Take That - Kidz

In 2010, Robbie Williams decided to return to the Take That days. Soon their album, "Progress," followed. Recently, the group is out with their second single from the album titled "Kidz."

"Kidz" has been referred to by Q Magazine as the highlight of Progress where the "reintroduction of Robbie Williams into the Take That ranks [has given] them a shot in the arm" concluding that "Kidz" is one of the "brilliantly mad future-disco titans."

Remix Round Up

There are so many great remixes of pop songs out there -sometimes they're even better than the originals. Here are our top favorite ones at the moment.

1. Loreen - My Heart Is Refusing Me (Ali Payami Remix)
Loreen gave us our favorite song of 2011 so far. And to our liking he label released an EP with loads of remixes of said song. The Ali Payami is our favorite one. It's a bass-dominated house track with beautiful strings accenting the chorus of the song - this is pure remix heaven.


2. M. Pokora - Gogo Danseuse (Dj Mercer Remix)

This is a great track from Pokora's latest album and it wouldn't surprice me if it becomes the next single. It already got this awesome remix either way.



3. Fenech-Soler - Demons (Wideboys Vocal Remix)

Wideboys is a well-known remix act in the UK and here's they've made a fantastic version out of Fenech-Soler's record 'Demons'.




4. Yasmin - Finish Line (Freemasons Pegasus Club Mix)

Yasmin was a new artist of 2010 and she's released two awesome singles, 'On My Own' and 'Finish Line'. The latter one given the remix treatment of remix-masters Freemasons. If you want more of their brilliance I suggest that you check out their collab with Wynter Gordon in 'Believer' or listen to their many spectacular remixes of Beyoncé's singles.



5. Nicole Scherzinger - Don't Hold You're Breath (Cahill Remix)

Nicole's latest single has been getting a remix by remix-veteran Cahill.

Introducing Tove Styrke

Tove Styrke was the runner-up to Swedish Idol last year. And the 18-year old had quite the success with her own album/material since the show ended. The album is a really great according to us and a lot more sophisticated than what you usually get from Idol-alums. The critics has praised her too and compared her to Robyn(and she's also worked with some of Robyn's former collaborators as well).

She's released two singles previously, the aucustic sounding percussion heavy track 'Million Pieces' and the dance number that is 'White Light Moment'. Now with her 3rd single 'High & Low' her label has decided to finance a combining video.

The song is produced by Patrik Berger -who's worked with artists like Robyn and Those Dancing Days(who we've mentioned on this blog before). The video is in black and white and plays a lot with contrasts. Tove is donning different looks which all looks very pretty, and the whole video is made and styled in a way that is reminiscent of her single and album artwork.

Tove Styrke - High & Low

Mads Langer - Microscope

Dane Mads Langer debuted with an acousitc cover of the 90's song 'You're Not Alone' by Olive, now he's releasing his new single called 'Microscope', from his new base in London.
'Microscope' reminds me of Norwegian singer Espen Lind, as well as other guitar pop boys like Jack Johnson or Jason Mraz.

Mads Langer - Microscope

Kara - Jet Coaster Love

Kara is a Korean 5-member group. And from just that info alone I think it gets unnecessary to go into what to expect from this single/video, doesn't it? Check out the video for some new lovely catchy bubbly music.

This is their third Japanese single, and they've already topped iTunes. K-Pop really goes home in Japan too atm.

Kara - Jet Coaster Love

Keri Hilson - One Night Stand (feat. Chris Brown)

Here's Keri Hilson's latest single 'One Night Stand', and as the title suggest it's a sexy affair - both in terms of lyrics and video. In the video she's joined by Chris Brown, both are blondes for some reason and can't really say that I think it suits Chris Brown. They're both in some car repair shop with lights turned off, but with heavy lighting from outside that casts heavy shadows in the locale. And I must say there's some really sexy and sensual choreography in there between the two that works really well with the themes of the song.

