Bjork Gives Back To Iceland

I've always admired Icelandic singer, Bjork, for her unique sense of style and outspoken nature. Now, news of her undying devotion to her homeland has given me even more to respect. According to Billboard Magazine (and multiple other news sources), Bjork has joined forces with a Reykjavik-based venture capital firm on a fund that will "invest in companies that are socially and environmentally

New Dido Remix on Masterbeat

I've started buying a lot of my dance music on Masterbeat. I had heard of Masterbeat before, expensive than iTunes...a song usually costs between $1.49 - $1.99. But the selection of current dance music is way better. They keep getting exclusives and new labels keep coming on board. Masterbeat got the Alanis Morissette remixes for "Not As We" before iTunes, for instance. Not all tracks are

oi oi! New Keane Remix!

I'm currently obsessed with this new CSS remix for Keane's second single! Apparently it was released as part of a digital bundle when the single was released in October. Thanks, once again to Arjan Writes for the brilliant plug! This mix is a bit bizarre-sounding in parts, but I'm all about the bizarre! Check it out and let me know what you think!Keane's third single, "Perfect Symmetry" is out

Jane Monheit & Diana Krall - New Discs Due in the New Year

While perusing the Amazon New Releases section, I discovered that one of my favorite Jazz artists, Jane Monheit is releasing a new album in January. I haven't purchased a new Monheit album in a few years, but her second album still remains one of my favorites! I think I read a review of "Come Dream With Me" and bought it on a whim while at a Borders. I was so glad that I did! Her voice is

New Kelly Clarkson & Daniel Merriweather!

According to both Arjan Writes and Billboard, Kelly Clarkson's new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You" is due out on January 19th! So close! Apparently this album (from what insiders have heard so far) is very reminiscent of "Breakaway." This is good news. I admit that I kind of enjoyed a few tracks off "My December" but not nearly as much as I enjoyed "Breakaway."Also on Arjan Writes, the

Help Re-design My Banner!

So...I have a favor to ask. Is there anyone out there who could do a re-design of my banner? I don't have any art programs or I would totally do it myself. I'm just looking to give this blog a bit of a makeover. I'm just looking for something with some pictures of some of the artists I talk a lot about. Take a look at the artists in my links section to get an idea. Please email me! swardkj at

New Album Artwork

Coverlandia is a great resource if you are in search of new or recent album artwork from your favorite artists. The talented crew of the Coverlandia blog posts official and fanmade artwork for top artists from all over the music charts! Here is some of my favorite official sleeve artwork from the past couple of weeks. What's your favorite? - Via CoverlandiaStill don't think I've heard this song

Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love Remixes & More Ebay Goodness

I received the first of my recent Ebay orders the other day and couldn't be more pleased. It's the UK Promo Maxi for Amy Studt's "Nice Boys." 19 Recordings went all out with the artwork and packaging for this promo, which surprises me. Considering how poorly her last two single charted (or didn't chart, as the case was with "Furniture") it looks like the label is throwing some money into this

Recent Ebay Purchases

Yeah, I'm back at it again on Ebay. This weekend I got some goodies by Amy Studt, Sarah Whatmore and a new British singer named Pierre. Amy Studt has been on my radar since her first album False Smiles, where her songs "Misfit" and "Just A Little Girl" were standouts. Whatmore was a former contestant on UK's Pop Idol and "Smile" is the first single off her upcoming album Time To Think. Pierre is

New Lady Sovereign Single and More!

I finally got the last of my Ebay purchases yesterday. This includes Will Young's "Grace" remixes, Sugababes' "No Can Do" remixes, and Bryn Christopher's remixes for "Smilin'." I also got two Cher maxis - "Believe" and "Strong Enough." Nice, nice surprise :-)Some random bits of news...Lily Allen's new album artwork has been revealed for "It's Not Me, It's You," due out in the U.S. on February

Britney Spears - Circus Review

Back in college, I wrote a review for Britney's self titled album (2001's "Britney") for my college paper's weekend edition. In my review I did a silly little analogy - comparing Britney's past two albums to various types of bubble gum. I don't remember the specific type of gum "Britney" was but I do remember giving a generally negative review. Perhaps it was because I was young, perhaps it was

Dido on Ghost Whisperer - Interview With a Music Supervisor

Dido's official blog has posted an interview with Lindsay Wolfington of Lone Wolf Music Supervision. In this interview, Lindsay gives some insight into how music gets selected for television and film. Shows like Grey's Anatomy and the now departed O.C. have both been effective marketing tools for musicians...both popular and lesser known. This is quite interesting!Dido's song "Quiet Times"

Leona Lewis - Run Video

I know this is old news...but I LOVE it. Check out the video for Leona's cover of "Run," originally by Snow Patrol. Her version is Beautiful. Apparently Leona's cover of "Run" became the fastest-selling digital release ever - selling 69,244 copies in only two days!



