Friday, 31 August 2012
This Pet Shop Boys Video Interview With Huffington Post Re: 'Elysium' Is Good Stuff
Posted on 05:59 by Unknown
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe sat down and talked with the UK version of The Huffington Post about the new Pet Shop Boys album Elysium, and there's quite a lot of info revealed here — particularly about when and where they wrote tracks like "Invisible," "Requiem In Denim And Leopardskin," "Winner," "Leaving" and "Give It A Go."
Chris shrugs off the comparisons between this album and Behaviour, but mostly from a sonic sound point. And Neil says Elysium is the most beautiful Pet Shop Boys album yet.
Shame they didn't talk about my two favorite tracks, "A Face Like That" and "Memory Of The Future." But I guess I like a bit of mystery around those ones anyway.
Chris shrugs off the comparisons between this album and Behaviour, but mostly from a sonic sound point. And Neil says Elysium is the most beautiful Pet Shop Boys album yet.
Shame they didn't talk about my two favorite tracks, "A Face Like That" and "Memory Of The Future." But I guess I like a bit of mystery around those ones anyway.
Thursday, 30 August 2012
US Chart Roundup: Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen Bring Their "Good Time" To The Top 10
Posted on 05:42 by Unknown
Both Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen land their second Top 10 singles this week with their duet "Good Time." (It climbs from #13 to #9.) And each of them previously topped the Billboard Hot 100 — Owl City in 2009 with "Fireflies," and Carly Rae, of course, ruled this past summer with "Call Me Maybe."
And good for them, since the two 26-year-olds have been pimping this shit out like crazy — they performed "Good Time" on America's Got Talent, the Today Show, the Tonight Show and Conan in the past week alone.
Here they are on Conan last night:
Owl City's third album The Midsummer Station debuted at #7 on the Top 200 this week. If you didn't pick up that Shooting Stars EP of his I mentioned in the Spring, "Gold" and "Take It All Away" are two decent songs (also on The Midsummer Station) worth checking out.
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" - Taylor Swift *2 weeks*
2. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
3. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
4. "One More Night" - Maroon 5
5. "Some Nights" - fun.
6. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen
7. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
8. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
9. "Good Time" - Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
10. "As Long As You Love Me" - Justin Bieber
And good for them, since the two 26-year-olds have been pimping this shit out like crazy — they performed "Good Time" on America's Got Talent, the Today Show, the Tonight Show and Conan in the past week alone.
Here they are on Conan last night:
Owl City's third album The Midsummer Station debuted at #7 on the Top 200 this week. If you didn't pick up that Shooting Stars EP of his I mentioned in the Spring, "Gold" and "Take It All Away" are two decent songs (also on The Midsummer Station) worth checking out.
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" - Taylor Swift *2 weeks*
2. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
3. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
4. "One More Night" - Maroon 5
5. "Some Nights" - fun.
6. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen
7. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
8. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
9. "Good Time" - Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
10. "As Long As You Love Me" - Justin Bieber
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Pet Shop Boys Confirm Next Single "Leaving"
Posted on 03:40 by Unknown
Pet Shop Boys officially confirmed that their second single off upcoming album Elysium will be "Leaving," and it has a release date of October 15.
There are those out there who are comparing both the somber, mellow Elysium to the Boys' 1990 album Behaviour and "Leaving" to Behaviour's opening track "Being Boring" (long considered to be their masterpiece). Even the single art seems to pay homage to that of the latter:
Here's the song itself:
And here are the single details, per the Pet Shop Boys' official site:
There are those out there who are comparing both the somber, mellow Elysium to the Boys' 1990 album Behaviour and "Leaving" to Behaviour's opening track "Being Boring" (long considered to be their masterpiece). Even the single art seems to pay homage to that of the latter:
Here's the song itself:
And here are the single details, per the Pet Shop Boys' official site:
"Leaving", the second single from the new PSB album "Elysium", will get its first play on radio this Friday, August 31st. It will be played between 9.30 and 12 on the Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2 in the UK. The single will be released on October 15th on CD, 12" vinyl and download bundles with extra tracks and remixes. There are two different covers - one featuring Neil Tennant, the other Chris Lowe. The lyrics for "Leaving" can now be read in the Lyrics section on this site. "Elysium" will be released on September 10th.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
UK Chart Roundup: I Liked This "Bom Bom" Trash Better As "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)"
Posted on 14:04 by Unknown
I mean, right?
