Glee

I love it - I am 100% a Gleek always have been, always will be - especially the one and only SUE SYLVESTER. I have been watching series 2 and am loving it! It is back full of humor and wit. I cannot say too much as I know many of my friends can't watch it here! But I think they have got back some of the humour that was left out towards the end of series 1, even though series one is still 100% amazing, genius, fun and brilliant, also serious when it needs to be.

Rachel has glammed up, Finn has died his hair, the rest of them have glammed up but Sue's tracksuit remains in tact! I really love this series, it's  fun and always makes me laugh, some of the music is cheesy but that's ok, we all like it really it's just admitting it! I wish there was a Glee club when I was at school, even though I sound like a bag of cats being thrown against a wall when I sing, I still think I would of got in some how!

My hero is Sue Sylvester, her wit, her hatred for others just makes me die with laughter. Whoever writes for her is an actual genius! I am glad they have got the permissions to cover more relevant and recent songs such as Gaga and Jay-Z, they do it well, they do it in true Glee style. I cannot wait to see the second episode with Britney Spears - she makes a lot of cameo's and always surprises me at how good she is in them.

Long live GLEE and their soundtracks, so far Somebody to love, Like A Prayer, Proud Mary, Jump and so many others are frequent songs on my I-Pod, I always feel slightly guilty walking along with it playing in my ears, but it always brightens up my day haha.

Enrique Iglesias feat Nicole Scherzinger - Heartbeat

They have 2 of the hardest names in pop to spell so I will keep it simple. Enrique feat Nicole - Heartbeat is one of my new favourites, sexy video & a great beat - good to see Enrique is doing some good music again, not since the 'ping pong song' have I liked anything as much as this. Enrique oozes charm in this video - something he does well, whereas Nicole is smoking hot in her scenes, a hot video that I am sure Lewis finds hard to watch.

As for Nicole, well she is working on her eagerly awaited debut solo album which is out soon, working with GAGA and Alexandra Burke's best producing buddy 'RedOne' who has helped create some of my all time favourite songs (Bad Romance/Pokerface) the future looks good for Nicole, fresh out of her surprisingly good stint as an X-Factor judge. Nicole brings a great subtle tone to this track which I think compliments Enrique' vocals perfectly. It is already climbing high on the UK singles chart and I would like to see it hit number one. A few weeks more and they could of performed it on the X-Factor which usually boosts acts straight to the number one!

The Wanted

Guilty - but I actually really like these lads as they seem normal and their sound is different if you ask me.. the more I hear 'Heart Vacany' the more I am humming it, and it is rare for me to like boy/man bands but these are catchy songs. I may even get the album! 'Heart Vacancy' is a sure fire number one to follow up its predecessor 'All Time Low' which I also like a lot. I think they have found that there was definitely a gap in the market for a new boyband, JLS and McFly are probably their major competition, but thankfully all three acts are completely different, and on top of that each of them are producing really good music!

I literally never thought I would have acts like 'The Wanted, JLS, McFly & Take That' on my-Ipod - but its getting less of a travesty to like these groups when they keep banging out the hits!

www.thewantedmusic.com/

Kaci Battaglia - One to watch

I have been following Kaci Battaglia since 'Crazy Possessive' was released. It is a great pop song reminiscent of Britney Spears 'Womanizer' days and I really like it just as much. So, when I heard the new song 'Body Shots featuring Ludacris' I was very happy indeed, and then.. I heard this remix, which I actually prefer to the original and instantly purchased on I-Tunes.


So I am hoping Kaci will come over to the UK and start promoting her songs here, they have a good club vibe and we do like a dance here as well. I am also keen to here the whole album and see what the other tracks are like.


For the US fans, her album 'Bring It On' is out now, for us here in England, we can but wait, unless we all go and buy her singles on I-Tunes...NOW.

Listen to both below and see what you think.

