The Final Countdown...

Amy Diamond - Stay My Baby

Amy Diamond - It Can Only Get Better


I usually don't go for really young childish singers... but there is something about Amy Diamond that I can't get enough of. I think it was the moment I saw her sing 'It Can Only Get Better' Live...

Amy's new album is fantastic! Her 2006 album 'Still Me Now' is and album I think all pop fans should add to their collection. If you haven't discovered Amy check out her last single - Stay My Baby... one of my favorites of the year.

The Final Countdown...

Ola - S.O.S

This song is what Pop music is all about. Upbeat, Catchy, Energetic, Hard Hitting and Unapolegetic! Songs like this are rare nowadays... of coarse the only country it seems that is still willing to reward songs like this is Sweden of coarse! This song is SO CLOSE to being in my final top 5 of the year... but when I put it up against the other songs it just didn't measure up. Still the song is one of the best of the year... and definitely places in my top ten for the year. Ola has had a great year in Sweden and let's hope he gives us more like S.O.S in 2008!

Celine Dion - Immesite

Celine Dion - A Cause

Did you know that on May 18th Celine Dion released a french album 'D'elles' which was her 34th album in her career? Did you know that the album entered the album charts at Number 1 in Canada, France and Belgium? The album is one of the top 5 best selling albums of the year in Canada. She recorded two French television specials for the album both shot to the number one spot for ratings in Quebec and France. Celine has garnered a lot of attention for her new English album 'Taking Chances' but she continues to record in France in many french speaking countries. These songs are definitely worth mentioning in 2007.

Fall Out Boy - Thx Fr Th Mmrs (The Lindburg Palace Radio Edit)

Fall Out Boy - This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race

If one were to write a book on popular music in the year 2007 you would have to devote a chunk of that book to Fall Out Boy. The band that has been around since 2001 finally hit the mainstream this year with the lead single from their 4th album 'This Ain't A Scene It's An Arms Race.' The band has had a great yaer with 4 hit singles. I've always found them to actually be quite curious. I really don't know much about them besides Pete Wentz is in the band. He's the only one you ever really hear about and he isn't even the lead vocalist! I always wonder how the rest of the band feels about the fact that he has become the band's unofficial leader, at least in the public eye. Although it is understandable as he is quite fit ;) I honestly think it's a crime that Fall Out Boy were not nominated for any Grammy Awards this year... I think it says a lot about the credibility of these American Awards shows.

Matchbox 20 - How For We've Come

I posted this track here recently and after careful consideration I think it deserves a mention as one of my faves of the entire year. Rob Thomas really knows how to write a hit single and this track has hit written all over it. It's catchy and hard hitting... makes you want to get up and sing along for sure.

The Final Countdown...Part 3

Darin - Insanity

Darin - Everything But The Girl

Another of my favorite albums I discovered early in 2007 was Darins 3rd album - Break The news. I posted some of my favorite tracks here back then, but I will re-post in case you missed it. Almost one year later I'm still playing his album on heavy rotation. Insanity is very 'Maneater' and 'Everything But The Girl' is subtle without being too dramatic. Both songs are the best from this album and both songs ended up being released as singles!

Marija Serifovic - Destiny

You probably won't believe it but as much as I LOVE Melodifestivalen... I simply don't follow Eurovision as much as you might think. It's because of this that although Marija won Eurovision earlier this year... I didn't actually listen to the winning song until September! When I finally took the time to listen to the song in full I realised that the song truly did deserve to win the competition in 2007. It was performed very well and is slow but dynamic at the same time. I definitely prefer the english version 'Destiny.'

Darren Hayes - The Sun Is Always Blinding Me

I know I posted about Darren multiple times this year... but that's only because his album deserved so much more attention that it actually received. Now that I've had acouple months to let the 2 disc album sink in this has become one of my favorite tracks of the year. The guy knows how to craft the perfect songs and this beautiful track really shows off his writing and vocal talents.

