Scores Of Melodies

One Direction // One Thing

2012-02-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

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If there was ever a time for label to sit back and think about it’s releases, it’s probably this latest offering from the boys of One Direction.

One Thing is the third single to be lifted from their debut album Up All Night, but in some instances maybe it shouldn’t have. There’s something about the song that makes us think that, if more time had been taken, then the song could have been better.The chorus is great but sadly it’s the verses that let the song down. It feels like two different songs have been put together and they just don’t match.

Has more of filler feel than single material. But the boys are apparently off to America now so maybe the ‘single’ is just to keep them notice. Not up to par with the previous two releases (no matter how annoying they were)

Rating: 2/5

Film Review: The Artist

2012-02-05T06:19:00.001-08:00

If you thought the silent movie was a relic of the past, think again. The Artist in essence tells the tale of George Valentine, silent movie star who falls from fame with the introduction of the 'talkies' and Peppy Miller, the girl who goes from movie extra, to star of the 'talkies'.

From the moment that the opening titles roll, you are brought into the world of the movies from the era that is depicted in film. From the black and white colouring, the speech cards, the score and the eerily silence parts, it makes the film a joy to watch from start to finish. Although, you can't help thinking that Uggie the dog does steal some of the scenes.

Despite it's run time, it doesn't feel as long as it is, which, for the style of the film, probably plays in it favour. The film isn't for everyone but it's probably going to be one of the most different film out this year. Would recommend it if you're looking for something different.

Rating: 4.5/5

Brian Joo // ReBorn Part 1

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

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The first time that we had heard of Korean singer Brian Joo was back in November 2010 when the duet with Jade Valerie was released online (see our original review of the post here). Now just over a year later, Brian has released his latest mini-album, ReBorn Part 1 on CD and available worldwide on iTunes (although for some reason, the Jade Valerie duet has been omitted, but we’ll still review it!)

The first 2 tracks on this album (Let This Die (Feat. Tiger JK) (너 따윈 버리고 (Feat. 타이거 JK) and Can’t stop (Feat. Jay Park & Benzino) (Can t Stop (Feat. 박재범 & Benzino)) are the only songs on this mini album that are sung in Korean. Next (if you have the CD!) is the first of the the English songs, starting with the duet with Jade Valerie Don’t Tell Me I’m Wrong. Our previous review was based on the single release, however it seems that for the album version that mixing issues with Jade’s voice have been rectified.

Let This Die (Extended Eng Ver.) (Feat. Flowsik From Aziatix) is the English equivalent of track 1 whilst track 5 (Can t Stop (Eng Ver.) (Feat. Jay Park & Dumbfounded)) is the English equivalent to track 2. Domino (Acoustic Version) is also in English and is just Brian with a guitar (full studio version in English & Korean can be found on his Unveiled mini album). The final track on the album is Let This Die (Instrumental) which we’re not sure, but you might be able to put both sets of lyrics to.

This is the first time that we’ve heard of Brian Joo and it’s probably an unfortunate thing that most of the songs on this album are in English. However, by the same token, it’s maybe a good thing too. Having the Korean versions along the English ones probably helps and gives a slight insight into what Brian’s sound is likely to be. These 6 track (not including the instrumental) have a pop/electronic sound to it which isn’t too far from what we can gather from previous releases.

Would be a good basing for anyone who’s wanting to check out Brian and his music. Not a track that we don’t like here!

Rating: 5/5

New Music Friday: Brian Joo & Angus Powell

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

First up, we’ve got Brian Joo, Korean singer who’s just recently released his latest mini album, Reborn Part 1 worldwide on iTunes (though sadly we lose his duet with Jade Valerie Don’t Tell Me I’m Wrong (which we reviewed back in Novermber 2010). This is the video for the English version of his song Let This Die.

Download mini album @ iTunes

Second offering this week comes from London based singer/songwriter Angus Powell. This is his latest track Monsters. We find there's something about his voice that keeps us interested...

Monsters by anguspowellmusic

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Nerina Pallot // All Bets Are Off

2012-01-31T07:39:00.001-08:00

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The latest single to be lifted from Nerina Pallot’s fourth studio album, Year Of The Wolf (although we see there is a re-release called New Year Of The Wolf but we’ll save discussion of that for another post!), is All Bets Are Off.

This time round we’re going for a nice little ballad with what seems like very simple instrumentation. The only concern that we have is that it seems when it’s playing, it seems rather short. We’re not sure why it feels like that. Maybe it’s because the verse, seems like the chorus in melody just with strings attached. Maybe it’s because the chorus is repeated a few times before it finishes. It’s missing something but we’re not sure what.

Despite it’s negatives though we still like it and we’re sure that fans will too.

Rating:3.5/5

Film Review: The Descendants

2012-01-29T08:13:00.001-08:00

Not normally a film that we would go see in the cinema but maybe consider watching if it turned up on TV, The Descendants turned out to better than imagined.

George Clooney plays Mathew King, the trustee to a large expanse of land in Hawaii who's wife suffers injuries after a boating accident. While dealing with that, he's getting to know his daughters, dealing with sale of the land between the cousins and discovers that his wife had an affair. Talk about all your buses coming at once! But throughout it all, it makes him reconsider things, including his own family relationships.

There points through it where you can't help but laugh due to the script or just the on screen antics. There's moments where you can sit and think, 'yeah, been there, gone through that.' It's a great little film for both the boys and the girls.

And one more thing; Isn't George Clooney ageing well?

Rating: 5/5

New Music Friday: Carly Connor // Stay All Night

2012-01-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

Let us introduce you to Scot Carly Connor hailing from Easterhouse. She’s signed to Atlantic and presently she’s offering her song, Stay All Night as a free download in return for you signing up to her newsletter. Sounds a little like fellow Scot Amy Macdonald. She’s about to head out on a tour, so check out her official site for details (her Glasgow dates are only £6!!)

Official Site | Facebook| Soundcloud

New Music Friday: Gabriella Cilmi // Vicious Love

2012-01-20T10:49:00.001-08:00

Check out the latest offering from Australian Gabriella Cilmi. First new music since 2010!!

