ATTENTION POP MUSIC LOVERS!
Effective Immediately I'm closing this blog...
BECAUSE...
WE HAVE A NEW HOME!!!!!!
www.youdontknowpop.com
I'm happy to announce that we are moving effective today!
So tell your friends, update your bookmarks, change your links and scream it from the rooftop!
I've always wanted my own website address without the whole blogger part to it and now I finally have it.
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Thanks to everyone who made this blog what it is!
In a short time we've received more than 150'000 Page Views! WOWSA!
I look forward to sharing even more of the music I love with all of you at the new site
www.youdontknowpop.com
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Thursday, February 05, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Not Cool.
Just a note:
As Bloggers I know that we all get information from each other about the songs that we love and we all share that information between us... it's what makes blogging fun and it's how I've made some good friends in the blogging world.
In fact many of the songs I post come from various sources from all over. But I don't go to other blogs, take a song and then post it on my own blog. In fact there's often songs I want to blog about that other great bloggers get to first and then I avoid blogging about the same song because they got to it first!
If you like something I've posted... post a link on your blog like I've done here in the past.
I love to see a good blog so if you have your own blog and want me to feature your link here please e-mail me and I'll add it.
As Bloggers I know that we all get information from each other about the songs that we love and we all share that information between us... it's what makes blogging fun and it's how I've made some good friends in the blogging world.
In fact many of the songs I post come from various sources from all over. But I don't go to other blogs, take a song and then post it on my own blog. In fact there's often songs I want to blog about that other great bloggers get to first and then I avoid blogging about the same song because they got to it first!
If you like something I've posted... post a link on your blog like I've done here in the past.
I love to see a good blog so if you have your own blog and want me to feature your link here please e-mail me and I'll add it.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Lets Push It Harder Tonight
Attention pop music lovers. Here is your new favorite song of the week!
I don't know how I missed this last year but this song has been kicking around for ages now.
Addictiv is a Canadian singer who has released a handful of singles in Canada without any major success until recently. With each spin 'Tonight' continued to garner more and more airplay across the country as people began to hear the song for the first time.
With little to no promotion the song eventually made it into the top 50 and became quite the sleeper hit through the fall.
I don't get a chance to post music from fellow Canadians too often so I'm pretty happy to share this one.
It's a great song to dance to and could easily be mistaken for a track from the Pussycat Dolls.
Addictiv - Tonite
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When Good Songs Go Bad: She Doesn't Got It
What is it about french songs not translating well to english?
The best example of this has always been Alizee who had some fantastic french singles that not only didn't sound as good when they were sung in english, they flat out didn't make much sense!
Anyone remember this classic line?
"Bubbles and water
Legs up for hours
My goldfish is under me
To bathe for hours
Makes my mouth water
I’m “formely” ecstatic
It’s not a problem
I lazy ‘round
Bubbly and stubborn"
What the heck?! Those are actually the English lyrics to Alizee's single - I'm Fed Up.
Well someone thought the only way to break Kate Ryan into the Uk would be to translate her mega hit "Ella Elle La" into English.
That person needs to be fired.
Not only has the song lost it's punch but the flow of the lyrics is lost when she sings it in English.
Am I being too harsh? What do you guys think? Hate it? Love it?
Kate Ryan - Ella Elle La (English Version)
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Back To The Beat!
2008 is over and it's time to start focusing on 2009!
January was filled with great pop music and I have so much to share with you guys!
The first new song of 2009 is one I'm really excited about.
'The Days' are the first new boyband of 2009 and after a lot of touring and getting their name out there are finally releasing their debut single - "No Ties" on February 16th in the Uk.
The band hails from the Uk and consist of brothers Luke and Dan with their two friends Harry and Tim. The band was discovered by the same label that discovered Coldplay and Keane and I'm going to go out on a limb and predict a big hit for these boys.
Their debut single reminds me of "The Midway State" but a lot more fun and upbeat. It's guitar and piano driven pop music with really catchy vocals. My favorite part is the "Dadada Da Da Dada!" It's a perfect weekend pop song!
You can purchase their single both digital and physical on Feb 16th but you definitely need to check out the video below and hear the track for yourself.