The UK Top 10:
1. "Bom Bom" - Sam And The Womp *new* *1 week*
2. "How We Do (Party)" - Rita Ora
3. "Heatwave" - Wiley feat. Rymez & Ms D
4. "Read All About It Pt. 3" - Emeli Sande
5. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" - Taylor Swift *new*
6. "Spectrum (Calvin Harris Remix)" - Florence + The Machine
7. "Watchtower" - Devlin feat. Ed Sheeran *new*
8. "We'll Be Coming Back" - Calvin Harris feat. Example
9. "Wonderful" - Angel *new*
10. "Simply Amazing" - Trey Songz
Thursday, 23 August 2012
One Direction Announce "Live While We're Young" Single, New Album In November
Posted on 05:09 by Unknown
The lads from One Direction all have new haircuts (except for Harry), and so they wanted to get this news out there via a new video announcement. They also casually mentioned that their new single "Live While We're Young" will be made available for pre-order on iTunes tonight at midnight, and their sophomore album will be out in November.
Two albums in one year (in America)? We haven't had this much Brit mania since 1997, when Spice Girls' Spice and Spice World were released.
And now, back to the haircuts...
Two albums in one year (in America)? We haven't had this much Brit mania since 1997, when Spice Girls' Spice and Spice World were released.
And now, back to the haircuts...
US Chart Roundup: Have Taylor Swift & Adam Levine Done Sex Yet?
Posted on 04:55 by Unknown
Taylor Swift's decidedly pop "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is now the tenth song to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this year, and it gets there after selling 623,000 downloads in its first week of availability. Clearly America needs this broad to guide the people through breakups.
Taylor's single now holds second place among all-time best sales weeks for a digital single, behind "Right Round" Flo Rida, which sold 636,000 back in February 2009. That's a song best remembered for the emergence of soul legend Ke$ha.
Meanwhile, Maroon 5's "One More Night" — which, like Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," is a Max Martin/Shellback co-production — jumps up to #9, giving the band two Top 10 hits at the moment. And, god, is that song blase or what?
But, really, this brings me to the main point: has Adam Levine rammed Taylor's candy socket yet? Because you just know there's at least a #7 hit in her for when they break up.
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" - Taylor Swift *1 week*
2. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
3. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
4. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen
5. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
6. "Some Nights" - fun.
7. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
8. "As Long As You Love Me" - Justin Bieber
9. "One More Night" - Maroon 5
10. "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
Taylor's single now holds second place among all-time best sales weeks for a digital single, behind "Right Round" Flo Rida, which sold 636,000 back in February 2009. That's a song best remembered for the emergence of soul legend Ke$ha.
Meanwhile, Maroon 5's "One More Night" — which, like Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," is a Max Martin/Shellback co-production — jumps up to #9, giving the band two Top 10 hits at the moment. And, god, is that song blase or what?
But, really, this brings me to the main point: has Adam Levine rammed Taylor's candy socket yet? Because you just know there's at least a #7 hit in her for when they break up.
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" - Taylor Swift *1 week*
2. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
3. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
4. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen
5. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
6. "Some Nights" - fun.
7. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
8. "As Long As You Love Me" - Justin Bieber
9. "One More Night" - Maroon 5
10. "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Mariah Carey's "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" Video Is A Golden Hooker's Delight
Posted on 05:49 by Unknown
Mariah Carey's newish single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" failed to become an Olympic-sized anthem this summer (currently, on iTunes, it's at — oh, it's not even on the chart). But Crazy Mimi is hoping the video will help things out a bit.
In the clip, Meek Mill, who hogs the whole first verse of the song, plays a boxer. Rick Ross is some sketchy pimp boss in the audience, and Mariah is there to arch her boobs and ass in tight clothing throughout the whole black-and-gold-hued video.
When we finally get to Carey's part at the end of the song, she's whistle-shrieking and gyrating around the ropes of the ring and posing like a '40s glamour girl.
Stay triumphant, hooker. But ditch the rappers next time.
In the clip, Meek Mill, who hogs the whole first verse of the song, plays a boxer. Rick Ross is some sketchy pimp boss in the audience, and Mariah is there to arch her boobs and ass in tight clothing throughout the whole black-and-gold-hued video.
When we finally get to Carey's part at the end of the song, she's whistle-shrieking and gyrating around the ropes of the ring and posing like a '40s glamour girl.
Stay triumphant, hooker. But ditch the rappers next time.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Melanie C & Emma Bunton's "I Know Him So Well" Duet: Have A Listen
Posted on 05:55 by Unknown
Melanie C is releasing her sixth (!) studio album Stages next month (it looks to be a collection of covers), and on it is a pair-up with Emma Bunton. The two sometimes-Spice Girls do a rendition of "I Know Him So Well."
Lap it up, kids, because this is probably the closest we'll get to new material from the girl group in a long, long time.