"A one night stand is what I need
Just you and me
You should stay another night with me
Oh woah uh huh
A one night stand is all I need"

Keri Hilson - One Night Stand (feat. Chris Brown)

Noah and the Whale - Give It All Back

Well, not again, very pop, but I thought I really wanted ya'll to listen to this great indie band called Noah and the Whale fro the UK. "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N" is one of my favs from the lads but here is their recent release titled "Give It All Back." And yea, if you're into shows like One Tree Hill and Cougars, you might have just heard them!

Kylie rewind to the 80's

I'll let Kylie say it herself:
'Thank you all for making Aphrodite Les Folies'(tour)such an amazing experience for me. Those of you who have been to a show will know that 'Put Your Hands Up' goes OFF! So as a tour thank you I wanted to share this 80's-tastic remix by the legendary Pete Hammond. Enjoy!!'

Jay Sean - Hit The Lights (feat. Lil Wayne)

Jay Sean is back with a new track and is (yet again) joined by Lil Wayne. They collaborated on Jay Sean's first american single 'Down'. While that song felt very much like Jay Sean's earlier work with it's heart in RnB and Pop music, the new track called 'Hit The Lights' is a more urban RnB/dance-fusion we've been accustomed to a lot recently, especially from the likes of Taio Cruz and Usher for example.

I don't know if the lyrics are stupid, funny, genius or sponsored, but you sure didn't have lyrics like this a decade ago:
"It’s so hot there’s girls just taking all their clothes off
So take a picture of this moment with your iPhone
Cause I don’t wanna forget tonight"

It sure sounds like an amazing party though I guess...

I don't know if Jay Seans upcoming album will be in the same vain as this first taste, but time will tell. The video is a bit underwelming for the most part Jay Sean and Lil Wayne is in a black empty room with some dancers and different light setups.


Jay Sean - Hit The Lights (feat. Lil Wayne)

Toygar Işıklı - Önlüm Göçebe

Here's some beautiful vocals by Toygar Işıklı in this pretty Turkish ballad.


Toygar Işıklı - Önlüm Göçebe

Anna Tatangelo - Bastardo

Anna Tatangelo of famous Italian music cometition Sanremo FestivaI(about) stardom has released a new video - 'Bastardo'(Bastard). It's the first single from her new album 'Progetto B' which is out now.

The song is a powerballad about a woman being in an abusive relationship. And the video takes us to an old school movie set with lots of different props, clothes, Anna and the guy in question. 

Anna Tatangelo - Bastardo

Medina - Gutter

After an incredible successfull 2009-2010, with 10 single releases both in Danish and English and 5 of them reaching platinum status in Denmark, Medina has released her first single for 2011, called 'Gutter'. It's a really good dance track, the best singe 'Kun for mig' and 'You & I' if you ask me. But somewhere in all this success Medina got the ridiculously thought that it would be ok to go and dye her hair blond -BIG mistake.

Medina - Gutter

Dance the night away with The Chemical Brothers

This is an track from The Chemical Brothers album 'Further' that was released last summer. That is an fantastic record and I got reminded of this great track when I went and saw 'Black Swan' the other week, and thought that everyone should have a listen to it. If you like electronic dance music, psychedelic melodies and rocking beats and are going out tonight, spinn this track while you make yourself a fantastic drink.

The Chemical Brothers next project is scoring Joe Wright's upcoming film, 'Hanna.'



The Chemical Brothers - Don't think

Natasha Thomas - Alene

Natasha Thomas have had a few hits in the past with songs like 'Save Your Kisses For Me', 'Skin Deep' and my favorite 'It's Over Now', back in 2004-2005. Now she's back with a new single sung in her native language, Danish. It's called 'Alene'(Alone) and I really like this new direction. There's also a great remix of the song out there.







Natasha Thomas - Alene


Natasha Thomas - Alene (Sidelmann Club Mix)

Joey Moe - Skakmat

Danish RnB artist Joey Moe's new single is called 'Skakmat'(Checkmate), and it's quite a beautiful RnB-ballad I must say. If you liked Xander with 'Det Burde Ikk Være Sådan Her', you should also have a listen to this.












Joey Moe - Skakmat

Colbie Caillat - I do

Here's Colbie Caillat's new video for 'I do' -simple as that.

