Philly J's Pop Blog

Double your pleasure, double your fun...

2012-02-12T14:49:00.003Z

So Jedward are back in the running for Ireland this year.

I really liked "Lipstick" last year, and one of the best moments in Dusseldorf was during the jury final on the Friday night before the final, when I was sitting at the front of the arena with Paul, Karen and Brian. At the end of the performance huge sprays of red confetti rained down over us - it was the most fun ever! I got giddy and everything! Great memory.

Here's the song that is in the running to represent Ireland this year. What do you think - will it be a second chance for Jedward?

Sounds like a dated Busted song? Not sure if it has the immediate impact of "Lipstick".

The Irish selection is on 24 Feb - we'll be watching on t'internet!

ESC2012: SWITZERLAND

2012-02-12T14:48:00.001Z

Thanks for taking part, but it's not your year, Switzerland...

ESC2012: CYPRUS

2012-02-12T14:44:00.003Z

And twelve points from Greece goes to...

Two things: miming much, and frock horror!

This is the most uptempo song I can remember Cyprus sending in bloomin' years. Quite catchy, sounds better when you can't see the frock! Good effort, Cyprus.

:D

ESC2012: ALBANIA

2012-02-12T14:40:00.002Z

They put some effort into the staging in Albania, haven't they.

Nice frock, but put a comb through your hair, dear!

This is an intense song - and every year one or two songs of this kind make an impression. She's got a great voice - but not sure about the song.

Early days - and it's only my first listen too, dear reader...

:D

ESC2012: MALTA

2012-02-12T14:36:00.002Z

Blimey - he looks like Shane Ward, doesn't he?!

It's got good energy, good voice and well performed - but is it memorable enough? Let's give it a few listens, shall we...

:D

ESC2012: HUNGARY

2012-02-12T14:34:00.001Z

I think this will be one of the songs this year that I might be refreshing my drink to - and also topping-up the nibbles...

:D

ESC2012: ICELAND

2012-02-12T14:08:00.002Z

Hmmm - brooding much?

Jónsi represented Iceland a few years back with a song that I thought was a bit of a yawn, but I think Rachel liked it, if my memory serves me right? I don't remember the song, and I probably couldn't have picked yer man out of a line-up, but I would now - he's a hot potato, isn't he.

Five minutes in the stationary cupboard, anyone?

:D

Iceland have a good track record in recent years, qualifying for the final since 2008. Let's hope this does well, but it ain't going to win, is it?

Way to Fro...

2012-02-12T14:05:00.002Z

Afro-Dite didn't make it past the first round of the Melodifestivalen, but it will live on in Disco Kitchen. You can see why, right...

Something to put a hitch in yer giddy-up. And these girls are all in their late 40s, early 50s - they look * fab *!

Good times! :D

ESC2012: NORWAY

2012-02-12T14:02:00.003Z

Here's a swell choon that'll do well for Norway this year. Oh, and he's cute too, so a few extra points for the screaming, erm, girls and, erm, queens...

Surely getting to the final, or my name is Zainab Badawi...

:D

Viva la Diva...

2012-02-12T13:58:00.003Z

OMG - what shocking news today that Whitney Houston has passed.

Poor thing - all that talent and a messy few years.

We will alway have the music, and that voice. Listening to her in disco kitchen today she really does have a stunning voice.

I could have chosen any number of tracks, but here are two you might not be expecting amongst my faves...

xx

Song of the Week: 10.02.12

2012-02-11T14:20:00.004Z

Euphoria - Loreen

Loreen - Euphoria (DeeJay Jotti Livebeat Mix) by DeeJay Jotti

Well, my friends - Melodifestivalen 2012 kicked-off last weekend - the start of six weekends worth of SVT doing their thang - and usually doing it rather well.

I have to say that I was a little underwhelmed by the quality of the songs in the first heat - thank the schlager gods for the final track of the night to rescue something for us! Loreen has made it through with this fab track. You should be aware that, as happens every year, SVT (Swedish telly) have removed all videos ont'internet, so here's a link from Soundcloud. And the guy has put some extra beats over the top.

Can't wait for Charlotte Perrelli in a few weeks - yikes!

:D

Song of the Week: 03.02.12

2012-02-11T14:09:00.003Z

Yo Yo - Nicola Roberts

A few weeks back Stew posted on Facebook saying that he loved this track from NR. Loads of people thought he was taking the piss - surely no one would think that she had done a good song? Well, that's the haters for you!

So, we have Stew to thank for this one...

I just want her to be GINGER!

:D

A Madonna three-way...

2012-02-11T14:05:00.003Z

Here's the fabulous new video, and sort of good-ish (but it sounds like a bunch of other songs put together, but is still better than "4 Minutes") song from the queen of pop...

The song was released last week, and iTunes got it banned from the chart for being seen as a promo for the album (because of the "pre-order the album now and get the track now" pitch - seen as unfair competition - WTF! Boo. It's squeaking into the bottom of the top 40 as a result this week.

Not classic Madonna - but still better than nothing!

Botox, much...

:D

ESC2012: FRANCE

2012-02-11T13:57:00.002Z

Zut alors! Voici le chason pur La France a L'Eurovision c'est annee...

(or something like that!)

Video a bit dull? Wanna see her shake her thang on stage? Oh, go on then...

OK, miming much?

Still - what a fab song from France - loving it - and the bilingual vibe. It's doing that whistling thing that loads of songs have got in ( a bit like Eric Saade's "Popular" last year) * and * it reminds me a bit of this song from waaaaaay back in the 1990s...

How have I never shared that with you, Fromo?

Très Bien, La France!

:D

ESC2012: DENMARK

2012-02-11T13:53:00.002Z

Here's the song that with go all the way to Baku for Denmark this year. Yes friends, we are in open Eurovision season once again, and I'll bring you all the songs for all of the forty something countries taking part...

It's a good song - but it's a more uptempo version of the Swedish entry back in 2010 - and that failed to make it to the final - much to the horror of the Swedes.

My usual moan - when you see the effort that other countries go to to select their entries (I mean - it looks like the Eurovision final FFS!) it put the BBC to utter shame.

Oh, and - got a hat much?

:D

A little bit of W.E. ...