Lap it up, kids, because this is probably the closest we'll get to new material from the girl group in a long, long time.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
UK Chart Roundup: This Rita Ora Broad Is Happening + The Post-Olympics Effect
Posted on 14:11 by Unknown
I guess after "Hot Right Now" and "R.I.P.' went to #1 in the UK earlier this year, and "How We Do (Party)" is #1 this week, there's no denying that Rita Ora is a "thing" now that's "quite happening." And good for her. It's about time we had a one-broad Rihanna cover band. I'm just going to casually look the other way until she's in the chip shop scissoring Lady Sovereign's face in the meat freezer. T-minutes six months....
Moving on, three songs that benefit from performances at the London Olympics closing ceremony last Sunday are Emeli Sande's "Read All About It Pt. 3" (which appropriately goes in at #3), Elbow's 2008 single "One Day Like This" (#4) and Kate Bush's 1985 Hounds Of Love classic "Running Up That Hill" (#6).
Likewise, Sande's Our Version Of Events climbs to the top of the UK album chart, while Elbow's The Seldom Seen Kid returns to the Top 10 four years later at #6 and 2011's Build A Rocket Boys! is at #35, Madness' Total Madness re-enters at #13, Spice Girls' Greatest Hits is back in at #18 and Kate Bush's The Whole Story is back in at #21.
On the compilation album chart, the Olympics Isles Of Wonder opening ceremony compilation hangs in at #2, while the A Symphony Of British Music closing ceremony LP debuts at #4.
The UK Top 10:
1. "How We Do (Party)" - Rita Ora *new* *1 week*
2. "Heatwave" - Wiley feat. Rymez & Ms D
3. "Read All About It Pt. 3" - Emeli Sande *new*
4. "One Day Like This" - Elbow
5. "We'll Be Coming Back" - Calvin Harris feat. Example
6. "Running Up That Hill" - Kate Bush *new*
7. "Spectrum (Calvin Harris Remix)" - Florence + The Machine
8. "Simply Amazing" - Trey Songz *new*
9. "Language" - Porter Robinson *new*
10. "Lost In Your Love" - Redlight
Moving on, three songs that benefit from performances at the London Olympics closing ceremony last Sunday are Emeli Sande's "Read All About It Pt. 3" (which appropriately goes in at #3), Elbow's 2008 single "One Day Like This" (#4) and Kate Bush's 1985 Hounds Of Love classic "Running Up That Hill" (#6).
Likewise, Sande's Our Version Of Events climbs to the top of the UK album chart, while Elbow's The Seldom Seen Kid returns to the Top 10 four years later at #6 and 2011's Build A Rocket Boys! is at #35, Madness' Total Madness re-enters at #13, Spice Girls' Greatest Hits is back in at #18 and Kate Bush's The Whole Story is back in at #21.
On the compilation album chart, the Olympics Isles Of Wonder opening ceremony compilation hangs in at #2, while the A Symphony Of British Music closing ceremony LP debuts at #4.
The UK Top 10:
1. "How We Do (Party)" - Rita Ora *new* *1 week*
2. "Heatwave" - Wiley feat. Rymez & Ms D
3. "Read All About It Pt. 3" - Emeli Sande *new*
4. "One Day Like This" - Elbow
5. "We'll Be Coming Back" - Calvin Harris feat. Example
6. "Running Up That Hill" - Kate Bush *new*
7. "Spectrum (Calvin Harris Remix)" - Florence + The Machine
8. "Simply Amazing" - Trey Songz *new*
9. "Language" - Porter Robinson *new*
10. "Lost In Your Love" - Redlight
Pet Shop Boys 'Elysium': My 'Instinct' Review
Posted on 08:02 by Unknown
I'll be doing a much longer review of Pet Shop Boys' new LP Elysium shortly. For now, here's the one I wrote for the September issue of Instinct. (Click on the image to make it larger.)
Overall, I found the album to be not as immediately pop-filled or as catchy as efforts like 1993's Very and 2009's Yes, though I will point out that two songs on here have the "classic" Pet Shop Boys sound: "Face Like That" sounds like it could have appeared on Actually or (especially) Introspective or Behaviour, and it's the song that jumped out and stuck with me — and likely will with you — right off the bat.
The second of the two classic-sounding PSB tracks is "Memory Of The Future." Something about the synth-y horn featured in this one reminds me of "Rent" and "Can You Forgive Her" – plus, it's just a very melodic, well-structured pop song.
Another note: I did a road trip to Austin recently to visit a friend, and played Elysium about four times there and back. I'd liken it to Behaviour, in that it's mellow and moody, and takes a few listens to truly click. But when it finally does click, it becomes addictive.
Overall, I found the album to be not as immediately pop-filled or as catchy as efforts like 1993's Very and 2009's Yes, though I will point out that two songs on here have the "classic" Pet Shop Boys sound: "Face Like That" sounds like it could have appeared on Actually or (especially) Introspective or Behaviour, and it's the song that jumped out and stuck with me — and likely will with you — right off the bat.
