Hot Video Alert: La Roux, Robyn, Whitney Houston, Taylor Switft - I Wanna Bulletproof Dancer (Mash Up)

As my final post of 2010 I've chosen this gem. I found this AMAZING video over on Popjustice and decided that I couldn't end 2010 without a little shout out. It's a mega MashUp using La Roux's spectacular "Bulletproof" as the backing track for remixed versions of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." Need I

Hot Video Alert: Ellie Goulding - Your Song (Live on The Graham Norton Show)

What a beautiful way to send off 2010. Check out this beautiful performance by my favorite, Ellie Goulding. Singing the current single from her album re-release Bright Lights, "Your Song," Goulding brings a rawness and a realness to her live performance. She might not have the vocal range of some other artists but she doesn't need range. Her voice is perfect just the way it is. Happy New Year

Hot Video Alert: Ulrik Munther - Boys Don't Cry

Ulrik Munther is a 16 year singer/songwriter hailing from Gothenburg Sweden. Like many artists today, Munther caught a HUGE break on YouTube which ultimately lead to a record deal with Universal Music. With over a million hits on YouTube before being signed, it was only a matter of time before a major label or two would be calling him on the phone. Now in the middle of recording his debut

Hot Video Alert: Sean Kingston - Party All Night (Sleep All Day)

Sean Kingston sure knows how to churn out a generic sounding party anthem. His new single, "Party All Night (Sleep All Day)" is no exception. What happened to cheesy pop songs like "Beautiful Girls," his first and to date, only #1 single? Since then Kingston has taken a decidedly club-friendly turn on recent records like "Fire Burning," and now "Party All Night (Sleep All Day)." I'm not

New Artist Worth a Listen...Kai

Kai is a new artist from our neighbors to the North and she's definitely someone to keep an eye on in 2011. "I Choose Me" (LISTEN BELOW) is the first song released off of her forthcoming EP, 11:11, due out in 2011 and it's been chosen for the January launch of a national ad campaign for First Choice Haircutters. That's a pretty big deal for a new artist! Listen to "I Choose Me" below.

Kai

Jennifer Hudson Shows Off New Body and New Song For 'Weight Watchers'

Jennifer Hudson is looking GOOD! Wow. If you haven't seen her recent string of Weight Watchers ads then you are in for a surprise. While I always thought she looked good, Hudson has really shed off the pounds (56 lbs reportedly) while still maintaining her curvy features. The newly released video for Hudson's version the of often-covered classic "Feeling Good," a song Hudson recorded

Sky Ferreira Album Delayed, EP 'hopefully' Out in February

Well this certainly is disappointing. One of my most anticipated releases of 2011 announced recently in a blog post that her debut album is being pushed back. 18-year old Sky Ferreira, who's been mentioned a few times on my blog, announced on her December 16th blog that, although the album is done, it's not coming out on 1/11/2011 as originally planned. Good news is, she hasn't been dropped by

Hot Video Alert: J. Lewis - Shut 'Em Up

Blackground/Interscope recording artist J. Lewis is a little bit Justin Timberlake, a little bit Mike Posner and a little bit Jay Sean all neatly rolled up into one attractive pop package. His new single, "Shut 'Em Up" actually came out at the end of October and at that time I did download it...I just haven't really listened to it until now. I tend to do that on 'New Music Tuesdays,' peruse

'Best of 2010': Robyn Makes Multiple Top Ten and 'Best Of' Lists

When I think about artists who've really made an impression on me over the past year, Robyn definitely stands out.  I've been a fan of Robyn's for a long time, so to see her come back here to the States 13 years after she first debuted on the scene, and make people go CRAZY all over again...it's rather gratifying.  Robyn has always had a fan base here in America, ever since she exploded onto the

Hollywood Can't Get Enough of Richard Ashcroft...What About You?

