December 30, 2009

Madonna to collaborate with David Guetta on new LP

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It has been announced Madonna will work with superstar DJ, David Guetta for her new album next year.

The pop icon will begin work on her twelfth studio album next year and is set to collaborate with the DJ responsible for such hits as 'When Loves Takes Over' with Kelly Rowland and 'Sexy Bitch' with Akon.

Canadian DJ A-Trak will also help on her follow up to 2008's 'Hard Candy'. A-Trak, the former personal DJ to Kanye West, has reportedly already began work producing the record.

The singer, who turned 50 earlier this year, is set to be going all out to get the best set of producers money can buy after her previous album was panned by critics and her 2009 Greatest Hits collection stalled at number 7 on the Billboard 200.

Ke$ha puts Britney work down to being broke

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Electro party girl Ke$ha who recently hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with her smash hit single 'TiK ToK' claimed she did backup vocals for Britney because she was 'so broke'.

The singer sang background vocals on the track 'Lace and Leather' on Spears' 2008 album 'Circus'. She revealed to MTV recently she did it to pay her rent and said she never got to meet the troubled star.

Prior to her rise to fame the singer previously co-wrote a song called 'This Love' which was eventually recorded by Aussie pop duo The Veronicas. She also appeared in the music video to Katy Perry's breakthrough hit 'I Kissed A Girl', after becoming great friends with Perry. She also sang backup vocals on 'Nothing In This World', the second single off of Paris Hilton's debut album.

Ke$ha releases her debut album, 'Animal' early next year.

Britney addresses 'bullshit' stories about her

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Britney Spears has addressed stories the press have written about her this year on her website, labeling them 'bullshit'.

75 stories written about Spears in 2009, out of the 13,000 they claim was written about the pop star, were ranked on her blog.

"We ranked the ones we believe were the most ridiculous. Either because they were factually inaccurate, because they reported the patently absurd, or because we believe they are simply offensive to the sensibilities."

They crowned a report that Britney was in a relationship with Indian choreographer, Sandip Soparrkar, which was originally published by British tabloid, The Mirror. The blog post also addresses rumours that fans walked out of her shows in Australia after being disappointed to find she was not singing live.

A number of the stories came from breatheheavy.com, a fansite, run by superfan Jordan Miller, who faced legal troubles from Spears' people earlier this year after writing a number of false stories about Spears' father and management.

December 29, 2009

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool link NME snub to Little Boots

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Electropop trio Ou Est Le Swimming Pool have claimed they were snubbed by NME Magazine's festival review as a result of annoying the boyfriend of electrpop starlet, Little Boots.

The band, who supported La Roux on their tour last year, revealed in an interview with Digital Spy, that the singer's boyfriend, who writes for the magazine, over heard them telling her to 'fuck off' after she apparently ignored them.

"I do hate Little Boots though. We met her in Manchester at a festival and she ignored us completely. After she left, I was like, 'F**k off!', but unfortunately her boyfriend accidently overheard us."

They continued, "He works for NME and every single band at the festival got reviewed except for us. You've got to wonder why..."

The band, who release their next single, 'The Feeling', in February, also claim they called her a 'twat' in front of him.

Dido clocks up two spots on the best selling albums of the decade

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Two of Dido's albums have appeared in the Top 10 best selling albums of the last decade it was revealed.

The British songstress' 1999 album 'No Angel' which was the highest selling album of 2001, was declared as the second best selling album of the decade, behind James Blunt's 'Back To Bedlam'. Her third album 'Life For Rent' which spawned the hit single 'White Flag' took the number six spot on the chart.

Elsewhere, X Factor success story Leona Lewis' debut album 'Spirit', released in 2007 placed fourth on the countdown, just behind Amy Winehouse's critically acclaimed sophmore album 'Back To Black'. Perhaps most impressively was Susan Boyle's debut album 'I Dreamed A Dream' which managed to place at #56, despite only being released a mere 5 weeks ago.

The Top 10, in full:

1. James Blunt - Back To Bedlam (2004)
2. Dido - No Angel (1999)
3. Amy Winehouse - Back To Black (2006)
4. Leona Lewis - Spirit (2007)
5. David Gray - White Ladder (1998)
6. Beatles - 1 (2000)
7. Dido - Life For Rent (2003)
8. Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head (2002)
9. Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters (2004)
10. Take That - Beautiful World (2006)

Keep an Eye On: Daisy Dares You

It's hard to believe Brit starlet Daisy Coburn is a mere 16 years of age. Coburn, who uses the stage name Daisy Dares You, was snatched up by Empire Records - home to thecocknbullkid and Natasha Bedingfield - and is set to set 2010 alight with her quirky electro indie pop tunes.