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If you like that check out a bonus track as well.
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You can purchase the debut single 'No Ties' - HERE
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Sunday, February 01, 2009
2008 - Melodifestivalen Favorites
I really can't believe it's been one year since we all waited anxiously to hear the 2008 entires from BWO, Charlotte Perrelli, Sanna Nielsen and Linda Bengtzing.
2008 was a record breaking year in Sweden for Melodifestivalen as it continued to dominate the ESC National Selection contests in Europe. No country comes even close to the interest, popularity and success of Melodifestivalen.
Personally I felt like 2008's competition was one of the best I've seen. Not only were the songs fantastic but the competition was fierce! Almost every semi-final was a real nail-biter with no obvious winner for the most part. There was scandal... whether you were voting for or against "Androla" there was scandal when Carola and Andreas failed to make it through to the finals after losing to 'Nordman' in the Second Chance Round. And the best part was that although Charlotte was pegged as a favorite to win even before the songs were played it was a close call as Sanna came THIS CLOSE to beating her.
After one year are the songs still as good? Which songs had staying power?
Here are my favorite Melodifestivalen songs of 2008!
I tried to organize them but I can't choose the best of them... I like them all! The first 5 are definitely the top 5 ... but really they're all interchangable within the top and bottom list.
Alexander Schold - Den Forsta Svalan
I don't think this song would work as well in English as is does in Swedish. I was lucky enough to catch Alexander singing a live acoustic version of this track right in downtown Stockholm and it was even better then the studio version.
Amy Diamond - Thank You
Probably the funnest song of the year. I never expected her to win with this one but I'm glad she made it through to the finals. Amy continues to release some of the best pop music in sweden. Every track on each of her 3 albums is really good which is rare for a pop artist.
Charlotte Perrelli - Hero
The song that won it all. A fantastic performance, the voice, the lasers and the world famous head spin dance move. Too bad the music video was a complete waste. Something tells me that after she bombed at Eurovision, the Swedes are going to go in a completely different direction this year.
Linda Bengtzing - Hur Svart Kan De Va?
Linda! She's so determined and shes my absolute favorite swedish celebrity. She also got her highest Melodifestivalen placing with this track which the juries loved but the swedish public didn't reward with votes unfortunately. Oh Linda... please come back in 2010!!
Johnson & Haggkvist - One Love (Soundfactory Remix Posted For Download)
The best moment ever was when Carola thought she was going to win the spot in the finale and they called 'Nordman' instead. You can re-live the moment again on YouTube!
Patrik Isaksson & Bandet - Under Mitt Tunna Skinn
I told you before that I love Patrik Isakssons voice and this is my favorite song of his overall. He ALMOST had a spot in the finals too!
BWO - Lay Your Love On Me
Ok so this song should be really high on the list as well. Not only is it one of their best songs in a long time (IMO) but their performance was amazing. I loved Marina sprawled across the couch whispering into the mic for her one line.
Daniel Mitsogiannis - Pame
Although the song is one of my favorites of the year... this performance was one of the absolute worse! What was he wearing?! Who choreographed that routine?! It was a disaster :(
Nordman - I Lagornas Sken
I never really liked this one until after all was said and done and I got home and stopped blaming them for taking Carolas rightful spot in the finale. I really enjoy this track now and how different it is from the rest of them.
Ola - Love In Stereo
Sure the bagpipes make absolutely no sense at all to the song... but who cares?!
Sibel - That's Where I'll Go
Another song that took awhile to grow on me... I think it was actually watching her belt it out live that made me really appreciate the track.
2008 was a record breaking year in Sweden for Melodifestivalen as it continued to dominate the ESC National Selection contests in Europe. No country comes even close to the interest, popularity and success of Melodifestivalen.
Personally I felt like 2008's competition was one of the best I've seen. Not only were the songs fantastic but the competition was fierce! Almost every semi-final was a real nail-biter with no obvious winner for the most part. There was scandal... whether you were voting for or against "Androla" there was scandal when Carola and Andreas failed to make it through to the finals after losing to 'Nordman' in the Second Chance Round. And the best part was that although Charlotte was pegged as a favorite to win even before the songs were played it was a close call as Sanna came THIS CLOSE to beating her.