The second of the two classic-sounding PSB tracks is "Memory Of The Future." Something about the synth-y horn featured in this one reminds me of "Rent" and "Can You Forgive Her" – plus, it's just a very melodic, well-structured pop song.
Another note: I did a road trip to Austin recently to visit a friend, and played Elysium about four times there and back. I'd liken it to Behaviour, in that it's mellow and moody, and takes a few listens to truly click. But when it finally does click, it becomes addictive.
Thursday, 16 August 2012
US Chart Roundup: Flo Rida Ends Carly Rae Jepsen's Stretch At #1
Posted on 06:27 by Unknown
And so in the end, it's not Ellie Goulding or Katy Perry — it's Flo Rida (!!) and his oral sex hit "Whistle" that topples the nine-week reign of Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" atop the Billboard Hot 100. This is the Sunshine State rapper's third #1 single, following "Low" and "Right Round" (the latter of which introduced Ke$ha to the world, so Flo Rida is good for something, at least).
The rest of the chart is pretty flat this week, save for the title track from fun.'s Some Nights album jumping into the Top 10 at #8 and The Wanted creeping up to #50 with "Chasing The Sun."
And with One Direction's "One Thing" dropping from #41 to #64 (after only peaking at #39), it will be interesting to see if the whole UK boy band thing was just a minor flash in the pan in 2012.
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "Whistle" - Flo Rida *1 week*
2. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
3. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen
4. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
5. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
6. "Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye feat. Kimbra
7. "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
8. "Some Nights" - fun.
9. "Home" - Phillip Phillips
10. "Where Have You Been" - Rihanna
The rest of the chart is pretty flat this week, save for the title track from fun.'s Some Nights album jumping into the Top 10 at #8 and The Wanted creeping up to #50 with "Chasing The Sun."
And with One Direction's "One Thing" dropping from #41 to #64 (after only peaking at #39), it will be interesting to see if the whole UK boy band thing was just a minor flash in the pan in 2012.
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "Whistle" - Flo Rida *1 week*
2. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
3. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen
4. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
5. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
6. "Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye feat. Kimbra
7. "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
8. "Some Nights" - fun.
9. "Home" - Phillip Phillips
10. "Where Have You Been" - Rihanna
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Taylor Swift Releases Max Martin-Produced "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"
Posted on 14:29 by Unknown
There was a time when Max Martin producing chart-topping — or at least Top 10-destined — smashes wasn't quite a monthly occurrence. But that time is not now, especially now that Max and his frequent partner in crime Shellback are behind Taylor Swift's surprisingly un-country, un-apologetically pop-leaning "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," a single that serves as the first offering from upcoming LP Red.
All in all, "We Are Never..." is harmless fun. And it's definitely the first Taylor Swift song that doesn't make me want to smash an acoustic guitar over her kneecaps upon first listen. Then again, give it a month, when this shit is playing four times an hour across every radio format on the air.
Then I'll get to swinging a guitar...but it'll be with an electric guitar.
All in all, "We Are Never..." is harmless fun. And it's definitely the first Taylor Swift song that doesn't make me want to smash an acoustic guitar over her kneecaps upon first listen. Then again, give it a month, when this shit is playing four times an hour across every radio format on the air.
Then I'll get to swinging a guitar...but it'll be with an electric guitar.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Alphabeat Premiere "Love Sea" Single: Listen
Posted on 05:33 by Unknown
Alphabeat's "Love Sea" is the second single off their upcoming third album. Far better than the utterly forgettable "Vacation," and it nicks its intro from The Who's "Baba O'Riley" and the chorus, somewhat, from Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know". Brilliant!
Still not at the greatness of their Black Box-y last album, though.
Still not at the greatness of their Black Box-y last album, though.
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Spice Girls At London Olympics 'A Symphony Of British Music' Closing Ceremony Concert
Posted on 19:09 by Unknown
Pet Shop Boys At London Olympics 'A Symphony Of British Music' Closing Ceremony Concert
Posted on 14:28 by Unknown
Pet Shop Boys performed, of course, "West End Girls." Pity they weren't allowed to do much more appropriate new single "Winner."
UK Chart Roundup: Pet Shop Boys Get 86'd With "Winner"
Posted on 13:24 by Unknown
This week Wiley's "Heatwave" prevents Calvin Harris' best single in years, "We'll Be Coming Back," from topping the UK chart for a second week. Meawhile, boy band Lawson (who probably think they're not a boy band because they hold guitars) land their second Top 10 single of the year with "Taking Over Me," which debuts at #3. This leaves Redlight's latest dubstep track "Lost In Your Love" to go in at #5 — his highest chart placing yet.