Musicals

2007 was a good year for pop music on the big screen in the form of musicals. High School Musical continues to reign supreme around the world, while Hairspray had movie go-ers singing along to it's infections soundtrack! Now the thing about musicals... is they are MEANT to be cheesy! So keep that in mind before you judge these songs too harshly. They definitely wouldn't be on my list of the best songs of the year... but since these are only my 'Favorite' songs of the year, or songs that deserve recognition... these two songs deserve a place here...

Hairspray - You Can't Stop The Beat

High School Musical 2 - What Time Is It?

The Final Countdown... Part 2.

Let's pick up where we left off... with more of my favorite songs from 2007:

Mika - Love Today (Single)

If you're making a list of artists that deserve recognition in 2007 you've got to add Mika to your list. The guy exploded this year with his debut album 'Life In Cartoon Motion' hitting the charts in countless countries around the world. The guy had success in every country that his music was released! Mika has released 6 different singles from his debut album and has sold over 5 Million copies of it!

Mika actually won a World Music Award this year for being the Worlds Best Selling New Artist and the Best Selling Male Pop/Rock artist! He just finished his Uk tour and I am lucky enough to have scored tickets to his show here in Vancouver on February 15th!

If you have not checked out his first album you MUST do so! It's one of the best albums of the entire year. He has promised his next album will be full of even more unapologetic pop songs! I can't wait!

'Love Today' was automatically my favorite album track when I first picked up the album and was also released as a single soon after! It has also just been nominated for a 2008 Grammy in the best Dance category. Check it Out!

Agnes - (Baby) I Want You Gone (Album Track)

So her album 'Stronger' may have been released in 2006 but since I didn't discover it until my trip to Sweden in March 2007 and since I love the track I'm including it on my list of favorite songs this year. Agnes is ready to release her 3rd album this March and you can expect that I will post some of the best tracks from it once I get back from Sweden in 2008!

Michael Buble - Everything

You couldn't turn on a radio without hearing this song multiple times throughout the day. The success keeps coming and coming for this singer who hails from my hometown of Vancouver Canada!

Turning Someones Song Into A Ballad

2007 was the year for people to take a fast song... slow it down and turn it into a ballad. Some of the best renditions have been sung by fans and independant artists who use the songs to show off their talent. Check out some of the best below...

Gift Of Melody - Singing Sugababes - About You Now

I don't know her name... but she NAILS this ballad version of the Sugababes smash hit - About U Now

Jay Norton - Singing Robyn - With Every Heartbeat

Scott Simons - Singing Rhiannas - Umbrella

I posted his version of this song acouple months ago. I really felt like he took the song to a whole new level.

The Countdown

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - What Have We Started (Album Track)

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Today The Sun's On Us (Single)

2007 saw the triumphant return of Sophie after taking time off to focus on her family. Her single 'Catch You' was released earlier this year and saw her career pick up right where it left off. Her album was filled with pop gems. Her video for the single 'Today The Sun's On Us' received a lot of airplay in the Uk as well. She has two of my favorite tracks of the year.

Melody Club - Fever Fever (Single)

Their album 'Scream' was released in 2006 but this track was wisely released as a single in 2007. From the moment I heard this song it immediately went into high rotation on my iPod. Melody Club come from Sweden of coarse and while I found the album to be a little weak, they do have a handful of tracks that are just as good if not better than 'Fever Fever.' Their sound is different from everything else that is out there and is a little edgy but at the same time very easy to listen to and very catchy! 'Fever Fever' is one of my favorite songs of the year.

Jordin Sparks - This Is My Now (Live)

The winner of the 2007 American Idol took her time releasing her album and after 3 singles the album has failed to light up the charts after peaking at #10 on the Billboard chart.

The reason why I felt like Jordin deserved a spot on my year end chart? After she was announced the winner of Idol she went on a number of TV shows and performed the winners song 'This Is My Now' accompanied with a piano. I have to say it was one of the best performances I had seen all year. I have searched high and low for the performance on YouTube but all I can find is a similar performance on a different TV Show.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

The Final Countdown...

Tis the season in blogworld for the year end countdown! Now I considered not doing a countdown this year... so many other blogs have started some AMAZING countdowns... I didn't want to just end up with a countdown full of songs that everyone else had already covered. So I'm going to try and stay away from some of the most well known singles of the year, and instead focus on the songs that captured my imagination. Singles and album tracks that should have been singles. These are the songs and the artists that deserve to be recognized in 2007.