The Ting Tings - Hands

After a few years out, the Ting Tings are back with new single Hands. Which for me, feels like a follow on from their last stuff, they have not changed drastically but have kept their music current and fresh. In Hands we hear what I think will become the new albums 'That's Not My Name' in the lyrics, 'Clap your hands if you're working too hard' the beginning sounds like it might not go the way you want, but then it kicks in! It has a retro feel to it, which is something many other artists are doing with their sound.  I am glad they did not go too different and stuck to what they know, good electric pop! I feel it is a grower, whereas 'That's Not My Name & Shut Up And Let Me Go' were instant favourites for me, still - nothing wrong with a song that will grow on you.I feel that Hands will sit perfectly on my-Ipod along with all their other classics and future hits.

New album 'Kunst' which I am sure is a cheeky way of saying a very naughty word, although it means 'Art' in German has no confirmed release date as yet. 'Hands' is released October 11th.

The Saturdays - Higher

Ok, so I am not the BIGGEST fan but I like a few of their tracks, and this seems to be a follow up to 'UP'? Both are words that describe going upward? Anyway I think this is their best single yet, its a good pop tune and probably their best video yet. If ever one of their songs deserved number one, this would be it. I wish they had released this first instead of 'Missing You' as that is my least favourite of theirs. Also, I have seen the 24/7 programme on ITV2 and I am glad as I am liking them as people more!

Higher is released  1st November from the mini Album 'Headlines' which is out now.


Anyway - good piece of pop this!

Rihanna - Only Girl (in the world)

WOW! Rihanna is back - with a club banger - thank god!! Back to the her best. I liked 'Rated R' but it was a little darker and if it was not for 'Rude Boy, Russian Roulette & Firebomb' I perhaps would of gotten bored of it quickly.. I am a fan though and love many of the others, 'Take a Bow' 'Umbrella' 'SOS' & 'Don't Stop The Music' there are soo many to name you forget how many songs she has had, and how many she has worked on. Rihanna seems to dominate the charts and there seems to be no stopping her everything she touches turns to gold. I get the feeling she is going to around for years to come. I am looking forward to new album 'Loud' if the new song is anything to go buy. Below is a radio rip of 'Only Girl (in the world)' or if you want to hear a decent version head on over to the official website. I BLOODY LOVE IT.' What do you think?

http://www.rihannanow.com/

Cheryl Cole - Promise This

I am not sure on the new Cheryl Cole track 'Promise this', is it another grower like 'Fight For This Love?' Possibly.. I am not sure. It is strange but catchy.. we shall see. I love Cheryl and pleased to see her back, can't wait to see what category she gets on the X Factor. Good to see she is trying something different. Is it Nadine vs Cheryl. Both are offering good options, but will Joe McElderry beat them all? As I have to say his song is not as bad as I thought it was going to be! Not my I-Pod worthy but a good first track, I don't think he will be another Leon Jackson. It sounds kinda like Mika? You can decide below!







Joe McElderry - Ambitions is released October 10th.

Christina Aguilera still has it

The way the media is acting about Christina Aguilera anyone would think she was a new act that has had no success or a decent record. We are forgetting that her last 3 albums (Stripped, Back To Basics & Bionic) hit number one. She has had some huge number ones including Beautiful, Dirrty, Lady Marmalade and of course Genie in a bottle. So people are now going on that because Bionic did not smash previous records that she has had it and GAGA is the way forward. Not at all, there is plenty of room for the Christina's, Beyonce' & Katy Perry's. It is just making sure they choose the right songs to release with the right videos. The Bionic campaign has not been the big comeback special you would expect from someone who last released an album 4 years previous. I think that this album has some stand out tracks but the release format has been out of whack, and as for the promotion, it was not done quite right was it?!

On the Bionic album I would of released WooHoo feat Nicki Minaj first! With an awesome video and the cameo from up and coming young rapper Minaj, this would of been a great club banger like her hay day of Dirrty featuring Redman. I would of followed it up with either Not Myself Tonight or Lift Me Up. Other greats are Desnudate, Vanity, I am and You Lost Me. There is still great stuff with X-Tina. I am one of her biggest fans and follow everything she does. She has one of the biggest voices out there and should not feel the need rival GAGA, they are two completely different acts that I am a huge fan of. In theory Bionic should have been much much bigger, I just think the timing, promo and lack of videos for the right songs are the reason it fell from grace so quickly. One of my all time favourite albums is 2002' Stripped, which is a classic example of how great Christina is.

