I can't say it enough: even if most of the disco and pop from Sweden usually tends to get a little too generic for you, give Agnes's "Release Me" (wisely the second single choice from Dance Love Pop and now with music video--embedded below) a try. It's classy, breezy modern disco, a string-featuring breath of fresh air with a chorus that sounds like the best day you've ever had. Pure joy in song form.
The song can be purchased from all countries' iTunes music stores here, as can the whole album.
Speaking of "Release Me," Nikki of Pop Reviews Now has started her countdown of her favorite songs of 2008. I adore this year end rundowns in general and am looking forward to Nikki's in particular--follow along here or via the main blog itself.
I wish there was a reward, but she took it all
Over the past few weeks, my heart and my head have been filling up and up with excitement about the music of Frankmusik. We've long passed the stage at which I might have had a chance at writing eloquently and with restraint about it--any sparks of verbal inspiration about the songs themselves stand no chance against the tidal wave of desire to write "Oh my gosh, I LOVE this" that's been steadily building. At this point, all I can really do is allow it to crash, and maybe try to spread the impact of that crash out over a couple of days--sure, it's going to be over the top and make a giant mess, but maybe somewhere among the debris some points will get across.I've been reading in several places the feeling that this has been an underwhelming year for albums and I'd have to agree. If we had an album that looked something like this, though (in no particular order)...
3 Little Words
Just Fine
Missing You
Pinch Myself
Gotta Boyfriend
Made Her Smile
In Step
Done Done
Beep Beep
Run Away From Trouble
In My Shoes
Save My Tears
That Much Is True
Vacant Heart
Waiting
When You're Around
Better Off As Two
...you'd not only have one of the longest albums ever, you'd also have an easy best album of the year winner. You'd still have more than enough other great tracks to toss out b-sides and EP tracks right and left. To be fair, that's taking tracks from both 2007 and 2008 and you'd have a lot of sample or interpolation clearance to go through, but given how long people work on albums and the prevalence of samples nowadays, I don't think either of those facts is ultimately a restriction.
It's certainly been at least more than a year since I've been this excited about a new pop talent. The fact that someone is making music this fresh, this clever, this catchy, this fun, this gorgeous, this able to bring out both the side of me that wants to dance (on a giant keyboard) and my...earnest side, equally the perpetual romantic and the perpetual broken heart, is something I can't stop marveling at. That someone can make pop this good, this un-boring (I know, what an endorsement--"Un-boring" is the sort of quotations artists live for)--and even write lyrics I love--is almost unfair for other pop acts. How can a song with a great chorus possibly compete with a song that is great throughout? If I get used to quality like this, can everyone else compete with my new higher expectations?
For that matter, can he even compete with those expectations? Placing too much hope, too much faith in an artist can be a good way to get your hopes crushed, to end up feeling let down--but sometimes you just have to be that romantic and rush in, give yourself up completely and sincerely, in the hopes that this time, maybe, just maybe, it's for real. After all, if we didn't, no one would make and we wouldn't deserve music like this.
Buy the 3 Little Words EP here (physical) or here (digital). Edit: see also: XO's review of it (the physical version). His debut full-length album, Complete Me, is due out in March 2009.
You're flirting with the music like it's your beau
Important facts about Darin's new album Flashback that you need to know (there will be a proper review--you know, written in an attempt at measured language--coming later):
- "Seasons Fly," Darin's favorite track, was co-written by Linda Sundblad and Johan Bobäck, the team behind Elin Lanto's "Speak 'n Spell." It's also co-written by Darin.
- Darin's co-written all but two tracks, in fact (those two being "Karma" and "What If").
- The bridges (pre-choruses) to "See U At The Club" and "Girl Next Door" are AMAZING. Or maybe I should just say that I love them--I'm always anticipating when I'll get to hear them again and, if you think I don't mime singing along to the "sexy body" and "naughty naughty" bridge of the former, you are crazy.
- "Road Trip" is SO. CUTE. and SO. POPPY that finally listening to it in proper quality was what turned me into the aforementioned pile of goo.
- There are additional bonus tracks (besides "What If"), though they may not be on all editions of the album--probably just digital, I'd guess. The important thing is that they are a good quality recording of that live ballad version of "Breathing Your Love" I linked to a while back, a radio edit remix by The Attic of "Insanity" (I ADORE their reworking of "Who's That Girl," so getting another remix of a Darin track from them is like someone has and a new track, "Brought Me Back," co-written by RedOne.
- "I lost my license, but I could still drive you crazy, baby" is ALMOST the new "not only does your body bang/but I miss the conversation too."
- If I am not obsessed with some of these tracks for quite some time to come, something is wrong with me.
- You can buy it digitally right here, right now, regardless of country (albeit in DRMed WMA format, but that's easily remedied by burning to CD and ripping back). Did I do that the instant I discovered it, regardless of having already preordered an autographed copy of the album? Without a moment's hesitation.
OK, scratch that: I think I'm going to go with
It'll only be up for a really short time, though.
Next up: as if I'll have the ability to think about anything other than this album for the next few days. Tomorrow I'll probably be gushing about some other track.
You gotta save me, honey
I need opinions on something: do you think the singer on Technically what that is is a demo for Lutricia McNeal--if "Same Same Same" and this song are anything to go by, her next album, whenever it gets released, will actually be pretty great, as well as pretty fun--but the voice sounded familiar to me, and after a little bit of thinking about it I thought maybe it might be Jenny; that opening "ooo, it's on my mind" sounds like her to me, but her voice isn't distinctive enough for me to ID for sure (and that's in a backing vocal-type part anyway). The most important thing about the song, though, is that it's fun, part pop, part dance, and disco.
