Jedward ft. Vanilla Ice - 'Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)'
TV talent shows are built upon a gaping hole in their own internal logic. And they know it.
The flaw is this: even though the focus of the show is the singing, being a pop star is not about being able to sing. I've said this before, because it was true then, and it's still true now. It's useful if you can sing, being able to sing will get you a certain distance towards being a pop star, but it's not the golden ticket. The golden ticket is, for want of a better word, charisma. It's the ability to make people want look at you, and think about you. They don't even have to LIKE you.
Why else would the TV show be called The X Factor? What they SAY they're looking for is amazing performances in the field of singing, what they're ACTUALLY looking for as performances it is impossible to tear your eyes and ears away from in case your brain suddenly falls out of your face like rice pudding squished under a fork.
And if we were all honest about this, we could maybe admit that John and Edward might just be the best pop stars the X Factor has ever unearthed.
(Here's the video. Jedward work best in front of an audience, JUST LIKE DYLAN, MAAN.)
Think about it, loads of people watch the show for the auditions stage, and like nothing more than to see the expression on Simon Cowell's face when a middle-aged man in a baby outfit hiccups his way through 'Unchained Melody'. Jedward, with their flailing limbs and breathless delivery, bring something of this to their performance.
They're also, as twins, slightly different from everyone else (in showbiz terms, this is. Perfectly normal by any other measurement), and massively, massively excited about what they're doing. There would be no point getting them to do The X Factor Ballad, because they'd just muck it up. Get them to do something fun - and really, you'd have to be a Rock Bore of epic proportions not to find this even slightly entertaining - and the mucking up becomes part of the act.
They can fluff the lyrics, they each can nervously check where the other is in the dance routine and then get it all wrong anyway, they can blush and mumble, and deliver their spoken lines with the authority and passion of a Daniel Day Lewis (in My Left Foot), and everyone will love them for it.
Best of all, they can bring out another much-derided pop star with a serious hairspray addiction, get him to reprise some of the verses to his one great hit, without becoming overshadowed. Sure, Vanilla Ice is no Paul McCartney, but if John and Edward were as hopeless as their worst critics claim, he'd dwarf them like a planet dwarfs a virus.
Bottom line, pop music is about fun, and this is fun. WAY fun. Plus I already know all the words from the first time around. Which is more than Jedward do.
Download: Out now
CD Released: February 15th
www.planetjedward.net
BBC Music page
(Fraser McAlpine)
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~39~RS~)
Comments
Sign in or register to comment.
JEDWARD!
Complain about this comment
YES! Fraser, I totally agree. They were just in the studio for The 5:19 Show and a) they're exactly the same as you'd imagine (hyper but brilliant) and b) this happened: http://twitpic.com/1101jl
Complain about this comment
Oh no.
Fraser, what have you done?
I can't believe you've given this song 5 stars. Dear me. Are you ill?
Complain about this comment
I actually liked Vanilla Ice's version of Play That Funky Music more than Ice Ice Baby.
I have nothing else to say about this.
Complain about this comment
Well, Fraser is never seriously wrong, only a bit carried away, maybe? I´m all for diversity, but there´s good hilarious and there´s bad hilarious, as we all know after a hundred years of the Eurovision. And anyway, these two headless chicken are a bit past their wild and crazy "now" moment already. That´s how I feel anyway. Cannot get excited. Sorry.
But who am I to judge? A Number One´s in the bag, if they can manage to shift that whimpering owl from the top perch.
Complain about this comment
See that, ChartBloggerers? "Never seriously wrong"
Mangsy, you a clearly a person of rare taste and understanding. I applaud you.
Complain about this comment
... do all my senses deceive me? vanilla ice made one of the worst cover's/ sample things in history when they did ice ice baby. it was insulting at the time and it still is now. and then THAT gets covered by two talentless twins who the majority of people hate??
im sorry, the ball stops with the whole 'anything can be pop, don't be such a music snob' with this. surely.
Complain about this comment
Still not at no. 1 on Itunes! Even though I don't like Owl City I'm begging that it holds on to that top spot.
Complain about this comment
Oh please Fraser, don´t, but thanks anyway. Trying my best to be fair. On the other hand I can snap at any moment, you know. It´s to do with the medication, see.*
* errr... joke. Not making fun of ill people.
Complain about this comment
Flatknees and Harry, We´re always gonna have to put up with the likes of the Vengaboys, Outhere Brothers, those scary sisters that wanted us to touch their b*ms and Leona Lewis. Jedward are not the worst, not by a long shot. Remember that they will be forgotten come April. Just a cross we´ll have to bear ´til then. Wanna try some of my meds? *
* Yes, joke.
Complain about this comment
Harry, what´s worrying is that Timbaland is moving up on the ´tunes. Now that´s scary, because that song is not even tongue-in-cheek. Just boring. I´d prefer the owl at number 1 (out of these) but I´ll settle for Jedward if that means Timbaland can´t go anywhere near the top. Why do people think his tracks are interesting in any way? See, I almost snapped then.
Complain about this comment
Normally I wouldn't care about Jedward being no.1 but seeing as I'm the only person on Chart Blog who believes they won't I desperately want them not to make it. It would be the first time I've been right and Spirit has not! (no exaggeration it would be the first time)
Complain about this comment
Oh, that's nice. I just spent the last nine months defending Fraser (and ChartBlog) from the torrent of criticism from everyone (apart from Liam), effectively getting called Fraser's hoochie, and what thanks did I get? Chuff all, that's what. This Mangsy character swans in with a cheap backhanded compliment, and it's all applause and "rare taste and understanding".
You see the lesson here, kids? Loyalty gets you NOWHERE. Fourteen months of faithful reading and you don't even get a cheap gold watch - they just take count you as a website hit, chew you up and spit you out. You want to get on in this world, you look out for yourself. And if someone slags off the blog you like because it doesn't talk enough about hooks and lyrics, let 'em.
Complain about this comment
Fourteen months of commenting, actually. I've been reading for much longer.
Complain about this comment
In that case let´s hope you´re right. It´s infuriating when someone gets their predictions right all the time. But remember, he seems to be working "in the industry" as I recall. He needs to be taught a lesson. ;)
Complain about this comment
He can't comment at the moment because he's frantically downloading this song from as many IP addresses as possible in order to fulfil his own insane prophecy :)
Complain about this comment
As for Fraser, I think he is right as well. Tongue in cheek a little, of course, well, maybe just curving round the teeth. Point is, there's different kinds of good, and different kinds of bad.
And this song is awesome, in the genuine, original meaning of the word, and terrible as well, in the same way. I can't decide: it's terrible, it's awesome, and it's terrible. It's terrisome. Or awesible.
Complain about this comment
Although Awesible would be the lead singer of a different band, specifically this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0TYun-Nq1Q
Complain about this comment
Its also better than Joe McElderry's X-Factor single!
Complain about this comment
Post 15: that was for you Harry.
As for you Curtains: It´s all just about having fun this swanning in business. But I´m not really convinced about the sincerity in the compliment I got. He´s a master of irony, is Fraser, as you might have noticed.
Now, if I were him I would give some serious thought to those who have been slaving away, posting for as long as you have Curtains, and have nothing to show for it. How about that gold watch? Or a few nice words at least? Anything?
And don´t go grumpy on us now C. Please?
Complain about this comment
Fraser should bake us all a cake for our commitment!
Complain about this comment
Post 18; lol lol lol
"You have really big glasses"
"Do you like my mullet"
Fantastic! So funny!
Complain about this comment
Dear ChartBloggerers (addendum)
a) thank you all for your continued support for the ChartBlog. I honestly am knocked out that you guys come here every day. Even if it is just to call me names! No fake.
b) Curtains, I have done you a grave disservice, and for that I apologise. I've just checked all my past comments, and apart from enjoying re-reading them all (I am VERY funny, after all) it seems I have never thanked you personally for being the voice of reason you so often are. So thank you.
c) Mangsy - just take the damn compliment, sheesh! ;-)
Fraser
Complain about this comment
I think I got a thanks on the Mika thread. I deserved a sodding medal but I'll settle.
More on Jedward later.
Complain about this comment
Ugh, Jedward....
Yeah it's fun, and yes I COMPLETELY commend Fraser for noticing that these idiots are the only two POP stars to ever sprout from the X Factor weed since EVER, but what's still inescapable is that they are the two of the most annoying, deluded and creepy people... since EVER. And they are crap.
Complain about this comment
Mangsy, I'm afraid you're going to have to give Fraser some of your medication because he is seriously unhinged for giving 5 stars to these guys.
Complain about this comment
Sorry Fraser.
It´s not always easy to live in a world where irony is the most valuable currency. I mean that. No, really! I do!!!
See? :(
Complain about this comment
And compliment taken, I meant to say as well. And no messing about.
Complain about this comment
At 22: it is very funny isn't it. And the effort taken to sound like the original singer is impressive.
On the other hand, awesible/Orzabal is possibly the worst pun written anywhere by anyone ever, and I apologise.
Complain about this comment
They are funny! At least they're enjoying themselves!
Complain about this comment
Yes we are! Especially thranjax. Thanks Rachel! ;)
Complain about this comment
Thranjax, check out Total eclipse of the heart as well. Hysterical! Can´t stop giggling. Silly. There are lots of others too but they don´t quite work.
Complain about this comment
At last someone else is seeing what I'm seeing. A completely different act to anything else that's out there. They have that special something called the 'X-factor', you just don't want to look away incase you miss something. They bring a bit of sunshine to the radio. I just wish Radio 1 would give them some airplay though, i've only heard it being played twice and its number 2 in the ITunes chart, come on, get it the playlist :) Thanks Fraser.
Complain about this comment
They haven't put in any face time on Radio1. They will hammered records or artists that do that (see JLS). Silly marketing company for Jedward.
Complain about this comment
i am actually crying right now. why is everyone being fooled by this!? don't think your smart because you've gone against the current of people hating them by saying they 'are having fun' or are like 'sunshine'..
if you want to understand why i am so angry, think of all the great bands and artists who deserved to make it big, but didn't. and yet because of some TV show these twins have...
i feel ill
Complain about this comment
okay not 'everyone' being fooled.. but too many people
Complain about this comment
Well Flatknees, I don't feel fooled because I genuinely like them and not because its going against what the majority of people feel. I do agree with some of your post, its unfair that great bands are not recognised but thats not their fault, thats the industry as a whole at the moment.
Complain about this comment
At least Jedward appear to know that they don't actually have any singing talent, and its a pretty good song for them to cover. I dont think anyone is going to complain about them ruining a great song.
Also, surely it is the fault of the band that they don't get the recognition that they deserve (in most cases). They could hire better management companies. It can't be that hard to get an appearance on the radio!
Complain about this comment
Yeah, piece of cake, Mike. "Hire better management companies." Now why didn´t they think of that?
Complain about this comment
I think they probably don't want to be to greedy and don't have a lot of choice with the promotion as they are tied to Sony. Sony probably didn't like the backlash with the whole RATM campaign and so aren't throwing their full weight behind it!
Complain about this comment
JEDWARD UPDATE:
The video is here!!!!!!!!!!! you can check it out on their youtube and even if you hate them you can't deny that it's brilliant.
Also in the sales Jedward are:
Itunes - no.2
7digital - not even in the top 20
Play.com - no.17
Amazon - no.5 (but Amazon have recently started selling the single for 29p)
Unfortunately the video should gain interest for the single so some of those positions are expected to rise. This one could go right down to the wire!
Complain about this comment
Okay this doesn't make sense, I've now read somewhere that Jedward are only 24 sales behind Owl City. Judging by the fact that it's only being released on download and the fact that Owl City is number 1 on pretty much every chart, this is either says that the story is rubbish or that there is some kind of mass Jedward download going on somewhere random.
Complain about this comment
sometimes I talk to squirrels
Complain about this comment
That's nice to know Catman
Complain about this comment
Harry, don´t blame our friend Random. Looks like Spirits´s coming closer to victory now. Once the Jedward train starts rolling for real I don´t think they can be stopped. Sorry about that, but I´ll keep my fingers crossed anyway.
Complain about this comment
I'm actually feeling better now actually turns out that was from tuesday, todays sales show they are around 4,000 behind Owl City. So my dream goes on!
Complain about this comment
Baaa! BAAA!
Complain about this comment
i like the idea that they haven't butchered a good song. but surely it means it was an average/poor song before. so it still is that? and it is challenging to be the most purchased song in the UK this week?
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Complain about this comment
Sorry about that. Just trying to lure your friend Spirit out from wherever he´s hiding.
Complain about this comment
anyone got the new hot chip album btw? check out 'i feel better' for a taster
Complain about this comment
I mentioned I liked the new Hot Chip album on the Erik Hassle thread a couple of days ago. But for those who can't be bothered to check that out I'll just say this THIEVES IN THE NIGHT IS A MASSIVE TUNE.
Complain about this comment
A-may-zing that track. I haven´t had time to listen to the whole album, but I will. The only problem I have with Hot Chip is his voice at times. He sounds like he´s smirking. But that´s probably just me, I´m sure he isn´t.
Complain about this comment
I actually meant I feel better but Harry got in there before me.
Complain about this comment
I Feel Better is pretty damn awesome as well, the other great tracks on the album are Take It In and One Life Stand.
Complain about this comment
Could Jedward's number one be slipping further and further away. Current download placing are:
Itunes - no.3
7digital - still not in the top 20
Play.com - no.9
Amazon - still no.5
Complain about this comment
If they don't make it this week, they never will. Charity bombardment inc.
Complain about this comment
this song is gross, it's had it's time, the jedward obsession will end pretty soon i bet. people are starting to realise how stupid they are.
Complain about this comment
JEDWARD UPDATE:
With the chart coming closer by the second Jedward seem to be falling away.
Current download placings are:
Itunes - no.6
Amazon - no.4
Play.com - no. 7
7digital - don't know why I bothered checking this one out in the first place as they're still not in the top 20
It's important to note that Owl City is beating them on every chart.
Complain about this comment
Jedward Jedward Jedward. I realise everybody is bored of them and with this review by now, but Im bored and haven't got my sixpenny's worth in yet.
I'm an avid X Factor fan and I remember their first audition. Looking back I thought it was a comedy audition, but now I think they have always been deadly serious about their ambitions etc. Whatever those might be.
My view of them on X Factor went as such - Week 1 - GET OFF MY SCREEN. 2 - Oh my God they are hilarious, such good TV, 3 - Lol, 4 - Still funny .. 5 - Oh ok still here? 6 - Jokes old now, they are kicking good people off, 7 - BYE.
At the end of the day, X Factor is a singing contest and they cant actually sing. They can't even perform, despite what people say. At least Same Difference were mostly in time and had moderate voices. I know they are considering a novelty act section on X Factor, but I think it will spell the death of the competition. It only works when the core of good singers, such as Leona, Joe, Diana and Mr. Ward are produced. The second acts like Jedward flood the competition it becomes even more of a joke of a process.
Having said that, as a series it drew the most listeners of all it's series, I think. Jedward did contribute to this, even just to get people hooked and then interested in acts such as Joe.
After X Factor I did suspect we would be seeing more of them. Louis Walsh seems to love them perhaps a little bit too much. Good job on getting them back into the public eye asap, people do forget about novelty acts such as them if not bought up constantly.
After watching their interview on Jonathan Ross I'm pretty sure they are actually a little deluded. They do seem very genuine and into the whole deal. Bless them they were pretty star struck and hunble at first, but once they got into their stride they wouldn't shut up! Well one of them. I think one had been given too much sedative and the other not enough. They displayed some odd behaviour!! It was a funny interview, but more because of Ross. Althought he didnt really ask many particuarly good questions or get much out of them.
They have got the X Factor tour to keep them occupied for now. Will they get an album out for some time this year? Very probably. Even just to remind people X Factor exists, so when Joe's album is released people will have X Factor fresh in their mind.
Sticking power? Minimal I think. All died down by the end of the next series of X Factor I'm sure. Album of middling success, second single of moderate sucess, tour of universities to follow. Think somewhere inbetween Eggnog and Alexandra.
Complain about this comment
I've scanned all the comments above and as expected, no one agrees! Jedward are like marmite.
I didn't like them on X-Factor because people (like Lucie) left before them when I thought she was one of the top runners, but at the same time their performances were always entertaining...
Now I do like this.
It' utter rubbish, but it's brilliant! It works so well! I completely understand why you gave them 5 stars Fraser :)
Complain about this comment
Lucie was pretty average. Amazing looking but an average singer.
Complain about this comment
I thought she was a good singer, but then I'm no expert. Fact remains she was a better singer than Jedward and yet they stayed longer than her.
To be honest none of them this year I think had the "X-Factor" and I doubt we'll be talking about any of them in a few years time, except maybe in reference to when Rage got a Christmas no 1 instead of Joe and maybe if Jedward get somewhere with this song, but I guess they'll be one hit wonders.
Complain about this comment
I suspect we will be seeing a lot of Joe. I think he's a really good singer, hope he doesnt get rubbish. Danyl will be back too, Simon loved him. Maybe Stacey too. But probably not untill 2011, like Diana.
Complain about this comment
Its time for the final JEDWARD UPDATE:
Any fears of a Jedward fight back now would be irrational, so it looks like I can have my party tommorow and it also looks like the mighty Spirit will be wrong.
Current chart placing are - Itunes - no.6
Amazon - no.4
Play.com - no.5
7digital - I'm not bothering with this one anymore.
Complain about this comment
Fear of Jedward is not irrational, harry. I think they could crawl out and still take number one. But I hope Spirit is wrong, and retreats back to his undersea lair to plan more evil, probably involving Ndubz...
Complain about this comment
I can't see it happening. 1. The single is not being released physically yet so downloads are all they have and 2. people buying the Jedward are likely to buy it from a big name company like Itunes as opposed to some small unknown downloads company.
Complain about this comment
'It' utter rubbish, but it's brilliant!'
-sigh-
Complain about this comment
I take it you don't agree flatknees?
Don't worry I'm not gonna go out there any buy it, but every now and then the odd "different" kinda thing still catches my eye... well ears.
Complain about this comment
Well it's just been announced that Alicia Keys is number 5 , and now Glee are number 4 , I believe this week that Owl City will remain at number 1 , with Jedward and Timbaland fighting for positions 2 and 3 .
Love to all . . . .
Complain about this comment
so soon we shall find out who is right, Spirit and most of Chart Blog or poor, lonely me. (cue sympathy)
Currently I'm nervously listening to the chart show and wishing that Reggie would just get it over and done with (I would like to think that spirit is doing the same), then again I don't mind listening to Don't Stop Believing again.
Complain about this comment
Well you are OK this week , Harry , the Owl will be perched at one , with two people born 10 minutes apart in 1991 , at number 2....
Complain about this comment
So Spirit has returned to witness this great chart blog moment!
Complain about this comment
I WAS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!! Jedward are no.2!
Complain about this comment
I have returned to speak to you Harry , you superstar !
Complain about this comment
Not very hard to guess but next week Everybody Hurts will be no.1
Complain about this comment
At least it made the count down more exciting!
Complain about this comment
I know this is going to sound stupid, but if it wasn't for the predictions I'd actually rather Jedward was no.1 than Owl City.
Complain about this comment
You would hope so , if only for the effect that the public awareness and the financial gains will have for Haiti .
Complain about this comment
I have to agree with one of your earlier posts Harry , with the correct timing and promotion , ( and if I was co-ordinating it ! ) , Jedward would be number 1 now .
Is it just me , or has the song hardly figured on tv and radio ?
Complain about this comment
Not that Haiti needs anymore public awareness, however it does desperately need some financial gain.
Complain about this comment
I haven't been listening to the radio much so I couldn't say whether it's been on a lot, also it couldn't be on the tv a lot because the video was only released on tuesday
(I don't why it couldn't have been released earlier).
Complain about this comment
Yeah , my strategy would have been , having the video released to the major t.v stations exactly one week before it was digitally released.
That will have secured number 1 spot today.
Complain about this comment
Agree that the marketing hasn't been very good. I think it was a bit of a mistake having them on Jonathon Ross as well, they didn't come across that well.
Complain about this comment
I can understand why radio would be hesitant to embrace a MARMITE act like Jedward .The tool in Jedward's success is T.V , and the performance spectacle .
This should have been utilised to the MAXIMUM !!
Complain about this comment
Aw.. poor Jedward. Maybe next week, oh no, won't be.. maybe week after, oh no, we won't remember them then... ah well. Bye Bye Jedward!
Complain about this comment
Also if Jedward had released the CD Single at the same time as the download with the video on it they would have got to that top spot.
Complain about this comment
While we're on the subject of music videos, and/or lack of them, when is the Stylo - Gorillaz video going to come out! I know it was a rushed release but there's still no date set for the premiere.
Complain about this comment
Jedward are at the top of the Irish charts!
Complain about this comment
Thanks goes to the glorious Mike Duke .
When I predicted weeks ago , that Jedward would go to NUMBER 1 , I was obviously referring to the Irish charts ! :)
Thank goodness for that !
Cheers Mike , my 100 percent record still stands.
Everybody Hurts will be next weeks number 1 !
Buy a pint of Guiness for Mr Duke , and put it on my tab .
Complain about this comment
I totally predicted that Jedward would make it to Number 1 in my native country long before Spirit.
I believe that pint of Guinness is for me Mr. Duke.
Complain about this comment
Cheers !
Oh yeah , and a Screaming Orgasm for my good friend Randy....
Complain about this comment
In other news , Jedward will be recording an album , and Alphabeat , have been drafted in to write some songs for it !
Don't know about anyone else , but I reckon that's Harry's Christmas present for 2010 sorted !!!!!
Complain about this comment
i would agree or disagree kerri if i understood what you meant. 'rubbish but brilliant' seems a little bit of an oxymoron.. and you think that this is 'something "different"'.. speech marks or not, i don't understand why people accept this song or purchase it.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Harry I think you can pick up Eoghan Quigg's album quite cheaply now if you want a stocking filler.
Lol, and as I just discovered, it was also number one in ireland.
Complain about this comment
So Harry let me get this right , you don't want a copy of PETER Andre's new album , Unconditional Love Songs , under any condition ?
Complain about this comment
No Spirit I'd love to own Unconditional Love Songs, what could make me more happy than an album of rubbish love songs made even worse than they were to start with.
P.S: I'm not even going to pretend to like Eoghan Quigg, he's just that bad!
Complain about this comment
I think we should use the Jedward page to announce music news from now on.
It's really annoying having to cycle through the three Ryback pages waiting for them to load up.
Complain about this comment
Makes sense, they're both rubbish songs that some how end up being brilliant
Complain about this comment
100!
Complain about this comment
I'm glad someone else said that about Rybak. Not about abandoning it, cos I'd feel bad, but it really winds me up having to go through the pages.
Hey BBC blogs guys - maybe you could spend less time removing posts with some foreign words in them, and a bit more actually designing comments board that are actually useful, mmm?
Complain about this comment
Yes! There's no way I will abandon Rybak, but for crying out loud is it that difficult for the link in "Topical Posts on this Blog" to link to the last page of Rybak? It's a pain.
Also, "Topical"? Lol, I spend most of my time talking about Tears for Fears and so forth.
Complain about this comment
Hooray! There´s always gonna be a rybak or a jedward page or something equally rubbish that can be used for haikus and personal lists and random emotions...
Complain about this comment
My boyfriend feels the exact same as you flatknees, guess it's just one of those songs no one is ever going to agree about.
I feel the same way about the following song as I do about this Jedward number.
Operator Please - Just a Song About Ping Pong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzdQFkFSlKA
If it wasn't for Chart Blog I'd never have heard this, it's baaaad but it's good :) It doesn't have to make sense, it just is! (opinion, of course)
Complain about this comment
Okay so, forthcoming singles this week and my thoughts:
8th February 2010:
1. CALVIN HARRIS: YOU USED TO HOLD ME
Mr. Harris is just releasing irritating filler from his album now. Give it up and get back in the studio.
2. CHERRI V FEATURING WILEY: SKOOL DAZE
I thought this would be an irritating garage choon! But this is a pleasant enough mid-tempo, it has to be said.
3. ERIK HASSLE: HURTFUL
I really like this Swedish guy. He's a pop singer that writes intelligent songs. Although they may be too angsty and depressing for most mainstream audiences. Not as good as last single, DON'T SEND FLOWERS (AFTER I'M DEAD), but a likeable enough power ballad with sparse synths and marching band drum beats.
4. FIELD MUSIC: THEM THAT DO NOTHING
Reminds me of Mumford & Son even though they're not really alike. Nice tune.
5. GLEE CAST: SOMEBODY TO LOVE
I think you’d need to have a heart of stone not to be bowled over by every Glee cover ever. As much as I hate to admit it, they’re all amazing and offer a refreshing alternative to the original.
6. HELPING HAITI: EVERYBODY HURTS
Although we at ChartBlog agree over REM's 1993 single being totally inappropriate for the Helping Haiti campaign, this is not half as bad as I thought it would be. Well done to all involved vocally, I actually really like Kylie's part.
7. JEDWARD FEATURING VANILLA ICE: UNDER PRESSURE (ICE ICE BABY)
As we’ve discussed already, you’ll either love or hate the hyperactive twins with their mash up of Queen’s Under Pressure and Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby novelty tune. As it happens, I hate it.
8. JOHN SHELLEY & THE CREATURES
Northern Irish rockers John Shelley & The Creatures may just hit the big time with this smooth soft rock song that is currently used to advertise tourism in Ireland.
9. JOHNNY FOREIGNER: EVERY CLOAKROOM EVER
I think they're Britain's answer to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs! A short yet sweet tune with quiet vocals amongst noisy guitar intervals.
10. THE MACCABEES FEATURING ROOTS MANUVA: EMPTY VESSELS
I've never heard rapper Roots Manuva before but he is one talented rapper. He raps earnestly against the Maccabees talented instrumental skills.
11. MIIKE SNOW: SILVIA
Miike Snow are amazing and this song proves it. The indie electro band which contains production team Bloodshy & Avant have another winner on their hands.
12. RAMMSTEIN: ICH TU DER WEH
Despite this song being 100% German and me not speaking any German whatsoever, I love this song. I discovered this industrial metal band recently and their REALLY good.
13. RIHANNA FEATURING YOUNG JEEZY: HARD
Rihanna releases her second promo single this week. HARD sees the Bajan beuaty show off her more urban new gangsta side with cocky lyrics and a fun repetitive chorus. This might take a while to grow on some people but it should go down well in clubs despite not actually being your typical club banger.
14. SADE: SOLDIER OF LOVE
Comeback soul group return with a beautiful, military percussion track like nothing else in the chart at the moment. This is on constant replay on my iPod.
15. TAYLOR SWIFT: TODAY WAS A FAIRYTALE
If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift, then you’ll love this. Unfortunately I’m getting a little tired of the 20-year old’s cheesy country lite tunes about princes and princesses. Used to promote the star heavy new rom-com Valentine’s Day where Swift stars with that other Taylor she’s dating.
16. YOU ME AT SIX: UNDERDOG
British emo rockers You Me At Six return with a solid yet predicatble power popper. Enjoyable with a large chorus but not as good as breakthrough single Finders Keepers.
Complain about this comment
Yeah , I agree that due to brilliant volume and excessive use , Rybak is a little user unfriendly, now .
I asked Fraser nearly a year ago for a feature for excitement for new releases , and a feature for a general forum where bloggers could chat about anything musical , and still nothing has happened
It seems silly to write all these things on single reviews posts , but hey ! , if Chartblog is not going to supply it's members with what the members want , then what do we do ?
Ideas , anyone ?
We have a lot of people on this site now who love music , and want to discuss many areas of it . Please can we have the tools to do this ?
Complain about this comment
Lol yay for no Jedward number 1. 100% prediction rate Spirit .. if only you were a betting man eh? :p
The Blog is long due an make over. It's been ages since much changed. In fact the only structure change of the .. oh .. last year or so, that I can think of, is the addition of Reggie as a poster. Vicky seems to have gone missing in recent months too.
One thing that does annoy me about the blog, even more than flicking through Rybak pages (which I had to go and find in the archives the other day because it needed reviving .. help me out guys!) is the photos. Anybody else bored of Debbie and Gallows?
Whats most tragic is that its only when we hit 1000 that I noticed the page counter/navigator at the top of Rybak. I used to scroll to the bottom and use the one there.
Complain about this comment
Also some posts other than reviews and the odd interview wouldn't go a miss. And no, that doesn't mean you Reggie. Back in your box.
I didn't really enjoy the "How to kill..." posts but anything along those lines. I know this Blog isn't Popjustice and shouldn't try to be, but it could do with taking a leaf out of it's book sometimes.
As much as I love the big F man, some posts from other people would be nice occasionally. Maybe somebody to deal with news or whatever? I guess it all depends on how well the BBC funds and staffs projects like this. I don't know how well read this Blog is compared to others?
Anybody know how popular this blog actually is? I know it gets a lot more comments than any other Blog .. but take out the regular 10 and maybe it's actually dead!
Complain about this comment
Some good points Liam .
Daily singles reviews are great.
The odd major album review would be good , with tips for best songs to download .
Features on relevant music news would be great. For example now , we could be discussing the Brits nominations , which is topical .
As most people on this site are forward thinking , we need a section to share information and excitement about forthcoming releases , that would be great. All our knowledge pooled together would be awesome .
We could have a live gigs section , where we discuss gigs we are going to or have seen . This would be great . I saw Massive Attack last night and they were fantastic .
Please NO How To Destroy , let's keep this site about the brilliance of music .
There is a lot of insight and musical knowledge in the people here, it's time to make the site even better .
Complain about this comment
Hi guys. Thanks for the ideas. You might be interested to know that the ChartBlog is pretty much constantly in the top 2 of Radio 1 blogs, in terms of audience, so in that sense it is FAR from dead!
I take your points about other features, but it wouldn't make a lot of sense for the ChartBlog to try and replicate here what the BBC in general, and Radio 1 in particular, already offers elsewhere.
For example: did you know there's a Radio 1 message board? It's here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbradio1
There's even a pop/chart section, so if you wanted to start another Rybak-style thread or chat about new releases, or gigs you've been to, that'd be the place to do it.
As for news, well there's Newsbeat, who do a MUCH better job of it than I could: http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/default.stm
And the BBC Music site does album reviews (with a comments box underneath, you'll be pleased to know). I should know, I write some of them! That's here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews
In terms of what ChartBlog will be offering in future, it's pretty much daily single reviews, interviews, the odd comment-feature on things which are going on - like the Haiti thing from last week - and yes, Reggie will be back with more of the goings on from the Chart Show. His posts are really popular, even if they do tend to bring out the worst in some of ChartBlog's regular commenters. It's not just you guys reading the blog (or listening to the Chart Show), you see.
Thanks again for all the comments.
Fraser
Complain about this comment
Random, that´s very ambitious of you!
I agree with almost everything you said about the tracks on your list, although I haven´t heard all of them. Really like Miike Snow and Sade, and Cherri V was a pleasant surprise when I first heard it. And Glee... it´s so easy to make fun of them, but at the same time you can´t knock the singing or the arrangements! Or the joy!
Where do you find out what the new releases are each week? Or is it a trade secret...? ;)
Complain about this comment
Another thing btw: it´s a hassle to keep going from one thread to another to find the latest posts.
Why can´t everyone stick to the current day´s review, unless it´s something specific about a tune that´s been reviewed earlier?
Rybak was fun, I used to read it but didn´t post myself. But like you´ve said it is time consuming and annoying to even get there...
Complain about this comment
.. and maybe I should have said that on today´s review of Lemar.
Complain about this comment
Re: Liam's last line at #107: oh. *Looks sheepish*
All this chat about the way ChartBlog looks and works is all very good, but I feel the BIG question is going unanswered. And that is: what's the other big Radio 1 blog? The Chris Moyles Show? And do we run them close?
Actually, if Fraser's right and a lot of people read this blog, you don't think that means they read and keep up with all the comments as well, do you? Surely not. Surely there aren't thousands of people reading the 114th comment on a week-old review of a novelty single that most people hate anyway...?
Mangsy, you're our expert here. How long were you reading before you decided to join in?
Complain about this comment
Since way before it was called ChartBlog! It had something to do with Top of the Pops then...
Complain about this comment
Couldn't think of anywhere else to put this so I'll put it here.
I seriously can't wait for the Telephone - Lady Gaga video any longer, I've just read some news about it and it sounds amazing.
1. It follows on from the Paparazzi video which, though containing an average track, was pretty darn awesome.
2. The concept is that Lady Gaga is in prison for killing her boyfriend and Beyonce is going to get her out!
3. She said and I quote 'I feel so bad for the ‘Bad Romance’ video ’cause the ‘Telephone’ video’s so much better.' BETTER THAN BAD ROMANCE IS THAT POSSIBLE!!!!!
Complain about this comment
@ Harry,
Wow cool! I'm sure seeing as its Lady GaGa, Telephone is going to be an amazing video.
@ Mangsy,
I find out forthcoming singles by typing 'Forthcoming UK Singles' into Google and surf various sites to find out what singles are coming.
Complain about this comment
P.S. Nelly Furtado has announced the title for her fourth English language studio album. It will be called LIFESTYLE and Ryan Tedder and Timbaland are on board for producing. It will be released around May 2010.
She's also stated that it will be pop with a fun light energy and sound a little different from her previous English album LOOSE.
I just got into her new album MI PLAN and love the sound of that. Hope she keeps it up for LIFESTYLE.
Complain about this comment
I really hope she stays with the sound of MI PLAN because I can´t be doing with tha Timba. Sorry but he´s doing my head in.
I actually think Telephone is an awesome track. Something about the bouncy and energetic feel in it that helps me do the dishes and whatnot. And the lady´s and the other lady´s voices go really well together!
Thanks Random for the tip as well.
Complain about this comment
Okay big music announcements:
The BLACK EYED PEAS have just released a video combining their next two singles from THE END. The BEP are showing how 3008 they are by releasing two singles in the one video.
IMMA BE was sent to radio as the fourth US single from THE END. ROCK THAT BODY will act as the fourth international single from THE END and will be released in the UK on 1 March and the fifth US single in April. However, rather than make two sepearate videos for the singles, the Black Eyed Peas have combined the two and called it IMMA BE ROCKIN THAT BODY. And its EPIC! Like BAD ROMANCE epic! Already a candidate for 2010 video of the year!
Complain about this comment
see its moments like this , that makes you really appreciate randy !
Complain about this comment
The BEP video is pretty good actually even if it kind of steals elements from David Guetta's Love Don't Let Me Go video and Mint Royale's Singing In The Rain video. Still no matter how good it is I wouldn't put it on par with Bad Romance because BEP lack the artistic vision of Lady Gaga to create something truly original.
Complain about this comment
Hmmm, I guess so Harry. But still, I love the whole futuristic feel of the video. I guess BAD ROMANCE was futuristic too but I love the high budget feel to the BEP's video.
I love how a bunch of robots take over the city.
Complain about this comment
I'm not saying it isn't good because it's very good actually, but to reach Gaga's standards it needs to be something really special. I'm hoping that the new Gorillaz video will be up to that standard but if not we still have the Telephone video to look forwards to.
Nevertheless music videos have really improved over the past couple of years, no more are the days of artists singing in a room with a couple of lights behind them. We now have videos with plots, storylines that follow on from video to video and some videos that are just pure, stupid brilliance (look up Cousins - Vampire Weekend).
Complain about this comment
Oh and in other GaGa related news, some new pictures from the 'pop event' that is her TELEPHONE video.
The photos show GaGa dressed in an American flag style outfit with pale skin and yellow hair, another image of her dressed as a chef with her hair styled like a telephone and another image where she's wearing a headpiece made out of telephones.
The video will be directed by Jonas Akerlund, who directed her PAPARAZZI video and the video for TELEPHONE will be a continuation from the PAPARAZZI video. It will see Beyoncé try and rescue GaGa from prison after she killed Eric from TRUE BLOOD in the last video. But GaGa doesn't want to leave prison...
Complain about this comment
any more exclusives randy ?
Complain about this comment
Well to be honest, I thought the videos released in 2009 were reasonably poor compared to previous years. Probably due to recession, the only videos that stood out for me were the ones involving the Black Eyed Peas and Lady GaGa. Here's hoping 2010 will be better for creative music videos.
And TELEPHONE video will premiere March 1.
Complain about this comment
I don't know, I thought there was some pretty good videos in 2009, She Wolf - Shakira, Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Single Ladies - Beyonce (though that might have been last year), Life In Technicolour II - Coldplay, Undisclosed Desires - Muse,
Bonkers - Dizzee Rascal,The Fear - Lily Allen and even though a lot of people didn't like it I thought MIKA's - We Are Golden video was very good as well. So there's a selection of videos that I thought were very good last year, unfortunately many of last year's pop videos were unoriginal so I can see were your point comes from.
P.S: I forget Fire - Kasabian just for the pure genuis of using guitars as guns!
Complain about this comment
Kasabian went mad and had some great videos this year. What a year for one of Britian's previously under rated bands.
Complain about this comment
Sorry Harry, I meant that the Black Eyed Peas and Lady GaGa were the only ones who released consistently good videos in 2009, that's my opinion anyway. But all the videos you mentioned above were really good as well bar Mika's We Are Golden but that's just my opinion lol!
However, when I look at it, all of Shakira's videos (She Wolf and Did It Again) have been consistently good and all four Lily Allen videos were really good too except perhaps 22 which bored me slightly but I did like the concept behind it.
Complain about this comment
Ah here is the video conversation .
You want 3 creative videos from 2009.
WALKING ON A DREAM
WE ARE THE PEOPLE
STANDING ON THE SHORE
All by EMPIRE OF THE SUN . . .
Complain about this comment
Fraser - why rate this 5 stars? Jedward are so old! They really cannot sing and i dont know why anyone likes them? They were funny in x-factor, but now they are just annoying.
Complain about this comment
Okay singles that were released this week and what I think of them:
15th February 2010:
1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: TWO BY TWO
If you haven't heard this son then you should, the lead vocalist of these London indie rockers actually remind me of Empire of the Sun's lead vocalist Luke Steele.
2. ASH: COMMAND
I personally like everything Ash put their name too but the lack of hype surrounding their A-Z SINGLES COLLECTION is kind of sad.
3. THE BIG PINK: VELVET
While their breakthrough single DOMINOS was really catchy, it was overplayed so much on radio and TV that it drove me mad. Thankfully, this single is more alternative and enjoyable.
4. COURTEENERS: YOU OVERDID IT DOLL
Nothing amazing about this track for me really, it's just okay. I can definitely see myself getting into their music...But right now doing nothing for me.
5. CREED: RAIN
Did I mention that Nickelback are my guilty pleasure? Well, these guys sound like them so I love this song. Much better than a Mika song of the same name.
6. DEMI LOVATO: REMEMBER DECEMBER
I think everyone knows my position on female pop rockers and how I just love them. I love Demi's breathy vocals on the verses and the icy production and that big chorus. Demi is way too talented for Disney, she needs to find herself a good guitar band and become big like No Doubt.
7. ENTER SHIKARI: THUMPER
If you don't like punk or industrial type music then you won't like this. I love this song and I love the band name. Like a less noisy but no less good Prodigy track.
8. FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE and DIZZEE RASCALL: YOU GOT THE DIRTEE LOVE
Fair dues to Florence and Dizzee for making two of my least favourite songs by them into a remix and making it immediately downloadable. Who would have thought Dizzee's brash rapping would work well with Florence's heavenly soaring vocals and The Machine's angelic harps. Is it wrong that I want it to beat a charity single to Number 1 by Sunday.