And now to the other business at hand, which is the Pet Shop Boys' rather yikes debut with lead Elysium single "Winner," which ekes into the UK chart at #86. Sure, we can be forgiven for overlooking the fact that the song was technically added to iTunes in early July with no bother to the singles chart — they hadn't really really switched the gears into promo mode yet then, after all.
But now that the official release is here, complete with a four-track EP issued last week and remix EP released (in some countries) this weekend, the #86 placing makes it seem as if the Boys have been, well, 86'd.
Needless to say, it's their worst outing with a lead single from a new album by PSBs. Below is how all their initial offerings from their first 10 studio albums fared in their home country (I'm counting the final peak for "West End Girls," once they'd been signed to EMI — not the very first independent release):
1. "West End Girls" from Please (#1)
2. "It's A Sin" from Actually (#1)
3. "Domino Dancing" from Introspective (#7)
4. "So Hard" from Behaviour (#4)
5. "Can You Forgive Her" from Very (#7)
6. "Before" from Bilingual (#7)
7. "I Don't Know What You Want..." from Nightlife (#15)
8. "Home And Dry" from Release (#14)
9. "I'm With Stupid" from Fundamental (#8)
10. "Love etc." from Yes (#14)
And here's how their lead singles from the three greatest hits compilations wound up:
1. "DJ Culture" from Discography (#13)
2. "Miracles" from PopArt (#10)
3. "Together" from Ultimate (#58)
Of course, no one stays on top forever, and, let's face it — Pet Shop Boys have had an amazing career and outlasted all their previous contemporaries, for the most part. And all is not lest for "Winner." There's still the duo's performance (of "West End Girls") during the London Olympics closing ceremony this evening (they're third in the lineup, behind Emeli Sande and Madness, and just before One Direction). And the physical CD single is #2 on Amazon (it was #1 this morning), while the remix EP released today is #4.
We shall see...
The UK Top 10:
1. "Heatwave" - Wiley feat. Rymez & Ms D *2 weeks*
2. "We'll Be Coming Back" - Calvin Harris feat. Example
3. "Taking Over Me" - Lawson *new*
4. "Spectrum (Calvin Harris Remix)" - Florence + The Machine
5. "Lost In Your Love" - Redlight *new*
6. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
7. "Feel The Love" - Rudimental feat. John Newman
8. "Pound The Alarm" - Nicki Minaj
9. "Black Heart" - Stooshe
10. "Brokenhearted" - Karmin
And now to the other business at hand, which is the Pet Shop Boys' rather yikes debut with lead Elysium single "Winner," which ekes into the UK chart at #86. Sure, we can be forgiven for overlooking the fact that the song was technically added to iTunes in early July with no bother to the singles chart — they hadn't really really switched the gears into promo mode yet then, after all.
But now that the official release is here, complete with a four-track EP issued last week and remix EP released (in some countries) this weekend, the #86 placing makes it seem as if the Boys have been, well, 86'd.
Needless to say, it's their worst outing with a lead single from a new album by PSBs. Below is how all their initial offerings from their first 10 studio albums fared in their home country (I'm counting the final peak for "West End Girls," once they'd been signed to EMI — not the very first independent release):
1. "West End Girls" from Please (#1)
2. "It's A Sin" from Actually (#1)
3. "Domino Dancing" from Introspective (#7)
4. "So Hard" from Behaviour (#4)
5. "Can You Forgive Her" from Very (#7)
6. "Before" from Bilingual (#7)
7. "I Don't Know What You Want..." from Nightlife (#15)
8. "Home And Dry" from Release (#14)
9. "I'm With Stupid" from Fundamental (#8)
10. "Love etc." from Yes (#14)
And here's how their lead singles from the three greatest hits compilations wound up:
1. "DJ Culture" from Discography (#13)
2. "Miracles" from PopArt (#10)
3. "Together" from Ultimate (#58)
Of course, no one stays on top forever, and, let's face it — Pet Shop Boys have had an amazing career and outlasted all their previous contemporaries, for the most part. And all is not lest for "Winner." There's still the duo's performance (of "West End Girls") during the London Olympics closing ceremony this evening (they're third in the lineup, behind Emeli Sande and Madness, and just before One Direction). And the physical CD single is #2 on Amazon (it was #1 this morning), while the remix EP released today is #4.
We shall see...
