OH MY GOD
BREAKING NEWS! THE NEW BRITNEY SINGLE HAS LEAKED!
IT"S AMAZING!
DOWNLOAD NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
I'm More Clever Than A Girl Like Her...
* UPDATED LINK*One of the best things about having your own blog is that you can post anything you like!
I LOVE being able to share my favorite songs and introduce people to songs that didn't find the audience that they deserved sometimes.
This is one of those songs.
Most of you have heard of Vanessa Carlton before. She's done the vocals on a bunch of songs over the past few years. She is mostly known for her debut single 'Ordinary Day' and for her duet with the Counting Crows on 'Big Yellow Taxi.'
But my all time favorite song for her is probably the one that got her dropped from her record label. 'White Houses' was the first single from her second album 'Harmonium' in 2004. The record was a commercial failure and it was the only single from the album before she parted ways with the record company.
Watching her perform this song live with just her playing piano and singing is amazing. it's dissapointing that a song this good didn't acheive any real success. Although the song did go Number 1 in Taiwan!
Put It In Harmony and Let The Words Ring...
Here's a blast from the past for ya!
So I don't actually know too much about this group.
I discovered them back when I was watching the 1997 World Music Awards. They came out and sang "Je Te Donne." I actually recorded the show on my VCR and I used to watch their performance over and over again.
Recently I bought the single on eBay and I love the song today just as much as I did 10 years ago!
The band is 'Worlds Apart,' they are a multi-national group who achieved most of their success in the Uk and France. If you follow Uk pop at all you'll recognize Nathan Moore as Lisa Scott-Lee's ex manager.
Like I said this song is fantastic, It's a cover very famous french track by Jean Jacques Goldman. Half the lyrics are in English and half in French.
You won't regret this download!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I Still Believe Our Love Is The Answer...
Back in 1999 our local radio station here in Vancouver, BC started playing a song from an unknown swedish singer, Bosson; that song was - We Live. I've always wondered how a small Swedish singer got his track played on Canadian radio before he ever hit it big!
Bosson actually ended up having one hit single in North America when his track "One In A Million" from his second album was featured in the film 'Miss Congeniality.' The song ended up hitting top ten in various European countries and Asia. In June Bosson released his 4th studio album featuring his version of Magnus Carlssons - Live Forever.
Bosson - This Is Our Life (2002)
This was released in 2002 and wasn't successful - hitting #40 in Sweden. But this is actually my all time favorite Bosson song. I've actually never found anyone else that likes this song! So if you like it leave a comment below so I know I'm not the only one in the world that loves this track.
Bosson - You (2006)
Bosson - You Opened My Eyes (2003)
Bosson - A Little More Time (2003)
Bosson - We Live (1999)
I Know How I Feel About You Now..
The Sugababes are back!
This is the band that just keeps on giving! The Sugababes have been around since 1998 and have since released 18 hit singles and 5 hit albums around the world. The Sugababes have had more top ten hits with original songs than any group since The Supremes, Destiny's Child & Bananarama. They have sold over 9 million albums, scoring succes across Europe and Asia... with number one hits in the Uk, Ireland, Poland, Denmark, Austria and New Zealand. They were the first pop group to ever play the Glastonbury Festival.
I have seen the Sugababes 3 times live now and they are one of the most talented live acts around.
Despite all the success you may be suprised to hear that the band almost didn't make it. During a promotional tour for their debut album, founding member Siobhan Donaghy left the group amongst fights between the girls and clinical depression. In 2001 it was announced that Heidi would be the replacement. But despite a top 40 record in the Uk and peaking at number 7 in Germany, their record label was not impressed. The Sugababes were dropped from London records in 2001.
The group had already begun working on their second album and soon were signed to Island Records. When the new single 'Freak Like Me' was released in 2002 it went Number 1 in both the Uk and Ireland. (I bet London records must be kicking themselves now!)
