23 December 2008

UK Rap/Dance & Big Star Collaborators

EXCLUSIVE
U2 are returning in March 09, it's official. The world conquering Irish four-piece will return 2nd March with their 12th studio album 'No Line On The Horizon'. Five long years will have passed since the band's last new material, the 9 million selling How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb from 2004. Go to www.u2.com to stay updated with all the regular news of upcoming U2 releases.

Chart Update
It comes without a surprise that X Factor winner Alexandra Burke's 'Hallelujah' is this years Christmas number 1. Internet download campaign attemps to get Jeff Buckley's version the title and stop the yearly X Factor guarentee failed to beat the pop hungry masses. Buckley moves to number 2, whilst the original by bankrupt Leonard Cohen raches 36. Peter Kay's mickey take female persona Geraldine is the second highest new entry at number 5 with Gary Barlow penned track 'Once Upon A Chrsitmas Song'. Beyoncé gains a second song in the top 10 after an amazing joint X Factor performance with Alexandra Burke, as 'Listen' goes in at number 8 meeting 'If I Were A Boy' at number 4.
Take That's 'The Circus' and Leona Lewis' 'Spirit' stays at number 1 and 2 respectively in the album chart, being two of the biggest sellers of the year. Gaining fifteen places at number 9 with 'I Am Sasha Fierce' is Beyoncé, whilst Fall Out Boy's new album 'Folie A Deux' makes a dissapointing entry at number 39.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week

Tinchy Stryder ft. Taio Cruz- Take Me Back
www.myspace.com/tinchystryder
Hip Hop/Dance/Garage

UK rap has wilted somewhat this year, but to prove a different case for the next is Tinchy Stryder. Coming straight out of London with a vengance, the Universal Records rapper is here to make name for himself as the 'Star In The Hood' (title of his 2007 album). 'Take Me Back' is arguably Tinchy's most commercial friendly single to date, and gaining a place on the Radio1 B-List could also mean it'll be his most successful. In this song about needing his ex girlfriend back in a relationship that went wrong he takes hold of rapping the verses. Tai Cruz on the otherhand, sings the repetitive chorus not dissimilar from his own single 'Come On Girl' in a robotic voice. Rhythmic synths catch the listener along with a melody demanding dancing at high volume. The electronics feature highly in his music while he ventures into garage, grime and bassline territory in his other songs. Tinchy Stryder can be seen supporting N-Dubz end of March and throughout April on their UK tour, whilst 'Take Me Back' is out from 19th January 2009.



New Artist
N.A.S.A.
www.myspace.com/nasa
Hip Hop/Dance/Experimental

It is without a doubt that N.A.S.A. (North America/South America) has to be one of the front runners for 2009's hotly tipped. A mighty duo of Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon will blast 'Bazilian Funk' onto the music scene next year, boasting a bigger collaboration lineup than Mark Ronson and Timbaland of 07. Take first UK single 'Gifted' for example, not only does it feature Mr 'post-modern' Kanye West but also the indie likes of Santagold and Lykke Li. Both who made a fiery attempt to inject originality into the charts this year. If the mighty hook of the verses in this song don't capture you simply from the star studded features, the space age interludes certainly will. These fella's are not afraid to let loose of their experimental creativity, and have managed to concuct a genre hopping plathora of seventeen ear-grabbing tracks for the album. Talking about not holding back, it appears they embrace strong political views with images of George Bush and Saddam Hussain amongst other controversial characters, appearing in the video for 'Money'. Demonstrating the need for music with meaning, they highlight the world's greed and selfishness in our global society. N.A.S.A. is sure to be heard tearing up the clubs in the new year. The debut album 'The Spirit of Apollo' will be released on 17th February 2009.



Recent uploads to my iTunes:
The Prodigy- Invaders Must Die
The Ting Tings (BBC Radio 1)- Shutup And Let It Snow
Vampire Weekend (BBC Radio 1)- A Punk (Live from Maida Vale)