9. GLEE CAST: NO AIR
10. GLEE CAST: KEEP HOLDING ON
11. GLEE CAST: HATE ON ME
12. GLEE CAST: YOU KEEP ME HANGIN' ON
Not gonna give individual thoughts on each GLEE track. You're either gonna love or hate their renditions of songs by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, Avril Lavigne, Jill Scott and The Supremes. They may be overblown and camp but their charming none the less. Expect them to fly into the charts.
13. KASABIAN: VLAD THE IMPALER
What can I say? Everytime you sit down to listen to a Kasabian track, you'll always get some sonic pleasure from their tracks. I love the B-movie style video as well.
14. LAURA MARLING: DEVIL'S SPOKE
Wow! A really atmospheric well sang folk track. I'd definitely recommend it.
15. LEMAR: THE WAY LOVE GOES
I had written Lemar off, thinking his time in music was over. But wow! A really strong and glossy R&B track from his Greatest Hits album. Love it!
16. MIKA: BLAME IT ON THE GIRLS
Mika what happened? I loved GRACE KELLY and LOVE TODAY but it all went downhill with LOLLIPOP. Mika ever since has been incredibly irritating to me. And this song makes me wanna rip my eardrums out.
17. SCOOTER: THE SOUND ABOVE MY HAIR
If you've heard one Scooter song, you've heard 'em all. This song shakes things up a bit by including bagpipes among the instrumentation. 'Nuff said.
18. STEREOPHONICS: COULD YOU BE THE ONE?
Stereophonics go all romantically gooey for Valentine's week. A really beautiful melodic track.
19. TIMBALAND featuring KATY PERRY: IF WE EVER MEET AGAIN
Yes, this single is only being released this week despite already in the Top 3. Timbaland tries to replicate the success of Black Eyed Peas I GOTTA FEELING. A really fun uptempo euphoric party tune with a Summer vibe! I love it but others might find it cheesy.
20. UFFIE: MCS CAN KISS
Uffie considers herself a less mainstream version of Ke$ha. She's a better rapper anyway and this has major crossover potential. It sounds like The Ting Tings on speed with foul mouthed, cocky lyrics.
21. USHER: THERE GOES MY BABY
Usher releases a sexy, smooth slow jam as a promo single. I'm sure all the women will melt when they hear this. Does nothing for me though. Expect Usher's new album RAYMOND VS. RAYMOND to be released in the UK on March 29.
Complain about this comment
Is it me , or do Randoms entries get better and more informative each time ?
Excellent info .
The Irish lad is cooking !
Complain about this comment
Oh, I forgot:
22. WE ARE THE WORLD 25: WE ARE THE WORLD
Hot mess. As a charity single you should buy this off iTunes and then delete it immediately. While there are some really talented singers such as Barbara Streisand, Jennifer Hudson and Michael Jackson's original vocals on this track, Justin Bieber, an Auto-Tuned T-Pain, Akon and a bunch of the biggest rappers attempt to 'modernise' the original. Oh and Wyclef Jean sounds suspiciously like a moose. That's pretty funny. Actually, download it for that. But otherwise, its no wonder Jay-Z stayed away from this shoddy remake.
Complain about this comment
Hmmm yes Spirit, I think we have the opposite of writers block now. I just can't stop writing.
Complain about this comment
Job well done again, Random!
Some of these I haven´t heard, but I´m gonna check them out.
Seems like a very poor week in the interesting names department, for me at least. And some of them I don´t like at all. Timbaland... don´t get me started. I think Usher is a fantastic singer, but his last album was really an overblown mess. Word is that his new one is a bit more back to basics with good melodies and amazing vocals.
And Mika... just annoying these days. I agree with you, what went so horribly wrong? Over-use of the falsetto?
Florence & the Diz! What a corker!
Complain about this comment
Complain about this comment
That was a new one. Sorry.
Just meant to say random, why not post your info list on the current day in the future?
Complain about this comment
Well if Chartblog had a new releases thread , that we could all add to , that would be EVEN easier .
Complain about this comment
@mangsy,
Yeah, I was gonna do that on Monday but was just too lazy at the time lol!
Don't worry though on 22nd February, I'll give my thoughts on new singles by 30 SECONDS TO MARS, ALICIA KEYS, ALPHABEAT, BEYONCÉ, DAISY DARES YOU, ELLIE GOULDING, GROOVE ARMADA, JASON DERULO, JAY SEAN, JLS, LEONA LEWIS, MUSE, PITBULL, RIHANNA, SUGABABES and YOUNG MONEY. That enough big names for you Spirit!
Complain about this comment
Ha HA !
It's Mangsy that was complaining about the lack of interesting names Randy !
Still , I am starring 22nd Feb , in my diary .
That will be a good day , I am meeting and seeing Marina and the Diamonds AND hearing Random's thoughts on the new Alphabeat and Pitbull singles !
Seriously , can life get any better ?
Complain about this comment
Maybe they won´t let us take it too far with the reviewing. Doing Fraser´s job ´n that. ;)
And those are big enough names for me, Random, for sure! Can´t wait.
Complain about this comment
Yeah, Spirit I agree. I don't want to use a BBC music forum. With like a 1,000 users. I want a special thread developed for our small but lively ChartBlog community where we can discuss random music stuff.
Complain about this comment
Our small but lively community... sounds nice! :)
Complain about this comment
Oh sorry Spirit and Mangsy for confusing you. Well technically none of us can review like Fraser or Vikki so I think we should be allowed to post.
Oh Spirit, you're gonna interview Marina. Tell her I said hi! ;)
Complain about this comment
Here are my thoughts on this weeks single releases:
1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: TWO BY TWO
One of those tracks that I quite like but would never like enough to buy it. Sounds a bit like Coldplay. 3 STARS
2. ASH: COMMAND
Couldn't find a proper version so I can't review it, sounds quite good from the 30 second preview.
3. THE BIG PINK: VELVET
Doesn't sound as commercially strong as Dominoes but this is no less of a tune, sounds like a future anthem. 4 STARS
4. COURTEENERS: YOU OVERDID IT DOLL
I actually really like this song, then again I do love anything with a disco beat behind it. Sounds great live as well. 4 STARS
5. CREED: RAIN
Unlike Random, Nickelback are not one of my guilty pleasures I just find them dull and unoriginal. This song sounds like any american 'anthem', in other words it's boring. 2 STARS
6. DEMI LOVATO: REMEMBER DECEMBER
I hate disney and everything it stands for so it comes as a suprise to me that this song is actually alright, it's not good or great in any way but it's bareable and with disney that's the best your gonna get. 3 STARS
7. ENTER SHIKARI: THUMPER
I've made my thoughts on Enter Shikari clear on previous threads about them. Good songs, bad shouting. 2 STARS
8. FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE and DIZZEE RASCALL: YOU GOT THE DIRTEE LOVE
The highlight of the Brits in my opinion and I'm glad they've released it as a single. For the first time in ages it looked like the collaboration 1) had been rehearsed and 2) that Florence and Dizzee actually liked each other, and those factors helped the performance no end. 5 STARS
9. GLEE CAST: NO AIR
10. GLEE CAST: KEEP HOLDING ON
11. GLEE CAST: HATE ON ME
12. GLEE CAST: YOU KEEP ME HANGIN' ON
Glee is amazing, I don't need to say anything more.
13. KASABIAN: VLAD THE IMPALER
Another good single from Kasabian's West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, the bassline is brilliant, the stupid lyrics are brilliant and Noel Fielding is just brilliant in general.
4 STARS
14. LAURA MARLING: DEVIL'S SPOKE
It's amazing to think that Marling is only 20 and yet she is writing songs that require the skills of someone twice her age. She looks like she could be a great prospect for future years. 4 STARS
15. LEMAR: THE WAY LOVE GOES
A decent enough RnB/Dance track but nothing to really grab my attention. 3 STARS
16. MIKA: BLAME IT ON THE GIRLS
I don't get why people are giving MIKA such a hard time at the moment, sure his second album isn't as good as his first but it's not terrible in anyway. This is a good track in my opinion and I shall be happily seeing him tonight. 4 STARS
17. SCOOTER: THE SOUND ABOVE MY HAIR
Boring and why is he trying to claim that he's hardcore? He's about as hardcore as Basshunter. 1 STARS
18. STEREOPHONICS: COULD YOU BE THE ONE?
It may not match any of their earlier work but it's good enough to warrant Stereophonics continued existance. Unfortunately it suffers from the same problem that Innocent had, it just doesn't really go anywhere. 3 Stars
19. TIMBALAND featuring KATY PERRY: IF WE EVER MEET AGAIN
I've heard this song about a million times over the past few weeks and it's getting on my nerves, originally I thought it was a 3 Star song now it's been overplayed so it gets a mark knocked off. 2 STARS
20. UFFIE: MCS CAN KISS
It sounds fun and is better than most Kesha songs but I can see it getting annoying quickly, thankfully I can't see that happening because I'm probably never going to hear it again. 3 STARS
21. USHER: THERE GOES MY BABY
Doesn't do anything for me as well, why can't Usher get back to doing songs as good as Yeah! 2 STARS
Complain about this comment
That took too long to do! Next time I'm going to have to streamline the list into songs I actually care and get rid of the rubbish (Scooter).
Complain about this comment
Haha but the rubbish songs are always the most fun to review! Really liked that Harry, now you see all the unneccesary pain I go through. You forgot We Are The World but that's a terrible update on the original so I won't force you to review it.
Complain about this comment
My gosh you´re really working hard, aren´t you?
Well done Harry! It´s always fun to see what people agree on and what not.
Complain about this comment
well as the florence and dizzee duet will be in the singles chart top 5 on sunday , you guys have got in with a review of it before THE BIG F ! . I guess his action packed review will come in the next 3 days . . . ..
Complain about this comment
1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: TWO BY TWO
Im a bad person and this has passed me by.
2. ASH: COMMAND
Didn't know this was out, get a new PR company.
3. THE BIG PINK: VELVET
Shockingly dull, over hyped (BY NME) band who will not be around in a years time. Thankfully. Seen em live, dont intend to again.
4. COURTEENERS: YOU OVERDID IT DOLL
The last album was alright, not listened to the new one yet. . Im sure its likeable but not Oasis.
5. CREED: RAIN
Not really got into Creed, don't think they are my sort of thing (althoug 'My Sacrifice' by them is an amazing track). Does the new song match up? If it sounds like Nickleback, I think not. I hate them!
6. DEMI LOVATO: REMEMBER DECEMBER
No Doubt have left a hole! Hopefully they will fill it with their new album due out this year (Im excited!!). This? pretty poor. Will not fill said hole.
7. ENTER SHIKARI: THUMPER
Not heard this. Im glad they have moved away from the whole "screamo" thing but Im still not a massive lover.
8. FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE and DIZZEE RASCALL: YOU GOT THE DIRTEE LOVE
Good point on it being a poor Dizzee track .. the Florence version of 'You've got the love' is very similar to the original, but a great track. It works brilliantly. Dizzee's rapping is superb and Florence's vocals as impressive as ever. I bought it (rare thing) and it is for charity too!! So didn't feel bad.
9. GLEE CAST: NO AIR
10. GLEE CAST: KEEP HOLDING ON
11. GLEE CAST: HATE ON ME
12. GLEE CAST: YOU KEEP ME HANGIN' ON
LOVE IT SO MUCH IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY. (Their No air is actually a bit rubbish. But the other tracks are brilliant, some of the best).
13. KASABIAN: VLAD THE IMPALER
I thought this was actually out ages ago. Its amazing, perhaps even better than 'Underdog'.
14. LAURA MARLING: DEVIL'S SPOKE
Shes brilliant isn't she? I loved her last, Mercury nominated, album. This new tracks not got as much radio play as I would have liked. Im a big fan of this style of music .. see Emmy the great and Lisa Hannigan for similar stuff.
15. LEMAR: THE WAY LOVE GOES
Not heard it, why's Radio1 not playing.
16. MIKA: BLAME IT ON THE GIRLS
Not getting any better is it Mika?
17. SCOOTER: THE SOUND ABOVE MY HAIR
They are back? Nvm.
18. STEREOPHONICS: COULD YOU BE THE ONE?
What?
19. TIMBALAND featuring KATY PERRY: IF WE EVER MEET AGAIN
I'm the opposite to Curtains. I didn't like it .. now I do. It's still a bit rubbish and forgettable .. but its a good track.
20. UFFIE: MCS CAN KISS
Im too tired to bother youtubing.
21. USHER: THERE GOES MY BABY
I expected more publicity and the such from an Usher come back..
Complain about this comment
My thoughts on We Are The World - It's rubbish. Pure, utter rubbish and what makes it worse is that we're supposed to like it because it's for charity. Well I don't care if it was sung by Jesus it's still rubbish.
P.S: Just got back from a MIKA concert and I shall give my thoughts on it tommorrow, for now I believe that sleep is what I need most of all!
Complain about this comment
A MIKA concert review is coming soon ? I cant wait . Oh my god ! Oh my god ! Oh my god !
Complain about this comment
Apart from the fact that I was in Sheffield, I had a very enjoyable evening yesterday at Mika's concert. He's a great performer and his shows felt like it could easily adapt to a bigger setting, he shouldn't really be doing venues like the O2 Academy with 5 top 10 hits under his name.
Anyway, after half an hour of listening to Erik Hassle plod through his support set (Hurtful was welcoming purely because I'd actually heard it) Mika began his show. Starting with Rain (which sounded much better live than on record), he then followed with Big Girls and Blame It On The Girls in quick succession before playing some lesser known tracks from both his debut and The Boy Who Knew Too Much. The thing is with Mika it doesn't matter what he plays because he's such a good performer that he can get away with it, his band was also very good, which is rare as often pop acts have no band and he filled the show with moments of audience participation and lots of confetti towards the end of the show.
My only criticism was that during the middle section of the show the lack of singles meant that the crowd went a little quiet, but even some of the album tracks like Billy Brown and Blue Eyes got the crowd going. Nevertheless the finale of Love Today, We Are Golden, Grace Kelly and Lollipop made sure that the crowd went home happy.
4 STARS
Complain about this comment
In terms of live gigs Academys are great venues .. do you really think Mika can fill stadiums? That's the only way up from venues like the O2 Academy in Sheffield..
And oi at the Sheffield bit! I've seen many a happy gig there, great venue, great city.
Complain about this comment
Don't worry, I live in Nottingham so any chance I get at making fun of other cities I'm gonna take. Sheffield a good place actually home of Jarvis Cocker and Arctic Monkeys as well, what do Nottingham have musically?
P.S: The answer is nothing.
P.P.S: Oh Yeah, I forgot Sheffield is also the home of The Human League and Def Leppard!
Complain about this comment
And ABC !
Complain about this comment
HEAVEN 17 !
Complain about this comment
CABARET VOLTAIRE
Complain about this comment
BABY BIRD !
Complain about this comment
And I know of one band from Nottingham , who even had the cheek to have a number 1 single !
It was a long time ago , but it did HAPPEN !
Complain about this comment
I'll give you a clue , it was NUMBER 1 about 6-7 years before Curtains was born . . .
Complain about this comment
Sheffield still rules in the city of rock stakes in my opinion, course I am biased because I lived there for a while. Kid Creole!
Complain about this comment
Nottingham should keep quiet about their contribution.
Complain about this comment
Hey guess what?! I've come up with my thoughts on singles being released tomorrow a day early. Mightn't get time to post it tomorrow (have a busy day of drinking for the Irish version of spring break tomorrow) so I'll post it now
22nd February 2010:
01. ALICIA KEYS: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND (PART II) BROKEN DOWN
Last year, Alicia Keys featured on Jay-Z's biggest anthem of last year. For new album The Element Of Freedom, Alicia strips the song down into a beautiful piano ballad while still keeping the killer chorus of the original. While this is more atmospheric, I still think I prefer the Jay-Z original.
02. ALPHABEAT: HOLE IN MY HEART
Alphabeat drop the sugary bubblegum sound that they used on Fascination and recent single The Spell for a more '90s dance sound on the second single from album The Spell. I was a never a fan of their cheesy pop songs so I find this song...uh...bearable.
03. BEYONCÉ: FEVER
So much for Beyoncé taking a break. Alongside collaborations with Lady GaGa and Alicia Keys, Beyoncé finds time to release single Fever to promote her new perfume Heat. She makes a solid yet hardly groundbreaking cover of the 1956 smoky classic. I kind of want Beyoncé to disappear for a while at this stage especially as she's planning on releasing a new album at the end of the day.
04. COBRA STARSHIP: HOT MESS
Pretty much like Metro Station's Shake It, the only thing that's good about this song is the killer chorus. The rest of the song is forgettable and annoying.
05. DAISY DARES YOU FEATURING CHIPMUNK: NUMBER ONE ENEMY
Britain's newest teenybopper popstar releases her first single. The video is like a low budget version of Gwen Stefani's What You Waiting For? and there's a whiff of Avril Lavigne about it. The song is catchy enough pop rock but what's with the random Chipmunk verse. Completely pointless.
06. ELLIE GOULDING: STARRY EYED
A hook filled, hypnotic electropop track. I think Ellie is a deserved winner of the BRITS Critics Choice Award. I think she's gonna be 2010's big new star.
07. GIGGS FEATURING B.O.B.: DON'T GO THERE
Expletive filled rap track by British/Jamacian rapper Giggs. This probably won't get much airplay but it's actually a really enjoyable rap track with a catchy enough chorus provided by American singer B.o.B..
08. GLEE CAST: BUST A MOVE
09. GLEE CAST: SWEET CAROLINE
10. GLEE CAST: THONG SONG
More fun yet cheesy, stage school style covers of songs by Young MC, Neil Diamond and Sisquo. Their Sweet Caroline rendition is good but the teacher who rules the Glee club really needs to stop rapping on the other two tracks. It's the equivalent of watching your dad trying to act cool.
11. GROOVE ARMADA: PAPER ROMANCE
First we had Bad Romance, now we have Paper Romance. Groove Armada release another fantastic electronica track. Check out the dark video for the song too. Definitely made me excited for their new album Black Light out 1 March.
12. JASON DERULO: IN MY HEAD
Okay, there are a million reasons I don't like the video for this song. First of all, it's a complete copy of Justin Timberlake's Like I Love You video. I also don't like how Jason is sitting in the carpark listening to his own song Whatcha Say. I mean talk about shameless product placement. And I don't like how it seems that every song by Jason Derulo looks like its gonna start with "Jason Deruloooooo...Beluga Heights...J-J-J-J.R.". As for the song itself, well it's a catchy R&B tune over a rock backing track. Nothing special. Now that Chris Brown's career is on a downer, have we got ourselves a more clean cut replacement.
13. JAY SEAN FEATURING SEAN PAUL AND LIL JOHN: DO YOU REMEMBER
Jay Sean returns with another unoriginal R&B track designed especially for the American market. Not as bad as Down but this would be nothing without Sean Paul and Lil John and its clear aping of Chris Brown's Forever.
14. JLS: ONE SHOT
Oh someone make these cheesy boybanders disappear. JLS release a gooey, cringeworthy ballad. As if that matters, the only reason they're so popular is because they flash their abs in every video.
15. LEONA LEWIS: I GOT YOU
Poor old Leona. Things haven't been looking so great seeing as she's constantly criticised for her poor performance skills, getting punched in the face and suffering the sophomore slump with her new album Echo. I really like this song, it's romantic, it has a catchy, melodic chorus and Leona's voice is beautiful as usual. Hopefully, things will pick up for her with this song.
16. LIL WAYNE FEATURING LUDACRIS: EAT YOU ALIVE
I've never really understood Lil Wayne's popularity. I think there's something really vile about him. Don't like this song at all. Sounds like Lady GaGa's Monster...from the Monster himself.
17. LUPE FIASCO: LEAN
Why is Lupe so underrated? I think he's up there with other rap greats like Jay-Z and Eminem. Lean is one of two promo singles he's releasing.
18. LUPE FIASCO: PROCEED
Second promo single by Lupe.Another fantastic rap track with brilliant lyrics. Again I ask: why isn't Lupe more popular???
19. MUSE: RESISTANCE
Muse are just amazing. This track is just amazing! Before I get into incoherent babbling, everything Muse does is amazing! This is the best single yet from Muse's The Resistance album yet!
20. NICK JONAS AND THE ADMINISTRATION: WHO I AM
Oh man! And I thought the Jonas Brothers were bad! When I heard that the baby of the family, Nick was working on a new musical side project, I actually held hope that something good would be produced. Hopes squashed. This is just horrible. Lyrically cliched, Nick sounds like he's in pain everytime he sings.
21. PITBULL FEATURING AKON: SHUT IT DOWN
Oh great, my two favourite artists Pitbull and Akon team up for what's sure to be yet another song of musical genius. *SARCASM AND A LOT OF IT* Doesn't matter what I say about these sexist singers, this will be an automatic hit as it features Akon's trademark whine, Pitbull's incoherent babbling and a very 'now' production with Transformers style effects.
22. RIHANNA: RUDE BOY
Not the best song from Rihanna's rather brilliant Rated R but certainly the most commerical. After a lot of brooding and threatening, Rihanna finally has some fun with this slight dancehall tune about the act of lust, repetitive chorus and all.
23. SEAMUS HAJI VS. MARK KNIGHT and FUNKAGENDA: GOOD TIMES
A remixed update on the 1979 Chic classic. Nothing special, something to dance too after a few drinks too many.
24. SNOOP DOGG FEATURING HUSTLE BOYZ: CHECK YO SELF (SNOOP DOGG G-MIX)
Amongst the current stream of urban junk infiltrating the charts at the minute, its really refreshing to hear Snoop Doggy Dogg's cover of Ice Cube's fantastic 1993 West Coast hip hop song Check Yo Self. Good stuff.
25. SUGABABES: WEAR MY KISS
Sugababes tick all the right boxes in pop music with latest single Wear My Kiss. But for all its catchiness, this just sounds bland and lacks any soul. The Sugababes are pretty much dead to me now and it's not cos Keisha left. It's just in the last two years, the Sugababes have become a shadow of their former selves.
26. TIMBALAND FEATURING JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: CARRY OUT
Anyone worried about Timbaland over-exposure needn't worry. This is simply been released as a promo single so don't expect it to be everywhere like the Katy Perry collaboration If We Ever Meet Again. Anyway, this track sees the continued bromance between Timbo and Justin. It's a mid-tempo tune about meeting and doing inappropriate things to the ladies with heavy use of food metaphors. It's fine but nothing we haven't heard from these two before.
27. YOUNG MONEY FEATURING LLOYD: BEDROCK
All the biggest hip-hop stars from the Young Money label get together for this unoriginal yet strangely addictive track. Love the production on this song and all the rappers give a solid performance with Llyod's soulful crooning on the chorus.
Complain about this comment
Some very good info , young Randy !
Although it's only the first 30 odd seconds of Jls's ONE SHOT that could be deemed a ballad , it then veers up into uptempo overdrive .
Do like a lot of your insight though .
Complain about this comment
In tonights chart I expect HELP FOR HAITI to be at 1 , but with a huge top 3 new entry for the DIZZEE / FLORENCE mash up. .
Complain about this comment
What's going on with Chartblog lately ?
It seemed the brilliant Fraser , would always make sure that singles were reviewed before they charted , but now we have both the Dizzee/ Florence single , and Alicia's Empire Part 2 . both in the top 5 , and we have not yet had a review . It's been left to Rampant Randy to provide the goodies .
What's going on ?
Is Fraser on holiday and left a Red Dwarf type hologram in charge ?
If so , the hologram is about as much use as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest !
Complain about this comment
Maybe Fraser will do a late review like he did with The Temper Trap's Sweet Disposition. Remember, my reviews are only a few lines long. Fraser's have to be longer and very random.
As for JLS's One Shot, well it is sort of a ballad. I know the tempo picks up after the 30 second intro but it still has that 'epic' ballad quality to it if you get what I mean. We had Beat Again (up-tempo), Everybody In Love (mid-tempo) and now One Shot has that Westlife style ballad sense to it.
Complain about this comment
@ 170
" Fraser's have to be longer ! "
I thought you said size didn't matter !
Complain about this comment
Ummm just went to post a comment there and it got caught in the profanity filter despite no profanity. Come on, ChartBlog! Sort this out!
Complain about this comment
I don't recall saying size doesn't matter. My reviews are snappy little soundbites of what I think. Fraser gets way more in-depth with his reviews!
Complain about this comment
So Florence and Dizzee in at number 2 !!!!
Who will be next weeks number 1 ?
Complain about this comment
@ 171 , maybe I should have put an lol or a smiley face at the end Randy , so you could tell I was joking.
:)
Complain about this comment
Difficult to say, Spirit! Could be Rihanna?
Complain about this comment
Haha sorry slow today Spirit! Of course size matters...where it counts!
Complain about this comment
Well I know it's still 7 days away but I expect next weeks number 1 to be Dizzee and Florence , with Rihanna's Rude Boy finally in the top 5 !
I also predict entries in the top 20 for Jason Derulo , The Sugababes and the lovely Ellie Goulding .
Who's with me ?
Complain about this comment
Florence and Dizzee for no.1 next week makes sense, the support for Everybody Hurts seems to be dwindling as Haiti move away from media focus.
Top five for Rude Boy seems likely as it's getting a proper release this week (don't quote me on this because I may be wrong).
As for the top 20 entries, they all seem pretty obvious to me. Sugababes will usually be guarenteed a top 20 single, after the success of 'Watcha Say' anything less than a top 20 hit would be unlikely for DeRulo and as for Ellie, it's rare for an artist to get so much hype and not get top 20 especially with a single as strong as her's.
P.S: I believe I mentioned a month ago on Ellie's Under The Sheets review that Starry-Eyed sounds like a top 20 hit, so I think this Spirit you are the one jumping on the bandwagon!
Complain about this comment
Im gonna go ahead and say top 10 for Ellie, cause I'm mental like that. Plus some of the dub remixes that are going around are mental good. Think the new 'In for the Kill' has been found. Plus it's better.
Complain about this comment
Here's my take on this weeks singles. (I took out the songs I've already commented on previously or couldn't care about and the Glee stuff because without the episodes the songs are a bit pointless really)
01. ALICIA KEYS: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND (PART II) BROKEN DOWN
When I first I thought that this was her way of cashing in on the success of Empire State of Mind but the more I hear it the more I believe that it's a valid song in it's own right. Unfortunately I don't really like it and like Randy I prefer the Jay Z version. 3 STARS
02. ALPHABEAT: HOLE IN MY HEART
In my opinion Alphabeat have been going downhill since Fascination so their 'new' sound isn't something that excites me in any way, it doesn't help that this track is lightweight as well. 2 STARS
03. BEYONCÉ: FEVER
A pointless cover really, she sings it quite well but it doesn't add anything to the original and feels like time wasted that she could have spent on the new album, whenever that will be. 2 STARS
04. DAISY DARES YOU FEATURING CHIPMUNK: NUMBER ONE ENEMY
Daisy Dares You is hardly doing anything daring is she? Poppy punk songs about being a teenager, or something like that, with the odd line spoken quickly. Nothing new and nothing interesting. 2 STARS
P.S: What is Chipmunk doing there, doesn't he have better things to do?
05. GIGGS FEATURING B.O.B.: DON'T GO THERE
This is a rarity, a catchy rap track that doesn't sound commercial, great chorus from B.O.B, strong lyric (though he does seem to like the S word) and it sounds memorable, I'll need to give it a few more listens to see if will last. Sadly Giggs's voice does scare me a bit so I'm taking a star off for that. 3 STARS
06. GROOVE ARMADA: PAPER ROMANCE
Really enjoyed listening to this, sounds a bit like LCD Soundsystem's Something Great but with a dancier feel. Sure to sound great in clubs and at home. 4 STARS
07. LEONA LEWIS: I GOT YOU
Leona Lewis bores me, this track does nothing to change my opinion. It's nice enough but nothing special or original really. 3 STARS
08. LIL WAYNE FEATURING LUDACRIS: EAT YOU ALIVE
I never got Lil Wayne, he just comes across as a bit wierd and I can't stand his voice. This song is just wierd and not even in a good way. 1 STARS
09. LUPE FIASCO: LEAN
I don't usually listen to rap but I actually like this, doesn't really contain a big commercial chorus so I'll doubt it'll be a hit it's still much better than the Lil Wayne track. 4 STARS
12. LUPE FIASCO: PROCEED
Another good track, come to think of it I've only heard two tracks but already I can't see why he's not huge! 4 STARS
13. NICK JONAS AND THE ADMINISTRATION: WHO I AM
His singing annoys me (but not as much as Lil Wayne's), as for the song it sounds like a cheesy 80s anthem but it's not a complete disaster there are some nice ideas in it even if he is trying a little too hard to be Bruce Springsteen. 2 STARS
14. SNOOP DOGG FEATURING HUSTLE BOYZ: CHECK YO SELF (SNOOP DOGG G-MIX)
Sounds like anything you'd expect from Snoop Dogg, nevertheless it's quite good even if I couldn't be bothered to listen to all of it. 3 STARS
15. TIMBALAND FEATURING JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: CARRY OUT
Timberlake does seem to be obsessed with sex doesn't he? It's all he seems to talk about, pretty much, since his debut album and even then he wanted to 'Rock Your Body'. Good to see more funny expressions from Timbaland in the video. 2 STARS
Complain about this comment
Ha ha !
Harry's and Randy's reviews are SO entertaining .
So Harry you think I have hijacked your bandwagon for ELLIE GOULDING ? lol
I will tell you which of your loves , I have climbed on ! :)
A while ago you said the PHOENIX album ,WOLFGANG AMADEUS PHOENIX was brilliant from start to finish without a bad song on it .
You see Spirit remembers most things people say about music .(Ask Liam ! )
LISZTAMANIA
1901
FENCES
LOVE LIKE A SUNSET 1
LOVE LIKE A SUNSET 2
LASSO
ROME
COUNTDOWN
GIRLFRIEND
ARMISTICE.
For some strange reason , I have been playing this album constantly for the last 2 weeks , and must agree this album is fantastic . Pleasantly the songs appear to get better the more you hear them .
A slow burner but then a very bright flame !
Complain about this comment
I'm an offical bandwagon jumper, as I said I didn't like her from 'Under the sheets'.
Im the offical wagon driver for Diana Vickers though. You will all be fighting onto that.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Wasn't me Spirit!
Complain about this comment
how can referring to the wonderful susan b as the high land lassie with the hairy chassis be removed ? Have the world lost its sense of humour ?
Complain about this comment
Maybe it was referred on grounds of factual inaccuracy (she's from Blackburn, in West Lothian. Which is near-ish Edinburgh. Which is nowhere near the Highlands).
Complain about this comment
Oh, some random thoughts about Random's list:
I like Alicia's version of Empire State of Mind more than Jay-Z's.
I listened to that Daisy Dares You song once a few weeks ago when it was reviewed, and it made no impression on me at all, other than I was surprised to hear her sing in an English accent - for some reason, the picture of her at the top of the review made me assume she was Scandinavian. Weird, eh?
Starry Eyed is an absolute TUNE, and is admittedly better than Under The Sheets, though not by that much. However, I tried the samples of all the tracks on the album via Amazon yesterday, and wasn't grabbed as much as I'd hoped by anything other than those two. Not buying.
Giggs ft B.O.B - undecided about this. His voice is a bit deep, but I was kind of interested. Pretty thuggish. Liked the chorus.
Lil Wayne - um. Less happy with this than Giggs. I don't get it with Lil Wayne, but he's seen as the modern saviour of rap over in the US. I actually didn't give it a chance to get to Ludacris, who I usually find quite entertaining to listen to. Might have to give it another shot.
Lupe Fiasco - the kid's always been a smart rapper, but neither of these promo tracks did anything for me.
Snoop's cover of Check Yo Self - pointless. A COVER of a rap? The whole point of rap is to rap something new over an old sample, not repeat the same rap over a tweaked version of the old sample. Wack.
Young Money - I listened to this last week. Kind of poppy for Lil Wayne and co, I thought. Odd, but catchy. I like Drake as a rapper though (he's one of the Young Money crew) - he's done some awesome guest verses on other people's stuff, and more than held his own with Kanye, Lil Wayne and Eminem in a song called Forever last year.
Along with all these, has everyone heard The Opposite of Adults by Chiddy Bang? It's out today, and it's the song that samples Kids by MGMT. I imagine all the MGMT fans will hate it, but I like it more than the original. I'll be buying it, although I think you have to get it from iTunes, and it only comes as part of an EP package, none of the other tracks of which I loved particularly.
Complain about this comment
@187 I went to Edinburgh recently , and drove through Lothian , and I saw lots of high land .
Complain about this comment
Didn't see Susan's cat Pebbles though .
:(
Complain about this comment
Haha Curtains kind of agree about Snoop covering Ice Cube...it is a bit pointless but it offers a new generation of people to listen to rap when it was much better than it is now. I was only 2 years old when the original Check Yo Self was released and if I wasn't such a music nerd I would have never heard it.
Oh and the Chiddy Bang song, love it! I'm gonna add it to my review diary for the 22nd February singles diary. I tend to only review singles that are likely to impact on the charts, that are by artists that used to have an impact on the charts (looking at you Ash) and singles that have familiar sounding artists behind them (not sure but Giggs and B.o.B were familiar sounding to me before I heard their song).
Anyways:
28. CHIDDY BANG: THE OPPOSITE OF ADULTS
A delightful rap track that samples MGMT's Kids. I think I agree with Curtains. This could well be better than the original. I'll have to keep listening to find out. Definite party starting tune for sure!!!
Complain about this comment
Oh and if you go back to my comment at 105 for my singles review post for 8th February, I've reviewed a song by John Shelley & The Creatures but forgot to put down the name of the song, it's called Long May You Reign and I highly recommend you YouTube it!
Complain about this comment
Regarding the Chiddy Bang song , you should have reviewed it Revved Up Randy , AS IT WILL BE IN THE TOP 40 on Sunday .
;0
Complain about this comment
Well, I believe I just reviewed Chiddy Bang there, Spirit!
In other news, Kelly Clarkson is still pushing ahead with her album campaign for her All I Ever Wanted album. The album which boasted the hits My Life Would Suck Without You, the Katy Perry soundalike I Do Not Hook Up and the controversial Beyoncé soundalike Already Gone will see a release of a fourth single, this time the title track.
Also about a week late with this news but Paramore have released a charming video for THE ONLY EXCEPTION (their third single from Brand New Eyes) and Avril Lavigne makes her comeback with Alice (Underground) music video which features some rather brilliant scenes from Tim Burton's upcoming adaptation of Alice In Wonderland. Johnny Depp looks real creepy as the Mad Hatter.
Complain about this comment
Love the Chiddy Bang song, (wouldn't say it's better than Kids that song is amazing) when I first heard it a while back it sounded like a big hit. Also for some strange reason it sounds really short even though it's 3 minutes long, might be because the original was 5 minutes long or something like that.
Complain about this comment
Edinburgh... high land... were you in Westerhailes or Pilton, by any chance? *coughsmackheadscough*
Complain about this comment
Unfortunately this song is terrible and of course now I'm going so slate it! Obviously the song is a cash in that's obvious and even if Jedward themselves don't realise it yet, they most certainly will when they are presenting a morning kids show on CBBC. Yes Pop music is supposed to be fun of course I mean seriously where would we all be if we all listened to Radiohead constantly (a much more intelligent yet darker place) and let it be known that I have enjoyed many a fun Pop tune, yet Pop also has to be good. That appears to be where the flaw of the whole Jedward thing is . Fun to some, terrible to most.
Complain about this comment
Yes George, I completely agree so that's why we soil all over it with our posts that have absolutely nothing to do with the song.
Think if Jedward came on this blog, Edward would be like "Oh my God John, look how many comments are review got!" and then they read through and see that only a few comments are about them.
Muwhahahaha!
Complain about this comment
28. CHIDDY BANG: THE OPPOSITE OF ADULTS
I really like this actually. And we all know how much I love MGMT. Well if you don't know, I do. But this is great. Better than the original? It's a completely different song.
Complain about this comment
.. and that's the way Sue, C's it. That's a wrap.
200
Complain about this comment
@ 196.
My Scottish journey started in Edinburgh for some excitementand a band , then across the Forth Road Bridge to Dunfermline for a meeting , then a relaxation evening in Kirkcaldy with a lovely view across the sea.
The next day I listened to Delays all the way to Prestwick , to prepare for a meeting the next day in Ayr . In the evening I had relaxation time in a really quiet , quaint bed and breakfast in Doonfoot , which was total bliss.
What a lovely place .
All the locals sounded like Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro . BRILLIANT !
Complain about this comment
Holy crap Spirit. Seriously?! Doonfoot's the part of Ayr that I'm from. And since it's just a little suburb, that is a seriously crazy coincidence.
This is like Lost or something. Next we'll probably find out that Harry and Random are actually half-brothers, and Fraser's known all about this the whole time...
Complain about this comment
well I am in london today just coming into hammer smith . Later visiting oxford st and harley st . Any more coincidences ?
Complain about this comment
Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I know a friend of a friend's cousin's son that lives in Oxford Street!
This is just far out creepy!
Complain about this comment
The video for Ke$ha's Blah Blah Blah has just leaked online and it's a fun colourful affair. She also looks cleaner and less trashy than normal in it which makes her whole lot sexier.
Also, Kanye West obviously hasn't given up on his 808s and Heartbreak album which was released back in 2008. A visually stunning video for the record's sixth single Coldest Winter has surfaced online too.
Complain about this comment
That must be odd, living on Oxford St. Which shop does he live in? I'd like Selfridges myself.
I ended up buying that Giggs song last night along with a few others. It does sound proper menacing, and the beat and the chorus are definitely ace (or "sick"). Although Giggs's, ahem, vernacular sounds a bit more American than I expected. I'll be the first to admit that I don't hang out with gangs around Peckham (or anywhere), but living in London, on the occasions I do hear "urban youths", I don't hear the n-word. Maybe it's more a real gang thing. Anyway.
Amongst my other purchases was Placebo's cover of Running Up That Hill. Heard it on a TV montage and was hooked. It's great. Anyone else familiar with it? Anyone want to be outraged that I then listened to the Kate Bush version and thought it sounded rubbish by comparison?
Complain about this comment
Plan B's video for 'She Said' has also appeared online and much like 'Stay Too Long' it follows the story of Strickland Banks. After the events of 'Stay Too Long', Banks is in court for a crime (not sure what it is yet but it has something to do with Effy from Skins)and is pleading his case in the witness box.
P.S: Also it's like Chicago so it's amazing
Complain about this comment
Curtains , surely you are joking ?
Are you really from Doonfoot ?
It's a beautiful , quiet place with a some wonderful views .
I stayed at Grenan Lodge which was on Dunure Road , if that means anything to you . It was run by Helen and Alan .
Helen was such a lovely soul , she offered me use of her wi-fi and her DVD collection.
Complain about this comment
Flaming Nora. Your B&B was next to a roundabout at the top of a hill leading down towards the shore. At the bottom of that hill is my house (well, my parents' house now). Literally one minute in the car.
I'm glad you got to see a nice part. Hope you didn't spoil it by going into the town centre...
Complain about this comment
No hills or beaches in Birmingham :(
Complain about this comment
Why can't I ever post my singles review diary on the right day? Oh well. Took me ages to write this one out. And guess what?! These posts are now a month old. Time just flies, doesn't it? Here are the forthcoming singles.
1st March 2010:
01. ALEX CORNISH: SCOTLAND THE BRAVE
Nope, this isn't a cover of the patriotic Scottish song. Instead this is a decent enough but hardly groundbreaking soft rocker by the up and coming Scottish singer songwriter.
02. AMY MACDONALD: DON'T TELL ME THAT IT'S OVER
It's all about the Scottish singer songwriters this week, isn't it? The fabulous Amy Macdonald is back ahead of the release of her second album A Curious Thing. Website We Are Pop Slags have compared this song to Shakira and Muse. True, enough Amy does sound like Shakira on this one albeit with a more Celtic lilt to her voice and the more heavy guitars and strings could be compared to Muse. It's an interesting new direction for the singer and I'll keep my ears open but I'm still preferring her earlier folk tunes.