What does anyone think? And, if you don't think it's her, am I alone in thinking the voice sounds familiar--who is it? Or is it just a matter of a studio voice chosen to be kind of generic?
(I should probably say that this song is by Anton Malmberg, who co-wrote "Same Same Same" and Magnus Carlsson's "Walking In My Shoes"...and I should also probably point out that Anton's co-written a lot of Luigi Masi's songs, including presumptive next single "Strangers Again.")
He looks like a million dollar to you
One of the best parts of my year is seeing a new Danny album cover. Let's be honest, topping this
is always going to be near impossible. Still, the album cover for Set Your Body Free (still due out December 24) is just the Danny we've come to expect.
is always going to be near impossible. Still, the album cover for Set Your Body Free (still due out December 24) is just the Danny we've come to expect.
Diamond that lasts forever
You can listen to all of Darin's new album, Flashback, here; I'm torn on whether to do so or not, given electronically-based music doesn't always come across clearly in low quality, but I'll probably end up listening eventually.
I know exactly what I'm gonna do
Given the whole holiday season, today's post will be (OK, really) short.Lovely Alesha has a new album out and, for me, the main non-single highlight is (so far) this track, a fun quirky up-tempo track that is, oddly enough, the work of an American producer (as well as a co-writer of Rihanna's "Umbrella"). It's a song that few people but Alesha could probably pull off as well as great catchy fun.
To buy the album from which this song comes, go here (physical).
I want the real thing now
Another set of Melodifestivalen artists was announced today. All these singers will be making their debut as Melodifestivalen performers (well, the name acts--that doesn't count being a backing singer). All this information comes from SVT (to which all picture credit goes), Gylleneskor, and Aftonbladet; we'll have to wait for the real QX/Schlagerprofilerna update.
Mikael Rickfors, "Du Vinner Över Mig" (Thomas G:son)
I've never heard of Mikael before, but apparently he's played with some rock bands from the '60's/'70's and then did some solo work. I think the description for this song says it's in an '80's style--the sort of thing you'd wear a leather suit while singing.
Heat, "1000 Miles" (Niklas Jarl/David Stenmarck)
This is the song that it had been speculated would go to the Poodles or Martin Stenmarck, but instead it's being sung by someone else I've never heard of, rock group Heat. "1000 Miles" is described as being a love declaration in the '80's hard rock style.
Molly Sandén, "Så Vill Stjärnorna" (Bobby Ljunggren/Marcos Ubeda/Ingela Pling Forsman)
After winning the youth equivalent of Melodifestivalen in 2006, Molly Sandén, now old enough to compete in the real thing, makes her debut in the proper Melodifestivalen. "Det finaste någon kan få," her song from 2006, was a genuinely great ballad, which is why despite the fact that "Så Vill Stjärnorna" is described as a beautiful ballad about the magic of destiny finally happening, I'm interested to hear it. Molly herself added that the song has a bit of a Nordic touch and Christer Björkman describes it as a classic Swedish ballad.
Maja Gullstrand, "Här För Mig Själv" (Thomas G:son/Marcos Ubeda)
Despite Maja doing a sort of music I don't usually think of as typical Melodifestival fare--sort of brassy, kind of bossa nova-y stuff--she's sung a song that just missed making it into a past Melodifestival before ("Alla Dessa Ord," if I'm remembering correctly), so I guess seeing her in the festival isn't that much of a surprise. Plus, she was on Fame Factory, which means she's practically obligated to appear in Melodifestivalen at some point given past history. "Här För Mig Själv" is described as a groovy, trendy neo-retro bossa nova (maybe) dressed in big flowery yellow velour pajamas (that's the songwriters' description, really).
Next 3, "Esta Noche" (Michael Xavier Barraza/Jimmy Almgren/Adam Soliman)
Another group I've never heard of and could very well have been formed mainly for this purpose, Next 3 is made up of three young guys. Their song, "Esta Noche," is described as a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and Caribbean rhythms as well as a mix of rap, reggaeton, and pop in Swedish and Spanish. Barraza says "Esta Noche" is a rap/hip-hop song with a schlager-seasoned chorus, but he's careful to add that the song is modern and with a Latin flavor, not influenced by ABBA.
Jonathan Fagerlund, "Welcome To My Life" (Samuel Waermö/Didrik Thott)
Aww, Jonathan! From the moment he was predicted to be in next year's Melodifestival, I've been wondering how fans of the contest will react to him--unless his music has changed some, it doesn't go for any sort of real electronically created sound, even though it's very much based on classic-style boy band melodies. The description of the song, "Welcome To My Life," certainly doesn't give us more information: it's a positive and happy pop track (Gylleneskor found out through an interview with Jonathan that the lyrics are somewhat biographical). Oh well, at least that should mean it won't be a ballad--there are a few too many fairly nondescript ones on his debut album, released this summer, for my taste, but that's made up for by songs like "Playing Me" and "Dance In The Shadows" that are just the sort of thing I love. Is he ready as a performer, though? I've got no idea. There's a very good chance I'll end up liking the song, though. In good news, he'll be releasing an album in tandem with his competition in Melodifestivalen, and he says it's got fewer ballads and the tempo has been sped up in general. He describes it, too, as happy and pop.