Black Eyed Peas - Just Can't Get Enough

Black Eyed Peas are releasing their video for the second single from their album 'The Beginning'. The song is a mid-tempo affair with a really good hook sung by Fergie, that goes:

"Boy I think about it every night and day
I'm addicted wanna jump inside your love
I wouldn't wanna have it any other way
I'm addicted and I just can't get enough"

The song later on turn into a techno affair. With a background vocal saying "Switch up". Mixing different genre's like this is something that Black Eyed Peas are known for, but this is down a bit more subtle than usual, which is a welcome change.

will.i.am confirmed on Twitter that the video to the track was filmed in Tokyo. The music video is about them living their lives on the road when they are away from their loved ones.

The video was directed by Ben Mor,who had previously directed the video for "I Gotta Feeling" and "Meet Me Halfway".

Album Gems: T.I. feat. Christina Aguilera - Castle Walls

After Rihanna and Eminem's hit collaboration 'Love the Way You Lie', here is another collaboration that makes a musical impact.

T.I. has collaborated with Christina Aguilera in 'Castle Wall' The track is featured in T.I.'s latest and seventh studio album, No Mercy. This single has been released as the last promotion track for this album. the first promotional single for this album was T.I. featuring Chris Brown in 'Get Back Up'.

Video Update: Joyce Jonathan - L'heure avait sonné

Realised I've forgot to post this. The amazing Joyce Jonathan has released a video for her current hit single ' L'heure avait sonné':

Introducing: Loredana Erre

Loredana Erre is a 26yo who has competed in various music competitions in Italy, and when she came in second place 2009 in the tv music show 'Amici di MAria De Filippi', she cought the eye of the president of Sony Music Italy.

In 2010 she released the EP 'Ragazza Occhi Cielo', which sold in more than 60 000 copies and earned her platinum status just after three weeks after it's release.

Now Loredana Erre is back with a new album called 'L'Erre', and here's the first taste we're getting from that:



Loredana Erre - Il Muro

Jay-Jay Johanson - Dilemma

Jay-Jay left his electronic pop-sound on his last album. Now he's released the video for the first single to come from his new to-be-announced album, called 'Dilemma', and it's continue's in the same direction. Here you've got a mellow jazz/soul-sound, and the video follows Jay-Jay as he walks the woods of Sweden and row a boat in the lake in black/white.

Jay-Jay Johanson - Dilemma

Michael Jackson - Hollywood Tonight

Here's the second video from Michael Jackson's posthumous album 'Michael'. The song is a nice pastiche, but I really do like the video, and especially the dancing at that.

Michael Jackson - Hollywood Tonight

Those Dancing Days - Reaching Forward

Those Dancing Days was a female indiepop band that surfaced in Sweden out of nowhere and got a huge hit with their debut single 'Hitten'(the hit) a couple of years back. Now they've released the video for their latest single 'Reaching Forward'.

Those Dancing Days - Reaching Forward

Jamie Woon - Lady Luck

Jamie Woon is back with this new single called 'Lady Luck'. Unfortunately there's no official video yet, but you should listen to this track anyhow. I just love Jamie's smooth soulful vocals.

Jamie Woon - Lady Luck

Yasmin - Finish Line

My new musical obsession Yasmin is treating us to the fresh new video for second single 'Finish Line'.
The story of the video and the song is about a couple and their fading love and spark.

If you missed her first single 'On My Own' you can check it out here.

The song is produced Labrinth and is released May 8th on Ministry of Sound/Levels Recordings.

Yasmin may not get her big breakthrough to the general public with this one, but her appearance, heartfelt written lyrics and mesmerizing vocals makes at least me watching this video on repeat.

Yasmin - Finish Line

Blue reunited for Eurovision

Boyband Blue is making a comeback to represent UK in Eurovision Song Contest in may. Now they've performed the song for the first time to the British people on the Graham Norton show.

Blue  - I can

Jodie Connor - Bring it (Feat. Tinchy Stryder)

British girl Jodie Connor has a new video out. It's for her second single 'Bring it', from a yet to be named album.
Jodie Connor had her breakthrough after being a guest vocalist on Roll-Deep's number 1 single 'Good Times'.