2012-02-11T13:48:00.002Z

It wasn't until 'when queen's go bad' that I had heard this song. It had gone under my radar. I'm sure Fromo was on it, but it hadn't made it to the popblog. Then, when Madonna won a Golden Globe for best original song last month, David Furnish had a meltdown because Elton John didn't win with his song.

So you know the rest - I had to hear the song. And you know what -it's really quite nice...

A nice little teaser for the other new stuff from Madonna that's just around the corner. Yay!

:D

A well mashed smash...

2012-02-11T13:36:00.003Z

You will remember that I was quite partial to a bit of Lena PH's "Idiot" last year. If not, here's a quick reminder...

Well, it's one of my songs of the year - and y'all will discover what those songs are after I see Fromo at the end of the month to share out songs of the year for 2010 (it's our little tradition - y'all know that!). I recently got hold of a mash-up of the track. Gone are Lena's lyrics, and added are Tim Berg's Lyrics to "Seek Bromance, which sounds like this...

Add a little mash-up magic, and I think this is stunning...

Great for the treadmill! Although it's made me rather schizophrenic - I'm not sure whose version it it when it starts!

:D

Song of the Week: 27.01.12

2012-02-11T13:26:00.002Z

Overflow - Ditte Marie

T'other weekend it was time for our Danish friends to select their song for Europe. I haven't watched the final of the Melodi Grand Prix before - but as it's given me my Song of the Year 2010 (you know - Chanee and Evergreen "In A Moment Like This") and a great song from a Friend In London last year, I thought that there would be some good songs in the mix - and indeed there were.

Sadly, this energetic track - which is really quite schlagertastic, and as Neill pointed out in the office when we first listened to the tracks, quite Kylie-tastic (ooh, I like that - a new phrase for the popblog - remember it!) - didn't make it to Baku.

I had hoped that this little twink would make it through, as it really is a good track...

... what's that you say - it sounds a little bit like Avicci's "Fade Into Darkness"? Yep, I think you might have a point - and maybe a good job it didn't make it through to ESC as it might have had a copyright claim against it! Sadly he finished in second place

I will post the winning song in the next blog entry...

:D

Song of the Week: 20.01.12

2012-02-11T13:17:00.002Z

Alay - Dana International featuring Subliminal

Blimey - subliminal looks a bit like Pitbull, doesn't he?! He looks like him a bit too. The same cannot be said about the lovely Dana! I know I said it in an earlier post, I wish she'd taken something this to the Eurovision last year - wold have done much better!

:D

Song of the Week: 13.01.12

2012-02-11T13:08:00.003Z

Lena Anthem - Lena Philipsson

OMFG -I'm all over this track - AWESOME. I know I can get a bit giddy about Lena PH, but she's stunning and has a great set of pipes. Love the performance, and the giddy queens in the audience. That said, with a giddy queen in disco kitchen I shouldn't throw stones...

:D

Song of the Week: 06.01.12

2012-01-08T18:23:00.003Z

Hotel Nacional - Gloria Estefan

Nope - I have not mis-typed the title, fool!

This it an historic track for Glo in the USA - she's the first female artist to enter the Billboard Latin Chart at Número Uno. There are some other stats/facts about the track, but that'll do for now.

Like the vibe - and fits in well here in Disco Kitchen... you know, 2012 stylee.

It does remind me of Doop's "Doop" from way back in (I think) 1994 - remember that one? It will probably die on it's arse in the UK, but having said that J'Lo did something similar with Lassie/Goldie/Pitbull last year. Perhaps the club mixes will assist it. So, one more time with a bit of nob twiddlin'...

(ooh - sounds a bit like Dana's "Ding Dong", doesn't it?)

Glorious, Estefan!

:D

Calling International Rescue...

2012-01-08T18:11:00.002Z

So how is 2012 treating you? I'm back at work tomorrow, so just a quick update.

I'm listening to some groovy choons at the homo - just the tonic to get me motoring on the treadmill tomorrow morning (Monday). Some are fairly old, and some are quite new. This track from Dana International is from Twenty Ten (2012!) and would probably have done better at Eurovision last year. Have a butchers...

Still loving a bit of "Dong", though...

And even better - work that catwalk, girl...

She could have run a comb through her hair!

:D
xx

Anthem for the new year...

2012-01-05T20:59:00.002Z

Happy 2012 popbloggers!

Let's get this olympic year started on the popblog with a new choon that is actually not brand new, but fab nonetheless...

Loving her style! And those boots!

:D

What's that? Yes friends, "we're baaaack!"....

xxxxxxxxxxx

Song of the Week: 23.12.11

2011-12-25T00:19:00.000Z

White Christmas - Bette Midler

(awh, shucks!)

This one's for you, Mrs Rofle...

:D
xx

Cool Yule, from me to you, too...

2011-12-25T00:06:00.004Z

Happy Holidays, popbloggers!

Here's the teased track listing of "Cool Yule, Too!"

Enjoy my friends - and may all your Christmases be all that you want them to be - and can y'all hatch a plan to bring me a man in the new year?!

:D

Here you go then – an uncharacteristically festive post – it’s never happened before, and I have not been drinking (ahem), so I say let’s just go with it…

Big phillyj christmas hugs to you and yours!

:D
\xx

Top of my Christmas pops…

2011-12-21T15:21:00.001Z

You know what, over the years I have slipped into the Christmas groove by compiling various playlists, CDs, etc. I mentioned a couple of posts ago that back in 2007 I did a compilation called “Cool Yule!”. It had a gaggle of Christmas classics, and was very well received by all who heard it. As I also mentioned, “Cool Yule, Too!” is ready to delight the ears over the next few days. I might do a post of all that stuff after I finish work today.

Another fave playlist/CD/etc. of mine to tickle my tinsel is made up of a batch of songs that were either (predominantly) released around Christmas, or embody Christmas for me in some way. I’ve had this playlist/CD/whatever for * years *. In most years it nibbles my navidads and gets me in the mood. On the rare occasion when I have been approaching Christmas feeling a bit low I have tended to not really listen to it. Gladly, this has not been the case this year! So, dear friends/reader/whatever, here’s a little something to light up Christmas on the popblog…

(in this order, you understand!)

:D
xx

Let's hear it for the girls...

2011-12-18T19:45:00.002Z

Loving this song. The first time I saw the video on Children In Need it made me blub like a girl. I blame the gin, ahem...