Richard Ashcroft...one of my first rock star crushes as a newly out young gay man. I distinctly remember watching the music video for The Verve's Billboard Hot 100 Top 12 hit single "Bitter Sweet Symphony" on Euro MTV during my 1997 trip to Europe with the family.  Having grown up without cable TV in the home, watching MTV and other music video channels was a rare treat, reserved only for hotels

UK Singer/Songwriter Delta Maid does the Delta Blues Justice

Don't judge a book by it's cover. If I showed you a picture of 25 year old Liverpudlian (and Geffen recording artist) Delta Maid and told you she was a Blues artist, I doubt you'd believe me. Well, think again. This young talent from the UK can sing the blues for days, and man does she do it well. A self taught guitarist, Delta became strongly influenced by American roots album from a young

Ones to Watch in 2011...Clare Maguire

Sometimes a voice comes along, so mesmerizing, so unique, so hauntingly beautiful, that you can't help but stop all that you're doing and listen. The last voice that captured me like that was Katie Melua. When I first heard "The Closest Thing To Crazy" back in 2003, there was something in her vocals that hooked me and made me an instant fan. While Melua's voice will always have a special

Kimberly Caldwell Releases New Single, Debut Album Set for Spring 2011 Release

One year after the release of her debut single, "Mess Of You," Kimberly Caldwell returns with a follow up "Desperate Girls and Stupid Boys." While the year-long span of time between singles, coupled with the fact that "Mess Of You" barely registered a blip on any chart, does not bode for Caldwell, I choose to remain optimistic. She's got some pipes on her. That deep, honey coated voice that I

G. Love Still Special w/out 'The Sauce,' Releases New Solo Project in February

I have some very fond college memories surrounding G. Love (AKA Garrett Dutton) & Special Sauce. Back in 1999 when I embarked on my college adventure at Indiana University, my roommate Christian introduced to me to Mr. Love - in particular 2 songs: "Rodeo Clowns," and "Dreamin'" - both off of the band's 1999 album, Philadelphonic. There was something about the laidback, chill vocal style of Mr

Hot Remix Alert: V.V. Brown - Crying Blood (Rieces Pieces Remix)

Ever Since UK singer/songwriter V.V. Brown went into creative hibernation, working on her forthcoming sophomore record, I've been having MAJOR V.V. Brown withdrawl. While news that Brown's "Shark In The Water" made Spinner's 'Best Songs of 2010' list, it was little consolation.  Enter Rieces Pieces to help bring me around. Rieces Pieces is a Tampa, Florida-based pop music producer who recently

Ones to Watch in 2011...The Scarletz

"Quirky pop with an Apple on top!" Yep. That just about describes new UK pop group The Scarletz. The Scarletz are 4 lovely ladies from London - Bryony Jobes, Claire-Martyne Newman, Katiya Borlante and Tahnee Lee - and together they make music. I am LOVING these girls so far. I've actually been loving them even before I heard anything from them. You see...they all started following me on

Hot Video Alert: SoundGirl - I'm The Fool

Sassy Sassy Sassy! I am LOVING SoundGirl, a new UK girl group from West London. Debut single "I'm The Fool" is the perfect introduction for these lovely ladies, all of who started out as a friends before jumping into the studio to make some musical magic. SoundGirl are Little Nikki, Izzy B and Olivia and together they make some of the sweetest electro-soul music I've ever heard. One part

Introducing Bobby Long...

Shaggy hair? Check. Hipster sex appeal? Check. British accent? Check. Smooth, soulful voice and mad guitar playing skills? Check Check. Let me introduce you to Bobby Long, an up and coming British singer/songwriter who's debut album, A Winter Tale, will be released on February 1st on ATO Records. Produced by Grammy-winner Liam Watson (White Stripes), A Winter Tale features material written by

Hot Video Alert: Sam Sparro - Pink Cloud

Sam Sparro's self titled debut album was one of my favorite releases back in 2008 and his canceling his appearance in Boston because of Visa issues was one of my biggest disappointments. His single "Black and Gold," while not a mainstream chart success story in the States, did manage to hit #12 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart when it was released here back in June of 2008. Since

Hot Video Alert: Jesse McCartney - Shake

Oh Jesse McCartney. You don't look a day over the age of 13. What is your secret? I know I'm a bit late with this one but that's OK. The more I hear McCartney's new song, "Shake," the more I like it. McCartney released the single on September 21st without much fanfare surrounding it. Pity. "Shake" only managed to peak at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song fared better on the