In the video Jodie is walking the urban streets all dolled up in different glasses and underwear(!).



Jodie Connor - Bring it (Feat. Tinchy Stryder)

Party Friday: Basto! - Gregory's theme

This week I've got a raving house jam for you. This is on the same epic monstrous proportions as Swedish House Mafia's beats. Behind the name Basto we find Jef Martens - a DJ & producer from Hoogstraten, Belgium.

Jef Martens is also part of the dance trio Lasgo, who've had a couple of dance hits since 2000, like their debut single 'Something'.




Basto! - Gregory's theme

King Jacks - I'm Not The One

This is what King Jacks writes in his Web site:

Straight forward, British Indie Rock 'n' Roll. This is my collection of thoughts, melodies and beats. Stuff that moves my soul and my feet. A nod to past and present. If you can't "Please Everyone, Please Yourself"

Richard Forbes is King Jacks, a one-man band with vocals, piano, drums and guitar. From Enfield, the UK, here is King Jacks, and listen to the lyrics: "I'm just a one night stand, I'm not the one."

Willow Smith - 21st Century Girl

Willow smith is back with '21st Century Girl', and we like this one a lot better than 'Whip My Hair'.

The video is very nice aswell, but I guess when you've got two parents that are well known actors, you'll get a quality video.


Willow Smith - 21st Century Girl

Usher - More

The video for Usher's third international single from his album Raymond vs. Raymond, 'More' has surfaced online. More is written by RedOne, Charles Hinshaw Jr and Usher himself, and is produced by RedOne.

The video is a mix between studio shots and various takes from his current OMG Tour.

Usher - More

Britney Spears - Till the world ends

Britney spears is already back with her second single. It's called 'Till the world ends' and is a song penned by Ke$ha for Britney and is produced by  Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Billboard, which of the first two ones is the executive producers of her seventh studio album 'Femme Fatale' that will be released later this month. 

You can hear that 'Till the world ends' is written by Ke$ha because it's utilizes the stuttered vocoded vocals that she's known for. But I don't mind it and it works overall exceptionally well with Britney's voice. The song uses several "Oh Oh Oh Oooooh"'s in the chorus that will get stuck in your head.

If 'Hold it against me' was a dance track for the clubs, this is a dance track for the radio. It's very cachy, very Britney and will get you in a good mood. There's no "It's Britney ,bitch", there's no lyrics hinting about sex and there's no cheeky double meaning lyrics. The text is simply about party and having fun and feels perfect for the summer. Which feels like a breath of fresh air when it comes to Britney in recent years. The production is simply perfection as it was on 'Hold it against me'. Dr. Luke and Max Martin know how to make sensational several layered pop music, that's for sure. I'm certain this will be a massive radio hit for her. What is your opinion? 

Britney Spears - Till the world ends

 
PS. The song is already out on iTunes worldwide.

Party Friday: Jennifer Lopez - On the Floor (feat. Pitbull)

Jennifer Lopez shouldn't need any introduction. She's been internationally famous for many years now for her pop music with latin influences(and acting career).

Now she's back with the biggest hit she's had in years and the just released video for it. 'On the floor' is a straightforward huge party banger which also samples French pop group Kaoma's 'Lambada' from 1989. The bass has a flowing effect that I think really makes a punch, and the chorus and lambada bit will definitely get stuck in your head. It's the perfect track to play before you go out, or when you're on the dancefloor for that matter.

The track is produced by no one less than RedOne, and if you've been reading this blog and/or like contemporary pop music you know who he is by now.


The gorgeous club video directed by TAJ Stansberry, and J.Lo looks flawless in it. She is one beautiful mother/woman. The video gives me the feeling of the old J.Lo that we all adored and loved. 'On the floor' is the first official single from her yet-to-be-released album 'Love'.