Nine of Daisy's songs have leaked onto the internet, giving us all a taste of what is to come. Lead single 'Number One Enemy' features Chipmunk, whom she is filling a support slot for next year and she says is written about her relationship with her sister. It's a fun, cutesy romp with a chorus that builds up and a chanting hook. It's hard not to become smitten Daisy's cheeky personality and delicate voice after hearing this song. Chipmunk also works surprisingly well amidst the cool, fresh summer synths.

Another track circulating the net is self-titled buzz single, 'Daisy Dares You'. Daisy also filmed a video to accompany the track which perfectly depicts her bouncy, relaxed take on indiepop. The track is available on iTunes, if you should feel like supporting her.

Having heard this teasing taste of what this girl has to offer, Daisy Dares You is one the new girls on 2010 that I am most looking forward to hearing more from. She's also been longlisted for BBC's Sound of 2010 who have predicted success from the likes of Little Boots, Mika and Keane. If you like Pixie Lott, Alex Roots or The Ting Tings, you'll most likely enjoy Daisy.

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Head on over to Daisy's MySpace if you fancy having a listen to some of the tracks mentioned here: http://www.myspace.com/daisydaresyoumusic

Diana Vickers confirms single details

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Diana Vickers has revealed on her blog that her debut single will be called 'Once' and is set for release April 19, of next year.

The track has been co-penned by Eg White, who was behind the Will Young smash hit 'Leave Right Now' as well as Adele's 'Chasing Pavements' and Cathy Dennis who is responsible for Kylie Minogue's worldwide number one 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head'. Her people confirmed the song's hook is: 'I'm only going to let you kill me once.'

The track's been described as a 'quirky, synth based single' and will be followed by Vickers' debut album which will feature collaborations from Patrick Wolf and Ellie Goulding.

Diana signed to RCA Records early this year after coming fourth on the 2008 series of X Factor, which also helped launch the careers of Alexandra Burke and JLS.

Miike Snow reveal their brand new video

Swedish electro group Miike Snow - side project of hit making producers, responsible for the likes of Britney Spears' Toxic and Rachel Stevens' Sweet Dreams My LA Ex, Bloodshy and Avant - have unveiled the video to their second single Silvia. The group have been gaining momentum since the release of their debut self-titled album back in October. Their latest release doesn't quite match the standard of lead single Animal but lets hope it manages to surpass it's chart position.

July 20, 2009

NEW: Mariah plays dress up for the Obsessed video

Mariah's Carey has unveiled the video for, 'Obsessed', the lead single taken from her new album coming later this year, Memoirs of and Imperfect Angel. In the video she dresses up like a man, who appears to be some sort of spoof of rapper Eminem. Here it is:

Dido to return to her electro roots

The latest artist to jump onto the electropop bandwagon is British songstress Dido, who claims she is returning to her electro roots for her forth coming album, the follow up to 2008's Safe Trip Home.

The singer, who's 2003 hit, 'White Flag' made a return to the charts late last year after a X Factor contestant Diana Vickers covered it whilst on the show, said she intentionally used to no electronics on her last album. "It was a challenge that started as a small thought and then turned into a big theme of the record.

However she claims she enjoyed the experience and doesn't regret it. "It was a great learning experience for me and also made me a much better musician pretty quickly!

"It's also making me really appreciate the joy of electronics again on this new album I'm making. It's good to take a break and now I'm celebrating my electronic roots again."

The album is scheduled for release early next year

July 19, 2009

Diana Vickers launched official site

X Factor favourite Diana Vickers has recently launched her new official site. It's still under construction but fans can sign up to her mailing list and download a new track, 'Jumping Into Rivers'.

The track, penned by Diana herself, leaked onto the internet last week, much to the disappointment of her fans. However the quirky singer ensured them that the song was 'never going to be a single' and told them to 'enjoy' it.

Vickers has been working hard on her debut LP ever since signing with RCA Records earlier this year. She will however take time out from recording to take part in a West End production.

She also recently shot a new photoshoot for the site. Thumbnails of the photos can be seen below:



CLICK HERE to visit Diana's official site and download 'Jumping Into Rivers

REVIEW: La Roux - La Roux


They were one of the most highly anticipated acts of 2009. Yes they, as few know that La Roux is actually British synth duo Elly Jackson and Ben... oh who cares, Elly is the interesting. Having already clocked a number one single, 'Bullerproof' and another Top 3 hit with breakthrough single, 'In For The Kill' the pair have made quite a name for themselves. Now at the release of their debut LP, t's time to see if they're going to live up the the hype.