Hot Video Alert: Kylie Minogue - Santa Baby

Merry Christmas one and all. Just wanted to share this super cheesy Christmas video from my favorite Aussie Pop Queen Kylie Minogue. Channeling Marilyn Monroe in her rendition of "Santa Baby," Kylie is all dolled up, playfully flirting with the camera while sitting in front of a Christmas tree. Kylie looks like a total pin up girl her straight out of the 1950s: bright red lips, curls...she

Hot Video Alert: Kerli - Army Of Love

Estonian pop princess Kerli is BACK with a new single called "Army Of Love" and it's quite lovely. Produced by Free School, the single is being offered as a FREE DOWNLOAD (HERE) so go ahead and grab it when you get a chance. Kerli is currently at work on her sophomore album, the follow up to her 2008 disc Love Is Dead released via Island Records. Love Is Dead went #1 in her native Estonia and

Hot Video Alert: Enrique Iglesias feat. Ludacris & DJ Frank E - Tonight (I'm Loving You)

I love that the email with the link to the new Enrique Iglesias video came with this warning:
The new NSFW version by Enrique Iglesias feat. Ludacris "Tonight..." is now online on the VEVO platform. If you have not heard the buzz around this video, please make sure you are in a safe place before watching - very NSFW!"NSFW" indeed! Oopsie! I definitely sent it around the office today. Oh well. 

Hot Video Alert: Taio Cruz feat. Kylie Minogue & Travie McCoy - Higher

I hate when record labels do this, release two versions of the same song for different geographic regions, as they are doing now with the new Taio Cruz single, "Higher." I understand WHY they do it I just hate that they have to do it.  Kylie Minogue is an international singing sensation yet CLEARLY not a big enough draw here in America to be included in the U.S. release of Cruz' 5th single off

Hot Video Alert: Crystal Bowersox - Farmer's Daughter

THIS is why Crystal Bowersox got my votes during her season of American Idol. Watch the video for Bowersox's first single, "Farmer's Daughter" and tell me you don't think she's talented. While I initially didn't see the appeal whatsoever in Season 9 winner Lee Dewyze, I've since admitted that those feelings were premature. That being said, I still maintain that Crystal Bowersox should have

Hot Video Alert: Elizabeth & The Catapult - You and Me

From the looks of things, I should have known about Brooklyn-based pop/rock trio Elizabeth & The Catapult YEARS ago, considering the band formed in 2004. Where the eff have I been?!  I've definitely seen the name "Elizabeth & The Catapult" floating around my musical periphery but I guess I've never stopped to look (or listen).  Typically, when going through my press releases and emails I flag

Ray LaMontagne featured on 'Live From The Artists Den', Releases New Live EP

I don't know about you but EVERY TIME I hear Ray LaMontagne sing a note live, I just get shivers down my spine.  Shivers and goosebumps. WOW.  I've seen Ray perform live a number of times now (mostly recently co-headlining with David Gray) and each time is it's own experience.  Sure, he sings some of the same songs over and over again but each time he tweaks it different, whether it's the

Hot Video Alert: Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light (Un-Censored Version)

WARNING: This video may be considered offensive to some. Check out the EDITED version at the end of the post!
Those Scissor Sisters sure are pushing the envelope with this video. "Invisible Light," the third single to be lifted off the band's third studio album Night Work features a myriad of uncomfortable, unsettling themes including (but not limited to) kidnapping, rape, and crucifixion. 

Hot Video Alert: Coldplay - Christmas Lights

The video for Coldplay's new holiday single, "Christmas Lights" is magical. Filmed in London, this video actually has me all revved up for a new Coldplay album. I can't believe it's been since 2008 that we've had a new Coldplay record! "Christmas Lights" was released on December 1st via Capitol/Parlophone. The song was written and produced by Coldplay (with Rik Simpson and Brian Eno

Hot Video Alert: Katharine McPhee - It's Not Christmas Without You

Looks like Katharine McPhee's move over to Verve back in 2009 was the right move for the American Idol runner up, who released her first holiday album, Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You, on October 12th. McPhee, who made her Verve debut with her sophomore album Unbroken in January has yet to find success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (her debut American Idol single, "Somewhere Over The