Party Friday: Jennifer Lopez - On the Floor (feat. Pitbull)



If you can't get enough of J.Lo check out this viral video that was released a couple of months ago with an really cool and fun track called 'Good Hit'(written by Tricky Stewart and The-Dream), that I really wish is gonna make the album cutting. It's one of my favorite tracks atm.

Jennifer Lopez - Good Hit

AlunaGeorge - We are chosen

I was like "OMG" when I heard them. Well, I don't know if they're OMG, OMG awesome, but I felt something, maybe the arrival of a new band, that has a lot of pop and indie potential.

Their debut "We are chosen" certainly uses good beats and that voice, though it sounds squeaky, you just want to listen to it over and over, or not for some. The band is from London and comprises of Aluna Francis on vocals and George Reid on music. Also, take a listen to "Analyser."

aaamusic.co.uk calls them: "The fusion of George's clear-cut production style with Aluna's sweet contagious vocal makes this stand out as an enduring pop song with mass appeal."

Analyser/We Are Chosen (out 2nd May) by AlunaGeorge

Big Bang - Hands Up

Here's some K-pop. The South Korean boy band Big Bang has been back in the South Korean music circuit after a two year hiatus as a complete group. TIME magazine described them as one of the "most promising" South Korean acts to venture into Japan, while the Korea Times called them "the icons of Korean pop [music]"

Here's their latest, "Hands Up" from new the new album "Tonight."

The Young Evils- Get Over It

I can't say if The Young Evils fall into the casual pop category. A music blogger calls this song: "Get Over It is just over three minutes of undeniable pop brilliance that’ll get stuck in your head like a playground taunt, and should lead to a licensing stampede."

I agree. I came to know about this band as I was talking to my friend in the US. He told me that the band members are his friend's friends and they're coming to Austin, Texas, to perform in the annual South by southwest (SXSW) music fest in the coming week. SXSW is a huge affair, especially if you're an indie music fan. Austin gets transformed into a musical mecca. While I was there in 2009, I had an opportunity to live the musical moments and madness.

For now, here is some good music for you to enjoy from this duo called The Young Evils from Seattle. Also check their debut single, which is my favorite, "One Way Route."

Fallulah - Out of it

Fallulah is a Danish 25yo girl and have been compared to the likes of Bat for Lashes, Lykke Li, Marina & The Diamonds and Florence & the Machine -and rightfully so. Her new single 'Out of it' has been topping the downloading charts in Denmark for weeks.

This is nothing short of amazing singer-songwriter stuff!







Fallulah - Out of it

Video Update: Jena Lee - Mon Ange

Yes yes yes! When I wrote about French-Chilean Jena Lee a while back and her song 'Mon Ange' I thought it was one of those great songs on an album that never would be released as a single, but I'm happy to announce that I was wrong. Here is the video for 'Mon Ange':

Loreen - My Heart Is Refusing Me

Loreen competed in Swedish Idol in 2004 and ended up at 4th place in the competition. Now she's releasing her first solo single called 'My Heart Is Refusing me'. The song is a modern dancepop song that goes in line with recent huge dancepop-successes from sweden like Robyn's 'With Every Heartbeat' and Agnes 'Release Me'. It's music that makes you wanna dance give you a feel of house and club music, but with deep, meaningful sad lyrics(if you wanna read them in full, read the whole post).

"Now I wanna leave but I'm lost
So now I can't break away
Although I've made up my mind
My heart is refusing me"

The song is written by Moh Denebi, Björn Djupström and Loreen herself. Loreen is competing with the song in the Swedish selection for Eurovision Song Contest atm. Take a look at her outstanding performance below. The song is also out on Swedish iTunes. Now let's wish Loreen the best of luck in the competition and that she'll release a whole album as fantastic as this song.

Loreen - My Heart Is Refusing Me

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

The opinions regarding Lady Gaga's latest single, 'Born This Way' has been divided to say the least, and I'm not that found of it. Regardless of that though, I think everyone is intrigued to see a new Lady Gaga video and what nuttiness she's come up with now. Funny enough is that this video start out very much like Ke$has video for 'Blow' -with a unicorn! The video was directed by Nick Knight.


Lady Gaga - Born This Way