After one year are the songs still as good? Which songs had staying power?
Here are my favorite Melodifestivalen songs of 2008!
I tried to organize them but I can't choose the best of them... I like them all! The first 5 are definitely the top 5 ... but really they're all interchangable within the top and bottom list.
Alexander Schold - Den Forsta Svalan
I don't think this song would work as well in English as is does in Swedish. I was lucky enough to catch Alexander singing a live acoustic version of this track right in downtown Stockholm and it was even better then the studio version.
Amy Diamond - Thank You
Probably the funnest song of the year. I never expected her to win with this one but I'm glad she made it through to the finals. Amy continues to release some of the best pop music in sweden. Every track on each of her 3 albums is really good which is rare for a pop artist.
Charlotte Perrelli - Hero
The song that won it all. A fantastic performance, the voice, the lasers and the world famous head spin dance move. Too bad the music video was a complete waste. Something tells me that after she bombed at Eurovision, the Swedes are going to go in a completely different direction this year.
Linda Bengtzing - Hur Svart Kan De Va?
Linda! She's so determined and shes my absolute favorite swedish celebrity. She also got her highest Melodifestivalen placing with this track which the juries loved but the swedish public didn't reward with votes unfortunately. Oh Linda... please come back in 2010!!
Johnson & Haggkvist - One Love (Soundfactory Remix Posted For Download)
The best moment ever was when Carola thought she was going to win the spot in the finale and they called 'Nordman' instead. You can re-live the moment again on YouTube!
Patrik Isaksson & Bandet - Under Mitt Tunna Skinn
I told you before that I love Patrik Isakssons voice and this is my favorite song of his overall. He ALMOST had a spot in the finals too!
BWO - Lay Your Love On Me
Ok so this song should be really high on the list as well. Not only is it one of their best songs in a long time (IMO) but their performance was amazing. I loved Marina sprawled across the couch whispering into the mic for her one line.
Daniel Mitsogiannis - Pame
Although the song is one of my favorites of the year... this performance was one of the absolute worse! What was he wearing?! Who choreographed that routine?! It was a disaster :(
Nordman - I Lagornas Sken
I never really liked this one until after all was said and done and I got home and stopped blaming them for taking Carolas rightful spot in the finale. I really enjoy this track now and how different it is from the rest of them.
Ola - Love In Stereo
Sure the bagpipes make absolutely no sense at all to the song... but who cares?!
Sibel - That's Where I'll Go
Another song that took awhile to grow on me... I think it was actually watching her belt it out live that made me really appreciate the track.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Something Kinda ... NEW!
ATTENTION POP MUSIC LOVERS!
I believe in sharing music with other music fans so that we can discover new artists, share the music we love and promote artists around the world. I also believe in supporting artists who release this music by purchasing their albums and seeing them on tour.
Living in North America where there isn't a lot of good ole fashioned pop music around you can go your whole life unaware of all the amazing acts and songs that are around out there.
That's why I started this blog and to keep this goal alive I have a MASSIVE change coming to "You Don't Know Pop."
I hope to reveal it very soon, so although there haven't been a lot of updates in the last week... keep your browsers here so you'll catch the announcement when it comes!
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Sunday, January 25, 2009
You're Up Then You're Down
We interupt this list of farovite songs from 2008 for an exclusive with Katy Perry!
Yesterday some friends and I won tickets to the Virgin Radio launch party and were treated to an acoustic performance from the singer.
We also won a chance to go backstage which we used as an opportunity to confirm that Katy Perry has indeed named her cat... Kitty Purry.
Katy Perry has one of my favorite tracks of 2008 with the Max Martin written - Hot & Cold.
Thanks Katy!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
2008 - Favorite Singles
So far you've seen some of my favorite breakthrough artists, my favorite Swedish singles and some of the best not quite pop songs of the year.
Now here's a top 20 selection of some of my favorite miscellaneous pop songs of the year. It's just a coincidence that most of the tracks come from British artists! I tried to organize and rank them from high to low but all of these songs got a lot of play from me this year and I like them all for various reasons.
Disclaimer - I find it far too difficult to rank my favorite songs overall that's why I've been splitting my posts up into different categories :) If you take the top 2 songs in each post then you'll have a good idea what my ultimate top 10 of the year would have been.
