Thursday, February 26, 2009
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero
I had this song playing in the background yesterday and mistook it for Surferosa, which has to be a compliment. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are a band who've often got close to being brilliant, but never quite reached the summit, although I did really like Turn Into. With their new album they've gone in the same direction as everyone these days: electro-pop, with added extra 80s influence. Zero is a great lead single, and I've heard a few other songs from the album, which have also been pretty good (I love Dull Life), and very Surferosa-meets-Ladytron. I think the response to the new material is going to be very positive.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Taylor Swift - Love Story (Digital Dog Mix)
Considering the UK's general attitude to country music, I was very surprised to hear that Taylor was on track to be no.2 in this week's charts. However, when I heard this remix, which they've been playing on Radio 1, I understood completely. Love Story has been turned into probably the best new dance-pop song of 2009 so far! It's quite a triumph. It's short and snappy and mega-catchy. I've had it stuck in my head, intermingled with You Belong With Me, ever since I heard it. I can't believe I've posted two Taylor Swift songs in a week, but it just goes to show that anyone can make a good song, no matter how unappealing the rest of their music is. I still hate her face, though. 
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Juliana Joya - Better Be Good
Juliana is an Italian singer now living in New York, and her music sounds like it could have easily been written by Dr Luke, but as far as I can tell she hasn't worked with any major writers. She doesn't even have a record deal, yet this song is as accomplished as anything by The Veronicas or Kelly Clarkson. The chorus is really catchy and the whole song is very well constructed. I think Juliana Joya could be a huge popstar in the making... or she could just be the new Lucy Woodward or Lucy Walsh (hmm, Lucy isn't a very lucky name, is it?). There are a few other good ones on Juliana's MySpace, especially Dance All Night and electro-r'n'b Shackles, but this is the clear standout. I will be following her career with great interest. 
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me
It seems ridiculous that it took someone singing this song utterly terribly on American Idol for me to learn of the existence of this absolutely brilliant song. When a Taylor Swift song is mentioned, it's always Love Story or Teardrops on My Guitar, both of which I find quite drearily average. If I wanted girly country-pop, I'd listen to the far superior Marit Larsen. However, You Belong With Me is equal to anything Marit's done - and that's a huge compliment! It's super-catchy with great lyrics and the country vibe makes it stand out from other female teen-pop songs. I still hate her face, but if she can continue making acetastic pop songs like this, I may soon consider myself a fan of Taylor Swift!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Eliza Doolittle - Skinny Genes
Eliza's stage name seems quite fitting as she has a lovely, soulful voice, but her London accent remains distinct. She's like a more soulful Lily Allen (especially on Skinny Genes and Back To Front) or a fun version of Corinne Bailey Rae (Rollerblades, Police Car). There is something really pleasant about her sound, that makes her songs really uplifting to listen to. Considering she's a brand new artist, very little-known, her sound is really accomplished and has great commercial potential. I think this girl is definitely one worth keeping an eye out for in the future. She is working with Karen Poole on new songs, so that seems like a positive indication for her to be given a good chance to make it big. 
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sweet Rush - Dance the Night Away
For those of you who loved Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna (that'll be everyone, then!), here's a new song which I feel is quite similar to it. I love the lyrics and the melody and the vocals and everything else about it, except for the beat (or whatever you call that banging sound!), which I think is too prominent at the beginning and needs to be quietened. Sweet Rush are a girl duo (sisters in fact) who recently featured on an Akon single called Troublemaker, so it's likely they have been working with RedOne - perhaps even on this song. It certainly sounds like it could be one of his productions. They seem really fun and I look forward to hearing more from them. Since they sing quite like Nivea, perhaps they can cover her brilliant song Laundromat!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Menya - Diana I Heart You
I knew just from a photo of this group that I would love them, and when I saw that they categorised themselves as Pop/Hip-hop/Electro on MySpace, I was even more certain. I'm a sucker for poptastic girl-rap and the addition of electro is all the better. This song is 95% great from the beginning, but I recommend you listen all the way through, because it goes up to a definite 100% at the end. Altogether now: "Bitch, come and get it! Bitch, bitch, come and get it!" There isn't much info about Menya online yet, and they're unsigned at the moment, but I think that may well be set to change.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Spot the Blog
I have finally finished compiling my playlists for each year of Into The Groove so far. Here they are for your education and enjoyment:
Songs from 2004
Songs from 2005
Songs from 2006
Songs from 2007
Songs from 2008
Songs from 2004
Songs from 2005
Songs from 2006
Songs from 2007
Songs from 2008
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Honey - Catch the Moon
Catch The Moon is a sweet, simple pop song which turns dancey as it reaches the chorus, mixing the sounds of Amy Diamond and Cascada. The lyrics are cheesy, but in a quite endearing way. It's a cover of Stefan Andersson's 1992 Swedish hit, although I can't say I'd ever heard of the original. Honey is signed to Stockholm Records (which was started by super-genius Alexander Bard) and released this song as a single in 2007. Whether we will ever hear of her again remains to be seen, but at least we can enjoy the one very catchy song she has given us. 
Friday, February 06, 2009
Adiam Dymott - Memory Loss
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I think I should just go all out and herald today Adiam Dymott Day, because I've already posted up my interview with the lady herself on Dirrrty Pop, and now I want you to hear my favourite of her songs, Memory Loss. It is less rocky and more indie, yet also really catchy and with gorgeous vocals. Adiam sounds a bit like Annika Norlin, and the music has a hint of the 60s about it, much like Those Dancing Days. It's lovely, and poptastic too. When a brand new act releases an excellent first single, only when the act is Swedish can you confidently expect that there will be other tracks equally good on her album. I love Miss You, and this is even better. I can't wait to see what happens with Adiam - I truly think she could be a huge star.