From then on everything success has followed the girls everywhere. 'Round Round' was their second number one in the Uk and the album debuted at number 2. The success continued with the groups 3rd album - 'Three' with another number one single and 3 top ten singles in the Uk.
On October 16th 2005, the girls had their first number 1 album. On that same day, the girls celebrated being number one on the albums, singles and download charts all at the same time.
But just when things seemed perfect... the problems started again. On Dec. 21st 2005, Mutya announced she also was leaving the band. With only one original member remaining it was announced the Sugababes would carry on with a new member who would help carry on taking the Sugababes brand of music forward.
After a successful greatest hits album, tour and duet with Girls Aloud the girls are back with a brand new single 'About U Now.' The track isn't very typically Sugababes and it is at the same time. I wasn't sure what I thought about it at first but I've decided that I LOVE it! I think it might even be one of my favorite Sugababes singles!
You can download their new single and some of my favorite Sugababes songs below.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
It Should Have Been A Single...
In case you have been living under a rock somewhere recently you'd know that Darren Hayes (Formerly of Savage Garden) is about to release his 3rd album. From what I've heard so far, including the new track that was just posted by PopPosterGirl, the album is going to be one of the best pop albums of the year.
The last time Darren released a solo album was back in 2004. The album 'The Tension and the Spark' will go down as one of the best pop albums of all time. If you don't have this album, you MUST go out and look for it as soon as possible.
The album was a huge departure for Darren. Instead of the guaranteed radio friendly hits his fans were expecting, we got an electronic based and was a very emotional album. While the album didn't sell as well as his previous album, the album earned Darren the strongest critical praise of his career.
On Aug. 20th Darren will release a two disc, 25-track album on his own label. After selling over 25 million records with Columbia, they parted ways in 2006. I urge you all to take the time to look for this album and support this artist. 'This Delicate Thing We Made' is set to be one of the best releases of the year.
Two of my favorite tracks from this album are, 'Hero' and 'Unlovable.' I vote that they should have been a single! What do you think?
I'm Not Like You... I'm Not Who You Are
For those of you that don't know... Alexander shot to fame as the winner of the first season of German Idol "Deutschland sucht den SuperStar" in 2002. He ended up winning the competition with 70% of the vote.
Alexander has released 3 studio albums. Despite success with his first two albums which both reached #1, his 3rd album which had a much more mature sound failed to see similar success. After only one single which reached #16 and the album peaking at #20 the record label cancelled all further singles and promotion.
Alexander is currently working on a 4th album to be sung completely in German.
Here are some of my favorite Alexander tracks.
This was his last single and a bit of a departure from his previous two albums. A little more mature and grown up. A bit of a rocky edge to it. I love the chorus and how it builds up as it goes along.
This is from his debut album... obviously a lot more POP! This is totally a summer, driving in your car, top down and singing along type song. His 2nd single back in 2003.
Just a random album track that stood out for me.
A little more relaxed and less of an adge than the radio version.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Let's Go To The Place Where The Boys Are Pretty...
Anyone remember back in 2000 when you couldn't turn on a radio without hearing "It Goes Around The World... LA LA LA LALA."
Pop music was so much more simple then. We didn't need real lyrics... we were happy with LA's and Ooh's and Dum's or DA BA DEE's.
That's where ATC came in. ATC stood for 'A Touch Of Class' but after they were sued by DJ ATB they started to go by the full name. The debut single 'Around The World' became the most played song in history in Germany, staying at Number 1 there for 6 weeks! The track became an instant hit across Europe and even hit the charts in Canada and the USA.
After their 2nd album failed to create any real success the band decided to split up, but not before releasing 3 singles off that final album!
Their 2nd album was a HUGE improvement over the first album, which relied mostly on songs that were almost identical to 'Around The World.'
The band also will be remembered as one of the Gayest bands ever... almost beating out Alcazar!
So let's all remember the simplicity that was ATC.
There Will Be No Turning Back...
Today I'm going to post another song from an artist that I never would have imagined that I would be listening to... Annie Lennox. Perhaps best known as her role in the 'Eurythmics.'
