Most Downloaded Songs of 2009

2009 is going to go down in history as the year most known for when the song became more popular then he album. One major example is Flo’Rida his songs “Right Round”, and “Sugar” has sold well ove 1 million downloads each his album “R.O.O.T.S.” has yet to do so. So here’s a run down of the 10 most downloaded songs of 2009 accoridng to itunes

1. Boom Boom Pow – black eye peas
2. Right Round – Flo’rida
3 . Poker Face – Lady Gaga
4. I Gotta feeling – black eye peas
5. Give You Hell – all american rejects
6. Just Dance – lady Gaga
7. party in the u.s.a. – miley cyrus
8. The climb – miley cyrus
9. Dead and gone – TI ft. justin timberlake
10. Use Somebody – Kings of leon

[Via http://venus1173.wordpress.com]

Tuned-On! Best of 2009, Part 1 (50-26)

To me, 2009 was the year that pop music exploded online.  Sure music has been available for many years online, and iTunes legitimized online sale of music downloads near the beginning of the decade.  But never in all these years has music been so close to listeners that they can practically taste it (and maybe that’s next!).

It has recently become a reasonable business strategy to make music available for free as a promotional tool, to attract listeners and fans to various websites and of course to iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, or their local music store to download or buy CD’s.  And is it just me, or is the world even that much closer now?  Never have I been in contact with more people around the world than just through this 40 year old hobby of mine, which I transformed from website and message board to a blog this past Fall.  I’m absolutely loving it.

Music for me in 2009 stayed on the pop-rock-dance tip, with only a handful of modern-alt.rock tunes sustaining my interest.  Literally fantastic singers are now everywhere, waiting to be heard, and I’m so glad I found some of them.  For every enjoyable favourite who returned with new music, such as Chris Isaak, Duncan Sheik, or Pet Shop Boys, there were new stars glimmering like the UK’s LaRoux, Sam Taylor, Florence & The Machine, Gary Go, and Dan Black; Ireland’s The Script; Australia’s Presets and Nelson Clemente; Sweden’s Darin, Mans Zelmerlow, and Agnes Carlsson; Canada’s Colin Munroe and Noah; and the USA’s Evan Taubenfeld, Val Emmich, Matt & Kim, and Keri Hilson.  Dig deep enough online and you’ll find free downloads for Dan Black’s “Symphonies”, Matt & Kim’s “Daylight”, Munroe’s “Will I Stay”, Clemente’s “You Want Me Don’t You (Spekr Freks mix)”, 100 Akres & Roz Bell’s “Pink Cadillac”, and Newton White’s “Breathless” that are all artist-approved.  And online remixes even made it to national radio, witness the frenetic redux of The Fray’s “You Found Me” by Lenny B – a song I didn’t like in its original version instantly became one of my favourites of the year!!

So in this blog filled with lists I will add another list of favourites that will hopefully stand the test of time in some ways.  I’ll start with the first half, from 50-26, the rest will appear tomorrow with additional thoughts about some of the songs.

You can view the full list right here.

[Via http://billcsistunedon.wordpress.com]

Abe Lincoln Jr. and Willow Posters are now available!

We have released two new prints – the “Five Print Set” (above) by Abe Lincoln Jr. (ed. of 10 sets,11” x 17”, $100) and Pop! by Italian artist Willow (ed. of 25, 11”x17” $25). As with all Poster Cause releases, certain percentages of the poster sales will be donated to a charity chosen by the artist.

[Via http://postercauseproject.wordpress.com]

Welcome!

Hello everyone and welcome to my very first blog!! I can’t believe that 2009 is almost over and 2010 is just around the corner!!  During the first months of the 2010s is that I will be studying abroad in London.

This is an exciting time for me and I look forward to sharing every step of the way with all of you!!

In addition to my study abroad adventures, I will have comments and reviews on important issues in pop culture which could range from Morgan Freeman’s astonishing performance in “Invictus” to the latest issue of “Amazing Spider-Man” or Timbaland’s new album.

You can also follow me on Twitter.   In closing, thank you for joining me on this adventure and may you have a successful 2010.

[Via http://jselyachar61.wordpress.com]

Passion Pit - The Reeling

Passion Pit have kind of exploded this year. This isn’t one of their better known tracks, but it’s a cracker nonetheless. And the clip is absolutely brilliant. It was posted on Vimeo’s favourite 25 clips of 2009, as voted by the video sharing site’s staff. (There are several other amazing clips there to check out, FYI.)

Anyway, enjoy the clip. If you’re in Sydney, you can see Passion Pit live at The Metro Theatre, which I reckon will be an absolute riot.

more about “Passion Pit – The Reeling on Vimeo“, posted with vodpod

[Via http://foraggio.wordpress.com]

The 3rd Annual HIP Best Albums of the Year List

Wow…has it really been 3 years? Where’d all the time go?