Disclaimer #2 - I know I'm going take a lot of flack for putting Westlife so high on this list... I guess I just can't get enough of boybands!
UPDATE: Mp3's have been removed by request.
Brian McFadden - Twisted
I posted this track recently and I remember one of the comments that a reader left was how surprised they were that they actually liked it as much as they did. If you missed that post or you failed to listen to the song... give it a chance and see what you think.
Westlife - Something Right
The band are currently on a hiatus and I miss them already. Haha... I'm a loser. I absoutely love this song. Am I the only one out there that LOVED this song? Please leave a comment and let me know that I'm not alone. Although let's not talk about the disgusting video that was made for it.
McFly - One For The Radio
I absolutely love this song from McFly. Last year it was 'The Heart Never Lies' and this year they had me shouting along to 'One For The Radio.
Craig David - Insomnia
Finally Craig David releases a truly amazing pop song and it's completely overlooked by almost the entire world?! Sigh. I hear ya Craig... I hear ya!
Kate Ryan - Ella Elle La
Probably one of the biggest international pop hits of the year. Kate Ryan continues to improve with every release. Ella Ella La was the perfect song to dance to this summer.
Katherine McPhee - All I Need Is You
So it might not have been an official single and she may be washed up but this song was beautiful.
Pink - So What
I've never been a huge Pink fan and even this one took some time to grow on me. But after hearing it for the 10 thousandth time on the radio I finally joined in the fun.
Matchbox 20 - How Far We've Come
This track probably should have been on my "not quite pop" list. If it had been it would have been very high on that list.
Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown - No Air
I still remember the first time I heard this song... I was eating lunch and I heard it on the radio. The DJ never announced who it was singing and it drove me crazy trying to find out who sang it! The remix I posted last year remains one of my favorite mixes of 2008.
Nixon - Tiffany
THANK YOU to PPG for introducing us all to this track. It's very retro in all the right ways.
Boyzone - Better
Boyzone - Love You Anyway
Boyzone came back this year and stole some of the Take That thunder! If you read my blog regularly you'll remember that last year Take That had one of my top 5 songs of the year with "We Love To Entertain You." This year Take That are nowhere to be found on my list and Boyzone had two of my favorite tracks with both of their singles.
The Saturdays - If This Is Love
A band that includes two original members of S Club 8 was destined to be amazing. The Saturdays are the best girl band since Girls Aloud. They still have a lot to learn but their debut single was a great introduction to the band.
David Jordan - Sun Goes Down
You tend to either love this track or despise it. I have a soft spot for this funky track.
Beyonce - Halo
When my friend told me I HAD to hear Beyonce's new single I said... "I'll Pass." I then spent the next two weeks playing Halo on repeat. I really thought this song would be massive when it was finally released though. What's up?! Why hasn't this song hit number one everywhere?
Ace Of Base - Lucky Love 2009
So this wasn't officially a single either but it did get released on their latest Greatest Hits package and it did chart in the France iTunes chart so I'm including it on my favorite tracks. Mostly because I'm desperate for new music from Ace of Base and at this point I'll take cheesy remakes of their old hits if I have to.
Britney Spears - Circus
Britney is back! The whole craziness around her is really quite sad so I won't say anything other than I was definitely digging her new album and 'If You Seek Amy' is going to me on my 2009 chart in 12 months!
Metro Station - Shake It
Is it just me or was no other song featured in more TV shows, movies and commercials than this track. No one seems to know who sings the song or anything about them... but everyone knows the song. SHAKE SHAKE... SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE IT!
The Feeling - I Thought It Was Over
This one is for Paul over at the Zapping. I believe he loved this song for a very long time this year.
Miley Cyrus - See You Again
Two Words... I'm sorry. It's just so damn catchy.
Enrique Iglesias - Tired Of Being Sorry
I wasn't sure if I should even include this one. I feel sorta bad for the guy... so I'm including it out of pity :)
Now here's a top 20 selection of some of my favorite miscellaneous pop songs of the year. It's just a coincidence that most of the tracks come from British artists! I tried to organize and rank them from high to low but all of these songs got a lot of play from me this year and I like them all for various reasons.