I urge Christina to re-think, take a few months and get something else out there to remind her old fans as well as potential new ones just why Christina still has it.



Or a classic like:

Kings Of Leon - Radioactive

There really is no stopping KOL - they are literally amazing, I have not been lucky enough to see them live, but feel the gospel/rock sound of Radioactive would be amazing live!!! I am thinking they shall be dominating the world once more over the next 2 years with new album 'Come Around Sundown' which is released 18th October in the UK and 19th in the US. Radioactive is available to download now!

There are many bands like the Kings out there, but so little manage the success they have achieved. Although it did take them from later 90's until pretty much the launch of 2008's 'Only By The Night' album to really hit the mainstream market as well. I have been a fan since the single 'Charmer was released, its actually brilliant. I hope to go see them live next time if tickets are not too expensive. Other great such as 'ex On Fire' 'Use Sombody' and 'On Call' get regular plays on Mi-Pod.

Below is the new video for Radioactive.

Nadine Coyle - Insatiable

Nadine Coyle is gearing up to launch her muchly anticipated first single 'Insatiable' and on the first few listens it is actually an OK first song and you instantly recognise it as being a very Girls Aloud sounding song, a little bit 80's and fairly catchy. However, it's not Girls Aloud, and a lot of fans are going to hold this against Nadine as they feel she is the reason they are not recording at the moment.


With a release date that will clash with Cheryl Cole's new single 'Promise This' I get a distinct feeling Cheryl will crush Nadine in a chart battle. Which is a shame as I am sure there is plenty of room for the both of them. Maybe Nadine should re-think this, especially as Cheryl has not released the song to radio yet.


I am on the fence, but I would be keen to hear what you think of the song?

NadineWorldWide.com

She Kills me with her sheer brilliance

Once again, Kills, Natalia.. I am literally obsessed and waiting for the following:

1) The rest of this song.
2) To own this song
3) The album that this song belongs to - although I am fully aware 'Perfection' does take time
4) The Tour
& 5) All of the above, again for the second installment.

For now, I will just listen to this teaser 1 minute & 27second clip.. over, and over and over again!

Girlicious

With what seems to be a bucket load of boy bands around at the moment, what we need is a decent girlband.. with the Sugababes slowly evaporating before our eyes and the unlikeliness that Girls Aloud will reconcile their differences it has left a gap. A gap The Saturdays are trying to fill but not quite doing so. It is at this time I would normally turn to the likes of Pussycat Dolls or Destiny's Child for a good old dancey song, but nope they have vanished or decided to call it a day.. so in America the show that created Girlicious is a show from the Pussycat Dolls & after a few line up changes it seems they have finally settled on 3 of them. They have created a good pop song, but it would seem they are not coming over here to the UK!? WHY?? I love the single 'Maniac' it would fill a void here and am certain would fly to chart glory in the absence of other great girl groups out there. See what you think.. but I reckon they would be quite well accepted here. Especially if they re-released the brilliant 'Stupid Shit' and the below single. Number ones written all over them, we do love a bit of controversy here. So I am asking nicely, please start a European campaign.. 

http://www.girliciousmusic.com/

New Music that I am liking - Kylie, McFly, Brandon & Alex G

McFly - Party Girl (GUILTY PLEASURE)

Now, I don't know if it's just the fact that MCFLY have promoted the hell out of new Single 'Party Girl' or the fact that it is actually quite a good track that I like, but I feel ashamed.. they are clearly talented lads but going back they used to sing about a girl who had five colours in her hair.. yawn, really not my thing. So the boys took a couple of years off, buffed up and came back with a racy video that most girls and some guys will love! Number 1 ahead for these lads, fair play to them.

www.mcfly.com/

Brandon Flowers - CrossFire

I like it, and what with Charlize Theron appearing in the action packed video which sees Brandon tied up throughout and facing imminent torture. To me, this is not a number one single and probably a very similar track to what the Killers could of done? So I am left wondering why he has gone it alone? I am looking forward to listening to the album as I like his voice and the previous offerings from the Killers such as Mr Brightside, Somebody told me & Human.