Although some of these songs will be mentioned in countless other blogs and countdowns this year... I think it just shows that a good song is universal. I'm extremely happy that you all come back to my blog every day to check out the music I'm passionate about. Hopefully you guys have discovered some new songs and new artists that you may not have heard about before.

Although these songs are not officially ranked, I will save my top 5 tracks for last!

Lets Begin...

PS. Check out an extensive year end countdown of the best 'Singles' actually released in 2007 over at PopPosterGirl who has introduced me to some of my favorite songs of the year!

You Can Take Me Hand... I Can Take The Strain

I just heard on the radio that the first day of Winter isn't even here yet and yet I'm tired of Winter already! I can't wait for the sun to come back so I can head to the beach again...

So today's song is for everyone out there who is waiting desperately for Summer to come back...

Supersister was a Uk based girl group who had 3 singles hit the charts in the late 90's. Their final single 'Summer Gonna Come Again' was recently covered by Icelandic group - 'Nylon.'

For those of you that remember the original version of this song was quite toned down... but the remix really takes this song to another level. It's one of those rare songs when the remix is better than the original! So turn up your speakers, close your eyes and remember that Summer is only 6 months away! (Unless you happen to live in a part of the world that is sunny!)

Supersister - Summer Gonna Come Again (Love To Infinity Radio Mix)

It's Taking Control Of My Body And Mind...

So today I'm dedicating my post to random dance tracks from artists that are 'Better Best Forgotten'

The kind of songs that come out every few months that are great to sing and dance to... but the kind of songs that aren't going to go down in history for much else. Most of these artists are lucky if they ever get a second hit. But today we'll look back and honour some of them...

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Thomas Shwartz - More Than A Feeling

Of coarse if you want to have a big hit dance single all you've got to do is cover someone elses song! Here some random guy named Thomas Shwartz give us his take on the classic 'More Than A Feeling.' I have a feeling we will never hear from Thomas Shwartz again.

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Sunblock Feat. Robin Beck - First Time

When this song hit the charts last year it definitely wasn't for the "very first time." Robin Beck had a hit back in the 80's with 'First Time' when it was used in a Coca-Cola Commercial. Sunblock actually had Robin re-record her vocals for this version of the song when it was released last year.

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Sash Feat. Tina Cousins - Just Around The Hill

So Tina and Sash have both had success individually and also had a hit with this track. So while both artists alone are more than a one hit wonder... this is one track that probably isn't getting played too often today.

Sarina Paris - Just About Enough

Wow! Does anyone else remember this song? It was a mediocre hit in Canada back in 2001. I don't know much about her other than she is from Italy and I used to love this song so much I actually bought her crappy album!

Rollergirl - Close To You

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If you don't know who Rollergirl is you're really missing out! I actually think I should dedicate an entire post to the tragedy that is Rollergirl. You might be suprised to find out that Rollergirl actually had a string of singles... 6 I believe! She hails from Germany and if you haven't seen her videos you're in for a treat. I'll post a link for my favorite below.

Deepest Blue - Give It Away

This duo had two hits and this one was my favorite by far. I still listen to this song on a semi regular basis!

Pluto - Goodbye Girl

I found this in a deep dark corner of my hard drive. It actually reminds me of Hellogoodbye quite a bit. This song could actually be a big hit today if it was released again don't you think?

One Ton - Super Sex World

Another Canadian act. I don't know if they ever released this track internationally? If you know feel free to pass the info along... I can't be bothered to look it up online. I remember the music video was really fun!

Fragma - You Are Alive

This group has some big singles across Europe starting with the massive hit - Tocas Miracle. 'You Are Alive' was the last mainstream hit they ever had.

Nobody Told Me We'd Only Get One Chance...

One of my favorite things to do on my blog is feature songs that were AMAZING, but that for whatever reason never went on to become big hits despite their greatness.