Hot Video Alert: Natalia Kills - Activate My Heart + New U.S. Tour with Robyn

Well this is a pleasant surprise, isn't it? I wasn't expecting a new video from Natalia Kills until the next single! This makes me OH so happy. You know what also makes me happy? Natalia Kills is coming to Boston, opening up for Robyn at the House of Blues! I might get to see her live! AH-MAZING!  Now I've already seen Robyn live TWICE before but the chance to see Natalia Kills live doing her

Hot Video Alert: Mariah Carey - Auld Lang Syne (The New Year's Anthem)

"Does anybody really know the words?" Mariah Carey asks in the middle of her New Years Eve dance anthem, "Auld Lang Syne (The New Years Anthem)." Oh Mariah. What happened? Before I discuss the song let's first talk about the cheapo video that we're presented with.  I don't understand what happened?  Did she break the bank with the "Oh Santa!" video?  I don't remember that one being too

Hot Video Alert: Mohombi feat. Akon - Dirty Situation

Singer/songwriter and RedOne protege Mohombi is back with his third single, "Dirty Situation," featuring Akon on guest duties. Anyone getting a sense of deja vu here? It all sounds very "Taio Cruz" to me here, not that it's a bad thing. Taio Cruz knows a little bit about hits, considering he's successfully crossed over from the UK with #1 and #2 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 ("Break Your

Hot Video Alert: Greyson Chance - Waiting Outside The Lines

Greyson Chance should just get used to the Justin Bieber comparisons right now. That's all I'm saying! While that's certainly not a bad thing, it will be important for him to maintain his own image and sense of individuality. This 13 year old singer/songwriter is definitely one to watch. His version of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" became an instant hit on YouTube with over 34 million hits and

Hot Video Alert: Jenefer Siân - Call You Out

You may remember when I posted about upcoming singer/songwriter Jenefer Siân while back and how she had started an online campaign to raise funds needed to shoot her new music video. Well...the end result is here! A beautiful (albeit short) video for Jenefer's new single "Call You Out" is done and ready to be seen! Directed by Alan Wain and funded by fans using a website called Kickstarter.com,

Hot Video Alert: Kandi - Haven't Loved Right

For those of you who read my blog with any regularity, you know that there are certain genres that I barely touch on. Hip hop, country, rock and R&B. There are artists in each of these genres that I respect and admire and I really do respect all genres of music. Like anyone, I have my favorites. As far as R&B is concerned...I just don't care for slow jams. I just don't! I need something with a

Hot Video Alert: Frankmusik - The Fear Inside

Frankmusik (AKA Vincent Frank) is one of those artists I'm proud to say I've known about for years. Signed to visionary U.S. record label Cherrytree Records, Frankmusik just released his debut U.S. single "The Fear Inside" on December 14th on U.S. iTunes. He released it here in the states BEFORE releasing it in his native UK, which is pretty sweet. I feel like the U.S. is always the last to get

Kim Zolciak Unveils 'Google Me' Artwork

While the vague release date time period has long since passed, I and the rest of the world, eagerly await the release of Kim[berleigh] Zolciak's second single..."Google Me."  If the recording and rehearsal process seen on Bravo's hit reality series Real Housewives of Atlanta is any indication, "Google Me"  has the makings of a dance club hit.  Serving as the long awaited follow up to Kim

Hot Video Alert: Adele - Rolling In The Deep

Adele's new music video is pure perfection. It's the stunning visual complement to a near perfect song. The artfully directed video by Sam Brown features Adele front and center looking stunning in a black evening dress, hair pulled back, seated in an old chair just singing in an empty room. Less is DEFINITELY more in this video. Honestly, what more could you possibly need when you got Adele's

Hot Video Alert: Eliza Doolittle - Skinny Genes 2.0

Yes, there's already a video for "Skinny Genes," Eliza Doolittle's debut UK single, but that doesn't matter now...because NOW there's a brand new video.  Woohoo! The song was originally released in April of this year and went on to peak at #22 on the UK single chart.  The new version of "Skinny Genes," which is being re-released in the UK on December 27th (in lieu of a rumored new single?) is