Well…each year, this post has gotten less and less ambitious, but even with my blog being dead for a few months, I can’t resist doing this.

So here it is. The top 16 albums of 2009, along with single download links and links to where you can buy each record.

One thing that I’m adding this year is the “specialty” selections: Best Remix, Best Mash-Up, Best Sample, Best E.P., and Best Collaboration.

This should be an exciting one!

15. Regina Spektor – Far

Track 2 – “Eet”

14. God Help the Girl (Self-Titled)

Track 8 – “Musicians, Please Take Heed”

13. DDL Roundhouse – Connect

Track 10 – “Reach You”

12. Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon (link is for a deluxe 2-disc DVD edition that is cheaper than the regular album!)

Track 3 – “Simple As…”

11. Imogen Heap – Ellipse

Track 1 – “First Train Home”

10. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Track 1 – “Lisztomania”

9. Mos Def – The Ecstatic

Track 5 – “Priority”

8. Chiddy Bang – The Swelly Express (free release, download link on their myspace)

Track 18 – “All Things Go (ft. Sufjan Stevens)”

7. The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love

Track 17 – “The Hazards of Love 4″

6. La Roux (Self-Titled)

Track 10 – “Reflections Are Protection”

5. Wale – Attention Deficit

Track 3 – “Mirrors (ft. Bun B)

4. Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown

Track 10 – “Last of the American Girls”

3. The Antlers – Hospice

Track 5 – “Bear”

2. Quiet Company – Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon

Track 9 – “Golden (Like the State)”

1. Mutemath – Armistice

Track 4 – “Spotlight”

_______

Specialty Winners

Best Remix

La Roux – “I’m Not Your Toy (data remix)

Wale – “Chillin’ (ft. Lady Gaga) [Top Billin' UK remix]

Best Mash-Up

The Hood Internet – “Save Me Concubine” (Ghostface Killah vs. Beirut)

LBCK – “Rockets at Night” (Cicada vs. Just a Band vs. Kid Cudi)

Best Sampling

Chiddy Bang – “Never” (samples “The Perfect Nanny” from Mary Poppins)

Best EP/Non-LP Release

MAE – (m)orning ep
Track 6 – “A Melody, The Memory”

Best Collaboration

David Guetta/Kid Cudi – “Memories”

_________

Past Best Albums Countdowns:

HIP’s Best Albums of 2008
HIP’s Best Albums of 2007

[Via http://hoppingintopuddles.wordpress.com]

THAO WITH THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN

THAO WITH THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN
KNOW BETTER, LEARN FASTER
KILL ROCK STARS

Her debut gave Kill Rocks Stars their highest selling record of 2008, so Thao Nguyen can be forgiven for returning to the template of bright, breezy folk-rock that catapulted into the indie big-time. Sufjan Stevens producer Martine fills out the infectiously sprightly ditties, loaded with heartsick laments to an expired relationship. Granted her lyrical content contains many wry, resentful anecdotes about those painful last days of love, but musically the persistent peppiness can be cloying. It’s when she drops the act and lets her chin drop, on the likes on the title track, that some much needed context is provided, making her stoic optimism elsewhere on the album all the more poignant. Andrew Bird is on hand with an elegiac violin to prop her up again, and frequently the results are quietly moving.

7/10

DOWNLOAD: ‘KNOW BETTER, LEARN FASTER’, ‘BODY’, ‘BUT WHAT OF STRANGERS’
FOR FANS OF: AIMEE MAN, FEIST, NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL

[Via http://johncalvert.wordpress.com]

V.A. - Strummerville Winter Sessions 2009

01 – Ginga – Fashion
02 – The Riff Raff – Changes Everything
03 – Nimmo & The Gauntletts – Star Crossed
04 – Panama Kings – Mobilise The Kids
05 – Internet Forever – Pages Of Books
06 – Skylarkers – Crumble Town
07 – Smokey Angle Shades – Comedienne
08 – The Musical Differences – Rocking The Subway
09 – My Second Head – Born Bad Too
10 – Thomas J Speight – This House
11 – Beans On Toast – Christmas At Tescos

Download Here!! // Bajar de Acá!!

22nd Dec: In memory and honour of Joe Strummer we’re delighted to release our Winter Sessions album today on his anniversary. All tracks are available for free download. This is a compilation album of recordings by bands who performed at the Strummerville Yard in the rain under the stars. visit strummerville.com

[Via http://elclubdelosmagios.wordpress.com]

Old School

Last night I debated on packing for an upcoming trip or vegging out for a little while. The vegging won. It just so happened that there was no good college basketball on last night so I got stuck watching some show call The Sing-off. I would have turned the channel but Boyz II Men was on.

That’s right I’m a fan. When cable finally came to my small hometown in NH, MTV was huge and Boyz II Men dominated the airwaves. Look if you wanted any chance with the ladies you were a fan. It was a prerequisite to have one of their tapes in the car.