In 2003 Annie released her 3rd solo album 'Bare' and the first single from that album was 'Pavement Cracks.'
I actually first heard the song as a remix which actually went #1 in the US dance charts. While I wasn't particularly impressed with the remix... I was completely floored when I heard the album version.
The song opens up really simple and you almost think it's going to be a really boring track from an aging washed up 80's singer. About one minute in things start to get interesting. More and more sounds get added as the song goes along, layers and layers get added until the final bridge rockes out before settling down again.
I do think the song could have a bit more umph added to it at the end... but overall this track is a pop masterpiece!
Since finding this track I went back and downloaded some older Annie Lennox singles and found that she has a history of releasing great pop tracks. So I'm including the SPECTACULAR single 'Walking On Broken Glass' for you as well!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Encore...Otra Vez
Darin came in 2nd place in Swedish Idol all the way back in 2004! I am a huge fan of Darin's albums. I actually posted some tracks from his latest album last year. This time I'm going WAY back and am going to post some tracks from his debut album - 'The Anthem' and his 2nd album 'Darin.' All 3 of Darin's albums have hit #1 in Sweden and he's had 8 top 10 singles with 2 hitting number 1!
What I love about Darin is that every one of his albums has gotten better and better. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
This was the winning song from Swedish Idol 2004. Although Darin didn't win... he still included his version of the track on his album. The track is very "I've just won Idol and am singing a power ballad." The song builds up until it hits a climax at the end and the choir comes in.
When I listen to this song it makes me think of being on a boat somewhere, sailing in the middle of the ocean. The song is pretty mellow, but gives him a chance to show off his vocal range.
This one is pure brilliance! It really set the tone for his 3rd album which is filled with catchy hard hitting tracks like this one.
Not only can he sing a funky dance track... but he can nail a ballad like this. I had a hard time deciding on what my favorite ballad was on his 2nd album, but I decided to post this one. I really like the production on it. Of coarse there is a key change in there as well!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Are You Listening?!
Sorry for the lack of updates lately... I've obviously been spending way too much time at the beach! But today I'll reward you all for your patience with not one, but three new posts!
I've been listening to some old songs and although the tracks aren't new... they're great and I still listen to them often and they're just as good as the first time I heard them.
Lets begin with Hanson.
I know we all remember 1997 when Hanson were EVERYWHERE. You couldn't turn on the radio without hearing one of the singles from their debut album "Middle Of Nowhere." Anyone else still remember all the words to MMmBop?
This band has been active from 1992 - 2007 without a break!
I admit I was a HUGE Hanson fan back in the day. Despite being labeled another 'boyband' Hanson had genuine talent. They wrote and performed their own material.
The were rewarded with massive international success! But despite breaking records with their debut album... their record label didn't do much to ensure the bands success. Their debut album was followed up with rapidly released albums such as a Christmas album, a live album, an album of unreleased demo tracks...
Despite the initial success the band did not release a true 2nd album until 2000. But due to poor sales their record label pulled funding for the tour and then dropped the band.
The band decided to release their music independently from then on... starting with the 2004 album 'Underneath.' The album has become one of the all time best selling Independent albums in the USA. The album debuted at #25 in the Billboard 200.
The songs I'm about to post are 2 of my all time favorite Hanson songs.
Lost Without Each Other was the 2nd single from their Independent album 'Underneath.' The song is a fun, upbeat rock track. The chorus is immensely catchy and will have you singing along from the first listen!
A Minute Without You is a track from their debut album. This album was filled with radio friendly tracks that could have easily been singles. This one was my favorite right from the start... it's a shame it was never picked to be a single.
Hanson is another example of what is wrong with the music industry. Before Hanson became independent, Def Jam records turned down over 80 songs from the band... saying they weren't marketable.
The band has just released their 2nd Independent album, you can find it on iTunes.
