, released on November 16, 2009. The song features guest vocals by Grammy Award-winning British, R&B, singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer Estelle.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
Sia Furler is one of those singers I love but never write about for the simple fact that she's too high brow for this joint - or so I thought until she opened last night's show with Olivia Newton John's "Xanadu", before sticking random objects into her underpants. Needless to say, Sia is not your typical critically acclaimed singer-songwriter. She's more than a little eccentric, loves to chat with the audience and is very, very funny. It speaks volumes for her skill as a performer that she can move effortlessly from telling a joke about being ignored at the ARIAs to singing about love, heartbreak and everything inbetween with so much emotion and empathy. I would have liked to hear a few more songs from "Healing Is Difficult" and "Colour The Small One" but Sia was pretty hard to fault. The band was great, she sounded amazing and I got free beer from the lesbians standing next to me. Result.
Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
, released in January 2009. The song peaked at #7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. It also peaked at #62 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
I've spent most of the week obsessing over Beyoncé's amazing "I Am... Yours: An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas" CD/DVD set and will eventually get around to writing a proper review but in the meantime I can't resist mentioning one of the (not so) new tracks on the 97th re-release of "Sasha Fierce". And I'm not referring to the much hyped Lady GaGa remix of "Videophone" - even though that trash has grown on me to a ridiculous extent. I'm actually way more excited about having a proper studio version of "Poison". The Stargate produced track has been doing the rounds for a while now but I'm still crazy about it. Taking the piss out of Stargate's unprecedented ability to recycle beats is one of my favourite hobbies but this is exactly the kind of bouncy, synth drenched mid-tempo pop jam that made them so hot in the first place. Think Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight" crossed with Whitney's "A Song For You" and you get the idea. I crave Beyoncé's pure pop detours and this is one of her best. However, as much as I love the song, I kind of understand why it was left off the album. It's too upbeat for the ballad disc and a little too cute and breezy for Ms Fierce. Anyway, strike this up as the equal best bonus track of the "I Am" era alongside the stunning "Why Don't You Love Me".
" was originally recorded by American country music singer Randy Travis. Carrie Underwood covered the song on her 2007 album Carnival Ride
, where it was released as the fifth and final single in February 2009. Underwood and Travis performed a duet of the song on American Idol Season 8. The duet version went on to peak at #2 on the U.S. country charts in mid-2009.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
The close of 2009 finds two ex-superstars hitting the comeback trail in the desperate hope of reclaiming some of their rapidly fading former glory. In case you missed their not so spectacular performances at the recent American Music Awards, I'm talking about Jenny from the block and the ugly Jackson sister. It's been a lean decade for both divas. J Lo hasn't had a top 10 hit (as the featured artist) since 2002, while Janet has been a permanent resident of flop city since "Someone To Call My Lover" snuck into the top 5 way back in 2001. As far as falls from grace go, both have been pretty spectacular and it will be interesting to see if either one can claw their way back to any kind of relevance. It's a close call. La Toya's less talented sister is currently riding a wave of Jackson nostalgia in the wake of Michael's death but if the quality of their new songs is any indication - my money's on Jennifer. Just ignore that SHITEOUS "Fresh Out The Oven" taster single at all costs.
" is the second single by American country artist Kellie Pickler from her self-titled second album. Pickler co-wrote the song with Taylor Swift who also provided background vocals on the song. She first performed the song during the 2008 CMA Awards on November 12, 2008. Following the song's performance on American Idol, the song debuted at #50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It went on to peak at #9, her biggest hit to date on the Hot 100.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
Less than a month ago I reviewed Amanda Lear's "Brief Encounters" album and clearly riled some fans (if the comments were any indication) by suggesting that it wasn't all that good. In retrospect, I think I was actually quite restrained - particularly when you compare it to the amazing "Brand New Love Affair". Before I get into my review, I should recap the situation for the uninitiated. Both albums were originally part of the same project but subsequently split into separate releases in Italy ("Brief Encounters") and France ("Brand New love Affair"). New tracks were then recorded especially for the latter. As it turns out, the French got the far better deal. "Brand New Love Affair" is easily Amanda's best studio album since the 1980s. It's edgy and contemporary yet completely true to the great diva's disco roots. A lot of love went into this release. There are subtle references to Ms Lear's classic hits and an attention to detail that is absent from the Italian release. Most impressively, "Brand New Love Affair" finally provides Amanda with material worthy of her talent. The three new songs (there are also a couple of covers and remixes) are absolutely stunning and rival anything in the charts. It's not a perfect album (I'll get to that later) but this mini-opus is a real treat for fans and the perfect introduction for newcomers.