Callaghan // Best Year

2012-01-16T10:46:00.001-08:00

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There is definitely a pattern appearing here with releases so far in that they mostly seem to be bright summery tunes. Let’s not complain though as it is winter and we need something to chase the blues away.

Enter Callaghan with her new release, Best Year. In essence, it’s a narrative about how she in the last year she upped sticks and moved to America to chase her dream of recording her album. We love the little xylophone parts and with a chorus that’s easy to learn, you’ll soon be singing along with it.

Hopefully this will be the year that we do see the album unleashed properly onto the world (it’s been released in limited numbers at shows and via her own website) and that Callghan gets the attention that she so rightfully deserves.

Rating: 4/5

Jessie J // Domino

2012-01-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

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2011 was quite the year for Jessie J and now, in 2012, she kicks things off with new single, Domino.

First thing to notice is that it’s more of a bright, jumpy pop song compared to previous singles. It sounds a little like Katy Perry’s Last Friday Night and sounds a bit like her this time around. It’s still a brilliant little tune and a great dance around the handbag song.

Great little number that should appeal to everyone, fan or not.

Rating: 4/5

Pixie Lott // Kiss The Stars

2012-01-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

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Kiss The Stars is the third single to be taken from Pixie Lott’s latest album, Young Happy Foolish.

If you know Pixie, then you can probably guess what the song sounds like. Yes like most of her tracks it’s a pop, dancey round the handbag tune. Except we’re sure we’ve heard this song before…like a song called All About Tonight. Or if we increased tempo and changed key slightly…Gabriella Cilmi’s On A Mission (actually the video does remind us of Ms Cilmi video)

Sadly we’re not impressed by this latest offering. It’s too samey and came too quickly and hence, it loses it’s sparkle very quickly.

Rating: 2/5

Alyssa Reid Feat. Jump Smokers! // Alone Again

2012-01-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

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Canadian singer Alyssa Reid releases her debut UK single in the form of Alone Again

When we original heard the snippet, we couldn’t understand why it was called Alone Again when all we’d heard was what sounded like the Heart song Alone (also covered by fellow Canadian, Celine Dion). Well, yes we could have been mistaken for thinking it was a cover but it just in fact samples the famous song. The rest of the lyrics have been especially for the song.

To be fair, we’re really are torn with this song. In one hand we’re liking the the fact that, whilst it samples another song, there is original lyrics, whilst on the other hand, we’re trying to wonder if the song would work if it had the rapping removed from it. Think we’re going to have to sit on the fence with this one but hope that it not the first and last time that we hear from her

Rating: 3/5

Train // Drive By

2012-01-15T08:52:00.001-08:00

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The last time we can remember hearing about Train was when they released the hit Hey, Soul Sister (apparently there has been a few releases inbetween then and now but they seemed to have slipped under the radar). However, now they’re ready to release their new single, Drive By.

Melody wise, it sounds a little like a certain Good Feeling by Flo Rida. Otherwise, it’s a fun, upbeat, foot tapping song that seems does leave you wanting more as it just seems to ‘drive by’ at high speed. Instrumentally, it does sound very simple: guitar, drums and handclaps (not to mention the little piano at the bridge), yet for it being so simple, it does work well.

It feels and sounds like that it very radio friendly and that it should get some attention. You can just imagine playing this tune in the car with the windows down in the sunshine….just maybe not in the middle of January!

Rating: 4/5

Only Men Aloud // In Festive Mood

2012-01-08T04:50:00.000-08:00

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The winner’s of the BBC’s 2008 talent show, Last Choir Standing, returned at the end of November 2011 with their third studio album/1st album on their on label, titled In Festive Mood.

As you might have guessed from the title and release date, the album brings together a collection of some well known Christmas songs and performed in unique Only Men Aloud style. Opening the album with It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, you are thrown into the Christmas spirit with it’s upbeat and floaty feeling. Traditional hymn O Holy Night follows with Craig Yates taking a solo here. Wham! classic Last Christmas comes next with the group performing purely with vocals with very minor instrumentation.

Drummer Boy comes up next featuring Only Boys Aloud. Moving smoothly into a medley of Stille Nacht (Silent Night) and I'll Be Home For Christmas, with instrumentation only really used for the latter. Sleigh Ride appears with a fun upbeat tune before dropping tempo and mood for In The Bleak Midwinter. Continuing with the slow tempo is Santa Baby which features vocalist Katy Treharne.

The group wouldn’t be holding up their end without covering a classical piece, in this instance is Schubert’s Ave Maria. Next is a medley of songs titled Christmas Bells and includes Carol Of The Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Tua Bethlehem Dref which really give the guys a chance to showcase their vocal talents. Quietening the album again comes the Welsh carol Hwiangerdd Mair (Mary's Lullaby). And to finish the album off is another medley aptly named Rule The World Medley and features Rule The World, Viva La Vida and Everybody Wants To Rule The World, which you know probably shouldn’t work, but it does well.

Overall, it is a great little Christmas album. Although roughly of all the same tempo (with a few exceptions) it seems right for this album. The songs are been well arranged to fully show off the vocal talents of the group. If you’re a fan of them, then this is well worth adding to your collection. Even if your not, it’s a great little addition to the Christmas collection

Rating: 4/5

Beyonce // Love On Top

2012-01-08T04:45:00.001-08:00

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Superstar Beyonce returns to airwaves with her latest single Love On Top.

To be honest, we’re not really feeling anything for this track, It’s just feels like a generic pop song and not of the standard that probably most people would have expected from her. Sadly after hearing this tune a handful of times, it already becomes annoying

Sadly no love on top here but more down in the gutter.

Rating: 1/5

X Factor Finalists 2011 // Wishing On A Star

2012-01-07T05:52:00.001-08:00

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As has become the norm over the last few years, the X Factor finalists have recorded a song with the monies from sales going to charity. 2011 was no different with them recording a cover of the 1978 hit, Wishing On A Star by Rose Royce.

Considering that you have 11 acts to split the song amongst (13 if you include JLS and One Direction who appear at the end), you can’t help feel that the song lends itself more to ‘showcasing’ the individual acts rather than the groups. And why include JLS and One Direction?? The mind boggles…

Alright so it’s a charity single, so maybe to should criticise it too much. Overall, it is a good interpretation of the song and it benefiting a charity (this time around it was Together For Short Lives). Not exactly going to break the bank to purchase it.