So, I've just downloaded this from iTunes. Did you know that it has been pre-ordered 4 times more on Amazon than Take That's last album. How stunning is that! Surely a sure thing (too many sure's there!) for Chrimbo number 1. I love the melody of the song - and there's a hook in there that we need to identify - it's from somewhere else, so listen now, dear friends, and open your hearts - and your wallets/purses...

Just one small niggle - what about the boys who serve our country who like other boys... it's not all wives for ruddy hell's sake.

*** chill ***

That said - this has some Christmas magic in it, doesn't it...

Song of the Week: 16.12.11

2011-12-16T14:29:00.005Z

My Crown - The Storm

L, to the O, to the V, to the ING this...

Thanks to scandipop for once again highlighting a great choon from Denmark. And the guys at scandipop are correct, it's the second best Abba-esque sound of 2011, after Jenny Silver’s ‘Something In Your Eyes’. Remember her. How can you not...

Big love to both tracks. OOh, who will make my top 20 of the year? I think I might just have given you a bit of a clue!

:D

Life goes on after Eurovision...

2011-12-16T14:17:00.002Z

Yep - for some artists outside the UK, the Eurovision really isn't the kiss of death!

You might remember that Helena Paparizou won the ESC in 2005 with the fab "My Number 1"? Well, she's kept on churning out the hits and is "quite big" in Europe. Her new piece of Europop sits nicely in Disco Kitchen, disco car, and disco office (when no one is about!). Check her flow (try not to worry about some of the cheesy lyrics)...

It just needs a few tight * uh.. yeah! *'s in there. It's catchy fo'sho'...
:D

It's like the 80s coming back...

2011-12-16T14:13:00.002Z

It really is, you know. You listen to a new track form Duran Duran, and then their whole back catalogue comes back into focus. Just listening to some of the hits from yesteryear when this old fave started playing...

Love the vibe! And OMFG - I feel like a 17yr old again. Good times! I had the 12", you know!

:D

Etherial girl...

2011-12-12T19:38:00.002Z

How lovely is this...

Awesome vibe. Imagine listening to it in a hot bath. Love it. It's like a big hug in the midst of sulky women at work.

:D

It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas...

2011-12-11T17:40:00.002Z

One more week of teaching and 7 more days left at work - bring it on I say!

I can't wait for a break, and so to make myself feel christmassy, I have generated a sequel to a collection of Christmas songs that I made a few years back. "Cool Yule!" is now joined by the sequel - "Cool Yule, too!"

Last year Rachel R sent me the Christmas CD from Pink Martini. It's called "Joy To The World", and it's got the usual world music vibe to it - with their unique interpretations of the classics. My fave at the moment is actually a song more suited to New Year, and whilst I don't normally like "Auld Lang Syne". I think this version is excellent. Enough to make disco kitchen feel tinseltastic, I'd say...

SOTW at the end of the week, perhaps?

:D

Under house arrest...

2011-12-11T17:36:00.002Z

I've just been fiddling with my choons on my iPod - and was deliberating wether to remove this classic track from Diana Ross. I'm loving the vibe so much that I decided not to (so what if it sits slightly bizarrely next to all the new tracks on my "1" playlist - that's the playlist of all new stuff I'm into at the moment, btw)...

Whilst "The Greatest" hits collection that was released recently didn't exactly perform to its name, tracks like this have been given a new lease of life - at least for me, anyway!

:D

Lights! Camera! Action man...

2011-12-11T17:33:00.002Z

After posting the fab video from Duran Duran the other day, it got me thinking of a another stunning music video. It was originally highlighted by a student in my music video module a few weeks ago. Regard, it's awesome and will make you smile...

Told you!

:D

Song of the Week: 09.12.11

2011-12-09T18:29:00.003Z

Girl Panic! - Duran Duran

OMG - I am all over this track and the stunning video! Je just can't get enough!

It really is like the eighties coming back. You know, in the teenies...

Like I said earlier - worth the 79p...

:D

Is this the way to Amarillo...

2011-12-09T18:27:00.002Z

Well if you're after Eric Amarillo, then step this way friends...

Here's a fab choon that I'm just discovering. Apparently, whilst Eric is a little odd looking this is the best selling song in Sweden...

Loving it! Great vibe to start the weekend!

:D

Meanwhile in disco dining room...

2011-12-08T14:21:00.002Z

Don't panic readers - I have not abandoned disco kitchen! In fact I haven't invented disco dining room. What I did do last week was to decorate my dining room and install a fab new CD shelving unit. It’s look great – it’s one of those posh ones that has each row just the height of a CD. It cost a few quid, but when you next visit Jackson Towers, you will be impressed!

* Anyway *, as I was doing my transformation (you know, because it’s Christmas and I’m hosting the family this year) I was listening to some blasts from the past (you know, because all the CDs live in the dining room), and for whatever reason I revisited Tori Amos’ ‘Into The Pink’ (insert joke here!) and was reminded of these great songs…

(great video)

She’s mad as, isn’t she – but great songs, and good to revisit them as I was channelling my inner Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen.

Song of the Week: 25.11.11

2011-12-08T14:14:00.001Z

Call Your Girlfriend – Robyn

Seems appropriate, you know – with Christmas around the corner! Check Robin busting some moves. If only we could do * that* in disco kitchen! Let’s not forget me, a double duvet cover and Carola’s ‘Evighet’ on the stereo – somehow I managed to get that duvet air born!

:D

No need to panic...

2011-12-08T14:13:00.000Z

How ruddy marvellous is this video. And how old school new school does this sound? It’s Like Duran Duran have been preserved. Well, the sound at least. Have you seen Simon Le Bon with a beard? Hmm…

Classy stuff. Even worth 79p on iTunes!

:D

Song of the Week: 18.11.11

2011-11-19T14:17:00.001Z

Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine

You go, Flo!

:D

It's albums, it's madness.... IT'S ALBUM MADNESS!

2011-11-15T18:16:00.002Z

Having slagged off the 4th quarter of the record industry for squeezing too much product into this time of the year in a lecture the other week, it's not stopped me from indulging in the delights of the season!