03. ASH: SONG OF YOUR DESIRE
Another melodic song from Ash. This is the 12th single from their A-Z Series so still another 15 singles to go. The lack of hype or the sheer difficulty of being able to find these singles online show that these guys need to seriously start a new project soon.
04. THE AUTOMATIC: RUN AND HIDE
The Automatic are back and sounding better than ever on this uptempo new track from their upcoming album Tear The Signs Down. This is immediately gripping on first listen.
05. BOYZONE: GAVE IT ALL AWAY
Boyzone are back after a rough year. This reggae tinged ballad features vocals from late band member Stephen Gately and features him singing the lyric "I will learn to live before I die". To be honest if this had been released with Gately still alive, I would have considered it a solid rather than spectacular effort from the Boyz. The fact that Gately is now gone, this track holds a lot more significance than it would have originally.
06. CROOKERS featuring MIIKE SNOW: REMEDY
Miike Snow are back with another grim yet enjoyable listen. Italian producers Crookers, probably best known for remixing Kid Cudi's Day 'N' Nite, give the song an alternative club mix.
07. THE-DREAM: LOVE KING
The producer behind Rihanna's Umbrella and Beyoncé's Single Ladies (Put It In A Love Song) releases a new single. Like the two aforementioned songs he produced, this is a fun and catchy if a little repetitive R&B track.
08. EELS: A LINE IN THE DIRT
The Eels return with the first single from their fantastic new album End Times. Mark Oliver Everett's distinctive vocals are in place as usual against this melodic, piano backed song.
09. FE-NIX: SWAGGA
Britain's favourite underground girlband fe-nix come out with a real winner of a urban pop song. It's really catchy and should make up for the lack of Pussycat Dolls at the moment. A refreshing alternative to all the Sugababes and Saturdays stuff at the moment.
10. GLEE CAST: DANCING WITH MYSELF
11. GLEE CAST: DEFYING GRAVITY
12. GLEE CAST: PROUD MARY
Covers of Generation X, Wicked and Creedence Clearwater Revival this week. There's no real point in me reviewing these songs because with Glee, you get the original song made a little more cheesy, a little more stage schooly and features kooky backing vocals. However, I did sit down and watch the show last night with my sister for the first time. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. For all its cheese, Glee is a show that doesn't take itself too seriously and is actually quite satiric when it comes to all the typical high school movie/TV show clichés. It's still a bit too cheery for me so I don't think I'll be a long term fan
Anyway I think I should comment on the cast members vocals. I don't remember any of their names so I'm gonna give them all nicknames. Well, the rulers of the Glee club at the moment are the Uncool Rapper Teacher and the Blond Unsmiling Evil One. Uncool Rapper Teacher is all down with the kids so much so that he raps along to Kanye West and Sisquo tracks. But he's actually not that ghetto cos he's afraid of conflict and in an unhappy marriage with Crazy False Pregnant Woman. But the kids of Glee bring out the best in him and all that. But there's a bit of a love square going on as Uncool Rapper Teacher is secretly in love with Freaky Ginger Woman and she's secretly in love with too. But too make things even more complicated, Heavy Football Coach is in love with Freaky Ginger Woman too. Like OMG! Drama!
Meanwhile, Blond Unsmiling Evil One is trying to destroy Glee Club for some reason. I like Blond Unsmiling Evil One, she's really funny in a dry kind of way.
Then meanwhile there's the kids. There's the Social Outcast Hot Girl who in real life would never be a social outcast because she's so hot but she is anyway. Anyway, she's in love with Tall Jock Guy and I think he's in love with her. Tall Jock Guy, however, is going out with Pregnant Cheerleader Girlfriend who is like pregnant and prevents Social Outcast Hot Girl and Tall Jock Guy from going out with each other. The drama is just killing me.
There's also Feminine Guy, Jennifer Hudson Junior, Quirky Asian Girl, Naturally Olive Skinned Sidekick Of Pregnant Cheerleader Girlfriend Who Cries When Her Tanning Products Are Taken Away, Eastern European Descended Sidekick Of Pregnant Cheerleader Girlfriend, Wheelchair Guy and Badass Jock With Mohawk who make up the rest of Glee Club.
Okay, kind of rambled with the plot synopsis. But now that we know all the characters, here's what I think of their vocals.
*Uncool Rapper Teacher - his voice is solid, hardly amazing. NEEDS TO STOP RAPPING!
*Social Outcast Hot Girl - her voice is really amazing, very clear and gives me goosebumps.
*Tall Jock Guy - his voice has lots of potential. It sounds a bit boybandish at the minute but if he keeps training, his voice could take on a more intriguing husky sound.
*Jennifer Hudson Junior - the clue is in the name. She has a real soulful powerful voice like J-Hud or Christina Aguilera. Tends to oversing a bit but who cares when ya have a voice like that!
*Feminine Guy - clue's also in the name. His voice is feminine from what I've heard.
*Quirky Asian Girl - has a softer voice than the other two girls I mentioned. I like it but it's not amazing.
*Wheelchair Guy - I wish he would sing more. He has that real strong, raspy kind of voice that Tall Jock Guy hasn't developed yet.
*Pregnant Cheerleader Girlfriend - She has a really good voice too. Kind of has a detached quality to it which suits her character.
*I've only heard Badass Jock With Mohawk, Naturally Olive Skinned Sidekick Of Pregnant Cheerleader Girlfriend Who Cries When Her Tanning Products Are Taken Away and Eastern European Descended Sidekick Of Pregnant Cheerleader Girlfriend on backing vocals so can't really judge them.
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
13. GORILLAZ featuring MOS DEF and BOBBY WOMACK: STYLO
Everyone's experimental group are back. I can't put into words how excited I am to see the return of the Gorillaz and hope this track gets plenty of airplay and chart successful. Icy, ominous, a little bit funky, sounds like it should soundtrack a video game from the '80s, this is literally amazing!
14. GRAMOPHONEDZIE: WHY DON'T YOU
More experimental stuff as this song drags us right back to the '40s with this Peggy Lee sampling tune. I love this entertaining return to the seriously retro and its definitely interesting. But the old jazzy sample doesn't blend well with the modern production of Gramophonedzie.
15. IYAZ: SOLO
Sean Kingston's replacement, singer/rapper and basically a Virginian Islands junior version of Akon releases his second single. Not to everyones taste but I love Iyaz's brand of sunny pop/R&B. This has the same level of catchiness as previous single Replay but like Sean Kingston might suffer from sounding too much alike his other material.
16. KE$HA featuring 3OH!3: BLAH BLAH BLAH
I've actually listened to Ke$ha's Animal album and after a few listens am surprised by what a fun pop album it is. One song that didn't get my seal of approval though was this monstrosity. Lyrically, its stupid. Vocally, its Auto-Tuned trash. Production wise, it's all over the place with random bleeps and blips. And 3OH!3 turn up for a cameo where they deliver a robust, gramatically incorrect verse. Can't believe better songs are stuck on the album while this gets the single treatment.
17. LIL WAYNE featuring NICKI MINAJ: KNOCKOUT
The soon-to-be incarcerated rapper drops another single this week. This is from his rock album Rebirth and I'm surprised to find I actually really like this. Against punk pop guitars, Wayne and my new favourite femcee Nicki Minaj warble in Auto-Tune over them. This has major crossover potential. Minaj sounds sexy and Wayne sounds listenable. Might check out his album now.
18. LM*AO: LALALA
Fix that profanity metre, F-Man. Just stating the name of a band. Generic Auto-Tuned R&B. Heard this all from T-Pain before too many times.
19. LUDACRIS featuring LIL' KIM and LIL' FATE: HEY HO
Funky if a little repetitive new track from Ludacris. Second single from his Battle of the Sexes album. Great fun to hear Ludacris, Lil' Kim and Lil' Fate have a big rap battle over who is the better of the sexes.
20. MARY J. BLIGE: I AM
Despite earning the title of Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. hasn't had a great run of success with her last few singles. Mainly 'cause they were rather boring. Thankfully, Mary J. is on to a winner with this well, produced, catchy, glossy R&B track. Sounds a bit like Pussycat Dolls Stikwitu with better vocals.
21. MUMFORD & SONS: THE CAVE
After the infectious Little Lion Man, The Cave is a bit of a disappointment. However, it does seem like it could be a grower and I find the folk group refreshing in today's music industry.
22. NERINA PALLOT: I DON'T WANT TO GO OUT
A fun, cheery and bouncy pop song that doesn't sound unlike Little Boots or Lenka. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
23. OK GO: THIS TOO SHALL PASS
I know I'm making lots of comparisons but this song sort of reminds me of the White Stripes. Amongst chimes and a marching band, OK Go give us another quirky tune. However, this features childrens' vocals and I just cannot stand kids singing in songs. Drives me nuts. Not my cup of tea but some people might like it. I'd like it if they'd strip away certain elements.
24. SEAN KINGSTON: HOT LIKE THE SUMMER
More Summery reggae pop from Mr. Kingston. It's fine, nothing special. Poor guy will probably never have a mega hit like Beautiful Girls again though. The only reason last single Fire Burning was so successful though was because of RedOne.
25. STUNT: FADE LIKE THE SUN
Harmless Eurodance. Should keep Cascada fans and drunken nightclubbers happy.
26. TIMBALAND featuring DRAKE: SAY SOMETHING
Timbaland is back with another promo single. Don't worry, you probably won't hear much of it. I really like Drake as a rapper and he provides a solid chorus here. This has a more old school R&B feel to it. One of the better tracks from my guilty pleasure Timbaland Presents Shock Value II
27. TINIE TEMPAH featuring LABRINTH: PASS OUT
Really unoriginal grime track. It's fine but throwaway. Features cocky rapping from Tinie Tempah and singing chorus by Labrinth.
28. NAUGHTY BOY presents WILEY featuring EMELI SANDE: NEVER BE YOUR WOMAN
Wiley may be over to crossover into the mainstream again with Naughty Boy's garage production and Diamond Rings singer Emeli Sande. Good stuff. I like this. Samples a song from the late '90s that samples a song itself. Clever. It's like a sample within a sample within a song.
29. YEAH YEAHS YEAHS: SKELETONS
Not my favourite track from Yeah Yeah Yeahs criminally underselling It's Blitz! album but I want this track to do well all the same. Karen O's voice is just amazingly haunting. Yeah Yeahs Yeahs are like the Blondie of the 21st century. Why can't people see that???!!!
Complain about this comment
Oh, Rihanna will release a new album this Summer. She's moved out of that "dark space" she was in with Rated R and wants to go back to having fun with the new album which will be mainly upbeat.
Also, Shakira's video for the brilliant folk inspired Gypsy. Not as good as her previous videos but my God is she ridiculously hot or what?
Complain about this comment
Some great information to share here Randy !
I am glad you have responded in the right way and in a positive nature after all the unfair controversy on Daisy .
I , think that your posts are largely excellent and thoroughly enjoy reading them .
Complain about this comment
Here's my take on this weeks singles once again delivered after Randy. (I actually thought I'd do mine on Saturday to get in there before him)
1st March 2010:
01. AMY MACDONALD: DON'T TELL ME THAT IT'S OVER
A decent return for Macdonald sounds a bit like Paramore in places, not as good as Mr Rock n Roll or This Is The Life but still worth a listen. It also good to note that the song is released on Melodramatic Records and that's probably the best way to describe the song. 3 STARS
02. THE AUTOMATIC: RUN AND HIDE
Yes it's the return of The Automatic, that band that have actually had many hits and should not be judged on that massive hit they had about aliens or something. The tracks decent, personally I prefer The Automatic when they're running away from the Loch Ness Monster. 3 STARS
03. BOYZONE: GAVE IT ALL AWAY
This song was written by MIKA and it sounds like it, it didn't make his second album and that's why he gave it to Boyzone. They'll take anything at the moment and if it wasn't for Stephen Gately's death then everyone would have forgotten about them by now.
2 STARS
04. EELS: A LINE IN THE DIRT
One of the strongest tracks on, what is in my opinion, a poor record after the brilliant Hombre Lobo. Eels is at his best when he's heartbroken, see all he needs is a friend isn't that sad. 4 STARS
05. GORILLAZ featuring MOS DEF and BOBBY WOMACK: STYLO
Great track from what sounds like a brilliant album. Not as catchy as new song 'Superfast Jellyfish' but still a seriously strong first single, the synth bassline, Albarn's detachted vocals and Womack's deranged screamming (he steals the show, which on a Gorillaz track is pretty hard)all fit together perfectly. Only critism would be that it doesn't really go anywhere and lacks a big catchy chorus like Feel Good Inc. or Clint Eastwood. 4 STARS
06. IYAZ: SOLO
As Randy pointed out Sean Kingston's replacement returns with his follow up to the no.1 smash hit Replay, unfortunately Solo lacks the great chorus needed and feels slightly half hearted. Just like Sean Kingston. 2 STARS
07. LIL WAYNE featuring NICKI MINAJ: KNOCKOUT
What's wrong with his voice! Seriously! Someone give that man some cough medicine he sounds like he needs it. Wayne, here's some advice; put down the guitar, have a lie down, recollect your thoughts and then get back to rap. At the moment it's just not working. 1 STARS
08. MARY J. BLIGE: I AM
Blige sounds like a soulful Mariah Carey on this track, it's decent, not really my cup of tea but I can see people enjoying it. 3 STARS
09. MUMFORD & SONS: THE CAVE
After Little Lion Man and Winter Winds this is a disappointment (but it is a third single so I'll let them off), M&S still sound like commercial Fleet Foxes and the song is fairly predictable. It would be nice to have something really different for the next single but maybe there's nothing different on the album. 3 STARS
10. NERINA PALLOT: I DON'T WANT TO GO OUT
Happy, cheery and catchy. Nothing new to see here but nothing to really hate, sounds very 'Radio 2'. 3 STARS
11. OK GO: THIS TOO SHALL PASS
I was really suprised when I heard this, compared to their other stuff this is a musical truimph (not to say it wasn't bad it was just really predictable). As usual with OK GO the real draw is the video, an extra star added on for how brilliant that video is. 4 STARS
12. SEAN KINGSTON: HOT LIKE THE SUMMER
So we've had Iyaz and here is the genuine article, ironically sounding like Sean Paul. Sounds pretty voilent in his rapping style which is odd for a song called 'Hot Like The Summer'. 2 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
14. NAUGHTY BOY presents WILEY featuring EMELI SANDE: NEVER BE YOUR WOMAN
Love this track not as good as Wiley's brilliant 'Take That' but a very strong second single. Wiley's next album looks set to be massive. 4 STARS
15. YEAH YEAHS YEAHS: SKELETONS
Absolutely love Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It's Blitz was one of the highlights of 2009 containing some great pop/disco singles like Zero and Heads Will Roll. Can't believe they didn't get more commercial with the album or any of the single so far, I can't see it changing with this track even if it is great. 4 STARS
Once again any tracks I haven't commented on I either; don't care about or have talked enough about already.
P.S: The Amy Macdonald track has grown on me so I'm bumping it up to 4 STARS. It's still stupidly over the top though.
P.P.S: Reading it back what I said about Boyzone sounds really cynical now.
P.P.S: Come to think of it what I said about the Eels track sounds a bit mean as well, the poor man been trampled on in his life! Maybe literally! Nevermind I gave it 4 STARS so he should be happy with that.
Complain about this comment
Haha Harry, I love your reviews almost as much as my own.
Yeah, have to agree about Lil Wayne. He sounds like a horse being strangled while neighing! Trouble is, I absolutely love the track Knockout. It's actually amazing!
Complain about this comment
Oh look it's the two review kings !
And as the BIG MAC is too whacked out to review FLORENCE / DIZZEE or ALICIA KEYS and they are both in the top 5 , surely it's a chance for one of you to do a BIG review of one of those songs ?
Here's hoping !
Complain about this comment
Sorry, Spirit I'd write a larger review for both but I'm just not in the right headspace to write anything too taxing. Maybe Harry will do the honours? You never know, the Big Mac might surprise you yet!
Complain about this comment
Yeah , we always like a whopping BIG MAC surprise !
Complain about this comment
As the mighty Spirit requested, here is my review of You’ve Got The Dirtee Love.
YOU'VE GOT THE DIRTEE LOVE
A couple of days after this performance first aired the music site Pitchfork.com commented on it (see, it's so good the Americans noticed it) and noted some of the key factors on why it was such a good mash up.
1. Flozzee (a combination of Dizzee and Florence) seemed to like each other
2. They had obviously rehearsed it more than once
3. They wore outfits that made them look as if they were part of the same act.
In previous years the Brits collaborations have been a bit of novelty (Estelle and The Ting Tings I'm looking at you) and often mess up what is, on paper, is a decent mash up (once again, Estelle and The Ting Tings I'm looking at you). However this didn't seem to be apparent this year, Flozzee's performance felt professional and actually ended up surpassing most, if not all, of the other performances on the night. Therefore it makes sense for it to be released as a single, even if the release itself feels slightly half hearted (couldn't they get a proper single cover and/or at least record the song properly).
As for the song itself, the sweeping chorus works perfectly with Dizzee's down to earth rap (in a, so wrong its right sort of way) and Florence's vocals sound as strong as ever. Musically the arrangement, though possibly contain too many harps, complements both styles and the whole thing sounds like a festival anthem in waiting, hopefully Flozzee can co-ordinate themselves to appear at the same festivals on the same day.
My only problem is that it would be nice for Florence to have a massive hit at some point with one of her own songs - which are great songs - but I'm sure with time it will come, even if she needs to enlist Dizzee's help again (I shall be eagerly awaiting the return of Flozzee).
5 STARS
P.S: Alternative titles for the song; Dizzee's got the love and You've got the cash for some dirtee love, I'll admit the second ones isn't that close to either song's title but it sounds good (in a, so wrong it's right sort of way).
Complain about this comment
Bravo !!!! Very entertaining !!!!!
Too many harps . lol
Flozzee !!! lol
I am predicting a top 2 hit for this !!!!
Complain about this comment
Thanks, it took me about half an hour to write and about half an hour of relentless checking to make sure I hadn't made any spelling mistakes!
Complain about this comment
Your comment about there being too many harps here , has had me seriously laughing .
I can't help but picture you in heaven led on a cloud , listening to PHOENIX on your headphones , and then suddenly shouting :
" Oh for God's sake , too many harps ! Can someone tell those angels to keep it down ? They have been playing continuously since I got here ! "
lol
Complain about this comment
On an unrelated note. Has anyone heard the new Gorillaz tracks that were played on Austrialian radio either today or yesterday? (White Flag, Welcome To The World Of Plastic Beach and Rhinestone Eyes) you could find them on Youtube earlier today but they might be taken down now. White Flag and Rhinestone Eyes are amazing, Welcome To Plastic Beach is pretty good as well but not great.
Complain about this comment
@ 222
What I find funny is that in heaven I'm allowed to say, 'Oh For God's Sake'. lol
Complain about this comment
Stylo is absolutely brilliant. It's a shame there's been such a mess surrounding their come back.
Complain about this comment
Random that is a completely epic post. . . I'll have to comment in length to justify it. I'll break the comments down lol.
First, Glee. I think I've probably banged on about this enough over the past month or so haven't I? Im beyond a fan. Fully signed up Gleek. Your summary was pretty accurate and entertaining. Now you need to sit down at the start and watch it PROPERLY. If you enjoyed random bits, it will be so much better watched properly. Most people watch a bit like you did and don't like it. Because it's just a group of stereotypes thrown together.
Youtube "Sweet Caroline" and then question why the main guys are cast the way around they are. The other male vocalists are clearly better than Finn. It's the one (at a push) weak point of the show.
Complain about this comment
Because Harry is completely right in everything he say's I'll just copy his YYY's comment. I put It's Blitz! in my top 7 albums of 2009, I completel love them.
15. YEAH YEAHS YEAHS: SKELETONS
Absolutely love Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It's Blitz was one of the highlights of 2009 containing some great pop/disco singles like Zero and Heads Will Roll. Can't believe they didn't get more commercial with the album or any of the single so far, I can't see it changing with this track even if it is great. 4 STARS
Complain about this comment
The Mumford track is a grower. I hope the rest of the album is because it's a bit of a disapointment, from one of the most hyped bands of the moment.
Complain about this comment
I am one hell of an Amy MacDonald fan .. so I'll comment more on her single on the review I think. Deserves a little essay.
Complain about this comment
Liam, I actually must say that Glee doesn't actually have stereotypes. At first glance, you see the Smart Girl, the Jock, the Jock's Cheerleader Girlfriend, the Jock's Meaner Best Friend, the Gay Guy, the Disabled Guy, the Token Tough Talking Black Girl, the Token Asian Quirky Girl and the Friendly Teacher, the Antagonistic Teacher, the Crazy Teacher and the Friendly Teacher's Bunny Boiler Wife.
But when you look deeper, you see how unpredictable the characters actually are. Like the Smart Girl, in any other predictable TV show, she would be seen as a sympathetic almost perfect girl with barely any flaws who just can't seem to get the guy or popularity for no reason at all. However, Smart Girl in Glee is actually very uptight and borderline obsessive so I found that her flaws balanced well with her good qualities which made her a more rounded corner.
The Jock in a predictable high school show would appear on the outside to be a cocky arrogant jerk but from within he would really be a deep sensitive soul who actually has inner intelligence. Not the Jock in Glee: he actually does have moments when he's really stupid. The Bunny Boiler Wife Of Friendly Teacher, The Jock's Meaner Best Friend and The Jock's Cheerleader Girlfriend could all have been boring one dimensional characters who just act as antagonists to the better characters but the viewer can actually find a lot of sympathy with them. All the characters have a lot of character depth beneath their stereotypes and that's what I love about the show. It's clever.
Complain about this comment
Some music news for the day:
The Gorillaz have debuted their video for Stylo. As expected the video has some great artistic visuals and even features a cameo from Bruce Willis. No appearances by Bobby Womack or Mos Def though.
Evanescence will release their thrid album in Autumn. Amy Lee, the lead singer, says that the new album will contain the heart of Evanescence but will move in a more electronic direction as Lee is inspired by acts such as Depeche Mode, MGMT, Massive Attack and La Roux. It will be a good direction as Ben Moody, one of the co-founders of the band, has now set up a new band called We Are The Fallen and they sound almost identical to Evanescence circa 2003.
Sean Garrett has just produced a song for Rihanna's new "fun" Summer album and said it is an (expletive) smash, a humungous radio record and it has to be a single. Hopefully, he lives up to his word.
Sugababes have announced that Crash 'N' Burn will act as the fourth single from their new album Sweet 7. Unlike the previous three singles which were uptempo, Crash 'N' Burn is a ballad and actually my favourite track that I've heard from the album so far. It's also a whole new track as opposed to most of the other tracks on the album which are Keisha leftovers that Jade re-recorded.
Also Ke$ha has said that Your Love Is My Drug and Take It Off will probably be the next singles from Animal.
Complain about this comment
Random, about Glee, that was exactly the point I was trying to make lol. Ive mentioned it before on this blog.Also the same point I argue with any of my friends who don't like it. The character development is simple yet brilliant. Very clever indeed.
Im not sure how the new Evanescence will sound. I liked some of their old stuff.. was all bit dark for me though. 'Immortal' is an amazing track though. Her singing that live is virtually heart wrenching. Sounds a little like they will be going down the Imogen Heap route. Who I can't stop listening to btw.
Complain about this comment
I´m amazed that you guys do these reviews regularly. And at length!!!
It´s a great help to find out about stuff that I haven´t come across myself.
As a proper crazy music fan I´ve always spent soooo much time chasing after tracks (and I´m talking both CD and vinyl here...) but nowadays it seems even more time consuming. Weird that.
So what you do is appreciated. Cheers!
Complain about this comment
The Stylo video is great but as Popjustice commented on yesterday it's not even the best video this week, let alone year! Check out Ok Go 'This Too Shall Pass RGM Version', it's a definate early contender for video of the year.
P.S: The stylo video features references to Superfast Jellyfish and Sweepstakes (two new songs on the Plastic Beach album) does this mean they're likely to become future singles?
Complain about this comment
Well Mangsy, I'm glad I play a helping hand in showing you the majority of the hot (and not so hot) tunes coming out each week. I, like you, am a crazy music fan and I would have loved to find an archive of all the singles being released in such a week and you can find nothing on the web so hopefully the Chart Blog comments section will be a place for people to read all the single reviews on a weekly basis.
Complain about this comment
which is why spirit is so desperate to get the rybak thread its own special place where everyone can read our genius.
Complain about this comment
Too right !
There is so much genius around these parts !!
Complain about this comment
I'm in full agreement!
Complain about this comment
Me too.
Complain about this comment
It's getting even earlier and earlier...but I have my reviews for singles being released on Monday this week. Cos I'll most likely be busy. It's a whopping 38 singles I'll be covering this week (all though not all of them will be major releases). And I'm totally looking forward to using the new HTML that Liam discovered. My reviews will look so much better.
8th March 2010
01. A Fine Frenzy: Happier
Better known to her Mom and Dad as Alison Sudol, this gorgeous singer is something like a combination of Colbie Caillat and some anti-folk artist from the Juno soundtrack. As for Happier, it's a breezy Summery track with some light breathy vocals. Really like this actually.
02. Agnes: On And On
Poor Agnes. Looks like she's gonna be a #1 hit wonder after failing to replicate the success of her surprise smash Summer hit Release Me. This basically sounds like an inferior version of that song. Theres nothing to distinguish this from any songs we're likely to hear in the Eurovision, only a month and a half away. Yup, 'nuff said.
03. Alicia Keys featuring Drake: Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)
Alicia Keys keeps the momentum going for her The Element Of Freedom LP with this promotional single. It's actually a really beautiful song but probably wouldn't work as an official single. Drake's harmonies work well with Alicia's soulful vocals.
04. Avril Lavigne: Alice (Underground)
"IIIIIIIIIIIII....Iiiii'lll get byyyyyyyyyyyy..." yells Avril on the lead single of the Almost Alice soundtrack. Well we certainly won't Avril as you're making my ears bleed with your banshee howl. I can't help thinking this would have been way better in the hands of a more stronger singer like Alanis Morrisette or Amy Lee. However, the thundering percussion and the quiet piano melodies make this just about bearable.
Sidenote: What's the deal with the Almost Alice soundtrack? I mean you think a soundtrack based on a Tim Burton film would be that bit more alternative and gothic sounding. But instead we get 3OH!3, All American Rejects, Owl City and Metro Station --- talk about disappointing acts.
05. Bombay Bicycle Club: Evening/Morning
It's okay and that's all I have to say. It's more of an instrumental than a song with vocals. The video disturbs me greatly.
06. Enter Shikari: Tribalism
The clue is in the title - this song is... um well...tribal. Enter Shikari are a hardcore punk band so vicious vocals and loud screaming are to be expected. This isn't quite as noisy as official single Thumper though.
07. Evanescence: Together Again
Ahead of the release of their new album this Autumn, Evanescence do their bit for Haiti by releasing a B-side of their 2006 album The Open Door as a charity single. This is a typical Evanescence track...dramatic strings, tinkling pianos, creepy choirs and Amy Lee's haunted wail. It's all a bit too melodramatic for a Haiti single but if you're a fan of the band, I recommend you go out and buy this.
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
08. Gabriella Cilmi: On A Mission
All my personal (stalkerish) obsessive feelings of love (and lust) for Cilmi aside, this is actually a fantastic tune. It sounds like it came right out of the '80s and everything from the production to the chorus to the verses and even the cringeworthy rap breakdown in the middle are all amazing. If this is what she's doing at 18, can you imagine what a fantastic artist she will be in a few years time.
09. Glee Cast: Endless Love
It's all about the ballads this week on Glee as the episode these songs are taken from is called 'Ballad'. A big solid cheesy cover of Diana Ross and Lionel Richie from Hot Social Outcast Girl and The Shoe (Uncool Glee Leader). I actually hope the TV footage is used as a music video for this song 'cause the Shoe's facial expressions are absolutely hilarious.
10. Glee Cast: I'l Stand By You
The Jock takes the lead with this song. I cringed so much in his soppy cover of The Pretenders/Girls Aloud song/cover.
11. Glee Cast: Don' Stand So Close To Me/Young Girl
The Shoe does a really good job of this mash-up of songs by The Police and Gary Puckett & The Union. However, this is more episode centric and works better if you see it on TV.
12. Glee Cast: Crush
This actually far surpasses the 1998 original by Jennifer Paige basically 'cause Hot Social Outcast Girl has a much better voice. My favourite Glee track this week.
13. Glee Cast: (You're) Having My Baby
This is a cover of a song by Paul Anka and Odia Coates. Again, I cringe everytime I hear the Jock sing and I'm kind of annoyed his Pregnant Baby Mama didn't join him. Still his voice is good enough.
14. Glee Cast: Lean On Me
And this is the big heartwarming ballad that the whole Glee Club come out and sing for the Jock and his Baby Mama. It might bring a tear to some people's eye but for a heartless cynic like me, I just stare stony faced at the screen when this is sang.
15. Goldfrapp: Rocket
As I've said on the Goldfrapp post already, it's unlikely that they'll ever surpass their hippyish folky album Seventh Tree with me. However, Rocket, a synthy, icy mid-tempo '80s throwback is a quiet grower. I love it.
16. Hadouken!: Mic Check
This is actually amazing. The ravey instrumental for this is worth purchasing alone. If this comes on in a club, I will definitely be first on the dancefloor for this beauty.
17. Hermione Hennessy: Fall At Your Feet
This song is by the British raised daughter of late Irish singer Christie Hennessy. This is actually a really enjoyable song. Might work best for the adult contemporary crowd but this actually sounds like The Corrs.
18. Ja Rule featuring R. Kelly: Incredible
Are we seeing the return of classic R&B? I sure hope so. But maybe just 'cause R. Kelly sings the chorus on this track. This takes me back to the early 2000s when R&B was so good and not trashy and generic like it is now. This is all classic piano loops and smooth harmonizing from Kelly. Ja Rule's pretty good too.
19. Jimi Hendrix: Bleeding Heart
This is classic rock 'n' roll from the legendary guitarist. This is very enjoyable but I'm really against the release of posthumous singles and albums. These were all probably demos Hendrix created and didn't think was good enough for a studio album and now they appear 40 years later after his death (my God, has it been that long)! Will appear on his upcoming album Valleys Of Neptune.
20. John Mayer: Heartbreak Warfare
As much as it pains me to say this, this womanizing racist actually has a lot of talent. Great rock track. Kind of sounds like Coldplay.
21. Kat Deluna featuring Akon: Push Push
She sounds like a combination of Shakira and Rihanna. In other words, she has no originality and needs Akon to help her out on this dancehall R&B track. Unlikely to be a hit. If her brilliant Run This Show couldn't make it, then I doubt this will.
22. Kid Cudi: Know Why
Poor Cudi looks like he's fallen into the same trap as fellow intelligent rappers Wale and Lupe Fiasco in that he's unlikely to see the success of a hit like Day 'N' Nite again. Can't believe this song will be ignored when crap by Flo Rida and Pitbull will be snapped up by the masses.
23. Lil John: Get In And Get Out
I like the beat for this but that's about it! Jeez John, do you actually talk like that in real life.
24. Livvi France: Automatik
After the terrible Now I'm That Chick, Livvi returns with a rather good club banger. But aren't we hearing this from everyone in the charts at the moment especially Lady GaGa. Sounds like Just Dance and Poker Face.
25. Ludacris featuring Chris Angel: Mindfreak
26. Ludacris featuring Trey Songz: Sex Room
27. Ludacris: Sexting
^^^^The above three are all promo singles from his Battle Of The Sexes album. It's a fun album and the songs are all fine but fairly standard run of the mill rap tracks. I love Sexting. I thought I had made that word up myself but obviously not. :(
28. Monica: Everything To Me
The incredibly soulful Monica makes a nice yet unextraordinary return to the World of music. This is really good but nothing we haven't heard before.
29. McLean: My Name
Boring. Who is this guy? This sounds like a Taio Cruz B-side. Next!
30. Norah Jones: Stuck
I'm pleasantly surprised. I was expecting another sleepy ballad from Miss Jones but she's really moving outside the box with this more interesting lead single from upcoming album The Fall. I might check it out if this single is an indication of the new album.
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
31. Pixie Lott: Gravity
I really like Pixie and think she's amazingly talented for her 19 years and think she gets an awful lot of unnecessary abuse. But this song is kind of disgraceful as a single. I haven't listened to her album Turn It Up but I've heard there's much better songs on the album like Here We Go Again and Turn It Up. Okay, so it's not the worst song ever but Pixie sounds like she has a headcold with that nasal singing against the mid-tempo setting. "Gravity, gravity, gravity..." is repeated too many times on the chorus and I don't like that a deep male voice sings it too. Its just annoying.
32. Robbie Williams: Morning Sun
It's good but it's not great. Robbie plays it safe with this so-so ballad. I'd prefer You Know Me anyday.
33. Sean Garret featuring Plies: Lay U Down
Ah go away, T-Pain impersonators!!!!
34. Shane McGowan & Friends: I Put A Spell On You
This is my favourite Haiti charity record. Really raw and emotive vocals from Shane McGowan, Paloma Faith, Johnny Depp, Bobby Gillespie, Glen Matlock, Chrissie Hynde and Eliza Dolittle. Not sure if a cover of the Screaming Jay Hawkins hit is appropriate in relation to Haiti. But hey! This is a good record people will want to buy instead of feeling obliged to buy.
35. Steve Aoki featuring [[[Zuper Blahq]]]: I'm In The House
This sounds suspiciously like Will.I.Am on this novelty dance track which uses the hook "I'm in the house!" for chart success. We all know how crappy Will is solo and over a dance beat, he's probably worse. This isn't Will.I.Am. but it sounds identical to him. This is obviously cashing in on the success of Sidney Samson's Riverside (Let's Go!) which this track also sounds like.
36. T-Pain featuring Young Jeezy: Reverse Cowgirl
If you've heard one T-Pain track, you've heard 'em all. Auto-Tuned drivel.
37. Young Jeezy featuring Plies: Lose My Mind
Much like his collaborator above, if you've heard one Young Jeezy song, you've heard them all from the gruff voiced rapper. What's he doing releasing his own solo material. Do what yo do best: being a rent-a-rapper.
That took FOREVER!!! Please feel free to compliment/argue with my reviews!
Complain about this comment
Like I´ve said before, you´re a star Random!
I´m definitely gonna check out a few of these. Of the ones I´ve heard I totally agree with you on Pixie Lott. She shouldn´t have released two ballady type things in a row. And whereas Cry Me Out was beautiful and her voice full of real emotion, this sounds just awful. Sounds like a crap Tedder tune. Is it?
Loving Cilmi and Goldfrapp. Why hasn´t Radio One playlisted Rcket? They can happily play any tedious r´n´b track they can find on the US charts, but can´t support a good, fun homegrown track like this.
I actually like Agnes´ track, and there´s a Moonwalker remix that has more power to it. And you can´t get away from the fact that she´s got a fantastic voice. Ok, this track is so inferior to Release Me, but I do have a soft spot for her.
Seems like I´ve only commented on pure pop tracks, but I don´t think there are any real good rock tunes released at the moment. Though I like Delphic´s Halcyon (whatever genre that is) and Band of Skulls´ I Know What I Am and Yeasayer´s ONE. And Julian Casablanca´s Out Of The Blue!
Good job R.
Complain about this comment
*Rocket*
Complain about this comment
Yeah but have you seen Pixie Lott's video? She certainly looks better than i've ever seen her before. Sort of distracted me from the song really...
Complain about this comment
Same with all her videos then.
The only song of hers I actually like is 'Boys and Girls'. I think I prefere this one to 'Cry me out' though.
Complain about this comment
As usual here my take on this weeks singles.
8th March 2010
01. Agnes: On And On
In all honesty this is really bad, the chorus isn't catchy enough and none of the music is original in anyway. It's like she was looking round the bins at Eurovision last year and stumbled across a song they didn't want to use. Shocking. 1 STARS
02. Alicia Keys featuring Drake: Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)
Nice enough song. Really when it comes to Alicia Keys unless it's No One or Fallin' I can't really be bothered with it, this song suffers from not really going anywhere but it's a pleasant enough listen 3 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
03. Enter Shikari: Tribalism
It's nice to see the shouty brigade are back with another song, sounds like The Streets but without the groove. At around the 1 minute mark the leader singer says 'this time we’ll turn the speakers off' which is kind of what this song made me want to do. 1 STAR
04. Gabriella Cilmi: On A Mission
Cilmi proves once again why she's are best hope of producing a great female pop artist (sorry Leona). The chorus is strong and catchy, the whole musical sound is straight out of the 1980s (as is the video) and the whole thing is all together brilliant. Good to hear some proper unashamed pop. 4 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
05. Goldfrapp: Rocket
A strong debut single from Goldfrapp's return to synth pop album Head First. It's not as good as Ohh La La or Strict Machine but it doesn't need to be, you can't help but love that Van Halen-style synth. 4 STARS
06. Hadouken!: Mic Check
Prodigy-lite are back again with another poor club 'banger', at least it's better than Enter Shikari so for that it gets an extra star. 2 STARS
P.S: I love the fact that the video seems to be the Arctic Monkeys' video for Brianstorm but with only one dancer.
07. Jimi Hendrix: Bleeding Heart
A decent rock n roll song from the master of guitar. Personally I think it would be better to leave the man to rest in peace instead of dragging up b-sides that didn't make any of his albums, thankfully this is one of the better b-sides but is still very much a rough sketch. 3 STARS
08. John Mayer: Heartbreak Warfare
Not great, not terrible. Nothing else I can really say about it. 2 STARS
09. Kid Cudi: Know Why
Much like the John Mayer song; not great, not terrible. Unfortunately this is also not interesting. 2 STARS
10. Norah Jones: Stuck
Randy just so you know this isn't the first single from The Fall, that was Chasing Pirates. Sounds nice enough but I got bored half way through and ended up listening to Chasing Pirates instead. 2 STARS
11. Pixie Lott: Gravity
Surely when she wrote this song she must have thought afterwards 'doesn't this sounds like something I've heard before? what could it be, No Air maybe? no, I'm sure it doesn't sound like that or at least not so much that it's noticable', I'm mean come on! Pop artists steals bits from songs all the time, it's just what they do, but this is just ridiculous! Why can't we have the infectious energy of Boys and Girls and Mama Do instead of this dull ballad. 2 STARS
12. Robbie Williams: Morning Sun
A decent third single from Robbie's comeback album, I would have preferred Difficult For Wierdos to be released as it's one of the strongest songs on the album. Nevertheless this will please Robbie fans but is unlikely to win him any new ones. 3 STARS
So as you can clearly see from my ratings it's been, in my opinion, a poor week for singles. Hopefully next week will be stronger.
Complain about this comment
Randy and Harry , some excellent information there , and a VERY interesting read .
However , there are a couple of questions , that need explaining ...
Randy , can you elaborate on your comments regarding JOHN MAYER , as I would like some info about how you came to use those two words . Is it just your opinion or can you illustrate facts that make your words justified ?
You have provided some excellent work elsewhere , and your hard work is appreciated .
Complain about this comment
The other thing , is that I hope you guys make this a weekly thing , as it is brilliant stuff !
Complain about this comment
@ 246
However , there are a couple of questions , that need explaining ...
Sorry for being pedantic but you only actually asked one question.
P.S: *sigh* now I feel bad for being too pedantic.
Complain about this comment
The second question was hoping that the members of PEDANDIC PLC , would do weekly singles reviews ?
Cos they are ace !