After a couple of very contemporary dance tracks, Amanda throws her trashy fans a bone in the form of Hi-NRG dance cover of "I Am What I Am". Every gay icon from Gloria Gaynor to Pia Zadora has interpreted this anthem but none have done it quite like the Queen of Chinatown. This now takes pride of place next to "Love Boat" and "No Credit Card" on my high camp Amanda Lear iTunes playlist. The low brow detour is a lot of fun but the album's real strength lies in its new material and it doesn't get much better than "C'est La Vie". This is probably the most traditional dance-pop song that Amanda has ever recorded as far as structure and lyrical content is concerned but the result stunning. The chorus is pure dynamite and T1's production lifts the track to a whole new level. I also need to give Australia's Susie Ahern a shout out. The 90s dance diva's backing vocals are amazing and give the track an unexpected depth and warmth. The next song is a new ten minute chill out dance remix of "Kiss Me, Honey, Honey, Kiss Me" (a Shirley Bassey cover) from Amanda's 2006 album "With Love". It's nice but slightly disappointing considering what comes before it. I'm not sure who produced it but the sound is also slightly dated.
Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
"According To You" has been unavoidable on Australian radio for the past month and is currently sitting pretty in the national top 20. My copy of the single finally arrived today, which inspired me to write about Orianthi's amazing ode to bad boyfriends. Chalk this up as another fine example of a local act - see Vanessa Amorosi - jumping on board Katy Perry's pop-rock bandwagon with great success. That might be a little unfair given the diva's rock chick credentials (she was Michael Jackson's lead guitarist on the ill fated "This Is It" tour, jammed with Santana as a teenager and has a guitar solo on Adam Lambert's forthcoming album) but there's no denying that Orianthi has undergone a radical overhaul since 2005's "Violet Journey". Not that it matters. The move towards a more commercial sound was long overdue and "According To You" proves that she definitely has what it takes to mix it with Katy, Avril and Pink. For me, this song is all about the lyrics. I think everyone has felt the same anger and confusion at one time or another. Most of all, I love how Orianthi sums up the universal truth that one man's trash is another man's treasure - a thought I find strangely comforting, particularly when it's expressed via the year's catchiest chorus. And don't even get me started on the ridiculously fabulous guitar solo. It's like Lita Ford never left us! I definitely recommend tracking down the physical single because the B-side ("Find It") is great and doesn't appear on Orianthi's excellent album. While you wait for your copy to arrive, check out the video. I'm not sure about the epilepsy inducing camera work but I seriously want to steal her sequined guitar!
The past couple of weeks have been pretty crazy and I haven't had a lot of time to devote to music, which is frustrating because my bedroom is littered with CDs I've been meaning to write about. I'll try to cover the majority of them in a giant round up post but "The Fame Monster" deserves more than that. Other bloggers have already written about Lady GaGa's pop triumph with more insight than I can hope to muster (see Adem's review and Will W's musings for starters) but I can't resist throwing in my two cents. "The Fame Monster" is a revelation, and while I wouldn't go as far as calling it the pop album of the decade (like Chart Rigger), it has to be in the running for the best release of 2009. Lady GaGa has given birth to that rarest of creatures - a consistent and coherent collection of electro-dance anthems that not only entertain but occasionally stretch the boundaries of popular music. As much as I loved "The Fame", its follow up/re-release (depending on who you listen to) is darker, stronger and considerably more ambitious. The filler that occasionally weighed down Lady GaGa's debut has been culled and we're left with 7 brilliant songs and one piece of shit. 7 out of 8 ain't bad! It would have been nice to get a few more songs but this is most definitely a case of quality over quantity.
Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
, released in November 1999. The song peaked at #2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart as well as #19 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It was later used in a trailer for the movie 17 Again starring Matthew Perry and Zac Efron.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
The thing I love most about Chris Sorbello is the fact that she gets it. And by it I mean the brave new world of pop music where having a pretty face and a handful of decent songs doesn't cut it anymore. To make a real impact you need to be the complete package and stand out from the crowd - be it by focusing on image a la Lady Gaga, creating a new character (see Beyoncé's Sasha Fierce) or simply by recycling and reinterpreting the sounds of those that have gone before you in a new and interesting way like La Roux and Ladyhawke. It's a hard formula to get right but if last night's performance is any indication, Chris Sorbello is well and truly on her way. The costumes and choreography were faultless, she sounded amazing and the songs were all top notch. I've been to a lot of showcases in Sydney and London over the past couple of years and this definitely ranks as one of the most audacious and impressive.