Over the last few weeks I have bought:

Mylo Xyloto - Coldplay
Voyage - The Sound of Arrows
Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor - Caro Emerald
The Greatest - Diana Ross
A Retrospective - Pink Martini

and then last weekend,

Ceremonials - Florence and the Machine.

The usual eclectic mix that you get on the popblog. But, erm - where's the schlager! The good news is that Melodifestivalen 2012 is underway - with early details of the 32 songs being released, and details of the performing artists soon to follow. I can't wait for that and all thing MF in 2012.

In the meantime, I am enjoying Flo's new song. So let's shake things up (see what I did there, folks) and have a butchers...

And wasn't she fab on the XF last week...

:D

Snow is on the way...

2011-11-15T18:07:00.001Z

I can't wait for the new kate Bush album! Not long now - only days until "50 words for Snow" is released. I'm still loving the radio edit of the lead single...

:D

It's all in the editing...

2011-11-15T17:58:00.002Z

OMG. I keep forgetting to ask you if you saw Caro Emerald on Strictly the other weekend? She did a fab job on the results show. Music guests on Strictly can sometimes be a bit too Radio 2 (in the old school way), but Caro hit it out of the park with her great sound. Regard...

I might have managed to live my life without ever knowing who this woman is, but now she's on the pop radar - and I'm loving the album (which has just been re-released in a a sparkly new platinum (or whatever) version... mine is the old version of "Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor" (hence the title, loves!) - if only I'd waited! She's done what Amy Winehouse did - merged contemporary and old style perfectly.

Here are some further moments of pop perfection...

You get the drift! Fab stuff - and what ineresting, clever music videos!

L-O-V-E I-T !

:D

Sounds like heaven...

2011-11-15T17:51:00.002Z

Ooh, you know what. The new album form The Sound of Arrows is bloody marvellous. If you like a bit of the PSBs, mixed with a bit of 80s electronica (you know - Visage, OMD etc.) and wrapped-up with very cinematic sounds, then this is for you. For sure Fromo will be very happy with this album. I ordered it from hmv and it arrived in a special deluxe 2CD set... with the second CD having all the instrumentals on it - good for a bit of TSoA karaoke in disco kitchen in the near future.

Let's remind ourselves of their genius on this - their debut album...

(OMG - the video is beautiful, and makes me want to cry a little bit...)

Like I said - bloody marvellous!

:D

Song of the Week: 11.11.11

2011-11-15T17:47:00.002Z

[OMG - get the date!!]

Sensuella Isabella - Lena Philipsson

AWESOME!!!!

:D

It Hurts so good…

2011-11-10T13:03:00.002Z

[see what I did there readers? It’s a post about Lena PH, and you know how much I like her Eurovision anthem It Hurts…]

Lena Philipsson is doing some Swedish telly programme at the moment. I think the aim is for a group of eclectic artists to take it in turns to cover the songs of one of them every week. Well, that’s what Lena did on some blokes song, and in her own inimitable style (and oozing her usual sex appeal) here she is doing “Sensuella Isabella”. It’s so good I’m not even missing * those boots * …

(argh - the telly people are obviosuly pulling the video content from every source possible - gotta admire the Swedes for protecting their intellectual property!)

OMFG – how fab is that! That’s going to put the hitch in my giddy-up in the gym for sure! Feel the wind in your hair people…

:D

Song of the Week: 04.11.2011

2011-11-10T13:02:00.000Z

Paradise – Coldplay

It’s another moment of history on the blog, readers. I bought Mylo Xyloto – as you know, Coldplay’s new album – when it was released the other week. And you know what – it’s the first album of theirs that I have bought. I know, right! I read a few of the reviews, which weren’t entirely favourable, but I really like it. And so it came to pass that Paradise was elevated to SOTW! Second time for Coldplay this year, I believe…

Song of the Week: 28.10.2011

2011-11-10T13:01:00.001Z

Not Over You Yet – Diana Ross

Click here for the video!

Funny thing, the power of suggestion. After I met Fromo the other week for dinner, and a bit of a chat about pop music and forthcoming releases, Diana Ross was on my pop radar. I’d raised my eyebrows at the thought of * another * hits collection form Ms Ross. Out of interest I had a look at the track listing. Covering 2 CDs it packs a whole lot of punch, with lots of stuff that you might not expect to be on the collection. So, I’m guessing with a G’n’T in me I pre-ordered it, and hey pesto sauce it arrived last weekend when I was in Dublin.

Building up to its arrival I had done a DIY playlist on my iTunes from the existing stuff I already have. I’ve been enjoying channelling my inner diva in disco kitchen, and Not Over You Yet has done the trick!

Oddly enough the lovely Paul mentioned the track when we were in Dublin! Like I said, the power of suggestion…

Song of the Week: 21.10.11

2011-10-22T12:05:00.001Z

When I Start To (Break It All Down) [Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Mix Edit] - Erasure

Second time's a charm! Great remix

:D

Whose that pop chick...

2011-10-22T11:53:00.003Z

I always think that there are certain names that aren't very poptastic. Agnes would be one of them!

That said she * is * poptastic. You will remember her big hit in the UK from a couple of years back (I heard it the other day for the first time in ages and it immediately poked my pop button)...

Fab.

Well, Agnes is back, BACK, B-A-C-K with her new choon. No, not a cover of Elton John, here is "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"...

Bless - she always has the wind in her hair.

:D

Pop trip...

2011-10-22T11:38:00.002Z

I met up with Fromo in Liverpool last Monday. it's always fab to see him. I can't remember a single time over the many years of friendship that when we hook-up and it doesn't feel like 5 minutes since we've seen each other. Fab. David was travelling back from a trip to Scotland with his boy/f Gavin. Nice man he was, so that's a relief! It would have been just awful (and awkward) if he wasn't good enough for the lovely Fromo, wouldn't it!

We had dinner, chatted about pop music and boys, and during the course of the conversation we briefly talked about The Sound Of Arrows, and how we like them. So, here is a teaser from their new album, "Voyage" - out in a couple of weeks. And, fact fans - that's you, dear reader - here is the first time that the popblog has embedded a link to Soundcloud (yikes!)...

The Sound Of Arrows - Wonders by WorkItMedia

Good vibe, huh. All very promising for the album, I'd say...

:D

What a great Day...

2011-10-22T11:31:00.003Z

Y'all know that I like a bit of easy listening, right?