Complain about this comment
Harry, more pedanticity (is that a word? pedantics, pedantic stuff. yeah.);
04. Gabriella Cilmi: On A Mission
Cilmi proves once again why she's are best hope of producing a great female pop artist (sorry Leona).
i assume here you mean 'our' and if you mean Britain's best hope then i hate to tell you she's Austrailian. Unless you are also originated in Oz.
Complain about this comment
@ 250
Ha ha , Jonesy , I thought exactly the same thing .
Complain about this comment
@ 250
Hey, we count Kylie as one of our own and she's from Austrialia so why not Gabriella. My point still stands though that it's a great song.
P.S: Well done Jonesy your comment has warranted you honourary membership to The Pedantics Society.
Complain about this comment
Ha ha !
So Harry , I take it , then if Brazil win this Summer's World Cup , you will be shakin your hips in celebration , as Robinho plays in the PREMIERSHIP .
lol
Complain about this comment
Spirit, we've being doing these single reviews for the past 5 weeks in a row. I think it's pretty clear its a weekly thing and I, of course, will keep it up. :D
As for the John Mayer comment, he made a few racist comments in some interview about 2 weeks ago. He said, in more colourful terms, that he didn't sleep with black women because his manhood was like a white supremacist.I don't care if he apologised. And his reputation for being a womaniser, I just taught that was common knowledge. He needs to keep his mouth shut. But yeah, Spirit, I'll take on board what you said.
Love your reviews too Harry. Oh and Mangsy, there's no doubt that Agnes has a fantastic voice and she certainly seems that bit more classy than your average dance diva but I think On And On sounds cheap and Eurovisiony.
Complain about this comment
Oh yeah and totally forgot about Chasing Pirates. Heard it ages ago, completely forgot about it.
Complain about this comment
@253. England could do quite well this summer based on this theory harry has created!!!
Complain about this comment
Yeah , if Harry is claiming Kylie as English , why not KAKA , MESSI and RONALDO ! lol
Roll on the World Cup !
Complain about this comment
I not saying Kylie's english I'm just saying we've (the British public) seemed to have claimed her as one of our own. Why can't we try to claim Gabriella as well.
P.S: I have no problems with trying to claim the whole Brazilian football team are English. Personally we could use the help. :)
Complain about this comment
Lol Harry we know, just winding you up. But to be honest, she's had one popular song thus far so she's nowhere near being an iconic figure for us Brits just yet.
Complain about this comment
I guess we won't claim Gabriella 'cause she's not that good.
Can't we claim Ke$ha? She looks like she's a lot more fun.
Complain about this comment
And according to the lyrics of one of her songs, she likes to dance with no pants on !
Isn't that BRAT-POP at it's best ?
Complain about this comment
I have no issue whatsoever with claiming Ke$ha in any way, shape or form...
Complain about this comment
Just to let all the fans know !!
I am predicting that Baby , the new single by Justin Bieber , will be in the top 10 this Sunday !
Get ready to scream !!!!!!!
Complain about this comment
I reckon that Gorillaz will hold off Boyzone FOR THE NUMBER 1 album .
Life's a beach !!
Complain about this comment
Oh, its shocking how well Baby by Justin Bieber is doing? All the reviews I've read for the song have been shockingly good and the song has already shot into the Irish Top 10 a week before its release.
I can't wait to review Bieber at the end of this week in my singles release diary.
Complain about this comment
Ooooh I don´t know. I have to come clean about this. Thing is, when I heard "Baby" I didn´t have a clue it was Justin B. AND I really liked it. Summery, sweet, made me hum along instantly. Shows what a sucker for a nice tune I am.
Guilty pleasures anyone else?
Come on. It´s not THAT bad is it? Just forget about who´s singing, that´ll do the trick.
Complain about this comment
And I predict top 5 on Sunday for JB. Higher than you said, Spirit!
Complain about this comment
Oh God, Mangsy everyone seems to love it! I think it's worse than One Time, sorry. Doesn't matter if its Justin Bieber sings it, if JB sings a good song, I'll give him a good review.
But of course I love Timbaland and Lil Wayne's new albums so I can hardly talk.
Complain about this comment
It's not as terrible as One Time but still I don't like it.
Complain about this comment
I love Lil Wayne´s Knockout.
Complain about this comment
Oh Mangsy I love you. Me too! Its amazing!
Complain about this comment
As per usual, here are my thoughts on all major singles being released next week on:
15th March 2010
01. All Time Low: Lost In Stereo
Nothing remotely original about this at all, but if you're like me and into you're uptempo emo cuts, you'll love this.
02. Ash: Dionysian Urge
I only continue to review/mention singles from Ash's A-Z Series because I'm pedantic and can't bare to leave them out. This is Single Letter L so there's still a bit to go until Ash finish this project and hopefully release something a little more hyped up. If you like Ash, then you won't mind spending 99p/99c on this single.
03. Band Of Skulls: I Know What I Am
A big stomping garage rock tune from the up and coming British rock band. It has a great chorus and if radio picks it up, it could be a big hit for the group.
04. Black Eyed Peas: Imma Be
Seeing as the futurtastic Imma Be Rockin' That Body mash-up video seems to be getting a nice amount of airplay on the music channels, there is a small chance this song might chart in its own right. Really, its probably a good thing that this song is only being officially released over in North America, because this wouldn't be an ideal single on this side of the Atlantic. This song is very hit and miss. Like previous hit My Humps, you'll either find this very catchy, very irritating or both. The BEP repeat the words Imma Be about 100 times throughout this song, they show off some urban swagga, send out messages of positivity (yet again!) and the whole thing has that schizophrenic quality that a lot of tracks on The E.N.D. have, changing tempo about 3 times throughout. If you like what you hear, then get downloading. If not then, don't.
05. Black Eyed Peas: Rock That Body
The Black Eyed Peas go all Daft Punk on this David Guetta produced track. While not instantly accessible or poppish as I Gotta Feeling and Meet Me Halfway, this pulsating electro tune is rather brilliant. Definitely one of the better songs to dance to in a club, this single fits best with The E.N.D.'s futuristic theme. My only concern is a lack of normal voiced Fergie (she been swallowing far too much helium on this song) but the Black Eyed Peas seem to be unstoppable this year with everything they touch turning to chart gold.
06. Cheryl Cole: Parachute
Like Fight For This Love, this sounds terrible at first. However, after a few listens, this quickly infiltrates your brain until you don't mind hearing it anymore. I wouldn't quite do a Fraser and give it 5 stars but this is a pleasant enough listen. Good stuff although ironic at this for Mrs. Cole/Ms. Tweedy.
07. Chris Brown: Crawl
Poor old Chris. Is his career on the downfall because of what he did to Rihanna or is it because his latest LP Graffiti a substandard bland affair. Good points out of the way first, this has a lovely sparse intro and the strings are suitably dramatic. The video is also rather good too. But this is a ballad that is so generic, so bland, so lacking in any identity with its lyrics and vocals that any R&B singer could have pulled it off. I know I'd much rather listen to Jason Derulo sing this song.
08. Chris Brown featuring L.A. The Darkman: In My Zone
As well as promoting Graffiti, Brown has also released the mixtape In My Zone. As you'd expect, this just sounds like an underground version of I Can Transform Ya. Chris sings about a girl with a nice ass and a skinny little waist. Wow, Chris you've convinced us all, you're so ghetto. L.A. The Darkman shows up for the customary rap.
09.Craig David: One More Lie (Standing In The Shadows)
For his new album Signed Sealed Delivered, Craig David will sample old Motown classics and give them a modern twist. On this new single from the album, he delivers by sampling The Funk Brothers Standing In The Shadows over some ravey production. To be honest, I'm done with Craig David. I don't like his voice and I don't like any of his new material. This is okay, I can't see it being a huge hit.
10. Delphic: Halycon
The Teens Decade's (2010-2019) answer to New Order return with this brilliant new single. Like their criminally underselling previous single Doubt, this takes a few listens to reach its full catchy potential. Hopefully this charts better than Doubt.
11. Drake featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy: I'm Goin' In
I really like Drake. I really don't like crude slimy Lil Wayne and horse voiced Young Jeezy. They make an otherwise underground solid hip-hop track less enjoyable.
12. Drake featuring J. Cole: Over
Like I said above, I really like Drake. I like that his lyrics move outside the usual hip-hop spectrum of shawties, sports cars, designer labels and sex and I love how he changes from singing to rapping in his songs. Despite a little overuse of Auto-Tune, this is another great underground track.
13. Elaine Doonan and Pete Fagan: Haiti Child
Another week, another Haiti single. This is a nice yet unextraordinary live acoustic cover by little known Irish singers.
14. Erykah Badu: Window Seat
Wow just discovered this girl and wow she is good! With lovely silky vocals and a smooth R&B production, she sounds like a modern day Macy Gray.
15. Glee Cast: Don't Make Me Over
Jennifer Hudson Junior is perfect for this retro styled cover of the soulful Dionne Warwick track. A great way to start of this week's episode Hairography.
16. Glee Cast: Papa, Don't Preach
Again, another epic cover by the Glee Cast. Pregnant Cheerleader is perfect for this acoustic cover of Madonna's 1986 smash. Her voice works so well with this song.
17. Glee Cast: Imagine
The Glee Cast are on a roll this week, this is an actually amazing heartwarming cover of the John Lennon classic.
18. Glee Cast: Bootylicious
Glee goes Destiny's Child with this karaoke rendition. Probably the weakest cover in this week's episode.
19. Glee Cast: True Colors
The Quirky Girl With The Fake Stutter gets her chance to shine with her cover of Cyndi Lauper's True Colors. Its perfectly fine but Quirky Girl hasn't a very distinguishable voice. I would have much preferred if she cover "Puh-puh-puh-poker face, puh-puh-puh-poker face".
20. Glee Cast: Hair/Crazy In Love
This is another amazing mash-up by Glee and it features my two favourite characters - The Wheelchair Guy and Jennifer Hudson Junior. It's brilliant and is the most likely tune to break the chart next week. Hairography is an episode you do not want to miss.
21. Groove Armada: History
Very '80s and very good. I must go out and buy Groove's new album Black Light soon...and I recommend you do too.
22. Jamie T: Emily's Heart
Jamie T is a wonderful songwriter and this single from sophomore album Kings And Queens showcases that perfectly. Sounds a bit like The Streets.
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
23. Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston: Eenie Meenie
I was going to award Stinker of the Week to Justin Bieber's other song but I decided that this promo single is even more dire. This is a joint collaboration from the tween...sorry teen...heartthrob and the irrelevant Jamacian singer/rapper. Built around the juvenile "Eenie Menie Minie Mo" rhyme, Sean and Justin sing about an "eenie meenie mo lover" (sounds explicit for someone whose not legal yet) and refer to her as "shawty" throughout the song. Yeah guys, cos ye are so tall. This song is terrible. Terrible. Boring R&B. Has a Summery vibe but still crap. Has to be heard (for free) to realise how terrible it is.
24. Justin Bieber: Baby
I have nothing personal against the Biebmeister but if he continues to release such generic R&B junk, I'm gonna keep up my criticisms. This, for me, is worse than One Time. The chorus is just a lazy man's way of being catchy, repeating "Baby" over and over again. Justin's voice also sounds weak on the chorus. Ludacris turns up to spit out some uninspired verse about his tweenhood. Can I ask why cool rappers like Ludacris and Drake (who appears in the video) want to hang around with a bunch of 15-year-olds? Like come on!
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
25. Lady GaGa featuring Beyoncé: Telephone
GaGa might be pretentious and fond of using gimmicks but you can’t deny her talent, creativity and her knack for writing some amazing pop songs. This will hopefully be GaGa’s fourth Number 1 in the UK. Originally written for Britney Spears, it’s a good thing GaGa held on to this for herself because only she could pull off the restrained harp backed intro and outro, the speedy club friendly production and sirens, the countless number of hooks and the fast paced verses. Beyoncé almost steals the show with her raspy verse, but after her being the lead artist on their last collaboration Video Phone (which was a real stinker), it’s only right that Lady GaGa shines on this much better offering from the pair.
26. LIGHTS: Ice
Yes! A brand new find! A much cooler, female version of Owl City. LIGHTS is a one woman band who writes and plays her own New Wavey electropop tunes. Sounds like a bit like Blackout Britney.
27. Major Lazer featuring Vybz Kartel: Pon De Floor
This combines rave and dancehall quite effectively. Great production but we’ve heard it all before.
28. Michael Bublé: Cry Me A River
Housewife favourite Michael Bublé returns with the second single from his crazy selling album Crazy Love. The intro to the Canadian crooner’s new song is epically dramatic and his voice is very powerful but this ballad doesn’t really go anywhere. Could be a nice James Bond theme.
29. Paloma Faith: Upside Down
Paloma changes pace with the third single from her brilliant debut album, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful? After teary eyed ballads like Cold Stone Sober and New York, this is a much more lively track from the multi-talented soul artist.
30. Rod Stewart: (You’re Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher
Rod Stewart releases this solid but really unnecessary cover of the Jackie Wilson classic. Rod Stewart fans will lap it up but for everyone else, this will hardly be a blip on your radar.
31. Rowetta Howett: Beautiful Lies
Anyone remember Rowetta? Nope neither did I! She got to the Final 9 (yup, it was the Final 9 as opposed to the Final 12 back in those dark days) of the first ever series of The X-Factor. She was also the first to be knocked out of those live finals. Her debut single is actually rather nice, nothing out of this World. Showcases that she has talent though.
32. Rox: My Baby Left Me
Much like Noisettes Don’t Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go!), this could be a massive crossover hit if it gets enough airplay. A super catchy soulful indie track!
33. Skepta: Bad Boy
A slicky produced grime track. Much like Rox, this could be a massive crossover hit. Much better than Tinie Tempah, in my opinion.
34. Snoop Dogg: Rida Man
Snoopie samples the Spiderman theme in this novelty promo single. I like it but its nothing amazing.
35. Snoop Dogg: I Wanna Rock
A solid old skool hip-hop track that samples Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s 1988 song It Takes Two. It Takes Two is popular this week has the Black Eyed Peas have also sampled the song for Rock That Body. But while Black Eyed Peas shoot to the future, Snoop sticks to keeping the song in the past.
36. Three 6 Mafia vs. Tiësto featuring Flo Rida and Sean Kingston: Feel It
Wow, I’m pleasantly surprised that a song featuring my “two favourite artists” Sean Kingston and Flo Rida could be so good. Thanks to Tiesto’s fast paced production, this is a great club banger and driving song combined. Love it!
37. T.I.: I’m Back
T.I.’s comeback from prison song. I like T.I.’s so I won’t knock this too much but we’ve heard this kind of track from him (and many other rappers) many times before.at
38. Timbaland featuring Bran’Nu: Meet In Tha Middle
Timbaland continues to release promo singles from his poor selling Timbaland Presents Shock Value II album. This is a really great rap track and has that old skool feel of some of his earlier tunes. Brandy (of Moesha fame) also shocks by unleashing her rapping alter ego Bran’Nu and she’s just fantastic at it. One of the few artists who can rap as well as they sing.
Complain about this comment
Ah damn, forgot to space about my T.I. and Timbo comments at the end.
Complain about this comment
Excellent review as usual Random.
I love Black Eyed Peas´ Rock That Body. Maybe it should have been released as one of the first singles.
Rox is dead catchy!
Groove Armada - loving it!
Snoop Dogg´s I Wanna Rock - surprised that I liked it so much.
Lady Gaga´s track feels like it´s been around for ages, but it´s still good though.
Jamie T - like it a lot.
And err... actually like the simplicity of Justin´s Baby...
Erykah Badu is one of a kind. Sometimes wacky, always wonderful. She´s amazing live, although I´ve only seen her on live clips on the telly and on Youtube.
Complain about this comment
Some brilliant information , that is quickly becoming essential viewing for Chartblog fans .
Keep it up Randy !
Complain about this comment
Oh I should say that the Chris Brown featuring L.A. The Darkman is called Shoes and not In My Zone, which is actually the name of the album it comes from.
Complain about this comment
Apparently in the album charts , Boyzone have edged ahead of Gorillaz in the race for number 1 !
It's gonna be close .
While I am about it , I am so disappointed with Stylo as a single . Without the video with our Brucie , to me it feels bereft of hooks and commercial vitality .
It has FAILED to chart .
Compare it to previous lead singles of Clint Eastwood and Feel Good Inc , and you realise that Stylo is nowhere near the great pop singles of the other two.
A strange choice for a single .
Superfast Jellyfish is far better !
Complain about this comment
They probably didn't want to release Superfast Jellyfish first because it doesn't contain any vocals from Albarn. Therefore doesn't really sound like Gorillaz.
Complain about this comment
What is the hook of Stylo .
Absolutely nothing stands out for me !
It is on a level with the last lead singles by The Twang , Reverend and the Makers and Maximo Park .
They all failed to make the top 40 too !
Bad sales does not mean songs are bad , that is individual taste , but bad sales DO mean , that hardly anyone feels that the song is good enough to buy .
Complain about this comment
Fair points, Spirit, but I actually like it quite a lot. I guess Gorillaz don't feel under pressure to chart highly with their singles, and are content just to release whatever they feel like. They've obviously got the clout with their record company to do that (maybe because they know the album will sell lots?).
I love the video for Stylo - only watched it for the first time last night.
Speaking of the album, I see it's been given five stars in Q this month. Quite a recommendation - they historically don't throw those around very often (although I've not read Q for the last couple of years).
Complain about this comment
Personally I think that Stylo is brilliant, as is the whole of Plastic Beach, and should really have charted better (though with the added push of the video it may chart this week).
The hook I would say comes from Mos Def and Bobby Womack parts which work well against Albarn's trademark laidback vocals, elsewhere I feel that there are hooks but they are subtler than some tracks in the charts at the moment (e.g: Pass Out which spends about three minutes screaming at you to pay attention to it).
Complain about this comment
Yeah , I do take your points , but for a lead single by a mega successful band , I expected a more commercial, notice us , we are back , type of song .
For example , Stylo is not even in the top 50 airplay chart .
Radio are not touching it , and the mumblings I hear , is because it sounds bland , has no real discernible hook or standout chorus . Radio 1 B listed it , but many other radio stations have passed on it , citing a lack of commercial capacity as the reason.
It IS an extremely subtle track , and I feel there are many better songs on the album .
Complain about this comment
The whole thing is a hook! I think it is absolutely amazing. There is room in the market and more importantly the radio airwaves for a song subtle as this!! So what if it doesn't have the massive obviousness of something like Black Eyed Peas or Tiny Temper?!? It's still a fantastic track.
Probably the same reason Massive Attack's latest didn't get much love from the radio.
As as concept it annoys me. Tracks like this are very easy to slot into play lists. I doesn't need to be a sing along classic to find room.
Not listened to the album yet.
Complain about this comment
15th March 2010
A much better week for singles this time with a good mix of new artists and big names to keep people happy.
01. All Time Low: Lost In Stereo
All Time Low, may I note that just because Fall Out Boy are on hiatus, or split up I'm not really sure anymore, it doesn't mean you can sudddenly swoop in and steals their sound! (same goes for You Me At Six, don't think we haven't all noticed) This song is literally Emo-Pop by numbers; lyrics about some girl whose lost in some way or other. Check. Big sing-along chorus. Check. and a chord progression so predictable it could send you into a coma. Double Check! 2 STAR
02. Band Of Skulls: I Know What I Am
Band Of Skulls, may I note that just because The White Stripes are currently on hiatus, or touring Canada, it doesn't mean you can just swoop in and steal their sound! Thankfully your actually pretty good at it and you have a third member so I'll let you off, the addition of a female vocalist adds something to the song and it has enough hooks to be a crossover hit. Unfortunately they're unlikely to get much airplay due to other people (Justin Bieber) clogging up the airwaves. 4 STARS
03. Black Eyed Peas: Rock That Body
Black Eyed Peas return with another single off their gazillion selling album THE E.N.D, sounding like Daft Punk this song is definately designed for the club rather than the radio. It's not as good as the previous singles but it's nowhere near the awfulness of Imma Be. 3 STARS
04. Cheryl Cole: Parachute
It's been a bad time for love recently, hasn't it? First Tiger Woods, then Vernon Kay and only a few weeks ago Ashley Cole slipped up leaving everyone rooting for the 'nation's sweet-heart' in what could be a highly publicised divorce case. Come to think of it, it's been so bad that I barely even noticed Valentine's Day (then again, in my opinion, they should just get rid of Valentine's Day and have Pancake Day twice).
So with her personel life in trouble Miss Cole (I don't want her to change her name back to Tweedy because it just reminds me of the evil woman in Chicken Run) returns with a proper ballad from her 3 Words album, complete with string and marching rhythmns, to take her mind off things. With the back story the song is given an added lyrical lift (which is rare in a Cheryl Cole song) and the song does seem to be sung was more heart than her previous work even if we'd all secretly prefer another Girls Aloud album. 3 STARS
05. Chris Brown: Crawl
After what he did to Rihanna the idea of Chris Brown singing a love song just seems wrong, he should really stick to arrogant dance songs like I Can Transform Ya (which though being poor felt sincere). I've never been a fan of these sorts of R&B ballads and this one does nothing to change my opinion. 2 STARS
06.Craig David: One More Lie (Standing In The Shadows)
It shows how likely Craig David was to fade away when his career was nearly destroyed by a comedian (and not a funny one at that) putting on a mask and saying 'CRAIG DAVID' other and other again. Obviously realising that he's exhausted his previous style David tries to go for the dance market with an uptempo club tune, it's decent enough but even with the Motown sampling it ends up sounding like a Jason Derulo reject.
2 STARS
07. Delphic: Halycon
New Order Junior return with another single from their strong debut album Acolyte, sounding this time a bit more like the Klaxons than normal. It's one of those great indie floorfillers along the lines of Golden Skans and has more commercial potential than Doubt (which was another great song). I'm predicting that the next single will either be Remain or a re-release of Counterpoint. 4 STARS
08. Drake featuring J. Cole: Over
Drake is doing a good job at filling in the gap left by Kanye West since he went all moody and this, his first proper single on his own, sounds both urgent and cocky at the same time with one of the best backing tracks in a rap song since Empire State of Mind. Sounds like a massive possible crossover hit. 4 STARS
10. Groove Armada: History
Another 80s styled single from Groove Armada this time featuring singer-songwriter Will Young on top form. Much like Paper Romance this doesn't quite reach the heavy heights of Song 4 Mutya but still proves that Groove Armada are one of UK's best dance acts behind Basement Jaxx. 4 STARS
11. Jamie T: Emily's Heart
Young Jamie proves once again why his Kings and Queens album was one of the best last year with this ballad, reworked here with strings the song gains a new leash of life without becoming overblown. After the energy Sticks N Stones and The Man's Machine this is a great change of pace showing off Jamie's songwriting ability. 4 STARS
STINKERS OF THE WEEK!
12. Justin Bieber: Baby/Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston: Eenie Meenie
Surely Justin can't like himself for making this generic R&B music. Baby is okay but is in no way good whilst Eenie Meenie is terrible sounding like Fire Burning with all the energy sapped out of it. For Baby: 2 STARS For Eenie Meenie 1 STAR
13. Lady GaGa featuring Beyoncé: Telephone
Gaga and Beyonce team up on this club ready anthem about not wanting to be telephoned whilst shaking your groove thing on the dancefloor. With the added boost of the insane video this sounds like no.1 in waiting, which would be the fourth for Gaga in only two years of musical existence. 4 STARS
14. Michael Bublé: Cry Me A River
When I heard this I was initially disappointed that it wasn't a cover of the Justin Timberlake pop masterpiece, instead it's a jazzy, show number that wouldn't feel out of place in a James Bond movie. I'll give it another mark for the video just for Buble's attempt at body popping halfway through. 4 STARS
15. Paloma Faith: Upside Down
Personally I felt this should have been third single instead of 'Do You Want The Truth' but it doesn't really matter now as it getting the release it deserves. It's nice to hear a song that has that old fashioned feel whilst still feeling update and modern, lets hope we hear more from Paloma in the future. 4 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
16. Rox: My Baby Left Me
Another great retro tune from one of this year's brightest prospects. Unlike Duffy and Adele, Rox goes for rhythmn over lush arragements to create a song that sounds like it's come out of the 1960s whilst sounding bang up to date. Hopefully this will give her the crossover hit she deserves. 4 STARS
17. Skepta: Bad Boy
Unfortunately I fear I'll be hearing this song blaring out of people's cars in weeks to come, after Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder do we really need another 'grime' sensation. This ones sounds like what would happen if Delphic had grown up listening to Dizzee Rascal, thank god they didn't. 2 STARS
18. T.I.: I’m Back
Thankfully T.I returns with a bang instead of a whisper, with Lil Wayne in jail (and producing some of his worst stuff ever) T.I can finally put his name up in the big league with the likes of Jay Z and Eminem. Whether or not this will be an official single is yet to be seen but at the moment that doesn't matter, he doesn't lie T.I is definately back! 4 STARS
Complain about this comment
@ 242
How could you say Stylo is in anyway bland! The Kraftwerk style synth throughout, Bobby Womack brilliant vocal performance and Damon Albarn are all brilliant and exciting, also I haven't heard the people calling it bland unless you count the first local chav you see as 'the people'. Critic's have been consistently picking it out as one of the standout tracks and rightly so it's not a big pop song but it is a massive tune!
Complain about this comment
Instrumentally , I feel Stylo sits within a consistent keyboard riff throughout the whole song , and does not illustrate much musical variation.
Vocally the hooks are very subtle , BUT the song is a definite grower.
However , to me it does not sound like a lead single by a band of Gorillaz's calibre , and these views are replicated by a number of radio stations who have decided to pass on the track .
To ME , Stylo sounds like an album track , and does not match the greatness of some other Gorillaz singles .
After hearing how good the album is , I am surprised by the choice of Stylo as lead single , and if you take away the glamour of the video and a Hollywood legend in the speeding car , then there is little in the track apart from minimal, subtle deft touches in the song , for me to get REALLY excited about.
There are better songs on the album.
Complain about this comment
I see your point but how many great songs are there with just one musical idea throughout: All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem, 99 Problems - Jay Z, Seven Nations Army - White Stripes, Shut Up And Let Me Go - The Ting Tings how can you knock Stylo for being simple when there are so many great songs like these which are as simple if not more so.
I'll admit I have a pretty commercial taste in music, maybe a bit less than most people, and the song managed to interest me as a big hit.
Complain about this comment
I'm afraid I have to disagree Spirit! Stylo grabbed me on first listen and that doesn't happen for me often.
Complain about this comment
Yeah , of course it's personal taste .
Ok , let's put it another way .
Why did Stylo fail to make the radio top 50 airplay chart , and why has it failed to even be a top 40 hit ?
Trust me , there ARE reasons .
Complain about this comment
Lack of promotion.
Complain about this comment
It was B listed at radio 1 , and came on the back of a previous album that literally sold millions .
Gorillaz are all over every single music mag at the moment with 4 or 5 star reviews of the album , and the video has Bruce Willis in it .
It's NOT lack of promotion .
Try again . . .
Complain about this comment
Here's two reason why Stylo hasn't faired that well:
1) When it was leaked Stylo was rush released on 26th January so all the diehard fans bought it then and many people have been steadily buying it on Itunes over February. If the date of release had been set to a time when everyone knew it was released (which is what was planned) with the video up on the internet then it would have faired much better, they were never able to capitalise on a big first week sale. That being said it would probably end up not cracking the top 10 but hitting somewhere in the 15 - 25 area of the charts.
2) Due to Gorillaz being more of an album band fans will buy the album therefore there's no point in buying the single. Feel Good Inc. was very much a pop song and managed to catch the casual listener, (who probably don't read music magazines) because Stylo isn't a pop song and the fact that it's been five years since a Gorillaz release, they couldn't catch those buyers because most of them didn't even know there was a new Gorillaz record coming out.
Complain about this comment
Lack of promotion also a factor Spirit. Gorillaz aren't on X Factor, they aren't on Jonathon Ross, they aren't on GMTV, they aren't on Jools Holland, they don't have an exclusive rooftop gig with Radio1, they aren't in the Live Lounge, they aren't doing advertisements, they aren't promoting the single half as hard as many artists out there.
Its a factor, not an over riding one.
Poor timing, leads, lack of video and lack of conviction from the band are all factors too.
I think the last one is important. I honestly don't think they really care if their lead single charts really well or not. I guess they know their album will sell well and is well received. When you are in the stage of your career that Damon is in, I don't think he will (or has for the previous albums?!) gone all out on promotion and effort into generating single sales. He doesn't need or want to.
That being said, I'm sure he does care. There's plenty of promotion kicking around at the moment.
But notice it is more linked to the album?
Complain about this comment
Oh and for factual accuracy, Stylo is currently on the Radio 1 A list.
Complain about this comment
Professor Green - I Need You Tonight
I saw this guy do a cameo song with Lily Allen. This tracks a bit rubbish, I like the set up and the backing a lot more than the lyrics and his delivery. I don't think it will be sending waves through the chart anyway.
Complain about this comment
Some really good points raised.
I can see that the whole marketing strategy has been mostly around the album and not the single .
The brand "Plastic Beach " has been discussed in music circles FAR more than the brand "Stylo "
Bearing in mind that one of the biggest promotional tools for an album is a hit single , it would appear that Stylo has failed in this instance .
To me it doesn't have the melody , wow factor or crossover appeal that Clint Eastwood and Feel Good Inc had .
It's a good song with a hypnotic groove , but a strange choice for a lead single , and this view is echoed by many people in the radio industry who have chosen not to play it.
The thought of a Gorillaz lead single not making the top 40 , would have been unthinkable 2 months ago , but here we are..
However the album is getting a lot of rave reviews ,being praised for it's kaleidoscope of styles. Superfast Jellyfish is causing a stir , and a friend of mine has written that he feels that On Melancholy Hill and Pirate Jet are some of the best songs that Damon has written .
Plastic Beach is battling with Boyzone's Brother to be tonights number 1 album , and it could be close .
Complain about this comment
Some could argue Boyzone had the perfect marketing tool for this album.
Complain about this comment
@ 295
The only good bit of the Professor Green track is the backing and I'm pretty sure that's sampled from some 80s song (probably the Human League).
Complain about this comment
Need You Tonight was a number 2 hit in 1988 for INXS , when Michael Hutchence had the wonderful swagger of a brilliant pop star with his wonderful Australian band.
Michael famously dated Helena Christiansen , Kylie Minogue and the much missed Paula Yates .
I remember Paula doing an interview and revealing that the first time her and Michael got it on , she said that he did 5 things that she thought were illegal .
A lot of people, at the time tried to guess what the 5 things were.
I am pretty sure the first thing was that Michael parked his car on double yellow lines outside Paula's house ! :)
Not sure on the other 4........
Complain about this comment
300!
Complain about this comment
I would just like to make a correction to my Singles Release Diary @ 272.
Unreliable old YouTube gave me a video titled Drake featuring J. Cole: 'Over'. Unfortunately that video was a fake and I heard the wrong version. The real song is actually just Drake by himself (no J. Cole featured on Over) and I agree with Harry's point about Over having one of the best backing tracks since Empire State Of Mind and I agree that Drake is a much more likable Kanye West.
Complain about this comment
Ha ha poor Randy.
But maybe your post could have started:
Drake and J.Cole An apology
:)
Complain about this comment
So Boyzone have the number 1 album and Gorillaz are at number 2 .
I firmly believe Gorillaz would have the number 1 album tonight , if the lead single had captivated the nation and had been a hit single , and had blanket radio play.
Still , never mind , eh ?
Complain about this comment
Stylo is a thousand times better than Gave It All Away. 'Nuff said.
Complain about this comment
@ 303
I don't really care that it's not no.1 this week.
Gorillaz have made an album that will surely become a classic and will be remembered in 20 years time. Boyzone have made an album destined for the bargain basement that won't even be remembered in 10 weeks time.
Complain about this comment
@305 I'm agreed.
I guess this is a big album for Boyzone and you have to respect what they have gone through in the past year. But without beating around the bush, the lead single if awful, their material from the past year or so has been awful and they are pretty awful generally.
Apart from his criminal and unprofessional (didn't have permission from The Goo Goo Dolls) cover of 'Iris', Ronan Keating's solo stuff wasn't actually that bad! Some of it anyway.
Complain about this comment
Looks like Glee will probably stop Gorillaz this week!
Complain about this comment
Yep Glee volume 2 , is going for number 1 , unless Boyzone or Gorillaz stage a fightback .
The pre-order amount for the Glee album , really proves just what a popular programme it really is !
A bit like watching women's beach volleyball.
Great figures .
Complain about this comment
A little bit of news .
The gorgeous Jedward have been dropped from their current record company , after only releasing one single.
Although the song reached number 2 , apparently overall sales did not match the outlay , so a decision was made .
I am sure there will be a mixture of tears and cheers around the British Isles .
Complain about this comment
@ 308,
That joke was so dry about the "figures", Spirit. But I love it. Hilarious.
@ 309,
As much as I'd like to jump for joy at Jedward getting dropped, I have to say I feel sort of sorry for them. They are only 18 and two very naive 18-year-olds at that. Like Eoghan Quigg, they will have realised the fickle nature of fame.
Surprisingly though, they are back at No.1 in Ireland.
Complain about this comment
@ 308
I don't really get the point of the Glee soundtrack albums, without the story and the visuals the music really suffers. Much like Jedward
@ 309
On the subject of Jedward, it's pretty harsh getting dropped after having a no.2 hit imagine being told that if your first single doesn't get to no.1 your sacked!
Complain about this comment
Doesn't look like Jedward's music career is finished yet. Apparently after being dropped by Sony, they've now signed a deal with Universal. Time will tell whether this is true or not.
Complain about this comment
Right , I have done my research , and can predict that Once by Diana Vickers will be a top 20 single in April .
Go DIANA !
Complain about this comment
I hope Once gets to hit the Top 10 seeing as it's better than most of the X-Factor rubbish that gets thrown about.
Complain about this comment
Oh and all you people lauding Stylo by Gorillaz , it sounds just loke a B side from 1982 !!!
Don't believe me ?
Go to You tube and listen to Time Warp by Eddy Grant !
This was the B side to his number 2 hit , Electric Avenue .
The blatant ripping off of Eddy's instrumentation is outrageous .
Word reaches me , that Eddy is seeking legal advice , and according to my ears he will win any legal proceedings. THE SIMILARITY is obvious .
Go and listen , and tell me what you think .
Complain about this comment
Is Laura White still pushing ahead with her solo career or has she faded away into obscurity?
Complain about this comment
No pushing ahead .
She is supporting Peter Andre on his UK TOUR at the moment .
Complain about this comment
@ 315
I heard about that a couple of days ago and went to listen to the song online, and to be honest I can't really see him winning the case. The high synth riffs both sound similar but it's only three notes, the chance of hittting the same three notes is pretty high, the basis of both the songs are different so I wouldn't call Stylo a copy of Eddy Grant.
Also he's looking for full song-writing credits for a three note riff! What's up with him has he not got any cash in his bank. Sure the riffs sound similar but Gorillaz didn't copy the whole song did they, Damon Albarn wouldn't risk copying a song at this stage in his career he's got too much of a reputation to keep.
My final point is that Eddy Grant stated that anyone who knows his composition would realise Stylo is a rip off, Timewarp is apparently a very popular song on the dj club scene so why haven't any critics in the many reviews of Plastic Beach pointed out these 'obvious similarities'. Eddy Grant says he will take the case 'to god', he'll be lucky if god even notices him.
Complain about this comment
Well if Eddy's got God as his barrister , Gorillaz had better watch out .
There is no doubt in my mind , where the instrumentation for Stylo has come from.
Certainly NOT an act of God .
Complain about this comment
Even many Gorillaz fans on You Tube , appear to be shocked at the similarity , there are hundreds of comments to illustrate this .
Complain about this comment
Yeah but there are also hundreds of comments that say they didn't copy it. Most people agree that the high synth bit is the same but I doubt anyones said that Eddy deserves full song-writing credits.
Complain about this comment
Would you actually believe the amount of frustration I have experienced trying to bring you this week’s Singles Reviews post? I had written out all my reviews twice and both times the stupid BBC Chart Blog website went down on me and I lost everything! Anyway’s I’ve decided to be intelligent this time round and type my post out on Microsoft Word before using the unreliable website.
Okay single reviews for this week are all a little blah. Nothing amazing yet nothing awful either. Here we are, third time’s the charm.
22nd March 2010
01. 12 Stone Toddler: This Suit
I actually decided to review this track because clinically obese toddlers make me LOL! I wasn’t expecting this song to be so good though. Like nothing on the radio at the moment, this fun bouncy song is like a grandson of Madness’ House Of Fun. Really enjoyable stuff.
02. 50 Cent featuring Governor: Do You Think About Me
After hassling Kelly Rowland to have his babies on terrible last single Baby By Me, 50 redeems himself somewhat with this subdued rap track that sees him acting all vulnerable and such. With chipmunk backing vocals, this sounds like a less irritating version of Ironik’s Stay With Me. Fiddy has clearly lost it though ‘cause this is no In Da Club or my personal favourite P.I.M.P..
03. Arctic Monkeys: My Propeller
A decent enough third single from their good but not great album Humbug. There is a hidden power behind this downbeat track and the last minute in a half of the track sounds like classic Monkeys.
04. Audio Bullys: Only Man
Not feelin’ this one at all really. I love some of Audio Boys tracks but this is a poor choice of lead single from forthcoming album Higher Than The Eiffel. Minimal electronica with Britpop is the best way to describe this song.
05. Boy George: Amazing Grace
Sadly this isn’t Boy George doing a cover of the famous hymn. Instead, this is a very ‘90s and very gay friendly (that better not stir up more controversy) dance anthem than many should embrace with open arms but it’s really not my cup of tea. Give me Karma Chameleon anyday.
06. Classical Artists For Haiti: The Prayer
Yet another Haiti charity single. I’m all for the support the country’s being getting but were there this many charity events for the likes of the Tsunami, Katrina and Africa. Anyways, all of the top classical musicians such as Paul Potts, Natasha Marsh, Faryl, The Priests, Rhydian Roberts and…um…Darius gather together to bring us this rather pleasant classical track. Glad it isn’t all overblown and melodramatic and not too depressing either. It does sound like it should be soundtracking some Disney film though.
07. Fionn Regan: Catacombs
The Irish singer-songwriter sounds like a young Neil Young (pardon the pun!) on this retro little number. Can definitely see this one becoming a grower after a few more listens.
08. Florence + The Machine: Dog Days Are Over
A pointless re-release as everyone’s heard this song and its since firmly become ingrained in European culture with all the times its been heard on TV and radio. Unless you’ve been living under a rock in the Gobi Desert with earplugs in, curled up in a ball, it’s likely you’ve heard this. Not to say its bad as I would consider it one of Florence + The Machine’s signature songs starting off all soft with tinkling harps before exploding in a cascade of percussion, handclaps and Florence’s celebratory, heavenly chorus. Now hurry up and release Cosmic Love I tell you…before it’s too late!
09. Glee Cast: Jump
The rock snob inside of me wants to sneer at Glee covering the Van Halen classic but in fairness this song is just perfect for them. With that joyous shouty chorus and those hyperactive synths, the Glee Cast completely shine on this track. Probably one of the best songs form the series so far. It made me go off and re-download the original anyway.
10. Glee Cast: Smile
Glee produce an Americanised version of Lily Allen’s debut single and breakout hit. Hot Social Outcast Girl does a good job of making the song her own but it’s completely ruined by Tall Jock Guy’s unnecessary and constipated backing vocals.
11. Glee Cast: Smile
Another Smile that Glee cover in this episode is the classic ballad written by Charlie Chaplin. Love this, but any version of Smile sang by a competent singer always gets me secretly teary eyed. But shhhhh! Don’t tell anyone.