www.brandonflowersmusic.com/

Alex Gaudino - I'm In Love

Remember 'Destination Unknown' all those years ago? 2007 actually it was a dance classic with horns and scantily clad girls running round in the video giving boys the horn! Well this is the new offering from Alex, and I love it! With the lyrics 'Im in love I wanna do it' you would think it was slightly awful, but its really not awful. Quite great actually..
www.alexgaudino.com/

Kylie Minogue - Get Out Of My Way

Kylie just keeps churning out great pop songs that seem to become timeless classics, and this is no exception, with a really good video and a fantastic looking Kylie gyrating all over the place you cant help but love her. The follow up to my favourite Kylie song, 'All The Lovers', from the album 'Aphrodite' this is another foot tapping, dance friendly song the proves Kylie is the pop princess and stays at the top of her game.

www.kylie.com/

Alexandra Burke - Number 1 again?

I have heard that the new Alexandra Burke single, 'Start Without You' is number one? Checking the mid weeks it would appear so... Ok do I like this song? Not really is the answer, BUT, and it's a but... its catchy in the annoying way that the GO COMPARE advert sort of is catchy. The video is not great but she looks good in it and there are a lot of half naked men dancing around. It is really just a random song, and I don't get how this single could get to number one when the brilliant 'All Night Long' feat Pitbull (a remixed version to the album) did not even reach number one!? I do think the team behind Alexandra have got it slightly wrong, when I first heard 'Overcome' the album, the idea in my head of how the campaign should have gone is as follows:

Single 1: Bad Boys, Single 2: All Night Long, Single 3: The Silence & Single 4: Broken Heels.

Now I am guessing there will be a re-release of the album which I think is an outright CON, I find it so frustrating when people do this, as if you have finished the album and released it, start on the next one, stop churning out the same old thing just with extra tracks on it (only GAGA can successfully pull this off).

I like Alexandra, I like that she came from Xfactor, I like her voice, BUT she needs to find her own identity away from rappers and features, and find a song that is JUST her that will sell. Otherwise people will get fed up of it. I just don't really like the new song I am afraid.

www.alexandraburkeofficial.com/

Alexis Jordan - One to watch?

I seem to write about a lot of people who never make it over here in the UK or are yet to 'make it' as I put it. People like Jesssica Mauboy, Dragonette & now Alexis Jordan, currently here showcasing some of her work I can only hope that we hear more from her. First single is called 'Happiness' and I really like it, it's a catchy dance track with plenty of humming ability attached to it. I like her too and the video is also good, check it out below.

From the same country that bought us Rihanna, Shontelle and even Livvi Franc, Alexis looks set to follow in the success of her fellow Barbadians. With a voice that has been described as 'perfect' she was first noticed by the judges of America's got Talent and despite making it past auditions was eliminated in the semi finals. Despite this she was signed to Jay'z records label Roc Nation where he became her mentor and all this before her 18th birthday.


I think 'Happiness' will become a huge hit over here when it is released.

Random Shuffle

Top 5 songs I just found on a random but brilliant shuffle:

1) Leona Lewis - Happy

I really love this song, in the same way I loved 'Bleeding Love'. Leona is such a success story from the X-Factor 2006 and I think will be around a long time. People say she sings too much of the same but I think that is what makes her great because she performs emotion and is believable and has so far had 3 UK number 1's. I have heard that she is working with top producers such as Dallas Austin on the third album and hopefully she will find a song that made Whitney stand out when she released 'I wanna dance with somebody' which showed she could do more than just a ballad. 

           www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/

 2) Brandi Carlile - The Story
This song reminds me of a really great holiday I had in Florida 2007. I went with my friend and at the time when we heard this song we laughed because there is a bit towards the end where it sounds like her voice goes a bit off key, but that is the genius part of the song! The song is a country and western song and Brandi plays with several different genres. This is a great track that never quite reached the UK which is common here, we miss a lot of good songs here because our charts are dominated by one genre at a time.