The UK Top 10:
1. "Heatwave" - Wiley feat. Rymez & Ms D *2 weeks*
2. "We'll Be Coming Back" - Calvin Harris feat. Example
3. "Taking Over Me" - Lawson *new*
4. "Spectrum (Calvin Harris Remix)" - Florence + The Machine
5. "Lost In Your Love" - Redlight *new*
6. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
7. "Feel The Love" - Rudimental feat. John Newman
8. "Pound The Alarm" - Nicki Minaj
9. "Black Heart" - Stooshe
10. "Brokenhearted" - Karmin
London Olympics Closing Ceremony Concert 'A Symphony Of British Music' Streaming Live Today
Posted on 10:14 by Unknown
I wrote a guide to Who's Who at the London Olympics closing ceremony concert A Symphony Of British Music that's airing today for Idolator.
Turns out that the entire closing ceremony — including the concert, which will feature Spice Girls, Pet Shop Boys, One Direction, Jessie J, George Michael, Kate Bush and several other British artists — is live-streaming commercial-free today at NBCOlympics.com, starting at 4 p.m. EST.
Otherwise you can watch on NBC tonight at 7:30 p.m....with commercials, of course (and probably several artists skipped over in the process).
Turns out that the entire closing ceremony — including the concert, which will feature Spice Girls, Pet Shop Boys, One Direction, Jessie J, George Michael, Kate Bush and several other British artists — is live-streaming commercial-free today at NBCOlympics.com, starting at 4 p.m. EST.
Otherwise you can watch on NBC tonight at 7:30 p.m....with commercials, of course (and probably several artists skipped over in the process).
Friday, 10 August 2012
Spice Girls, Pet Shop Boys, Jessie J, Etc. Confirmed For 'A Symphony Of British Music'
Posted on 05:38 by Unknown
The Sun published rehearsal photos today pretty much revealing half of this Sunday's A Symphony Of British Music concert performers for the London Olympics closing ceremony.
I popped some of the pics below, including Pet Shop Boys on winged rickshaws (above), Spice Girls on top of black cabs, Jessie J singing in a car, George Michael getting shoved off a cliff and Annie Lennox swooping down to chew his head off. The two-hour gig is being televised, so let's hope NBC doesn't throw too many commercials over top the good stuff. (They will.)
Spice Girls
Jessie J
George Michael
Annie Lennox
I popped some of the pics below, including Pet Shop Boys on winged rickshaws (above), Spice Girls on top of black cabs, Jessie J singing in a car, George Michael getting shoved off a cliff and Annie Lennox swooping down to chew his head off. The two-hour gig is being televised, so let's hope NBC doesn't throw too many commercials over top the good stuff. (They will.)
Spice Girls
Jessie J
George Michael
Annie Lennox
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Ellie Goulding's "Anything Could Happen" Single Is Fucking Brilliant: Listen
Posted on 17:54 by Unknown
Ellie Goulding's lead Halcyon single "Anything Could Happen" premiered today via an Instagram fan photo-filled lyric video, and it was produced by Kish Mauve's Jim Elliot, and it's fucking fantastic.
Serious contender for the Chart Rigger 10 Best Pop Singles Of 2012 already.
Serious contender for the Chart Rigger 10 Best Pop Singles Of 2012 already.
US Chart Roundup: Phillip Phillips And The London Olympics And Men's Butts
Posted on 05:53 by Unknown
Ellie Goulding and her team are pretty wise to be releasing her new album in two months (to the day) from now, since the title track from her debut Lights keeps climbing, and is now a serious contender top the Billboard Hot 100. The song has now jumped to the runner-up position behind this summer's unstoppable "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, an inescapable radio favorite that's surpassed "Somebody That I Used To Know" and spent the most weeks (nine) at #1 this year so far.
A bit further down, recent American Idol winner Phillip Phillips sees his coronation single "Home" fly up from #84 to #9. At the end of May, the song debuted and peaked at #10, but is now back up thanks to heavy airplay during NBC's Olympics coverage.
Yeah, I've been watching the Olympics for the past two weeks, and I only heard that shit once. But that's because I DVR it and fast forward to the guys doing gymnastics and swimming, since, well, they have hot asses.
Some other interesting trash: fun.'s "Some Nights" (aka Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody") is stuck at #11 for a second week, and ditto for Calvin Harris and Ne-yo's "Let's Go" at #17 and Demi Lovato's "Give Your Heart A Break" at #18 (which I didn't realize till recently was co-written and co-produced by Josh Alexander and Billy Steinberg, the two behind, among other classics, JoJo's "Too Little Too Late").
Meanwhile, Cher Lloyd's "Want U Back" slips down one to #13, while Alex Clare's "Too Close" jumps six positions to #24. And it seems The Wanted may be destined to remain in One Direction's shadow in this country, as "Chasing The Sun" drops to #52 after peaking one rung higher last week (though it still has a bullet). Let's hope their debut US album is packed with another "Glad You Came" or two.