One of these songs is from 'Darius.' If you live in the Uk you'll remember that he got his start on 'Pop Idol' where he became the underdog of the competition. When he was voted out late in the competition Simon Cowell offered him a record deal singing cover songs. Luckily for us Darius turned the offer down and went on to sign a 5 album deal and released his debut self-penned album in 2002.

For the next year it seemed Darius was on top of the world. He had a number one single, a platinum album and had a sold out tour across the Uk.

But in the world of pop music single sales don't always translate to album sales... and for a record company it's all about album sales.

'Kindalove' was the first single from his second album and when it was released it peaked at #8 in the singles chart before falling steadily out of the charts. Although his next single 'Live Twice' entered the charts at #7, the album stalled and peaked at a dissapointing 36.

Since then Darius has kept a pretty low profile working on various theater shows in London's West End.

Rumour has it that Darius has recorded a number of songs this year and is hoping to have a new album released in 2008!

Darius - Kindalove

I absolutely can't get enough of this track. It's totally upbeat and fun to sing along to. I love the backing vocals as well... they're very quirky don't ya think?

Darius - Live Twice

He wrote this song as a tribute to his father who was battling cancer. It's a very touching song... the kind of song that sends shivers down your spine. The good news is that his father beat cancer and is healthy!

Darlius - Colorblind (Acoustic Version)

This is the song he will be remembered for most of all; his number 1 debut single.

I had to add this picture... i found it to be completely adorable...

MELODIFESTIVALEN 2008

THIS IS IT!

The first 14 acts have been announced for the first 2 semi-finals in February!

There aren't too many suprises here, most of these artists were rumoured to be taking part this year. The most exciting entries are:

Sanna Nielsen - Empty Room The first time she's ever entered with an english song. I'm a HUGE fan of 'Vagar Du, Vagar Jag,' but its rumoured that this song is a ballad which is a little dissapointing :-(

Ola - Love In Stereo After a very successful year in 2007 Ola is planning on starting 2008 off with his first entry in Melodifestivalen. I can't wait to hear this track.

E-Type & The Poodles - Line Of Fire Both acts have entered in the past and this year they're hoping that combining forces will be enough star power to get them a ticket to Eurovision. Both acts have such a unique sound, it will be interesting to see how they mesh.

Velvet - Deja Vu Velvet has had a string of hits in Sweden and after reaching the semi-finals in 2006 she's giving it another shot in 2008.

We still have 14 more semi-finalists to be announced and 4 wildcards!

I've just finished booking my flights as well!

I'll be in London England on March 6th - March 9th

Then it's off to Sweden for Melodifestivalen March 10th - 20th

If anyone wants to meet up while I'm over there shoot me an email - lanocty@hotmail.com

The Megamixes

Last month I posted the official Spice Girls and Aqua Megamixes and it got me going through some other megamixes I love. So today you're getting a MASSIVE CHRISTMAS PRESENT! Throughout the month you're all going to be getting little treats and this is the first one!

So today you're going to get the best of the best... the short and sweet of some great acts.

Let's begin:

Ace Of Base - Megamix

Sugababes - Megamix

Roxette - The Rox Medley

Blue - Best Of Blue Medley

Rogue Traders - Here Come The Drums (Megamix)

Girls Aloud - Megamix

Barbados - Soundfactory Megamix 2000

Britney Spears - Greatest Hits Megamix

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5ive - Greatest Hits Megamix

So Damaged Because Of You...

So I gave in and listened to Shayne Wards new album 'Breathless.' After two horrid songs were released I had basically given up on Mr. Ward. After a fantastic debut album, even though it was full of sappy, dramatic ballads; I felt like Shayne had given it all up in an effort to be more 'cool.'

But a friend basically forced me to listen to it and although I don't like the album nearly as much as his first... there are acouple songs that I really did enjoy. In addition to the song I'm posting below... if you are a fan of his slow stuff you should check out the title track - Breathless. It showcases his vocal abilities nicely :)

Shayne Ward - Damaged
Is it just me or do the lyrics to this song not really match the music?! The music sounds like it should be an upbeat summer hit... but the lyrics belong in a deep and soulful ballad? I'd love someone to cover this track as a ballad. Either way the song is great and I admit I've played it on repeat all day.