Rating: 3/5

Cover Drive // Twilight

2012-01-03T10:57:00.001-08:00

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In case you haven’t heard of this group, Cover Drive are a four piece hailing from Barbados who’s debut single, Lick Ya Down, was released the the middle of last year. Now they’re back with follow up single, Twilight.

Described as looking at how a relationship changes from friends to lovers like the day into night, Twilight has had us hooked, particularly the chorus since we heard it live back in September. We find the release date of this a little strange (i.e. the end of the Winter months) as it’s a bright, airy, summery pop tune. Maybe there’s a plan that it will chase the blues away.

We’re preferring this a great deal more that the debut so hopefully this might be the song that gives them the recognition that they deserve.

Rating: 4/5

Lady Gaga // Marry The Night

2011-12-30T16:49:00.001-08:00

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We are starting to wonder if all the tracks from Mother Monster’s latest album, Born This Way are going to be released as tracks as Marry The Night make 6 (by our calculations anyway). But still…we’re actually enjoying this latest offering from Gaga.

It’s got a bit of a 90s electronic feel to it and it’s not the first time that we’ve heard a past sound from her (Alejandro anyone?) The only complaint we’ve got about the song is that in parts of the chorus, it does start to feel as if the vocals are being drowned out by the melody. Still, fans will flock to it whilst others may just past it by

Rating:3/5

The Green Children // Can You Find Your Way

2011-12-20T09:17:00.001-08:00

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The Green Children return with their brand new song Can You Find Your Way, but is it as good as what’s came before?

Well, for starter’s it’s an acoustic version of the song, so it can’t really be compared on that front. But lyrically it os par with previous releases, if not better. We wonder if this will be making an appearance on their second album in it’s acoustic form or a fully produced. If fully produced, we hope that the beauty of the track isn’t lost

Rating: 4/5

Chris Townsend // Electric Pylons EP

2011-12-14T16:01:00.001-08:00

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After a successful campaign on Pledge Music to raise funds for it’s release, Chris Townsend releases his latest 5 track EP, Electric Pylons.

Opening with the rousing track Painter’s Brush before heading into the mid tempo Home Tonight. Closer starts off sounding as if it could be a slow ballad, but then the drums and guitar kick in for a long instrumental section before heading into the vocals. Piano and drum driven Stone By Stone continues the familiar rock/pop feel of the previous tracks. Finally we’re treated to a slow ballad-esque, guitar driven title track Electric Pylons completed with live electricity sound effects.

Overall it’s a great little EP. Each song is delivered with power and emotion with just the right balance between instruments and vocals maintained throughout. There is no disjointed feeling between the tracks. They just seem to flow perfectly from one to another with any awkwardness, For those that know Chris’ previous work, you won’t be disappointed. For those that don’t know, then this a recommended listen to introduce to him alongside his debut album Copenhagen

Rating: 4/5

Leona Lewis // Hurt: The EP

2011-12-14T14:09:00.001-08:00

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With her 3rd studio album, Glass Heart being pushed back until March 2012, Lewis releases Hurt: The EP, a collection of three cover tracks.

First off, we have the title track of the EP, Hurt (Done by Nine Inch Nails and Johnny Cash). First off, if you can make sense of quiet sections congratulations. Then there is that odd dischord. The only points at which you can make sense of her is during the bridge and chorus sections where she seems to find her voice once more. Next is the GooGoo Doll’s Iris and whilst the original hadn’t exactly the quickest tempo, this version of it is just so slow that you could fall asleep to it! Slowing it to this tempo it just doesn’t work. And finally we have The Counting Crow’s Colourblind, the only song to be identifiable.

Sadly we don’t see a point to this collection. Two of the tracks are hard to identify and whilst, yes it good to make the song yours, it does help if the listener can make out what is being said and what the song is supposed to be. Leona fans will probably enjoy but that’s probably about it.

Rating: 1/5

Jai McDowall // Believe

2011-12-14T13:34:00.001-08:00

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Jai McDowall, Britain’s Got Talent 2011 winner releases his debut album, Believe

Opening with the U2 classic With or Without You, you’re instantly given a flavour of the album; choirs, strings, and ballad. Where You Are showcases McDowall’s powerful vocals before heading into Coldplay’s Fix You. The Prayer (probably most famously known as the duet between Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion) is performed with New Zealander Hayley Westenra and is simply beautiful.

Next we have Nickleback’s How You Remind Me, in a piano driven ballad format. Following is Faith Hill’s There You’ll Be. Feels Like Home starts off just a piano, building to include guitar, strings and choir before settling back to it starting sound. Evanscence’s Bring Me To Life is another vocal showcase for McDowall. Next we have a rendition of Green Day’s Boulevard of Broken Dreams which is guitar driven but the vocals sound raw, almost as if it’s been an acoustic recording. Finally we have Elbow’s One Day Like This that buit leaves us thinking that there’s more to come.

It feels as if this album is a safe album; pick safe songs, mainly ballads because of the time of year that the release has been made. Sadly it seems as if this album could have been more, but those in the know haven’t wanted to take any risks. All the songs are well known, and yes, McDowall does sing them well. It just seems that his true talent has been hidden under a bush. If there is another album, hopefully we’ll get a chance to fully see what Jai is capable of.

Rating: 3/5

John Barrowman @ Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow 24th November 2011

2011-12-13T12:49:00.001-08:00

There’s nothing better than finishing a 27 date tour off in your home town, and that is exactly what John Barrowman did on the 24th November as he brought his most recent tour to a close at the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow.

The stage was ‘hidden’ behind a white curtain, which, when the show started, showed John’s silhouette before being dropped and launching into Celebrate followed by the equally upbeat Listen To The Music. After this Glasgow was privileged to have ‘Scottish’ John for the evening as he welcomed the audience to the show and warned that with it being the last night of the tour, there were a few special surprises instore. Here started the first of the many slide shows and jokes of the evening, starting with a promotional image of him ‘farting sparkles’ and commenting to a lady in the front row that she looked like she’d already been covered. An image of him meeting Barry Manilow was shown and he explained how after performing with him, he gave John permission to cover any of his back catalogue. This here led into the beautiful Mandy.