Rigo & the Topaz Sound feat. Red Fox, "I Got U" (Rodrigo Pencheff/Tobias Karlsson)
"I Got U" is described as a pleasant song inspired by the style of the '50's and '60's with a Caribbean touch. The Caribbean touch is unsurprising given that it's Rigo (and Topaz Sound) singing the song, though I guess I kind of think of his music as having a little bit of a light hip-hop touch--the floaty kind--though maybe that's just his styling and delivery on some of them if I'm really thinking about it.
In general news, a song not yet techincally assigned a singer has been renamed. "Människobarn" is reported by Schlagerprofilerna to have been retitled "Du är älskad där du går."
Mikael Rickfors, "Du Vinner Över Mig" (Thomas G:son)
I've never heard of Mikael before, but apparently he's played with some rock bands from the '60's/'70's and then did some solo work. I think the description for this song says it's in an '80's style--the sort of thing you'd wear a leather suit while singing.
Heat, "1000 Miles" (Niklas Jarl/David Stenmarck)
This is the song that it had been speculated would go to the Poodles or Martin Stenmarck, but instead it's being sung by someone else I've never heard of, rock group Heat. "1000 Miles" is described as being a love declaration in the '80's hard rock style.
Molly Sandén, "Så Vill Stjärnorna" (Bobby Ljunggren/Marcos Ubeda/Ingela Pling Forsman)
After winning the youth equivalent of Melodifestivalen in 2006, Molly Sandén, now old enough to compete in the real thing, makes her debut in the proper Melodifestivalen. "Det finaste någon kan få," her song from 2006, was a genuinely great ballad, which is why despite the fact that "Så Vill Stjärnorna" is described as a beautiful ballad about the magic of destiny finally happening, I'm interested to hear it. Molly herself added that the song has a bit of a Nordic touch and Christer Björkman describes it as a classic Swedish ballad.
Maja Gullstrand, "Här För Mig Själv" (Thomas G:son/Marcos Ubeda)
Despite Maja doing a sort of music I don't usually think of as typical Melodifestival fare--sort of brassy, kind of bossa nova-y stuff--she's sung a song that just missed making it into a past Melodifestival before ("Alla Dessa Ord," if I'm remembering correctly), so I guess seeing her in the festival isn't that much of a surprise. Plus, she was on Fame Factory, which means she's practically obligated to appear in Melodifestivalen at some point given past history. "Här För Mig Själv" is described as a groovy, trendy neo-retro bossa nova (maybe) dressed in big flowery yellow velour pajamas (that's the songwriters' description, really).
Next 3, "Esta Noche" (Michael Xavier Barraza/Jimmy Almgren/Adam Soliman)
Another group I've never heard of and could very well have been formed mainly for this purpose, Next 3 is made up of three young guys. Their song, "Esta Noche," is described as a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and Caribbean rhythms as well as a mix of rap, reggaeton, and pop in Swedish and Spanish. Barraza says "Esta Noche" is a rap/hip-hop song with a schlager-seasoned chorus, but he's careful to add that the song is modern and with a Latin flavor, not influenced by ABBA.
Jonathan Fagerlund, "Welcome To My Life" (Samuel Waermö/Didrik Thott)
Aww, Jonathan! From the moment he was predicted to be in next year's Melodifestival, I've been wondering how fans of the contest will react to him--unless his music has changed some, it doesn't go for any sort of real electronically created sound, even though it's very much based on classic-style boy band melodies. The description of the song, "Welcome To My Life," certainly doesn't give us more information: it's a positive and happy pop track (Gylleneskor found out through an interview with Jonathan that the lyrics are somewhat biographical). Oh well, at least that should mean it won't be a ballad--there are a few too many fairly nondescript ones on his debut album, released this summer, for my taste, but that's made up for by songs like "Playing Me" and "Dance In The Shadows" that are just the sort of thing I love. Is he ready as a performer, though? I've got no idea. There's a very good chance I'll end up liking the song, though. In good news, he'll be releasing an album in tandem with his competition in Melodifestivalen, and he says it's got fewer ballads and the tempo has been sped up in general. He describes it, too, as happy and pop.
Rigo & the Topaz Sound feat. Red Fox, "I Got U" (Rodrigo Pencheff/Tobias Karlsson)
"I Got U" is described as a pleasant song inspired by the style of the '50's and '60's with a Caribbean touch. The Caribbean touch is unsurprising given that it's Rigo (and Topaz Sound) singing the song, though I guess I kind of think of his music as having a little bit of a light hip-hop touch--the floaty kind--though maybe that's just his styling and delivery on some of them if I'm really thinking about it.
In general news, a song not yet techincally assigned a singer has been renamed. "Människobarn" is reported by Schlagerprofilerna to have been retitled "Du är älskad där du går."
Da l' sam još jedna ja, pomalo nebitna
I don't compete in or even regularly follow any of the Internet competitions simulating or based off of Eurovision, but I'm glad they're out there as when you do stumble across them they can often lead you to songs you might never have otherwise heard of but which are great. Take Croatian singer Franka Batelić, whose debut single "Ruža u kamenu" ("Rose In The Stone") debuted through her HRF (Hrvatski radijski festival, or Croatian Radio Festival).
Maybe credit for the fierceness I feel from the song and performance should go to the choreographer and whoever was in charge of wardrobe, as the whole jerky time-stopping movements the tutu-skirted dancers do doing the whole post-chorus section are absolutely perfect for the song. The whole thing, though, adds up to what I can't help seeing as the birth of a star (previous exposure notwithstanding)--there's just something about the styling, the confidence, and, mainly, the song itself, with its odd pop sound, that has me hoping Franka will end up being interesting for the right reasons. "Ruža u kamenu" isn't a song I can really properly describe--mid-tempo, yes, with some half-agressive guitar-riffs, yes, but also with just a hint, a hint, of electro bubbling up here and there. And then that post-chorus section (or second chorus, if you want): the best part of the song, for sure, and one that makes me want to break out a more pause-filled version of the Girls Aloud hand clock.