The album opens with the smash hit, 'In For The Kill', a zesty, shrill tune with more synths than a Pet Shops Boys record. It has that punch that a lead single needs and most definitely sets the apart from the clatter of new female fronted, electro pop acts that have surfaced this year (yes Little Boots, that means you!). Next up is quirky stalker inspired ditty Tigerlily which features a 'Thriller'-like narration. Which carries us nicely to the La Roux buzz single, 'Quicksand'. It's a nice taste of the album, nothing standout though.

Finally we arrive at the single that managed to keep Michael Jackson from #1, 'Bulletproof'. It's marmite really, you'll either love it or laud it as being a gimmicky ditty. Personally, I love it. With a feel good chorus and a chant like chorus, it's hard not to sing along. We are the brought to the first standout album track, a chilled, edgy track with an oxymoron for a title - 'Colorless Color'. It's cutting lyrics and synthetic beats are melting and irresistable.

Then we arrive at another standout track, the independent anthem, 'I'm Not Your Toy'. relaxed and cool as she wisps; ' its all false love and affection, you don't like me you just want the attention' it leaves you gasping for more. It's no wodner it;s to be the fourth single from the album. Next up is Cover My Eyes, perhaps the most vulnerable we hear her on the entire album. She sings of how it tortures her seeing her ex and his replacement beau. She portrays a torn lover so well, you can't help but sympathizing with her.

Eventually we come for the first track that could pass for a filler, though even that is doing, 'As If By Magic' and injustice. Regardless, it is a tad samey and ultimately forgettable. Then is Fascination, which is said to be the first song the pair ever wrote. It's quite easy to believe that once you hear it, as it sounds like it could be from a totally different album and Elly's voice has a warbly, Florence Welsh type sound to it that she seems to have controlled on the rest of the album.

Then is Reflections Are Protections, a very satisfying track with a soft beat and tranquil sounding chorus. Then is Armour Love which is nothing special but a perfectly fine album ender. To conclude, it's a very, very solid effort from La Roux, with only one bum track. And it has managed to set them apart from their contemporaries, a deed that seemed almost impossible. Elly Jackson recently noted how she would have preferred her fame and success to come slower than it has. Well, Elly, next time think twice before you release one of the standout albums of the year so far...

STAR RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS

May 11, 2009

NEW: VV Brown releases third video

New British singer songwriter, VV Brown, has premiered her brand new video for third single, 'Shark In The Water'. Feast your eyes on this:

New Mika EP a "dark fairtytale"

British singer Mika will release his new EP later this month exclusively to his website. The EP, entitled, Songs For Sorrow and has been described by the singer himself as sounding like a 'dark fairytale'.

A limited edition will be released later this year which will feature a free hardback book containing art from many of Mika's favourite artists. Artists such as Peter Blake, Paul Smith and Huck Scarry will feature.

Speaking of the EP, the 'wonky-pop' singer said: "It was good for me to strip everything back down to just the basics". This will be the first new material from the singer in 2 years since his debut album, Life In Cartoon Motion, which spawned the singles 'Grace Kelly' and 'Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)'.

May 4, 2009

No Doubt begin their return to the spotlight

American ska-puck group No Doubt, played their first show in five years recently, on the American breakfast show, the Today show. The group performed three tracks from their back catalogue.

The show was to promote their upcoming reunion tour across North America. They opened with their hit, 'Spiderwebs' and went on to perform other hits, 'Don't Speak' and their 3004 Talk Talk cover, 'It's My Life'.

The performance is one of many upcoming promotional gigs the band have lined up to promote the tour. Later this month the band will perform their cover of Adam And The Ants 1981 hit, 'Stand And Deliver' on teen show, Gossip Girl, as an 80's band, 'Snowed Out'. The cover song can only be downloaded when you purchase top tier tickets to their shows, along with their whole back catalogue.

They are also set to appear on American Idol for 'Rock Week' with rock back Daughtry.

REVIEW: Ciara - Fantasy Ride


After bursting on to the RnB scene in 2004 with the smash hit, 'Goodies', things turned sour for Ciara after second album, Ciara: The Evolution sold considerably less. And now she's back again for another attempt at topping the charts once again.

The album begins with chilling, sexy opener, 'Ciara To The Stage'. It screams 'fierce', the perfect way to begin the record. Next up is lead single from the album, a Justin Timberlake collaboration, 'Love Sex Magic'. It continues the theme set by the first song by displaying genuine change and growth from Ciara. It's fun, sexy, quirky, different, everything a comeback single should be. A definite standout.

Next is 'High Price', an interesting, captivating track with a fitting contribution from Ludacris. Though certainly not of the standard of the first to tracks, it slots in well and keeps nice fluidity to the album. The record continues to the next stand out track, a Chris Brown collaboration, 'Turntables'. It's a dance floor filler that's for sure, a pumped up club anthem. One of the best from the whole record. She continues to display evolution as an artist so far, something her ironically titled second LP failed to do.