What blew me away by their performance was what it had, that a lot of current artists lack…Talent. These guys can sing and entertain. When they stopped signing and turned the mics towards the crowd, every person in the place belted out the lyrics as stylishly as they could. Almost like it was an honor to be allowed to sing along.

Following their performance I figured it couldn’t get better so I flipped around, but came back just in time to catch Bobby McFerrin. You want to talk about talent? Again he held the audience in the palm of his hand as he slapped it against his chest. I didn’t know where he was taking me, but I was eager to follow.

No Boyz II Men and Bobby McFerrin might not be for you. Yesterday I would not have said they were for me either. So what changed? Will I go out and buy their music…no. But I would see them in concert in a heartbeat. Here is hoping that might happen someday, even better if it is at Meadowbrook.

[Via http://mrmeadowbrook.wordpress.com]

Canción de la semana: La Hoguera

Saludos a todos los que visitan mi blog tan carnavalesco y folklorico. Hoy les quiero dejar una canción de España que gusta bastante unos dicen que es de “Arma Blanca” y otros dicen que es de “Cloaka Company” bah. Lo interesante es que esta gente odia el pop tanto como yo. Si, mientras crecía me di cuenta que la música POP (short for popular) me la mondaba y que el hecho de que le gustara a todo el mundo no tenia que significar que a mi me tenia que gustar también. Por eso mi repudio a Amos Morales y todas la emisoras Top 40. En futuros posts les diré que tanto odio al pop pero creo que esta canción les dará una idea.

[Via http://holocaustocanibal.wordpress.com]

Facebook Campaign Denies X-Factor Winner Xmas No.1

 

The annual Xmas No.1 in the UK has been a sought-after merit, and even something you can bet on. My earlier comment about Joe Mcelderry predicted that his debut single “The Climb” was bound to top the chart in its first week. Little did I know that a Facebook campaign to prevent the X-Factor winner had succeeded?

American rap metal band Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name” is the official Christmas Number 1 of 2009. Read it again. A track that was issued as the lead single from Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled debut album in 1992 has effectively fended Joe Mcelderry from the top spot. The song’s lyrics cover un-justice and encourages revolution against corruption in society. Not, exactly what X-Factor winners sing about.

Rage Against the Machine sold 500,000 downloads, which is approximately 50,000 more than Joe Mcelderry’s ballad.

[Via http://welchemusic.wordpress.com]

service not included (right kids?)

this was going to be a rant about the service industry in the uk, well just england actually, sparked by my experience this morning taking my car in to have it’s stereo fixed.  in all my dealings with main dealer car garages – it’s never been my own car, always fleet, company whatever so no choice – i’ve been amazed at just how bad they are.  surly, patronising, plain rude and sometimes outright liars.  the fact i know jack shit about cars doesnt help, so they can tell me anything but i know the prices they charge to provide such service and that really sticks in my craw.

that then got me thinking that service overall in england is pretty poor – thats probably why good experiences stand out so. can only think of a couple that consistently deliver off top of head – picollinos in manchester centre is great, swordfish records in birmingham, waitrose, the odd cab driver….

recent trips to barcelona, italy  and amsterdam showed how it should be done.  (generally) attentive, friendly, interested, accountable and professional service.  of course there were exceptions but it seems the service industry is respected more elsewhere; a recognised profession and so it’s employees take an amount of pride in looking after their customer.  don’t know what they’re paid compared to here but i very rarely resent leaving them a tip, even if it’s not required.  that may all be bollocks and i’m a sucker.

anyway the anger has subsided since this morning though so rant avoided, but it’s one of those conundrums that’s probably ingrained in the english psyche – you’re servile to me, therefore i’ll be an idiot to you and so you won’t bother with serving me professionally.  hm.

some tracks that helped dampen the (obv. terribly restrained and unvented) fury. (on the hire car stereo):

temper trap, sweet disposition (evil nine remix)

new young pony club, lost a girl (radio edit)

fenech-soler, lies (alex metric remx)

80kidz, go mynci

(and since you ask, no they couldn’t.  they need to order some parts so will ring me when they’re in)

((and the whole ratm thing on 5live this morning – brilliant and so quick to realise. “but they said they wouldn’t….”))

[Via http://shitboyfriend.wordpress.com]

that girl

Huge huge huge fan of her music.  Indie singer Lykke Li (I don’t even bother trying to pronounce it) is so on it.  The Swedish artist’s song Possibility is a favorite from the New Moon soundtrack.  Besides her own music, she also features in the Kleerup track below.  Enjoy.

Until We Bleed by Kleerup featuring Lykke Li

Also listen to

Little Bit by Lykke Li  

Little Bit makes me bounce uncontrollably, and Dance Dance Dance makes me want to tap tap tap my feet.

