. Foster the People - Don't Stop (Colors...)
92. LMFAO - Sorry For Party Rocking (DEBUT)
93. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
95. Skrillex - Kyoto (feat. Sirah)
97. Mary J. Blige - Mr. Wrong (feat. Drake)
98. Coldplay - Princess of China (feat. Rihanna)
99. Diggy - Do It Like You (feat. Jeremih)

US Billboard Dance/Club Play:
1. David Guetta - Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj)
2. Rihanna - You Da One (GREATEST GAINER)
3. Blush - Dance On
5. Gloria Estefan - Hotel Nacional
6. Porcelain Black - Naughty Naughty
8. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
9. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
15. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)
21. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
23. Penguin Prison - Don't Fuck With My Money
24. Paul Oakenfold - Surrender (feat. J Hart)

UK Billboard Singles Chart:
1. Cover Drive - Twilight
2. David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
3. Jessie J - Domino
7. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) (DEBUT)
8. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) (DEBUT)

Billboard Japan Hot 100:
2. Kim Hyun Joong - Kiss Kiss (DEBUT)
9. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
24. After School - Rambling Girls (DEBUT)
26. Adam Lambert - Better Than I Know Myself (DEBUT)
38. Rihanna - We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
44. Koda Kumi - Poppin' Love Cocktail
49. 2AM - Never Let You Go (Even If I Die...)

Billboard Korea KPOP Hot 100:
1. Lyn - To Turn Back Hands Of Time
2. T-Ara - Lovey Dovey
3. BEAST (B2ST) - I Knew It (DEBUT)
4. Hyorin (of SISTAR) - I Will Love You
8. Trouble Maker (HyunA & JS) - Trouble Maker
9. SunnyHill - Grasshopper
11. MBLAQ - It's War
12. Teen Top - Going Crazy
13. Davichi & T-Ara - We Used To Be In Love
17. Dalshabet - Hit U (DEBUT)
22. T-Ara - Cry Cry
27. Wonder Girls - The DJ Is Mine
35. F.T Island - Fiercely (DEBUT)
36. Star - Because Its You (DEBUT)
38. Wonder Girls - Be My Baby
45. Electro Boyz - Ma Boy 2 (feat. Hyorin of SISTAR)
46. Rainbow Pixie - Hoi Hoi
48. Song Ji Eun (of Secret) - It's Cold
49. BAP - Warrior (DEBUT)

HEAR THIS: Santigold Opens Her 'Big Mouth'

2012-02-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Big mouth, big mouth
My, my, my
You've said enough
Got a big mouth, big mouth
My, my, my
You've said enough
-"Big Mouth", Santigold

Everyone's fave underrated alt-popstress Santigold is officially back for Sophomore Seconds, people! Our first taste of her upcoming record, dubbed Master of My Make Believe, is via buzz single "Big Mouth", which you can snag for free at her website by signing up for her mailing list.

"Big Mouth" is everything we were expecting from Santi and then some, hitting up that noisy single trend that went mainstream last year. It's dubstep set to a tribal stomp, a la Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)" or Nicola Roberts' "Beat of My Drum", but because it's Santigold, who's past body of work is much more in synch with this type of sound, it feels that much more authentic. While at first, it felt like a lot of noise, by the time the chorus comes 'round, you're unwittingly tapping your feet and by the time it comes 'round a second time, you're both hands in. Around the 2:30 mark, synth is added into the aggressive, tribal bombast for a whizbang of a finale conclusion. And then it's over in what feels like a blink. And you want to hit repeat. Again and again and again.

Remember, this is Santigold we're talking about. If the past proves anything, "Big Mouth" will only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

HEAR THIS: Stooshe Says "Love Me", I Say OK

2012-02-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

Oh! Oh! Oh!
Turn it up and I'll go
'Cuz I won't need you no more (no)
Your play's fine but I ain't got the time
Why don't you hurry up, yeah
Hurry up
Yeah, hurry up
Love me...(ha!)
-"Love Me", Stooshe

Oh. My. Days. I'm all over this. Imagine, if you will, the lyrical sass of Lady Sovereign (and the accent), the quirky production of Lily Allen, the cartoonish in-your-face bravado of the Spice Girls, a nice round harmony a la En Vogue and the soulful pipes of Aretha Franklin, mashed together for the year 2012 in a package of three live-out-loud Brit females. Then stop imagining.

Stooshe, a trio signed to Warner UK, are currently touting around their second official single, "Love Me" (the original explicit version being, of course, "F*ck Me" -- but the redub does the same job without the expletives just fine), featuring the surprisingly ubiquitous (in the UK at least) Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes fame, and it is a wallop of a pop song indeed.

All bright colors and open-mouthed confidence, Alexandra, Courtney and Karis vamp it up in a 2012 fusion of pinup allure, telling a prospective lad to cut to the chase and hurry the (expletive) up already. The general aesthetic of the video is slightly reminiscent to the charmingly weird ways of Aqua, Deee-Lite or say the Scissor Sisters even, but with a decidedly Motown-esque twist.

It's kitsch to the millionth degree, but the impish ridiculousness and blatant raunch is balanced out but these chicks serious vocals. Part of Stooshe's charm is they don't mind looking ridiculous -- to them it's all about having a good time.

If you like what you hear, check out their "other" single in the slightly more serious, but still very street slang savvy in "Betty Woz Gone". (How I long to have this type of Brit Accent, you just don't even know.) Stooshe's official debut record, Sticks & Roundabouts, is due for release in mid 2012.

Dear UK, please learn to share with your amazing penchant for quality pop. Seriously. Love, Mel

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.