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.

All The Lonley The Bad, All The Mad, All The Sad...

SORRY!

First off I have amazing news... IM GOING TO MELODIFESTIVALEN IN STOCKHOLM!

If anyone is planning a trip to Sweden this March and is interested in meeting up shoot me an e-mail: lanocty@hotmail.com

My apologies to everyone for neglecting my blog this last week.

The bad news is that I'm going to be out of town for the next 3 days... so you'll have to wait a bit longer for new stuff.

The good news is that I'm going to leave you with two new songs until I get back!

Girls Aloud - Call The Shots

As I told you before his album is AMAZING! This is one of his poppier songs.

Darren Hayes - Listen All You People

Things Aint Never Gonna Be The Same Again

New Music Monday

I have just dicovered the best song EVER!

I don't care if you have never liked the Sugababes before... this song is a MUST download.

I wrote that the Sugababes were releasing a new album and that moment has arrived. The album is definitely one of the top 5 released this year.

The most impressive song has to be 'Change.' Maybe it's because I relate so well to the song, but something tells me you will all appreciate it as well.

The song is big, epic and dramatic sounding without being over the top. The girls voices fit together so well. The song sends shivers down my spine, it's THAT GOOD!

It's everything you could ever want from a modern pop song.

Do you agree?

Sugababes - Change

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving from Vancouver, Canada!

P.P.S: I want to dedicate this post to my friend PopPosterGirl... You're in all of our thoughts.

If You Gave Me Your Love...

A track from his new album... suits my mood at the minute.

Ola - If You Gave Me Your Love

If you haven't ordered your copy yet, what are you waiting for? S.O.S alone is worth the price to ship it!

Music Is My Life You See...

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is unique in every sense of the word. Her voice isn't like anyone else. The first time I saw her I thought she looked sort of like a porcelain doll. Which she obviously capitalized on her video 'Get Over You' where she plays a manequin come to life! (A video you HAVE to see!)

Her music is unique as well, being a mix of pop, disco and 80's electronic music. her music career began as part of an indie band back in the late 90's. Then Sophie got her big break. In 2000 she sang lead vocals for Italian Dj - Spillers hit single 'Groovejet' which ended up going #1 in the Uk.

Success came fast from there. Her debut album was released in 2001. In 2002 she had the most played song in Europe for the entire year with 'Murder on the Dancefloor.'

Despite 2 hit singles from her second album, the album was seen as a commercial failure and Sophie ended up taking a hiatus to give birth to her son.

Loyal fans were rewarded for their patience earlier this year when Sophie released her AMAZING 3rd album 'Trip The Light Fantastic.' Despite the fact that she hasn't been able to replicate her early success the music is just as good as it was before. Her latest single 'Today The Sun's On Us' was received very well by critics across the globe.

Currenltly Sophie is touring with Take That and will be releasing a Greatest Hits album November 19th.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Music Gets The Best Of Me

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - If You Go

While I'm at it... here's the video I mentioned.

One Hit Wonders

Sometimes an artist appears out of nowhere with a song that is simply amazing. The problem? No one had ever heard of them before and then they dissapear just as fast as they appeared.

Such is the case with this AMAZING pop gem!

It's sort of ironic that her official biography states that "Ruby's debut album is more than just a one minute wonder." Boy did they get that wrong. Her debut single peaked at number 32 in the Uk.

Depsite the fact that there probably aren't many people out there that even remember this girl... this song is amazing and deserves it's place in pop music history.

Ruby Amanfu - Sugah

Don't You Care... I Don't Think It's Fair

You may have heard that earlier this year Pandora cried foul when she realised the Uk entry 'Flying The Flag' was a blatant rip off of one of her singles 'No Regrets.'

Pandora has been around since 1993! She's had quite a bit of success around the world. One of her most famous songs was actually covered by someone else you may have heard of... Kylie Minogue - A Night Like This.

This year Pandora has teamed up with United DJ's who have re-done some of her early singles. So far they have re-done 3 of her songs and it looks like an album will be released with a collection of her old hits re-done with United DJ's.

Don't You Know was originally released back in 1995. Here is the 2007 version with United DJ's.

United DJ's vs Pandora - Dont You Know (SoundCruisers Radio Mix)

Hey Juliet! (A Guilty Pleasure)

Ok So I'm not even going to bother writing a real profile about this band.

Frankly I'm embarassed to even be posting about them.

Despite the fact that they never got anywhere other than radio Disney in the USA their debut album has some pretty catchy songs. Do any of you remember the reality TV band 'O-Town?' LMNT is basically made up of a bunch of guys that weren't good enough to make it into O-Town.

So don't ask any questions about who they are... it you like a catchy and cheesy boy band tune then you'll probably like this. I'm going to have to redeem myself by posting something REALLY good after this!

LMNT - Juliet

LMNT - Running Home

March 15th... The Countdown Begins.

On October 5th tickets for Melodifestivalen 2008 go on sale. I took the trip from Canada to London to pick up some cd's and catch a performance at G-A-Y, from there I flew to Stockholm for the first time ever to watch as some of the biggest names in Pop music fought for a chance to represent Sweden at Eurovision.