Disclaimer - I find it far too difficult to rank my favorite songs overall that's why I've been splitting my posts up into different categories :) If you take the top 2 songs in each post then you'll have a good idea what my ultimate top 10 of the year would have been.
Disclaimer #2 - I know I'm going take a lot of flack for putting Westlife so high on this list... I guess I just can't get enough of boybands!
UPDATE: Mp3's have been removed by request.
Brian McFadden - Twisted I posted this track recently and I remember one of the comments that a reader left was how surprised they were that they actually liked it as much as they did. If you missed that post or you failed to listen to the song... give it a chance and see what you think.
Westlife - Something Right
The band are currently on a hiatus and I miss them already. Haha... I'm a loser. I absoutely love this song. Am I the only one out there that LOVED this song? Please leave a comment and let me know that I'm not alone. Although let's not talk about the disgusting video that was made for it.
McFly - One For The Radio
I absolutely love this song from McFly. Last year it was 'The Heart Never Lies' and this year they had me shouting along to 'One For The Radio.
Craig David - Insomnia
Finally Craig David releases a truly amazing pop song and it's completely overlooked by almost the entire world?! Sigh. I hear ya Craig... I hear ya!
Kate Ryan - Ella Elle La
Probably one of the biggest international pop hits of the year. Kate Ryan continues to improve with every release. Ella Ella La was the perfect song to dance to this summer.
Katherine McPhee - All I Need Is You
So it might not have been an official single and she may be washed up but this song was beautiful.
Pink - So What
I've never been a huge Pink fan and even this one took some time to grow on me. But after hearing it for the 10 thousandth time on the radio I finally joined in the fun.
Matchbox 20 - How Far We've Come
This track probably should have been on my "not quite pop" list. If it had been it would have been very high on that list.
Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown - No Air
I still remember the first time I heard this song... I was eating lunch and I heard it on the radio. The DJ never announced who it was singing and it drove me crazy trying to find out who sang it! The remix I posted last year remains one of my favorite mixes of 2008.
Nixon - Tiffany
THANK YOU to PPG for introducing us all to this track. It's very retro in all the right ways.
Boyzone - Better
Boyzone - Love You Anyway
Boyzone came back this year and stole some of the Take That thunder! If you read my blog regularly you'll remember that last year Take That had one of my top 5 songs of the year with "We Love To Entertain You." This year Take That are nowhere to be found on my list and Boyzone had two of my favorite tracks with both of their singles.
The Saturdays - If This Is Love
A band that includes two original members of S Club 8 was destined to be amazing. The Saturdays are the best girl band since Girls Aloud. They still have a lot to learn but their debut single was a great introduction to the band.
David Jordan - Sun Goes Down
You tend to either love this track or despise it. I have a soft spot for this funky track.
Beyonce - Halo
When my friend told me I HAD to hear Beyonce's new single I said... "I'll Pass." I then spent the next two weeks playing Halo on repeat. I really thought this song would be massive when it was finally released though. What's up?! Why hasn't this song hit number one everywhere?
Ace Of Base - Lucky Love 2009
So this wasn't officially a single either but it did get released on their latest Greatest Hits package and it did chart in the France iTunes chart so I'm including it on my favorite tracks. Mostly because I'm desperate for new music from Ace of Base and at this point I'll take cheesy remakes of their old hits if I have to.
Britney Spears - Circus
Britney is back! The whole craziness around her is really quite sad so I won't say anything other than I was definitely digging her new album and 'If You Seek Amy' is going to me on my 2009 chart in 12 months!
Metro Station - Shake It
Is it just me or was no other song featured in more TV shows, movies and commercials than this track. No one seems to know who sings the song or anything about them... but everyone knows the song. SHAKE SHAKE... SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE IT!
The Feeling - I Thought It Was Over
This one is for Paul over at the Zapping. I believe he loved this song for a very long time this year.
Miley Cyrus - See You Again
Two Words... I'm sorry. It's just so damn catchy.
Enrique Iglesias - Tired Of Being Sorry
I wasn't sure if I should even include this one. I feel sorta bad for the guy... so I'm including it out of pity :)
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