[Via http://purpleplaylist.wordpress.com]

Prince of Persia - The forgotten Sands

The Sands of Time is one of the greatest games of all time. Ubisoft is returning to that familiar universe with The Forgotten Sands, timed to release at about May 2010 movie. Level Design Director Michael McIntyre told something about the new Prince title. He told what to expect from the combat and if the Prince is getting any new powers.

The game takes place shortly after the Prince’s adventure in Azad from the original Sands of Time. He goes to visit his brother’s palace, only to find that it’s under a heavy attack from an invading army. The Prince’s brother is determined to do whatever it takes to protect his kingdom from destruction, no matter the cost. Throughout the course of his adventure, the Prince is going to learn of the great personal cost that comes with wielding great power.

Combat is one of the main focuses for the game. The engine being used, Anvil, is famous for allowing to display a ton of NPCs on the screen at the same time, and this is an advantage that has been made full use of in the huge scale battles against many enemies at once. You’ll also be seeing some boss encounters on the huge scale hinted at in our first trailer.

The Prince is going to acquire power over nature itself. McIntyre did not speak about anything else. Issues like if there would be a female counterpart in the game, if the Dark Prince would return, if the game was open-world or linear, if there is multiplayer, and if there will be a balance between combat, puzzles and acrobatics, and, of course, what a return to the Sands of Time Prince meant for the future of the POP series launched in 2008. Unfortunately, McIntyre wasn’t willing to answer these questions yet. That, in itself, should give fans something to talk about.

Sneak Peek :

POP The Forgotten Sands

[Via http://sumantechy.wordpress.com]

12 Inch Wonders Of The World/Various/Vol. 1-14 [Vol. 5]

Vol. 5:

Who Is It?/Bonus Mix [Mantronix]—-One of the premier Rap/Dance groups of the 80’s, Mantronix combined laid back vocals over old school hyper beats that defined the up and coming generation of Electro Artists…this is where it all started. The vocals are plain and understated, allowing the music to almost speak for itself. This is fantastic!

Who Is It?/Instrumental Remix [Mantronix]—-Even better than the original mix, this remix is all about the beats and the breaks. The electro feel of the song is incredible…the beats are hyper real …..this is good stuff!!

Feels Like I’m In Love [Kelly Marie]—-One of the best and most underrated post-disco songs of the early 80’s, this brought the dance floors in Gay clubs alive every time you heard the opening sequence of the song. the vocal is classic diva and the attitude reeks of new york nite life. Kelly Marie went no where, but she had her moment and it was delicious!!

Touched By The Hand Of God/Remix [New Order]—-Recorded as new song for the Substance compilation, this song did very well for the band. Featured as the B-side to the re-released remixes of Blue Monday, the song has all the classic elements the bands has become known for. From the opening strains of the synth line, to the quirky instrumental disco, the song has the bands signature all over it. once Sumner begins to sing you are already in love and the song gives that feeling back every single time you listen to it.

Touched By The Hand Of God/12″ Dub [New Order]—-With a much deeper and danceable bass line, this is a more convoluted version of the original but pleasant none the less…perhaps lasting a bit to long, the song displays some nice breaks and bumps perfecting for co mingling with the original. Nice remix job!!!

Blue Monday/1988 12″ Mix [New Order]—-Remixed and re-released to go along with the Substance compilation, this best-selling 12″ of all time looses none of the original fury and joy of the original. It is amazing to listen back to this classic dance single and think about the origins of the band and how they got here from there. None the less, the band has a knack for catchy bass lines, great breaks and unforgettable synth lines…this is a piece of history.

Blue Monday/Dub Remix [New Order]—-More or less, more of the same….really meant for club DJ’s seeking some alternative sounds to a song that has been played millions of times, this remix has some nice alternative speeds and sound effects that play nicely. A nice job, but a little mundane at times.

Together In Electric Dreams [Phillip Oakey And Giorgio Moroder]—-The Godfather of Disco teams with one of the founding fathers of Synth New Wave to create a song for a movie that no one ever saw. This single sold much better than the movies and later resulted in a full length release by the two. This is classic mid 80’s New Wave with a great dance twist. Phil delivers a vocal that is magical….it warms you like a cup of tea and the synth lines of Moroder produce an almost ecstatic feel in your soul. This is wonderful!!

Poison Arrow/Man Mix [ABC]—-Yet another Sheffield band that hit huge in the 80’s all over the globe, ABC were a suave bunch of gentleman that played great synth sounds layered with orchestration and cool laid back vocals delivered in a nice package called the music video. Although the string of hits continued until the late part of the decade, the band never received as much acclaim for anything else lie they did for this debut release.