Check out Snow Patrol's original video here.

Lily Allen - The Fear Video and Remix News

Lily Allen premiered her new video for The Fear today. It's cute. Thoughts?





In other news...Dave Dresden (of Gabriel & Dresden) revealed via his MySpace blog that he's been asked to remix "The Fear."Exciting! We can hear it in his MySpace player shortly. Check out the video here. Check out Dave Dresden's MySpace blog here.


Here's what Dave had to say:





"I'm producing this remix

Lady Gaga - Christmas Tree

Another gem from Arjan Writes (via MTV) - Lady Gaga's new Christmas song called "Christmas Tree." It's a festive electro-jam. Interesting. Thoughts? I don't know. I think it's kind of ridiculous. Popjustice has made this song it's song of the day for 12/4! Check it out here!- Via Arjan Writes

Jessica Mauboy - Burn (New Single)

I've seen stuff on the music blogs about this chica before, apparently she's from Australian Idol. Her name is Jessica Mauboy. She's 19 and signed with Sony. This is her current single in Australia. Watch the video here. Thoughts? - Via PopJustice

WTF? - Coldplay featuring Kylie Minogue

I found this gem over on my new fav music blog, Arjan Writes. How come I never heard about this? Is this going to be Coldplay's next single? It's a deep, dark, depressing duet with none other than Ms. Kylie Minogue.WHAT? Dark & Depressing? Kylie Minogue? This is rarely a feeling associated with any of Kylie's music (save for her 1995 single "Where The Wild Roses Grow" with Nick Cave, which Arjan

Britney, Pink, The Killers, GaGa - Oh My!

On my lunch break today I walked over to the Newbury Comics on Newbury Street. I knew I was going to be buying Britney's new album, "Circus." What I didn't plan on was that I would also buy The Killers' new record (and by record, I of course mean CD), P!nk's "Funhouse" (which is FABULOUS) and Lady GaGa's album. And I complain about being broke! Ha. I'll review each CD formally sometime later this

Britney - Circus (Out Tomorrow)

Don't forget to pick up your copy of Britney's Spears' new album, "Circus." It's in stores tomorrow! There's a deluxe and a regular version. The Deluxe Edition includes the "Womanizer" video, a making-of featurette, a two-sided collector’s poster, and two bonus tracks.Buy it at any of these places (as long as you buy it)!iTunesAmazonNewbury ComicsCD WowBritney's on:FacebookMySpaceOfficial

Reviews - Bette Midler, Gabriella Cilmi

So this weekend I was thrilled to receive my first batch of my recent Ebay purchases. Let's do some music reviews! I'm not talking about every remix, just the stand outs.Bette Midler - In These Shoes (CD Maxi Single) (2001) Released in 2001, "In These Shoes" is off of Midler's 2000 album - "Bette." According to All Music, "Bette" was her second and final record on Warner Brothers Records. She was

Lily Allen - The Fear (New Single)

Well, first of all, in case nobody heard - Rosie's proposed variety hour is a no go, according to People Magazine. This less than a week after her tauted "Prime Time comeback" premiered to abysmally low ratings. Not too surprised, even though I do love Rosie and was secretly cheering for success.




- Fanmade Album Artwork Via Coverlandia Blog by jlm

In other news - Lily Allen premiered her

Rosie Live! Bombs Big Time

Oh well. I guess it just wasn't meant to be! Rosie Live! apparently bombed big time, with just 5 million viewers (Tied w/ cancelled & still-amazing "Pushing Daisies"). Read some of the reviews below:

New York Times
TV Guide
LA Times

Looks like the low-blows are being delivered to Kathy Griffin and Jane Krakowski for their contributions to the variety show. Kathy, for her Nancy

Rosie Live!