From the moment a pair of PVC clad dancers carried the microphone on stage in a series of robotic dance moves, it was pretty clear that this wasn't going to be your standard industry event. Last night was all about putting on a show and introducing the audience to Chris Sorbello the artist. It debuted her hot new look and demonstrated how far she's come as a performer. The opening number definitely highlighted latter. Chris' version of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" is usually a highlight of her live shows but I was completely distracted by the sexy costumes and intricate choreography (courtesy of Ramon Baynes and Marko Panzic - Beyoncé and Britney). The backing dancers were phenomenal and Chris didn't miss a beat. I managed to pull myself together for the preview of her soon to be released debut single "So Lonely", which has been given a radical overhaul by Sam La More (Empire Of The Sun, Sneaky Sound System and Pnau). I love the edgy new mix and I'm confident it will be burning up dancefloors across Australia all summer long.
The icy electro beats continued to flow with "Symbiotic". I have to admit the song never really appealed to me in the past but last night's arrangement was brilliant and suited the staging and choreography perfectly. It seemed only fitting that Chris close the show with "Dangerzone". After all, it is the title track of her recently unveiled free promo EP! I still think "Dangerzone" has huge potential and could have been a hit with a bit of polish by the right producer but I'm glad it's finally getting a release - no matter how low key. The song sounded amazing live and allowed Brisbane's finest to show off her voice and hot dance moves. As someone who has followed Chris from the start it was staggering (and more than a little touching) to see how far she's come. I can't wait for the release of her official debut single but make sure you check out "Dangerzone" in the meantime. It's too good to ignore!Technorati Tags:Boyz II Men, II, R&B, Music Videos
Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
. Released on his official website on April 25, 2009, the song went on to peak at #50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
Sarah McLeod officially launched her new single "Tell Your Story Walking" down at Woolloomooloo Wharf today and I was lucky enough to be invited. Unlike a lot of these events it was an intimate affair, which allowed everyone to get up close and personal with the ex-Superjesus frontwoman. Sarah kicked off proceedings by talking about the song's inspiration (it's about overcoming her own demons - not a break up anthem as the lyrics would suggest) and her adventures filming the video in New York. I think the final result (below) is simple but very effective and I love the army of hooded divas in the background. After screening the film clip, Sarah performed the song live and proved once and for all that her inner rock chick is still alive and kicking. I actually think the edgier, acoustic version suits the lyrics better but I do love her glamorous new "pop" direction. The highlight for me was watching Ms McLeod pose for snaps on the wharf (above) with joggers and businessmen gawking at her supersexy hotpants! "Tell Your Story Walking" is now available to download for iTunes. Check out my recent interview with Sarah here.
" is the second single from American singer/songwriter Kate Voegele's second studio album, A Fine Mess
, released in April 2009. The song has so far peaked at #8 on the U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
As I'm sure everyone with an internet connection is already aware, the world's two biggest pop stars recently teamed up for not one but two duets. As an an ardent Lady GaGa supporter and Beyoncé's self-proclaimed number 1 Australian fan, the prospect of these fierce bitches joining forces got me more than a little hot under the collar. It's not just that I love their music. I genuinely believe Beyoncé and Lady GaGa are pop circa 2009. Lady GaGa did the impossible by making Madonna redundant in the space of a year and continues to take dance-pop to dizzying new heights, while Beyoncé staked her claim as the undisputed Queen of the urban scene and revolutionised the way albums are marketed in the process with her dual singles and Sasha Fierce alter ego. That's not even touching on the impact of their iconic styling and music videos.
Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
" is the lead single by Boston hard rock band Aerosmith from their 1987 album, Permanent Vacation
. The song was written by songwriter Desmond Child, lead guitarist Joe Perry and lead singer Steven Tyler. It reached #14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #4 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and also peaked at #45 on the UK Singles Chart.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
" is the fourth single from Chris Brown's second studio album, Exclusive
, released in April 2008. The song was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 51st Grammy Awards.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/2009/11/
A couple of days ago I wrote a flashback post about Young Talent Time's Natalie Miller. Since then I've spent a lot of time watching old clips on Youtube and stumbled across one of the show's finest moments. Watch in awe as Natalie belts out an amazing rendition of Limahl's "Neverending Story", while riding a magic carpet around Australia with Dannii (and Greg) in tow. This shit is almost too fabulous for words. Natalie's performance is adorable and the zero budget special effects will leave you stunned and amazed. However, it's left to Dannii to steal the show. Her finger point at 0:25 minutes cracks me up every time and the bored look on her face is priceless. She should have been grateful. If nothing else, taking a back seat to Natalie for a couple of minutes stood her in good stead for spending the rest of her career in Kylie's shadow. Enjoy one of the true highlights of Australian television!