The fifth track, 'Like A Surgeon' provides the first real filler so far. It's not awful, far from amazing, could almost work as an interlude. It brings us back to the early days of her career, when her album was filled with forgettable, mid tempo ditties. Thankfully she manages to pick things up once again with the record's first ballad and lead single in the US, 'Never Ever'. It's a cool, chilled out number, that features Young Jeezy, about being in a relationship with someone who's not committed.

Next we come to 'Lover's Thing', featuring The Dream, a mid-tempo, verging on bland love song. It's average at best, if a tad boring. Up next, only 8 songs into the album, we have our sixth collaboration, this time from Missy Elliot, a long time collaborator of Ciara, that contributed to her 2005 hit '1 2 Step'. 'Work' is fiery, fierce anthem-like floor filler that has the swagger of any Beyonce track. Then there's 'Pucker Up', a generally enjoyable dance track.

'G Is For Girl (A-Z)' is the next song. Easily the worst track yet, nothing special or fun about it. Utterly generic, lets the album down. It's followed by 'Keep Dancin' On Me', another filler. It's succeeded by, 'Tell Me What Your Name Is', a thankfully, slick, PCD-esque mid tempo love song about wanting to skip all the complications in a relationship. It manages to pick the album up from a lull it fell into during the last few tracks. The album closes with 'I Don't Remember' a blatant rip off of Britney's 'Blur'. Generally pretty awful, a pity to end the album on such a low.

Something this record could have benefited greatly from would be the inclusion of 'Go Girl', which a video was made and released for but yet only used as a bonus track for the Japanese edition of the album. Or perhaps her collaboration with Enrique Iglesias, 'Takin' Back My Love' which was a top ten hit for the pair and was used for Enrique's 2008 Greatest Hits album. It is also apparent that Ciara thrives off collaborations and should be noted that all the standout tracks feature contributions from other artists.

To conclude, though on first listen you may think this is just another bland, samey generic RnB record. And although you wouldn't be wrong on all points - it definitely lacks variety, diversity - if you listen closer you'll see it's actually rather amazing. Ciara has shown growth as an artist and let us know that she is capable of adapting to time and whats in. It's not exactly ground breaking but it slots in well to the blur of electro based records of 2009. Definitely worth a second listen.

STAR RATING:3/5

April 1, 2009

NEW: Calvin Harris reveals I'm Not Alone video

Electro artist Calvin Harris is back from a two year break with his brand new single, I'm Not Alone. The song sees a slight change in direction for Harris. The video debuted last month:

Lindsay Lohan talks new album

Actress and singer Lindsay Lohan has spoken out about plans for her new album in a recent interview. The star confirmed that she is working with superstar producer Pharrell Williams on the project.

She also let slip that she had met with Kevin Rudolf and he had given her a "great track". Lohan continued to mention that she found it difficult to find the right sound for the record.

".. I was getting music that was all RnB and hip hop and that won't make sense."

Lindsay also mentioned how she admired artists Sia, Lily Allen, Britney Spears and Lady GaGa. The actress let slip about a a ballad she had recorded called Stay, which she described as "a killer track".

When asked about how high in her priorities the album was, she responded, "It is as high as Pharrell is ready".

The singers last album, A Little More Personal (Raw) reached No.20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Lohan co-wrote seven of the tracks,

Jessica Mauboy signs UK record deal

Australian Idol loser, Jessica Mauboy has signed a deal with Ministry of Sound Records to promote her debut album over here.

The singer has enjoyed moderate success in her native of Australia both as a solo artist and with multi-platinum selling group, Young Divas. She released her debut solo album last year.

The album spawned three singles, including Burn which reached No.1 in Australia and was certified platinum.

Speaking of the deal, Mauboy, who was runner-up in Australia's version of The X Factor, said, "We'll probably head over there in June so it's very exciting."

"It is exciting that they have listened to my music and that they like it," she continued, "I'm really happy and it gives me great confidence."

March 31, 2009

REVIEW:P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me


Last September, P!nk scored her first ever UK No.1 with So What. Hard to belief, really, looking at her long string of memorable singles. However if there is one thing, new single, Please Don't Leave Me isn't, it's memorable.

Chosen from many, many break up songs from her latest album, Please Don't Leave Me, tells the story of someone begging their partner not to walk out on them, and how they can change. "I can be so mean when I wanna be", she cries. However, regardless of that, the song is totally and utterly average. A bland, passive beat accompanied by whingey and annoying vocals.

Perhaps I am being a little too harsh here. But it wouldn't be so easy to criticise if it weren't for the fact that there are so many better choices for third single. To conclude, a pleasant but ultimately forgettable effort from P!nk, perhaps her worst single to date, (excluding that diabolcial rap phase at the start of her career).