Never Gonna Give You Up/New York 12″ Mix [Rick Astley]—-When this diminutive red head opened up his mouth to sing, the world stood still for a moment to appreciate it. I could never imagine this bi voice coming from this soft-spoken little guy…none the less, it did and the result was a magnificent run of hits, this one being the first of those. This remix, aptly named for the huge dance beats that create it, is even better than the original. Guaranteed to keep everyone jumping, the remix takes all the great originality and pumps it up beyond belief…this is awesome!!!

Steady Mobbin’ [Ice Cube]—-This is great…full of hyped beats and the unique style of Cube, the story of urban life is real and gritty. This was the way that rap was supposed to be…without all of the beefs, feuds and auto-tune. This has a great catchy chorus interlude and a laid back but real vocal by cube…Great!!!

Break Em’ Off Some [Ice Cube]—-Another true to life gritty tale of Urban life….the times were tough when this track was released…crack was king and murder was queen. The beats are magically pleasant, the lyrics are real life and not to be taken lightly. This was as real as you get back in the day.

**** out of 5

[Via http://marky7235.wordpress.com]

Shift-Static & Blank Canvas Forest Cafe Edinburgh 5 Dec

Shift-Static and Blank Canvas The Forest Cafe Edinburgh 5 December 2009
Shift-Static took the next step in their career last Saturday with a gig in Scotland. The Forest Cafe is a volunteer run, not-for-profit arts, social and events space masquerading as a groovy veggie café in the heart of Edinburgh. In its own words: “Forest is people. People is Forest. You is people. You is Forest.”
Gordon hails from Scotland’s capital and had lined up this gig, so Laura, Gordon, Charlie, Will and Joe made the trip across the border to take the stage at Edinburgh’s groovy cafe. Marie and I decided to make a weekend of it and followed Lenny Henry’s advice and booked a room in a Premier Inn on the outskirts of the city.
We easily found the Forest Cafe; its not too far from Princes Street. The stage lies at the rear of the cafe, which has a nice laid-back feel to it, with art work all over the walls and comfy settees all over the place. We took a seat near the stage ready for the arrival of the band. A folk band were on stage when we arrived; they reminded me of early Fairport.
Next up came Blank Canvas, a local band which includes Gordon’s brother Douglass on bass. Their set was a set of some originals and some well-chosen covers from Talking Heads and Orange Juice. A great set, which went down well with the crowd. Shift-Static closed the evening with a set which was cut a little short as closing time came upon us. The set was very much the same as their debut Head of Steam gig; tonight they sound much tighter and are really playing well together. Their sounds echo around the cafe and the crowd give them a great reception. A great Scottish debut for the band, in a lovely venue.

website Shift-Static: http://www.myspace.com/shiftstaticmusic
website The Forest Cafe: http://www.theforest.org.uk/
website Blank Canvas: http://www.myspace.com/blankcanvas1

[Via http://vintagerock.wordpress.com]

my morning jacket

radio works.. at least when several stations decide to play one song from a four year old album over and over again. and it wasn’t even released as a single.

“it beats 4 u” by My Morning Jacket is such a song.

photo very likely by Sam Erickson, at least he is mentioned in the general credits.

[Via http://toomuchrock.wordpress.com]

The Phenomenal Handclap Band - Selftitled, [Tummy Touch Records, 2009]

Vêm de Lower Manhattan e de Brooklyn. O projecto teve início quando Daniel Collás e Sean Marquand, DJs na cena underground nova iorquina, decidiram mudar de pele e juntar vários amigos (Patrick Wood, Nicholas Movshon, Luke O’Malley, Laura Marin, Bing Ji Ling, Pier Pappalardo e Joan Tick) para começarem a produzir. Cá está então o fruto.

phenomenalhandclap @ myspace

phenomenalhandclapband @ blogspot

http://rapidshare.com/files/309090100/handclapband.zip.html

[Via http://melomaniacsdietpills.wordpress.com]

Who's more influential?(YouTube)

YouTube

So, there is this contest going on in YouTube(theres a contest pretty much everyday, this one is for 100,000 $ tho)

Lashallure is giving away 100.000 dollas to whichever youtuber gets the most votes(votes represented as comments and ratings). Two prominent youtubers entered, Meekakitty and OlgaKay, Both with 70k+ subscribers, and it just so happens to be, they both just got a major push by two very big youtubers respectively, RayWilliamJohnson and Sxephil, Phil promoted Olga and Ray who is a good friend of Meeka promoted her. Now statistically speaking Phil is the more influential of the two with his 700k+ subscribers(plus he has two more channels) Ray on the other hand only has 400k+, but, Dare I say his followers are more loyal. No offence to the “DeFranco Nation”, but pretty much everyone is subscribed to Sxephil, while most of Ray’s “Forum” has been with him from the start(myself included).

I really like both YouTubers equally, Phil always have great . and hilarious remarks, Ray has great viral videos to show and fun puns. But I’ve never been subscribed to OlgaKay whilst I’ve liked MeekaKitty from the start(so cute and nerdy<3).