Talking about moving away from your home country, he mentioned about the things that you missed about the UK including the Eurovision. Here the audience were treated, along with the J4s (John’s dancers) to a medley of John’s favourite Eurovision songs. At the end of it, the J4s were supposed to be asking for permission to perform, and John refusing. We also had one of the male dancers threatening to kiss John but it wouldn’t be until they were about to take to the stage themselves, that he would strike an unsuspecting John with one. Of course, there was only one song that the J4s could do and that was Making Your Mind Up.

Returning to the stage, John performed the Gary Barlow written track, What About Us. Afterwards he asked who in the audience was there with their partners, husbands, wives, people they shouldn’t have been with before explaining that the song was a ‘greetin’ song’ before realising that Glasgow hadn’t changed because we don’t forgive anyone. This led into And I Love You So.

Taking a break, the audience were entertained by Jodie Pregner (for those who, don’t know who she is, she won the BBC show looking for a Nancy to star in the new version of Oliver!) who performed her versions of Aretha Franklin’s Respect as well as Rihanna’s Umbrella. Once again, John takes to the stage and dedicated the next song to everyone who’s supported him in anyway. From here we had Owe It All To You before leading into a Katy Perry’s Firework. Bringing the first half to the end was a performance of Take That’s Greatest Day where he invited the Royal Consertaire of Scotland (formly RSMAD) Choir on stage to join him.

Kicking off the 2nd half with the song Tonight’s The Night, he then explained about why he started the BBC1 show and how they’ve now managed to sell it to other countries around the world. The audience was then treated to a VT of Tonight’s The Night from around the world including the Ukrainian, Swedish, Chinese and Spanish versions of the show. Showing a picture of Petula Clarke led into the song Downtown. Afterwards he told the story about coming home one day to find his mother in a French Maid’s outfit waiting for his dad and what happened with that. Coming in on fancy dress, his dad was dressed as a builder whilst his mother was dressed as a policewoman. This led into party favourite, Y.M.C.A. with the audience taking part along side.

Once again, Jodie came back to the stage to give John a chance to disappear to get changed and performed Shake A Tail Feather as well as the beautiful Fields Of Gold. Another ‘greetin’ song from John in the form of You Raise Me Up before explaining about his niece Claire (who’s getting married) before inviting Jodie back on stage to perform the song So Close from the Disney film Enchanted. Another medley in the theme of holidays before ending with Hollywood.

Of course, that wasn’t the end as there was an encore. Returning back to sing the ABBA classic The Winner Takes It All (where you could have heard a pin drop when he was singing, until the end when someone’s phone went off which ruined the moment). Once again he invited the Royal Consertaire of Scotland Choir on stage to perform a medley of Scottish songs which got the audience up, singing along and hand holding along the rows. The final track of the evening was to be the one that John calls his theme, and that was I Am What I Am.

Overall, it was an enjoyable evening with laughter and tears. It was nice to have ‘Scottish’ John for the evening too and enjoyed the little extras that we got (Scott singing Rhinestone Cowboy, the choir and the medley). Is it worth seeing him? Well, I guess it depends on what capacity you enjoy John. If you enjoy him for being an all round entertainer, then yes you’ll probably enjoy the evening but if it’s only bits and pieces, then maybe not. Jodie did well to continue the show during John’s breaks and would probably be good in her own show. Still, it was a night out for Glasgow and don’t think that they disappointed.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

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Joe McElderry // Classic Christmas

2011-12-12T17:14:00.001-08:00

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Buy @ Official Store

Not content with having one album out this year, Joe McElderry returns just in time for the Christmas period with a selection of classic Christmas songs.

Kicking the album off with Mary’s Boy Child, your given the idea of what the rest of the album is going to be like with well mixed instruments and vocals. Next up is the Bing Crosby classic White Christmas followed closely by the beautiful, if not haunting, When A Child Is Born. The opening to In The Bleak Midwinter, we treated to a celtic sound which re-appears before heading into a full orchestrated crescendo, before calming once more.

O Holy Night is a beautiful duet with tenor Rolando Villazón, if only overshadowed that when both are singing together, it is mainly Villazón that we hear. I Believe In Father Christmas follows, a great pop song well orchestrated but still maintaining a poppy edge. Slowing it down is the well known Christman hymn, Silent Night followed by the powerfully orchestrated Adeste Fideles (or for those that don’t speak Latin it’s O Come All Ye Faithful). Santo Natale is a beautiful ballad before we’re lead into a cover of the Wham! classic Last Christmas.

The Little Drummer Boy once again gives us a celtic feel to it and sang at maybe a faster tempo than expected but still a good version of it it. The final track on the album is Driving Home For Christmas that starts off as a slow orchestrated ballad before heading into a jazz/swing version and is a fantastic rounding off to the album.

On a whole, it’s a great little Christmas album. There might not be as much operatic sound to it this time, but Joe singing with an orchestra, it obvious that he’s still utilising what he learned while participating in Popstar To Operastar but also showing that he’s not completely changed and can still carry off a good pop tune when needed. A beautiful addition to anyone album, even if it does only come out once a year.

Rating: 4/5

Little Mix // Cannonball

2011-12-12T16:21:00.001-08:00

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For those of you who don’t know who Little Mix are, they are a girl group formed from the 2011 UK X Factor show and this year’s winners. Jesy, Jade, Leigh-Anne and Perrie auditioned separately for the show but were then brought together by judge Tulissa to form Little Mix.

Their single is a cover of Damien Rice’s 2003 hit. And to be honest, it’s a brilliant cover. They’ve made the song their own by have very little instrumentation on it, focusing more on the vocals, which have shown to still be strong both as individuals and as a group. Hopefully, they’ll take what they’ve learned from the X Factor experience and apply it to the future which is hopefully going to be successful

Rating: 4/5

Cinnamon Girl // Set You Free

2011-11-27T09:23:00.001-08:00

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You may until now not have heard of Cinnamon Girl but throughout Christmas 2011 you are probably going to.

