Sunshine Pop ft Daniel Powter, Christopher & Studio Paradise...

Ooo, it's gone reet warm recently here in good ol' blighty, hasn't it? I must confess I'm a bit of a summer grinch. I sunburn easily, get mad hayfever (not gayfever like autocorrect insists I have) and don't look good in a pair of shorts :S However, there is something about a glass of Pimms, a lovely cloudless evening and a nice perky song that makes the weather seem worthwhile. Here are a few strumming faves that I enjoy...

SUMMER STRUMMING:

• Christopher ~ Mine Mine Mine: I do adore young Christopher. He's effortlessly inserted himself into the young troubador genre with some really catchy, memorable tunes like Nothing In Common and Against The Odds. The third single from his frankly quite charming debut album is the blissful Mine Mine Mine. It has this Bruno Mars-esque Lazy Song bouncy hook mixed with an ever so charming romantic optimistic lyrics ably delivered by Christopher's fine vocals. The chorus embeds itself instantly with it's whistle along hook & "mine mine mine" refrain. Equally as delicious is the video where Christopher shows off his perfect popstar hair, his guitar strumming skills and gets his top off. Well done that man. (Do check out his duet with Molly Sanden on her album - it's also a belter!)

• Studio Paradise ~ Crazy Situation: ooo bliss! I adore a bit of jangly French-Anglo pop and this fits the bill perfectly. Studio Paradise are a new group who have just released their debut EP, of which this is the title track and a proper little corker it is too. Set over fuzzy, 60s inspired guitar riffs, the song weaves it's way through musical interludes, tempo changes and a positively driving chorus that deserves to be played loud, on a road trip with the top down. What helps this track stand out is it's inventive use of sound & production that helps it become instantly familiar, yet a complex and layered listening experience. Hopefully the boys will pop across the ocean shortly for some live dates...

• Daniel Powter ~ Cupid: Daniel is back from pop limbo and he's bought his hair with him! Amazing. After the massive, colossal success of Bad Day, a follow up album continued in much the same vein (Next Plane Home and Best Of Me were both quite good) and then a bit of a rest. Now he's back with a percolating pop tune about the dreaminess of being in love. It's all very uplifting, particularly the "hey, oh oh" backing refrain that bubbles throughout and a brilliant singalong, handclapping chorus that will no doubt having people singing along in their droves. And when you're young, foolish and in love, who doesn't want to be getting stupid dancing with Cupid??! Aces.