In fact, that's it exactly: I want someone to take Franka away into a recording studio and turn her into a proper Girls Aloud type popstar--this song isn't there yet, but it's interesting enough and suits her well enough that it gives me reason to think she could get there. In all likelihood she'll never do that and will instead revert to fairly pedestrian songs like those that did well at the festival she was performing at, but when that happens it'll really be a shame. What are Xenomania doing in their spare time? Or, failing that and sticking closer to home, what's the main songwriter of Colonia doing? Let's match him up with Franka A.S.A.P.
I've got really no idea where to buy Croatian music online--if anyone has any recommendations, let me know and I'll add the link.
Next up: maybe back to the UK.
Maybe credit for the fierceness I feel from the song and performance should go to the choreographer and whoever was in charge of wardrobe, as the whole jerky time-stopping movements the tutu-skirted dancers do doing the whole post-chorus section are absolutely perfect for the song. The whole thing, though, adds up to what I can't help seeing as the birth of a star (previous exposure notwithstanding)--there's just something about the styling, the confidence, and, mainly, the song itself, with its odd pop sound, that has me hoping Franka will end up being interesting for the right reasons. "Ruža u kamenu" isn't a song I can really properly describe--mid-tempo, yes, with some half-agressive guitar-riffs, yes, but also with just a hint, a hint, of electro bubbling up here and there. And then that post-chorus section (or second chorus, if you want): the best part of the song, for sure, and one that makes me want to break out a more pause-filled version of the Girls Aloud hand clock.
In fact, that's it exactly: I want someone to take Franka away into a recording studio and turn her into a proper Girls Aloud type popstar--this song isn't there yet, but it's interesting enough and suits her well enough that it gives me reason to think she could get there. In all likelihood she'll never do that and will instead revert to fairly pedestrian songs like those that did well at the festival she was performing at, but when that happens it'll really be a shame. What are Xenomania doing in their spare time? Or, failing that and sticking closer to home, what's the main songwriter of Colonia doing? Let's match him up with Franka A.S.A.P.
I've got really no idea where to buy Croatian music online--if anyone has any recommendations, let me know and I'll add the link.
Next up: maybe back to the UK.
Messing around with the sound
Obligatory Darin update time.
It's just as well I'm not living in Sweden anymore or else I'd probably be buying one of these just to get ahold of Flashback a little early. Cost efficient? No, but I don't think I'd be able to stop myself since apparently store El Giganten is running a deal to give you a download of Darin's album ahead of its release if you buy one. I think the offer starts from now and goes until November 29.
We got a bit of a look at another of the promotional photos from this album campaign via a fan's photograph of a flyer thing. Get a look at it here if you're interested (it's not the same as any of the photos in this post). It's in the same style and location as the album cover but is more of a close-up. I like the look of it, but then again, I like the album cover. What we really need are some album booklet scans, though--the credits are the thing I'm most interested to know.
Darin gave another interview to a magazine. No real new information about Flashback--we already knew he was working with RedOne and his description of the music as "R&B blended with house music," though exciting, isn't surprising--but we did find out a little bit more about his work with V Factory. Apparently someone from Warner (US) called him up and asked him to write music for the boy band. Two of his songs will be on the album and--as we already knew--one of them (he doesn't name it, but it's "Love Struck") will be their debut single. Is the single technically out this year or next, though, Darin? I need to know for year-end countdown purposes...
I mentioned a while back that Darin had a record deal in France now; I guess it's through this company (which may be management, but whatever), which has also given us a list of the other countries they're planning on releasing Darin's music in. In 2008-2009, it'll be distributed in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, and Norway and there are provisional plans to release it in Germany, Austria, Korea, and Thailand.
(If all this Darin news is starting to get on your nerves, rest assured that though I've got a tradition of obsessively over-the-top updating about various artists whose releases I'm excited about, it does stop or slow down eventually. Those of you who lived through the Blake Lewis deluge of last year will know that this too shall pass.)
It's just as well I'm not living in Sweden anymore or else I'd probably be buying one of these just to get ahold of Flashback a little early. Cost efficient? No, but I don't think I'd be able to stop myself since apparently store El Giganten is running a deal to give you a download of Darin's album ahead of its release if you buy one. I think the offer starts from now and goes until November 29.
We got a bit of a look at another of the promotional photos from this album campaign via a fan's photograph of a flyer thing. Get a look at it here if you're interested (it's not the same as any of the photos in this post). It's in the same style and location as the album cover but is more of a close-up. I like the look of it, but then again, I like the album cover. What we really need are some album booklet scans, though--the credits are the thing I'm most interested to know.
Darin gave another interview to a magazine. No real new information about Flashback--we already knew he was working with RedOne and his description of the music as "R&B blended with house music," though exciting, isn't surprising--but we did find out a little bit more about his work with V Factory. Apparently someone from Warner (US) called him up and asked him to write music for the boy band. Two of his songs will be on the album and--as we already knew--one of them (he doesn't name it, but it's "Love Struck") will be their debut single. Is the single technically out this year or next, though, Darin? I need to know for year-end countdown purposes...