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
12. Inna: Hot
More Eurodance trash that’s only listenable when you’re off your face in a club. Why is Inna charting so well? What is she doing that’s so different from all the latest flops by Velvet or September?!
13. Laura Cretchley & Friends: Cheltenham (Downtown)
If you haven’t noticed, I’ve being slyly creeping in Irish only releases into my Singles Reviews posts in the hope that my millions of British readers will check the song out on YouTube and make it a hit across the pond or just to get a good laugh if its real bad. I don’t know what to make of this charity single for *dun dun dun* Haiti. It basically sounds like Petula Clark’s Downtown with the word ‘downtown’ being replaced by Cheltenham (a famous horse racing course in Ireland) sang by some unknown Irish singer and a bunch of random sporting pundits on backing vocals. So cringeworthy yet so good. Let’s make it an international hit!
14. Mr. Hudson featuring Kanye West: Anyone But Him
After failing to replicate the success of the infectious and sure to be pop classic Supernova, Mr. Hudson plays it safe by teaming up with Kanye West again. Sadly this second offering from the pair doesn’t live up and should of just stayed on the album. A mid-tempo minimalist electro track that doesn’t really go anywhere. Mr. H. wails in Auto-Tune about how some girl picked Kanye over him. At least, Kanye responds to Hudson’s singing rather than blabbing on about something completely out of sync with the subject of the song like the majority of guest rappers. Kanye also uses the killer line “Once you go black, you never goes back”.
15. Peggy Sue: Watchmen
I’m liking this girl. She sounds like a folky Amy Winehouse on this track. Hopefully, she gets herself a major record deal soon.
16. Tiësto featuring Nelly Furtado: Who Wants To Be Alone
Tiësto must fancy himself as the new David Guetta as he works with more and more mainstream artists lately. I know I’d listen to Tiësto over Guetta anyday. This is a great club friendly trance track featuring the versatile Nelly Furtado on singing duties. I love Furtado’s vocals on this track, it sounds like how she sang on her Spanish album Mi Plan yet this is in English. Perhaps not Tiësto’s best work ever but I think I’m gonna check out his Kaleidoscope album and can’t wait for Nelly’s album Lifestyle due out this Summer.
17. Usher featuring will.i.am.: OMG
A really poor lead single from Usher’s new album. I’m so sick of will.i.am. recycling beats from The E.N.D. and putting them on other artists’ albums. This sounds like an E.N.D. B-side with Usher’s trademark croon drowned in deadpan Auto-Tune and a bizarre football chant running through the verses. Perhaps this will grow on me but I miss the Usher who used to deliver flawless pop/R&B songs like Yeah! and Caught Up. Luckily there are much better songs on Usher’s forthcoming Raymond Vs. Raymond but this is a poor first offer to the international market.
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
18. Young Artists For Haiti: Wavin’ Flag
Canada’s finest artists such as Nelly Furtado, Drake, Avril Lavigne and the mighty Justin Bieber gather together to record this surprisingly enjoyable Haitian charity single. Unlike the hot mess that was We Are The World 25, this original song is anthemic, inspirational and globally reaching. It’s actually the best charity single I’ve heard since the original Band Aid’s Feed The World, that’s how good it is.
Phew! Finally done successfully. As usual, give me feedback and tell me what you think of this week’s singles. :D
Complain about this comment
Oh my God you guys! You won't believe how long it took me to sort out the HTML. The trouble I go through to review these songs.
Complain about this comment
And that's why a lot of people love you , with such passion . x x x
Complain about this comment
*blushes* Why thank you Sprit. *waves dainty hanky*
Complain about this comment
I feel bad for having left it this late but here is my thoughts on this weeks singles.
22nd March 2010
01. Arctic Monkeys: My Propeller
Whose knows what's going on in Arctic Monkeys' minds, Humbug may not be an album full of singles but Secret Door, Dangerous Animals and Pretty Visitors would all be better singles, actually Potion Approaching would also be a better single. So why have they released the seventh best single of a ten track album. 3 STARS
02. Boy George: Amazing Grace
Dull, 90s-styled electro-pop - I hesitate to use the term gay anthem but it does sound like one - from Boy George. Disapointing after a good appearance on Jools Hollands Hootenanny earlier this year/last year. 2 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
03. Florence + The Machine: Dog Days Are Over
Pointless re-release but still a great song. After a ropey start Florence has now easily become the biggest UK success from the Sound Of 2009 list and is sure to outlast La Roux, Little Boots and White Lies (not that they're bad they just don't sound like lasting acts). 4 STARS
04. Inna: Hot
Hate is a strong word but sometimes it's required. 1 STAR
05. Mr. Hudson featuring Kanye West: Anyone But Him
Much like Arctic Monkeys this is another ridiculous single release. It seems that Hudson has decided to bring Kanye West back to the party in an attempt to hit the top 10 again except this time he's forgotten to get a good song for him, Everything Is Broken would've been as much better single choice. 2 STARS
06. Peggy Sue: Watchmen
A nice folky song but nothing that's really going to entice me to buy the album or single. Unfortunately they've chosen to release it in the week where another higher profile folk album is coming out (Laura Marling), unfortunately the high profile one is much better. 2 STARS
07. Tiësto featuring Nelly Furtado: Who Wants To Be Alone
Got bored before the end, would much prefer to listen to the track he did with Dizzee Rascal. 1 STARS
08. Usher featuring will.i.am.: OMG
When Randy described this as sounding like a The E.N.D b-side I was worried it would be terrible and I was right. 1 STAR
09. Young Artists For Haiti: Wavin’ Flag
The problem with charity singles is that they all sound the same, the only reason that Band Aid is half decent was because it was one of the first ones. You just have to go down a checklist to get eveything you need; big choir chorus, 'emotional' piano chords, video featuring pictures of devastation and destruction, the odd person who is actually famous and some guest rappers telling how 'we need to make a change'. Get all those and you got yourself a chart topping charity single! 2 STARS
P.S: Young Artists for Haiti get an extra mark purely for being a good cause.
There you have it, a pretty dull week actually mostly third or fourth singles or people who aren't really going to set the charts alive.
Complain about this comment
Ah better late than never, Harry.
I agree with you on most things here. Its been an absolute dire week for singles. I do love Wavin' Flag but I get what you mean about all charity singles sounding the same. Peggy Sue's single isn't a big release really, a bit like Florence when she first came out. I have a feeling Peggy Sue is going to be a hyped up artist for 2011 though.
Next weeks singles aren't so good either. We've got 30 Seconds To Mars, Akon, Alex Gardner, Ash, Corrine Bailey Rae, The Drums, Glee Cast, HIM, Katherine Jenkins, Keri Hilson, Kids In Glass Houses, Lil John, Mariah Carey, Plan B, Scouting For Girls and Ultrabeat.
Pretty boring lineup. The only ones I'm looking forward to is 30 Seconds To Mars, The Drums, Plan B and *shock horror* Keri Hilson (her new song is really good and doesn't feature anyone)!!!
Complain about this comment
Oh and I'm gonna review Ou Est Le Swimming Pool as well and any other tracks I find by Thursday or Friday.
Complain about this comment
Really disappointed with the Monkeys (the arctic variety) recently, the album just felt like they were trying to be something they arn't, and I couldn't tell the difference between most of the songs, nor where they started or ended. My Propellor has a decent hook i seem to remember, but i can't recall the rest of it, which doesn't bode well.
I do hope they give 'Whatever People Say I Am...' a listen before they start work on Number 4...
Complain about this comment
Randy , you mentioned Scouting For Girls .
I must admit their new single This Ain't a Love Song , has really grown on me , each time I hear it . Love and loathed in equal measure , this group do what they do , very well .
Drenched in hooks , and pleasantly more yearning than previous singles ,this will definitely be another top 20 hit for the band , and a lot of their fans will love it .
Complain about this comment
Alexandra Burke's management have cancelled teary eyed ballad The Silence as the fourth single from Overcome and have opted to release another club banger All Night Long instead. It's actually a really great song, much more pleasing than Bad Boys or Broken Heels.
Complain about this comment
Just liked to make some additions to this weeks singles reviews.
Stornoway - I Saw You Blink
A lovely acoustic ballad from the oxford band. Caught this band on Jools Holland a while back with the brilliant Zorbing and this is a great follow up, a must listen for any Mumford and Sons fans. 4 STARS
Wild Beasts - We've Still Got the Taste On Our Tongues
Another brilliant tune from Wild Beast's second album Two Dancers, it shows the quality of the record when this is released as a third single. This time the falsetto is tone down a bit, for the most parts, and the guitar go together perfectly to an Indie sound that isn't generic. 5 STARS
We Have Band - Divisive
A great piece of synth pop, which is hard to come by nowadays, from the Manchester three piece. Carried along by the brilliant bass-line the song contains more than a hint of The Human League but still ends up sounding fresh. Love it! 4 STARS
Complain about this comment
Love the Wild Beasts track .
I especially like One by Yeasayer which sounds like Culture Club jamming with Friendly Fires in heaven .
Brilliant song !!!
Complain about this comment
What? Harry's reviewed singles that I haven't. Oh this is not on. After narrowly escaping Mr. Happy and his machete and his pet fire breathing goat (the lovechild of a dragon and a goat), I am not in a very good mood. Expect my reviews on Stornoway, Wild Beasts, We Have Band and Yeasayer in the next day or so.
Complain about this comment
What can I say about Jedward? A LOT.
First of all, they are the most annoying twins in the universe.
Second, I actually like this song. But 5 stars? NO.
Lastly, how could they have sneaked in through the live show? And how could have Louis had them? Well, he did say they were fun but I THINK HE WAS LYING.
It's quite a good song, annoying video, but I like it.
Complain about this comment
Yeah, the star rating doesnt mean anything. Its just for when he gives someone ie. Bieber 5 stars to annoy us or 1 star so we get some loyal fans to argue with...
Complain about this comment
Okay adding these reviews for my Singles Reviews Diary at Comment 322.
19. Stornoway: I Saw You Blink
A really good acoustic mid-tempo from the Oxford band. As Harry has said, these guys sound very much like Mumford & Sons. Hey, maybe folky tracks like this will replace electropop as the hot new sound.
20. We Have Band: Divisive
Again, in full agreement with Harry. This is a fabulous piece of synthpop, not Owl City and Lady GaGa style synthpop, a much more alternative sounding form of synthpop like Human League.
21. Wild Beasts: We Still Got The Taste Dancin' On Our Tongues
Love this one actually. Sounds very fresh and original. Although I'd imagine Hayden Thorpe's falsetto would get on my nerves if this track were overplayed. Thankfully, this is unlikely to happen. Definitely (legally) downloading their album Two Dancers though 'cause I'm liking what I'm hearing.
So thank you Harry for reviewing those singles. They are all incredibly strong in a week of poor singles.
Complain about this comment
Stornoway´s track is the best of the week. Absolutely BRILLIANT!!!
Stinker of the week is Usher. OMG... for sure! This is the sound of someone (yes, will.i.am) desperately trying to be cool, creative and experimental. The football type chant does my head in. And that´s just ONE part of the track that is awful... wharra mess!
Complain about this comment
IT'S THAT TIME OF THE WEEK AGAIN!!!
Okay, I'm doubtful you people are that excited about my Singles Reviews Diary (its 8 weeks old now by the way) so I'll just get on with it.
29th March 2010
01. 30 Seconds To Mars: This Is War
Your typical US ‘epic’ rock song. Personally I love this sort of thing but not everyone will lap up the Jared Leto fronted band’s brand of rock with soaring, angst ridden vocals and heavy power chords. It’s a strong second single from the album of the same name though. Also doubles up as the lead single from new video game Dragon Age: Origins.
02. Alex Gardner: I’m Not Mad
Xenomania might be best known for crafting pop hits for girlbands such as Girls Aloud and Sugababes but here they’ve taken time out to work with the newest UK male solo artist to bring something slightly more alternative to the table. Alex Gardner can best be described as a Scottish Erik Hassle. Much like Hassle’s work, this electropop track is brooding and angsty and probably not everyone’s cup of tea. Gardner has a good voice for his 19 years though and he’s sure to gain a legion of female fans due to looking very like a certain Mr. Rob Pattinson.
03. Ash: War With Me
Just to inform you all that Ash have now released the 13th single from their forthcoming singles format series A-Z Series. This track is a cheery little love song but nothing they, or any other band, have never done before…a thousand times before.
04. Corrine Bailey Rae: Paris Nights/New York Mornings
I’m glad to see that Corrine’s album The Sea is not full of downbeat material after the death of her husband. This is a beautiful, light little number with Corrine’s distinctive vocals being as charming as ever. It’s no Put Your Records On but it’s still incredibly enjoyable.
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
05. Crystal Swing: He Drinks Tequila
Maybe this doesn’t deserve the Stinker Of The Week award, I would have given it to the Gummy Bears track below but it’s far too easy to knock novelty singles so this gets it instead. The song was featured on The Ellen DeGeneres St. Patrick’s Day show and their basically the newest YouTube sensations. But the thing is, this song is completely naff. Comprised of a mother, son and daughter…this is a cringeworthy country and western song that can basically be heard by drunken locals in any pub in Ireland. Good voices and good performers they may be but I really just cannot get over how bad this is.
06. The Drums: Best Friend
The ever brilliant Drums return with this new single. On their website, The Drums have said they only write about two types of feelings, “one is the first day of summer when you and all of your friends are standing on the edge of a cliff watching the sun set and being overcome with all of your hopes and dreams at once. The other is when you're walking alone in the rain and realize you will be alone forever.” This song appears to be about the former feeling. Anyway, I recommend you all get downloading on this song as it borrows lots of elements from the 1960s – good old classic rock ‘n’ roll.
07. Glee Cast: And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going
It’s the last episode of the current series of Glee *sniff whine wail* and this week we get four singles from the cast and for a while at least the chart will be free of Glee madness. Jennifer Hudson Junior sounds practically identical to Jennifer Hudson Senior on this track from the Dreamgirls soundtrack. It’s a huge soulful number and I really think J.H.J. (Mercedes, I think that’s her name in the show) really could get a record deal when the show ends.
08. Glee Cast: Don’t Rain On My Parade
The Hot Social Outcast goes all theatrical on this big showtune made most famous by Barbara Streisand. Again I think, the Hot Social Outcast could get a record deal after the show ends, as she really has the most versatile voice out of the whole class and always gives it her all.
09. Glee Cast: You Can’t Always Get What You Want
I know I shouldn’t like their campy cover of Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get You Want but it’s actually sort of amazing. It includes all the cast getting their own solo pieces and I actually think this is my favourite Glee track of the week simply because it’s so uplifting. Brilliant stuff.
10. Glee Cast: My Life Would Suck Without You
This is probably going to be the Glee song that will chart this week. I still prefer the Kelly Clarkson version but with its huge chorus and lyrics about love and support, it was only matter of time before Glee covered this anyway.
11. Gummy Bear: The Gummy Bear Song
Like Crazy Frog except it’s a green teddy bear and he’s not exposing his genitalia to the World, this is basically another ridiculous novelty song. Thankfully, I think most people have wisened up to novelty songs and I don’t think this will be hitting the No.1 spot anytime soon. For some reason, Gummy Bear reminds me of Basshunter.
12. HIM: Scared To Death
The Finnish rock band are back with a new single which is actually very enjoyable. Shows plenty of emotion and vulnerability on the track. If you haven’t listened to HIM before, I recommend you give this a listen.
13. Katherine Jenkins: Love Never Dies
The classical opera singer releases the title track from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical. Her voice is heavenly and if you like opera then you’ll like this. Jenkins doesn’t sound much different from any other classical artist though. Probably the fact that she’s young and blonde and pretty is why she’s so successful at the minute.
14. Keri Hilson: I Like
This one doesn’t seem to be getting any airplay on the music channels or on the radio. Which is a shame. Because this is Keri’s finest solo single yet and there’s not a Lil Wayne, Kanye West or a Ne-Yo to help her out. Originally released as a German only single, this Europoppy number is perfect for the clubs. And it’s not a song about female empowerment or a song about being drunk or being hassled by your telephone. This is a sensual, euphoric type of club track about getting up, close and personal with that special someone. The production is glossy and shiny and Keri’s voice is full of longing. This track is bit like an Americanised R&B version of Ellie Goulding’s Starry Eyed. I’m hoping it will be a hit.
15. Kids In Glass Houses: Matters At All
A strong lead single from Kids In Glass Houses’ new album Dirt. I’m liking this a lot more than the new You Me At Six single. Has a great melody and a crowd pleasing chorus.
16. Lil Jon featuring Kee and Tinchy Stryder: Give It All U Got
Your typical crap rap club track. Lil Jon shouts a lot, Kee is the latest dance diva to warble out an Auto Tuned, catchy chorus and Tinchy provides an alternative to Jon’s shouty raps with his Cockney flow. A catchy enough track, more enjoyable than Flo Rida, but not original at all.
17. Mariah Carey featuring Ne-Yo: Angels Cry
After Mariah’s last album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel flopped hard with no hit singles, it was decided that some of the songs would be remixed and would be put on a remix album known as Angels Advocate. In another bad turn for Mariah, Angels Advocate has been shelved and Mimi is working on a brand new studio album. One of the singles from the remix album is being released this week though and that is Angels Cry, a big teary eyed ballad that been given a little extra help with Ne-Yo’s smooth crooning. Not a bad one at all. I’m no Mariah fan but fans of her older stuff will be happy to know that this is as close as new Mariah (the one who’s fond of acting like a 17 year old girl) will get to being classic Mariah (the big voiced diva of the 1990s).
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
18. Nneka: Walking
Anyone who can’t wait for M.I.A.’s new album (due out in July) should check out Nneka. The Nigerian hip-hop soul singer releases her single Walking and it’s absolutely brilliant. It’s got a M.I.A.esque chorus and has a singy rap style that actually manages to sound soulful at the same time. Take that Ke$ha and Uffie. Love it!
19. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool: These New Knights
While their music is good, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool is yet another ‘80s throwback band. This song is another fantastic slice of ‘80s pop but does it have a current place in today’s market. I don’t think so.
20. Plan B: She Said
Absolutely loving this! I know that Plan B has been somewhat successful but if this track goes the right way, Plan B could be as big as Amy Winehouse. And Amy Winehouse isn’t a bad comparison with this song. In fact, it could be compared to the Ghostface Killah remix of You Know I’m No Good. Singing in falsetto amongst a jazzy backing and finger snaps, Plan B never destroys the sound of this melodic singalong track even when he breaks into his gruff rap. In fact, I love that aspect of the song – the change from singing to rapping. It keeps the song fresh. Plan B is showing us all that there’s still hope for male artists in the music industry.
21. Scouting For Girls: This Ain’t A Love Song
Yes it is actually but that’s not the point. I loved S.F.G.’s She’s So Luvverly but every song that succeeded that sounded almost the same and I lost interest in the band. Thankfully, they’ve returned with a very strong lead single from new album Everybody Wants To Be On TV. The band have matured a bit with this very catchy power ballad and Roy Stride’s distinctive vocals have a hint of a falsetto to it. Now, the lads have to prove with this new album that they can deliver beyond lead singles.
22. Yeasayer: O.N.E.
A great experimental rock track from the US rockers. A real grower. I love it!
Oops accidentally added this to Rybak. But hey now you can read the diary in two places on this blog.
Complain about this comment
30 Seconds To Mars: This Is War is very good, muchos like. Must get around to the album, as that's two strong singles.
Of the Glee tracks, the 'My life would suck without you' is a superior version of the Kelly one! Mainly because of the hugh weight behind the song, and the fact that Kelly's release was just a poor career move.
Lea Michelle who plays hot outcast girl, Rachael, was taken off the West End. So she might not want a recording contract, who knows? Amber Riley, Mercedes, was unknown before Glee, so maybe she'll go snap one up. Her "..and.." is amazing though. 'Rain on your parade' is brilliant, proving just what a talent Lea is.
Yes, I'm a massive Gleek.
The Corrine Bailey Rae track was a poor choice in my opinion. Maybe it's a grower, I don't know .. but I prefered mant other songs off the albun. See my review in Rybak for details. . . 'The Blackest Lilly' would have been a better choice I think.
Complain about this comment
Random, I think you´re getting better by the week at this reviewing business!
And it´s much appreciated. Keep it up, even though I understand it must takes ages to do it!
I´m gonna check out Nneka´s new track. I really liked her last one... was it called "Heartbeat"?
By the way, I´m hoping Stornoway´s single charts tomorrow. But somehow I doubt it...
Complain about this comment
Thanks Liam and Mangsy for the comments. And thanks for the great compliment about me getting better at reviewing Mangsy.
@ Liam,
I've read your review of The Sea and it's a fantastic review but sadly I haven't got round to buying The Sea yet so I can't really compare Paris Nights/New York Mornings to any of the other tracks bar I'd Do It All Again. I guess I was expecting the single to be Corinne singing about the depression of having to travel so much but was happy to find that it was cheery and upbeat and reminded me of why I fell in love with her sound in the first place.
@ Mangsy,
I haven't heard of Nneka until yesterday when I decided to review the single and I'm sure glad I did. I'll definitely be checking out more of her stuff because she's so different from anyone else at the moment. The Stornoway track has really grown on me. It's pretty sad that the Stornoway, Wild Beasts and We Have Band tracks were the strongest tracks of last week and none of them will make a dent on the chart probably. I, myself, completely overlooked them until Harry decided to review them.
Complain about this comment
Didn't Nneka do that absolutely God Damn amazing 'Heartbeat' track with Chase and Status?
Complain about this comment
I checked, they remixed it. Check it out. Simply amazing..
Complain about this comment
Yup, Liam, that´s the one. One of the exciting tracks that got away last year. Although Radio 1 played it quite a lot.
Complain about this comment
Mangsy , Liam , HARRY , Random , I think post number 532 on Rybak proves 3 things .
1) I have an ear for a brilliant song .
2)I am way ahead of my time .
3) I am a predictive genius .
lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
Complain about this comment
Well, Spirit I must hand it to you, not only are you a predictive genius but you have a damn good memory as well.
Complain about this comment
@342 Thanks Randy! Writing isn't something I ever do, so nice to know it wasn't a complete pile of poo. I was of the same opinion about how the album isn't just a massive cry fest. It's really nice. It does have that important emotional weight when needed though.
-
I'll have to try some other Nneka stuff. You were just about right with the top 20 prediction Spirit :P I'm amazed you remember though, I guess just searching Rybak for an artists name is a good way to see if you ever posted about them. I've deffo done it before.
Complain about this comment
Once again here is my take on this weeks singles!
29th March 2010
01. 30 Seconds To Mars: This Is War
I never actually know what 30 Seconds To Mars are fighting about, I know that they're fighting about something because they talk about it in all of their songs but I still don't actually know what it is. Probably doesn't matter though because halfway through this song, the first off the album and second single, Jared Leto declares that 'the war is won' making the rest of the song seem pretty pointless really. Nevermind at least it's another reasonably entertaining track from a reasonably entertaining album. 3 STARS
02. Ash: War With Me
Another song from Ash's ambitious A-Z project, this time round the track sounds like a proper pop single and with the right promotion could be a big hit. Unfortunately that looks unlikely to happen and Ash will probably spend the rest of their career playing small gigs and mini festivals (they were at Splendour in Nottingham last year but I was too busy enjoying Madness when they were on) to crowds that only want to hear Shining Light. 4 STARS
03. Corrine Bailey Rae: Paris Nights/New York Mornings
One of the few upbeats moments on Corrine's second album The Sea. Much like Liam I would prefer The Blackest Lily to be released as a single but this is still a good song from a great album that shows there's more to Corrine than Put Your Record On.
4 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
04. Crystal Swing: He Drinks Tequila
I know it doesn't deserve the Track Of The Week award but I love how brilliantly naff and silly it is. Crystal Swing seem to be a band from a different time, if this song had been released in the 80s when novelty songs were all the rage it would have been a massive hit. I'm not going to buy it but I would happily sing along to it if I heard it at a Spanish holiday camp, also it's raining so any ray of sunshine is good for me. I'll give 4 extra for making me laugh. 5 STARS!
05. The Drums: Best Friend
Riding on a wave of hype from the British media The Drums finally give us their first proper single. Doing what they do best, i.e: fun beach pop with melancholy lyrics, this is another great addition to their already brilliant collection of singles. 4 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
06. Gummy Bear: The Gummy Bear Song
This isn't even funny, the first time you listen to it you'll find it annoying and the second time you listen to it you'll want to kill yourself. 1 STAR
07. Keri Hilson: I Like
I'm actually really suprised this hasn't been getting more airplay, it sounds like the sort of thing radio and tv would love. It's slightly clubby but not too clubby, similar to her other stuff but not to similar and most importantly not at all original. 2 STARS
08. Nneka: Walking
Unlike Randy this doesn't really do anything for me, it's quite good but it doesn't sound any different from anything else in this sort of style at the moment. 3 STARS
09. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool: These New Knights
Another week, another 80s style act but thankfully this time it's not another La Roux it's three boys from Camdem who managed to get their hands on some synth and their dad's record collections. It won't be a hit but still contains a great chorus and managed to sound fun throughout. 3 STARS
11. Plan B: She Said
After the brilliant rollercoaster ride that was Stay Too Long, Plan B returns with a calmer affair this time without losing any of the things that made Stay Too Long so amazing. If I had to choose I'd say STL is better but this is still brilliant, reminds me a lot of Chicago (the musical not the city). 5 STARS!
12. Scouting For Girls: This Ain’t A Love Song
Unlikely many people this song doesn't impress me, it got lots of hooks but there's nothing original about it and it just sounds like a matey Keane b-side. It's probably going be no.1 at some point as well. 2 STARS
And here are some singles that our friend Randy has missed:
01. Lawrence Arabia - Apple Pie Bed
I only found this because I loved the idea of someone actually being called Lawrence Arabia so I was pretty suprised to find a great piece of fun pop music, with one of the wierdest videos you'll see all year. 4 STARS
02. Beach House - Zebra
A nice enough tune only problem is it doesn't seem to go anywhere and where it is to start off with isn't really interesting enough to sustain a whole five minute song. Nevermind it's good enough to listen to whilst your trying to chill out, or trying to escape Scouting For Girls. 3 STARS
03. Delirious? - Hisory Makers
It's a Christian rock song, it sounds like U2 and it looks like it's going to be in the top 20 this easter thanks to a facebook campaign. Strangely enough even though I usually hate Christian rock bands - or any type of religious band - this is actually alright. I just wish we'd forget about these guys and concentrate our efforts on getting The Wurzels to no.1! 3 STARS
P.S: if it wasn't for the brilliance of Crystal Swing the track of the week award would go to Plan B.
Complain about this comment
A great read Harry !
Complain about this comment
You gave Crystal Swing Track Of The Week?! *shoots self* Good reviews apart from that lol.
I'm going to review Lawrence Arabia, Beach House and Delirious? in next week's diary...which is gonna be really big because there's a lot of singles released next week.
Complain about this comment
Next week I will be reviewing tracks from Amerie, Beach House, Ben Montague, Clipse, Codeine Velvet Club, Coheed & Cambria, David Guetta, Delirious?, Doves, Flyleaf, Heathers, John O'Callaghan, Joshua Radin, Lawrence Arabia, MGMT, OneRepublic, Paramore, Plasticines, Polluted Mindz, R. Kelly, Sabrina Washington, Slash, The Twilight Sad, We Are Scientists and Whitney Houston.
Complain about this comment
Well in that case , I am gonna big up one of these songs :
THE TWILIGHT SAD - The Room
Lifted from the bands magnificent second album , Forget The Night Ahead , this is arguably the sets most moving moment .
An aching piano intro , gives rise to a wonderful yearning vocal , with an understated chorus hook , that stays with you long after the songs finished.
Sterling stuff !
5 Stars
Complain about this comment
@ 349
Forget about what I said concerning the video for Apple Pie Bed because we have a new contender for wierdest video of the year thanks to the increasingly wierd MGMT. Check it out at the MGMT website, it's like a Doctor Who episode and by that I mean it's the sort were a load of people turn up at some country house and one of them ends up having an alien inside them which must be destroyed!
Complain about this comment
So much for MGMT not releasing any singles from Congratulations. Apparently Flash Delirium is just a 'teaser' of what's to come from the album. Oh sure, you can buy it on iTunes, it has its own single cover artwork and a music video. Just don't call it a single.
Complain about this comment
Also it's the only song on the album that sounds like a single, I don't think anyone can blame the record companies for trying to find some way of promoting the album - seeing as MGMT's seem to be trying to hide it away so no-one can find it.
Complain about this comment
30 Seconds To Mars: This Is War
I really, really like this. Not really sure why.. I think I'm just a sucker for epic rock. Anyway, inspired me to finally listen to the album. Good stuff!
Complain about this comment
Liam , how long do we have to wait for your Ricky Martin moment , where you are gonna tell us that you think Jared Leto is really FIT ?
Waiting . . . . .
Complain about this comment
Not gonna lie, he is a beautiful man. Do have a bit of a man crush on him.
Wonder what prompted the question in the first place though Spirit?
Complain about this comment
Yeah, I absolutely love This Is War. As you've probably guessed by now, I love my epic American rock anthems.
Oh and I saw MGMT's new video. It's brilliant. Which inspired me to make a list:
The Best Videos of 2010...so far!!! (in no particular order)
01. Plan B - Stay Too Long
02. Black Eyed Peas - Imma Be Rockin' That Body
03. Lady GaGa featuring Beyoncé - Telephone
04. OK Go! - This Too Shall Pass
05. Plan B - She Said
06. Kelis - Acapella
Complain about this comment
Anyone want to add to the list above?
I forgot:
07. Lawrence Arabia - Apple Pie Bed
Complain about this comment
And:
08. MGMT - Flash Delirium
Complain about this comment
Some of the best videos so far that you haven't mentioned;
I Feel Better - Hot Chip
JLS parody get electrocuted by some wierd messiah type person, seriously it has to be seen to be believed.
O.N.E - Yeasayer
Wierd guy (who seems to be made of water) walks into some kind of futuristic 80s bar in which Yeasayer are playing, nothing much actually happens in the video but it all looks amazing and the song's great so it deserves inclusion.
Stylo - Gorillaz
I sure some of the other videos from the album will be better but this is still a great video made better by a guest appearance from Bruce Willis.
Giving Up The Gun - Vampire Weekend
It's a tennis tournament feature Jake Gyllenhaal, Joe Jonas, Lil Jon, a samuri and some Daft Punk lookalikes with RZA as umpire. Nuff' said
Complain about this comment
Oh yeah Vampire Weekend and Yeasayer have great videos. Not so keen on Gorillaz Stylo. It was a pretty good video but not one that made me go "WOW!" But I guess we could add it to the list. Haven't seen the Hot Chip video but if it parodies JLS then it wins Video Of The Year in my opinion.
P.S. I'm really looking forward to the Superfast Jellyfish video. It looks like it's gonna be an underwater one and sure to be a masterpiece.
Complain about this comment
It’s the Good Friday edition of my Singles Reviews Diary! After two poor weeks for singles, things are looking up this week with 32 singles – most of them good. Most of them okay. In fact, it was very difficult to pick a stinker this week but I did!
5th April 2010:
01. Amerie: Heard ‘Em All
Amerie hit the big time with the infectious and funky hit single 1 Thing back in 2005 but ever since she’s faded away into obscurity. She’s now back with new single Heard ‘Em All. So does it tick the right boxes? Well yes. It has a reasonably catchy chorus. It has a great, drum heavy production thanks to hit producer Sean Garret. It has some World music effects that are all the rage at the minute. It has a dark yet raunchy video with some hot choreography. But what is she doing different from Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ciara et al. Nothing really. And that’s where Amerie and this song fall down. The song is listenable and fun but nothing very original about it at all. 3 STARS
02. Beach House: Zebra
A beautiful and dreamy torch song from the US band. I agree with Harry however, this song is tends to go on too long and can’t keep the momentum going for its 4 minute 52 second length. Nice background music though. 3.5 STARS
03. Ben Montague: Haunted
A schmaltzy and clichéd pop ballad about love and heartbreak. Housewives and adult contemporary radio will love the powerful voiced Montague on this song but this could just as easily have been sang by James Morrison, Robbie Williams or any of the Take That members and nobody would tell the difference. 2.5 STARS
04. Clipse featuring Pharrell: I’m Good
A breezy Summery tune from rap duo Clipse. Produced by the Neptunes and featuring Pharrell, this sounds like something that would have ruled the charts back at the start of the 2000s but probably wouldn’t do so well now as it doesn’t have the Europop effect. Still, not a bad driving song at all. Something to put you in a Summery mood despite the lack of originality. 3 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
05. Codeine Velvet Club: Vanity Kills
Jon Lawler of The Fratellis teams up with Scottish chanteuse Lou Hickey for this ambitious side project as new band Codeine Velvet Club. This song is just fantastic and I hope it gets the airplay it deserves as it gets the re-release treatment. One side of a double A-side single, this is a big band jazzy number with Jon and Lou’s vocals complimenting each other perfectly. Could easily be chosen for the next James Bond soundtrack. 5 STARS
06. Codeine Velvet Club: Little Sister
Wow, now this shows that the band is versatile. Vanity Kills might have been a big jazzy number but this track is more old school rock ‘n’ roll with Jon and Lou’s vocals complimenting each other brilliantly once again. The album which this song is taken from Codeine Velvet Club was released back at the end of last year and I’m surprised I’ve only heard of these guys now. Here’s hoping this time round, they get some recognition. 4.5 STARS
07. Coheed & Cambria: The Broken
Coheed & Cambria are back with a teaser single from their new album Year Of The Black Rainbow. Heavy and atmospheric, this prog rock isn’t a million miles away from 30 Seconds To Mars This Is War although lacking in the mainstream chorus department. A fairly decent indication of what’s to come but it doesn’t particularly excite me either. 3 STARS
08. David Guetta featuring Kid Cudi: Memories
Finally David Guetta releases the standout song from his One Love album. Amongst a ‘90s sounding piano backing, Kid Cudi dispenses his vocals in a mellow, almost bored way. But it works and fits well with the tone of the song. And I think we can all relate to the lyrics. Trust me, boy racers will love this song as they’re driving around in their souped up Puntos, but that’s not to say the rest of us can’t enjoy it to. Manages to find that neat balance between being danceable and being a chilled out holiday tune. 4 STARS
09. Delirious?: History
How random is it that Facebook are now controlling the release of songs these days. AHHHH! The Internet is taking over the World. Seeing as Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar, it’s only fitting that a Christian rock band knocks that she-devil Lady GaGa off the top spot for Easter Sunday! I quite like the song, it has an inspirational message and tone and as Harry quite rightly pointed out, it does sound a bit like U2. Its not exactly doing anything new but its something different from the usual crop of songs infiltrating the radio at the minute. 3.5 STARS
10. Doves: Andalucia
The Doves show they’ve still got it with this very enjoyable new single from their first Greatest Hits album The Places Between: The Best Of Doves. The song is a real grower mainly thanks to Jimi Goodwin’s trademark moody vocals. That’s not to say the song is moody, it has upbeat instrumentation and some great subtle backing vocals on the chorus that add an extra element to the song. Doves fans will not be disappointed. 4 STARS
11. Flyleaf: Missing
I’ve also wondered why Flyleaf weren’t more successful. They have an attractive and talented female lead singer and despite being part of the ‘alternative metal’ category always have songs drenched with catchy vocal and instrumental hooks. It’s probably because, on this song especially, Flyleaf don’t sound all that different from the more successful Paramore. Strong angst ridden vocals. Check. Upbeat instrumentation that sounds like a combination between any punk pop song out there and Evanescence. Check. On Missing, Flyleaf have everything Paramore have had on their previous singles but because Paramore became successful first, its almost like they’ve put up a road block to the mainstream and no-one else of their style can get through. Still this is a pretty catchy tune but doesn’t sound remarkably original. 3 STARS
12. Heathers: Remember When
The movie Heathers seems to strike a cord with twin sisters. It was the inspiration behind Aussie twins The Veronicas and also seems to be the inspiration behind the bandname for these Irish twins. Remember When is seriously catchy, the folky chorus will stick in your brain like bubblegum on first listen. Not sure if I care for the sisters’ singing style but why should that matter when you can’t get their damn voices out of you’re head. 3.5 STARS
13. John O’Callaghan featuring Sarah Howells: Find Yourself
This song has been around in Ireland for ages, booming out of every nightclub and it finally gets its release in the UK this week. Again, there is nothing original about this song at all. This trance song has a big chance of becoming a hit though because of the infectious bridge chorus by singer Sarah Howell who sounds like a Celtic Cascada on this track. I have to admit this is a guilty pleasure of mine. Better than Inna’s Hot by a long shot anyway. 3 STARS
14. Joshua Radin: I’d Rather Be With You
A soft and breezy song by the American singer-songwriter. Sounds pretty much exactly like Jason Mraz with the laidback vocals and warm, cushy melody. Basically, it sounds so eerily like a Jason Mraz song that I’m retitling this song I’m Yours 2010. Nice listen but horribly unoriginal. 2.5 STARS
15. The Joy Formidable: Popinjay
This song is a good one to bob the head along to. It’s not doing anything from its indie peers but with some catchy guitar riffs, subtle synths and a kind of trippy animated video, its not bad at all. 3 STARS
16. Kanye West: Coldest Winter
Who knew that Kanye was still promoting his 808s & Heartbreak album. After much critical acclaim for the album and a Top 5 hit in Love Lockdown, the whole project seemed to go downhill after some poor charting singles and his disastrous appearance at the VMAs. But no Kanye is still pushing on. Coldest Winter basically epitomises the whole 808s & Heartbreak album. It’s cold, it’s bleak, and it’s sparse. It’s got tribal drumming and not much else as Kanye whines in Auto-Tune over the loss of his mother shortly before the album was released. Despite the use of Auto-Tune, West manages to show plenty of vulnerability on this track which probably shows why he’s one of the best rappers in the game at the moment. This isn’t as immediately arresting as Stronger or Gold Digger but it’s another solid entry into the Kanye catalogue all the same. We forgive you, Mr. West. 3.5 STARS
17. Lawrence Arabia: Apple Pie Bed
Check out the video for this, its amazing LOL! This song seems to have what I call the Mika Complex. It’s both irritating and catchy in equal measure, while New Zealander Lawrence Arabia (great name!) is certainly more alternative than the colourful poppy Mika, the chorus has that whole annoying falsetto going on the whole way through. I’m not going to come down to hard on Mika…I mean Lawrence…though ‘cause he’s intrigued me into listening to his other stuff. So a good effort for a first single. 3 STARS
19. MGMT: Flash Delirium
The super hip MGMT return with this teaser from their new album Congratulations. While not exactly as infectious as Kids, this experimental song is a grower and like Lawrence Arabia above has an amazing video that would rival Lady GaGa’s Telephone if only it would get as much airplay. 3.5 STARS
20. OneRepublic: Secrets
Soaring strings and heavy drum beats. Yep, its another Ryan Tedder production. This man fails to show any originality at all. This is another soaring arena rock ballad with a giant chorus. It’s not particularly bad and its extremely catchy but shake things up a bit, Ryan, because people are getting tired off you. Thankfully, Ryan’s production doesn’t sound as recycled with OneRepublic but if he gave this backing track to another solo female artist, I wouldn’t be as kind with my rating. 2.5 STARS
21. Paramore: The Only Exception
When I bought Paramore’s album Brand New Eyes back in September, this was a track that I skipped over a lot because I prefer uptempo Paramore as opposed to gooey romantic Paramore. And while this song is all gooey and romantic and would have been a perfect Valentine’s Day single, it actually shows a different side to the band. This is the first soft rock ballad that Paramore have released in their five years on the scene and lead singer Hayley Williams shows plenty of vulnerability on the song, using a much softer range than we’re used to hearing from her with the four guys complimenting her well. Hayley brings up her parents divorce on the acoustic laden track and as the pitch in her voice and the drumbeats increase on the climax of the song, there’s a definite sense of power towards the end. It’s not quite as good as previous singles Ignorance and Brick By Boring Brick but it definitely sounds more commercial so here’s hoping it shoots up the charts. 3.5 STARS
22. Plasticines: Another Kiss
Loving this one from the French all girl rock band. Has that 1990s rock sound that I’m really loving at the moment. Unlikely to be a hit over here but that doesn’t decrease its brilliance. 4 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
23. Polluted Mindz featuring Master Shortie: Daydream
Finally I found myself a Stinker of the Week! This is like someone collided Akon and Sidney Samson together. If that sounds good to you well I’m pretty sure that Polluted Mindz has basically plagurised the highly recognisable synth breakdown of Riverside (Let’s Go!). Expect to see Polluted Mindz in court very soon. 1.5 STARS
24. R. Kelly: Be My #2
Ever since R. Kelly was charged with paedophilia , he’s failed to gain a hit since. I don’t know whether Mr. Kelly is actually a pervert or not but he’s certainly producing some of his best work yet. Amongst a funky dance backing, R. Kelly croons out with that smooth mellow R&B voice which has fast become my guilty pleasure. Not as good as last year’s duet Number One with Keri Hilson but pleasant enough all the same. 3 STARS
25. Sabrina Washington: OMG
Much like her former bandmate Alesha Dixon, this lead single from Sabrina Washington’s new album is irritating beyond belief…just like The Boy Does Nothing, the lead single from Alesha’s album was irritating beyond belief! Where as The Boy Does Nothing was just irritating because it sounded like a novelty tune along the lines of Mambo No. 5, OMG is just plain annoying because its absolutely drowned in Auto-Tune and Sabrina’s attempts to get down with the kids by using MSN speak is just embarrassing. That said, however, I still think Sabrina has potential as a pop star beyond this single and Alesha surprised me her follow-ups so I won’t knock this too bad. At least the production sounds good. 2 STARS
26. Slash featuring Andrew Stockdale: By The Sword
Slash, the essence of Guns ‘N’ Roses and current guitarist with Velvet Revolver, returns with this new single from his eponymous debut solo album. With Andrew Stockdale, the lead singer from Wolfmother, on vocal duties, this is a fantastic classic sounding blues rock sound. I think I can even hear a little bit of a Led Zeppelin influence in there. Very excited about the new album now. 5 STARS
27. The Twilight Sad: The Room
I have to agree with Spirit on this one. This is the song to listen to when you’re feeling sad and lonely and realise that you’re not the only person in the World that feels this way. The aching piano melody combine beautifully in a mournful way with James Graham’s thick yet vulnerable sounding Scottish accent on this terrific new single from their second album Forget The Night Ahead. 5 STARS
28. Taio Cruz featuring Ludacris: Break Your Heart
After successfully shooting to Number 1 and breaking records in the US with this updated version of last year’s UK number one hit, this video should be appearing on the music channels at this time. Naturally Ludacris’ rap was simply put into the song to appeal to the US market but where as guest raps generally feel phoned in, Ludacris’ rap flows well with the song. As for the rest of the song, well my mind hasn’t changed from last time, its as catchy as swine flu but so generic and once this electro craze ends, the song will be forgotten about completely. 3 STARS.