If you think that you’ve heard the song before, you’d be right. It is a cover on the 1995 N-Trance track of the same name. Of course, with it being used in the current Christmas ad for Matalan, it not the dancey version, but more a slow beautiful ballad just perfect for the season.

Rating: 4/5

Nickleback // When We Stand Together

2011-11-20T02:57:00.001-08:00

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It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything, but finally, Nickelback are back with the first single from their forthcoming album, Here And Now.

Considering the mundane subject choice of the song (the political ills of the world and how we ignore them), it is,surprisingly, a relevantly upbeat song. With a chorus that starts ‘Hey, yeah, yeah, hey, yeah’ you just know that it’s begging to belted out by fans live at concerts. As a lead single for the new album, it’s hopefully a taster of what is still to come.

Great little number that will soon have you singing along, at least, with the chorus

Rating: 4/5

Rebecca Ferguson // Nothing’s Real But Love

2011-11-19T17:51:00.001-08:00

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Another of last year’s X Factor finalists finally throws their offering into the lion’s den as Rebecca Ferguson release’s her debut single Nothing’s Real But Love.

First off it’s a ballad but we don’t really get any emotion from the track what so ever. Her voice reminds us sort of Adele but with something missing. Maybe it because it feels that the song doesn’t go anywhere and that it seems to be sang in the same, almost monotonous tone.

As a debut, it’s nothing to write home about and except for those that will have supported her in the X Factor, we don’t know if she’ll be drawing in any new fans soon.

Rating:2/5

Will Young // Come On

2011-11-19T17:35:00.001-08:00

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The second single to be lifted from current album Echoes, Will Young presents us with Come On.

It follows the same sort of theme in sound as Jealousy but at the same time it’s different. It could be considered a little subdued compared to the last single, but it’s probably a good thing to show that he’s not releasing the exact same thing. To be fair, hearing it on the album it doesn’t sound as good as it does as just a single

Maybe not for everyone but still a good little number from Mr Young.

Rating: 4/5

Joe McElderry // Last Christmas

2011-11-13T05:02:00.001-08:00

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Hot off the back of his album Classic, Joe is set to release a Christmas album, suitably titled Classic Christmas. Until it’s release though, we’ve having out appetite wetted with the release of Last Christmas.

This little offering brings three of the tracks set for the album a few weeks early. Starting with a cover of the Wham classic, Last Christmas Joe shows that, whilst he embraced the classical side of things, he’s still got pop in his heart. Then to mix it up we’ve given Adeste Fideles (or if you don’t speak Latin it’s O Come All Ye Faithful) in all it’s classical glory. And to top it off he finishes that well known Christmas hymn, Silent Night.

As a taster as to what to come it a nice little sample. Plus with Joe now touring the UK in support of his album Classic, no doubt as he gets closer to the Christmas period that he’ll be performing these. Only thing we have to complain about is the release date…Start of November?? Please!

Rating: 4/5

The Wanted // Battleground

2011-11-13T04:57:00.001-08:00

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(This review is based on the standard edition of the album)

The ever popular The Wanted return this year with their second album offering in the form of Battleground. Given that we weren’t too impressed with the debut, have they learned anything?

Opening with the appropriate Glad You Came with it nice into, it’s straight into the current single Lightening. Warzone drops the tempo slightly into a rocky ballad (and is slated to be the next single from this album early next year) before heading into the building Invincible.

Another ballad in the form of Last To Know and I’ll Be Your Strength (though the latter is piano driven, with tasteful drumbeats thrown in just after midway). Rocket is a nice upbeat pop song whilst I Want It All is piano and guitar driven with some nice harmonies.

The Weekend harks back to the sound of the first track but also reminds of old 90s electronic tracks. Lie To Me has a sort of Take That feel to it and has a sort of odd feeling to it. The album ends with the official Comic Relief single from this year, Gold Forever wrapping everything up quite nicely.

It’s obvious that these guys have paid attention and have grown in a musical sense. There’s much more of a grownup feeling to this album than the debut. With it already boasting 3 top 10 hits, it shows that the boys are determined to make this work.

Rating: 4/5

The Collective // Teardrop

2011-11-12T18:09:00.001-08:00

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Okay, so let us introduce you to The Collective, Gary Barlow’s supergroup comprised of some of today young urban artists (Chipmunk, Dot Rotten, Ed Sheeran, Ms. Dynamite, Mz. Bratt, Tulisa, Rizzle Kicks, Tinchy Stryder, Wretch 32 & Labrinth) in what Gary describes as a serious song with artists that young people are listening to who are bring us 2011 official Children In Need single

The song itself is an interpretation of the 1998 Massive Attack song of the same name, with a combination of images and words that promote what the charity is all about. And with Tulisa taking the chorus like a duck to water, we can’t complain.

For what it’s for, it works. For your £3 (£4 for the CD) you’re getting the normal plus 3 remixes. If you don’t do anything else for Children In Need this year, think of spending just a couple of quid for Charity.

Rating:4/5

Melanie C // Weak

2011-11-12T07:54:00.001-08:00

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It seems that long time strangers are returning to the music scene and another one to rejoin is Melanie C with her new single, Weak.

It’s a beautiful ballad with building beats in the melody combined with her vocals makes for a haunting track in parts. It’s a song like this that reminds us why she’s been one of the more successful solos from the Spice Girls. And with her just releasing her 5th studio album The Sea (yes, we thought the last album was Northern Star, turns out we were wrong!), it’s definitely not a weak track, but we don’t think it’s strong enough to make waves in the UK charts. Still, we think it’s a track of note!

Rating:4/5

Kelly Clarkson // Mr Know It All

2011-11-12T05:58:00.001-08:00

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Kelly Clarkson returns to the music scene after a prolonged absence with the first single from her new album (Stronger), Mr Know It All.

You’d think that maybe with the length of time she’s been away that she’d be out to touch with the sound of the times…No, she isn’t. It’s a great little pop song that after a few listens that you’d probably pick up the lyrics very quickly. It’s not a song that you’re going to get sick of quickly. Nice to see Kelly back on the music scene and hopefully more to come.