Well I can wholeheartedly recommend that, even for the most casual of listeners, that you add the recent "new" album (of perviously unreleased material) from Doris Day. It's perfection. Her voice can still give me shivers, and it's great that the album made history for Doris by making the top ten in the UK last month. Here are a few smooth vibes for you to enjoy...

Glad I finally got around to posting about this album!

Song of the Week: 14.10.11

2011-10-15T17:58:00.002Z

Wild Man - Kate Bush

Wow - what a great track. It might take a few listens, but it's a great taster for the new album in a few weeks. Yay!

What would I say?

L-O-V-E I-T !

:D
x

Song of the Week: 07.10.11

2011-10-07T17:13:00.002Z

Senhora Do Mar (Negras Águas) - Vania Fernandes

You know - I never got this in Belgrade, when loads of fans were going gaga over it. Then recently my iPod has had a mega 9 hours of "eurovision gold" on it, and suddenly I kept having to repeat this song. Love it now. Obviously!

:D
x

Song of the Week: 30.09.11

2011-10-07T17:03:00.002Z

When I Start To (Break It All Down) [Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Mix Edit] - Erasure

(saying that - here's the long version!)

NOTE TO SELF - this is poppers-tastic and much better than the 'not for the gays' regular version!

Great to see them back - although this track hasn't made much of a splash - because people need to hear this 'big gay hands in the air' version.

Mind you, the vocal sounds like Jason Donovan sounds on his debut single "Nothing Can Divide Us". No, really...

Ah, in the land of pop you really * can * polish a turd! I have this on 12" somewhere!

:D

Song of the Week: 23.09.11

2011-10-07T17:02:00.001Z

second week running!

Don't Want To See You Tonight (SoundFactory Remix) - Annikafiore

Gotta love a home made video done on Photo Booth after a few gins! :D

Song of the Week: 16.09.11

2011-10-07T16:59:00.002Z

Don't Want To See You Tonight (SoundFactory Remix) - Annikafiore

Woop woop! :D

Song of the Week: 09.09.11

2011-10-07T16:57:00.001Z

Loves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera

Song of the Week: 02.09.11

2011-09-06T17:29:00.002Z

Fade Into Darkness – Avicci

You might have heard about the bit of bother that Leona Lewis got into recently? Well, it wasn’t so much all about her, more about her new choon (‘Collide’ – which is released this week). It transpired that her track had heavily borrowed from Avicci’s ‘Fade Into Darkness’, without any credit going to the author and artist. Naughty ‘Leona’ (ergo record company). It all ended up in the courts, and eventually was settled with lots of cash and a co-credit on the performance (that’s why it’s Leona and Avicci, you see).

I must say I don’t find Leona’s new track very ‘amazing’ (remember Leona used to be very fond on punctuating all her interview answers with the word ‘amazing’?!). I think that the Avicci track is much stronger – and I hope it gets a separate release – it’s doing rather well in Sweden.

It’s not like I don’t like Leona (too many likes, there – so ‘like’ one more time), but she is a little dullsville sometimes. Although this footage of her at G-A-Y last weekend shows that there might just be a bit of a disco diva in there somewhere…

‘Amazing’

Love the way there are women screaming ‘I love you Leona’. Didn't know they let women in! ;D < joke! >

:D

More from Annikafiore...

2011-09-06T17:09:00.002Z

Good to hera that Annikafiore was present at the goodbye gig from Alcazar at Stockholm Pride the other week.

No doubt she was curious to see how her former colleagues stacked-up without her. I read a good take on the Alcazar family tree the other week, where the author suggested that watching the most recent Alcazar line-up was like watching Bucks Fizz perform without Jay Aston for all those year. Whilst there was nothing wrong with her replacement, Shelly Preston, it just wasn't the same without Jay. I think a lot of Alcazar fans think the same in the absence of Annikafiore - although I think Lina Hedlund's ass is awesome! No really, check it out (especially the rather obvious camera angle at 1 min 20 secs, dear readers)...

To be fair I think Lina is fab! Anyway, the point of this post is that Annikafiore has a fab remix of her recent track 'Don't Wanna C U 2nite out (ooh, hating the txt spk!). Look and listen below - although beware friends, as you would be forgiven for thinking that Annikafiore had filmed the video in disco kitchen, using Photo Booth effects (ooh, might give that a go the next time I'm 'feeling emotional')...

Mi Amore, Annikafiore!

[Disco Kitchen really is quite gay, isn't it...]

:D

And the Mercury prize for music goes to...

2011-09-06T17:05:00.002Z

Who the hell cares (although I hope it's PJ Harvey). Honourable mention is needed elsewhere this week…

During this flurry of posts (make the most of them!) I should just give two songs an opportunity to be showcased: the infectious vibe of Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera and the 7” mix of Velvet’s ‘Love Struck’ – for which honourable mention goes to the lovely Alex, who likes a bit of europop/schlager/diva. *Always* viva la diva!

:D

Man, Adam Levine is h-o-t!

:D

Fire down below…

2011-09-06T17:04:00.000Z

No, not some kind of STD warning. The Saturdays are back, b-a-c-k, BACK! This is not quite as exciting as when there was a new Girls Aloud single, but these girls keep slogging away like the rent is due tomorrow. Something does get lost in translation with me. It’s like the chemistry is off when they get interviewed. I bet they all hate each other – and waiting for the opportunity to do a Chezza and go solo. Must say I preferred Nadine (but that’s not the point!).

The point is that quite by accident I downloaded this track from iTunes on Monday morning. I had meant to download Maroon 5 as I was in the mood to ‘Move Like Jagger’ in the gym. I did not want to exhibit any kind of ‘Swagger Jagger’ – that’s just wrong. Please think of the kids and give generously…

Feeling a bit grumpy with my error (it was about 7.15am!) I popped that track onto my iPod and, much to my surprise, it’s not half bad. It has the right amount of ‘poppers in the air’ for disco kitchen, disco car and the treadmill. Flourishes of N’Trance and all that jazz…

Oh – I think I know what the problem is – they are overly styled. I know get, me – a little bit of Gok. I said Gok. Although a little bit of *that* would be nice…

:D

If you don’t know me by now…

2011-09-06T17:02:00.002Z

OK, it’s little bit generic – but here’s an infectious little piece of pop from Tove Stryke. Getting a good amount of rotation from me at the moment. There's a bit of Pink in there, a bit of Jessie J, a bit of Avril, etc, etc...