29. Taylor Swift: Fearless
Ahead of the official release of the boring and uninspiring Today Was A Fairytale, Taylor releases this for promotional purposes. While many of Swift’s songs have been watered down into pure pop songs for the UK market, this one retains some of its country roots. It’s not exactly a masterpiece but Fearless has a pretty decent chorus and message which bears closer to the hit You Belong With Me than the hot mess that was Fifteen. It’s unlikely to be a hit but I can’t help this song from Taylor Swift. 3 STARS
30. Wallis Bird: LaLaLand
The normally folky singer songwriter sounds like P!nk on the verses of this re-released single from her sophomore album New Boots. The chorus is reasonably catchy but lyrically Wallis goes down the same old path by sending forth the message that she’s real and shuns the Hollywood lifestyle. Okay. 3 STARS
31. We Are Scientists: Rules Don’t Stop
We Are Scientists are back with new single Rules Don’t Stop from forthcoming album Barbara. This is a really strong comeback single. Instantly catchy and likeable. A must have for the singles you’re sure to download after reading this post. :) 4 STARS
32. Whitney Houston: Nothin’ But Love
People may say that Whitney’s voice may not be what is used to be but thanks to a little studio magic, Whitney’s strong and husky voice sounds as good as ever. To coincide with her upcoming tour of the same name, Nothin’ But The Love is a synthy mid-tempo that sounds classy but in no way’s dated. I’m actually surprised by how much I like this one from Whitney who has impressed me since her comeback a few months ago. 4 STARS
P.S. ChartBlog favourites Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber officially release new single Eenie Meenie this week. Check out mine and Harry’s glowing reviews for the masterpiece at Comments 272 and 284 respectively.
P.P.S. Thanks for reading. Sorry, if some of my reviews were a bit on the rambling side. Having a difficult time about putting what I want to say into words.
Complain about this comment
Completely agree with what you said about OneRepublic. Same! Same! Same! You can always tell when its a Tedder production, because Simon Cowell thinks asking him to pen a ballad for Leona or when he gets asked to write something for Rihannai is good, most of them go like this:
-Piano chord loop/string loop intro
-Verse about heartbreak, piano/strings still looping
-Watered down bridge, strings removed occasionally
-Cymbols roll into chorus
-Drums kicks in, another verse, more strings
-Bridge, this time even bigger, not so watered down, runs straight into chorus with drum fill
-BIG chorus, strings, drums, piano etc. (yawn)
-Chorus repeats. Out comes the gospel choir.
-Coda, empty sound except for repeating the same chord loop/string loop with some reprised lyrics from the beginning of the song.
And finally, feel free to add lyrics to taste, just as long as they're about heartbreak.
Complain about this comment
Bang on the money, OddOne! Don't mind it with OneRepublic so much 'cause I'm used to their heartbreak ballads but its annoying when he repeats the same trick on Leona, Beyoncé etc.
Complain about this comment
So... in essence, all X factor winners. Great move Mr. Cowell.
Complain about this comment
* and Mr. Tedder (:
Complain about this comment
Read on wiki the other day that Tedder is working on Adele's next album. This upsets me greatly, as I'm a massive Adele fan.
Complain about this comment
Luckily , he left my beloved Interpol alone . :)
Complain about this comment
Don't think there was much danger of that colab was there?
Complain about this comment
Oh dear. Well it can't be much more boring than Daniel Merriweather's 'Water and a Flame'. And much less listenable than Leona's ENTIRE sophomore album.
WHY, OH WHY did Mr. Cowell leave 'Scene Of The Crime' exempt from the album? Best Leona song I've ever heard.
Complain about this comment
I am of course referring to Daniel Merriweather's final single which featured Adele. (:
Complain about this comment
It's nearly half way through the week and I haven't put up a singles review for this week so I guess I'll skip it. Seems the lure of Easter Eggs and Doctor Who have kept me distracted from it.
P.S: Doctor Who was amazing! Even though I liked David Tennant I have to say Matt Smith is much more entertaining, either that or it's a considerable improvement in the writing now that's Steven Moffat's in charge!
Complain about this comment
Easter has made me very lazy too, Harry. I have a ton of college assignments to do that I haven't done yet. But of course, I will be back on Thursday or Friday to write my Singles Reviews Diary. I think I need to sort out my priorities.
My next Singles Reviews Diary will feature new singles by AFI (A Fire Inside), Ash, Bananarama, Cascada, Christina Aguilera, Fatboy Slim, Futureheads, Frank Turner, HonoRebel, Jay-Z, Kate Nash, Katherine Jenkins, London Community Gospel Choir, Lostprophets, Platnum, Selena Gomez & The Scene, The Temper Trap, The Unconventionals and Wale.
Complain about this comment
While your at it, you could review a rather interestingly apt single choice for those phoney Sugababes.
I couldn't think of a more omen-y title than 'Crash & Burn'.
Come on, you gotta laugh at that. LOL.
Complain about this comment
I'll review it when they release it. It does sound very omen-y though.
Complain about this comment
Haha, I thought so too.
There actually a LOT of good singles out soon isn't there? Cna't wait for singles from
Christina Aguilera - Not Myself Tonight
Florence + the Machine - Cosmic Love
Kate Nash - Do Wah Doo
Diana Vickers - Once
Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment
Marina & The Diamonds - I Am Not A Robot
MIKA - Kick-Ass
Lady GaGa - Alejandro
SOPHIE EILLIS-BEXTOR - BITTERSWEET (IT'S A CHOON)
Kelis - Acapella
Mini Viva - One Touch
Keane - Stop For A Minute
Hurts - Better Than Love
Good times forecast over the next two months...
Complain about this comment
If Keane - Stop For A Minute doesn't land them back in the top 20 then nothing will!
Complain about this comment
Oh Im also being well lazy with new music right now. Apart from Marina, Yeasayer, The Gaslight Anthem, Diana Vickers, 30 Seconds To Mars, Plan B and Kelis I'm not really massively into much new or liking much new stuff right now. If it's not being blanket played on Radio1 right now (gotta listen at work) I'm not really paying attention. Lazy lazy Liam.
Kelis' new one. Is. Amazing. I'm already a little bored of everyone saying/thinking so though.
Complain about this comment
I know, at the moment all I'm doing is catching up on things I haven't looked at much before (basically Chemical Brothers, Broken Bells, Daft Punk and Grizzly Bear). That said I'm loving the new Jonsi album and Laura Marling's stuff, 2010's been good to me so far.
Complain about this comment
Actually listening to it again I begining to think that Kelis might have a no.1 on her hands with Acapella; the uk music press is going mad for it, it catches you on first listen and is incredibly catchy. Also it sounds like a massive summer anthem and is accompanied by a great video.
Complain about this comment
It's not easy for someone to do a video or song that is completely new and unique without being cast as a Lady GaGa rip-off, even if they do not at first, appear to do so.
So my congrats goes out to Kelis for that STONKER of a CHOON.
Complain about this comment
The "reveal " right at the end of the Kelis video is absolutely brilliant , and makes you look at the song in a totally new light .
Superb.
Kelis already has 3 , 5 star songs to her name :
1)Caught Out There
2)Trick Me
3)Milkshake
And believe me , I can see Acapella having quite an effect at radio , TV and the charts , and if all fuses together , and it catches the public's imagination , she could have 5 star song , number 4 .
The signs are looking good , a whole month before release !
Complain about this comment
Can't wait to see and hear how Acapella goes down in a club !
Should be awesome .
Complain about this comment
Yeah, I really want to hear Acapella in a club, it would probably sound amazing. Apparently Kelis has always been a crazy fashionista long before Lady GaGa was on the scene. So Kelis isn't aping GaGa at all. I thought Kelis was a 2 hit wonder only having heard Milkshake and Trick Me but according to a few urban music blogs, Kelis is some kind of musical genius.
Complain about this comment
Was trying to think of were to put this so I'll just dump it here.
Even though I've never been a big fan of The Sex Pistols or any of his other stuff (sure it was revolutionary but it wasn't amazing, was it?) I feel like I should be sad about the news of Malcolm McLaren's death. I hear he's something of a music icon.
However I do love that skipping song he did, in a so bad it's good way, sounds like what would happen if Paul Simons decided to make a song about skipping.
Malcolm McLaren 22nd January 1946 - 8th April 2010
What interesting about The Sex Pistols is how highly regarded they became whilst lacking musical substance, has there been any other bands that have become legends whilst lacking the musical ability surely required for the role?
Complain about this comment
JEDWARD.
Complain about this comment
Anyone eagerly awaiting my Singles Diary (:P), please just wait another day or two. Absolutely overwhelmed by college work at the moment, yep, eight months of doing absolutely nothing in college and then they throw down 20 assignments on us a day (might be a slight exaggeration but there giving us a lot) so my Reviews Diary for singles released yesterday will be hopefully be on this page tomorrow night.
Complain about this comment
I probably going to give up on the Singles Diary purely because I'm finding myself disliking most of the singles. But do not fear, seeing as I'm more of an album person I'm going to be reviewing the week's biggest album, in my opinion, each week starting this friday or saturday with Plan B's latest effort The Defamation Of Strickland Banks.
P.S: I would do MGMT's but I've spoken enough about it already, in case your wondering it's a 7/10.
Complain about this comment
*splutters on food*
7/10? Bit generous me thinks.
Complain about this comment
Yeah, it's actually a decent album, apart from Siberian Breaks, and has really grown on me since I first heard it.
It's Working, Brian Eno and Congratulations are all good and I actually like Flash Delirium. As for the rest of the tracks; Song For Dan Treacy is decent as is Someone's Missing and I Found A Whistle and Lady Dada's Nightmare is inoffensive if being quite uninspiring for an instrumental.
That makes only one bad song on the whole album, and to be honest you could've taken the best bits, cut it down to 5 minutes and it would have been quite good, so I don't think it's the disaster many people are declaring it.
Maybe 7/10 was a bit generous, it's probably closer to a 6/10.
Complain about this comment
Some would also call it "commercial suicide . "
Complain about this comment
Hey I'm not denying it's "commercial suicide".
Complain about this comment
Watch it enter the top 10 on Sunday , then drop like a stone over the coming weeks !
If it matches the sales of the first album in the UK ,thats 466,000 copies, then my name is Harry and I live in Nottingham !
:)
Complain about this comment
I'm back with next week's Singles Reviews Diary. Sorry, its a bit late. My life is pretty stressful and busy at the moment as I've already said above.
12th April 2010:
01. AFI: Beautiful Thieves
American rock bands appear to be all making comebacks at the same time. Much like recent offerings from 30 Seconds To Mars and Coheed & Cambria, this is a serviceable rock tune that should keep their fans happy. The song itself is nothing new, it has soft verses and a big growly chorus. Heard it all before. 3 STARS
02. Ash: Dare To Dream
Another decent but hardly groundbreaking tune from Ash's A-Z Series. So so difficult to listen to it anywhere on the Internet without buying it first. Which just goes to show the lack of promotion surrounding this band. 2.5 STARS
03. Bananarama: Love Don't Live Here
Reformed pop duo Bananarama are back with this string heavy dance number. I'm not a Bananarama fan but I honestly can't see this doing well. It sounds like it belongs in this year's Eurovision Song Contest or an ABBA song without the great pop hooks. 2 STARS
04. Cascada: Pyromania
Cascada make two types of music. Either Hi-NRG Eurotrash or GaGa aping dance pop tracks. After scoring their biggest hit last Summer by ripping of Lady GaGa's Just Dance with Evacuate The Dancefloor, the group haven't been so lucky since. Follow-up singles have been the stale Eurotrash we've come to expect from Cascada and they have flopped spectacularly. Are people getting tired of Cascada? Well, they are clearly trying to remain current by ripping of GaGa again, this time her mega successful single Poker Face. And honestly, Pyromania is a complete and utter rehash of Poker Face, its got RedOne style beats, dark lyrical undertones and stuttering hooks sang by an anonymous robotic male voice. "Pyro-pyro-pyro-mania-muh-muh-muh!" Hmmm sounds familliar? However, I prefer Cascada when they're ripping of GaGa instead of producing their usual tunes. 2.5 STARS
04. Christina Aguilera: Not Myself Tonight
Christina is back!!! And while the lead single from her much anticipated forthcoming album Bionic isn't as innovative as she'd lead you to believe, its definitely a strong return for the pop princess. With this song, Xtina takes your average club track, adds a bit of alternative edge that was found on Britney's Blackout and throws her ear-shattering vocals over the track, making this sound fresh and appealing. One of the best house-R&B tracks I've heard in a while anyway. 4 STARS
05. Darwin Deez: Radar Detector
Can't believe I nearly passed up the chance to review this. This is a fantastic, bouncy pop rock song that has got me thinking about Summer. It does get annoying towards the end when he repeats "You are a radar detector" over and over again but its still one of the best tracks I've heard this week. I'm hoping the unknown Darwin gets lots of exposure with track. The official video even has a load of school kids miming along to the song. That's sure to make a lot of people go "AWWWW!" 4.5 STARS
06. Eliza Doolittle: Skinny Genes
Yet another 'quirky' pop singer. This 1960s sounding number is a grower, has a whistling hook. It's a pleasant number but not very different from what Rox or the Noisettes are doing at the moment. 3 STARS
07. Fatboy Slim featuring Lazy Rich: Weapon Of Choice 2010
Lazy Rich adds a modern touch to the 2001 Fatboy Slim classic. Yawn! This business of modernising songs by throwing a few stale house beats over them doesn't slide well with me at all. It just seems like a way for DJs to cash in on an already well know song. At least he's introducing the song to a whole new generation, I guess. I'll enjoy this when I'm drunk. 2.5 STARS
08. Frank Turner: Isabel
I'm actually surprised by how much I like this one. Amongst crashing guitars and melodic pianos, Frank Turner professes his love for a girl named Isabel. I think like the understated quality to the song. Very good. 4 STARS
09. Futureheads: Heartbeat Song
A short yet sweet post punk track with a big catchy chorus and plenty of energy. Like this a lot. Its been a while since we've had a singalong indie track so its welcome with me. A strong comeback single from forthcoming album The Chaos. 4 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
10. HonoRebel featuring Pitbull and Jump Smokers: Now You See It (Shake That Ass)
The hook of this song is "Baby shake that ass for me!" Yep, enough said. This will probably be a huge hit in the clubs but basically sounds like everything else Pitbull puts his name to...CRAP! 1 STAR
11. Jay-Z featuring Swiss Beatz: On To The Next One
It mightn't be as memorable as Run This Town or Empire State Of Mind but the fifth single from Jigga's The Blueprint III proves to be hypnotic and dark in material. Sure the constant repetition of the song's title in the background can get a bit irritating after a while but Jay-Z, despite being in his 40s, is showing all why he's the biggest rapper in the game with another strong single in his catalogue. 4 STARS
12. Kate Nash: Do-Wah-Doo
Much like Scouting For Girls, it looks like Kate Nash will impress me with her lead single and then irritate me to death with her follow-ups. This is a really strong comeback for Miss Nash though. I think many people have forgotten about her and this is perfect for showing the World that she’s back! Amongst surf guitars and pounding piano melodies, Kate Nash sings about that two faced cow she hates. You have to love that ba-da-ba hook too. The final word of the song ensures that the song ends with a bang instead of a whimper. 4 STARS
13. Katherine Jenkins: Believe
Katherine Jenkins is back with the fourth single from her successful album Believe. This is typical classical music but softer sounding than her previous offerings from the album, almost sound like it belongs on a Disney soundtrack. 3 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
14. Lostprophets: For He’s A Jolly Good Felon
Lostprophets release my favourite song from their album The Betrayed. This is an infectious arena rocker with plenty of strong hooks. It also has a bit of an American sound which should see it perform well internationally if it gets the right promotion. Which I doubt. :( 5 STARS
15. Platnum: Emotionally Tired
Manchester bassline trio Platnum scored a huge #1 hit back in February 2008 with their infectious collaboration with HtwoO What’s It Gonna Be and followed it up nine months later with the equally infectious LoveShy (Thinking About You). Yet no album has come about yet and a year and a half later, they have a new single which is presumably the third single from the album. Anyways, this lacks the strong catchiness of their previous singles, it’s dull and may suggest that Platnum will grate on ones nerves with repeat exposure. I vaguely remember What’s It Gonna Be getting on my nerves actually. This song is, to quote M.I.A., Ibiza music. 1 STARS
16. Professor Green featuring Ed Drewett: I Need You Tonight
Well, isn’t this a witty little number? While the INXS sample does overpower Professor Green cocky rapping and Drewett’s Calvin Harris-esque vocals, it is also the most ear catching part of it. This is light and harmless fluff that’s perfect for the dancefloor. It’s also likeable unlike the light and harmless fluff, of say, Pitbull. The song is still even bearable when Prof. Green talks about how he’s a pimp and how women throw themselves at him really! Good stuff. 3.5 STARS
17. Selena Gomez & The Scene: Naturally
I really think Disney are getting better at making music for people over the age of six. The BFF of Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez mightn’t have the vocal chops of Demi Lovato but Naturally is actually a fairly decent electro pop rock tune. Gomez and her band aren’t breaking any new ground on the teen pop tune but compare this to the Lizzie Maguires and Mandy Moores of yesteryear, things are looking up. 3 STARS
18. The Temper Trap: Science Of Fear
After their soothing and melodic sleeper hit Sweet Disposition, Aussie rockers The Temper Trap are back with a more heavier offering than their aforementioned hit single. It’s a functional enough indie rock track with swooping strings and some experimentation but at over 6 minutes long, it lacks the radio appeal of Sweet Disposition. 3.5 STARS
19. The Unconventionals: Top Of The World
The Unconventionals are a six piece group that made the Final 12 in Series 3 of The X-Factor and were eliminated in the first live show. They’re a decent group of singers with some lovely harmonising but only cheesy pop fans will like this cheery yet dated mid-tempo. 1.5 STARS
20. Wale featuring Gucci Mane and Weensey: Pretty Girls
If you thought Wale was a boring hip popper after hearing his Lady GaGa assisted hit Chillin’ back in August, then you’ll be surprised to hear that he really shakes things up on his second single. There’s a strong hook sang by Weensey of go-go band Backyard Band and the song itself has a funky rhythm although I doubt poor Wale will crossover again. There are better songs on his rather good rap record Attention: Deficit but this is one of the more radio friendly. 3.5 STARS
Complain about this comment
I want...
Complain about this comment
to be the first person to get to...
Complain about this comment
400!!!!! Yay milestone reached!!!!
Complain about this comment
Oh, mistake @ Comment 397, the single by Katherine Jenkins is called Fear Of Falling and it is taken from the album Believe.
Complain about this comment
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Spamming to get to milestones.
Surely against the rules ? lol
You could have least given us exclusives instead . :)
Complain about this comment
As if you guys haven't all spammed before. ;/
But I will provide you guys with some exclusives.
Kanye West will release his fifth studio album Good Ass Job this June. It will see him leave behind the urban electronica of his last album 808s & Heartbreak and return to hip-hop beats.
Scotland's 'Hairy Angel' Susan Boyle is working on her second studio album. The new album will be made of all original songs and will have jazz and '60s influences.
R&B star Ciara will have a new album out called Basic Instinct sometime this Summer.
Hole's new album Nobody's Daughter will be released on 26 April.
Complain about this comment
EXCLUSIVE!
Eminem's new album Recovery will be released in June. It was originally planned that Relapse II would be released as his next studio album but Em has stated that a sequel to Relapse made less and less sense as time went on and Recovery was a better name for his seventh studio album.
Complain about this comment
Lady GaGa and Rihanna are both releasing remix albums of their latest studio albums The Fame Monster and Rated R.
Complain about this comment
Here it is, Album Review no.1: The Defamation Of Strickland Banks - Plan B
Sometimes a bad idea on paper is a good idea in practice, Plan B is one of them transforming himself from scary, hooded rapper to clean cut soul boy with next to no warning. On paper it sounds horrible, like Basshunter making a jazz record, but in practice it works quite well.
Starting off with the pleasant, if slightly underwhelming, Love Goes Down the album's new sound is quickly defined but somewhat caricatured sounding like another 60s throwback tunes however this is a rare occurrence as things get properly going with the second track and possible future single Writing's On The Wall, like many of the best tracks on the album it sounds instantly familiar but has enough personality and edge to get away with it whilst also feeling comfortable sitting next to the album's two big singles, Stay Too Long and She Said (the former being an early contender for song of the year). Welcome To Hell succeeds in a similar way this time showing off Plan B’s impressive voice and managing to close the first half of the album perfectly two tracks before the midway point, all that it lacks is the rap edge that made the two singles so enticing and distinguished Plan B from the other 60s throwback artists.
Elsewhere we get more standouts in the form of Prayin and The Recluse and a few duds in the form of I Know A Song and Darkest Place before What You Gonna Do brings the whole thing to a close, it’s then when you realise the album’s greatest flaw; it’s meant to be a concept album. See, some of the best concept album’s keep their concept loose, allowing the writer to write whatever they wants before tying it into the story, but in this case the story is so rigidly set out (he claims he’s going to make a film of it) that many of the songs feel contrived as plot vehicles for the story. This would all be fine if it wasn’t for two big problems;
1) The story is too vague. All we find out is that Stickland Banks goes to jail for some crime he didn’t commit, something to do with him leaving some girl, he then kills a man, presumably in jail, and then gets out again. Why on earth he’s back in court at the end is beyond me!
2) The lyrics end up feeling clunky. With such a rigid story to stick too some of the rhyming becomes a bit desperate in order to get important plot moments in, e.g when he rhymes ‘gallery’ with ‘Valerie’ in reference to The Zutons song made famous by Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse. It doesn’t help that he’s in jail by track 5 and spends half the album in there doing very little apart from trading in his cigarettes and becoming a recluse.
So in the end the album becomes weighed down by it’s concept and starts to lose what made it interesting as it draws to a close. Nevertheless there is still some great tracks here even if nothing quite reaches the hyper-energetic heights of Stay Too Long, in short good album shame about the concept.
7.8/10
Key Tracks: Stay Too Long, The Recluse, She Said, Writing On The Wall
Complain about this comment
Next week I'll be reviewing Paul Weller's 10th solo album Wake Up The Nation.
Complain about this comment
Didn't Plan B go to jail , just for staying TOO long ?
Seems harsh .
:)
Complain about this comment
Great review, Harry. Keep up the good work. I must get my hands on that new Plan B album.
Complain about this comment
Again, a little later than usual, it’s the eleventh Singles Reviews Diary – otherwise known as the week of pointless single re-releases.
19th April 2010:
01. 3OH!3: Don’t Trust
Pointless re-releases are clearly all the rage these days. Following in the footsteps of La Roux and Florence + The Machine, 3OH!3 (or rather their management) have decided to re-release their breakthrough hit Don’t Trust Me. Back in July 2009, I would have been way more favourable about this track but with the rise of more superior electro punk poppers like Cobra Starship, I have come to the realisation that 3OH!3 are just plain annoying. The chorus of this song is still as infectious as ever but the verses and middle eight are just plain dumb. It also feels as if this song has just left our radio and music channel airwaves only to quickly jump back in again. Peaking at #19, why exactly is this being released. 2.5 STARS
02. Akala: XXL
A disposable rave tune by Camden rapper Akala. It doesn’t have the crossover appeal of Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers but should keep a nightclub of party loving ravers happy. 3 STARS
03. Angus And Julia Stone: Big Jet Plane
You can just tell by the name of the band that Angus and Julia Stone are a brother-sister indie duo. I’m not exactly familiar with the Aussie band but if this is their first UK single, they’ve given a good introduction to audiences on this side of the World. Subtle, string heavy and unlikely to make a dent on the charts, the most distinctive part of this song is Angus and Julia’s vocals which sound like raspy whispers. Good stuff. 4 STARS
04. The Boy Least Likely To: A Fairytale Ending
A sweet and chirpy folk tune from the English band. This doesn’t sound a million miles away from some of the Eels biggest hits. A nice song to play this Summer while on a long drive or at a barbeque. It sort of goes a bit too heavy on the electronics at the end but not enough to ruin the song. 4 STARS
05. Cathy Davey: Little Red
Alternative pop singer Cathy Davey is back with another insanely catchy song, this time a song based on the fairytale Little Red Riding Hood. The main hook of this song is composed of Cathy’s gentle wolf howl on the chorus and her sweet yet powerful voice plodding along smoothly on the verses. It doesn’t sound very different or fresh from her earlier hits but should keep Cathy fans happy. 4 STARS
06. Chipmunk featuring Esmée Denters: Until You Were Gone
When I first heard this song, I thought “Wow, this sounds sort of like the song he did with Amelle”. Then I remembered that was Tinchy Stryder. Despite his similarities with his fellow Brrapper Stryder, Chipmunk clearly has an ear for a catchy melody in the sixth single from his soon to be reissued debut album I Am Chipmunk. Chip Diddy Chip seems to be on Auto-Pilot due to his usual rapping about how great he is but that doesn’t matter as Denters appealing chorus is the mainstay of this track. I was afraid she was going to belt out a melodramatic diva chorus for this track but things are kept simple with a restrained sing-along chorus that matches the light bouncy feel of this track. I will actually go and say that this is my favourite Chipmunk track of all time and one of the most effortless pop songs in a while. 4 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
07. Crookers featuring Soulwax & Mixhell: We Love Animals
The fourth single from Crookers Tons Of Friends album mightn’t have big profile names of previous singles like Kardinal Offishall and Kelis but that doesn’t make it any less strong. Starting off with minimal widely placed synth beats, the beats slowly become more closely placed before it turns into one big rave-a-thon. Crookers show why they are some of the top producers in the game as this is highly inventive. I know this is controversial, I’m not even a fan of Crookers really or music without lyrics, but I think this gets Track Of The Week. 5 STARS
08. Diana Vickers: Once
I know many people on this blog will rate this as Track Of The Week and hell, Diana would get it in a less inferior week. (I can’t believe I’m only half way through writing this and the amount of 4 star songs I’ve heard). Starting of with a siren and piano filed intro, Diana’s unconventional, breathy and oddly sexy voice intrigues the listener with her voice before the explosive pop rock chorus kicks in. Diana has to be the most interesting contestant to get a record deal after The X-Factor because there’s something refreshingly different about her despite the radio friendly, repetitive chorus “I’m only gonna let you kill me once once once yeah hey once once (repeat about 200 times)!”. I can’t give this song 5 stars simply because it never stood out as a 5 star for me and now, after repeated listens, it’s lost some of its magic. I also find certain ways she pronounces words irritating. That said, a very strong lead single from debut album Songs From The Tainted Cherry-Tree. 4 STARS
09. Donkeyboy: Ambitions
Norwegian band Donkeyboy decide to test the waters in this part of Europe with their debut single Ambitions. I am bowled over by the number of really good singles being released this week. Brilliant vocals, fans of Empire Of The Sun will love this, I think. 4.5 STARS
Glee is already back in Ireland and back in the UK anyday now so just when I thought I’d get a break from reviewing the Glee singles after the season finale, two weeks later Season 2 is already back on our screens. The theme of this week’s episode is to sing a song with the word “Hello” in it, or as Rachel and her suspicious new love interest likes to twist it, a song containing the first syllable of Hello.
10. Glee Cast: Hello I Love You
This little number is courtesy of our Tall Jock, Finn, and while I’m not the biggest fan of Finn, I really enjoy his cover of The Doors single. The bouncy synths and Finn’s husky vocals introduce the Doors to a whole new generation of viewers. 4 STARS
11. Glee Cast: Gives You Hell
The always delightful Rachel, or Hot Social Outcast Girl as I like to call her, gives a fun rendition of the All American Rejects hit. With the original being a recent hit, this is the most likely track to hit the charts this week. However, I think its relatively weak to what we usually hear from Rachel and probably the weakest song of the “Hello” episode. 3 STARS
12. Glee Cast: Highway To Hell
The rival singing group do a performance of this AC/DC hit. It contains all the wild energy of the original and may also make a dent in the charts but it doesn’t stand out wildly like the other songs do. 4 STARS
13. Glee Cast: Hello
Rachel and her new love interest perform this soppy power ballad, originally by Lionel Richie. Both have great singing voices but I found myself wanting to fast forward my way through this sequence in the episode because it bored me after a while. 3 STARS
14. Glee Cast: Hello Goodbye
Glee saves the best for last with this fantastic, spirited rendition of the Beatles classic. The fact that my younger, Top 40 loving sister wanted to hear the original rendition of this song just goes to show how Glee’s popularity has the power to introduce a larger variety of music to young people. 5 STARS
15. Hot Chip: I Feel Better
Dramatic strings and minimal drum beats are the background of this head bobbing alternative dance number. A strong second single from Hot Chip’s album One Life Stand. 4 STARS
16. James: Crazy
James won’t disappoint fans with their new single Crazy. It’s nothing groundbreaking exactly but why fix it if it ain’t broke. This sounds like classic James to me. 3.5 STARS
17. Julian Casablancas: 11th Dimension
Strokes singer Julian Casablancas is back solo with this really fantastic song. Sounding like it came straight out of the 1980s with its retro synths, guitar licks and strong yet drawling vocals, it is yet another stunning entry in what has to be the best week for singles in ages. 4 STARS
18. Kid Sister featuring Cee-Lo: Daydreaming
Poor Kid Sister can’t seem to get her big break despite all the singles from her debut album Ultraviolet being insanely catchy and enjoyable club pop rap records. This is probably her most radio friendly track of all. The middle part of the song and Cee-Lo’s cameo are real enjoyable. 4 STARS
19. Meatloaf: Los Angeloser
This will probably be a guilty pleasure for many. Really Meat Loaf’s music hasn’t aged well at all and its incredibly cheesy but there’s something strangely infectious about this slightly countrified rock tune. 3 STARS
20. Nicki Minaj featuring Sean Garret: Massive Attack
She may only be making her name on this side of the Atlantic now but a lot is riding on Nicki Minaj over in the States with her debut single after appearing on numerous tracks as a guest rapper. I was expecting something mildly poppy from the self confessed Barbie but Massive Attack is like nothing in the chart at the moment. Over a jungle dancehall beat, Nicki raps in a strange accent and seems to be rapping in a stream of disjointed thoughts while Sean Garrett singles the chorus. It really shouldn’t work but it surprisingly does. Has to be listened to a few times before the infectious beat kicks in. Naturally, Nicki is going to divide opinion but I don’t think I’ve been this excited about a femcee since Missy Elliott. 4 STARS
21. N-Dubz: Say It’s Over
The thoroughly original and saviours of British rap N-Dubz (I’m being sarcastic but N-Dubz would think I’m being dead serious) are back with what is probably the most enjoyable single from their second studio album Against All Odds. Once all the “na-na-nai-yeaaaaaahs!” are out of the way, Dappy and Fazer are spitting out their cheesy raps at a rapid pace while Tulisa sings the radio friendly hook amidst garage beats about as futuristic as the music video the song its based upon. All sarcasm aside though, this is an enjoyable single from N-Dubz very much set in the now! Don’t expect it to be a future classic but it should be a fun listen until it irritates us all in a few weeks time. 3 STARS
22. Primary 1 featuring Nina Persson : The Blues
It’s great to hear Nina Persson of The Cardigans again but The Blues honestly isn’t the best song to make a featured comeback on. It’s not a bad song but the melodic rock song kind of prattles along for 6 minutes without ever really going anywhere. 3 STARS
23. Paolo Nutini: Candy
I can’t say I’ve ever really got into Paolo Nutini’s album Sunny Side Up but I do know that it has been helmed as one of 2009’s greatest pop albums with every song worthy of becoming a single. So I’m wondering why Paolo’s team are deciding to re-release this as it already cracked the Top 30 and like 3OH!3, I feel like this song has only left the airwaves and released again. Not that Candy is a bad song, it’s a fine ballad with a relatively upbeat chorus and Paolo’s distinctive old man vocals, but I feel as if he should be releasing something else rather than going backwards. 4 STARS
24. The Pipettes: Stop The Music
The Pipettes sound like a 2010 version of ABBA on this track. On this funky Latin tinged track, the all girl duo bowl us over with a huge amount of hooks on this grower of a track. Worth checking out. 4 STARS
25. Robin Thicke featuring Estelle: Rollacoasta
Anyone looking for their Justin Timberlake fix need look no further than Robin Thicke because he’s a dead ringer for the former Mouseketeer on this funky electro number. Sexy, above average and as polished as Thicke’s Prada shoes, Estelle sings the sensual chorus on this track. It’s no SexyBack or LoveStoned but Rollacoasta sounds like it belongs on JT’s FutureSex/LoveSounds LP. Maybe Robin’s similarly titled Sex Therapy is worth checking out. 3.5 STARS
26. Shakira: Gypsy
After enticing us all with her hypnotic hips and quirky brand of electropop with previous singles She Wolf and Did It Again, Shakira tones things down for the third single from her criminally underselling She Wolf album. While it mightn’t back the punch of the previous two singles, Gypsy is a charming romantic affair thanks to its folky, Worldesque sound and Shakira’s awkward wordplay as she sings in the English language. 3.5 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
27. You Me At Six: Liquid Confidence (Nothing To Lose)
The second single from You Me At Six new album Hold Me Down steps on a theme we all know about – using alcohol to gain confidence…and making an absolute fool of yourself. Maybe the last part is just me. You Me At Six win no points for originality here and that’s why it rather unfairly earns the Stinker Of The Week this week. It has a catchy arena friendly chorus and all but I’ve heard this kind of music from them plenty of times before as well as other bands in their genre. Sorry to all You Me At Six fans but these guys need to show they have more diversity before I can rate them higher. 2.5 STARS
So there you have it, I was surprised as I wrote this how many good singles are released this week. The only high profile names really are Diana Vickers, 3OH!3, Paolo Nutini, Chipmunk, N-Dubz and Shakira but there’s some great songs this week so I urge you to get downloading.
Oh and please comment and leave feedback, good or bad, I won’t take offence as long as I don’t get “How could you give You Me At Six Stinker Of The Week. They are musical geniuses! What are you doing with your life?” or something along those lines. Giving your opinion is fine but ranting at me is not.
Complain about this comment
Anyone thinking GaGa's milking The Fame ?? After the 'Monster' release and now a remix, its not as if she's scrping the barrel anymore moneywise is it? She doesn't really need to do it is my point. A second album of the same quality would see her go doen in history, simple as.
Complain about this comment
I think she's overexposing herself big time Jonesy. The next single from The Fame Monster, Alejandro has yet to be released. Then another single from The Fame Monster will be released, probably Speechless. And then a third studio album. I am slowly starting to get sick of GaGa and wish she would disappear for a while.
Complain about this comment
I thought 'Gives You Hell' was the best Glee track this week actually! Rachaels vocal is just amazing and you really think she means it. Well, she does, if you've seen the episode! Glee is simply amazing.
The N-Dubz track is awful. They are starting to sound very similar with every track too. Simply stick a whoa oh from Hudson in the back ground and it'd be very much like their last tripe. awful stuff. They are another one for "over exposure".
The Chipmunk track bores the hell out of me. Again, a complete rehash of his last hit.
I also hate the 3OH!3 track. Its cheesy, poorly constructed, annoying and yet still catchy. Dislike!
I don't want to sound like the grumpy old man of Chartblog this week! Of course everyone knows I like 'Once'. I love the Hot Chip track too, I'm disapointed by its lack of radio play!
Complain about this comment
Great job as usual, Random!
About 3OH!3: Never mind the pointlessness of re-releasing tracks, they shouldn´t RELEASE tracks in the first place...
I love Donkeyboy, Nicki Minaj, The Pipettes and Julian Casablancas. His track "Out of the Blue" is a favourite of mine as well.
I haven´t heard the Crookers track. Gonna check it out. Diana Vickers is slightly more than okay, no more.
And I must say this, even though it pains me; I really liked Hot Chip´s I Feel Better at first, but now it´s started to grate on me. And the video was fun only the first time I saw it. Having a go at "boybands" seems a bit cheap, especially as boybands are so over at the moment (with the exception of JLS). And as a joke it doesn´t work more than once. Hope I haven´t offended anyone!
Complain about this comment
Thank you, Mangsy! :)
Well many other Irish people seem to agree with their long lost ancestor Liam and have knocked that Monster Lady GaGa and her Honey Bee Beyoncé from the #1 spot to make room for Glee's version of Gives You Hell. I have to say after hearing the Gives You Hell more, I'm liking it a lot more than I did.