Meeka also has the likely support of her quintet of Vlogvetica vloggers and their subscribers. Dan Brown(pogobat) with 125k+ subs, Catrific with 17k+subs, Nanalew with 25k+ subs and Mitchell Davis(livelavalive) with 333k+ subscribers, so that is a strong support, but it’s not certain that they will help out.

OlgaKay on the other hand, has a great PR, she is not only joined by TarynSouthern(Hott4hills) with her 6k+ subscribers, but they are both hot, and are going to give away 500$ everyday to the best comment! Also they are going to have a hot bikini photoshoot(not confirmed).

As you can see it’s still a really close call. I just hope ShaneDawsonTV(900k+ subs) or NigaHiga(1mil+ subs) doesnt  get in this fight.

Exciting isn’t it!?

P.S I’m such a fucking nerd for knowing and writing about this. I feel like WillofDC(<3).

[Via http://insomniacrants.com]

胡彦斌 - 失业情歌

http://www.4shared.com/file/165742810/24dac79/_-_.html?s=1

Thanks to xxx for sharing.

失业情歌

Anson Hu is definitely the most underrated singer in the Mandarin speaking world.

He epitomizes the fusion of East meets West more than Leehom Wang and he’s equally, if not even more of a musical virtuoso as well.

Is the world listening at all? Because he’s a precious gem!

[Via http://dwarthy.wordpress.com]

100bells: The Hives & Cyndi Lauper, "A Christmas Duel"

Ho-ho-holy crap, can you believe how warm it still is at this time of year? There may be a distinct lack of frost, sleighs and snowmen and I haven’t once put on thermal socks, but it still is coming on the holiday season, which means it’s time for 100bells!

This song is as undrippy as a Christmas song can get with lyrics like “I wrecked your daddy’s car and went down on your mother” – sung by Cyndi Lauper, no less! Maybe not the most Christmassy of sentiments, but just focus on the jolly bells and the happy tunes if you’re disturbed by the images conjured up by the words. I never thought The Hives and one of my fave eighties icons would pair up but pair up they did and the result is as entertaining and cheery as I expected, but with a slightly disturbing twist. In one word: Santastic. Yeh … I really just said that and I’m sticking with it.

The Hives & Cyndi Lauper – A Christmas Duel

[Via http://onehundredb.com]

Recent Decents - Phoenix

 

Phoenix – French electronica band; they been around and smashing for donkeys but only now seem to be catching on in the UK mainstream. Xfm have been playing them for a long time but now they are getting more exposure through a new ad campaign (or two in fact) featuring their track ‘1901′.  Phoenix are top French pop – or if J Pop is Japanese pop, then Phoenix are the cream of Frog Pop! Also not to be confused with no so revolutionary US Rock band Phoenix who have also released an album this year. Darned inconvenient.

So, Top Picks for Phoenix!

1901: http://bit.ly/6jpfZ

Lisztomania: http://bit.ly/OWdo6

**** also check out massively addictive Alex Metric remix of Lisztomania (better than orginal even): http://bit.ly/1waUsG

Too Young: http://bit.ly/LskIS

Consolation Prizes: http://bit.ly/CjD1d

If I ever feel better: http://bit.ly/1aa8PE

   

Phoenix's Latest Album, includes '1901' and 'Lisztomania', out now

Find out more about Phoenix on their website: http://www.wearephoenix.com/

 

[Via http://mus1cmatters.wordpress.com]

My chart: Tuned-On! Top 30 #315 - Dec 7/09

The shakedown of favourites is beginning on this edition of my personal chart.  I have a bit of a ‘recurrent’ rule – songs drop off the chart automatically after 10 appearances (20 weeks), and 3 of my favourite songs of the year will do just that as Dan Black’s “Symphonies”, Gary Go’s “Wonderful” and Mans Zelmerlow’s “Rewind” hit that pinnacle.

But there are plenty of great tunes that remain, as Dan Black and Mika both continue their reign at the top of the chart.  That same Dan Black is back in the Top 5 with “Pump My Pumps”, while Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, Michael Buble, and Lady GaGa all arrive in the Top 10.

As with two weeks ago, Simon Curtis is a talent to watch with the very hit-worthy but free download “Delusional” once again the fastest riser on the chart (I’ll be blogging about Simon’s latest free download preview of 8Bit Heart called “Diablo”, too!).   Lifehouse is back in hit territory with “Halfway Gone”, and Luigi Masi has a new EP out called On Your Radar which features his previously free download “Radar”.  Other debuts from last week by Roisin Murphy, Michael Buble, and Kris Allen get stuck in a logjam but should soar in two weeks.

It seems hard to believe, being in December, but I’ll have only one more chart before my year end Best of 2009 is published.  Watch for it!