NEW: Miley Cyrus reveals video with scenes from new movie

Pop starlet Miley Cyrus revealed her brand new video earlier this month. The video to new single, The Climb, features scenes from her new movie, Hannah Montana: The Movie

Katy Perry Apologises to Lily Allen for weight jibes

American pop singer Katy Perry has tried to make amends with Lily Allen, following remarks she made about Allen's weight earlier this year.

In an interview, Perry described herself as, "a skinnier version of Lily Allen and a fatter version of Amy Winehouse".

However, Lily retorted on a later date, "Well difference between both me and Amy and her, is that we're both British and we both write our own songs".

In a recent interview with Heat magazine, Katy claimed she did not mean to upset the star and continued to say, "But Lily is skinny now. She is hot - she looks really good.".

Meanwhile, Lily releases the second single from her second album next month.

Kelly Rowland dropped from record label

It has been reported that former Destiny's Child singer, Kelly Rowland, has been dumped by her record label Columbia as they see her as "no longer commerically viable".

However, CEO of Columbia Records denied these claims, stating that it was a "mutual agreement" and that anything that was reported contrary to that is false.

"Kelly Rowland is one of our finest contemporary artists and a musical force to be reckoned with."

Rowland herself made an official statement on the matter, stating that she decided to parts ways with Columbia, to "explore new directions".

This news comes two months after it was revealed that Kelly had fired former manager Matthew Knowles, father of former band member to Kelly, Beyoncé.

March 30, 2009

REVIEW:Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up



Earlier this year, Kelly Clarkson managed to do the impossible with her comeback single, My Life Would Suck Without You. She broke Britney's record of the longest jump in positions ever on the Billboard Hot 100, by jumping from 97 to No.1 in a week. It was her comeback to pop music, after a change in direction to a darker, more rock influenced third record lead to a huge drop in sales.

Hoping to continue her success, she's here once again with second single off her new album, All I Ever Wanted, a poppy, dance-a-long tune called I Do Not Hook Up. Written by fellow popstar Katy Perry, it has just enough guitar rifts to pass for pop/rock. And everything aside, it's a very pleasant, enjoyable little track. Personally I would rank it above the frankly boring, MLWSWY.

A wise choice from Kelly for second single, it will bring in the teens as well as satisfying her more mature audience. A definite step up.

STAR RATING: 4 out of 5

Christina Aguilera serenades Perez at B-Day bash

Infamous celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton was treated to a surprise serenading from Grammy winning singer, Christina Aguilera at his birthday party in LA hot spot the Viper Room.

After a performance of Aguilera's cover of Lady Marmalade, the singer then moved into a chorus of Happy Birthday dear "Perez-ident". Other stars attending the party including Paris Hilton, Tara Reid and the Jonas Brothers.

The bitchy Internet celebrity has made habit of celebrating his birthday twice in recent years. Last week, Hilton was host to another birthday party, which featured performances from the likes of Solange and Little Boots.

Speaking of the event, Perez said, "Last year, I had the Pussycat Dolls perform at my birthday celebration. This year, Christina Aguilera. That’s pretty fucking amazing!".

Aguilera is expected to release her fourth studio album this summer.

Jacko wants Leona to fill Janet's shoes

King of pop, Michael Jackson had reportedly put X Factor winner, Leona Lewis top of his list of stars to appear on his comeback tour this June.

The infamous singer, who will begin his 50 date residency at the 02 Arena this summer, has apparently picked songstress Leona Lewis as his number one choice to replace the role of Janet Jackson, when he performs their hit single Scream on stage.

"She's massive all around the world and he feels this duet would give both their careers an even bigger boost", a source told The Sun.

Earlier this week it was alleged that Jackson was hoping to book Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Timbaland as guests, to keep the show "fresh."

NEW: Ciara releases new video featuring Justin Timberlake

After her last collaboration with Enrique Iglesias, R'n'B singer, Ciara, is back with her new single, Love Sex Magic. The star has teamed up with Justin Timberlake this time round.

The Saturdays "desperate" to work with Pharrell

The Saturdays have told the Daily Star that they "desperately want to work with" legend producer, Pharrell Williams.

Band member, Vanessa White, told the newspaper, that the group, whose fifth single is out in June, have said that the only artist they really want to collaborate when they head to the states later this year to complete work on their second album, was N.E.R.D star Pharrell.

Fellow band member, Rochelle Williams, added, "America is somewhere we’re definitely aiming at." She also noted that celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, was a big fan of the group and "is constantly bigging [them] up". Their songs have been featured on such American shows as Ugly Betty.

The group begin their first headlining tour this summer in Oxford. Previously, they have supported Girls Aloud and the Jonas Brothers.