If Only You Could See He's Just Like You...

* I fixed the link to the 2nd song.

Ok... let me just say before you pre-judge these songs when you see who they're by... make sure you at least give them a chance. I never would have thought that I would be buying albums from an Ex-New Kid on the Block... but Joey McIntryre has released a handfull of really great solo albums of the past few years, 5 of them to be exact!

He kicked off his solo career back in 1999 with a pop album on a major record label and initially had some moderate success with his first two singles in the US. His debut single 'Stay The Same' hit #10 and went gold! But after things slowed down he parted ways with his major record label and since then has been recording music on his own.

Here are some of my favorite Joey McIntyre songs:

Joey McIntyre - Rain

The first single from his 2nd album... this song has to go down in history as one of my favorite ballads. I turly feel that this song could be a massive hit single if it was sung by another artist. Don't you think?

Joey McIntyre - Mrs. Callahan

Something about this song really gets to me for some reason.

Hyped Up & Psyched Up!

The german band 'Band Ohne Namen'(Band Without Name in English) or better known as B.O.N. had their first hit single back in 2000 with the track 'Boys.' Originally the song featured German lyrics with an English chorus... but when the track became a hit in Germany it was re-recorded with English vocals.

The single went on to chart in many European countries but none of their future singles managed to make an impact on the charts. The band split up back in 2004 after recording 2 original albums.

B.O.N. - Boys
A track that urges the opposite sex to "Think about the way that you treat a boy... you shouldn't treat him like a toy."

B.O.N. - Boys (Almighty Full On Vocal Mix)
This remix has to be one of the best remixes of all time. It's really hard hitting and it perfect when you're in a mood to dance. It's one of those rare remixes that is even better than the original version.

Video Of The Year?

Wow... you already know how I feel about the song... but now the video takes it to a whole new level...

Check out the video for Sugababes new single 'Change.'

Too Many Days... I've Hidden From The Sun...

So I know I've posted about Celine Dion a lot lately... but I can't help it. I'm secretly (or maybe not such a secret anymore) a MASSIVE Celine Dion fan. Acouple years ago I flew to Las Vegas specifically to see her show. I even got to take a tour backstage because I was screaming so loud someone from the show came up to me after and told me they could tell I was a big fan and they wanted to take me back for a tour!

Well now her new english album has been released worldwide... her final show in Las Vegas is Dec. 15th... The DVD will be released in December... and in February 2008 she begins a year long worldwide tour which I JUST got tickets for October 20th 2008 in Vancouver, Canada.

Celine Dion - Shadow Of Love
There are so many songs I could have posted from the album, 'Eyes On Me' is one of my other favorite tracks co-written by Delta Goodrem. After much deliberation I decided to post this track instead. It's a real thumper... makes you want to get up and clap along... I'm really looking forward to seeing her sing it live on tour.

If you're considering buying the new album... stop considering... go out and get it today!

Give Me Dr. Sun... He's My Man

Hey Guys,

So if there's one thing I don't really post about much... it's myself! But I promised to show you guys some pictures from my trip to Mexico so today you're going to get your first look at... ME!

There I am coming out of the airport!

Me and a Cactus!

We went to this beach which was AMAZING. There was no one around... the water was blue and crystal clear... you could walk out into the ocean for ages and it never went higher than your waist... you could see fish swimming around underneath you!

My Grandma and I!

It was a very relaxing trip and now it's back to reality and back to work.

As you all know my next trip will be March 2nd when I head to London England for a few days and then fly on to Sweden for Melodifestivalen 2008! Rumour has it the first batch of artists will be revealed as soon as next week!

Speculation continues about who the 4 wilcards will be this year. One name that floats around every year is Ace of Base. In the past the band has strongly denied that they would ever enter the competition.

Ace of Base are currently on tour in Europe and are preparing for a world tour as part of a festival in 2008!

So to tie this post together here's one of my favorite Ace of Base songs which fit in perfectly with my trip to Mexico!