Has the Madonna episode broadcast on British TV yet? I really love their version of 4 Minutes. I didn't know the gay guy (forget his name) had such a good voice. It annoys me that Finn gets the most male vocals on the show when the gay guy and the guy in the wheelchair have much better voices.
Although I like Chipmunk, he has no real originality to him at all. As I said in my review above, I often get him and Tinchy Stryder confused.
Complain about this comment
What an interesting place this is, I like Glee too, I think Rachels Don't rain on my Parade was Brilliant and I intend to buy it.
Complain about this comment
Hi magsmagenta! You seem to be sticking around for more than two minutes at least. This is an interesting place indeed. People have a sense of humour (most of the time) and don´t take everything too seriously. See you around.
Complain about this comment
Album Review no.2: Wake Up The Nation – Paul Weller
Paul Weller doesn’t like how the world is today, he doesn’t even care if you’re quite happy spending your time on Facebook or even on a site like this one, it’s time to respect your elders and get a lesson in rock music. No more playing around with synthesizers, no more 80s revivalism, no more songs about surfing the web; this is an album sent straight from the musical world of the 70s from the Modfathers himself. And here’s the surprise, it’s not rubbish.
Instead of conjuring up the ghosts of his previous work Weller has decided to take what he does well and uses it to create some of his most exciting works since The Jam. Starting with the raucous Moonshine and ending with the equally raucous Two Fat Ladies this is a whistle-stop tour of rock music, 16 songs, 40 minutes there’s no time for messing about here.
On paper first single Wake Up The Nation sounds like what you’d expect from Weller but the surprise comes from how vibrant and relevant he sounds, even when complaining about ‘the death of the Post Box’ and declaring the nation to get their ‘face out the Facebook’ – a line that sounds terrible on paper but hits the right spot when sung with such sincerity. Tightly packed into 2 and a half minutes it’s the album standout and sets the tone for the rest of the album, by track 6 you’ve only been listening for less than 15 minutes.After the blue-eyed soul of No Tears To Cry we move into the more experimental part of the album, 4 songs packed together three of which fail to reach 2 minutes. Of these She Speaks is the easy standout; surpassing The Jam rehash Fast Cars/Slow Traffic, the pointless instrumental In Amsterdam and the underwhelming Andromeda which has the potential to be a great track but leaves the party before it’s even started feeling pointless on a 16 track record.
Fortunately these moments are only momentary slip ups as Weller scores with every track from here on in, whether he’s playing funk on Aim High or carelessly throwing out 4 minute epics on Trees. This is Weller taking control of his own destiny - doing what he wants, when he wants - he doesn’t care that he’s 52, age doesn’t matter when you’re delivering songs this good. He even makes the second instrumental on the album, Whatever Next; sound worthy by combining elements of previous tracks, what all of this makes you wonder is where he’s been all this time? This is the Paul Weller everyone wants to see; an eccentric, trying his hand at everything from Blues to Soul, not the ageing rocker we’ve seen in the past.
This is a Paul Weller for the modern world, not one for a Top Gear soundtrack, and judging by his chart placing on Sunday it’s safe to say the Modfather has managed to Wake Up The Nation.
8.5/10 Key Tracks: Wake Up The Nation, Moonshine, Trees, Up The Dosage, Aim High
Complain about this comment
That one was a lot easier to write than the Plan B review. Next week I'll be reviewing The Futureheads latest effort The Chaos.
Complain about this comment
Sorry, I never could stand Paul Weller even when he was in The Jam.
Am I right in thinking that when Iron Maiden release their next Album this is the place to come and review it?
Complain about this comment
yes . And we cant wait to read it . :)
Complain about this comment
Who Do You Think Will Get A Mercury Prize This Year?
Saw a similar thread on Drowned in Sound so I thought I try to get some discussion going here.
At the moment Wild Beasts and The XX (even though I don't like them) look likely to get a mention and there might be mentions for Biffy Clyro and Muse. As for artists in 2010 I'd say judging by the success of her first album Laura Marling should get a nomination, so will Paul Weller and Hot Chip probably.
If Foals can produce anything half as good as Spanish Sahara they'll deserve a nomination but we'll have to wait till the album is released. Gorillaz won't get a nomination seeing as they turned down the nomination for their first album.
What are other people's thoughts?
Complain about this comment
Yes Magsmagenta. The Ryback and Jedward's reviews are where you can leave all your music reviews, news and discussions.
Complain about this comment
AC/DC are no.1 in the album charts with Iron Man 2, beating Paul Weller's Wake Up The Nation. It's a sad world when what's basically a greatest hits collection beats a new album from a legend back on form.
Complain about this comment
We all love Weller
Complain about this comment
Sorry, I never could stand Paul Weller even when he was in The Jam.
Judging by this quote I doubt magsmagenta loves him.
Complain about this comment
Yeah the Modfather is number 2 !
And the wonderful Meatloaf is in at number 4 , Harry !
Weller was beaten by AC/DC as their album is the soundtrack to the new Robert Downey Junior movie Iron Man 2
Promotion for the film has gone into overdrive , as it's cinematic release arrives , and thousands would have bought it because of this.
Just sad it's to the detriment of the fabulous Paul Weller .
Still the public have spoken , and have the right to buy whatever they like .
Complain about this comment
Meatloaf could have 5 albums in the top 10 and he'd still be a has-been to me, he's past his best.
Complain about this comment
I know it will mean a lot to Rob that you put his name in bold spirit ;)
Complain about this comment
Thanks very much jonesybcfc
Complain about this comment
Oh! the honour. ;)
Complain about this comment
I know I’m very late with this but I finally have my eleventh singles release diary for singles that were released four days ago. Oh well, college will be finished on Thursday so I should be more up to date with my Singles Reviews Diary by then.
26th April 2010:
01. Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment
Now before the coach full of Adam Lambert’s fans come along and attack me, I really like Adam Lambert. He was the only reason I watched American Idol last year and I think he’s probably the most powerful singer in today’s music industry on par with rock greats like Alice Cooper and Freddie Mercury. So I really wanted his debut single to be good. Sadly it’s not. Sure it has a catchy chorus and lyrics that would make Curtain Jerker’s Mum blush – which is really revolutionary for an American Idol contestant. But For Your Entertainment is just incredibly bland. It doesn’t have the ‘wow factor’. Thankfully, I’ve heard a few songs from Adam’s album of the same name and they are pretty promising. Hopefully, Adam’s follow-up singles will be better and his sophomore album will be more consistent. 2.5 STARS
02. Ash: Mind Control
Another short and sweet pop rock song from Ash’s A-Z To Series. Once again I will lament why the A-Z Series hasn’t got more hype because Ash have never been so consistent with providing enjoyable song – one after the other. 3 STARS
03. The Big Pink: Tonight
The third single from The Big Pink’s A Brief History Of Love doesn’t seem to have gone down well with most Chart Bloggers. To be honest, I don’t think it’s that bad. It doesn’t have the big commercial chorus that Dominos had but it’s a big step up from last single Velvet. I love the electro beats, the chorus is decent enough but can get rather grating like the chorus of Dominos. I do think this band have promise though so…3 STARS
04. Bullet For My Valentine: My Last Fight
Bullet For My Valentine are back with a bang! While many may argue that the metal band are just spitting out the same fast paced angst ridden music that they’ve always brought out, why change it if the fans love it. You can’t deny that huge guitar solo towards the end. 4 STARS
05. Chicane: Come Back
Chicane has been consistently good and I think he’s my new favourite dance act. So this is disappointing following the 5 star single that is Hiding All The Stars. This is pretty much 4 and a half minutes of rather boring house beats with some obscure vocals thrown over it. I don’t even find it that danceable. However, there is a very watchable yet mildly disturbing video to accompany it so I’d recommend checking it out. 2 STARS
06. Courteeners: Take Over The World
I wasn’t exactly bowled over by Courteeners last single You Overdid It Doll but this proves to be a more promising effort from them. Over a beautiful piano melody, Liam Fray’s powerful vocals really stand out. Strings, electro beats and guitars eventually build up when we reach the satisfying climax of the song. It’s official; I’ve been converted to being a fan of The Courteeners. Going to check out more of their stuff now. 4 STARS
07. The Dead Weather: Die By The Drop
Jack White must be the hardest worker in the industry. When he’s not producing for Adele, working with The Raconteurs and The White Stripes, he’s also acting as the frontman for his newest band The Dead Weather. For those of you not in the know, The Dead Weather was formed in 2009 and contains Jack White, Alison Mosshart of the Kills, Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence of The Greenhornes. The music – is very White Stripes. Good old blues and garage rock which I think would be perfect for soundtracking the next Tim Burton film. Mosshart and White’s vocals combine very nicely here and it’s a grower – but lacks any real punch. Perfectly serviceable though. 3.5 STARS
08. Fun Lovin’ Criminals: Mister Sun
Oh! Could this join Kid Rock’s All Summer Long as a surprise Summer hit? This definitely sounds like it could be huge if it gets the right airplay; cleverly sampling what I think is a song I heard on Barney all those years ago, only far more funkefied. However, I hated Kid Rock’s All Summer Long and I know I will hate this if it gets heavy airplay. Right now though, it’s a fine listen. 3 STARS
This week in Glee, it’s all about Madonna. And while I think there was a little bit too much brownnosing towards Madonna (Sue and Will going on about how inspirational Madonna is, insisting that her music is played all around the school, Mohawk talking about what a MILF she is, all the guys proclaiming how hot she is, Miss Prim and Proper Ginger Person not being shocked by Madonna’s shocking display of sexuality etc.) but it did remind me that the Plastic Fantastic OAP once was a revolution in pop music and that she once did have a strong catalogue until she made soulless dance music. Here are my Glee reviews for the week.
09. Glee Cast: Express Yourself
The girls go all female empowerment on us in their rendition of Madonna’s 1989 hit. I’m sure for all the girls at home, this was a chance for them to felt all lovely, strong and warm inside but this song is hardly Glee track of the week. 3 STARS
10. Glee Cast: Borderline/Open Your Heart
Lea Michele proves why she is the star of the show with this brilliant mash-up and Cory Monteith doesn’t do so shabbily either. This is pure euphoric ‘80s pop which may be a little cheesy but definitely infectious. 4 STARS
11. Glee Cast: Vogue
Jane Lynch adds an impressive singing voice to her list of talents in one of Madonna’s most iconic hits. Sue Sylvester almost sounds like Madonna in this catwalk influenced pop song. The true power of this song though is in the re-enactment of the Vogue video and Gleeks will lap up Sue’s proclamation during the rap breakdown “Will Schuester, I hate you!” but this is not the standout song from the episode. 4 STARS
12. Glee Cast: Like A Virgin
Again, this song works better with the storyline of the show where three of the characters set out to lose their virginity. It’s pretty faithful to the original and if you like the original Like A Virgin then you should enjoy this too. 4 STARS
13. Glee Cast: 4 Minutes (To Save The World)
Wahey! The show finally addresses one of its problems and gives Mercedes and Kurt their chance to shine. They cover the last good song Madonna released as a single. Mercedes impresses with her powerhouse vocals as usual but it’s Kurt who really shocks here – who knew that he had such a strong raspy voice. MrsRandomEnigma was even convinced that Kurt is now sexy after singing that so go Kurt I suppose. I love the heavy brass section in this song also. 4.5 STARS
14. Glee Cast: What It Feels Like For A Girl
In what has to be the most contrived moment of the show, the boys realise what jerks they are and put themselves in the high heeled stilettos of a girl by recording this cover of Madonna’s feminist hit. Once the vomit inducing talking bit is out of the way, the song sounds a little funky but falls down at the rather boring chorus. The worst Glee song this week. 2 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK
15. Glee Cast: Like A Prayer
Don’t Stop Believing has a rival for best Glee song ever! The original is already fantastic but I found myself with goosebumps after hearing this choir backed power ballad. Glee are clearly saving their best songs for the closing moments of the show this season. Amazing stuff. 5 STARS
16. Lady Antebellum: Need You Now
Taken from the Shania Twain quarter of the country music, this has been a Top 10 hit in the US for weeks now. Despite some beautiful piano backed vocals from the band’s male and female vocalist, this is a pretty decent song but as little country as its possible to be while still being classified as country. Watered down for pop radio Taylor Swift could easily have sang this if only she’d give up singing about princesses and fairytales and wasn’t afraid to use lyrics as edgy as “It’s a quarter after one/I’m a little drunk and I need you now”. Why would anyone up that late drinking liquor at that hour? Damnit, I want really good country artists like Jace Everett, Little Big Town and C.C. Adcock to be successful over here but I guess I can accept Lady Antebellum if they don’t recycle this type of song over again. 3 STARS
17. Marina & The Diamonds: I Am Not A Robot
I cannot understand the hype from both critics and fans when it comes to this song. Sure there are many good things about it, Marina’s vocals are beautiful in the verses once they take on this soft simpering sound, I love the message (it makes you want to hug someone) and I love the way Marina says “I’m vun-ripple, I’m vun-ripple, I am not a robot”. Vun-ripple sounds way cooler than vulnerable ya see! However, the chorus is kind of limp and repetitive and the production fast matches will.i.am. in the schizophrenic department but isn’t as annoying ‘cause it’s not as generic electro. So the song is alright but I’m hoping that Shampain is cancelled as the next single and Are You Satisfied? or Mowgli’s Road is chosen instead. 3 STARS
18. The Riptide Movement: Hard To Explain
The fun and bouncy instrumentation is really what makes the song. The gruff, harsh vocals are really off-putting for me but this has a decent chorus so many people should like this. 2.5 STARS
19. Roll Deep featuring Jodie Connor: Good Times
I feel like this samples something and has about as much depth as a box of WeightWatchers food. Yes, I know, bad simile. All generic content aside, this song is a deserved hit because of its winner chorus provided by the sexy voiced Jodie Connor. Also credit goes to Roll Deep for rhyming the hook friendly lines “Late night shopping” and “high street bopping”. 3.5 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
20. Sidney Samson featuring Lady Bee: Shut Up And Let Me Go
Now that Riverside (Let’s Go) has left the chart, radio airwaves and clubs, it’s up to Samson to show that he’s not going to be a one hit wonder. Sadly for Samson, I think that’s the category he’s going to fall into because this doesn’t have the strong sing a long hook or the big expletive that everyone sang along to on his previous single. I know I’m forever giving club bangers Stinker Of The Week but sadly club bangers just aren’t up to scratch these days. This is just trashy and boring and goes to overdrive with the helium, the only interesting thing about it is the beats which aren’t enough to save the song. 1. 5 STARS
Also, Timbaland and Justin Timberlake officially release Carry Out this week, I reviewed it weeks ago. See somewhere above for my thoughts, the track has grown on me although I still think it’s generic. I realise I love the cowbell and Justin Timberlake’s vocals are really good.
Okay, give me your feedback and thoughts on Monday’s single releases. What are your Winners and Stinkers etc.? All comments are appreciated greatly.
Complain about this comment
I know many people on Chart Blog are in love with Marina but after the promise of the early singles, like Hollywood, Obsessions and Mowgli's Road, I was expecting a great album, unfortunately overal I felt let down. I'm Not A Robot's alright, it's actually my least favourite single so far, she repeats the chorus refrain a bit too much for my liking and the whole thing seems a little bit too 'look at me aren't I wierd'.
It's funny looking back at the Sound of 2010 nearly halfway through the year. If I was to right up a list for my favourite new artists of 2010 it would probably look like this:
1) Hurts
2) Everything Everything
3) Delphic
4) The Drums
5) Drake
Complain about this comment
I bigged up Hurts massively, but they seem to be really taking their time. The Drums are bubbling under but haven;t really broken through yet. Delphic are alright but really was never and will probably never be that wowed by them.
Drake and Everything Everything? I gave them both one or two listens off the website and then forgot about them.
I love the Marina album, think it's brilliant. There's some more strong singles on there, 'Obsessions' and 'Are you Satisfied?" are brilliant. "Girls" could probably be a single. That's without listening to the album aagain deliberately looking for 5 star stand alone singles.
She has also released a much better album than Ellie Goulding in my opinion. Although her album is enjoyable.
Looing at the list, I really like Owl City's album. Think its sweet, quirky and ridiculous in places. Also a bit annoying. Not a classic, but some nice stuff on there. Daisy Dares You, hope that was her one and only single to be honest. Two Door Cinema Club are bubbling under, will probably break up some time this year.
Then the rest on that list I've not heard from again really.
Fair assessment?
Complain about this comment
Will the 2010 poll top the dizzying heights of the 2009 poll? I doubt it.
Little Boots, White Lies, Florence and The Machine, Empire of the Sun, La Roux, Lady Gaga, VV Brown, Passion Pit, Dan Black.
So the last three didn't quite hit the commercial success I'm sure that they wanted.. but look at the rest of the list? Some amazing stuff on there.
Complain about this comment
Album Review no.3: The Chaos – The Futureheads
After the surprise success of their hectic debut, partially due to the brilliant Hounds of Love cover it contained, The Futureheads seemed to forget to keep what made them so popular in the first place. Exclude The Beginning of a Twist and their output since their debut has been largely forgettable with the idea of The Futureheads disappearing by 2012 becoming more realistic with every song; The Chaos is supposed to be the album to stop this and judging by the currently released tracks, Struck Dumb and Heartbeat Song, they might have a strong enough case for survival.
Starting with the title track the album quickly underlines it’s style, this is the Futureheads of their debut; always chaotic but always in control, ridiculously energetic and generally insane. Mostly they hit gold, as they do on first single Struck Dumb, but sometimes the barking mad, ADD-style energy becomes too much to handle, like spending an hour with a group of 6 year olds. Thankfully there are some new tricks on offer here; Sun Goes Down adds a new sense of darkness to their usually hyperactive sound and Jupiter brilliantly begins with Futureheads in full barbershop quartet mode before unfolding over the album’s closing 6 minutes.
Unfortunately despite these efforts the album ends up feeling a bit like business as usual, more the sound of a band trying to regain what they had to begin with instead of one moving into new ground. Not to say there are some great songs here; Heartbeat Song, I Can Do That and Struck Dumb are all as good as anything Futureheads have ever produced, and some of the lyrics are brilliant – personal favourite being the line at the end of I Can Do That – it just feels like we’ll be back here in 2 years time wondering whether The Futureheads will be around in 2015. Not that any of this is a problem, Futureheads may have only a couple of tricks but at least now they’ve realised that they’re best when they use them than when they try to aim for higher heights than there capability.
7.7/10 Key Tracks: Struck Dumb, I Can Do That, Sun Goes Down, Heartbeat Song
Complain about this comment
Next week I'll be reviewing Diana Vickers debut album Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree.
Complain about this comment
I’m being extra good this week and getting in what is actually my thirteenth Singles Reviews Diary (I made a misprint on my last one). Summer is here so let’s see what songs we can listen to by the BBQ this week.
3rd May 2010:
01. Aggros Santos featuring Kimberly Wyatt: Candy
Unknown British rapper Aggros Santos and former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt (the one with the slightly superior dancing to the others) get together for this unoriginal but surprisingly enjoyably infectious dance rap track. Generic as it may be, icy electro beats and a repetitive sexy chorus from Wyatt make this above the average club tracks were all hearing at the minute. Santos is also a pretty decent rapper, being a dead ringer for Sean Paul in looks and fast paced rapping style, although Santos has a London accent instead of a fake Jamaican one like Paul. However with the similar sounding and much more hyped Dirty Picture being released this week also, this is unlikely to do well. This is by no means a classic but it succeeds very well in staying with the now without being irritating. 3 STARS
02. Beyoncé featuring Kanye West: Ego (Remix)
The human machine that is Beyoncé returns with the eighth single from her I Am… Sasha Fierce LP despite not realising that everyone got bored of the era back in August after the release of Sweet Dreams. The album version of this track with Beyoncé should be a classic – old school R&B soul with classy pianos, a loud and boisterous brass section, finger snaps and flawless and sassy vocals from Beyoncé. The song sounds like it was taken from the golden era of R&B music. However, the video for the song is not so golden, more black and white Single Ladies knock off with Beyoncé wearing a dodgy wig. Worse still, Kanye West comes in “to keep the urban crowd” happy with an ill paced rap which he does in a sing-songy way while rambling on about recession and name-checking Beyoncé and Jay-Z. This modern rap sounds completely out of sync with the retro-ness of the song and hence spoils it immensely. Well, at least Kanye gets the rap out of the way at the start and the rest of the ‘should be classic’ can be listened to in peace. 4 STARS (But it would be 5 if Kanye didn’t wreck it!)
03. Biffy Clyro featuring Josh Hommes: Bubbles
I was a bit shocked to find that this was the fifth single from Biffy Clyro’s Only Revelations album but then I remembered Mountains back in 2008 was actually the lead single from the album so I guess they’re well on their way through it. Bubbles features some extra guitar work from Josh Hommes of Queens Of The Stone Age and you can definitely tell as its one of the best tracks instrumentally on the album. Borrowing a little from Kings Of Leon, it’s nice to hear Simon Neil’s Scottish tinged verses but once the chorus hits, the song just doesn’t seem to really go anywhere. The prog rock breakdown at the end though is pretty satisfying. I would love if they release God & Satan as the next single. 3 STARS
04. Estelle featuring Kardinal Offishall: Freak
Oh Estelle! What have you done? After creating a modern classic with American Boy, your following singles from your sophomore album Shine didn’t do so well but at least you maintained your dignity. With the lead single from her third album All Of Me, Estelle enlists David Guetta to help her jump on the dance bandwagon. The song’s main hook “I can be a freak/I can be a freak/every day of every week” is cringeworthy and irritating and overall, the song just sounds a little desperate and calculated. Props to Estelle for still managing to inject a little soul vocally into the track and the jumpy hooks in the song almost make up for it until Kardinal Offishall shows up for his pointless rap and I hate the song all over again. 2 STARS
05. Faithless: Not Going Home
You know this new single can only be bought exclusive to Tesco. For a brief second, I thought the final three words of my last sentence were actually part of the song title which had me intrigued. While the song doesn’t make any references to Tesco, Faithless show us all how good they are with another consistently strong trance track. Perfect for playing at a rave, the calmly spoken verses almost have a disturbing quality to them. Still, great song and the animated and erotic video is another one to add to the list of 2010’s Top Videos (quite a few already actually). 4 STARS
06. Foals: This Orient
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Foals but never actually took the time out to listen to them. Thanks to my writing of these Singles Reviews Diaries, I’ve actually listened to them for the first time. This Orient being the first song I’ve heard from them shows a lot of promise. With an exciting electronic intro, the song opens with a crashing of guitars and drums while the synths continue to play quietly in the background. The song is a definite grower with a catchy yet subdued chorus. I’m going to check out some of their other songs now. 4 STARS
__________________________________
I have to say that this week’s episode of Glee is probably the weakest and so are the selection of songs. Too many Broadway ballads for my liking. However with the incredibly talented Kristin Chenoweth back this week. Some of the songs are made above average thanks to her contributions. This week doesn’t have as fixed a theme as other episodes but it seems to be about feeling secure in yourself and your home.
07. Glee Cast: Fire
I’m trying to remove images of Will Schuester’s (Matthew Morrison) terrible dancing and portrayal of fake embarrassment when April (Kristin Chenoweth) starts a karaoke rendition of this song. While these two don’t have a patch on the original, their soaring rendition of Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band’s ‘80s hit Fire is probably the best song in Glee this week. 4 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
08. Glee Cast: A House Is Not A Home
It’s great to see Chris Colfer as Kurt is getting more of a chance to sing this part of the season with only Cory Monteith’s Finn joining in towards the end. It’s probably not so great though if he’s given drippy and cheesy ballads, this one being a 1964 song by Dionne Warwick. Their version is solid but I found myself fast forwarding at Kurt’s cringeworthy longing looks at the permanently confused looking Finn. 2 STARS
09. Glee Cast: One Less Bell To Answer/A House Is Not A Home
This week’s mash-up is just plain lazy because one of the songs in the mash-up was already used in the episode, just before this song in fact. The other song was originally sung by The 5th Element. Credit needs to go to Matthew Morrison and Kristin Chenoweth for doing the best job they could with the rather boring mash-up, especially Chenoweth whose powerful Broadway vocals have a classic, old movie style sound to them. 2.5 STARS
10. Glee Cast: Beautiful
This is the song that’s likely to chart this week. Covering Christina Aguilera’s soppy modern classic is obviously the only singer close enough to rival Aguilera’s powerhouse vocals is Amber Riley (Mercedes). Her rendition is very good and on-par with the original but I could never really stand the song apart from its catchiness. 3.5 STARS
11. Glee Cast: Home
The closing numbers from the last two episodes have been extremely satisfying but this track is another boring but well sung Broadway ballad with lead vocals by April from the musical The Wiz. I found myself drifting away from the song and verbally abusing the TV by telling Will to man up when the overly sentimental teacher began crying again during a performance. 2 STARS
12. Grace Jones: Love You To Life
Lady GaGa’s biggest fan makes a return to the industry with this new single. The track’s production is sparse and haunting yet it still sounds sort of like it belongs on a soundtrack to James Bond with its soulful chorus. Jones’ voice sounds as distinctive and poetic as ever. A fine return for Miss Jones that should keep her fans happy. 4 STARS
13. Hole: Skinny Little Chick
I do love Hole and Courtney Love. Combining the sound of the Smashing Pumpkins, Joan Jett and Nirvana, Courtney Love’s tobacco edged vocals are the standout point of what is probably the angriest and grungiest moment on Hole’s consistent new album Nobody’s Daughter. If you’re like me and love the 1990s grunge sound, then you will adore this. But in all honesty, this is probably one of the weakest songs on the album and it’s strange that this was chosen as lead single over the much more commercial Samantha. Bring on Pacific Coast Highway. 3.5 STARS
14. John O’Connor and Audrey Trainor: Falling Up
This is reminiscent of the Waterboys in that it has a very folky sound with a particular emphasis on the violin played by Trainor. O’Connor sings the track in a way that you almost want to chant along with despite its mid-tempo setting. I’ll have to check out more of his stuff. 4 STARS
M.I.A.: Born Free
After the surprise commercial success and mainstream attention of M.I.A.’s Paper Planes, this track, a buzz single from M.I.A.’s as of yet untitled third album has divided fans and critics. Well this critic (humble old Randy) thinks the new M.I.A. is fast paced, intriguing and a good indication for the album ahead. Casual M.I.A. fans probably won’t like this but those who have been following her since her Arular days should enjoy this jarring track, made all the more so by the disturbing video. Now bring on the first official single XXXO, M.I.A.! 3.5 STARS
15. Mika: Kick Ass (We Are Young)
I actually have to say Mika kind of does kick ass on this song because I don’t hate it like I hate every other Mika single that followed Love Today. And it’s not the RedOne effect that has made this song great because I’m definitely starting to hear him recycle his beats but rather Mika’s powerful, euphoric and anthemic chorus which really sticks in the head like bubblegum. A great return to form for Mika although I do feel his falsetto may get on my nerves after more listens. Hopefully, this will see Mika’s return to the charts although I doubt it. 4.5 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
16. Moby featuring Kelly Scarr: Wait For Me
The incredibly versatile Moby releases Wait For Me, an ambient yet affecting track from his album of the same name. Kelly Scarr’s vocals are haunting and beautiful and Moby has designed the perfect backdrop for those fantastic vocals, really setting up a dramatic and atmospheric concept. In an ideal World, this would be a modern classic. 5 STARS
17. Ocean Colour Scene: Saturday
Starting off with the sound of cawing seagulls, the underrated but fantastic Ocean Colour Scene release the first perfect song of the Summer. The song manages to be high energy and chilled out at the same time with a big booming chorus, this perfect for that beach BBQ. This just about missed out on being rewarded Track Of The Week. 5 STARS
18. Pendulum: Watercolour
Pendulum are back! My excitement has waned slightly though as this doesn’t live up to my expectations and I know there capable of much greater. I wouldn’t give it 2 stars like the Big Mac did but Pendulum have released better songs than this. However, with a little drop of angst and racing, fast paced synths… the song still shows why Pendulum are regarded as one of Australia’s greatest bands. The drum and bass on this track has been toned down a lot on this from their earlier stuff though. 3 STARS
19. Sophie Ellis Bextor: Bittersweet
Sophie Ellis Bextor is also back but don’t expect me to cheer. I like her but nearly all her songs sound the same – classy yet icy electropop. As some other ChartBlog commenter stated (can’t remember which one) – the verses on this are fantastic but the chorus is sadly lacking. Not good for a pop song and I’m getting tired of the ‘80s sound. Still I’ll forgive Sophie because this in the hands of someone else could have been disastrous. 3 STARS
20. Taio Cruz featuring Ke$ha: Dirty Picture
I really wanted to bomb this because this song is pure and utter trash – complete tripe!!! But I was in a nightclub last night and this came on and it just sounded fantastic to my slightly (very!) intoxicated ears. Cheap and sleazy (like a drunk person) – this song is designed for the nightclubs and does very well at that. Ke$ha really stands out here as her voice really fits the production of the song (her version of this track is far superior to this one) yet Taio bores me to death. We all know you’re not as bad as you say, Cruz. So yeah, this song is the ultimate classic when you’ve downed a few too many vodka and Red Bulls (I’m going to vomit) but is terrible otherwise. So I’m going to give it a safe old in between rating of… 3 STARS
21. Toni Braxton featuring Trey Songz: Yesterday
The original Queen of R&B and R&B newbie Toni Braxton and Trey Songz team up for this R&B power ballad. Generic is a word I throw about a lot but this R&B song isn’t exactly that. It’s more anonymous. A genuinely good power ballad, this could just have easily have been sang by Beyoncé and Chris Brown and no-one would have told the difference. Still decent R&B filler to make up a versatile iPod playlist. 3 STARS
22. Train: Hey Soul Sister
Having hit the Number 1 spot in the US and Australia and even making Number 2 in Ireland before its release, it baffles me that this song isn’t doing better across the pond in the UK. Because Hey Soul Sister is the most catchiest radio friendly record to come out in a long time. Against a slightly folky backdrop, Patrick Monahan, the lead singer, uses his powerful voice to sing out this romantic and cheery ballad. Even though I find it strange that you’d metaphorically call your love interest your sister. Kind of creepy. All creepiness aside, this song is fantastic. Come on, Britain, get buying! 4.5 STARS
23. Two Door Cinema Club: Something Good Can Work
Woah! Woah! Woah! Am I listening to The Kooks or Franz Ferdinand when they were in their prime. Despite their unoriginality, Two Door Cinema Club have created a fantastic indie pop chorus here. Full of bouncy, cheery guitar riffs, a Kook-esque chorus and a melody you want to clap along to, this is another pefect tune for your Summer playlist. 4 STARS
24. Vampire Weekend: Giving Up The Gun
This has rather annoying been cancelled as a single despite good radio and music channel airplay, Giving Up The Gun is a fantastic percussion heavy track with loads of twinkling synths and World effects towards the end. The song doesn’t have any real chorus but remains incredibly likeable and listenable probably because of the fantastic band and Ezra Koenig’s soft vocals. Check out the fantastic video which features cameos from Jake Gyllenhall, Joe Jonas and Daft Punk. 4 STARS
Phew! That took ages but I really enjoyed writing that edition of my Singles Reviews Diary. As usual, I want your thoughts on what’s good and what’s not as well as what you thought of the Singles Reviews Diary as a whole.
Complain about this comment
Great review of The Chaos, Harry. I would probably give the album the same rating, it's pretty solid. Oh and I need to commend you on your writing style. It's very good and not half as clunky as mine.
Looking forward to your review on Diana Vickers, I don't know whether to buy the album or not and it all depends on your review!!! No pressure.
Complain about this comment
The Twelves remix of Something Good Can Work is getting lots of attention at the moment, sounds like what would happen if Phoenix covered the song, so there might be a chance of Two Door Cinema Club reaching the lower end of the charts.
Complain about this comment
Thanks for the compliment on my writing, the Futureheads album is really the sort you buy when it's reduced to five pounds. Good not great.
As for Diana Vickers it's going to be really interesting hearing the album, with previous reviews like The Futureheads and Plan B I'd already heard most of the tracks before I heard all of it so I knew what to expect. This time however I have no idea what to expect since I've only heard Once and you always have to be careful with X-Factor acts. Hopefully I'll have my prejudice towards X-Factor destroyed but after hearing some of the previews on Itunes I'm not sure, should get a good listen tomorrow (or today technically) as it's a bank holiday.
P.S: Next week expect two album reviews as I can't decide which album I want to review more; Foals' Total Life Forever or The National's High Violet.
Complain about this comment
Hopefully 'cause the song would probably have been a #1 hit back in 2006.
Complain about this comment
Probably would've been but back then record labels were signing anyone who could play a guitar. Now we're a bit pickier, you have to have a synthesizer to get signed nowadays
Complain about this comment
God knows who signed The Big Pink.
Complain about this comment
At 440 Harrythedog gets the prize for most references to obscure bands in a chartblog entry whilst retaining SOME street cred.
Complain about this comment
Oh no, I don't think Phoenix. Are that obscure? I've listened to them and like them a lot. The Twelves and The National though...never heard of them!
Complain about this comment
The National I've listened to and liked. Bit dull but worth a listen..
Complain about this comment
Yeah Phoenix aren't that obscure anymore and to be honest I only listened to them last year because I read a good review of their latest album in a newspaper. Heard The Twelves remix on Zane Lowe's show and I heard it get played elsewhere as well, I seriously recommend it.
As for The National, I've been seeing alot of 5 star reviews for their new album so I thought I should check it out, turns out it's really good like Arcade Fire good. Though I agree with Liam that the earlier stuff is a bit boring.
P.S: It's great that Chart Blog is the only place where you lose street cred for mentioning obscure bands.
Complain about this comment
I'm actually going to rally rant on about how 'Kick Ass (We Are Young)' HAS to make it back into the charts as often as I can on here.
Not because I love Mika, or RedOne, because as Randy said, Mika's falsetto can be annoying and RedOne's recycled beats are gradually appearing on more and more tracks since Lady GaGa exploded onto the scene.
But more to the point, THAT CHORUS is amazing. THAT CHORUS will get stuck in your head quicker than an egg can fry on a car bonnet (I've done it before, takes roughly 6 seconds), and THAT CHORUS must get him back in the top 40. I personally find that high note in the chorus extremely listenable and it's a shame I haven't seen it play-listed; it really is one of the best soudtracks I've ever heard, and really encapulates the theme of the film with some lyrics that only Mika could pull off.
It's a 5 stars song for me.
Complain about this comment
Oh new album? Will have to listen. Might be worth a squirt at Glasto.. thought I think they clash with Marina.. so a no brainer for me. Probably says a lot about my taste in music!
Obscure bands are always welcome here! I just love listening to great music, whether it's obscure or not. Not really sure what ranks as obscure. I'm a huge lover of pop music, but have plenty of random bands/artists on my iTunes that have probably never charted a song.
Complain about this comment
I know what you mean Liam I have about half a dozen bands on my Itunes that no-one on here has probably heard of but most of the music I listen to consists of well known artists. Often the reason why a band isn't popular is because they aren't very good, sure there are some injustices in the world - Justin Bieber charting highing than Arcade Fire - but most of the time bands will get the success they deserve.
It'll be bands like Arcade Fire, White Stripes, Interpol, The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys who we'll be remembering in 20 years time not Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, JLS and Basshunter.
Complain about this comment
I’m finally free from college! Success! However, what’s not a success this week is the amount of rather boring singles being released this week. Oh well, next week looks much more promising. :)
Singles Reviews Diary – 10th May 2010:
01. Ash –Insects
We’re on Single Letter P of Ash’s A-Z Series and Insects sounds like Ash are, like me, getting into the Summery mood with this mellow guitar heavy new single. Like every other single in the A-Z Series, this is a pleasant but unspectacular listen. 3 STARS
02. Beyoncé – Why Don’t You Love Me
All those sick of Beyoncé, please don’t worry! While the Queen Bee may have released her eight I Am… Sasha Fierce single Ego in the UK and Ireland last week, this isn’t going to become the ninth single (any time soon). Instead a video was filmed for the song as “a gift to her fans”. If you’re a fan of Beyoncé, then you should love this song which appears as a bonus track on I Am… Sasha Fierce: Super Ultimate Platinum Mega Deluxe Edition. For everyone else, it has to be said that this is a really good disco number from the R&B star. While Ego sounds like it came from the 1960s, Why Don’t You Love Me is rooted in the 1970s with super fast funky production and lyrics filled with Beyoncé’s usual sass. However, if I’m honest, Beyoncé’s harsh oversinging on the chorus can really make the song grating which I find is the case with most of the singles that have been released from this era. Still, this probably won’t get any airplay so head on over to YouTube to check out the super hot and stylish video. Groovy. 3.5 STARS
03. The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster – Love Turns To Hate
The gothic punk band with the incredibly long name is back with this guitar heavy, shout along track that should go down well in the mosh pits this Summer. The chorus on this does get very irritating after a few but thankfully this is a strong comeback single that should keep their fans happy. 3 STARS
04. Fugative featuring Gina – Crush
The 16-year old rapper is very much in the same vein as his contemporary Chipmunk in that he was once a favourite on urban music channels like Channel AKA and Starz but it now looks like he’s going to be the latest ‘it’ rapper with this poppish radio friendly single. While the rapping is pretty much inoffensive rapping about a teenage crush (while sounding eerily like Chipmunk), the standout star of this song is Gina who sings the super catchy chorus with her smooth R&B vocals which can be compared to American singers such as Ashanti or Ciara. This is pure catchy fluff but Fugative looks like he’s pretty much replicating Chipmunk’s formula for getting his rap records on the radio. 3 STARS
05. Fyfe Dangerfield – She’s Always A Woman
Guillemots’ frontman Fyfe Dangerfield covers Billy Joel with this fantastic timeless ballad that is currently being used in an ad for John Lewis. Dangerfield’s vocals are smooth and powerful, the production is classy and dare I say it but I think this is better than the Billy Joel version. A great alternative to all the electro infiltrating the radio at the moment. 5 STARS
I missed Glee this week so I can’t say if the songs used in this week’s episode “Bad Reputation” fit well into the storyline. I can, as usual, review how the Glee Cast has managed to fare up after last week’s bland episode.
06. Glee Cast – Ice Ice Baby
Ahhh, first Jedward and now Will Schuester. While Will rapping and dancing makes me want to cover my eyes with the cringyness of it, thankfully Glee do this song more justice than Jedward because listening to this in audio doesn’t sound bad at all…if you can manage to dispel Schuester’s “trying to act cool” posturing in the video. Perfect party fodder that doesn’t stray too far from the original. 3.5 STARS
07. Glee Cast – U Can’t Touch This
Okay, another cringeworthy video aside, it’s great to see that anyone who isn’t Lea Michelle or Cory Monteith get their chance to shine. My favourite singer in the Glee Club, Artie gets his chance to sign with his fast paced rapping. Again it doesn’t stray too far from the original but this is another solid entry from the Glee Clubbers. 4 STARS
08. Glee Cast – Physical
This much hyped up collaboration between Sue Sylvester and, to sound like Puck, the World’s greatest MILF Olivia Newton John falls a little short for me. Maybe because I’m not a fan of the original but I feel like this lacks the energy of the original and did I just here some really obvious Auto-Tune? Not cool, Glee. Lynch and Newton-John have great voices though. 2.5 STARS
09. Glee Cast - Run Joey Run
This cover of David Geddes’ Run Joey Run is probably the second best song on Glee this week because it takes on the theatrical, narrative sound of the original with some great back-up vocals from Santana and Brittany and the rest of Glee I assume. The video has me intrigued and made me laugh out loud and not ‘cause I was cringing. Rachel was fantastic as ever and so was Puck and Jesse St. James (is that his name?) but they really showed up the male lead Finn whose vocal limitations were noticeable this time around. 4.5 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
10. Glee Cast – Total Eclipse Of The Heart
The obvious song to chart this week, this has that epic quality of the original. Rachel gives Bonnie Tyler a run for her money with her booming theatrical voice. Jesse St. James is also great with the little bits he does get to sing alongside Puck and Finn. What’s the deal with two songs between Rachel, Finn, Jesse and Puck? Is there some love square going on? Anyway with bombastic production and soaring backing vocals from the rest of Glee, this is another Glee song that will give you goosebumps and a deserved winner of Track Of The Week. 5 STARS
Yes the Glee tracks this week are much more up to scratch.