www.brandicarlile.com/

3) Jessica Mauboy - Burn

 Another good artist that has so far yet to make the UK, first single 'Running Back' featured hit helper Flo-Rida and was a huge success the other side of the pond (Australia & USA). 'Burn' was also a huge hit and I think with the right promo she would of been huge here as this is actually a really good song with huge club potential. Jessica was actually on Autralian Idol and formed girl group 'Young Divas' which did not work out, however proves she should be a good solo artist in her own right!

www.jessicamauboy.com.au/

4) Kasabian - Empire

What a fantastic tune, full of energy and a great timeless record! Always makes me want to jump around whilst throwing my head in circles like a complete loon!!! Kasabian are one of my favorite UK bands with other greats like 'shoot the runner' 'Fire' and 'Club Foot' a regular occurrence on my I-Pod, I can't wait to see what other greats they will create on new album when it is complete. Furthermore, I have heard that Kasabian are amazing live and would love to see them one day to perform my crazy head spinning antics..

www.kasabian.co.uk/

5) Jamelia  - Superstar

Jamelia, where are you? This was a brilliant song all those years ago! The follow up to the 'Thank You' album - 'Walk With Me' had probably one of your best tracks and yet it went unnoticed here in the UK, clearly missed a hot track with 'Beware of the Dog' which sampled Depeche Mode' Personal Jesus.' I will always protest it was clearly number 1 material, as was Superstar. Jamelia has the great potential to be a really big named diva to represent the UK and I hear rumours she is working with Pharrell and other such music producer legends so I can only hope she will fulfill her potential with the next album!

www.jamelia.com/

X Factor 2010

So to this years X Factor. 2 shows in and I have to say.. not a great load of talent going on.. I am a huge fan of previous X Factor's mostly for it's past contestants such as, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, JLS, Diana Vicker's & Stacey Soloman, however this year I have not found someone I am really keen to see again like I have been in the past. So I am hoping they have saved the best until last. Although they are putting through an unusual amount of strange acts this year... then kicking them out again?! I am also strangely missing Dannii Minogue from the panel, which is odd as I did not want her on the panel originally. Also, Holly Willoughby is a big absence from the Xtra Factor.

With guest judges ranging from the random to the brilliant (Geri Halliwell, Natalie Imbruglia, Pixie Lott, Nicole Sch something or other and Katy Perry) and of course the build up to the big 'Cheryl Malaria' which they play clips of every week, plus the girl punching the other girl in the face! I have to think, sadly, they are saving the 'best' until last. As usual I will become a complete Saturday night hermit and set vigil at the TV week on and week out to see what this year has to offer, or skyplus it on the rare outings. Well, there will be nothing else to do in the winter months.

It seems to me even Simon knows something is wrong, next year he launches the US version and rumour has it the British version will no longer be running (or ruining) the (X)Christmas number one. Which it has been claiming for the past 4 years! Only time will tell if last years winner Joe McElderry will be as big as stars such as Leona, JLS, Diana and now Olly, I did at the time think not, however Simon has had him working with some big names so you never know..  

So lets wait and see, I will be reviewing again in a few weeks when I know who the finalists are.

I Blame Coco - but I don't Blame her at all..One to watch!

Daughter of Sting and Trudy Styler... how often is she going to be referred to like this? Forever most likely, in the same way that Lily Allen is the daughter of Keith Allen? Or La Roux's Elly is daughter of June from the Bill!!

 Well, I Blame Coco AKA Coco Sumner is a very exciting recording artist in her own right. Having now released 3 singles with the newest 'Quicker' being a very good treat to the ears indeed, I now think Coco will soon be heading the same way as Lily Allen and La Roux (coincidence both have famous parents?) in that America will catch on to their different musical style and sounds and they will be rocketed to allstar greatness.
Album 'The Constant' is released in the UK 27th September 2010. First single 'Caesar' was released in Feb 10 and featured vocals from the very unusual and talented Robyn, second single 'Self Machine' followed. It is with third single 'Quicker' that I really started to pay attention and admit that I was slightly less interested previously. But now I am excited and see Coco becoming a bit of a shiny star really. 2010's Florence maybe? Not the voice as they both have different singing styles.. but the potential rise to music festival and all round great performer fame - YES. 

www.iblamecoco.co.uk/
www.myspace.com/iblamecoco - dates of gigs have been added and may well be worth a purchase.