I mentioned a while back that Darin had a record deal in France now; I guess it's through this company (which may be management, but whatever), which has also given us a list of the other countries they're planning on releasing Darin's music in. In 2008-2009, it'll be distributed in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, and Norway and there are provisional plans to release it in Germany, Austria, Korea, and Thailand.
(If all this Darin news is starting to get on your nerves, rest assured that though I've got a tradition of obsessively over-the-top updating about various artists whose releases I'm excited about, it does stop or slow down eventually. Those of you who lived through the Blake Lewis deluge of last year will know that this too shall pass.)
Is it ever real? I can't decide
I was looking through my favorite singles of this year when it occurred to me that there really has been a shortage of good...for lack of a better phrase, non-electronically-created-sounding songs. That's something that's a little crushing for me for, much as I love the disco, the dance floor, synths, the whole shebang, that's not enough for me. As I mentioned not too long ago, there's this certain gentle uplifting pop-with-guitars sound I adore, that I just might clutch closer to me than any other type of music.
I think that's part of why I'm so glad the reformed Take That are around. Their (best) songs have this glow around them that I just want to soak in, that--cheesy as it sounds--get you to that place of sort of personal calm. Certainly not all of their songs are upbeat--most probably aren't directly so, in fact--but even as they make "grown up" music, they've managed to keep the melodies and accompanying production at the level where the songs can still reach you, something the Backstreet Boys of recent years have struggled when trying to achieve.
I'm not sure why, but I've apparently developed a bit of a thing for random Take That b-sides over the past few years. I'd say the one for "Greatest Day" is pretty great. Unlike, say, "We Love To Entertain You" or "Trouble With Me," it's the swoony ballady side of the group, but that melody, that orchestration...it's all sigh-worthy, a sigh of the good sort. The intended centerpoint is probably Gary's big high delivery of the title word, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the lovely guitar-and-piano part that kicks in around 0:16 and that closes out the middle 8.
To buy Take That's new single, go here (physical) or, as is more cost-efficient if you live outside the UK, preorder their new album, The Circus, here (physical)--it comes out December 2.
Next up: maybe another British artist.
I try to be strong, believe me
Oh no. No no no no no.
Do you know what Nick Lachey's new single is?
No joke--listen to a clip of his version of it via this site.
I mean, I guess stylistically it makes sense given his last album and I actually like Nick (would I buy "All In My Head"? Definitely yes), but this seems off to me. Maybe I'm just thrown off because I would have much preferred the original group getting a hit out of it here, but, much as you could say Nick's voice fits the song based on that clip (and I might have loved it if that was my introduction to it), it kind of feels like, in both voice and production, a lot of the song's elements that made it special--beyond that melody, of course--have just been...whitewashed out, sandpapered away.
(H/t)
Do you know what Nick Lachey's new single is?
No joke--listen to a clip of his version of it via this site.
I mean, I guess stylistically it makes sense given his last album and I actually like Nick (would I buy "All In My Head"? Definitely yes), but this seems off to me. Maybe I'm just thrown off because I would have much preferred the original group getting a hit out of it here, but, much as you could say Nick's voice fits the song based on that clip (and I might have loved it if that was my introduction to it), it kind of feels like, in both voice and production, a lot of the song's elements that made it special--beyond that melody, of course--have just been...whitewashed out, sandpapered away.
(H/t)
Sweet dreams tonight
Not only is today (technically tomorrow or Monday, but they're out digitally now due to time differences) a fairly brilliant day for British singles releases, it just so happens that the brilliance of three of those releases is enhanced by the dance routines in their music videos.
Same Difference's debut single "We R One," a bit like High School Musical crossed with Melodifestivalen, has been out for quite some time now, long enough to know that as a song it stands easily on its own two feet. The video, with its reaching-for-the-sky-and-jumping-inclusive dance routine, makes it just that little bit more exciting, though.
Even though I estimate there's a 55/45 chance Paul will come out of his vacation to post this video, I still feel obligated to post it for him: their performance from tonight's X Factor of said single. Confetti! That dance routine!
It's a relief, though, to know now for sure that George Sampson's sample-riffic "Get Up On The Dance Floor" survives without the (great) video accompanying it. It does benefit from being danced along with, though. I think possibly my favorite thing about the song is the way it teases you with the Yazoo sample before doing something else and then eventually coming back to it, using it in a really great way. Conveniently, the sample's return ties in with the best part of the video--starting with George breaking through a wall--if you're watching it. It's nice to know you don't have to be to enjoy the song, though.
Speaking of short but great songs with great videos, Frankmusik's "3 Little Words" (the Stuart Price-produced version) is out now, too. Sadly, EP track "Better Off As Two" (listen to a clip of it on PopJustice--it's the second one) doesn't seem to be available digitally, which is really tempting me to buy the physical EP (hence why I haven't purchased any of the tracks besides the main single yet). I've already praised "3 Little Words" and its video (as is true of both of the songs before this one, actually), but let me just say this again: brilliant exciting electronic pop with a video that only makes you love the song more.
Moving away from dance routines (sadly), Take That's new single "Greatest Day" is out as well. It comes accompanied by the great (that word's the motif of the day, apparently) b-side "Sleepwalking" (as well as album track "Here," which is apparently on some single version) and a performance on X Factor as well (with credit to Chart Rigger).
Still love the song, still love the cheesy video which perfectly captures the song's aura for me.
There's "Do Ya," that McFly single out, too, accompanied by "Stay With Me," a cover. I know I just posted this video, but for completion's sake, here it is again.
I'll still having trouble rallying up as much enthusiasm for this album as I want to be feeling (though there are some songs I love), but hopefully one day it'll just click.