This edition has three debuts.  Those producers extraordinaire, Sweden’s Bloodshy & Avant, along with American singer Andrew Wyatt, comprise Miike Snow, and their latest catchy piece of business is “Black And Blue (Savage Skulls Remix)”, available for free download using the link on the chart.  The previously blogged-about medley of “Viva La Vida/Domino Dancing” by Pet Shop Boys is also a new arrival to the chart.   But my focus this week is on new UK vocalist V.V. Brown, who you may have heard this past summer with “Shark In The Water”.  I wasn’t a big fan of that song, and I am hardly one for cover versions (yet I’ve also charted PSB’s version of  ”Viva La Vida”…hmmm), but her version of one of my favourite Rolling Stones songs, their 1978 #1 “Miss You”, is a stunner and is my highest debut.

You can find the full chart here or in a link on the right sidebar.  Enjoy!

[Via http://billcsistunedon.wordpress.com]

Alexandra Burke - Broken Heels

So Here’s Alexandra Burke’s second single of 2009, the first of which went straight to the top of the charts. Well if you’ve read previous posts by myself  you will know how much i detest manufactured X-Factor produced talentless nobodies but lets brush that aside for a second shall we?  Despite this song sounding a little Alesha Dixon’y and the song being about shoe’s (If your heels are broken wear some fucking flats and stop complaining). What i find ironic if i wrote a pointless song about my love for classic scalfs i’d be struck down like a bolt of lightning. Alexandra your tune may be bouncy, dancey and keeping in correlation with other popular music monstrosity’s released recently but you will fade away, you will fade away pretty soon.

Alexandra Burke – Broken Heels — Score 4/10

And here for a special treat fella’s

[Via http://newmusic4u.wordpress.com]

Music Review: Apples in Stereo

Apples in Stereo

I have to be very honest. I haven’t listened to this band in quite some time. I mean, if they have a new album out I dont know nor am I interested. Its not that I dont like them though. I just lost interest. It happens with bands and my psyche. However I can talk very highly about this band.

If you are familiar with bands like Neutral Milk Hotel and The Olivia Tremor Control, you may have heard of this band back in the day since they were all once in the same grouping, The Elephant Six Collective.

This band is just very catchy. All the songs I have no problem calling “fun lil’ ditties” because thats really what they are. The sound is very nostalgic. You can sense the influences of The Beatles and The Beach Boys in their tunes. Strawberryfire is very reminiscent of The Beatles psychadelic ventures or The Beach Boys and their song, Good Vibrations. You can tell this band knows what got stuck in people’s heads.

The lead singer Robert Schneider has a very nasal sound and I get it when many of my friends think its a but annoying however to me its endearing and works with the songs played. What I love about this band as well is that the lead singer isnt some overly sexed, emo looking hot guy. Its a balding guy that wears glasses, a beard, and has a gut. Every cub or bear’s wet dream! Sorry dudes, the man is straight.

He was married to a time to their drummer Hilarie Sidney. They have divorced and have a child. Logically the line up changed and she left the band. It kinda sucks though because the band did have songs that had her on lead vocals and I really enjoyed them. Since then I havent been a fan of the songs that they have released once she was gone. Im not saying they are good, I just lost interest.

I do know that they eventually joined Simian Records. The reason thats worth mentioning (to me anyways) is because Simian Records is a company started and owned by Elijah Wood. Yup, Frodo himself has a record label. Whodathunkit?!

I used to love the song Energy however on my trip to Puerto Rico this past August, I grew to hate that fucking song. Why? Well picture it: In the mall in Puerto Rico they have these panels everywhere that play commercials over and over and over. Well Pepsi endorses TONS in PR and guess what song was in a Pepsi commercial this summer… yup, Energy. I dunno if it was played here in the states because honestly I never heard it here nor have I seen the commercial since but for a week in Puerto Rico it was PAHHLAAAYED OUT! I can NOT listen to Energy anymore. Sorry dudes, I know its not the band’s fault. I mean hey, when ya need bank, Pepsi is a good way to go. However they really played that shit out!

If you are looking for some up beat, sunny songs that make ya smile. I highly suggest checking this band out. Its worth a listen.

This is a cute video for a cute song haha. The song Same Old Drag from their album New Magnetic Wonder. It has a it more electronics used on that album but still great songs. Check it out!

[Via http://nataliathekaraokegodess.wordpress.com]

Flashback Records/The 80's Boxset [Disc 3: Definitive New Wave Hits]

Disc 3:

I Want Candy [Bow Wow Wow]—-Combining huge tribal rhythms and a fun video, the song will as a lot of 80’s songs live on forever. Annabelle had a video presence that could not be denied and the fun style of the song combined with the sing a long chorus made for a huge, yet momentary, splash.

Money [That's What I Want] [The Flying Lizards]—-This is pretty terrible….I’m almost embarrassed.