I remember watching Rosie O'Donnell's first talk show when it made its debut in 1996, pretty much through it's entire run (it ended in 2002). It was a good mix of entertainment...well that's really all it was. From her Koosh ball attacks on the audience, to the barage of actors, comediens and musicians Rosie was something to watch after school and I loved every minute of it!

When I heard about

Recent Ebay Purchases - CD Promos Galore

Alright. It's been far too long since I've posted on here. Work has me exhausted and beat every day during the week and on weekends...well I have no excuse.I went on Ebay today and wound up spending like $50 on various promos and CD Maxis. AHHH! Ridiculous. Ebay can be a death trap, especially if you find one seller who has everything you could possibly want! Here's a breakdown of what I bought

Barack Obama!

Thank GOD! It's a good day for the world. More music posts soon. Sorry!

Don't Forget To Vote!

New Lily Allen Album

Billboard confirmed today that Lily Allen's follow up to her hit "Alright, Still" will be released on February 10th in the U.S. via Capitol Records. "It's Not Me, It's You" comes out a day earlier in the UK via Regal/EMI. I'm soo excited! If her new album sounds like the new song streaming on Lily's MySpace, then it's destined to be another biting, witty, sassy hit record

Straight No Chaser - A Capella Group

I sang in the Jubilate Children's Choir when I was younger; I sang with the chorus in junior high, and I sang with a show choir in high school. I've always loved singing. When I was a student at Indiana University in Bloomington, I sang with the Singing Hoosiers, "America's Premiere Collegiate Concert Show Choir." I never thought I was anything special, but man did I love to sing. Well shit

Thoughts & Prayers

Everyone's thoughts and prayer should be with Jennifer Hudson and her family.

Pink or Gaga? - That Is The Question

Two CDs that I want come out tomorrow - P!NK's new album, Funhouse and Lady Gaga's album The Fame. I don't think I should buy both for financial reasons but I don't know which one to get. I've heard both albums in full already and both are pretty amazing. I think Lady Gaga might have the edge, but only because I've listened it to it way more often (since it had it's Canadian release a few months

Continuing To Get Suckered

So the drama continues with my stupid quest to get a program I could get free by other means, free legally. If you'll recall my last post about getting suckered into buying a CD from the Sony store...turns out I didn't read the fine print. I had to spend at least $30 in order for this stupid thing to work. I only spent the cost of one over priced Sony CD. So...stubborn as ever, I went back to the

Suckered Into Buying Jennifer Hudson's Album

So...while I admittedly love a good deal, I just got suckered into buying a CD for a "free" registered version of WinZip. While I'm sure I could illegally download this software, I wound up going to the Winzip website which gives you 2 options - download the freeware version and have it expire after a period of time, or sign up for one of many "offers" from companies like American Express, Sony,

Buy Ray LaMontagne's "Gossip In The Grain" tomorrow

One last reminder...I PROMISE. Listen on Amazon before you buy it!

New Amy Winehouse - False Hope

I got so excited when I saw an email in my inbox from Amy Winehouse's official mailing list. It said simply: "New Album for Christmas." While I was admittedly shocked (completely unaware that she had been lucid enough to record an album over the past year and a half) I was also excited. So I went to open the email...only to discover...New album my ass. They are repacking her previous two albums

Girls Aloud - "The Promise" Remixes

The new single, "The Promise" from UK girl group, Girls Aloud - off of their upcoming new album Out Of Control is...meh. I don't know. Nothing new for me. I enjoy it, but I've enjoyed the majority of their last few up-tempo singles. "The Promise" doesn't cross into any new territory. I think the girls need to try something new. At any rate, the single has been remixed by American remixers/

Lady Gaga - "Poker Face" Remixes

Since her album, The Fame was released in Canada at the end of August, I've been streaming Lady Gaga non stop. It's a pretty solid pop album if you ask me. Nothing too serious, just a fun, harmless dance pop record. It's not due out in the United States till the end of October but iTunes has released 3 singles to tide us over. First single, "Just Dance" was out in April and had some remixes

More Upcoming Remixes!