Same Difference's debut single "We R One," a bit like High School Musical crossed with Melodifestivalen, has been out for quite some time now, long enough to know that as a song it stands easily on its own two feet. The video, with its reaching-for-the-sky-and-jumping-inclusive dance routine, makes it just that little bit more exciting, though.
Even though I estimate there's a 55/45 chance Paul will come out of his vacation to post this video, I still feel obligated to post it for him: their performance from tonight's X Factor of said single. Confetti! That dance routine!
It's a relief, though, to know now for sure that George Sampson's sample-riffic "Get Up On The Dance Floor" survives without the (great) video accompanying it. It does benefit from being danced along with, though. I think possibly my favorite thing about the song is the way it teases you with the Yazoo sample before doing something else and then eventually coming back to it, using it in a really great way. Conveniently, the sample's return ties in with the best part of the video--starting with George breaking through a wall--if you're watching it. It's nice to know you don't have to be to enjoy the song, though.
Speaking of short but great songs with great videos, Frankmusik's "3 Little Words" (the Stuart Price-produced version) is out now, too. Sadly, EP track "Better Off As Two" (listen to a clip of it on PopJustice--it's the second one) doesn't seem to be available digitally, which is really tempting me to buy the physical EP (hence why I haven't purchased any of the tracks besides the main single yet). I've already praised "3 Little Words" and its video (as is true of both of the songs before this one, actually), but let me just say this again: brilliant exciting electronic pop with a video that only makes you love the song more.
Moving away from dance routines (sadly), Take That's new single "Greatest Day" is out as well. It comes accompanied by the great (that word's the motif of the day, apparently) b-side "Sleepwalking" (as well as album track "Here," which is apparently on some single version) and a performance on X Factor as well (with credit to Chart Rigger).
Still love the song, still love the cheesy video which perfectly captures the song's aura for me.
There's "Do Ya," that McFly single out, too, accompanied by "Stay With Me," a cover. I know I just posted this video, but for completion's sake, here it is again.
I'll still having trouble rallying up as much enthusiasm for this album as I want to be feeling (though there are some songs I love), but hopefully one day it'll just click.
Don't wanna pull you down with me
Since DSTP introduced me to Neo (pictured here back when he was Linus), it somehow feels like cheating to be making the song I'm posting today one of his (which I know is ultimately silly--isn't [part of] the point of writing blogs to get other people excited about the acts we love?). I really can't help myself, though--I have to say at least a little bit about his debut album, One. As an album, it's just about as camp as all get-out, though it never ventures into dance-pop. There is a lot of falsetto, but if even I can get over that--let's just say I'm usually not a fan of that technique--I think most Swede-pop lovers will find at least some songs worth keeping; I know I've really enjoyed listening to it recently.Going into the album, I was actually pretting convinced that the song I'd end up loving most would be "Flower Power Supergirl" and, though its chorus may just be the best chorus of the album, I'm surprised to find "Higher" winning out as a song overall at the moment. It just gets me a little more excited, a little more wanting to jump around; from its opening quick beats to the natural switch to falsetto to the '80's soundtrack-goes-to-Sweden chorus, it's just so much fun, never pausing to allow you to think too much about it.They're both great, though, so even as I post "Higher" I encourage you all to go check out "Flower Power Supergirl." If you only buy three songs, I'd say go for "Higher," "Flower Power Supergirl," and "Play The Song," though the latter, though catchy, poppy, and no ballad, doesn't have a fast disco-beat underneath it.
To buy Neo's album One, go here (physical) or here (digital) or go to any country's iTunes store.
Next up: something not Swedish. Pop from a female British singer, a young male British singer, or one of two British groups, in all likelihood (i.e., probably not very likely at all).
Always keep me in your mind
Doesn't Christer Björkman think he's getting all interesting and innovative with the way he's revealing contestants this year...
The man in charge of Melodifestivalen showed up on TV show Dansbandskampen, a reality show competition among dansbands, to offer "Jag tror på oss" (one of the 28 tracks already announced as being in 2009's Melodifestival) to Scotts (lead singer Henrik pictured above), a group that, as Europe Crazy pointed out, is one of the big favorites on the show (though there's some rules drama going on). "Jag tror på oss" had been sung (or reported as being sung) by Linda Bengtzing on the demo (in 2006, she sang "Jag ljuger så bra," written by the same people as "Jag tror på oss"), but there was some buzz that she might not be doing it in the contest and apparently that's turned out to be right.
Scotts have covered several great schlager songs while on the show--"Det gör ont," "Cara Mia"--but in dansband style, of course; it remains to be seen what "Jag tror på oss," originally described as fast Swedish guitar-pop with a sharp chorus, will sound like in their hands, if they do it.
(Hat-tip to Schlagerprofilerna.)
A rainy day reality
In news that I realize no one but me may care about, Christian Walz's MySpace is streaming his new album, The Corner. It comes out physically this Wednesday.
(Until about 2/3 into the album, I thought the upbeat '60's/'70's style [NOT of the Winehouse type] of "What's Your Name" was going to be a one-off. I need to hear the strings on "Loveshift" in high quality A.S.A.P., by the way. And the second track made me think he was going...actually, I have no idea what to categorize it is. Good, though.)
I'm makin' a list of things that I miss whenever we're far apart
Is this really the video for the new New Kids on The Block single?
The mind boggles.
(Actually, I'm thinking now it must be some sort of Germany-only release tied in with a German movie. "Dirty Dancing" was one of my instant favorites on the album, though, so at least the song is great.)