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen *9 weeks*
2. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
3. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
4. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
5. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
6. "Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye feat. Kimbra
7. "Where Have You Been" - Rihanna
8. "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
9. "Home" - Phillip Phillips
10. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" - Pink
A bit further down, recent American Idol winner Phillip Phillips sees his coronation single "Home" fly up from #84 to #9. At the end of May, the song debuted and peaked at #10, but is now back up thanks to heavy airplay during NBC's Olympics coverage.
Yeah, I've been watching the Olympics for the past two weeks, and I only heard that shit once. But that's because I DVR it and fast forward to the guys doing gymnastics and swimming, since, well, they have hot asses.
Some other interesting trash: fun.'s "Some Nights" (aka Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody") is stuck at #11 for a second week, and ditto for Calvin Harris and Ne-yo's "Let's Go" at #17 and Demi Lovato's "Give Your Heart A Break" at #18 (which I didn't realize till recently was co-written and co-produced by Josh Alexander and Billy Steinberg, the two behind, among other classics, JoJo's "Too Little Too Late").
Meanwhile, Cher Lloyd's "Want U Back" slips down one to #13, while Alex Clare's "Too Close" jumps six positions to #24. And it seems The Wanted may be destined to remain in One Direction's shadow in this country, as "Chasing The Sun" drops to #52 after peaking one rung higher last week (though it still has a bullet). Let's hope their debut US album is packed with another "Glad You Came" or two.
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen *9 weeks*
2. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
3. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
4. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
5. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
6. "Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye feat. Kimbra
7. "Where Have You Been" - Rihanna
8. "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
9. "Home" - Phillip Phillips
10. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" - Pink
Posted in Alex Clare, Calvin Harris, Carly Rae Jepsen, Cher Lloyd, Demi Lovato, Ellie Goulding, fun., Ne-Yo, Phillip Phillips, The Wanted, U.S. chart
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Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Carly Rae Jepsen's Album Is Called 'Kiss'
Posted on 06:02 by Unknown
Carly Rae Jepsen's debut album is called Kiss (awww, ain't she sweet?), and is joining the crowded release date of September 18 — a day that also sees new releases from Pink, Nelly Furtado, Ne-Yo and The Killers.
A press release notes that the Canadian pop broad collaborated with songwriters and producers Max Martin, Dallas Austin, Redfoo from LMFAO, Toby Gad, Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay and Matthew Koma.
I hope "Good Time" (#13 on the Hot 100 this week) hauls it and becomes a smash already. I'm sick to effing death of "Call Me Maybe".
A press release notes that the Canadian pop broad collaborated with songwriters and producers Max Martin, Dallas Austin, Redfoo from LMFAO, Toby Gad, Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay and Matthew Koma.
I hope "Good Time" (#13 on the Hot 100 this week) hauls it and becomes a smash already. I'm sick to effing death of "Call Me Maybe".
Monday, 6 August 2012
Pet Shop Boys "Winner" B-sides: Listen
Posted on 05:28 by Unknown
Pet Shop Boys' new single "Winner" was released as an EP with three B-sides in a few countries over the past few days. (We get it here tomorrow). Currently it's #17 on UK iTunes and #10 on German iTunes.
Below are the B-sides:
"A certain je ne sais quoi"
"The way through the woods"
"I Started A Joke"
Below are the B-sides:
"A certain je ne sais quoi"
"The way through the woods"
"I Started A Joke"
Lady Gaga's Next Album Is 'ARTPOP'
Posted on 04:57 by Unknown
Lady Gaga posted this pic last week with the word "ARTPOP" tattooed on her arm, then basically confirmed that her upcoming follow-up to Born This Way would be titled as such on Facebook:
"make sure when writing about my new album/project ARTPOP that you CAPITALIZE the title, *its all in the details*"In 2003, Pet Shop Boys (who Gaga performed with at the 2009 BRIT Awards) released a two-disc greatest hits collection called PopArt. (It's all in the details.) Both artists are, of course, fans of pop artist Andy Warhol.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
UK Chart Roundup: Calvin Harris Lands Fourth #2 Single In A Row
Posted on 11:31 by Unknown
With the Example-featuring "We'll Be Coming Back," Calvin Harris lands his fourth consecutive single to chart at #2 in the UK. It's also the fourth single from his upcoming third album, and, I must say, the best of that bunch so far.
Overall, "We'll Be Coming Back" is Calvin's 10th Top 10 single in the UK, if we count Rihanna's "We Found Love".