Green Day confirm "American Idiot" musical

Grammy nominated rock band Green Day have confirmed that they're 2004 LP, American Idiot is to be made into a musical.

The project is to be directed by Micahel Mayer, director of infamous musical, Spring Awakening. Myers has said that he had a musical s, adaption of the record in mind all the while directing Spring Awakening

Mayer said of his thoughts:"It was very much in my head all that time (during Spring Awakening). Sometimes I really would say things like, "Why can’t this have a groove like Boulevard Of Broken Dreams".

Billy Joe Armstrong, frontman of the group - whose new album is out later this year - described the project as, "[his] wildest dream" and continued, "It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but that’s what I love about it".

The musical is set to debut in September of this year and will run on into mid-October.

REVIEW:La Roux - In For The Kill




She is, along with Little Boots and Frankmusik, one of the most highly anticipated new artists of 2009 and has appeared on countless "Big This Year" lists. Her "buzz single", In For The Kill recently climbed up to No.11 and she is currently supporting Lily Allen on tour.

It takes a few listens to truly understand what all the fuss is about. On a first listen it appears void of any real melody and Elly's high-pitched voice can seem screechy. However after awhile, you can't help but be sucked into their hypnotic, futuristic beats and what were once annoying screams are now soft, serenading wails.

Utterly electro, she has managed to bring classic 80's dance pop and make appear original and futuristic. Jackson's voice is one of very few that never fails to send chills down your spine every time you hear. A taste of what is to come.

STAR RATING: 4 out of 5

Lionel Richie wants to collaborate with Duffy

Soul legend, Lionel Richie has claimed that he would love to work with BRIT winner Duffy.

The R'n'B singer, who releases his new album earlier this year, has claimed that he would love to collaborate with such artists as The Ting Tings, Duffy and Coldplay after seeing them all perform at this year's BRIT Awards.

Speaking of Duffy, who bagged three awards at this year's ceremony, "I love Duffy, whom I’ve just discovered – does she write her own stuff? If she does we’re on fire because she’s great."

He also claimed the reason he loved British music is because our artists are so diverse and don't get stuck in a "rut". The singer, who has sold over 100 million records, recently collaborated with Akon and NeYo, on his new album, Just Go

He also expressed interest in working with Irish rock band U2.

March 29, 2009

Lady GaGa makes it 2 weeks at No.1

Lady GaGa has managed to keep the top spot for a second week with her second single from her debut album, The Fame.

The singer managed to fight off competition from The Noisettes, the Pussycat Dolls and Flo Rida. Earlier this week, it was a race to the finsih for The Noisettes and GaGa, with only a few hundred copies separating them.

Just missing out of the Top 10 was La Roux, with they're electro sizzler, In For The Kill, while Lily Allen's latest single, Not Fair, debuts at No.16 on the chart.

Full round up of this weeks chart:

1.Poker Face - Lady GaGa
2.Don't Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go) - The Noisettes
3.Right Round - Flo Rida ft. Kesha
4.Halo - Beyoncé
5.Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny - Pussycat Dolls and AR Rahman
6.Love Story - Taylor Swift
7.Dead And Gone - T.I ft. Justin Timberlake
8.Beautiful - Akon ft. Colby O'Donis, Kardinall Offishall
9.Shake It - Metro Station
10.My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson

NEW: Take That reveal new video

Amidst the rumors of a reunion with Robbie and climbing a mountain, the Take That boys have still managed to shoot a new video for their latest single, The Garden. Unfortunately, the boys don't plan to release it over here, just in central Europe. But we can feast our eyes on the video:

REVIEW:Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero




In 2006, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs second album, Show Your Bones, was named the second best album of the year by NME. Three years later they return with Zero, the lead single off brand new album, It's Blitz.

It's thoroughly enjoyable, poppy track, that could easily fit into a Ladyhawke album. However one thing that's worth noting is the Yeahs appear to have some trouble finding a genre to fit them. Zero seems to lean on the dance side of dance/punk but yet on the indie side of indie/pop.

Never the less, it's a contagious track, with a catchy hook and a decent beat. Successful comeback have been built on less. If nothing else, this song excites for what is to come.

STAR RATING: 3 OUT OF 5

Pussycat Dolls release mini collection

R'n'B super group the Pussycat Dolls have revealed that they will release a compilation of tracks from their second studio album, Doll Domination, as well as previously unreleased tracks on a special edition disc, Doll Domination - The Mini Collection.

The collection will also include current Top 10 hit, Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny), a rerecorded version of the song used on the soundtrack to box office smash hit, Slumdog Millionaire. Along with that, it has all three singles from the album so far, When I Grow Up, I Hate This Part and Whatcha Think About That - the Dolls latest single, featuring Missy Elliot - a remix of album track, Hush Hush and one brand new track, Painted Windows.