Ace of Base - Dr. Sun

I Want To Hold Your Hand

As a fan of pop music and a human being I've always known and been aware of 'The Beatles.' Few acts have made as big of an impact on popular music as 'The Beatles.'

Personally I had never given their songs much notice. I probably learnt most of their songs after Take That did a Beatles Medley on their tour. Songs like "Hey Jude" and "Yesterday" were among my favorite Beatles tracks, although I had never purchased any of them or really sat down and listened to any of their albums.

But every day a new generation is introduced to the music and the legacy that the Beatles left behind. Earlier this month I went to see a film called 'Across The Universe.' The general idea is that the movie is set to a soundtrack of Beatles songs.

I won't bother reviewing the movie itself, which I would rate at about 3/5 but the soundtrack is something that needs to be recognized!

The actors in the movie sing all their own parts and all of the songs are included on the soundtrack. One of the best tracks has to be Teresa Victoria Carpio's rendition of 'I Want To Hold Your Hand.'

T.V. Carpio - I Want To Hold Your Hand

The track is immensely catchy; I've been singing it all day!

Jumping On The Bandwagon!

It's official... Boyzone are back!

Ronan Keating claims that a Boyzone reunion was in the works long before Take That and The SPice Girls re-formed, but I find that a little hard to believe.

There has been talk of a Boyzone reunion ever since the band last performed together in 2000. But I think once they saw the massive success Take That and The Spice Girls have had, the band decided it was time to make things happen.

Just like the Take That reunion, so far Boyzone has not confirmed that they will record a new album. But if tickets to the tour sell as fast as they're expected, I bet we'll have a new Boyzone album within the next year.

For the record I was a Boyzone fan... they had some fantastic songs throughout their career. Im seriously considering a trip to the Uk in June to see them, although I don't think my wallet is going to allow for that after my Melodifestivalen trip in March!

When I get back from Mexico I'll be sure to post a bunch of Boyzone songs for those of you that missed out on the Boyzone craze in the 90's!

Troy - Posting From Mexico

STOP!

Going through some of my old cd's I came across the single for this pop gem.

It's from a time when the entire world was singing along to pop music. I remember being so excited when I saw the video to this song for the first time. The Stop remix was different to the album track so I had to buy the single to get this version!

My how things have changed! I prefer to remember her from times like this...

Britney Spears - Crazy (The Stop Remix)

I Tried But She Cries...

Today I introduce you to one of Denmarks most successful boybands - C21.

They formed back in 1998 and had their debut hit in 2002. Proving that they were more than just a typical boyband they wrote and produced most of their debut album themselves and performed live acoustic sets all across the country to prove that they weren't just another bunch of cute guys who could sing. The hard work paid off and their debut album spawned 4 hit singles in Denmark.

In 2004 the band released a second album but there was only one single relased from it. There were rumours of a third album but that seems unlikely as band member Soren Bregendal released his debut solo album earlier this year.

So here are some tracks from their debut album - C21. Enjoy :)

C21 - She Cries

C21 - You Are The One

C21 - Don't Wanna Lose You

I posed this song back in February for my Valentines post... I'm re-posting it because it's one of my favorite boyband ballads. I love the guitar and how the vocals build up as it goes along.

*FIXED LAST LINK

Got To Be Strong... Believe In Your Power

HERE THEY ARE!

If you're like me then you were slightly dissapointed by the new Spice Girls single - Headlines.

Although the more I hear it and seeing the video, it isn't as bad as I first though.

All that has changed with the leak of their second new song from their Greatest Hits album - Voodoo!

This is everything you could ever want from the Spice Girls. It's 'THEM' but with a slightly more modern sound. Ugh... I've played it about 15 times in a row and I still can't get enough!

What do you think?

Spice Girls - Voodoo

Random Post From Nowhere

So I'm just going through my old mp3's and found some old catchy songs that I figured I would post.

Most of these are random tracks and I wouldn't say they're worth of their own posting... so instead I'll post a mini collection of them for you to check out!

Alexia - Don't You Know
Alexia is a euro-dance singer from Italy who has actually released 9 albums in the last 10 years! She had a few international hits with tracks like 'Uh La La La' and 'The Music I Like.' In 2002 she abandonded euro-dance and since then records only in Italian.

