(NOTE: I wrote most of this blog on Friday, but then my partial housemove got in the way of publishing it. It's still quite good though :D)
Ah, it's a lovely sunny Friday. Not a cloud in the sky. Birds are singing. Bees are trying to make out with them (as I understand it). And somewhere in the world, the Spice Girls are rehearsing for the Olympics closing ceremony. Hurrah! Slam it to the left indeed... Anyway, as always there is a delightful mix of new music out that shows how eclectic my tastes can be and also proves that I don't just like good looking boy popstars (although the lead singer of Amy Meredith is a bit of alright). Read on for a veritable feast of delicious new tunes for your approval and obsession...
Amy Meredith ~ Fun:
I bloody love Amy Meredith I do. I discovered them thanks to their sizzling single, Lying, and their amazing album "Restless" had some corking tracks on too (Pornstar, Young At Heart, Highest Walls, etc). The presumed start of their next album campaign came with the rather good indeed song, Pick Up Tricks and now they have unleased Fun onto the world. It's a percolating pop meets rock tune that is built around a charming guitar riff (which juxtapositions nicely with some down and dirty, fuzzy electro synth sounds). Christian, of course, provides a deliciously charismatic vocal and there are echoes of the Beach Boys when the band give their best "la la la" backing harmonies. The chorus is an instantly memorable, textured, giddy little treat as the carefree refrain of "ooo-ooo with friends like these, we should be having fun" reverberates around your brain, refusing to let go. The middle 8 introduces an electrifying guitar solo before the song bursts back in with that kooky, convivial chorus chant. Utterly brilliant to sing a long to and makes my anticipation for the next album reach almost fever pitch. Hurrah indeed.
Lizzie Nightingale ~ Footsteps:
It all gets a bit tiresome when an artist gets compared to any number of singers that have come before. Of course there are bound to be similarities, and it is a good way to identify the type of sound that is being created. Lizzie Nightingale almost defies this conventions by having a sound that is entirely intoxicating and nigh on impossible to pigeonhole. What you do get with this talented up and coming act is music that is raw, honest and devastatingly beautiful. On "Footsteps", Lizzie's stark, haunting vocal details the fragility of emotions following a relationship break up. The listener is drawn into the intricate, fluttering instrumental of the song that features delicate keyboards and luscious strings, acting as the perfect frame to Lizzie's gorgeous, nuanced vocals. Additionally, the video (above) provides some memorable images that complement the internal struggle of the lyrics. Creativity is not a disease, but it is evident in the fingerprints of this song. Heavenly, evocative music as art. Download her EP here...
Ulrich Bermsjö ~ After Hours:
If you are well versed in your scandi-pop ways, then you well may remember Ulrich as part of brill duo Nouveau Riche (which also featured Dominika from Army of Lovers). If not, well his debut UK single, After Hours, is an exhilarating and brilliant introduction to his sound. A frenetic, energetic dance track, it begins with a relentless, shimmying synth instrumental & subtle but pulsating rhythmic beat. Ulrich's vocal shines forth as the melodic anchor to the tune, giving the song passion and soul. It continues to layer and crescendo, with the drum beat taking greater prominence as the song progresses. This gives some 80s inspired nostalgia but a firm grasp of 00s millenial dance pop. Ulrich's voice is strong throughout, but during the middle 8 & final chorus it positively soars as he urges "wake up lover man", with an intensity & yearning that is hard to resist. He can urge me anytime, etc :) All in all, a vibrant, swirling dance track that is going to sound amazing played loud in clubs up and down our fair land. Bring on the album, I say :)
Marco ~ Heartbeat:
I think it is fair to say that Marco isn't your average teenage popstar. Judging by his performance in his seductive single, Heartbeat (which he co-wrote), he's got a promising, long term career ahead of him. Yes of course, he's got typically gorgeous teen-idol looks yet his music reveals a deeper, reflective side to the young fella. Heartbeat is infused with a latin vibe, a shuffling but vibrant beat, flamenco-inspired guitar & a mature, considered vocal from the chappy himself. He knows how to blend all these elements together to create a memorable, catchy pop tune & adds a healthy dollop of his own personality to make the song sparkle (check out his cheeky wink to "Hot In Here" during the second verse. The chanted, textured effect of his vocals during the chorus works incredibly well to have you dancing and singing along; add in his inventive instrumental breakdowns between verse & chorus, as well as the simmering middle 8, and it all adds up to a scintillating pop song. And of course, I'm loving the bow tie. As Dr Who once said, bow ties are cool :) With respectful nods to pop legends past, and a firm eye on the future, I can't wait for more from Marcus...
Top 21 songs of the week:
21 ~ Delta Goodrem, Dancing With A Broken Heart
20 ~ Alanis Morrisette, Lens (NE)
19 ~ Marina & The Diamonds, How To Be A Heartbreaker (NE)
18 ~ Regina Spektor, Don't Leave Me
17 ~ Jason Mraz, Living In The Moment
16 ~ Christopher, Colours
15 ~ Ola, I'm In Love
14 ~ Kylie, Timebomb
13 ~ Nicki Minaj, Pound The Alarm
12 ~ Carly Rae Jepsen, Good Time
11 ~ Little Mix, Wings
10 ~ fun, One Foot
09 ~ Mika, Celebrate
08 ~ Pet Shop Boys, Winner
07 ~ Chantal Claret, Honey Honey
06 ~ P!nk, Blow Me (One Last Kiss)
05 ~ No Doubt, Settle Down
04 ~ Stooshe, Black Heart
03 ~ The Killers, Runaways
02 ~ Maroon 5, One More Night
01 ~ Little Jackie, 21st Birthday Party (2 weeks)
nice post thank you.........
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