In the US, the album was instead, re-released as Doll Domination 2.0 and included all of the original track listing plus the new tracks mentioned above.

Doll Domination - The Mini Collection, is out April 27.

Rapper T.I sentenced to one year in prison

Rapper and actor, Clifford Harris, better known as T.I; has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison, having pleaded guilty on three charges of possessing illegal weapons.

The rapper was originally arrested in 2007 after being caught trying to purchase unregistered machine guns. The arrest took place near by where he was soon to headline at the BET Hip Hop Awards, in Atlanta.

He recently completed 1,000 hours of community service which included speaking to adolescents about the dangers involved with drug and gun possession.

In a hearing in Los Angles, in March 2008, he originally pleaded "not guilty" - which would have seen him face 10 years behind bars - however, he then changed his plea to "guilty".

The star has up to 60 days to report to jail.

NEW: Latest Girls Aloud video

Girls Aloud released the video for the third single from their sixth album, earlier this week. Here's Untouchable:

REVIEW:Lily Allen - Not Fair



Fitting well into the explosion of electro pop was a little track, called The Fear. The great return of Lily Allen and a great return it was, landing the singer her first ever No.1 single. And now she is back with the second single from her album, It's Not Me, It's You.

Not Fair is a country inspired, pop romp with all the makings of another Top 10 hit for the outspoken star. In the song, Lily speaks of a partner who is perfect in every way, but is slightly, um, lacking in the bedroom. "Oh I lie here in the wet patch, in the middle of the bed, feeling pretty damn hard done by, I spent ages giving head", she complains.

Overall, though perhaps not as catchy or exciting as The Fear, Not Fair is still yet another reminder, that whatever else she may be, Lily is one dman great pop star.

The stars lash out at GaGa

Just Jack is the latest star to publicly criticise Lady GaGa. Earlier this week he told Digital Spy that he thought the singer was a "rip off" and claimed she and fellow popstars, Rihanna and Katy Perry, sounded like "a weird singing robot".

Jack, joins an ever growing list of stars that have slated the singer in the press. Recently, The Rakes frontman, Alex Donohoe, labelled her "trash and continued to say she "dressed like a prostitute". He also said, speaking to Daily Star, "I can't stand [her]. She is basically selling crap to kids. I think she's terrible and really ugly. I hate her."

Last month, Oasis star Noel Gallagher said in his blog, "Ouch! [GaGa] makes my teeth hurt!", whilst up and coming London based singer The cocknbullkid told DS that although she thought the singer looks nice, she saw her as a "figurehead of this really bland American pop music".

In February, Australian singer, Gabriella Cilmi said that she thought that Lady GaGa "should put some clothes on" and predicted that she would "catch something" if she didn't cover up.

So who will be the next star to publicly bash GaGa. Do you agree with what the stars are saying? Do you think that they should lighten up a little? Please feel free to share you thoughts on the matter.

NEW:'If U Seek Amy' video has arrived

Britney Spears' latest offering has come in the form of third single, If U Seek Amy. The video for the naughty track was released last week:

March 28, 2009

Courtney Love sued by fashion designer

Former Hole singer Courtney Love is currently being sued by fashion designer, Dawn Simorangkir.

Simorangkir accused the singer of attempting "terrorise and destroy" her, at the Los Angles Superior Court yesterday. She also claimed Courtney had branded her a "horrible lying bitch" and "an asswipe, lying hoebag, theif".

Love, who has been in and out of rehab for drug and alcohol abuse for years, first met Dawn when she contacted her to buy some of her designs. Courtney - who is the widow to former Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain - then because smitten with the designer. Dawn claims that the singer refused to be for $4,000 worth of clothing.

She also alleged that Love accused her of being a drug addict and a prostitute. She is suing Love for libel, breach of contract, invasion of privacy and emotional distress.

REVIEW:Alex Roots - Fake



Amongst the, what seems like, never ending list of new electro artists to hit the scene this year, there is one girl that seems to have managed to break away from the synthesiser. Alex Roots, left school at 15 to pursue a music career and is now here, one year later with her debut single Fake.

And it's awful. The punk, Queen inspired track falls flat on it's face and comes across more Amy Studt than Freddy Mercury. The lyrics are childish and amateur sounding. "Why can't you be that nasty girl is front of me instead of your little act!" she chants to the guitar rift.

For what is supposed to be her breakthrough single, the song does little to show off her vocals, which I assume must be something special because she clearly hasn't been signed for her amazing song writing ability.

To be fair to this girl, she is only 16 and is doing her best to stick to her guns amid the sea of electopop. Perhaps given time she could mature into something special. But at the moment, she has a lot of work to do.