Rating: 4/5

One Direction // Gotta Be You

2011-11-12T05:11:00.000-08:00

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They are probably the hottest property in Britain at the moment, with their 2012 tour selling out in a record 30 secs (apparently), but One Direction are back with their new single Gotta Be You

It’s got to be difficult to try and follow up such a successful debut and so they’ve chosen this upbeat soppy ballad. It’s not got the same appeal as the previous release and could take a few listens to get used to. At the same time, all it could take is a few listens to be sick of it.

Their hoards of fans will enjoy but there’s nothing else to see here. Move along please.

Rating: 2/5

Susan Boyle // Someone To Watch Over Me

2011-11-06T08:44:00.001-08:00

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Someone To Watch Over Me is the third studio album from Scottish singer Susan Boyle. Inspired by the letters that she has received from fans from all over the world, the album is a collection of songs that have a special meaning.

Opening with the beautiful yet powerful You Have To Be There from the Swedish musical Kristina från Duvemåla, you immediately brought into the voice of Susan. Dropping the tempo into the haunting tracking Unchained Melody (probably most famous for that scene in Ghost!) before heading into a uniquely slow version of Depeche Mode’s Enjoy The Silence. Still maintaining the slow tempo is the Joni Mitchell track Both Sides Now. Lilac Wine has a sort of uneasy feeling to but is still beautifully performed.

Tear’s For Fears track Mad World is next led in with a solo guitar with the instrumentation kept very simple. Another track where the instrumentation is kept to a minimum is Autumn Leaves. This Will Be The Year follows this and reminds us of Wild Horses from the first album. Return is one of those songs tracks that builds from the moment it starts to it’s crescendo ending. The final track is in fact the title track of the album, Someone To Watch Over Me and is simply just Susan and a piano.

Overall, the instrumentation has been done well, keeping it fairly basic where is needed and full on in other tracks, all the time allow Susan’s voice to ring clearly through though, reminding us why she’s sold so many records worldwide. Yes it is only 10 tracks, but they are 10 tracks full of emotion and it’s something that you don’t get these days and in our opinion, is just the right amount. Beautiful selection of tracks, beautifully performed allowing Susan to bring her own take to the songs.

Rating 5/5

Olly Murs // Dance With Me Tonight

2011-11-06T04:36:00.001-08:00

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Olly Murs must be doing something right with this new album. The second single to be lifted from the forthcoming album, In Case You Didn’t Know comes in the form of Dance With Me Tonight

It’s different from Heart Skips a Beat with it’s modern sound. Dance With Me Tonight sounds more Jackie Wilson’s Reet Petite in comparison to the last track. It’s got an infectious beat that you’ll probably find yourself unable to avoid giving a little boogie along to it.

Our only complaint is there are, at times where you’d think that it was a certain Mr Mars (Mars….Murs….Hmmmm….). Definitely a number to look out for in the coming weeks

Rating: 4/5

Westlife // Lighthouse

2011-10-22T17:22:00.001-07:00

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With their second Greatest Hits album just around the corner, the first offering comes to us in the form of Lighthouse, written by none other than Take That’s Gary Barlow.

It’s another ballad, which seems to be more and more common for the group. With lines such as “You’re the light in the dark/The seat in the park/You’re the lighthouse that I need” , you can’t help thinking that they could have been lines pulled straight from a Valentine’s card. This is possibly the last single that the lads may release seeing as they have recently announced that they are going to be splitting after 14 years together. So maybe the lyrics are a bit more poignant as in a sense could be seen a thank you type song to the fans as well.

If you like your soppy ballad, this is for you. Probably a perfect bow out tune.

Rating: 3/5

Charice // New World

2011-10-22T14:51:00.001-07:00

The name may not be familiar to you. But if we had to give the name Charice Pempengco and then mentioned Sunshine Corazon from Glee? You’re with us now? Good! Yes, whilst she has released material in America (and we’re not talking about the Glee releases!), she’s soon going to be known to fans of Final Fantasy as she’s been chosen to sing Final Fantasy XIII-2 theme for the International release of the game early next year.

It is a much better fitting song for the game that it’s predecessor (sorry Leona!) and whilst it showcases the vocals well, we’re not convinced that it showcases her true potential. Maybe it’s the song itself that’s the problem, but still, let’s not dwell on it. Beautiful ballad that serves it purpose. Let’s hope that the associations with Glee and Final Fantasy will bring her to attention of new fans!

Rating: 4/5

Destinee & Paris // True Love

2011-10-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

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Not know the name? Well, apparently the sisters have been backing singer’s on American Idol and now they’re setting out on their own with their debut single, True Love.

The song itself isn’t actually bad for a debut. It sounds a little like the early Saturdays, a little Pixie Lott & a little Nicole Scherzinger. With easy to learn lyrics, you’ll soon find yourself singing along with this catchy tune. Hopefully it’s not a one off track. The sisters will be in the UK supporting Britney Spears on her Femme Fatale tour so hopefully they’ll get the exposure through that.

Rating:4/5

Steve McKenna // Scottish Soldier

2011-10-15T15:56:00.001-07:00

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For those that have been following this blog for a while now might remember us reviewing Steve McKenna last year with his rendition of You Raise Me Up released to raise money for Help For Heroes (if not, see the review here for the details). Anyway, lets come to 2011 and once again, Steve has recorded a song, once again in time for Help For Heroes.

Scottish Soldier is a variation on the Andy Stewart classic Green Hills Of Tyrrol. He may think that he’s ‘Scotland’s Worst DJ’ (though we reckon we can think of a few that might give him a run for his money!) but he delivers the song brilliantly. It’s a rousing track and worth while download to help support the work that Help For Heroes provides. Now…we wonder when the album’s coming out….

Rating: 5/5

Charlene Soraia // Wherever You Will Go

2011-10-02T04:03:00.001-07:00

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You may not know this young lady but you will probably recognise the song. It is a cover of The Calling’s track of the same name and you’re liking to be hearing this version a bit more seeing as it is currently being used on the Twining’s ‘Getting You Back To You’ advert. A beautiful rendition based purely on vocals and piano. She does the song justice, making it her own whilst being true to the original. Second track available on this single is Lightyears which is her own track and shows a more rocky sound to her, making the single sound a little like a game of two halfs.

A lovely little release from the artist and hopefully with the exposure from the advert, more people will get to know her.