Hanson - Lost Without Each Other (2005)
Hanson - Minute Without You (1997)
Monday, July 30, 2007
I'll Soon Be Gone Now...
I recently found out a little trivia fact for you...
What song holds the record for having the longest vocal note held by a singer?
It's held by Morten Harket the lead singer of A-Ha. In 2000 their single 'Summer Moved On' hit the Uk top 40. In the track Morten holds a vocal note for 20.2 seconds; The longest vocal note ever held in a Uk top 40 hit.
This was done without any vocal stretching effects and you can hear him hit the note live at one of their concert appearances.
A-Ha are probably most famous for their huge 80's hit - 'Take On Me,' but suprisingly the band has continued recording to this day and has had moderate success recently in Europe with some of their singles.
I'm actually a big fan of their track 'Did Anyone Approach You.' I love his voice in this one and the way it builds up as it goes along. What do you think?
One of their most recent hits was 'Analogue' which I'm posting for you as well. This track has a great use of piano against a guitar. A-Ha has really shown that they are a talented band and deserve the recognition they've received with their last two albums.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Spice Up Your Life!
Dreams really do come true!
The Spice Girls JUST announced 3 more dates for their tour... and they're now opening the tour in my city - Vancouver, Canada!
If you haven't registered for tickets yet... get on it!
Don't worry if the girls aren't coming to your city, because you can now vote where the girls should play! Whichever city gets the most votes will be "SPICE CITY" and will get their own tour stop!
GIRL POWER!
Check out this AMAZING new promo shot the girls just did as well!
The Spice Girls JUST announced 3 more dates for their tour... and they're now opening the tour in my city - Vancouver, Canada!
If you haven't registered for tickets yet... get on it!
Don't worry if the girls aren't coming to your city, because you can now vote where the girls should play! Whichever city gets the most votes will be "SPICE CITY" and will get their own tour stop!
GIRL POWER!
Check out this AMAZING new promo shot the girls just did as well!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Day It Rained Forever...
Aurora is a dance act created by 2 english DJ's. The act had their debut back in 1999 with the single "Hear You Calling" and soon exploded in the Uk charts with their follow up single, a cover of Duran Durans 'Ordinary World' which peaked at #5 in the Uk!
Like many dance acts the band has worked with many different vocalists to record their songs. After the band had success with 'Ordinary World' they teamed up with 'Lizzy Pattinson' who became the new full time lead vocalist for Aurora. The band began to work on their debut album and in 2002 released 'Dreaming.'
But the album turned out to be a bit of a suprise. Instead of focusing on the dancey/trance hits that made the group famous, the album was a collection of slower ballad based songs. Unfortunately their further singles failed to set the charts on fire and there wasn't much more heard from the band after the album was released.
The band released further singles in 2003, 2005 and in 2006 each track using a different lead vocalist.
None of the singles have matched the success of their earlier singles. Their last single was in 2006, a cover of the Texas hit 'Summer Son.' It peaked at #82 in the Uk.
Still at once time Aurora was one of my favorite bands to listen to! I find their singles to be extremely catchy and easy to sing along to. Their videos are quite nice to watch at well! Find out for yourself below...
My favorite song from Aurora has to be 'The Day It Rained Forever.' I don't know what it is about the song... but i absolutely LOVE the title!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
BATTLE OF THE B-Sides!
That's right... today I launch a fun new interactive experience on this blog!
The first ever Battle of the B-sides! B-sides are typically a dumping ground for bad songs that weren't good enough to make it onto an artists album... but sometimes an artist suprises fans with a B-side that is spectacular and in some cases is better than the single itself!
Today I want to celebrate some of these B-sides and challenge you to decide which B-side is the best! I tried to pick a range of tracks that are each a little different from the others but each track is a great tune!
You will have a chance to vote on all 12 B-sides and after 1 week the top 6 will move onto the semi-finals. From there we will narrow it down to the top 2 tracks until there is only one B-side left standing!
Let the battle begin...
Now please vote for your favorite B-sides to the right!