Good for the treadmill... and outdoors running, Mr Jordan!

:D

Don’t bore us – get to the chorus…

2011-09-06T16:59:00.002Z

You know what, that’s the best title of a greatest hits album there has ever been! (‘Don’t Bore Us Get To The Chorus’). That’s what Roxette called their first greatest hits package back in the 1990s. Genius, no?! Anyway, here’s some new stuff from our Swedish chums…

Apparently this is the bassflow remix?

Wow – a bit of Roxette really does remind you of when they were massive back in the 1990s, doesn’t it. I haven’t listened to any of their material for ages, and the last time I liked some of their ‘new’ materials was years ago when they released ‘Milk and Toast and Honey’, which still has a lovely vibe for me – and always reminds me of good times in Stanley Hall office 9 with the weekly Tip Sheet and Fromo. Good times, great memories, great song…

< wipes tear from eye >

:D
x

Song of the Week: 26.08.11

2011-09-06T16:58:00.000Z

We Are The Drums – Le Kid

What a great track.

Some of you might remember Le Kid form Melodifestivalen earlier in the year. That song was borderline irritating rather than catchy – but full marks for effort. Regard…

I’m liking the vibe of Le Kid. Shade’s of Aqua’s early styling’s, with Spice Girls' attitude. Might invest in the CD when it gets a release in Sweden…

And it is just me but does that bassline sounds a wee bit like Duffy’s ‘Mercy’?

BTW: here come the drums, here come the drums...

:D

Song of the Week: 19.08.11

2011-09-06T16:56:00.001Z

Jealousy – Will Young

Blimey, I feel a bit jealous of young Mr Young. Great body in that Lycra! I can tell you that after a few weeks off work, with drinks and nibble galore there is a little more jiggle to my wiggle than I would like! Good thing is that I didn’t completely abandon any form of exercise this August (as I did last year), so hopefully my metabolism hasn’t completely deserted me!

I actually bought the album ‘Echoes’ which seemed to help it to number one. It’s the first studio album of Will Young’s that I’ve bought since ‘Friday’s Child’ back in 2003. It’s not a bad listen – mostly chilled and slightly more up-tempo stuff – not too many ballads. Overall I’d give it 7/10. Good for background in disco kitchen and larking about on a trapeze…

:D

Song of the Week: 12.08.11

2011-09-06T16:52:00.002Z

Heaven – Emeli Sande

Wow – one of those rare occasions when I love a song on hearing it *instantly*. Anita was visiting for disco kitchen, and when we retired to the living room to chill and watch some late night music television, we heard this track and l-o-v-e-d it. I immediately went to iTunes and ended up pre-ordering it. She has a look of Ultra Nate (remember her?). Great vibe, and who cares if it is rather derivative of this…

You feel me?

:D

Song of the Week: 05.08.11

2011-09-06T16:49:00.001Z

Alcastar - Alcazar

OMG – so sad. Following Stockholm Pride the other week, Alcazar are now officially on hiatus. Reading between the lines it is more than a career break, and this is the end of the road for my (our) beloved Alcazar. I’m in denial – much the same as with Oprah calling it a day with The Oprah Winfrey Show earlier this year – her talk show hasn’t really ended! Whilst I know it has I loved her departing comment, something along the lines of ‘I will not say goodbye, just until we meet again’ – and that’s how I’m treating Alcazar’s departure.

They leave us with some inspired perfect pop. It was camp, it was cheesy, but it was always very well done. Well written and very well produced, and probably the best thing – Alcazar knew all of these things and always exhibited confidence in what they were doing – and because of that it had integrity, rather than just being seen as schlager-schlock.

Alcazar were never knowingly underperformed. Click HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnJFkIJGmws&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=AVGxdCwVVULXfe9Mb3n30kGMWfXxQz-NaJ) for all the highlights!

You, me and Alcazar - Disco Kitchen forever!!!

x

Song of the Week: 05.08.11

2011-08-06T12:56:00.002Z

Longtime readers of the popblog (if there are any left - how rubbish am I at blogging this year?!) will be familiar with the work of Velvet - one of my many Swedish disco divas. She can always be relied upon to give us exactly what we want from her (a bit like Alcazar, indeed). Well, after old faves such as...

[schalgertastic!]

...and also...

[wish I had some slacks that could do what her dress did! Hell, one man near my pants would be a treat!]

...via non-MF songs such as...

All of which brings us to her new track, and SOTW:

Love Struck (7th Heaven Club Mix) - Velvet

Can't wait for the regular version and the new material if it's on the way!

:D

Song of the Week: 29.07.11

2011-08-06T12:53:00.002Z

Cinema - Benny Benassi feat. Gary Go

[what - no video?]

Always good for the treadmill! Familiar hooks, much - what's from where. Naggingly [word?] catchy - that's why it's SOTW, duh!

:D

Song of the Week: 22.07.11

2011-08-06T12:48:00.004Z

Feel 4 U - Alcazar feat. Dream Beats

[what is that video all about??]

Great vibe. Loved this song since I first heard it - which was way back before Eurovison in Dusseldorf. I've only just got the regular radio and other assorted remixes, until then I'd been living with the 6 minute remix... which becomes slightly over-repetetive. With this nice 3"30 version all is good on planet pop.

It's a bit of a shame that the guys are calling it a day after Stockholm Pride this year. Hopefully it will be a short hiatus, and they will be back one day. You know, like waistcoats...

We'll always have the music and where would disco kitchen be without Alcazar?

:D
x

Song of the Week: 15.07.11

2011-08-06T12:45:00.002Z

I Wanna Go - Britney Spears

Ok, let's give this song a moment on it's own. Love the video - makes me giggle.

:D

Song of the Week: 08.07.11

2011-07-08T19:04:00.001Z

I Wanna Go & Be Popular (Robin Skouteris Mix) - Britney Spears Vs Eric Saade

omg, OMG, O-M-G!!!!! IT'S MY SOTW for my BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Second time around for Eric and Brittas as SOTW...

:D
x

What a cracking pair of Brits...