STAR RATING: 1 out of 5

Jackson to use Spears to keep show fresh

Michael Jackson has reportedly made plans to have Britney Spears as a special guest for five dates during his 50 date residency at the 02 Arena.

It has been alleged that Jackson feared that due to the tour being so long, it would be hard to keep it exciting and fresh. So in order to draw the crowds in he is think about asking Britney do perform as a special guest for 5 dates during his stay.

He has also reportedly considered asking Spears' ex boyfriend Justin Timberlake and hip hop producer Timbaland to perform at 5 separate date each.

Spears, who performed a version of Michael's 1987 hit The Way You Make Me Feel in 2001 to celebrate 30 years in the business for Jackson, with him, will begin her 8 date residency in the 02 in June as part of her world tour, The Circus Starring: Britney Spears.

Jackson has also been asked by controversial animal right charity PETA, to reconsider his plans to use an elephant as part of the show.

NEW:Lily Allen releases 'Not Fair' video

Lily Allen released the video for the second official single off her sophmore album, It's Not Me, It's You. Here is Not Fair:

REVIEW:P!nk - Funhouse



I bought P!nk's fifth studio album, Funhouse on speck on day, whilst browsing in Zavvi. I have always been a huge fan on hers, ever since her Missundazstud days. Why, you may ask, did I not rush out to by her latest offering, I will explain later.

The album commences with lead single So What. The angsty, angry track gave the singer her first ever No.1 and had the entire nation humming the "Na nana nana na . . ." hook to themselves for weeks on end. However, I found it was, at best, a little above average. It was typical P!nk. Angry verses, a catchy chorus, verging on rock, a everything a classic P!nk track was made up of. But yet, at the same time, lacking. Lacking what, I did not yet know, but there was noticeably something missing.

The album moves on to the second single, Sober, another bitter track that talks of how she doesn't want to fit the cliche the girl whose had one drink too many at a party. It's edgy, original but yet somehow, bores me to tears. Unsurprisingly, the single made little impact anywhere. We then trawl through a series of clingy, samey mid tempo ballads about losing love. Then we get to third single, Please Don't Leave Me. It's a chirpy little tune that sees the singer begging her partner not to walk away and how she can change. It stenches of a certain emptiness, that I will soon learn is a recurring theme through out the record. An awful choice for third single in my opinion, particularly after the failure of Sober.

Finally, we get to the first stand out track of the album. It's fun, sing-a-long, naughty little ditty, aptly entitled, Bad Influence. The lyrics are fun and edgy, the beat is contagious and like all great P!nk tracks, it has a killer chorus. It is then preceded by an equally as memerbale, if a little similar up tempo song, the titled track, Funhouse. It fits well into the Circus-esque theme of the album and a much better choice for third single, I think most fans would agree. ". . . 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...FUN!" she chants to the electro beat.

However the album then falls back into uninteresting, unoriginal string of ballads. First Crystal Ball, an acoustic number that isn't half bad, but suffers due to it's surroundings. Then, Mean, a country/rock track about... wait for it - the end of a relationship. The preceding track follows the same route. Then we get treated to the next mildly interesting song, Ave Mary A. A personal favourite of mine and one of the few tracks worth a second listen. Then another boring slow tempo song, ballad followed by another mid-tempo, party track. Nothing new here.

The album ends on an incredible low. Why Did I Ever Like You, reminds me of something like Avril Lavigne on acid. The chorus is uninviting, the lyrics leave a lot to be desired, overall just all we've seen before.

This album is a rarity for P!nk. There are actually less decent tracks on here than there are awful. Which leads me to the conclusion that P!nk is a shadow of the artist she used to be. That, however is not all necessarily her fault. Perhaps we have just gotten bored of her. Maybe she has been ripped off one too many times, that the thought of an angry, energetic cussing at the world no longer excites us. Perhaps. But she is certainly partly to blame here. For one, the material here surprisingly un-varied. There seem to only be two stories being told here; "Lets get drown our sorrows and get thrashed" or "I'm sorry I'm a bitch, please stay with me". Neither are particularly appealing.

To conclude, P!nk appears to have become a parody of herself. People no longer think, here's a new, exciting, bubbly, interesting song from P!nk, instead they think, here is yet another angsty, repetitive track from the cliche that is P!nk.

STAR RATING:2 out of 5.

Well Hello There . . .

Welcome to City of Music.

Here is where you can find the latest music related news as well as all the hot gossip on the biggest and the best musicians around, reviews of all the latest albums and singles and general music chat.

For the first few weeks, I will also be catching up on some news as wellas bringing you all the latest, so forgive me if I appear a little behind.

I hope you enjoy the site and benfit form it in any way you can.

Love&&Lust,
Garyy. x