Speaking of mind-boggling music videos, the video for McFly's "Do Ya" makes me pretty sure they are crazy. I just wish that craziness came through in this latest album more often.
I think Chart Blog put it best: "A nice Christmas video you say, Tom? Something to remind people of the spirit of giving, what with it being a charity single and all? Sounds brilliant. Oh, Dougie ordered a set of extras dressed as zombies, so they're all outside. You do know about that, right?"
The mind boggles.
(Actually, I'm thinking now it must be some sort of Germany-only release tied in with a German movie. "Dirty Dancing" was one of my instant favorites on the album, though, so at least the song is great.)
Speaking of mind-boggling music videos, the video for McFly's "Do Ya" makes me pretty sure they are crazy. I just wish that craziness came through in this latest album more often.
I think Chart Blog put it best: "A nice Christmas video you say, Tom? Something to remind people of the spirit of giving, what with it being a charity single and all? Sounds brilliant. Oh, Dougie ordered a set of extras dressed as zombies, so they're all outside. You do know about that, right?"
And I don't wanna stop
Am I ever going to stop writing about Melodifestivalen? No, probably not.
In interviews with QX, the first eight artists announced gave us a little more information about their songs.
Alcazar talked about "Stay The Night," with Tess saying it sounds like a combination of songs Alcazar have done earlier, with Andreas saying that it reminded him a little bit of "Knock On Wood."
BWO say they noticed that modern dramatic ballads do well, so presumably that's what they think "You're Not Alone" is. Apparently it's a song that shows off Martin's singing and they say it's this year's "Empty Room" and "Believe" (great...).
Måns Zelmerlöw says "Hope & Glory" is an upgrade of "Cara Mia," big and grand. He also reveals that there was another song he worked on with Fredrik Kempe and considered sending, a megaballad in a French march tempo, but (and this is why you have to love Måns) he decided that he "had to get to dance" or he would be "boring" otherwise. He hasn't sent in songs he's written to any other country yet (a song he co-wrote was in Romania's nationa final this year), but he has enough that he can and (probably) will.
I haven't mentioned this in a blog post yet, but the fact that Markoolio is the first joker announced has been discussed in the comments. Markoolio's song, "Kärlekssång från mig," is described, as Melodiment pointed out, as a ballad with a twist (and funny lyrics) and is from the writers of not just some of Markoolio's own songs (like "Värsta Schlagern") but also of 2005's B-Boys International and Paul M's "One Step Closer" and 2007's Verona's "La Musica." Damian pointed out an article in which Markoolio says there will be strippers, with Markoolio lying on the ground and crawling around. Speaking of Markoolio, I want to take another opportunity to praise "Emma, Emma" from his last album. It may have kind of cringeworthy lyrics, but if "Värsta Schlagern" was Markoolio doing a parody of schlager but actually making a brilliant schlager song with a lot of help from a female singer, "Emma, Emma" is the techno/Eurodance equivalent of it. All three of my preferred tracks from that album involved Markoolio being smart enough to delegate a lot of the hook duties and actual good parts of the song to a female singer, so it'll be interesting to see if he does that at all with "Kärlekssång från mig." I'm not counting on it, though.
With three joker spots left, the names being mentioned again and again are Marie Serneholt (would love her to be back with any music period, so a big yes from me), Orup, Darin (love him, obviously, but I'm not sure that I want him in Melodifestivalen), EMD, and Lutricia McNeal.
As Schlager Queen and Gylleneskor (among others) both reported, dansband Lasse Stefanz have declined to sing "Den Första Kyssen;" as they're the demo artists, if they refuse to sing the song, SVT has an option to disqualify the song entirely if they don't feel they can find anyone else they want to sing it. If that happens, another song--one of the ones that just missed the cut--would be chosen to replace it. In 2007, Måns's "Cara Mia" and Lustans Lakejer's "Allt vi en gång trodde på" were replacements, so you could potentially get something good out of a disqualification...then again, the current song could be great. The lists of the finalists (the songs chosen and those that just missed out) and the top 116 are posted on SVT's site (as PDFs--the former is here and the latter is here). I love going through in the months afterward and trying to figure out what songs released were Melodifestivalen rejects (I've got some list somewhere I should go find and see if anyone can add onto), so, though it's a bit early to do that with these lists, they may provide some entertainment in the future.
In interviews with QX, the first eight artists announced gave us a little more information about their songs.
Alcazar talked about "Stay The Night," with Tess saying it sounds like a combination of songs Alcazar have done earlier, with Andreas saying that it reminded him a little bit of "Knock On Wood."
BWO say they noticed that modern dramatic ballads do well, so presumably that's what they think "You're Not Alone" is. Apparently it's a song that shows off Martin's singing and they say it's this year's "Empty Room" and "Believe" (great...).
Måns Zelmerlöw says "Hope & Glory" is an upgrade of "Cara Mia," big and grand. He also reveals that there was another song he worked on with Fredrik Kempe and considered sending, a megaballad in a French march tempo, but (and this is why you have to love Måns) he decided that he "had to get to dance" or he would be "boring" otherwise. He hasn't sent in songs he's written to any other country yet (a song he co-wrote was in Romania's nationa final this year), but he has enough that he can and (probably) will.