Katy Perry - Teenage Dream review

Teenage Dream is the follow up to 2008's 'One Of The Boys' which saw number 1 smash 'I Kissed A Girl' and other notable top ten hits, Hot'N'Cold & Waking Up In Vegas. So it was a wonder what Ms. Perry would return with.

Here is my opinion on Teenage Dream - track by track

1) Teenage Dream - the second single from the album, its a really catchy foot tapper. It has chart success written all over it. Talking about how she wants to 'go all the way tonight' and putting hands all over skin tight jeans will have boys of all ages and even some girls imaginations running wild.. 8/10

2) Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F) - Catchy pop song, talks about the antics of a Friday night drinking, dancing skinny dipping and pictures ending up online, probably an anthem for the celebration of a good social life. Is it single worthy? Probably yes, possibly fourth or fifth single - can imagine a good video for it. 6/10

3) California Gurls feat Snoop Dogg - The first single taken from Teenage Dream, it reached number one in the UK for 2 weeks, which is no surprise with its catchy chorus and rap from Snoop Dogg, does sound a bit Ke$ha, however Katy has built the star quality that Ke$ha is slightly lacking at the moment, and it worked.. Katy claims that this is the retaliation to the song  'Empire State of Mind' the smash from Jay-z Feat Alicia Keys.. Not sure it's as good but still a catchy Perry track that provided her second UK number one. 8/10


4) Firework - rumoured to be the third single from the album, which is a good thing, as this is one of my favourite tracks from the album.. a corker of a chorus that makes. Katy's voice shines on this track in the same way it does on Teenage Dream, has the same catchy feel -this will be a big hit. 8/10


5) Peacock - Oh dear, Katy goes a little controversial here, daring an unknown gent to show off his 'Peacock' pushing boundaries maybe? Defo not one for the kids this song - and probably the album again very Ke$ha, not single worthy I am afraid. 5/10


6) Circle The Drain - I like this side of Katy's music, its a bit more grittier, and lyrics like 'I want to be your lover, not your f*#king mother' show that yes, she is pushing boundaries but on this track its right unlike the previous song. Sometimes this track does not quite sit right with the rest of the theme of the album which seems to be nostalgic music that takes you back to your 'teenage years.' However still a good track. 8/10


7) The One That Got Away- A catchy track, a good album song, good beat and chorus. Keeping with the theme of the album, slightly less harsh compared to Circle the Drain, where she sings about a love who 'got away' which I think a lot of people can relate to.  6/10


8)E.T.- Good track, talking about someone who is out of this world 'your touch so Alien' wonder who she is talking about here?! Guess she is over kissing girls by the sounds of this song. Possibly a single but not as good as other potential singles. 6/10


9) Who Am I Living For - Perry's vocals on this track are probably a bit grittier than normal, and it suits. Slightly less adrenaline to this track, but not a bad thing! Takes a bit of getting used to considering the other tracks have a slightly retro-pop-funk feel and this is quite a recent feeling track. 5/10


10) Pearl - Back in the keeping of the 80's sound, this record makes a good upbeat/ballad, probably the best slower song on the album. Katy does do good upbeat pop better than slower ballads and has yet to create the sort of slow song that Christina, Leona and Beyonce can execute effortlessly. 6/10

11) Hummingbird Heartbeat - Another 80's influenced pop song, catchy and fun just how we like our Perry. Not much else to say, it's not necessarily a single but a good album filler. 7/10

12) Not Like the Movies - Another slower song from this album, again much like Pearl, has a different side to Perry's vocals. Her voice feels vulnerable in this song, and I think she is singing about personal experiences and is believable. A good effort. 7/10

Overall, Teenage Dream is mostly brilliant, not a record for the kiddies, and fits in brilliantly with previous offering 'One Of The Boys.' Perry is not trying to be overly different from record to record, instead she is just changing one type of genre with different catchy pop songs, that seem to reflect her life situations, as this album feels a lot more like a love record.

Teenage Dream is in shops and I-Tunes now. Overall 7/10.

www.katyperry.com/