Sarah Connor To Release New Single December 10th

German pop/R&B singer Sarah Connor is set to release the title track off of her seventh studio album, Real Love, on December 10th in her native Germany. I've been a massive fan of Sarah Connor for years so when I heard that she was releasing a new album I was just a little excited. "Let's Get Back To Bed Boy," "One Night Stand" and "Bounce" are just a few of my favorite Sarah Connor hits from

Lauren Pritchard Tapped as HMV's 'Next Big Thing', New Single due in February

I'm jealous of the UK. Why? Well many reasons really, but right now it's because they are hogging Lauren Pritchard all for themselves and not sharing her with America! Hello! She's American afterall. Give her back UK. Please!

The Broadway vet (Spring Awakening) released her highly acclaimed debut album, Wasted In Jackson in the UK at the end of October, where it peaked at #84. So far the album

Hot Video Alert: The Ultra Girls - Lose My Mind (Live)

I think it's safe to say that Steve Anderson is a pretty good judge of talent, after all he's worked with the legendary Ms. Kylie Minogue, #1 UK boy band Take That, Britney Spears and much much more. As far as resumes go, Steve Anderson's is pretty effing solid. That's why when I heard he was working on a new girl group called The Ultra Girls I was pretty confident that they'd be amazing...and

Introducing...Austin Hartley-Leonard

As you can tell by reading my blog, my musical taste is a bit all over the map.  I like a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  My Last FM profile reads a bit like a musical smorgasbord and I'm fine with that.  What it all boils down to is talent.  I like talented artists, no matter what genre of music they sing.  If they happened to go to my high school - even better! This is the case

'Sonically Exquisite' New Cut Copy Album Coming in February

Cut Copy is electro pop at it's best. Not convinced? Listen to their new single "Take Me Over." It's got just the right amount of retro mixed with modern electro beats. Off the bands' forthcoming third album, Zonoscope, "Take Me Over" was released on November 23rd via Modular Recordings. The new album came about "in the comedown" of the Australian trio's last release, In Ghost Colours, an

Hot Video Alert: Tina Cousins - Sex On Fire

I know this update isn't so current but I don't care. It's been in my "to-do queue" for a while now and I still love it just as much as I did when it first came out. It's UK club queen Tina Cousins' take on the Kings of Leon hit "Sex On Fire."  Sure, it's a little bit Euro Trash in parts but it's still a great dance refix of a great rock song!  The original version by U.S. rock outfit Kings of

Patrick Wolf to Release New Single on Monday, New Album Due in May

Quirky and flamboyant (not to mention mega-talented) UK singer/songwriter Patrick Wolf has always been an artist that I've respected and admired. He's never been one to keep his mouth shut, choosing instead to be blunt and honest in every way. Written and produced by the 27 year old Wolf, "Time Of My Life" is the first single taken from his forthcoming fifth studio album, due out in May. I

Britney Spears to Release 7th Studio Album in March

March 2011. Mark it in your calendar pop music fans. Britney Spears TWEETED today the news Britney fans have been waiting for since the release of  Circus (or "3" for some) back in 2008.  To thank her fans for all of the birthday wishes (Brit Brit turned 29 today) she decided to give us a little something something to show her appreciation...




SQUEEEE! **VOMITS GLITTER** New Britney album in

Hot Video Alert: Natalia Kills - Mirrors

EPIC. CINEMATIC. CAPTIVATING. STUNNING. All words I would use to describe the new Natalia Kills video. "Mirrors," Kills' first official single off her forthcoming debut album, Perfectionist, is pure pop magic. A true visionary artist, Kills' co-directed the "Mirrors" video, exercising that coveted creative control that labels so often deny their artists. The video has equal parts GLAMOR and

Hot Video Alert: Ke$ha - We R Who We R

Oh Ke$ha. I love you dearly but I just don't hear WHERE in this song there's an anti-bullying message. I guess the title, "We R Who We R" is empowering...in a way. No matter. In the end this is just another dance party anthem from Ms. Ke$ha and I like it quite a lot.

"We R Who We R" was co-written by Ke$ha and produced by Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and Ammo. The song debuted at #1 on the Billboard