2011-07-02T12:17:00.003Z

You will see from an earlier post that that my SOTW is the awesome mash-up of Britney and Eric Saade. The video for Britney's contribution is genius. Regard, viewers...

Love the bit where she flashed to the dad and son! Great!

Track is strong - and to be honest, I bought her recent album ""Femme Fatale" and haven't really listened to it (probably got swallowed-up by all the Eurovision songs at the time).

And she looks great, doesn't she. Britney baby, one more time, indeed!

:D

What a gay day...

2011-07-02T12:04:00.003Z

So it's London gay pride today, and can I tell you (shocker) that there are a few 'hands in the air' for the gayers songs on my iTunes at the moment. Recent additions were spearheaded by the new song by Hera Björk's, written especially for Iceland's gay pride. Regard, and grab your glo sticks...

Good for the treadmill, right.

Not quite a schlagertastic as 'you know what'...

Then, whilst listening to Eurovisionradio.com the other day (no really, you can listen to non-stop euro-hits 24-7/365!) I heard this contender for Moldova that didn't make it - but it certainly got my hands-in-the-air. Although not when driving - please think of the kids...

Has a whiff of the flounce to it, doesn't it listeners. As does this...

... which is so much better than the drivel that Greece sent to Dusseldorf this year.

And finally, for our gay pride medley, there is this song from swedish (really!) singer Alex Saidac, which is getting a September release here in the UK...

So you're all ready to have a good old gay day today. I'm off to the gym later, and if Robbo's in I might give him a CD of the tracks to tickle his inner gay man. Wishful thinking!

:D
xx

Song of the Week: 01.07.11

2011-07-02T11:57:00.002Z

I Wanna Go & Be Popular (Robin Skouteris Mix) - Britney Spears Vs Eric Saade

omg, OMG, O-M-G!!!!!

How awesome is that - what a fab mashup.

Sound of schlager and Britney harps. Genius!

:D
x

Song of the Week: 24.06.11

2011-07-02T11:48:00.003Z

Tonight - Danny Saucedo

Cheekbones, anyone. Handsome, isn't he! Has a look of Fromo - but I can't put my finger on it - is it the hair??

You'll remember Danny from Melodifestivalen this year, right? He finished runner-up behind Eric Saade. He also delivered the votes for Sweden during the ESC final, wearing an Eric Saade t-shirt. In my head Eric and Danny are doing the beast with two backs. What beautiful children they would have. Erm...

Anyway, this is a track from Danny's album - which pretty much sticks to this kind of formula. Quite good for treadmills etc. It picks-up from where his 'near but yet so far' MF song left off (love the clip before the song kicks in)...

What's the bets he's back with another song at the MF next year after the success of Eric @ the ESC this year?

:D

Song of the Week: 17.06.11

2011-07-02T11:42:00.003Z

Angel - Mika Newton

Ok, so this happens every year. A few weeks on from all the tears and queers of the Eurovish, I start getting into songs that I really didn't listen to before the Contest. This year Mika Newton's entry for Ukraine is one of those songs. Who cares that the lyrics are translated into what sounds like broken English. I must say it's so much better listening to the song without watching the 'sand art' that characterised the performance in Dusseldorf. And what a great set of pipes Mika has. Love it!

:D

Magic moments...

2011-06-25T18:57:00.003Z

OMG. Pop music keeps me alive. No, it really does.

This is a *STUNNING* music video. Made me cry, just a little bit...

This has just made me hug life a little bit more than I feel like at the moment.

:D
x

Song of the Week: 10.06.11

2011-06-11T16:39:00.003Z

Taken By A Stranger - Lena

The juvenile in me still finds the title funny. Still loving the vibe after all these weeks. I also heard some of her other new stuff, and I quite like it. I'll post more on that in a bit.

Can you believe - if you're still out there reading the blog - that I'm back on track! Sorry to have been a rubbish blogger since Easter. Work= busy. Eurovision research paper = busy. Euroflu on my return from Dusseldorf = no energy. Marking student assignments = busy. Etc, etc....

Like waistcoats and Robbie in Take That...

;D
x

Song of the Week: 27.05.11

2011-06-11T16:36:00.008Z

Lipstick - Jedward

Yep - I liked it sooo much that it is SOTW for a second time. Love it, and unashamedly so!

:D
x

Song of the Week: 03.06.11

2011-06-11T16:36:00.007Z

Judas - Lady Gaga

The big question: is "on sale-on radio" really working? I would have thought that Gaga would have had at least one number one single off the new album by now? Maybe it's all a bit too cliche now? Are we no longer gaga about Gaga?

That said - I think the new album is 7/10 for me. Not bad at all.

:D

Song of the Week: 20.05.11

2011-06-11T16:34:00.001Z

Lipstick - Jedward

LOVED IT! The staging was bob-on. I keep doing the "armography" - even in the car. Please don't try it! Think of the kids...

:D

Song of the Week: 13.05.11

2011-06-11T16:25:00.002Z

Da Da Dum - Paradise Oscar

Just stunning. Loved it - would have wet myself if it had won. Sadly, although we were all singing along in the arena, and as the globe emerged on the giant LED screen the crowd went bonkers on cue, he kinda got killed-off by a very bad draw. Singing from the front was a pity, as I think he would have been better placed if he was at the end of the draw. That said, he made it to the final, and made my have the 'euro-tingle' and a bit of a euro-weep!

:D
x

Song of the Week: 29.04.11

2011-06-11T16:21:00.002Z

Running Scared - Ell and Nikki

Yep, I liked this song prior to the ESC. I never thought that it would be the actual winner - but we like a good surprise on planet Eurovision - and it was a pleasant one when Ell and Nikki won for Azerbaijan. Like the mellow, yet strangely contemporary vibe to it. A bit like Glee mixed with Timbaland production.

Given that I'm updating the blog on the day that Bruce Forsyth finally got his Knighthood, let's just say "didn't they do well"...

:D

Song of the Week: 22.04.11

2011-06-11T16:17:00.002Z

Tray Again - Dilba

A good song from the start of the Melodifestivalen this year. She looks a little cross-eyed and a bit nervous, doesn't she? I have downloaded the full length version of this track, and so in it's expanded form it snags a SOTW weeks after the conclusion of MF. You know how I roll, right...