Rating: 4/5

Clyde 1 Live @ SECC Glasgow 30th September 2011

2011-10-01T09:11:00.001-07:00

On the 30th September 2011, Glasgow based radio station Clyde 1 took over Hall 4 of the SECC in Glasgow to bring a myriad of the UK’s hottest stars to stage together for one night only. So who was on the bill?

Olly Murs
First to take to the stage was Olly Murs, who despite coming second in the X-factor a few years ago, has been quite successful. He performed a few songs including Thinking Of You, Busy and current single Heart Skips A Beat inbetween talking X-Factor (seeing as he host The Xtra Factor), his new album and of course, his forthcoming tour. Overall he was good but not an act that I would rush off and see.

Sugababes
As many will probably know by now, none of the original line up remains. But Heidi, Amelle and Jade came out and performed a few past songs (About You Know, About A Girl, Push The Button) as well as new single Freedom. Sadly though, it sounded as if they were out of tune with the older songs, only being able to properly sing material since they’ve been together.

Cover Drive
This is a new group hailing from Barbados who only performed two tracks for their slot, forthcoming single Twilight and their debut Lick Ya Down. Not sure what to make of them but expect to hear more from them in the future!

Giving the stage crew time to set the stage up, presenter and DJ George Bowie took up the decks and brought the George Bowie Experience to hall 4 and got the crowd jumping and singing along.

Matt Cardle
Following George it was last years X-Factor winner Matt Cardle. Apparently he’s only been playing his new material up North. He played a solid set including his new single Run For Your Life and also constantly on guitar, which he looked more than comfortable playing.Of course there was the obligatory mention about his debut album coming out. It was good to see and hear him live and not just on the TV and it has shown he is able to play in the flesh but not someone I’d rush to see.

Nina Nesbitt
Jim Gellatlyintroduced this singer who hails from Edinburgh but has major labels chasing her. Discovered on YouTube (where she posted covers of artists including Ed Sheeran, Example and Mumford & Sons). She performed a cover of Little Lion Man before performing her own song Glue. The crowd seemed to get behind her too. Look forward to seeing/hearing more from her in the near future.

Pixie Lott
Victoria Louise Lott aka Pixie Lott came to the stage performing hit track Boys & Girls, following it closely with ballad Cry Me Out. Forthcoming single What Do You Take Me For came next (with her admitting before starting that tonight would be the first time that she had performed the track live). Debut Mama Do followed with much participation from the crowd. She ended the set with current single All About Tonight that once again got the crowd involved. Another solid set from a great young artist.

Dappy
It didn’t take much to get the crowd excited when it became obvious who the next act was going to be. Dappy (probably better known as being part of N-Dubz) came on stage. Performing only two tracks including number 1 track No Regrets, the crowd was wild including a surge forward at one point when he came down to the barrier. Not much to write home about.

Jessie J
After another short set from George Bowie, the main event of the night began with the one and only Jessie J. Starting off with a slow version of Do It Like A Dude, she suddenly burst into a full familiar version of the song, sending the crowd wild. She explain that tonight was the first time that she had performed with two shoes on after she broke her ankle a few months ago, using the excuse that Nobody’s Perfect. Dedicating the ballad Who You Are as a thank you to everyone who had voted for her for the various awards throughout the year, showed another string to her bow. Finishing the set with Domino, she invited anyone who was backstage to come join her on stage (though no one did!). But the track seemed appropriate to finish with. Even in that short space of time showed why her shows have sold out!

Looking at the event as a whole, it was interesting to see these artist together even though in general I wouldn’t go see these artist normally. Some acts could have done better and might have been better if some of the newer acts had a little more performance time. It probably didn’t help with the heat in the hall and that as as a space appeared there was a push forward as people tried to get closer to the stage. Maybe I’ve been to too many civilised standing concerts…

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Aloe Blacc // Green Lights

2011-09-27T15:48:00.001-07:00

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The man who needed a dollar earlier on this year returns with his brand new single Green Lights.

The song idea came to Blacc when he was running late for a label meeting and all the traffic lights were green meaning that he arrived on time. The song itself is a light and bright song that you can imagine playing while driving along with the roof down and in the sunshine…wait…this is Britain! The chances of that happening are…well, we can dream, can’t we?

Showing another sting to his bow, more of this please!

Rating:4/5

Bond // Play

2011-09-25T15:37:00.001-07:00

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Ten years ago, a quartet appeared on the music scene that was classed as too classical to be pop and too pop to be classical. Since then, they've toured across the world, appeared in films and sold countless albums.

Now, in time for their tenth anniversary and with a slight line up change, the original string quartet, Bond release their new album, Play.

First up, is brand new song, Diablo which sets the scene for the rest of the album, a rock sound on instruments better known for the classical or movie score use. Jai Ho is a cover of that well known Pussycat Dolls track (and appeared in Slumdog Millionaire) whilst Elysium sounds as if it's a variation of the good old Doctor Who theme. Pump It (yes the Black Eyed Peas tune) is up next and something tells you that it probably shouldn't work, but it does.

Following this is Beatroot, the shortest track on the album, but with what seems Russian influences, meaning a good beat to tap your feet along to. Another cover, although it is named Last Time (probably better known as The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony) works well seeing as the original did have a string section to it.

Coming up after this is two of Vivaldi's Four Season's Summer and Winter, which of course fans will recall the group recorded all four seasons as promotion for Pegueot's 208 cabriolet, a car for all seasons. There is some variation in the tracks here compared to freebie downloads. Apasionada springs from the cold ending into a Spanish/Latino sound track, almost perfect for salsa.

West With The Night harks back to the sounds of opening track Diablo with reminders of times from the past (it most reminds us of Explosive from the Classified album) whilst Road To Samarkand has a feeling of Indian or Asian influences. The next track needs no introduction, as it is purely a brand new version of quite possible on of their most well known songs, Victory (known here as Victory 10). The final track of the a 'remix' of Diablo with rapping from Young Offenders.