I haven't mentioned this in a blog post yet, but the fact that Markoolio is the first joker announced has been discussed in the comments. Markoolio's song, "Kärlekssång från mig," is described, as Melodiment pointed out, as a ballad with a twist (and funny lyrics) and is from the writers of not just some of Markoolio's own songs (like "Värsta Schlagern") but also of 2005's B-Boys International and Paul M's "One Step Closer" and 2007's Verona's "La Musica." Damian pointed out an article in which Markoolio says there will be strippers, with Markoolio lying on the ground and crawling around. Speaking of Markoolio, I want to take another opportunity to praise "Emma, Emma" from his last album. It may have kind of cringeworthy lyrics, but if "Värsta Schlagern" was Markoolio doing a parody of schlager but actually making a brilliant schlager song with a lot of help from a female singer, "Emma, Emma" is the techno/Eurodance equivalent of it. All three of my preferred tracks from that album involved Markoolio being smart enough to delegate a lot of the hook duties and actual good parts of the song to a female singer, so it'll be interesting to see if he does that at all with "Kärlekssång från mig." I'm not counting on it, though.
With three joker spots left, the names being mentioned again and again are Marie Serneholt (would love her to be back with any music period, so a big yes from me), Orup, Darin (love him, obviously, but I'm not sure that I want him in Melodifestivalen), EMD, and Lutricia McNeal.
As Schlager Queen and Gylleneskor (among others) both reported, dansband Lasse Stefanz have declined to sing "Den Första Kyssen;" as they're the demo artists, if they refuse to sing the song, SVT has an option to disqualify the song entirely if they don't feel they can find anyone else they want to sing it. If that happens, another song--one of the ones that just missed the cut--would be chosen to replace it. In 2007, Måns's "Cara Mia" and Lustans Lakejer's "Allt vi en gång trodde på" were replacements, so you could potentially get something good out of a disqualification...then again, the current song could be great. The lists of the finalists (the songs chosen and those that just missed out) and the top 116 are posted on SVT's site (as PDFs--the former is here and the latter is here). I love going through in the months afterward and trying to figure out what songs released were Melodifestivalen rejects (I've got some list somewhere I should go find and see if anyone can add onto), so, though it's a bit early to do that with these lists, they may provide some entertainment in the future.
Stay close to me
FYI: Trixie of Karinski.net has just reviewed Take That's The Circus and says that, though "Greatest Day" is "relatively lacklustre," the album is "stunning." For elaboration, visit her site.
Jag vet att vi kan om du bara vill
Swedish singer Paul Rein's recording career took place in the '80's, but even if you weren't following the '80's Swedish music scene, it's a safe bet you've heard at least one song he's had a hand in: Christina Aguilera's "Come On Over (All I Want Is You)" (my favorite Christina song, incidentally). You also may have heard him on Nanne's "Kom Hit," probably my favorite track from her most recent album. I've been a little obsessed with his own music (which he was mainly responsible for writing) the past few days, though; his Communicate album has some real gems, especially in its more synth-pop or Italo-disco moments (the chorus of "Hold Back Your Love" has just a tiny bit of "I Feel Love" about it, though I suppose you could say that for loads of songs given how much of a definitive song that was; if you're interested, I'd say "Lady O" and "Hold Back Your Love" are two big starting points for the album, though I've got a personal thing for "Communicate" and "Stop (Give It Up)" might be something else to check out, though I think with its more mid-tempo feel it's dated a bit). I think, though, that my favorite song from him has to be his Melodifestival 1988 entry "Bara du och jag" (yay for the return of SpeedyShare! Sorry about the cracks and pops, though). It only placed below sixth, but every time I've played it it's never failed to lift my spirits, make me smile, and bring up at least a little bit of an urge to dance around '80's style (perhaps imitating something from Footloose?). Despite being in Swedish, it's a song whose bouncy catchy melody should appeal beyond just hardcore Swedish music lovers; it's a song I can imagine slotting in nicely into the PWL era. Lyrics-wise? "Give love between us a chance," basically--you know the drill. As a song? Just perfect.I dread the day twenty years from now, though, that my much loved spiky popstar hair is looked back on with the same reaction we have towards '80's hair now.
I have absolutely no idea where you would go about buying Melodifestival entries from 1988, so instead I'll just say that if you want Paul Rein's albums, check eBay or Discogs; be careful you don't buy something in vinyl if you can't use it, though.
Next up: maybe another male Swedish singer.
There's a part that doesn't even work at all
I have several posts sitting in draft at the moment, but since SpeedyShare doesn't seem to be working and Zshare still refuses to work for me, they'll have to wait. If SpeedyShare returns in a bit, I'll post, though. Sigh.
Wild Couture!!!
Stylist: Sheena Dai - Model: Jeesica M. Reeves
Stylist: Ashley Decker - Model: Jessica M. Reeves
I'm reborn at the discotheque
I've been meaning to mention this for a while now, but...
This is probably the best idea of the year. If I lived absolutely anywhere near London, I would be there, and you better believe if I ever make it to London, I will be ensuring my time there includes the third Thursday of the month.
Near London on November 20? Love Melodifestivalen? Love pop from Scandinavia? Go. I mean, a night of dancing to the best schlager, the best disco, the best dance, the best pop from the pop capital of the world? Brilliant.
For more information as well as to get a better idea for the music you'll be hearing, you can visit the Scandipop website.
This is probably the best idea of the year. If I lived absolutely anywhere near London, I would be there, and you better believe if I ever make it to London, I will be ensuring my time there includes the third Thursday of the month.
Near London on November 20? Love Melodifestivalen? Love pop from Scandinavia? Go. I mean, a night of dancing to the best schlager, the best disco, the best dance, the best pop from the pop capital of the world? Brilliant.
For more information as well as to get a better idea for the music you'll be hearing, you can visit the Scandipop website.
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