Anieki - Pleased To Meet You
This Australian band had a massive hit in 2001 with this track. It was the most played song in Australia in 2001! The band was formed by Savage Gardens Daniel Jones in 1998.

Dario G - Heaven Is Closer
English dance act Dario G have produced some of the most popular sporting events trackof the last decade. Between 2001 - 2003 the group produced a handful of radio friendly tracks with female vocalist - Vanessa Quinones. I've always loved tracks by Dario G, they're really bright and full of different sounds and a lot of feeling.

Kim Wilde - Born To Be Wild
So Kim probably deserves to have her own post on here but since I can't be bothered you'll have to settle for this track which is one of my faves btw! Kim Wilde released her debut album in 1980 when she was only 20 years old! Kim Wilde had a hit as recent as last year when she made a comeback with a remake of her previous hit - You Came.

2 Small Dj's - Shining For Love
This euro pop track samples Cyndi Laupers 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.' That alone is reason enough to download this track.

Jake - Brighter
I don't remember much about this band. From what I remember they were Canadian. They had acouple top 40 pop hits before changing their sound a bit with their 2nd album. 'Brighter' was the first single from their second album.

Isabel - Will My Heart Survive
Isabel - Like Snow In June (Dance Mix)
From what I understand Isabel took a shot at Eurovision for Germany in 2002. After that she had a handful of hits with 'Will My Heart Survive' and 'Snow In June.'

The wait is over! I've been meaning to write about this band for a LONG LONG time! For some reason I've always passed them over. But I'm finally putting Da Buzz in the spotlight.

Da Buz have to be one of my ALL TIME favorite Swedish artists. They write and produce their own material. They've released 7 albums which is a massive achievement for a pop act. What's even better is that each album is even more amazing than the last.

Da Buzz debuted back in in Sweden back in 1999 with their debut single 'Paradise' which had moderate success considering they were a new act. Their next two singles debuted in the top 10 and established that Da Buzz were not just a one hit wonder. In 2000 their single 'Let Me Love You' was remixed by Hex Hector in the US and went on to become an international dance smash single around the world.

It wasn't until their 3rd album and their 8th single in 2003 that Da Buzz finally had their first number 1 with 'Alive.' A feat they repeated in 2006 with 'Last Goodbye' in 2006.

I'm actually really suprised that they've been around as long as they have. I keep expecting to hear that they've split up or been dropped by their record label. Earlier this month they released their first Greatest Hits album. What I love most about Da Buzz is that some of their best songs have never even been released as singles!

So if you don't know Da Buzz this is your chance to educate yourself on one of the best pop acts of the last 7 years! Below are some of my favorite album tracks. If you like these please purchase their Greatest Hits album HERE.

Da Buzz - Let Me Love You (2000)

Da Buzz - This Night I'm In Love (2002)

Da Buzz - Sorry Baby (2002)

Da Buzz - How Could You Leave Me (2004)

Da Buzz - Cause I Need Your Love (2003)

Da Buzz - World For Two (2006)

Da Buzz - Stuck (2004)

Da Buzz - Waiting For Me (2004)

Da Buzz - Alive (2003)

Da Buzz - Can't Give Up For Love (2004)

You Tubing!

So I'm getting back into Melodifestivalen mode. For those of you who haven't heard, the first 28 artists will be anounced on Nov. 27th. So I've been surfing youtube tonight and found acouple gems!

Anyone who read my blog through M'fest this yaer knows I was a HUGE fan of Sanna Nielsen. So as you can imagine I'm thrilled that she is rumoured to be entering again this year. I've also heard rumblings that she may enter as a trio with Shirley Clamp and Sonja Alden! Although I'm worried that would mean another power ballad. As much as I'd love it... I think they would make such an awesome Schlager Mega Act!

So until the 27th when we find out for sure, here is a clip of the three of them doing a medley of their solo hits.



I posted this track back in the Spring and just found this clip of her performing it live on Swedish television.



Bonus:
It's been 7 months and I still can't stop playing these songs!

Sonja Alden - For Att Du Finns (Acoustic Version)

Let's Fight For Love Again...

