Weekend Supplement ~ 18th November 2011: My new musical obsessions...

Before the blog gets completely weighed down with festive posts (you would think 3 would be enough this week, but actually I have plenty more. They are coming out the wazoo whatever that means!!), I thought I had better get you up to date on some of my fave new acts that I am becoming increasingly musically obsessed with. Each one represents a musical delight, so do be sure to check them out and let me know what you think. Right, enough chatter, onwards and tally forth with the tunes!

• Eli Lieb ~ Place of Paradise: I know several things about Mr Lieb. He has amazing hair. He has done the requisite amount of youtube covers (inc Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Adele, Britney, etc) but has shown his supreme taste by including Hurts. He looks proper dapper in a shirt and tie. And perhaps most importantly, his Place of Paradise single is a corking piece of music that not only showcases a fine, confident vocal from the fella, but is an engaging tune that becomes more rewarding with each listen. It's a powerful, moving rock-tinged ballad that builds slowly; wisely focusing on that mesmerising voice while complementing with the crescendo-ing backing instrumental. It all works incredibly well and will no doubt make you want to dive into his debut album (here) for more songs filled with passion and emotion. Quite stunning...
• Baker ~ Echo: The artist formerly known as Christopher Baker has been around for a while now, so it's with some shame that I confess I have only just picked up on him. No matter - like all the cool kids, I'm late to the party but making an entrance with a splash because his spritely single Echo is a pulsing pop club dance treat that demands to be heard & respected. Set amidst throbbing beats and fuzzy electro synths, Baker's vocal propel the track forward leading to that catchy hook of a chorus. Interestingly, the track is layered in it's production with a smorgasboard of beats and beeps that remind me of the heady golden days of Pet Shop Boys and Erasure. Loving the falsetto in the chorus too. One to play over and over again while you grab the one you love. And shimmy...

• The Young Professionals ~ D.I.S.C.O: Another act I'm ridiculously behind on, but their debut single (above) and subsequent album are absolute corkers. A project from Israeli popstar Ivri Lider, the music is an instantly intoxicating, dark, throbbing journey through late night clubbing electronica, but always with a brutal honesty, heart and dedication to the craft. Perhaps the best intro to the band IS their samplover/covrample (sample and a cover!) of famous "we can spell too" dance smash D.I.S.C.O. The verses are hypnotic, the chorus familiar and it weaves a melodic spell over you that tips the hat to Bodies Without Organs, Kylie and even Depeche Mode. And do watch the video above for some deadpan, visually stunning work with the best dance routine this side of the Steps reunion. Thanks to Larry Flick for turning me on to them :)

Top 21 songs of the week:

21 ~ Jason Mraz, World As I See It
20 ~ Ro Danishei ft Simon Curtis, Wicked Baby
19 ~ Christopher, Against The Odds
18 ~ The Wanted, Lightning
17 ~ Marit Larsen, Coming Home
16 ~ Darren Hayes, Bloodstained Heart
15 ~ Steps, Dancing Queen
14 ~ The Feeling, Dance For The Lights
13 ~ Nicola Roberts, Yo Yo
12 ~ Erasure, Be With You
11 ~ William Young, Come On
10 ~ Gravitonas, Lucky Star
09 ~ Shona White & Daniel Boys, As Long As You're Mine
08 ~ Elouise, Dear Santa (NE)/(VID)
07 ~ Auryn, Last Night on Earth
06 ~ One Direction, Gotta Be You
05 ~ Boy Banned, Stars Are Saying Yes (NE)
04 ~ JLS, Take A Chance on Me
03 ~ Olly Murs, Dance With Me Tonight
02 ~ Same Difference, Music
01 ~ Eric Saade ft Dev, Hotter Than Fire (3 weeks)

Back tomorrow with an overview of the M&S X Factor advert, as well as a full overview of Saturday's show. Simmer down with your excitment there folks...