New Toy [Lene Lovich]—-More of a performance artist than a singer, Lene found a nice comfortable place in the Goth community. this has certain 80’s elements that can not be denied, but it all seems to go against everything that she was all about. This whole disc seems to be hit and miss.

I Melt With You [Modern English]—-The true definition of a one hit wonder, this band made a huge splash with this emotional and damn catchy song but then disappeared from the eye of everyone. With a nice accent that is so British you want to move there and get one, and a feeling that takes your breath away, the band was so successful in transporting this feeling to video that it carried them for years…I always wanted more of THIS from them.

Love Plus One [Haircut One Hundred]—-The second single from the debut release of the band, it incorporated even more horns and island flair than the previous. this was joyous and fun and marked the departure of Nick Lowe for a solo career that never really went anywhere.

A Million Miles Away [The Plimsouls]—-Guitar based and full of  surf style delivery, the band escaped my attention during the 80’s decade. This is fun and unique simply in contrast to the decade of synth…nice!!

Walking In L.A. [Missing Persons]—-Full of American synth, this and blended a nice guitar and drum mix with huge synth sounds and an undeniable irresistable vocal. Forged further in history by videos that featured flamboyant Dale Bozzio, the band was built on image first and music second….this only lasted for two releases before obscurity.

Numbers With Wings [The Bongos]—-With a huge guitar delivery and a slight New Romantic/Goth vocal delivery, the band went nowhere in the US but managed to chart well in european countries. This is too hit and miss for me.

Save It For Later [The English Beat]—-There must be 25 other songs they could have put in this spot by this band but instead opted for this. built around the English SKA movement, The Beat deliver a song that is unremarkable and frankly forgettable. Too bad…I love this band.

Danger [The Motels]—-Again, poor song choice for such a monumental and mainstay of the decade. The powerful vocal of Martha Davis is what saves this song from being nothing. This is by no means the best from this band….you want powerful? Try Icy Red!!!!!!!!!!!

**1/2 out of 5

[Via http://marky7235.wordpress.com]

2009 Grammy Nominees

They were released today!

My choice is in bold.
I’m not going to list them all, since there are a truck-load, so if you want to see them all, click here.

Record Of The Year
Halo — Beyonce
I Gotta Feeling — The Black Eyed Peas
Use Somebody — Kings of Leon
Poker Face — Lady Gaga
You Belong With Me — Taylor Swift

Album Of The Year
I Am…Sasha Fierce — Beyonce
The E.N.D. — The Black Eyed Peas
The Fame — Lady Gaga
Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King — The Dave Matthews Band
Fearless — Taylor Swift

Song Of The Year
Poker Face — Lady Gaga
Pretty Wings — Maxwell
Single Ladies [Put A Ring On It] — Beyonce
Use Somebody — Kings Of Leon
You Belong With Me — Taylor Swift

Best New Artist
Zac Brown Band
Keri Hilson
MGMT
Silversun Pickups
The Ting Tings

Be sure to tune in on January 31st, 2010 on CBS at 8-11:30 PM.

[Via http://throughmyeyesandears.wordpress.com]

omg! omd's back...

With all the brilliance of the new electronic pop bands coming to the fore and the second wind we’ve seen this year by the likes of Depeche Mode and the Pet Shop Boys, the time is right for another giant to return to the fold. Yes, friends, let’s rejoice for the band known as Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark is back! I don’t think it’s necessary to go through the band’s voluminous CV. You know the songs, you know the hits. Electricity. Enola Gay. Tesla Girls. If You Leave. The list goes on and on and on. The band had a run like very few of their contemporaries did in the eighties and even after the band splintered towards the end of the decade with singer/bassist Andy McCluskey carrying the torch for a few more records and adding a few more hits to the OMD canon before ending it for good.

Here we are thirteen years from the last release, 1996’s Universal, to discover the news of a new record The History of Modern will soon be upon us in the new year.  With this news comes a bit of a tease for fans ol and hopefully new. It’s a demo of what may very well be the new single called Sister Marie Says. Upon the first couple of listens, the song begins with a choral sample before opening wide into yummy electro-pop. Very reminiscent of OMD circa Sugar Tax/Liberator. Welcome back Andy and Paul!

 

 

OMD on MySpace
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“Sister Marie Says” by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, taken from the forthcoming release, “The History Of Modern”

[Via http://billysuede.wordpress.com]

Deportees - Under the Pavement

This band offers a great mix of pop rock with a tinge of folk thrown in good measure. When I first heard this record I must admit that I was a little apprehensive, I felt as though it was a little bit too ‘poppy’, if that makes any sense at all. But after embracing the style I found that there are such deeper sounds and meanings that can be taken from this record. I really love the song ‘Turn Back Time’.

[Via http://ohjoelouis.wordpress.com]