11. Groove Armada featuring Jess Larrabee – Look Me In The Eye Sister
Another consistently strong single from Groove Armada, the second official single from their Black Light album. This track finds them in their usual trance mode but freshened up with rocky overtones, fists in the air euphoria and a smooth chorus from Larrabee. Fantastic and one track I’ll be listening to this Summer. 5 STARS
12. Hannah – I Believe In You
A serviceable enough light and colourful dance tune by the Australian newcomer. This actually sounds like a lesser track from Madonna’s American Life LP. Hannah might sound like Madonna but doesn’t show much innovation with her debut UK single. 3 STARS
13. Kaci Battaglia – Crazy Possessive
This song isn’t very original and lacks depth but it’s actually a great pop song. Sounding very like Rihanna’s S.O.S. (Rescue Me), it’s a light techno pop tune with a huge expletive filled chorus that should do well on radio because it doesn’t take a genius to understand where the expletives are covered up. This could easily be a Summer smash but the song could easily have been sang by any other American pop/R&B princess because its so anonymous. Battaglia does show some personality in the video though as a crazy possessive yet incredibly sexy woman – don’t get on the wrong side of this bunny boiler. 3.5 STARS
14. Keane featuring K’nann – Stop For A Minute
This is a really strong comeback from the band who release a new EP on 10 May, Night Train. The song is immediately ear snagging on first listen which show that Keane continue to show the innovation they displayed on last album Perfect Symmetry by reducing the number of piano ballads and going for something a little more so. This is extremely radio friendly pop rock, made all the more so by Somali Canadian guest rapper K’nann who adds a little bit of international feel to the track. As OddOne said weeks ago, if this doesn’t get Keane back in the Top 20 then nothing will. 4 STARS
15. Kelis – Acapella
It’s a testament to Kelis that she cracked the UK Top 10 weeks before official release after previously being brushed off as a fad artist with her breakthrough single Milkshake. In this classy, energetic and soaring dance ballad with some tribal elements, Kelis sings about how the birth of her baby boy has brought so much more energy to her life. A fantastic lead single to start of the campaign for her Flesh Tones album and one to dispel any sneers from her critics. 4.5 STARS
16. Lee Ryan – Secret Love
Lee Ryan attempts to stay relevant with this by the numbers generic electro dance track. The song has a decent enough chorus and radio friendly but cynical old me is just thinking that this is Ryan trying to add a little extra cash in his pocket. I’d avoid it. 2 STARS
17. LIGHTS – Saviour
The much cooler, female version of Owl City releases her second UK single. I previously compared her to Britney Spears from the Blackout era. I continue to believe this although this has a more melancholy sound than what we heard from that album. I really like this although many may find LIGHTS really prominent Canadian accent off-putting, as well as the Auto-Tune and wailing at the way. Still this is a great pop song that many others will like. 3.5 STARS
18. Mary J. Blige featuring Jay Sean – Each Tear
Mary J. and Jay Sean team up for this ‘inspirational’ ballad. The song uses every lyrical cliché in the book, classy R&B production and smooth “I’ll always be there for you” vocals from Blige and Sean. The video is hilarious with Mary J. and Jay Sean’s overly earnest expressions. Check it out. The song might be heartwarming for a small variety but won’t do anything to save Blige’s declining career as many of us will be reaching for the sick buckets. 2 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
19. Miley Cyrus – When I Look At You
Eurrgh Miley. Stick to the up-tempo numbers because “sitting at the piano, sobbing” ballads really don’t work for you. While her last ballad The Climb was decent enough in a reality TV singer’s winning song kind of way, that was because Miley showed some restraint. For her tragically romantic new movie The Last Song, Miley provides us with the soundtrack’s lead single, an overblown tearjerker that shows Miley really show off her vocal chops. The song made me cry, cry with the overwhelming pain in my ears of listening to Miley’s nails against chalkboard voice. I can’t even hear the lyrics thanks to Miley’s nasal delivery. Obvious stinker. 1 STAR
20. Mini Viva – One Touch
I don’t understand all the critical hype surrounding Mini Viva. Sure, I really enjoyed their flop I Wish but never really cared for Left My Heart In Tokyo. I think its just that I find the girls’ voices annoying. On this racy number, they are more bearable although I still think this is a by the numbers ‘80s throwback. I don’t think the chorus is particularly strong but I do like the “Hips, lips, fashion status” breakdown. A good enough pop song but not essential in today’s market in my opinion. 3 STARS
21. Sub Focus featuring Coco – Splash
Euphoric drum and bass from Sub Focus and Coco of I Blame Coco equals dance heaven. I don’t know if this has much mainstream appeal but with a fists in the air chorus, this might be one of those under the radar dance numbers to enjoy this Summer. 4 STARS
22. TV Rock featuring Rudy – In The Air (Axwell Remix)
This isn’t remotely original but this will probably serve as the Eurodance song to feature in all the clubs this month with it’s brief vocal sections and big rave friendly dance parts. Decent enough but nothing overly exciting. 3 STARS
Complain about this comment
Ah, 14 weeks and 360 singles reviewed, I'm quite proud of myself for sticking with it this long. Comments and feedback please.
Complain about this comment
Need to get that Diana Vickers out the way before Monday, should have it up by tommorow.
Complain about this comment
Thrilled that someone has come across LIGHTS and her song Saviour, it's a really pleasant song as well as having some nice vocals near the end.
As embarrassing as this is to admit, I really like the new Miley song. I feel there's a real genuine sound to her voice, ESPECIALLY in the chorus. Does no-one think that she hits the big notes well? I actually think her voice is really well suited to this song. Go ahead and laugh, 'cos I can't hear you over Miley's soaring chorus!!
Lee Ryan's Secret Love wins the stinker of the year so far award for me. What an awful, out of tune generic, poorly written, uninspired song!! At least Miley shows emotion in her songs, even if it can be a bit much!! 0 STARS!!!!!
Complain about this comment
@ Kingshleppy,
I actually seem to be the only one who hates the Miley song. Someone else on here (I think it was Jonesy) said it was a brilliant song and I had a little peak at Wikipedia and the song has mainly had positive critical reception. I'm actually wondering though if I should have given Lee Ryan the Stinker award. He just comes across as dated and one of those people who will do anything to stay relevant. His voice didn't wreck my head as much as Miley's though.
Her brand new single I Can't Be Tamed is coming out soon and its not looking good for Miley at all.
Complain about this comment
Always enjoy the reviews Randy, even if I don't always comment. This week's thoughts -
"but they really showed up the male lead Finn whose vocal limitations were noticeable this time around"
THIS time around??! Every time. He really is the weak link in Glee. I'm watchubg each ep as it airs on E4, instead of online, as we make a little event out of it. Means I haven't seen this week's yet so don't know about the songs. I am very excited about 'Total..' though!!
Although Kelis is clearly track of the week.
I will have to check out Lights.
That Sub Focus track is also amazing. Really really like it. Coco's new single debuted on Radio1 yesterday and it sounded really good. Very much like Marina and the Diamonds, but good non the less!
Complain about this comment
'When I Look At You' is dull. Cyrus is a good singer (not an amazing one) but a great performer. She was picked for her role because of her ability to sing live. She has toured extensively and honed her live performance ability well.
Complain about this comment
"Little Jay" from the on off brilliant/awful TV series Gossip Girl has got a very interesting number out soon. Her bands debut is 'Make Me Wanna Die'. At first I was sceptical, but it's getting a lot of radio play, mostly because it is very good, not just because of her roots. 'Kick-Ass' theme tune.. you've probably all heard it. Sounds a lot like P!nk I think.
Thoughts?
Complain about this comment
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Finn didn't get picked for his singing ability but for the fact that he worked for the part, which he does. Doesn't matter that he isn't a great singer because the rest of the cast more than make up for him.
Complain about this comment
Hmm I guess. But there will have been hundreds of kids who look as good as him, who can sing better, who would have jumped at the opportunity. Pukk was also very probably picked for his look, but has a great voice when he is given the very odd chance to sing!
Complain about this comment
I've always thought Finn had a weak voice but it was especially obvious this week against the other male vocalists like Puck and Jesse. I haven't watched Glee online, it's shown in Ireland two days after the US. It's a good episode but there's some serious ass kissing on Olivia Newton John.
I really like Kelis' Acapella but I don't think it's as amazing as everyone says it is, there's something for me that stops me giving it a 5 star rating. I think Miley is a great live performer and some of her songs are very good. However, she claims that she doesn't listen to pop music and that seriously brings her down in my view. I mean its fine not to like pop music but if you made your career partly as a popstar, you just come across as being a bit of a fraud.
What's Little Jay from Gossip Girl's real name? I don't watch the show but I know that Leighton Meester is embarking on a solo career also after featuring on Cobra Starship's Good Girls Go Bad. I heard about some other Gossip Girl actress starting up her own singing career with a band, alright.
Complain about this comment
The "other" actress being Taylor Momsen. I forgot to put the band name in, The Pretty Reckless. Give it a listen!
Complain about this comment
I heard The Pretty Reckless' Make Me Wanna Die. I love it but then I'm a sucker for angsty female pop rock. Hope they release something over here.
Complain about this comment
On the Miley track, i did say i liked it Randy, well remembered. Not 'brilliant' though. As i said, her voice becomes more bearable after a few listens and the quality of the song as a ballad shines through for me.
Can someone review the Vickers album please? Think I'm gonna buy it but not sure yet, need a push from a positive review...
Complain about this comment
I think Harry was supposed to be reviewing it. Hopefully, it will show up sometime today.
Complain about this comment
Do not fear, the review is here! Please note that if you're interested in the album you should take a listen, don't just take my word, you may find you like it.
Album Review no.4: Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree – Diana Vickers
Sometimes you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover Diana Vickers seems to be one of these cases, after leaving X-Factor before the final and, more importantly, before Eoghan Quigg it was pretty much universally decided that she would just disappear from the public consciousness, however after gaining a few talented fans, Ellie Golding and Lightspeed Champion to name a few, she’s managed to launch a solo career with the brilliant pop single Once. On the back of that song and with the amount of talent producing tracks here you’d think this could be the album X-Factor’s been waiting for, a proper pop album garnering critical and commercial success showing that the ‘talent’ show can produce truly brilliant acts. Then she names it Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree, an album title so cheesy it partially makes me not want to listen to it, but as a music fan I must go into it with a clear head, after all it’s all about the music isn’t it?
Or is it? Even with the amount of songwriters on offer here there isn’t actually that many great songs; Once is a great first single managing to distance Vickers from the rest of X-Factor mob whilst not alienating the average pop fan and elsewhere My Hip is single-worthy with it’s Ska trumpets and driving beat. Unfortunately once you get past these successes the rest of the album has little else to offer, You’ll Never Get to Heaven could easily be an Owl City track if it wasn’t for the female vocals over the top, Four Leaf Clover is completely forgettable, as are the ballads Me & You and N.U.M.B, and the one cover on the album is a bizarre choice, out of all the songs you could cover why cover a top 20 hit by Bjork first band The Sugarcubes?
Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree though being better than your average X-Factor album suffers from the same problem as it’s predecessors - it’s a case of style over substance. She may have got the famous names writing for her but what’s the point in having them if they give you second rate songs, it doesn’t help that all the backing tracks sound distinctly fake and flat, songs like Once and My Hip seem to be purposely written for Vickers as opposed to sounding like b-sides from other artists and that why they succeed. It may seem unfair to criticise the album for being forgettable in places but she’s in the real world now and being different just isn’t good enough anyone more.
5.5/10 Key Tracks: Once, My Hip, The Boy Who Murdered Love
Complain about this comment
To be honest Harry I'm still gonna buy it, but good work anyway ;)
Complain about this comment
Great review, Harry. Yeah, I think I'm going to pass on the album (not because your word is God or anything :D) but I just don't think I like Diana's music enough to buy an average album from her. Her next single will be The Boy Who Murdered Love. Hopefully she'll finish this album up with My Hip (which I've listened to and its very good) and get to work on her sophomore album, where Diana will be more familiar with what works for.
Complain about this comment
The Boy Who Murdered Love will be the next single by Diana Vickers .
:)
Complain about this comment
Oi Randy , I think we need to make a wish ! x x x
Complain about this comment
Make a wish? Please elaborate, Spirit. :) I'm on the slow side today.
Complain about this comment
469 AND 470 .
We posted the same info at the same time .
At exactly 5:29 .
:)
Complain about this comment
Haha, we obviously have a deep spiritual connection, Spirit.
Complain about this comment
^^^Ha, see what I did there!
Complain about this comment
Too right !
:)
Complain about this comment
Next week I'll be reviewing two albums, The National's High Violet and Foals' Total Life Forever. Expect the first one in the next couple of days.
Complain about this comment
Right , I'm off to see La Roux in concert , now .
Complain about this comment
Had some friends go see La Roux on Saturday, they asked if I wanted to come. I didn't. Glad I didn't as they were apparently awful.
Coco Sumner, however, brilliant. Bet you enjoy her more Spirit.
Heard her first single release on the radio Saturday (Jo Whiley premiered it, I was luck to be listening for thse 5 minutes) and it was great. Very Marina with the vocals.
Complain about this comment
La Roux was very , very good . They even did a cover of Under My Thumb by The Stones !
They had good support from Ou Est Le Swimming Pool ?
Complain about this comment
Some thoughts on Hey Soul Sister by Train
It has been in the charts for 4 weeks now , and sits proudly at Number 22 !
It is currently the third most heard song on UK radio , as we speak.
It has not been playlisted by Radio 1 , and has so far been denied a review by the wonderful Radio 1 Chartblog, despite the sites usual brilliance , of reviewing songs before they chart .
Many regulars have encouraged the sites talented and incredibly handsome host ,to review the song , but all they have so far received ,is a frosty silence by Chartblog's intellectual Adonis .
Now even the good people at Columbia Records are wondering if Radio 1 , have a motive to ignore the train at the station , or is there a chance that they may decide to get on , and enjoy the journey , like the rest of radio ?
Fraser ?
Complain about this comment
@456, Miley's new song is quite catchy!! Only heard it yesterday and I've been humming it to myself ever since, to me it's like For Your Entertainment in it's synth use, but it's got that extra ingredient that Adam's song was lacking. Can't put my finger on it but the two songs are quite alike and I only like Can't Be Tamed out of them, so Mr. Lambert must have missed out on something.
Miley's at her best when doing songs like these, though, full of attitude. Kind of reminds me of Fly on the Wall...
Complain about this comment
What I do like about the new Miley video is the cinematic looking video, love the CGI bird wings, pity the rest of the video is just her prancing around a museum.
Complain about this comment
The guy who was on the cover of the Arctic Monkeys 'Whatever People Say I Am...' smoking a ciggy has put a band together and shot the video for their first single in Stringfellows. I wonder who's idea that was, management or band?!
Complain about this comment
The first of two reviews I'll be doing this week, expect the review of Total Life Forever in a few days time.
Album Review no.5: High Violet – The National
Often great triumphs come from times of great despair, especially in music, take a look at some of the great albums of the last ten years; look at most lists and you’ll find common inclusion for Interpol’s Turn On The Bright Lights, Arcade Fire’s Funeral and Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, all fantastic albums, all with similar recurring themes; loss, despair, regret. It doesn’t take a genius to realise that sadness is often the creator of great music; would Ian Curtis have created anything as brilliant as Joy Division if he was happy with his life? The answer is probably no, and that answer would surely applies also to the other great troubled souls of music.
Which brings us to The National’s latest, and fifth, effort High Violet; their ascent from where they began to where they are now has been a slow one, starting in small local bars and clubs and working their way up to the position they’re in today, being awarded glowing review by everyone from the BBC to more obscure reviewers at websites like Stereogum. So with all this hype it seems only fair that they should be given their time to shine on the almighty musical force that is Chart Blog.
The most surprising thing you’ll probably learn about High Violet is how simple it is, underneath the stop start drumming and orchestral arrangements are chord progression so simple that you’d expect to find them on an album by The Fray or Keane not one that is being celebrated by every critic under the sun, but this is High Violet’s biggest strength. By keeping things simple the music is instantly accessible and familiar, allowing the emotional delivery of lead singer Matt Berninger to take the songs to the high heights the album manages to reach almost effortlessly. Take first track Terrible Love, a song that has been floating around the internet since it was previewed on Late With Jimmy Fallon two months ago, using one of the most used chord progression in the world, G to C, the songs emotional core takes centre stage laying the path for the tales of loss and regret to come. It’s a powerful piece of music but is only a taster of what’s to come; Conservation 16 is a brilliant piece of dark pop music containing one of the most obvious choruses on the album, Lemonworld is as sad as it is beautiful and England is a mini-epic that leads to one of the biggest conclusions on an album full of songs that just keep growing.
Elsewhere first single Bloodbuzz Ohio makes an stunning centrepiece and by the time Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks brings things to a triumphant close everything is good again, the regret that plagued the earlier songs is replace by a sense of optimism and once it’s finished the first thing you can think of is starting it again. In a time where everything is produced and processed to death surrounded by wall after wall of synth and auto-tune High Violet is an astonishingly organic record, it acts as a moment of escapism from the world of technology to a cleaner, simpler and, most importantly, more beautiful world. The National’s haven’t created a record to cry to, as many people would like to think, High Violet is a record to sing to at the top of your voice, it’s a record to celebrate and it’s a record that shows that sometimes great times of despair can create great triumphs.
9.2/10 Key Tracks: Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Lemonworld, Conversation 16, Terrible Love
Complain about this comment
Spirit likes La roux? I thought he reviewed her badly when her single came out. I wasn't impressed, I was a totally sucker for 'in for the kill' and 'bulletproof'
Complain about this comment
I just realised I posted on a jedward review *a little sick hits my throat*
Complain about this comment
Another week of singles, another week of reviews. Sorry it’s a bit late – I’ve been quite lazy the last few days.
Singles Reviews Diary 15 – 17th May 2010:
01. Alexandra Burke featuring Pitbull: All Night Long
Despite a #1 album, a #1 single and another Top 10 hit, Alexandra’s success as the winner of The X-Factor seems to be eclipsed somewhat by fellow contestants JLS and the fact that there’s a new ‘hot’ female artist every week. Thankfully, All Night Long is the most instant hit from Alexandra’s debut album. While previous singles Bad Boys and Broken Heels were pretty hit and miss, All Night Long is a song that makes you want to instantly jump on the dancefloor with it’s hypnotic seductive bassline, Alexandra’s smooth and commanding vocals and its catchy chant-along chorus. The song has a beautiful euphoric feel to it also. However, this has tampered with somewhat by the addition of a rap from Pitbull. This does nothing to help the song and the album version of this track would have done just as well. I guess Alex is just desperate to crack the American market. However, Pitbull’s verse is pretty ignorable so the song still remains a pleasurable listen, especially after a few shots at the bar. 4 STARS
02. Amy Macdonald: Spark
The talented Amy Macdonald might have scored a #4 album in the UK with her sophomore album A Curious Thing but lead single Don’t Tell Me That It’s Over peaked at a disappointing #48. This single doesn’t look like it’s going places either, sadly. Despite a powerful chorus and some Snow Patrol-esque guitar work, Spark kind of paints Macdonald as a one trick pony. Maybe because I was a massive fan of her debut This Is The Life but Spark just sounds like so many other songs she’s done before, one of the many songs from the album that sort of sees one Amy Macdonald song blend into the other. Spark, however, is a decent single amongst an album of lacklustre material. 3 STARS
03. Atari Teenage Riot: Activate
German bands are obviously all the rage this week with this being the first of the nation’s band to release a single this week. This is a pretty aggressive house punk track. Nothing particularly original but should be enjoyed by some. 3 STARS
04. Band Of Skulls: Death By Diamonds And Pearls
Britain’s answer to The White Stripes is back with another single from their album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey. I know I shouldn’t make comparisons as often as I do but this sounds like some decent filler on a White Stripes album. In other words, it’s no Seven Nations Army, more a plodding garage rock track that doesn’t go anywhere. Band Of Skulls, of course, are capable of producing much greater tracks - Friends and I Know What I Am being perfect examples so I wouldn’t worry about releasing the odd lacklustre single now and then. 2.5 STARS
05. B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars: Nothin’ On You
My current favourite rapper B.o.B. releases his debut single over here. With a soothing, Summery mid-tempo production and some romantic croon from the Jason Mraz-like Bruno Mars, this is the perfect single to release for this season. In fairness, B.o.B.’s rapping isn’t anything extraordinary (despite some witty verses about a girl who pays her taxes and comparing their romance t a Nintendo 64.) and like many rappers these days, depends on a guest vocalist for his singles. However, B.o.B. is showing that hip-hop has a future beyond rapping about shawties gettin’ down in a club and he firmly picks up the reins from the increasing quiet yet innovative Andre 3000. 4 STARS
STINKER OF THE WEEK!
06. Boyzone: Love Is A Hurricane
“One step forward and two steps back”
These are two lines of the chorus that sum up this song perfectly. Gave It All Away might have been a fairly bland ballad but at least it sort of fit in with the Boyz adult contemporary sound in a Take That kind of way, Love Is A Hurricane is dated and as naff as the video which would put JLS to shame with the amount of skin exposed and cheesy choreography (except at least JLS can dance). It’s more up-tempo and catchy than what we’re used to hearing from and many disagree with me, believing its better than Gave It All Away. Whatever! Once again, Boyzone fail to live up to the standards of their ‘rivals’ Take That in making good quality music since their return. 2 STARS
07. Chemical Brothers: Swoon
Taken from new album Further, the intro to this experimental electronica track faintly reminds me of the Skins theme tune, composed by Fat Segal. Swoon is a strong comeback single from the British duo that is sure to keep their many fans happy. It’s nothing new from them exactly but why fix it if it ain’t broke. 4 STARS
08. Chiddy Bang: Truth
After delighting with their sampling of MGMT’s Kids on previous single The Opposite Of Adults, Chiddy Bang are at again with their second single Truth, this time sampling Passion Pit’s Better Things. The song works thankfully due to Chiddy’s rapping and the slightly euphoric dance sound taken from the Passion Pit song. However, I don’t think their sampling works as smoothly as it did last time and does their over-reliance of sampling affect a long term career in music for the duo? I think so because people are likely to get bored of it quick. 3 STARS
09. Duke Special: Wanda, Darling Of The Jockey Club
The very talented and innovative Duke Special is back with another 1940s inspired gem. This piano laced ditty is actually a pretty nice toe-tapper, made all the more interesting by Duke Special’s Northern Irish tinged accent. 4 STARS
10. Ellie Goulding: Guns And Horses
Now that Starry Eyed is being played on an irritatingly sickening level on radio, it’s great to see that Ellie has a new single out. Guns And Horses is probably my favourite track on Ellie’s debut album Lights, mainly because it injects a very agreeable folk sound into her music and ditches the Auto-Tune which made the formerly good Starry Eyed so unbearable now. Her distinctive vocals won’t be for everyone but there’s a lot of longing and emotion in them so it should keep fans happy. I hope Ellie will do something a little more folky for her next album because I really really like this track and could listen to a whole album of similar sounding tunes to this one. 4 STARS
11. Glee Cast: Jessie’s Girl
One of my most favourites tracks from the 1980s – Rick Springfield’s Grammy Award winning Jessie’s Girl is absolutely butchered by Cory Monteith’s Finn this week. The instrumentation is pretty much identical to the original so that’s a good thing but Finn’s breathless vocal delivery of the song just doesn’t work at all. I know the song fits with the storyline but how about having – maybe Puck or even Artie – to sing the song instead because that was underwhelming. I’ll tell you why Rachel (my future wife Lea Michelle) doesn’t want you Finn, it’s because you’re standing in front of her singing but looking like you want to take a dump on the floor with your constipated facial expressions. Not cool, man. 2.5 STARS
12. Glee Cast: The Lady Is A Tramp
Now, this is more like it. The Puck character (Mark Salling) gets a chance to sound like a modern day Humphrey Bogart in the jazzy 1937 show-tune cover, only to be joined by the soulful Mercedes (Amber Riley) towards the end. What we get is something the right side of retro, love it. 4 STARS
13. Glee Cast: The Boy Is Mine
I had forgotten how good R&B heavyweights Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine was and it’s brought to justice by Mercedes and Santana (Naya Rivera), who I think we get to hear sing for the first time solo. She has an excellent R&B voice, nothing that could blow Riley’s vocals out of the water but still pretty strong. The two girls’ vocals blend well together. 4 STARS
14. Glee Cast: Rose’s Turn
Could Kurt (Chris Colfer) be the best male singer in Glee? I think so. In this theatrical number taken from the play Gypsy: A Musical Fable, Kurt vents out all the anger and emotion at his father in what is a very good performance full of building tension. It could be the best song in Glee this week. 4 STARS
15. Glee Cast: One
The closing number this week for Glee is a cover of One by U2 (or U2 and Mary J. Blige). Unlike with Jessie’s Girl, Finn gives it all with his constipated vocals and if you don’t watch the video, he actually sounds very strong and powerful. Rachel is also very good as usual and Mercedes jumps into throw some of her crazy ab-libs. Joined by the rest of the harmonious cast at the end, the cover manages to convey a lot of emotion but doesn’t have that goosebump feeling you get when listening to Don’t Stop Believin’ or Like A Prayer. Still a very strong effort. 4 STARS
16. Gorillaz featuring Gruff Rhys and De La Soul: Superfast Jellyfish
I’m so annoyed no video has shown up for this single yet. This is a fantastic follow-up to previous Track Of The Week Stylo sees the Gorillaz joined by Super Furry Animals Gruff Rhys and critically acclaimed rapper De La Soul as they satirise commercialism in the developed World. It’s all a bit daft really but while many found Stylo lacked any real chorus or hooks, Superfast Jellyfish is probably the most infectious song on Plastic Beach. All three collaborators shine here – Gruff Rhys with his goofy deep cartoonish vocals, De La Soul with his confident raps and the Gorillaz themselves with their relaxed, nonchalant chorus all amongst a backdrop of aquatic bouncy synths and sampling of an American commercial from the 1980s. Now bring on the video already! 4 STARS
TRACK OF THE WEEK!
17. Katie Melua: The Flood
Woah! Norah Jones and Katie Melua (who I often mix-up both in looks and music style) are really stepping out of the box with their new albums. From her new album The House, Melua ditches the irritating melodies of Nine Million Bicycles for a much more refined sound. It starts off all dramatic with strings which sound rather beautiful, like it would work well for a soundtrack or something. Then halfway through, there’s a major change in tone, synths and electro beats start moving in and Melua suddenly sounds like Kylie, there’s even a slight psychedelic sound to it. I think Melua deserves Track Of The Week for giving us something truly innovative and different. I hope radio picks this up. 4.5 STARS
18. Laura Marling: Rambling Man
The shocking talented and wise 20 year old Laura Marling returns with a new single, which like its predecessor Devil’s Spoke, shows wisdom and lyrical prowess well beyond her years. It sort of switches between parts that contain quiet and subtle vocals and parts that contain heavy acoustic guitars and Marling’s longing, rich vocals. Almost like folk-grunge (new genre).
It doesn’t quite have that wild, sinister feel that made Devil’s Spoke one of the best songs of the year but it is a song that should make up a pretty cohesive album. 4 STARS
Note to self: By Laura Marling’s album!
19. LCD Soundsystem: Drunk Girls
Well, isn’t this song charming. Lyrically clever and comical, this song is so easy to sing along with it. With a melody that you can bob your head along to and a shout-along chorus of Drunk Girls, I can imagine many people will be roaring out of tune along to this song at the next family occasion or house party. 3.5 STARS
20. Lemar: Coming Home
After the Top 10 success of The Way Love Goes, the first single from his first Greatest Hits compilation, Lemar is obviously trying to strike it lucky again with the release of the compilation’s second single. There is nothing original about this at all – it’s all very synthy and shiny with Lemar being all troubled about those pesky women again – but it lacks the strong hook that The Way Love Goes had. It’s still quite likeable though, Lemar’s deep soulful vocals make it so. I’d imagine this could be decent enough if you let it grow on you. 3 STARS
21. Lethal Bizzle featuring Luciana: Go Go Go
After a very loud and noisy, Bizzle raps about wanting Beyoncé and Alesha Dixon in his gruff rapping tone. Underrated dance diva Luciana provides the catchy chorus. Yes, I know we’re getting yet another party rapper who relies on a woman to sing the chorus but this is actually really really good. Mainly thanks to the instrumental which should go down a hit in clubs anyways. Could this be Summer 2010’s answer to Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers. 4 STARS
22. Michael Bublé: Crazy Love
Housewives will be fanning themselves while swooning, listening to the title track from Michael Buble’s most recent million selling album Crazy Love. Covering Van Morrisson’s classic was a wise choice for Bublé as most of his target audience will love this track. He sings it well, as per usual, his voice is commanding and smooth but nothing we haven’t heard from Bublé before. If you’re a fan, you’ll love this but this track won’t gain him any new fans like Haven’t Met You Yet did. 3 STARS
23. Owl City: Umbrella Beach
After satisfying and then irritating me with his breakthrough single Fireflies, Owl City is back with another melancholy tune over electro beats. While it lacks the catchy nature of its predecessor, give Umbrella Beach a chance, because it’s actually quite a little gem. Granted Adam Young a.k.a. Owl City’s emo whispers are kind of annoying but with lyrics about underwater ferris wheels against a backdrop of bouncy, epic and surging synths and island percussion beats, Owl City is successful in transporting the listener into another World. It’s quite a Summer tune really but expect it to annoy you after a few weeks. 3.5 STARS
24. The Pretty Reckless: Make Me Wanna Die
Gossip Girl’s Taylor Momsen wants to be a credible artist, guys. And how to do that – develop a mildy punkish attitude, mimic P!nk and get yourself a band. Make Me Wanna Die is actually rather good though, Momsen has the same husky vocals as P!nk and The Pretty Reckless are actually pretty good instrumentalists, providing some grungy instrumentation for this angsty number. They actually sound like a watered down version of Hole. I’m a sucker for angsty female rockers though so its only natural that I’d love this – I do think, based on this lead single though, that many other people will have place in their heart for The Pretty Reckless. 4 STARS
25. Rammstein: Haifisch
The second German band to impact the UK release schedules this week, they obviously must have a following over here as this song is sang completely in German. Lead singer Till Lindemann’s deep throaty vocals are actually rather hilarious but the industrial metal band are strangely engaging – I can’t tell why. Maybe I’m just an industrial metal fan and I don’t know it yet. Anyways this gets… 4 STARS
26. We Are The Fallen: Bury Me Alive
Meet Evanescence 2.0 – former Evanescence founder Ben Moody, former members Rocky Gray and John Le Compt, random bassist Marty O’Brien and former Irish American Idol finalist Carly Smithson – together they make up We Are The Fallen. Their debut single Bury Me Alive is so 2003 – it hurts. Well, I thought 2003 was the Golden Year for 21st Century music and this is no exception. Featuring crunching guitars, swooping strings, icy piano melodies and Carly Smithson sounding eerily like Amy Lee in the first two lines of the song before taking on a more Kelly Clarkson vibe to her voice as the song reaches its devastating climax, this is no Bring Me To Life or Going Under. However, no-one has managed to do mainstream goth-pop so well since Evanescene’s first album Fallen so I welcome We Are The Fallen despite their unoriginality and hope there’s a place for both them and Evanescence in the industry. With Evanescence (basically Amy Lee and her guitar playing slaves) promising to go in a more alternative electronic direction with their next album, We Are The Fallen can be a good bout of nostalgia to how great Evanescence were in 2003. 3.5 STARS
So that’s it. Comments and feedback as usual, please? I promise the next Singles Reviews Diary will arrive sooner – but be warned it will be a Eurovisiony one – but also a Musey one! :)
Complain about this comment
I'll get that Foals review out by tommorow, then i can move on to the next tasty musical treat of May LCD Soundsystem's third, and supposedly last, album This Is Happening
Complain about this comment
Just read back over my Singles Reviews Diary - Grrr sorry for all the typos. :(
Complain about this comment
I only heard Bloodbuzz Ohio by The National for the first time on Friday, and I've been listening to it ever since. It's absolutely beautiful, and almost moves me to tears at times. I'm definitely going to investigate that album.
Complain about this comment
If you liked Bloodbuzz Ohio check out Mr. November and Fake Empire from their previous albums. Both are unbelievably amazing.
Complain about this comment
Chartbloggers, I've thought of a new game! How about we compile our own ChartBlog charts every week?
Basically the idea of the game is that you take the Singles Reviews Diary above and give each single a rating between 1 and 5 stars and then we add up all the ratings a song gets and compile it into a chart.
For example: I gave Alexandra Burke's All Night Long 4 stars, Harry might give it 3 stars, Curtains might give it 5 stars etc. then we'd add up all the scores (which would give Alex a score of 12), whoever has the highest score by the next Singles Reviews Diary will have reached the Number 1 spot in the ChartBlog chart, the one with the lowest score will appear at the bottom of the chart.
So what do you guys think? Does anyone else think it would be fun to see what ChartBlog ranks as the singles of the week? Or people just not bothered?
P.S. .5 star ratings are allowed (apart from a rating of 5.5 stars)
P.P.S. If you haven't heard a song (or couldn't be bothered hearing or rating it) then it gets a score of a big fat zero.
Complain about this comment
that's creepy I actually would give All Night Long 3 stars, how did you know?!
Complain about this comment
Review Time!
Album Review no.6: Total Life Forever - Foals
Foals have never tried to hide their ambition, anyone whose heard first album Antidotes will know that, but even fans must have been a little sceptical going into Total Life Forever, an album described by the band themselves as ‘like the dream of an eagle dying’. It’s not just the band’s ridiculous description that makes me worry it’s the fact that Foals have always sounding like they were on the bring of being ridiculous, cautiously sitting between the worlds real-fun and arty-fun (two very different places) like a hyperactive version of Radiohead. It doesn’t help that they’ve spent their whole advertising campaign on trying to publicise the ‘new’ Foals, who are more mature and supposedly better than their, at times, irritating younger brother. Then came Spanish Sahara and I was pleasantly relieved, it may not have been Balloons or Hummer but it wasn’t trying to be, it just did exactly what the publicists said it would; more mature and most importantly better.
This is still the same band; the jangly guitars remain, as does the general lack of lyrics, but it seems that in the three years they’ve been away they’ve grown thirty with a new thoughtful outlook and a sound that actually sounds like a band from Oxford.
Starting with the effortlessly funky Blue Blood followed by the hit-in-waiting, and should have been first single, Miami, the album starts as well as any of the past ten years and powers on in this vain effortlessly to the half-way mark without even breaking sweat. Things only begin to trail off towards the end of the album with too many slow tracks thrown together making Total Life Forever both one of the biggest triumphs of this year so far and one of the biggest disappointments; it has everything in place to be a masterpiece, taking Foals to the critical big leagues, but never truly grasps that chance just seeming happy to be a very good second album. Because that’s all it is, a good second album by numbers almost, it shows a progression from the first, slightly reckless, album and shows also where they could grow to whilst also showing that they need to grow and need to develop further if they want to be remembered in the many years to come.
8.6/10 Key Tracks: Blue Blood, Spanish Sahara, Miami, This Orient
Complain about this comment
Also from Randy's single reviews here comes my top 10:
1) Superfast Jellyfish - Gorillaz 5 Stars
2) Drunk Girls - LCD Soundsystem 5 Stars
3) Guns and Horses - Ellie Goulding 4 Stars
4) Swoon - The Chemical Brothers 4 Stars
5) Rambling Man - Laura Marling 4 Stars
6) The Lady's A Tramp - Glee 4 Stars
7) Rose's Turn - Glee 4 Stars
8) Truth - Chiddy Bang 3.5 Stars
9) Nothing On You - B.o.B 3 Stars
10) Sparks - Amy Macdonald 3 Stars
Complain about this comment
Well that wasn't quite what I meant, Harry. This is what I meant. Combining my rating with Harry's rating here's how the points work out.
*All Night Long - 7 STARS (I gave it 4, Harry gave it 3)
*Spark - 6 STARS
*Activate - 3 STARS (Harry neglected to rate it so it only gets 3 stars from me)
*Death By Diamonds And Pearls - 2.5 STARS
*Nothin' On You - 7 STARS
*Love Is A Hurricane - 2 STARS
*Swoon - 8 STARS
*Truth - 7.5 STARS
*Wanda, Darling Of The Jockey Club - 4 STARS
*Guns And Horses - 8 STARS
*Jessie's Girl - 2.5 STARS
*The Lady Is A Tramp - 8 STARS
*The Boy Is Mine - 4 STARS
*Rose's Turn - 8 STARS
*One - 4 STARS
*Superfast Jellyfish - 9 STARS
*The Flood - 4.5 STARS
*Rambling Man - 8 STARS
*Drunk Girls - 8.5 STARS
*Coming Home - 3 STARS
*Go Go Go - 4 STARS
*Crazy Love - 3 STARS
*Umbrella Beach - 3.5 STARS
*Make Me Wanna Die - 4 STARS
*Haifish - 4 STARS
*Bury Me Alive - 3.5 STARS
So the ChartBlog Top 26 so far week ending 24th May goes like this (based on score):
1. Superfast Jellyfish - 9 STARS
2. Drunk Girls - 8.5 STARS
3. Swoon - 8 STARS
3. Guns And Horses - 8 STARS
3. The Lady Is A Tramp - 8 STARS
3. Rose's Turn - 8 STARS
3. Rambling Man - 8 STARS
8. Truth - 7.5 STARS
9. All Night Long - 7 STARS
9. Nothin' On You - 7 STARS
11. Spark - 6 STARS
12. The Flood - 4.5 STARS
13. Wanda, Darling Of The Jockey Club - 4 STARS
13. The Boy Is Mine - 4 STARS
13. One - 4 STARS
13. Go Go Go - 4 STARS
13. Make Me Wanna Die - 4 STARS
13. Haifish - 4 STARS
19. Umbrella Beach - 3.5 STARS
19. Bury Me Alive - 3.5 STARS
21. Activate - 3 STARS
21. Coming Home - 3 STARS
21. Crazy Love - 3 STARS
24. Death By Diamonds And Pearls - 2.5 STARS
24. Jessie's Girl - 2.5 STARS
26. Love Is A Hurricane - 2 STARS
So yeah, it's almost like we're voting for the Eurovision and we crown a new winner at the end of the week. So give your ratings and bring these peoples' scores up if you want to see them climb higher up the chart. Voting closes at 12AM, Monday 24th May. Voting after this time may see your posts being published but it won't count.
Complain about this comment
Good to see that the gorgeous Jedward twins have gone from the giddy heights of number 2 hit Under Pressure , to being in the new commercial for Shake and Vac .
I did not think it possible , but in the world of Vacuum Cleaners , Jedward really suck !
:D
Complain about this comment
Oh I'll do the chart thing tonight. I've just been reading the past couple of days. I was going to post some heart felt message on Rybak.. but its shut for comments.
Did 1 year break Rybak? :( Any way to open it Fraser?!?
Rubbish :(
Complain about this comment
Oh and I'll take 500 x
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS