Guns N' Roses - November Rain


"November Rain" is a song by the band Guns N' Roses, written by lead singer Axl Rose for their 1991 album Use Your Illusion I. The music video became the most requested video on MTV upon it's released in 1992. The song, one of the band's longest songs, also won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography.

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Dido - Don't Believe In Love


"Don't Believe in Love" is the lead single from Dido's third album Safe Trip Home, released on 27 October 2008. The song was premiered on radio stations on 1 September 2008 and peaked at number 1 and 2 on the iTunes chart on 29 September 2008.

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Brandy & Monica - The Boy Is Mine


"The Boy Is Mine" is an R&B song recorded by American singers Brandy and Monica and included in Brandy's second studio album Never Say Never (1998). The song also garnered the duo a Grammy Award for for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. As of 2008, the song was listed 54th on The Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs.

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Brandy - Right Here (Departed)


"Right Here (Departed)" is the lead single from American singer Brandy's fifth studio album Human (2008). Its lyrics chronicle a woman's talks about mutual support with loved ones. Since it's official release to U.S. radios on August 25, 2008, the song has reached number 22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

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Daughtry - What About Now


"What About Now" is the seventh and final single off of American rock band Daughtry's eponymous debut album. The song was used during fund raising charity event, Idol Gives Back. On August 30, 2008, the song reached the #1 spot on the VH1 Top Twenty Video Countdown after numerous weeks of being stuck behind Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocketful of Sunshine".

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Daughtry - Over You


"Over You" is the third main single (the fourth overall) from Daughtry's self-titled debut album, Daughtry. The song debuted at #94 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at #18, becoming the band's third top twenty hit on the chart.

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Natasha Bedingfield - Angel


"Angel" is the third single from Natasha Bedingfield's second North American album Pocketful of Sunshine (2008). On 18 September 2008 she performed the song live on America's Got Talent. The song rose to a new peak of #33 on iTunes after being played on popular US TV show The Hills.

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Christina Aguilera - Keeps Gettin' Better


"Keeps Gettin' Better" is the first single from American singer Christina Aguilera's upcoming greatest hits album Keeps Gettin' Better - A Decade of Hits. The song peaked number seven on U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on Canadian Hot 100. The song was first performed at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, 2008.

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A Pile Of "X"crement!

Sometimes it is seriously hard work being a Kylie fan. Particularly when her various record companies around the world relentlessly bleed fans dry with shoddy products that invariably include recycled covers, shitty remixes or dodgy tracklistings. Well, Warner Australia has hit the mother load by delivering all three with their highly anticipated "X - Tour Edition". I really don't know where to start because this whole package STINKS. I guess I'll begin with the cover. Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you'll recognise it as the iconic UK "In My Arms" cover. I suppose using the same image for the UK edition of "Wow" as well as the European version of "In My Arms" - not to mention the Australian release of "In My Arms" - wasn't cost effective enough. For good measure they have tacked another familiar "X" image on the back. Waste not, want not. Then there's my biggest gripe. No new tracks. Would it have broken the bank to stick on "Ruffle My Feathers", "That's Why They Write Love Songs" or "Flower"? It's meant to be a tour edition for fuck's sake! Is it really too much to ask that they include songs that she actually sings on the tour? Instead we're given a bunch of sub-standard remixes that have, for the most part, already been released. The cheap arse tracklist is below:

1. 2 Hearts (Harris & Masterson Extended Mix)

Already released as an MSN digital download

2. 2 Hearts (Alan Braxe Remix)

Already available on the Australian "2 Hearts" CD Single

3. The One (Freemasons Vocal Club Mix)

Already available on the Australian "The One" digital bundle

4. Wow (David Guetta Remix)

Already available on the Australian "Wow" digital bundle

5. Wow (CSS Remix)

Already available on the Australian "Wow" digital bundle

6. In My Arms (Chris Lake Vocal Mix)

Already available on the Australian "In My Arms" digital bundle

7. In My Arms (Steve Pitron and Max Sanna Remix)

Already available on the Australian "In My Arms" digital bundle

8. In My Arms (Sebastien Leger Remix)

Already available on the Australian "In My Arms" CD Single

9. In My Arms (Spitzer Remix)

Already available on the Australian "In My Arms" digital bundle

10. All I See Featuring Mims (Remix)

Only available as an American promo single

All but the final track have already been released in Australian or been made available to Australian fans. The laziness on display is galling. If they have to use remixes, why not include some of the harder to find US mixes of "All I See" or the fabulous Benny Blanco remix of "Heart Beat Rock", which to my knowledge hasn't even been released as a promo. There isn't a single redeeming factor about the whole package. We have literally seen and heard it all before. And yet, being a demented Kylie collector, I will still go out and hand over my $25 for this piece of "X"crement. A fact that record companies rely on and ruthlessly manipulate. Rant over.

Chris Brown - Superhuman (feat. Keri Hilson)


"Superhuman" is the second single released by Chris Brown from the album Exclusive: The Forever Editon, and the sixth single overall off the album. The song features Keri Hilson. The song debuted at #40 on the UK Singles Chart despite not being officially released.

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City Girls - O.M.G.

Occasionally I hear a song so wonderfully awful that it literally stops me in my tracks. City Girls' debut "O.M.G." is just one of those gems - a tune so bad it transcends the taste barrier to the point of being FABULOUS. So who are these City Girls and what makes "O.M.G." so fucking trashtastic? In response to the first question, they are a new four piece girlband aiming for a piece of the pop pie currently being munched by The Saturdays. Their sound isn't worlds apart from Red Blooded Women, Electrovamp or Stonefox but it's their lyrical genius that really makes them stand out, which basically answers the second question. "O.M.G." boasts some of the crappiest rhymes in recent memory. My personal favourite is "OMG you're stalking me, you're freaking me out. No LOL, you bother me. What's it all about?" This opus about love via Myspace deserves an Ivor Novello award. That's not to mention the overbearing production or the trashy typing sound effects at the end of the song!

According to City Girls' website, "O.M.G." was released in August but it doesn't appear to have charted at all. I guess there's no accounting for taste! Happily, the girls haven't been deterred by this minor setback. Sheena, Sian, Sophie and Rebecca are busy touring high schools and even lend their immense vocal talent to the DS Nintendo Girlband game. If the songs on their Myspace are any indication, they have some real potential. I love the clips of "Make Up Your Mind" and "Tell Me Why", while "Dancing Like Swayze" gets my trash juices flowing with the amazing chorus "You're there dancing like Swayze. I'm here dancing like Baby"! It will be interesting to see what the future holds for City Girls but at least we have the musical masterpiece that is "O.M.G." to enjoy in the meantime. Check out the amazing video clip below.

On a completely different note - I'd like to say farewell to Billiam who annnounced their split today. Yes, they were shit but I liked their rubbish songs and I wish them all the best for their next venture. "Boyz Text Girlz" will live on forever as a trash classic of the highest order.

Girls Aloud - The Promise


"The Promise" is the first single by the British girl group Girls Aloud to be taken from the band's fifth studio album Out of Control. It is their fourth number-one single on the UK Singles Chart. The song entered the chart at number one, knocking off Pink's "So What" from the top.

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September - The Album

One of the most exciting developments on the Australian music scene since I've been away is the unexpected success of September's "Cry For You". For those of us who have been following her career for years, it's almost surreal to see Petra (her real name) in the upper reaches of the ARIA chart - particularly after Robyn's dismal local showing. I know it's unfair to compare them but I've always thought of September as the Swedish Kylie to Robyn's Madonna. She's less pretentious and more fun. She's also not taken quite as seriously as her more successful counterpart, which is a shame because September has produced more than her fair share of pop gems over the years - the majority of which are included on her forthcoming Australian debut album.

"September" is a veritable greatest hits package, combining the best tracks from her last two Swedish albums - "In Orbit" and "Dancing Shoes". Her older hits are well represented (the fabulous "Looking For Love" and sublime "Satellites") along with the highlights from her recent output ("Cry For You" and "Can't Get Over"). I'm also pleased to see September's cheerful death anthems make the cut ("R.I.P.", "Flowers On The Grave" and "Until I Die") and even more thrilled by the inclusion of "Midnight Heartache" (still love that sample!) and "Because I Love You" (my favourite track from "Dancing Shoes"). The only disappointment is the glaring omission of "It Doesn't Matter", which would have been a far better choice than the insipid "Sound Memory" or the downright shit "Freaking Out". However, it's only a minor complaint when you consider the bonus remix and five video clips. Here's the full tracklisting:

1. Satellites
2. Cry For You
3. Can't Get Over
4. Because I Love You
5. Sad Song
6. Looking For Love
7. Flowers On The Grave
8. Until I Die
9. Freaking Out
10. Taboo
11. Candy Love
12. Midnight Heartache
13. Sound Memory
14. Follow Me
15. R.I.P

BONUS

16. Cry For You (Candlelight Edit)

VIDEOS

1. Cry For You
2. Can't Get Over
3. Satellite
4. Looking For Love
5. Cry For You (Original Clip)

The album will be released on the 15th of November, nicely timed to coincide with September's first Australian tour (she's performing at Sydney's Home nightclub on the 9th of November - more information here). In other September news, the follow up single to "Cry For You" will be a freshly remixed version of "Can't Get Over" - complete with new remixes from hot local djs.

Beyoncé - Baby Boy (feat. Sean Paul)


"Baby Boy" featuring Jamaican artist Sean Paul, is the second single by American singer Beyoncé Knowles from her debut solo album Dangerously in Love (2003). The single was a commercial success, and topped the US Singles Chart for nine consecutive weeks. It was Beyoncé's longest-running solo number-one single until the release of "Irreplaceable" in 2007.

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Mandy Moore - Cry


"Cry" is the third song released by Mandy Moore from her third self-titled album Mandy Moore (2002). The song was an MTV favorite and did well overseas. It was also on the A Walk to Remember soundtrack in 2002.

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Craig David - 7 Days


"7 Days" is the second single from Craig David's debut album Born to Do It, released in 2000. The song hit number one on the UK Singles Chart and number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. It is his biggest worldwide hit to date for David and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2003.

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Men at Work - Down Under


"Down Under" was recorded in 1981 by the Australian rock group Men at Work and featured on their debut album Business as Usual. Written by Colin Hay and Ron Strykert, it is a pop song of reggae flavor. The song went to #1 on American as well as international charts, including their native Australia and the UK. The song was voted #96 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s.

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Third Eye Blind - Semi-Charmed Life


"Semi-Charmed Life" is the first single from Third Eye Blind's self-titled debut album, released in 1997. It was a major hit of the 1990s, reaching number four in the U.S., number one on the Modern Rock Tracks and the Top 40 in the UK. Furthermore, it has had a pervasive cultural impact, being featured in numerous movie soundtracks including the 1999 teen comedy American Pie.

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Breaking Benjamin - Breath


"Breath" is the second single and the third track off of post-grunge band Breaking Benjamin's third album, Phobia. It is the band's highest charted song ever. It hit #1 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, making it the band's first number-one hit. The song stayed at number one for seven weeks. It is also #3 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart, and has reached #84 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

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Enya - It's in the Rain


"It's in the Rain" is the second European single released by Enya from her 2005 album Amarantine. The album reached the Top 10 in both the UK and the US, and peaked at number 3 in Germany. Enya won her fourth Grammy Award for Best New Age Album in 2007.

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Jonas Brothers - Lovebug


"Lovebug" is the second official single by the American pop-rock band the Jonas Brothers from their third studio album, A Little Bit Longer, released on September 30, 2008. The band first performed this song at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

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Kylie & Dannii - The Winner Takes It All

I've been itching to write about the Kylie and Dannii duet for the past couple of weeks but I really wanted to hear it within the context of tonight's episode of "Beautiful People" before commenting. I thought there must have been a specific reason for choosing such a recognisable song, that perhaps it might have played a greater role in moving the narrative forward. As it turns out, "The Winner Takes It All" was simply the background for a soccer montage (watch it here). So much for my over-analysing! I guess it was just a case of choosing the campest possible track for the most fabulous musical coupling in recent history. And the Minogues definitely pull it off, throwing themselves into the ABBA classic for all they're worth. I really love their version. In fact, it's probably one of my favourite tracks of the year - but shouldn't the ridiculously long awaited pairing of my two favourite divas (sorry, La Toya) be THE song of the year? As much as it pains me to admit it, I can't help but feel slightly underwhelmed.

Maybe it's just a case of having unrealistic expectations. I've been waiting for the Minogues to reunite ever since they rocked "Young Talent Time" with their legendary rendition of "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves" way back in 1987 (below). That's 21 years of eager anticipation! I might have been expecting too much but I still question the song selection and the arrangement. It's always dangerous to interpret a classic but even more so when the song in question is truly iconic and has already been covered hundreds of times before. It was always going to be a struggle to breathe new life into something that has already been done to death and I'm not sure turning "The Winner Takes It All" into a cheerful pop anthem was the answer. ABBA's original is genuinely heartbreaking and bittersweet. Kylie and Dannii, on the other hand, sound like they're having far too much fun. The dodgy 90s-tastic beats don't really help their cause either but I'll put that down to "period" production, after all "Beautiful People" is set in 1997.

Now that I've got that off my chest, what's right about the duet? Despite my bitching, quite a lot. There's the inherent camp appeal of the Minogues singing ABBA and their beautiful harmonizing in the chorus. Not to mention the interesting juxtaposition of Dannii hamming it up in her verses, while Kylie goes for a far more subtle approach. I particularly love the wistful tone in her voice when she almost whispers "but tell me does she kiss, like the way I kissed you". However, despite Kylie's emotional vocal delivery, I think it's fair to say that Dannii steals the show with her powerful pipes. Surely this ends the debate about who has the better voice once and for all! $ucce$$!

Now this is more like it!

I'm Deep Inside Boyz!

Ok that sounds a bit wrong but I do indeed grace the latest edition of London's incredibly glamorous "Boyz" magazine - right between the sex classifieds and an advertisement for STDs! I'm never going to live this down but I do take a certain delight in bringing La Toya, Millie Jackson, Ethel Merman and Las Supremas to the pages of such a classy publication. Anyway, I'm off now to hide under a rock.

Mary J. Blige & U2 - One


"One" is the second single from Mary J. Blige's multi-platinum album The Breakthrough, released in late 2005. The song was originally released on U2's 1991 album, Achtung Baby in 1992. It is widely considered to be one of the band's greatest songs and is consistently featured in lists of the greatest songs of all time. The song was recorded featuring Blige on lead vocals, with Bono supplying additional vocals and the band performing the music. It was also nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 2006 Grammy Awards.

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Mariah Carey - Shake It Off


"Shake It Off" is the third single from Mariah Carey's fourteenth album, The Emancipation of Mimi (2005). The video was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award in 2006, in the category of Best R&B Video, which it lost to Beyoncé Knowles's "Check on It".

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The Diva Round Up - October 08


You know that Christmas is just around the corner when record companies start flooding the market with crappy greatest hits compilations and rushed priority releases. There are more big name divas than usual in the mix this year, with at least 8 vying for a place under your tree. Here are my two cents on some of the most hotly anticipated.

Keeps Gettin' Better (A Decade Of Hits) - Christina Aguilera

I had to start with this trash because I'm completely mesmerised by the artwork. Seriously, what was the inspiration for the photoshoot - ladyboys in space? I know drag queens who would draw the line at that much mascara! Fabulous cover art aside, this looks like a pretty decent compilation. It's Christina's first greatest hits package and all her best tracks are included from "Genie In A Bottle" to "Ain't No Other Man". She's even been kind enough to tack on a couple of new songs including her ironically titled recent single "Keeps Gettin' Better". The album is released on the 10th of November in the UK and on the 17th in Australia.

Verdict - Perfect for casual fans. Personally, I'm buying this shit for the cover!


Funhouse - Pink

Pink's 5th studio album has to be one of the hottest properties of 2008. With her last album going 9 times platinum in Australia during its mammoth 108 week chart run, the expectations for "Funhouse" are sky high. I couldn't resist having a sneaky listen when the album leaked last week and it's very much Pink by the numbers, staying true to her tried and tested formula of foul mouthed pop and soft rock. Fans of "I'm Not Dead" will love "Funhouse" but it doesn't serve up anything new. The only surprise is the number of pared back ballads and the lack of anything as instantly catchy as "So What". The album is released in Australia and the UK on the 27th of October.

Verdict - A respectable follow up to "I'm Not Dead". Buy it for your favourite lesbian.


I Am - Beyoncé

I have a strange love/hate relationship with Beyoncé. I love most of her singles and remixes but I generally hate her albums. "Dangerously In Love" and "B'Day" had their moments but both were bogged down by far too much mid-tempo filler. I hope she gets it right this time because I'm seriously impressed with dual lead singles from her upcoming 3rd album "I Am". The pop option, "If I Were A Boy", has been stuck in my head from the very first listen. It's raw, emotionally charged and beautifully performed. While the fabulously titled R'n'B alternative, "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)", is the kind of sassy urban jam that Beyoncé has built her career upon. The album will apparently be split along the musical styles of the first singles. Fingers crossed that Beyoncé finally gets it right this time. "I Am" is released worldwide on the 17th of November.

Verdict - Extremely promising but I'm prepared for disappointment.


Circus - Britney Spears

I never thought I'd say it but I miss breakdown Britney. Admittedly, she was certifiable but at least the trainwreck had an edge that is sorely missing from her incredibly bland and repetitive new single "Womanizer". It's basically a rehashed version of "Radar" with even less charm and originality. Hopefully, "Circus", her 6th studio album, contains better material. She has the who's who of the music world working on it, so there's really no excuse for more of this lazy bullshit. "Circus" is unveiled in Australia and the UK on the 1st of December.

Verdict - Unless the future singles are a significant improvement, I'll pass. Buy it for mentally unstable loved ones.


Heavy Rotation - Tranastacia

The title of Tranastacia's latest album is turning out to be slightly ironic given the complete and utter lack of interest in the rubbish first single, "I Can Feel You". Nevertheless, her last release sold 10 million copies worldwide, so I assume someone must be interested in this crap. I've never been a huge fan and I highly doubt "Heavy Rotation" will win me over despite all the A-list producers on board. I'll try to keep an open mind until the album's offical release on the 27th of October.

Verdict - Gift it to someone you really don't like.


The Ballads - Mariah Carey

And the award for the cheapest Christmas cash-in goes to Mariah Carey. Seriously, whose bright idea was this collection of vomit inducing tracks? Mimi already has two greatest hits compilations to her name (three if you count "The Remixes") and more to the point, she has a fabulous album of new material that she should be promoting instead. To be fair, "The Ballads" is being excreted by Sony (her old label) but only because Mariah's record company has already given up on "E=MC²" without tapping the album's two strongest potential singles, "Migrate" and "I'm That Chick". No wonder most labels are going out of business. At the very least they could have tacked on a couple of new tracks to make the package slightly more appealing. This tat is already in stores in the UK, Australians will have to wait until the 3rd of November.

Verdict - Only for the most delusional Lambs and Mariah completists.


My Love: Essential Collection - Celine Dion

Unlike Mariah's nasty compilation, some thought and effort has gone into Celine Dion's 2nd greatest hits package. The album includes two new songs and a handful of live tracks in addition to most of Celine's biggest hits. The ballad heavy tracklist is a bit of a turn off but I quite like the new Linda Perry penned single, "My Love". It's another slow number but the song is understated by Celine's standards (admittedly, that isn't saying much) and not quite as saccharine as her usual output. "My Love: Essential Collection" is released on the 27th of October in Australia and the UK.

Verdict - This is a fairly comprehensive package for casual fans. Buy it for your favourite middle aged homosexual.

Tina!: Her Greatest Hits - Tina Turner

I worship Tina Turner but this recently released compilation is a bit of piss take in the wake of 2004's "All The Best" and 2005's "All The Best: The Hits". I guess we should be grateful for the live tracks and the two new songs, "It Would Be A Crime" and "I'm Ready". The latter of which is actually pretty good in a middle of the road kind of way. The compilation is nicely packaged and perfectly timed for her world tour but is it too much to ask for something new from Tina? It's been 9 years since her last studio album and there's only so many times I can listen to "Private Dancer"! This is already available in both Australia and the UK.

Verdict - Download the new tracks from iTunes.

Pray For Pablo


I've always suspected that there was something not quite right about Cheryl Cole. It's almost impossible to fathom how someone so spectacularly void of talent and charisma could become a star - let alone be deemed fit to judge the X Factor alongside pop royalty like Dannii Minogue! I can only think of one plausible explanation. Cheryl is obviously a demon sent from the fiery realms of hell to strip heavenly Dannii of her X Factor spotlight and her #1 Spanish fan. This may sound slightly outlandish but consider the irrefutable evidence:

1. Cheryl's hair gets higher every week. A clever ploy to cover her horns.

2. Dannii's former #1 Spanish fan, Pablo of Peibols fame, recently had the nerve to suggest that Cheryl was the best X Factor judge and even began spamming my inbox with scantily clad images of the Girls Aloud hussy. The world hasn't witnessed this kind of demonic possession since Linda Blair's head started spinning in "The Exorcist". At this rate it's only a matter of time before Pablo projectile vomits pea soup and pleasures himself with a crucifix!

3. The latest Girls Aloud shitfest is called "The Promise" - a blatant reference to Cheryl's pact with Satan. I rest my case.

Now that Cheryl's true identity has been unveiled, I have faith that Dannii can thwart her evil plans by putting holy water in her douche or painting over the pentagram in her dressing room. Speaking of evil forces, Saturday's episode of the X Factor was utterly diabolical. Dannii looked like she had been attacked by a straightening iron, Cheryl displayed the full extent of her mediocrity by singing completely out of tune and the contestants were all rubbish. Even lovely Ruth Lorenzo managed to disappoint, although she redeemed herself with a fabulous rendition of "Purple Rain" after finishing in the bottom two. I'll never bitch about Australian Idol ever again!

Ruth shows the other bitches how it's done

Robbie Williams - Millennium


"Millennium" is the first single from Robbie Williams' second album, I've Been Expecting You (1998). The song was Williams' first solo single to top the UK Singles Chart. In 1999, the song also received extensive airplay in Canada and the USA, where it was the lead single for his North American compilation album, The Ego Has Landed. The song was apparently inspired by John Barry's "You Only Live Twice", the title track for the James Bond film of the same name.

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Christina Aguilera - Can't Hold Us Down (feat. Lil' Kim)


"Can't Hold Us Down" featuring Lil' Kim, is the fourth single from Christina Aguilera's second album, Stripped (2003). The song peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her 10th Top 20 hit. The single was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

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P. Diddy - Victory (feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes)


"Victory" is a song by P. Diddy a.k.a. Puff Daddy, featuring The Notorious B.I.G., who raps two verses, and Busta Rhymes, who sings the song's chorus. The song was released as a single in 1998, peaking at number nineteen on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video has been reported as one of the top-5 most expensive videos to date.

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Mariah Carey - Heartbreaker


"Heartbreaker" is the first single from Mariah Carey's sixth studio album Rainbow (1999). The song was co-written by Carey and rapper Jay-Z, and reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The music video is the fifth most expensive of all-time, reportedly costing over US$2.5 million to make.

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Craig David - Walking Away


"Walking Away" is a track by Craig David from his 2000 album Born to Do It. It reached number one in New Zealand and became the number one song of 2001. The track has also been re-recorded for the "Greatest Hits" compilation that will be released in November 2008. The new versions will each feature a different artist from France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

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Craig David - Where's Your Love (feat. Tinchy Stryder & Rita Ora)


"Where's Your Love" featuring Tinchy Stryder & Rita Ora is a single by Craig David from his Greatest Hits album. The track will be available for digital download on 10 November 2008.

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Ne-Yo - Do You


"Do You" is the second single from Ne-Yo's second album, Because of You (2007). The single was officially released to radio the week of June 12, 2007. In an interview with BET, Ne-Yo said that the song is the second part to his song "So Sick" from his 2006 debut album, In My Own Words.

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Spain's Best Musical Act - EVER!


Even if Soraya, Marta Sanchez and Mónica Naranjo joined forces to form a girlband (assuming for a moment that Mónica is actually a woman), they still wouldn't be able to compete with Madrid's breathtakingly fabulous and stunningly gorgeous Las Supremas de Móstoles. I've come across a wealth of trashtastic talent during my travels but these heavenly beings are truly in a league of their own. Susi, Vicki and Luisi represent everything I love about music. The ladies are irreverent, outrageous and endlessly entertaining. Not to mention the fact that they positively exude glamour and camp appeal from every saggy orifice! Las Supremas de Móstoles are probably my favourite girlband since Germany's legendary Jacob Sisters died of old age and their music is essential listening for fans of quality trash.


The sisters (I know it's hard to believe that one family could be so blessed!) started their career as backing vocalists for acts such as Paulina Rubio and Los del Río. After standing in the shadows of lesser talents for years, perhaps decades by the look of them, Las Supremas de Móstoles finally struck out on their own in 2005 and submitted a song for Eurovision called "Eres Un Enfermo" - basically, "You Are A Pervert"! The competition must have been rigged because their stunning anthem only came second and their dreams of Eurovision glory were rudely shattered. On the bright side, Spain was completely overwhelmed by their sex appeal and Las Supremas de Móstoles scored a record deal, resulting in the album "A Go Go". However, I'm more interested in their English language debut, which was released in late 2007 to much acclaim. By Spanish drag queens.


An album mainly comprised of hits from the 70s and 80s, "Philadelphia Disco Party" is about as much fun as you can have without a condom. Covers albums are hardly rare but this stands out from the crowd with its quirky song selection and the ladies' heavily accented English. You haven't lived until you've heard Las Supremas de Móstoles destroy/improve on classics like "We Are Family" and "I'm So Excited"! As much as I enjoy those tracks, I prefer the less obvious choices like Boney M's "Gotta Go Home" and Gloria Estefan's "Everlasting Love". I particularly love the four covers of hits by The Three Degrees - surely one of the greatest girlbands of all time. "Philadelphia Disco Party" is available on both UK and Australian iTunes. If you have to download only one song, go for "Take Good Care Of Yourself" or "Dirty Old Man" (watch a fabulous live performance below). Many thanks to Pablo and Fernando for giving me this masterpiece. A boy couldn't ask for a better souvenir from Madrid.

The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name


"That’s Not My Name" is the second single by British duo The Ting Tings from their 2008 debut studio album We Started Nothing. The song went to number one in the UK Singles Chart on May 18, 2008.

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Mariah Carey - We Belong Together


"We Belong Together" is the second single from Mariah Carey's tenth studio album The Emancipation of Mimi (2005). The song achieved major worldwide success and topped the charts in many countries and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for fourteen non-consecutive weeks. It won two Grammy Awards in 2006 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

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Kanye West - Love Lockdown


"Love Lockdown" is the first single by American hip hop artist Kanye West from his upcoming album 808s & Heartbreak, expected to be released on December 16. He debuted the song at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 8. The music video premiered on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. The song debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, West's highest debut of his career.

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Shontelle - T-Shirt


"T-Shirt" is the first single from Barbadian singer Shontelle's album Shontelligence. Released on July 15, 2008 to Mainstream Top 40 radio stations, the song has been receiving heavy pop radio station and has also debuted in the top 30 on pop Mediabase. The song has so far reached #26 on the U.S. Billboard Pop 100 chart and #51 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Along with Rihanna, Shontelle is the second singer from Barbados to have a hit song, on a world renowned record label.

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Europe - The Final Countdown


"The Final Countdown" is the first single from Europe's third studio album The Final Countdown (1986). The song reached No. 1 in 25 countries, making it one of Europe's most recognizable and popular songs. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 18 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

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Fatboy Slim - Praise You


"Praise You" is a 1999 song by dance/electronic musician Fatboy Slim from his second studio album You've Come a Long Way, Baby. The song has also been included in the Fatboy Slim compilation album The Greatest Hits - Why Try Harder. It made #1 on the UK Singles Chart and made #36 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Sixpence None the Richer - There She Goes


"There She Goes" is a song written by Scouse singer/guitarist Lee Mavers and originally recorded first by Mavers' band, The La's. The 1999 cover by Sixpence None the Richer became their second hit single after "Kiss Me".

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Enya - May It Be


"May It Be" is a 2002 single by Irish singer Enya. The song appeared in the 2001 movie The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It was later nominated for the 2002 Academy Award for Best Song, but lost to Randy Newman's "If I Didn't Have You" from the Pixar film Monsters Inc..

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Beyoncé - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)


"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" is one of the first two singles (along with "If I were a Boy") from Beyoncé's 2008 album I Am...Sasha Fierce, which is scheduled to be released on November 18, 2008.

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Isabel Guzman's UK Debut


There aren't too many acts I would leave my hospital bed to go and see but I literally did just that for Isabel Guzman, discharging myself from Charing Cross A&E at 6pm to make it to the concert on time - complete with hospital wristband and ECG tags still attached! While perhaps not the wisest decision, there was no way I was going to miss the Swedish sensation's UK debut. From the moment I heard "Love Song" on Rob's brilliant Don't Stop The Pop way back in July 2007, I've been completely smitten. I hate to think how much time Rob and I have spent dissecting Isabel's brilliant demos and planning her future world domination. Needless to say, the opportunity to see the woman strut her stuff at Pop Justice Live was positively irresistible and she did not disappoint. Isabel was completely fucking AMAZING. Sadly, the same can't be said about the other acts on the bill.


Antigone - doing Australia proud

I don't want to waste too much time writing about the rest of the line up because, quite frankly, they were all shit. 15 year old Charli XCX displayed no discernible talent apart from the ability to roll around on a table with her legs in the air. The next performer to hit the stage was my much hyped compatriot Antigone, who rocked up looking like Ronald McDonald's banged up love child. The girl definitely knows how to work a crowd but her voice was shaky and none of her other tracks live up to the promise of "More Man Than Man", which she memorably sang to a blow-up doll lying on an ironing board. Kudos though for dragging Pop Justice Live further down into the gutter. I was actually looking forward to the third act. I saw a Red Blooded Women showcase a couple of months ago and was quite impressed with the girls but they weren't up to scratch last night. The highlight was Candy complaining of a mouth ulcer between songs. Enough said.


After listening to the dregs of the pop world ply their trade for two hours, Isabel's UK debut couldn't come quickly enough. Mercifully, it was worth the wait. From the moment Isabel took to the stage with her fantastic (and very hot!) three piece band, it was immediately clear that we were about to witness something special. The set opened with a stunning new track called "There Must Be Something", which perfectly showcased Isabel's impressive pipes and her knack for writing an insanely catchy chorus. The song has hit written all over it. Next up was Isabel's UK debut "Mysterious". I really like the studio version (check out my review) but the band breathed new life into the track. It sounded darker and heavier - with no trace of "My Sherona" to be heard! Speaking of re-worked tunes, "All In Your Head" has also been given a complete makeover. I wasn't a huge fan of the original version but the new edit packs one hell of a punch.


If I had to choose a highlight of the evening it would be Isabel's exquisite rendition of "Love Song" - without a doubt THE best unreleased pop anthem of recent years. I'm sure I've listened to the track at least once a day for the past 15 months, so finally hearing it performed live (with Rob, no less!) was utterly magical. If the electric response from the audience is any indication, "Love Song" has the potential to be absolutely massive. One of the most interesting aspects of the show was the extent to which previously leaked songs have been refined and improved. I loved "The First Time" when Isabel briefly posted it on her Myspace several months ago but the version she performed on Monday night was in a completely different league. Imagine a cross between 80s Madonna and Dannii circa "Neon Nights" and you get some indication of the track's brilliance. The final song was an edgy dance anthem called "In The Heat Of The Night", which expertly displayed Isabel's versatility and crazy dance moves. In fact, the Swedish diva was a revelation from beginning to end. Isabel is deceptively tiny but she has real presence and a killer set of pipes. It doesn't hurt that she's also gorgeous and an absolute sweetheart! Consider the UK well and truly rocked.

Cheryl's Desperate New Low!

I apologise for writing back to back Dannii posts but The Daily Star has revealed lurid details of Cheryl Cole's desperate ploy to prevent Dannii winning the X Factor - by promising her sexual favours! The article, shockingly titled "My Lust For Dannii", exposes Cheryl's promise to kiss Dannii on live TV if one of her acts wins the competition:

One cheeky punter asked Cheryl: 'If you had to snog, marry or push any of your fellow judges off a cliff, which ones would you choose?"

She giggled: "Well, I'd definitely push Simon and Louis off a cliff. And I'd snog Dannii."

Cheryl then teased: "If I win X Factor with one of my acts, then I'll snog her anyway!"

I have never been so disgusted in all my life. It appears that racist Cheryl has been reading up on Lezzigate and plans to exploit Dannii's weakness for cheap looking brunettes. The Girls Aloud "singer" is obviously convinced that the prospect of lesbian action will get Dannii so hot and bothered that she sabotages the chances of her own contestants! Sadly, the despicable plan could bear fruit if Dannii's lustful reaction is any indication:

As loud wolf-whistles echoed around the TV studios, Aussie babe Dannii shrieked with delight!

Dannii, try resist the temptation! Take a cold shower or give Janine a call instead. I bet that loose tramp couldn't find her own clit, let alone navigate her way around your precious clam! Read the whole sordid story here.

Pussycat Dolls - I Hate This Part


"I Hate This Part" is the second main single from the Pussycat Dolls' second album, Doll Domination (2008). The song has received heavy airplay in Australia and New Zealand. It will be released in the U.S. to mainstream radio on October 21, 2008.

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