After careful consideration I've decided to do it all over again! Cross your fingers on Oct. 5th as I try to get better tickets than I got last year!

If you're planning on making the trek to Stockholm this year I'd love to hear from you... shoot me an e-mail - lanocty@hotmail.com

The rumours are already flying fast about who will be there... Danny, Linda Bengtzing, BWO, Carola, Helena Paparizou, the new Alcazar? In less than 3 months some of these questions will be answered!

I'm Sending You An S.O.S!

Ola Svensson

It's not a cover... It's ANOTHER song called S.O.S!

This is what pop music is all about! Ola Svensson is already setting the swedish charts on fire with his new single S.O.S!

Ola is about to release his new album this fall and if you are a pop fan this is one album you'll have to check out. Rumour has it that this album isn't filled with filler ballads and of coarse it will include his single 'Natalie' that was a smash hit earlier this summer. To be honest I wasn't all that impressed with him at first... but he's really impressed me lately and I think I'm a huge Ola fan now.

Ola - S.O.S

Purchase the single and his new album 'Good Enough' - Here

New Music Monday!

It's that special time of the week again... NEW MUSIC MONDAY!

Today's the day you get a bunch of new tunes to preview all week and have your say as to which was the best! Last week the majority spoke and said that Leona Lewis was the best with her new single 'Bleeding Heart.'

Take That - Rule The World

If you haven't seen the movie 'Stardust' yet you need to go see what you're missing. This is by far one of the best movies released this year! It has everything a movie should have, great acting, adventure, humour and romance. Take That have recorded the theme song which strangely enough isn't even on the soundtrack. I first heard the song when I saw the movie in the theater. I stayed in my seat through the credits so I could hear the song and boy Take That did not dissapoint. This song will be their new single in the Uk when it is released at the end of October. Smells like another number 1 for Take That

McFly - The Heart Never Lies

When McFly hit the scene back in 2004 I brushed them off saying they were just a cheap version of 'Busted.' But with every single and every album McFly shows that they are here to stay and are doing their own thing. Their songs are supremely catchy and combine the best of pop and rock to create their hit singles. This new one has to be one of their best yet! I'm VERY impressed. This is definitely an album I'm going to buy. The only album I ever bought from the boys was 'Wonderland' which is fantastic if you haven't heard it yet. I actually have an old song from McFly that I LOVE, maybe I should do a McFly post?

Alizee - Mademoiselle Juliette

2 weeks ago I posted 50/60 from Alizee thinking this was her new single. Well her record label has just released a press release stating that Mademoiselle Juliette is going to be the first single from her 3rd album. This is her first album since parting ways with Mylenne Farmer and her old record label. The song isn't bad... but she should have stayed with Mylenne if you ask me.

Spice Girls - Official Megamix

If I didn't know any better I wouldn't even know that the Spice Girls are back together! Since announcing their reunion things have been quiet from the Spice Camp. Melanie C is releasing a new single in the Uk, Melanie B is on 'Dancing With The Stars' in the USA, Baby Spice had her baby and through it all the girls are going to be starting to rehearse for their world tour very soon. Speaking of which ticket information STILL hasn't been released. Rumour has it that an announcement will be made by October 1st. They had better hurry up. The tour kicks off in Vancouver (My Home!) on December 2nd!

Remember if you like what you hear... support the artists... all of these albums and singles can be purchased online and shipped internationally.

The Men Of Sweden

So I've been sitting on some of these songs since I went to Sweden earlier this year and I'm finally gonna put them on here. I've already posted about some of the best Men of Sweden already... artists like Martin Stenmark, The Attic, Erik Segerstedt, Ola, Danny, marcus Fagerval, Magnus Carlsson, Mathais Holmgren, Ander Johansson and more... Here are some of the other "Men of Sweden" for you to enjoy :)

Sebastian - Words and Violence

Most of you will know what I'm talking about when I mention Melodifestivalen. Earlier this year Sebastian took part in the competition and made it all the way to the finals with 'When The Night Comes Falling.' He was a runner up in Swedish Idol in 2006 losing out to Agnes. He's released 2 albums and both of them have been immensely successful in Sweden going Gold with sales of over 30'000 copies. 'Words & Violence' was his first single from his second album, before he entered Melodifestivalen. It peaked at number 3 in the singles chart.

Jimmy Jansson - Overallt

Jimmy Jansson - Kan Nagon Saga Mej Varfor

Jimmy Jansson has a long past with Melodifestivalen. having entered back in 2002 with his band 'The Poets.' After the band broke up Jimmy went solo in 2004 after entering the TV show 'Fame Factory.' Since then he's released 3 solo albums and competed in Melodifestivalen 2 more times in 2005 and earlier this year with his single 'Amanda.' To date he's released 7 top 40 singles in Sweden. He has to be one of my favorite Swedish male acts his albums are FANTASTIC. I reccomend you pick up his latest album 'San E Jag.'