Robyn - CobrastyleI first heard this song on an episode of "Greys Anatomy" (don't judge me!) in it's original form by the Teddybears. When I heard Robyn's cover that sort of solidified it for me as a favorite. Seeing her open with it on her US club tour was also pretty spectacular. There's a remix by Muscles of this song that was included on the "Konichiwa Bitches" single, but it wasn't anything

Lemar's New Single Gets Remixed

Former Fame Academy contestant & 2X MOBO/Brit award-winner, Lemar, is out with his new R&B single in November, but remixes for the track have already surfaced. Part of a promotional package sent out to DJs, an attractive 8-track promo features mixes by StoneBridge, Snowflakers, Full Phat, and Crazy Cousins. I have to say this Lemar's brand of average R&B ballads and mid-tempo slush usually

Ray LaMontagne Live! / Gossip In The Grain Out Tuesday

This Tuesday (October 14th), Ray LaMontagne's new album "Gossip In The Grain" comes out and I'm really excited. I just saw him perform last Friday at the Opera House in Boston and WOW...what a show. I was a bit nervous because I purchased 2 tickets, not next to each other (by accident). I brought one of my roommates, another fan. We happend to see him a couple years ago - balcony seats at the

Brandy - Right Here (Departed) - Remix News!

One of my favorite songs right now is Brandy's new single "Right Here (Departed)," as I've talked about before. Until recently, I hadn't heard about any plans for official remixes commissioned for this song but sure enough, there are mixes floating out there by UK remixers Paul Emanuel & Seamus Haji and Moto & Blanco. How awesome is this. Brandy always sounds good on the dancefloor. I have the

P!NK - So What - The Remixes

When I first heard P!nk's new single off her new album, "Funhouse," I of course got excited. I picked up a copy of her last album ("I'm Not Dead") when it was released in the UK (a day before it came out in the U.S.) and loved it. It was the first P!nk album I had ever purchased. I knew a few singles but that was all. I'm equally excited for this new album...possibly even more so. A new album is

Britney Spears - Womanizer

Get ready folks, Britney's new single is released on iTunes on Tuesday (that's in a couple minutes). Download it LEGALLY.

Black Kids Pics

These are my slightly less impressive photos from the Black Kids show last Thursday at Paradise. Blurry...dark...we were standing next to the stage so there were also some speakers obstructing my view. It was an AWESOME show...one that made me like the band even more! They played a bunch of songs from their album as well as a Magnetic Fields cover and a song from their debut EP. Good stuff! Oh...

Chromeo Pics

So, here are some of the pics from my night at Paradise seeing Chromeo. They are blurry and bad but they are the real deal. I still don't know how to take an indoor, flash-free photo without a tri-pod to keep the camera still. Oh well. I happen to think the blurry mixed with the stage lights cause some cool effects.

Concerts Concerts Concerts!

Alright. Time for bed. But I wanted to do a quick post. I got to see Chromeo last night, Black Kids tonight and Ray LaMontagne next Friday. PHEW! Lots of concerts! Good stuff. I took some (blurry) pictures which I'll post this weekend.Goodnight! Peace!

Upcoming Remixes

I'm super excited about some of my favorite pop singers coming out with new singles AND club remixes for those singles. Here's a list of some (thanks to DJRicoMixshow for the promo tracklistings).Nikka Costa - Stuck To YouDAVE AUDE RADIO EDIT 3:45DAVE AUDE REMIX 8:02DAVE AUDE CLUB DUB 7:11DAVE AUDE MIXSHOW 6:28RICHARD VISSION EDIT 3:40RICHARD VISSION REMIX 5:45TOMMY SUNSHINE'S DISCO 3000 RE-RUB 7

Chromeo Concert Tonight!

I'm getting pumped! Sold out Chromeo show tonight in Boston! I have my camera so hopefully I'll be able to sneak a few pics in. Depending on how I'm feeling I also have the opportunity to see them do a DJ set after the show. I'm getting over a cold so I don't know how late I'll feel like staying out. Wooohooo!