Sexy... No No No
Here it is! The brand new smokin' single from Girls Aloud! The first single from their forthcoming 4th album!
Once again the girls atre pushing the boundaries of pop music and giving us something totally fresh and new! I LOVE IT!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The Sun Shines Brighter
If you keep up to date on your Uk Boybands you'll know who 'Ultra' is.
When the band released their first single back in 1998 - Say You Do, it got to number 11. The band were then suprised to hear that the single went #1 in Italy of all places!
Over the next 2 years the band had several singles hit the top 20 in the Uk, Italy and Spain! Despite being mobbed by over 3000 female fans once... the band maintained that their popularity came from their songs that they helped write and produce.
But as always things changed due to record company politics. When it came time to record their 2nd album in 2000 the band found that everyone that worked for the record label when they had been signed no longer worked for Warner. It seemed that despite selling over 1 million albums, no one at Warner was interested in continuing to release music with 'Ultra.'
Despite other offers from other labels the band was disillusioned with the music industry and the band finally split up in 2001.
3 members of Ultra ended up forming their own music production company and ended up writing songs for Bryan Adams, Kylie Minogue, Liberty X, Phixx and Natasha Bedingfield.
In 2005 the band started spending more time together and decided to release a new album... this time with no record labels to hold them back. In Feb. 2006 the band released their 2nd album 'The Sun Shines Brighter.'
And despite that fact that they no longer grace the covers of teen magazines or have their singles playing non stop on radios... the band is finally making the music they want, their way.
The new songs are good too, they're a lot more grown up and mature. What do you think? Were you an Ultra fan? Do you like the new stuff?
So here is some retro Ultra vs the new Ultra.
vs
Saturday, July 14, 2007
How Do We Sleep While Our Beds Are Burning...
Novaspace had success in Germany and other European countries between 2002-2004. The band was a collaboration between singer Jessica Bohrs and dance producer Felix Gauder. Novaspace had moderate success across Europe and released 2 studio albums and one remix album in their time together.
My all time favorite is their cover of the 1988 classic 'Beds Are Burning.' This is a great track to blast this summer and the video is fun too.
Novaspace - Beds Are Burning
My all time favorite is their cover of the 1988 classic 'Beds Are Burning.' This is a great track to blast this summer and the video is fun too.
Novaspace - Beds Are Burning
The Sun Has Come Your Way...
Oh how the mighty fall...
After the 2nd series of 'Pop Idol' in the Uk... runner up contestants Sam and Mark decided to join forces and begin recording together as 'Sam & Mark.' They signed with Simon Fuller and immediately released a beatles cover 'With a Little Help From My Friends' which entered the Uk singles chart at #1! Things were looking bright for the two-some!
The duo released their second single 'The Sun Has Come Your Way' in July 2004. Unfortunately a high chart position did not come their way a 2nd time. The single peaked at a dissapointing #19 and the boys were dropped.
But these boys don't give up. Despite their failure as a recording act, the boys have managed to successfully carve out a career in television hosting various programs in the Uk including TOTP Reloaded, Level Up and their latest show - Do Something Different!
So while we most likely will never have another single from the boys... we'll always have this pop gem which I happened to love!
What Have I Done To Deserve This...
UPDATED: The link to 'Some Day' was incorrect... It's now updated with the correct track
If you follow Eurovision, you may be familiar with Manual Ortega. After his debut single 'El Amor, La Vida' became a huge hit in Austria, he represented his country at Eurovision with 'Say A Word.'
It turns out his failure at Eurovision didn't stop him... he's gone on to release 3 albums in Austria and is still releasing material today.
My favorite songs from him are the ones from his debut album 'Any Kind Of Love' which you can discover below.
Manuel Ortega - Some Day
I love the build up at the start or this track.
The guitar in this track is very hard hitting... as is the sound of breaking glass that kicks the song off.
I would actually love to hear someone more established cover this track. I think with someone elses voice on lead vocals it would be even better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)