Ville Niskanen - Disco Dancing

So I don't know much about this guy. From what I can find out he was a contestant on Swedish Idol. When I told my Swedish friend that I bought his single he laughed at me. So from what I can tell this guy is really just a joke... think William Hung? The song is catchy though... so think of it as a guilty pleasure. His music reminds me of Danny for some reason. BTW. I keep mixing up Danny and Ola! It's driving me crazy.

Magnus Backlund - Say Your Goodbye

The 2nd half of the AMAZING 'Fame' that every good blog on the web has posted about. While Magnus backlund doesn't have the charisma of Jessica Andersson he has at least delivered a solo album! It seems like there is definitely a public demand for the return of 'Fame.' So we can only hope that Jessica will agree to it, I'm sure she's the one that is holding out. Magnus and Jessica met while filming Fame Factory, the show that Magnus won! In 2006 Magnus entered Melodifestivalen solo with 'The Name Of Love.'

I still have more Swedish "Men" to write about but you'll have to wait until another time for them.

It's Too Late To Apologize...

I never would have thought that I would ever in my life be posting a Timbaland song on my blog... and yet here we are. Sure he's done some good songs for other artists... but I never had any interest in listening to anything by him before.

My friend sent this to me last night and said I 'HAD' to hear this song. As soon as I saw Timbaland I rolled my eyes. But after the first 30 seconds I was singing a different tune.

This song is really really good! It's not in your face R & B. It's just good, pop, modern and funky sounding ballad.

Whether he's producing music for others or himself, Timbaland definitely seems to have the midas touch.

Timbaland - Apologize (Feat. One Republic)

Nar Karleken Fods

So all of my favorite blogs out there have taken time to post about the brilliance that is Shirley Clamp. So I'm sure everyone has these tracks now... but I've always wanted to post about Shirley... so now it's my turn!

For a time Shirley was the queen of Schlager! But recently she seems to have turned her back on glitter and wind machines and opted instead to release a bunch of sappy ballads.

I have a feeling that Shirley still has some Schlager left in her and that we'll be hearing it in good time.

But I also say that as great as she is at the stompin' schlager hits... she sure can deliver a power ballad! So today you get the best of both worlds... (Arliga Bla is one of my all time favorite songs BTW)

Ballad Shirley:

Shirley Clamp - Nar Karleken Fods

Shirley Clamp - En Ny Chans

Schlager Shirley:

Shirley Clamp - Arliga Bla

Shirley Clamp - Eviga Langtan (Evig Club Mix)

New Music Monday

New Music Monday is here! Here are 3 new singles for you to evaluate... leave your opinions by Voting in the poll on the right!

Helena Paparizou - 3 Is A Magic Number

Last month I posted about Helena and how shocked I am that she hasn't had more international success. She's released some AMAZING singles and has a great voice and stage presence! So when I saw that she had a new single I couldn't wait to hear it! Now that I've heard it I honestly don't know what to think. At first listen I thought it had to be a joke. But I've been listening to it a bit more and as weird as it is... it's actually sorta cool! Definitely unique! What do you think?

Leona Lewis - Bleeding Heart

Leona Lewis won last seasons X-Factor in the Uk and after her debut single she went into seclusion to record her debut album in the USA. They've held back until they were ready to launch her new single and album. This is her first single from the album and It's not bad although it sounds a little dated? Like the kind of song you would have listened to back in 1995? It's good... but not the kind of single to launch an international career from. It's a pretty song from a girl with a pretty voice... But I can't help but think she's a little overrated.

Westlife - Home

The biggest dissapointment of all is the new single from Westlife. One of my all time favorite bands suprises no one by releasing ANOTHER cover. Now I really don't mind covers! But Westlife have really taken it too far this time. First off they've destroyed Michael Buble's version of this track and dumbed it down and turned it into a predictable single with the same old tired Westlife format. I don't even know what to say right now. Let's home the album is MUCH better than this disgusting excuse for a new single. I'm actually quite mad after hearing this song... I need to go listen to 'My Love.' You shouldn't cover a song unless you can make it better... and in this case they get an 'F.' So just to make up for it... here is the ORIGINAL!

Michael Buble - Home

HILARIOUS

Watch as Tyra Banks gives Birtney Spears a piece of her mind...

Get Up And Dance!

Have you ever downloaded a song and never actually listened to it? I was going through my computer yesterday and discovered I had downloaded some Gina G songs from her 2006 album and never actually listened to them! I was pretty suprised when I added them to my iPod and discovered they were actually pretty good!

Australian born, Gina G hit the big time back in 2006 when she was selected to represent the United Kingdom at the 1996 Eurovision Song Contest. Despite only placing 8th overall at Eurovision the track ended up at #1 in the Uk. The song then exploded around the world even reaching #12 in the USA.

Despite a successful debut album and multiple singles Gina G dissapeared from the spotlight. It wasn't until 2005 that Gina G was back in the spotlight as she entered "Making Your Mind Up" in the Uk. Although she didn't get the chance to go to Eurovision again she used the appearance to launch her new album - "Get Up And Dance" which was available exlusively from her website.

Currently Gina G has put her career on hold as she is pregnant with her second child... but since most people didn't even know she had released a 2nd album... you can download some of my favorite tracks from it below.

Gina G - Shock To My System

Gina G - Heaven