The reunions just keep on coming and coming...

On Friday afternoon one of the most successful European pop acts of all time is adding themselves to the list.

The seeds of the band were planed back in 1989! But it wasn't until 1993 that Soren, Claus and Rene discovered Lene Nystrom and a single was released in Sweden under the name 'Joyspeed.' The single was a flop and the band parted ways with their record label, fired their manager and set out to re-develop their sound by focusing on European Bubblegum Pop. In 1996 the band was offered a record deal with 'Universal' and the rest is history. The band entered what Aqua fans fondly refer to as the 'Aquarium Age.' A total of 8 singles were released in various territories around the world. The band had massive success across the globe during this period. The band ended up being most popular right here in Canada! Their debut album went 9 times platinum... more than any other country in the world!

When the second album was released in 1999 off the back of 'Cartoon Heros' it seemed that things had cooled off for the band. Although the album wasn't as big as their first... it did sell well across the globe and spawned 5 hit singles in various countries around the world.

In 2001 the band had begun working on a 3rd album when the pressure became too much. Rumours swarmed that a rift had begun in the band, Lene collapsed on stage during a tour and in July the band announced the split. Their official website closed down with a simple message:

"Good-bye To The Circus...We Hope You Enjoyed The Show" and a message that said... "We'll Be Back."

Almost 7 years later they're making good on that promise. The band has just promised a European tour of at least 25 dates and commited to a Greatest Hits album with some new singles as well.

The official announcement is expected at a press conference on Friday Oct. 26th!

I hope I'm not the only one excited about this?! I used to LOVE Aqua! I had the books, the videos, the cd's and the bubblegum!

So let's go back in time and enjoy a megamix from the "Aquarius Age"

Aqua - Official Megamix (Aquarius Age)

I really wanna post some of their other songs now too... but maybe I'll leave them for another day?

How about my favorite video of all time? Bumble Bees!

Love Is What You Make Of It...

Today is a beautiful sunny day for once here in Vancouver, Canada. It's the perfect day for cheesy bubblegum pop if you ask me. These tracks have been around for ages now... but if you don't have them this is the perfect chance to get some new tracks. WARNING - The following songs are extremely cheesy.

iDream - Don't Steal Our Sunshine

Anyone remember a band called 'S Club 7?' Back in 2001 S Club 7 created a television show 'S Club Search' where they would form a new band to be their support act on their Wembley Date of their Carnival tour. After the success of that concert 19 management decided the group would continue to support S Club 7 for the entire tour and were dubbed 'S Club Juniors.'

It wasn't long before the band had their own fans and were signed to Polydor records. The band had massive success with their first 3 singles all entering the charts at #2! After the success of their debut album the band went on a joint tour with S Club called: S Club United!

During the United tour it was announced that S Club would be splitting up. S Club Juniors management decided they would re-label the band 'S Club 8.' The band began to promote their new mature image and sound as S Club 8.

Unfortunately the public seemed to have had an S Club overload. The singles from their 2nd album failed to sell as well as the first. Their 2nd album failed to light up the charts.

Due to the perceived failure of their 2nd album their management company decided to make some radical changes to the band. A new television show was created and the band were added to the show as the main cast. In addition to S Club 8, 5 other actors were added to the show which was titled iDream.

But as the single and album from iDream were released it was clear that fans had lost touch with the act. The single debuted at #19 and the album entered the charts at #133.

I've always considered the demise of S Club 8 a result of poor management. Fortunately the band produced some ace pop tracks that will go down in pop history.

allSTARS* - Love Is

The allSTARS* had a handful of hit singles and an album in the Uk back in 2001. The group had a childrens television show called 'StarStreet.' The band released 4 singles in the Uk and seemed to be gaining momentum with every release. Their debut single peaked at #20 and their further singles reached #12, then #9! The band then released their final single and it stalled at #19. When the album failed to live up to sales expectations spending only 2 weeks in the top 75 they were dropped by their record label.

The track 'Love Is' was rumoured to be their 5th single from the album before they were dropped. It is a classic pop gem that will have you singing along in no time.