The UK Top 10:
1. "Heatwave" - Wiley feat. Rymez & Ms D *new* *1 week*
2. "We'll Be Coming Back" - Calvin Harris feat. Example *new*
3. "Spectrum (Calvin Harris Remix)" - Florence + The Machine
4. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
5. "Black Heart" - Stooshe
6. "Brokenhearted" - Karmin
7. "Feel The Love" - Rudimental feat. John Newman
8. "Don't Wake Me Up" - Chris Brown
9. "Vegas Girl" - Conor Maynard
10. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
Overall, "We'll Be Coming Back" is Calvin's 10th Top 10 single in the UK, if we count Rihanna's "We Found Love".
The UK Top 10:
1. "Heatwave" - Wiley feat. Rymez & Ms D *new* *1 week*
2. "We'll Be Coming Back" - Calvin Harris feat. Example *new*
3. "Spectrum (Calvin Harris Remix)" - Florence + The Machine
4. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
5. "Black Heart" - Stooshe
6. "Brokenhearted" - Karmin
7. "Feel The Love" - Rudimental feat. John Newman
8. "Don't Wake Me Up" - Chris Brown
9. "Vegas Girl" - Conor Maynard
10. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Mariah Carey's "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" Single: Listen
Posted on 16:47 by Unknown
Mariah Carey is bucking the trend of semi-fallen divas who have turned to reality show judging gigs for a career boost by unleashing her new single well ahead of her stint on American Idol. And that single is the lead offering from her upcoming 14th album LadyBraceletMimiFeatherSparkleTwirl — or at least that's what I'm calling it.
For the most part, Mariah's part on the inspriation-leaning "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" is a pretty stellar throwback to Philly soul jams of yore. Unfortunately, Mimi doesn't actually rev up her shrieking until nearly three minutes into the song.
So instead we get shit raps from Meek Mill first, then Rick Ross. In other words, Carey is a guest on her own song, reduced to choral duties and one verse at the end of the thing.
At least she does her whistle-register shit as the tune fades out. And this track is still 10 times better than anything off that last album, ShimmerNecklaceBabyHoHoBunny.
For the most part, Mariah's part on the inspriation-leaning "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" is a pretty stellar throwback to Philly soul jams of yore. Unfortunately, Mimi doesn't actually rev up her shrieking until nearly three minutes into the song.
So instead we get shit raps from Meek Mill first, then Rick Ross. In other words, Carey is a guest on her own song, reduced to choral duties and one verse at the end of the thing.
At least she does her whistle-register shit as the tune fades out. And this track is still 10 times better than anything off that last album, ShimmerNecklaceBabyHoHoBunny.
US Chart Roundup: J.Lo's 'Hits' Is A Flop
Posted on 05:40 by Unknown
With eight weeks spent at #1 on the Hot 100, Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" has tied the eight-week stretch of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know." Both back-to-back chart-toppers have had the longest run so far this year in the Hot 100's peak position. And both songs make me want to tie a garden hose around my neck and hang myself from the nearest tree branch at this point, thanks to overkill.
The next crop of hits waiting in the wings appear to be the following: fun.'s "We Are Young" follow-up "Some Nights" (#11 this week); Cher Lloyd's US breakthrough hit "Want U Back" (#12); Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen's pair-up "Good Time" (#13).
Hovering just below those three are Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo's "Let's Go" at #17 and Demi Lovato's "Give Your Heart A Break" at #18. I can't see them cracking the Top 10, but who knows?
Over on the album chart, Jennifer Lopez's Dance Again... The Hits flops in at #20. That uppity hooker had better not quit her day job. Oh, oops!
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen *8 weeks*
2. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
3. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
4. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
5. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
6. "Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye feat. Kimbra
7. "Where Have You Been" - Rihanna
8. "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
9. "Scream" - Usher
10. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" - Pink
The next crop of hits waiting in the wings appear to be the following: fun.'s "We Are Young" follow-up "Some Nights" (#11 this week); Cher Lloyd's US breakthrough hit "Want U Back" (#12); Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen's pair-up "Good Time" (#13).
Hovering just below those three are Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo's "Let's Go" at #17 and Demi Lovato's "Give Your Heart A Break" at #18. I can't see them cracking the Top 10, but who knows?
Over on the album chart, Jennifer Lopez's Dance Again... The Hits flops in at #20. That uppity hooker had better not quit her day job. Oh, oops!
The U.S. Top 10:
1. "Call Me Maybe" - Carly Rae Jepsen *8 weeks*
2. "Wide Awake" - Katy Perry
3. "Payphone" - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
4. "Whistle" - Flo Rida
5. "Lights" - Ellie Goulding
6. "Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye feat. Kimbra
7. "Where Have You Been" - Rihanna
8. "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
9. "Scream" - Usher
10. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" - Pink
Posted in Calvin Harris, Carly Rae Jepsen, Cher Lloyd, Demi Lovato, fun., Gotye, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Owl City, U.S. chart
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