:D

Song of the Week: 015.04.11

2011-06-11T16:11:00.003Z

Ding Dong - Dana International

Now this was never going to win the Eurovish this year, but I like the vibe - it makes me giggle, and in disco car on the way to and from work it puts a hitch in my giddy-up. Dana was good value at the ESC in Dusseldorf - lots of Diva antics, but unfortunately the song just wasn't strong enough. Mind you, she worked the bloomin' catwalk like the rent was due tomorrow, and ended on cue! Regard, viewers...

There is much love for Ms International, but she was let down by a bit of a weak song. I still don't quite understand why people want to compete again when they have already won the Contest? Hey ho....

:D

Song of the Week: 08.04.11

2011-06-11T16:09:00.002Z

Popular - Eric Saade

Sound of schlager hearts and harps...

:D

The eighties coming back...

2011-04-01T16:40:00.002Z

OMG x a million. How to take one of the best hooks *ever* and turn it into a pop choon that's "down with all the kids" in clubland right now...

L-O-V-E I-T !!!

I'm 11 again, and it's 1981. Oh, all my days....

Oh, and there must be at least 45 tit shots there?

:D
x

Song of the Week: 01.04.11

2011-04-01T16:28:00.002Z

Trendy Discotheque - Pay TV

OMG - how have I managed to live without this track in disco kitchen? Loving it - and it makes we think of Fromo, Flawless and Worry Bead.

"We go... woooh, wow... oh yeah!"

Nor 'arf!

:D

Song of the Week: 25.03.11

2011-04-01T16:25:00.002Z

Need You Now - Lady Antebellum

OMG - it's a SOTW that's not Swedish. How on earth did that happen. And, in a world full of serendipity this was recently covered on Glee. It's a song that won a bucket load of Grammy award at the start of the year - and it's been a slow burner for me for a while now. SOTW status means that it is now officially recognised as being a good tune for me.

:D

Song of the Week: 18.03.11

2011-04-01T16:16:00.002Z

Alive - Linda Pritchard

Wow - I've gone all ballad-tastic! I can even run to this, at top speed, on the treadmill! I can feel the wind beneath my wind machine and everything (she just needed the wind machine to be cranked-up a bit. Mind you, with that dress?!).

I like it so much that I can even overlook the fact that is sounds a wee bit like Sarah Dawn Finer's Melodifestivalen finalist back in 2009. Regard, my friends...

Both great ballads, right. Great pipes, right...

:D

Song of the Week: 11.03.11

2011-04-01T16:11:00.001Z

Idiot - Lena Philippson

Love it - but where, oh where, are the red boots.

:D

A deeper shade of Blue...

2011-03-10T20:45:00.002Z

ESC2011: UNITED KINGDOM

Best thing we've sent for years - but is it instant enough after one listen (on 14 May)? I'd say that Estonia, Denmark and France are more immediate. But, huzzah - an entry to be proud of!

:D

ESC2011: FRANCE

2011-03-09T18:39:00.004Z

Viva La France - this is *stunning*...

No wonder it is the new hot favourite for ESC2011. It's got Bolero, mixed with Les Miserables and "Time To Say Goodbye" all in one. Oh, and he's not bad on the eye either. Work that leather! :D

Stunning!

Song of the Week: 04.03.11

2011-03-04T12:39:00.002Z

Something In Your Eyes - Jenny Silver

Finally all the Melodifestivalen clips are on the web, so hurrah and sounds of schlager-harps we can get in a lather about how fab Jenny's song is. This is the third time it's been SOTW. Almost as marvellous as this, but not quite...

nearly, but not quite!

C'mon Jamie - feel the schlager love - and call me!

:D
x

Take (another) chance on me...

2011-03-04T12:13:00.004Z

The final of Melodifestivalen is almost upon us - sound of harps!

Before we get to the Globe Arena in Stockholm next weekend we have the andre chanson/second chance round tomorrow (Saturday) night.

The eight remaining songs which qualified from the first four rounds will now go head to head, until two songs are left to get through to the final. Regard...

(ooh, it's very small!)

You might remember that last year I didn't get a single song right as they were whittled down. Hopefully I will do better than last year - or be the kiss of death again. Here are the songs, and who I would like to progress at each stage:

ROUND ONE: JENNY SILVER vs LOVE GENERATION

I love, love, love (ooh - another schlager anthem) Jenny Silver's track - so that goes through for me.

ROUND TWO: LOREEN vs SARA VARGA

I like them both, but I like the vibe of Sara Varga. And she's hot, hot, hot (blimey - another schlager anthem!). Sara goes through for me...

ROUND THREE: THE MONIKER vs LINDA PRITCHARD

Two faaaab songs. Given the lack of ballads I think Linda will go through - but really I think The Moniker should. So I'll pick Linda, no The Moniker, no Linda, no The Moniker. Blimey - OK - LINDA!

ROUND FOUR: SHIRLEY'S ANGELS vs PERNILLA ANDERSSON

A few old wollopers verses a foxy Sheryl Crow soundalike/lookalike! I prefer Pernilla, so I'd like to see her through.

Well, if the events unfold as I think then that would then mean that it's:

Jenny Silver verses Sara Varga. Jenny Silver goes to the Stockholm for the final

Linda verses Pernilla. Ooh, again, my heart says Pernilla, but I think it will be Linda to the final.

Hey kids, why not play along at home tomorrow night. You can watch the action unfold on'tinterweb at svt.se - and click on the Melodifestivalen logo for all the live action streaming from 7.00pm in the UK. The good news is that I like all 8 second chance songs, so it'll be fascinating to see what goes trhough.

Sca...

:D

ESC2011: NORWAY

2011-03-04T11:05:00.003Z

This is the early favourite...

I'd love Norway to win again, as I loved Oslo last year. Nice vibe to the song, but doesn't it sound like Monaco's 'Coco Dance' from the other year.

:D

ESC2011: SPAIN

2011-03-04T10:56:00.002Z

Now listen to this and then tell me where the hook is from. It sounds very familiar. Great vibe - best thing that Spain have sent to Eurovision for years.

Should give them a good result.

ESC2011: FINLAND

2011-03-04T10:53:00.004Z

I think this is better than Belgium's entry from last year - you know, Tom and his guitar. I couldn't quite warm to that, but whilst this is very like that, I like this more than that. ?? :D

Hope it does well.