Katy Perry - Hot N Cold Remixes

I've received official confirmation that Katy Perry's record label has commissioned DJ/Remix duo Norman & Attalla to remix new single "Hot N Cold". Norman & Attalla is made up of the combined talents of DJ Christopher Norman (formerly Retrobyte) and DJ Anthony Attalla, a Michigan-based pair that also remixed Perry's last single "I Kissed A Girl," which you can hear on Norman's MySpace.Prior to

Ray LaMontagne - New Album

I've loved Ray LaMontagne ever since I heard 'Trouble.' When I heard Kelly Clarkson cover his 'Shelter' live I was even more sold on LaMontagne as an artist. His songwriting always pulls at my heart strings and I can't help but weep. I think that's what any artist really wants right? To make an emotional connection with his or her audience?His new album, Gossip In The Grain is due out on October

Christina Aguilera

Christina's new single 'Keeps Gettin' Better has been growing on me more and more since I first heard her perform it on the MTV VMAs. Since then, I learned that it's set to promote her Target exclusive greatest hits project, which I'm now considering purchasing. Any opinions? It includes 2 new versions of 'Genie In a Bottle' and 'Beautiful', which i'm eager to hear, especially if it's anything

Just Purchased on iTunes...

Well...it's New Release Tuesday and I've already made some iTunes purchases. More on what I purchased below but first...did you hear that UK Digital Music retailer, 7Digital is launching a US store soon? I had been a customer on the 7Digital UK site for some time until digital licensing laws recently changed (or started being enforced) and only EU customers were allowed to purchase on the store.

I'm Back!

Wow. It's been since June since I've last posted? Really? Insanity! Lots going on I guess. It's also a lot of work maintaining a blog! I've started a blog about lighting as well at work. Check it out! Anyway...back to the music.There sure has been a lot happening with music since the last post. For one thing...the Jennifer Hudson album is due out tomorrow! I don't know yet if I'll buy it or not.

Top Played Songs - Week Ending Sunday June 8th

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Beyond Bleeding?

Today's question...can Leona Lewis have a proper second single in the U.S.? My vote is...ABSOLUTELY! If her record label throws as much into it's promotion as they did with "Bleeding Love." Upon hearing the song by itself, I honestly never would have guessed that a beautiful, heart-achy love ballad would ever top the Billboard Charts. In recent years, the U.S. charts haven't really embraced pop

In The Spotlight: Jennifer Hudson

So...has anyone else heard Jennifer Hudson's new single, "Spotlight,"off her debut, self-titled album out September 30th? I have to be honest--initially the song bored me to tears. "COME ON J-Hud! Release a serious CLUB-JAMMER as your first single! Show us something different. "Spotlight" is a mid-tempo, sweet song that is growing on my listen after listen. Now I can officially say that I love

Bring Them Back!

This is my humble plea to bring back some of my favorite pop divas...ladies who had their moment of pure pop brilliance and then disappeared as soon as they were either: A.) dropped by their record label, B.) Beckoned by Hollywood, C.) Succumbed to drugs & alcohol or D.) Some Combination of the above. Here it goes. Prepare to be dazzled!









1. Rachel Stevens: Formerly of S Club 7, Stevens

Quintessential Summer Music

So the summer is starting to heat up...in Boston this past weekend it's been humid and in the 90s. The summer music scene is also starting to heat up. I'm going to give you (in my opinion) the QUINTESSENTIAL summer album, single & remix.QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER ALBUM: Cyndi Lauper - Bring Ya To The BrinkCyndi's back with her first album of original material in a few years and she's bringin' this one

Can('t) Get You Out Of My Head

Now I hate to prolong a stereotype...but the gays tend to love Kylie Minogue, and I am certainly no exception. I have 4 of her albums, including the import version of her latest, X, as well as her double disc greatest hits album that came out a couple of years ago. Sure--not even half of her vast catalog--but enough to know that I love her (at least the past 10 years of her career)."Can't Get You

ROBYN Live in Boston!

KONICHIWA BITCHES! I'm seeing Robyn, live in Boston at the Paradise Rock Club! That's right! My favorite little Swedish anti-pop singer is making a return to the states to perform. She hasn't been back much (if at all) since the late 90s, promoting her debut album, Robyn Is Here, spawning the hits "Show Me Love" and "Do You Know (What It Takes)."


Now, she's back and better than ever! No

Amy Winehouse Wannabes? I Think Not!

I can't believe that it's been 4 months since my last post! So much to talk about musically! Wow. Where do I start?



Well...how about with my last album purchases? Let's start with Duffy, the 24 year old Welsh singing sensation that's (hopefully) about to break out in the U.S. this Spring. (May 13th via Mercury Records).

2 parts old soul, one part pop, Duffy's vocals conjure up thoughts of