31 August 2008

Dancing to the End of Summer & An Indie Band Worth Noting

Chart Update
The Script move a position closer towards the top of the singles chart to number 2 but Katy Perry is still going strong, whilst Biffy Clyro are the only new entry to the top 10 with 'Mountains'. J. Magik & Wickaman's single 'Crazy World' (NMU 30/7/08) goes into the chart at number 37 on their first week of downloads. Meanwhile in the album chart, The Script clock up a second week at number 1. Damon Albarn and Liam Howlett's theatrical project, Monkey- 'Journey To The West' enters the chart at an impressive number 5.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week
:
Axwell & Bob Sinclair feat. Ron Carroll- What A Wonderful World
www.myspace.com/axwell
Dance/House

The 'tink tink' of wood blocks and a progressive synth melody opens the song to get your body moving, leading to the anticipation of the song's climax. As Carroll's vocals kick in the song has truely begun as he sings 'What a wonderful, wonderful' with the climax hit when the first verse is belted out. Followed shortly by more big beats to get a busy dancefloor going. There has been a lack of songs with a positive message in recent time, but 'What A Wonderful World' is here to turn that around. Granted the lyrics are a little cheesy, but you can't deny these top DJ's are at the top of their game. The message brings to light the power a love of music has in bringing people together. Axwell and Sinclair have already generated a healthy fan following on their own accord from great previous singles. Now joining together to form a super DJ collaboration, they have created a club stomper. This is guarenteed to be a summer hit played at party's all over the world.



New Artist:
Friendly Fires
www.myspace.com/friendlyfires
Indie/Pop/Disco House

Currently on the 1- Upfront List of Radio1 with their debut single 'Jump In The Pool' (see below). The sound of a carnival can be heard from the pulsating drums and crowd whisltes in this uptempo track. Friendly Fires seem to fill the indie/dance space in music that The Klaxons had left when they went away from the scene. Fans of Hot Chip and Calvin Harris will also find this St. Albans 3-piece pleasing to the ears. An influence of 90's dance can be heard in the synth noises they use, particularly in 'On Board' that has a synth sequence in it not too dissimilar from The Source feat. Candi Station- 'You've Got The Love'. Soon it will feel wrong to disregard a song of this band from a indie rave playlist. Friendly Fires release both their debut single 'Jump In The Pool' and self titled debut album on 1st September 2008.


Recent uploads to my iTunes:
U2- Elevation (Tomb Raider mix)
Last Night On Earth [Live]
Don't Take Your Guns To Town [Live]
The Cool Kids- What Up Man (iTunes single of the week)

19 August 2008

Possible Best Song of 2008? & A Smooth R&B Soloist

V Festival Roundup
The 2008 V Festival on 16th and 17th August yet again failed to dissapoint with an amazing lineup. The Prodigy got the whole crowd jumping insanely to a loud Saturday headline set that included hits 'Firestarter', 'Poison' and 'Voodoo People'. Lostprophets created an exhilerating moshpit to final two songs 'Last Train Home' and 'Burn Burn'. Sunday headliners Chemical Brothers formed a sea of trance madness as fans went wild to their booming beats and amazing light show. Other highlights included an energetic Robyn, a crowd pleasing Kings Of Leon, and fresh new band Noah And The Whale making Summer happiness in the Virgin Union Tent.

Chart Update
Katy Perry makes her 2nd week at number one on the singles chart with controversial sexuality referencing 'I Kissed A Girl'. She continues with the great success she has already had in America with her debut. Only seven new entries on the singles chart this week with hip-hop rappers Madcon- 'Beggin'' being the highest new entry at number 7. The Script, who have been described as a cross between U2 and Timbaland, move into the number one spot of the album chart from first week sales.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week:
Kings Of Leon- Sex On Fire
www.myspace.com/kingsofleon
Rock

The popularity of this first single taken from their forthcoming fourth album, has lead to both Vernon Kay and Nihal on Radio1 making it their Record Of The Week. A steady guitar riff is followed by a chanting chorus, along with striking guitar notes as drums thump and smash. One thing's for sure is that this is another single made for live audiences to sing along to, proven by their V Festival performance (below). Kings Of Leon are known for always making brilliant albums and the next is more than likely to follow suit. The fourth album 'Only By The Night' is released 22nd September, whilst single 'Sex On Fire' is already out to buy and download.




New Artist:

Jazmine Sullivan
www.myspace.com/jazminesullivan
R&B/Soul

Fans are quick to compare the rolling soulful sound of Jazmine's voice to that of Lauryn Hill, which can be seen on several of her myspace comments. This 21 year old Philadelphian of USA is the hottest new singer to the R&B/Soul genre and is nothing short of famous backing. 'Need U Bad' is Jazmine's debut single released on J Records featuring Missy Elliot and Lamb on producing duties. Pepa from Salt-N-Pepa gives a raggae chant at the beginning, leading to Jazmine pouring her heart out on to the song about a love interest she can't live without. The beginning of the Jazmine Sullivan story was finding her voice through the children's choir at church, leading on to several other events including a performance with Stevie Wonder. She describes her outlook on music as "confident, fearless of being honest in songwriting and musically not afraid to try different things." 'Need U Bad' was released in America way back on 20th May, whilst her debut album 'Fearless' is released later this year.



Recent uploads to my iTunes:
Robyn- Cobrastyle
Little Jackie - LOL (iTunes single of the week)
Santogold- Santogold
Pendulum- In Silico

6 August 2008

Pop Girl Band & A Young Acoustic Crooner

Chart Update
In both the Singles and Album charts this week the number 2 position has knocked off the previous owner of the number 1 spot. Kid Rock with 'All Summer Long' has moved up to the top of the Singles Chart to prevent a 5 week Dizzee Rascal reign and Coldplay move back comfortably to number 1 on the album chart. Passing my music radar and entering the singles chart this week is Honey Ryder- Numb, which has made it into the chart at Number 32!

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week:

The Saturdays- If This Is Love
www.myspace.com/thesaturdays
Pop

A new wave of pop bands is arriving on the scene. Aiming to be at the front of this scene are new stylish and sexy girl group The Saturdays. Consisting of two girls from former Sclub Juniors (Frankie and Rochelle), along with Mollie, Una and Vanessa they bring 80's pop song 'If This Is Love' as their debut single. The song which hit number 7 in the singles chart this week, cleverly showcases each of the girls' singing talents in the verses, along with a much needed catchy chorus. Young teenagers will particularly be looking to hook onto their music first. As their popularity grows, this song could have a chance at moving a couple more places up the chart.
Out to download and buy NOW.




New Artist:
Sam Beeton
www.myspace.com/sambeeton
Pop/Indie

Samuel J. Beeton is a singer/songwriter with a distinctive voice that suggests someone older and further Western than this 19 year old from Nottingham. In his happy-go-lucky tunes an influence of Bob Dylan can be heard from his country-rock vocals and jangling acoustic approach. Easy on the ears and proving to be radio friendly, Jo Whiley on Radio 1 has chosen 'What You Look For' by Sam as her Pet Sound for this week. Fans of Paolo Nutini and James Morrison will be pleased with what Sam has to bring to the music scene, with a debut album due for release on 8th September through RCA records. Sam Beeton can soon be seen playing live at the V Festival on 16th and 17th August.
Here is a live acoustic performance of Sam performing 'Trouble And Strife' earlier this year:



Recent uploads to my iTunes include:
The Black Ghosts- Something New
Santogold- LES Artistes (xxx remix)
EXCLUSIVE! Keane- Spiralling
(limited download
availability from www.keanemusic.com until 11/8/08)