On the Asian versions of the album, there is a bonus track called Bond Goes Gaga which is a well fitting medley of the eccentic singer's songs (in performed order Born This Way, Poker Face, Bad Romance & Judas)

Overall, it's nice to see Bond back on the scene after such an absecence. However, it can't be helped that it feels like there is something missing from this album. The inclusion of covers of 'pop' songs, feels like there's two big fingers being stuck up at another string quartet (we're pretty sure you know who we mean!)as if to say, anything you can do, we can do better. There's a bit more vocal inclusion on the tracks, which, in some instances, draws away from what Bond are, a string quartet, instrumentalists. This album, could be like Marmite; you either like it or hate it.

No word on a UK release yet, but already available in Mexico, Japan & Korea!

Rating: 3.5/5

Lady Gaga // You & I

2011-09-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

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Official Store

The latest single to be taken from the Gaga's second album Born This Way is the ballad You & I.

This is probably the first single from her that can be classed as a ballad. It's almost a world away from previous singles and more piano driven. It could be looked at as being a country kind of track.

It does seem odd considering the previous releases have been pop/dance. Maybe she's trying to show another side and that she's capable of other genre (she's already shown that she makes a great man!)

Rating: 3/5

Paul Gilbody // Eponymoose

2011-09-13T19:12:00.001-07:00

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Not familiar with Paul Gilbody? Well, the in the briefest introduction, he’s been a session musician for artists like KT Tunstall, Alex Cornish & Horse, as well as being a founding member of the Scotland’s Gospel Truth Choir, he’s also worked with Ricky Ross and Lorraine Mcintosh, B.A. Robertson and supported Sir Tom Jones! (more details can be found on his official website)

Now that’s done, let’s look at the debut release, Eponymoose. It’s 5 tracks where it’s all him. Yes, all him; vocals, guitar, drums, percussion, beatbox and production. Using the five tracks, Paul showcases different styles, from laid back to upbeat, having something for every one. Sounds particularly good for those long drives.

It’s a great little release and hopefully it won’t be the last solo release that we have from him

Rating: 4/5

Christina Perri // Jar Of Hearts

2011-09-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

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Possibly the first time that anyone heard this song was when Lea Michelle as Rachel Berry sang this song on US show Glee. Finally though, the original version has been released for us to download.

It is simple in melody, but it’s this that adds to it’s beauty. It’s a heartfelt ballad, relying solely on vocals, piano and strings, nothing else. There’s very few artist these days that rely of what could be deemed the basics. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

Rating 5/5

Hayley Westenra // World In Union

2011-09-13T17:54:00.001-07:00

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In case you didn’t know, it’s the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. And maybe it’s fitting that New Zealander and Classical Crossover artist Hayley Westenra gets to sing this, especially with it being her 10th anniversary in the business and it being her home country hosting the event.

The melody will be familiar to everyone as it is Holts’ Jupiter. There’s two versions on the single. An English version and a Maori version. There is a third version available on the Rugby World Cup album which is a mix of both versions. The lyrics could not be more appropriate for an event and Westenra’s delicate vocals deliver with feeling, no matter the language that it is sung in.

A highly recommended purchase, whether a rugby fan or a fan of Hayley’s!

Rating 5/5

John Barrowman // Tonight’s The Night

2011-09-13T17:20:00.001-07:00

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Tonight’s The Night is the name of the Saturday night show hosted by John Barrowman, but it also the name of his latest release.

In essence, this album is in fact a very best of, bringing together tracks from his previously released along with three new tracks. The fist track is I Owe It All To You, which was specifically written for John and, as he had said, he says it as a thank you to his fans. So Close, a duet with Jodie Pregner, is a slow ballad. The last track, Tonight’s The Night, a cover of the Rod Stewart track and ultimately the title track of the album.

There’s two ways to look at the album. If you’ve never heard John singing, then this bring together a nice collection of his songs for you to judge whether or not a) to buy previous releases or b) see him live (he’s touring in November). Then of course there is the fans, who will buy this purely to support John, even though, bar the three new tracks, they’ve already got it all.

Rating: 3.5/5

One Direction // What Makes You Beautiful

2011-09-03T05:48:00.001-07:00

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Remember the boy band that Simon Cowell created on last year’s X-Factor? Well, after promoting Pokemon Black & White and the new Pokedex 3D on TV adverts, their debut single is ready to be released to the world.

What Makes You Beautiful is probably the typical young boy band song. It follows suit of the positive nature of songs that have already been released this year (Lady Gaga/Born This Way, Pink/Perfect & Selena Gomez/Who Says). Sadly while trying to be a grown up song, it can’t be helped that there is a cuteness factor to it (the song wouldn’t look or sound out of place on a Disney soundtrack). Maybe that’s the desired effect…

Fans of the group from their time on the reality TV show will more than likely lap it up and more than likely young girls who haven’t heard of them will flock to them. Other than that, nothing to see here…

Rating: 2/5

Alex Cornish // No Shore

2011-08-31T10:00:00.001-07:00

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Hot on the heels of the last album, Call Back, No Shore is the third album from singer songwriter Alex Cornish.

Opening with the beautiful Storm To Pass, which we suspect is where the album title comes from (There’s no shelter/ There’s no sound / There’s no shore) we’re introduced to that well known Cornish sound. This follows beautifully into Rely. What is quite possibly the loudest song on the album, Open Your Eyes sounds as if there is a slight mixing error as vocals do sounds a little louder than the instruments, but this may have been the desired effect.

Skyline Of Paris is a beautiful piano driven track before leading onto what seems at first, a violin driven track, Keep Focus but bursting into full colour. Time And Space is a nice slow guitar driven track, which ends on a little ‘hidden’ instrumental of the song on the end. Always A Way is a great little number (and was offered free on his official site…might still be…)

Next we have the another slow, guitar driven song Breathe Slow, which has recently made an appearance at the end of episode 8 of season 2 of The Big C in the US (we think we can see the context that it’s being used in). A change of pace with No Reason before slowing it down for the violin driven This Is The point, that brings the album to the perfect end.

No Shore is another heartfelt album and sounds the same on record as it does live. It would probably surprise people that the album was recorded in 3 weeks and in a little flat (and by recorded, we do mean absolutely everything, right down to the strings section!) but you can’t tell that from the album. It’s another great release from Alex Cornish. A very easy listening and heartfelt album that should be given a listen.

Rating: 5/5

Joe McElderry // Classic

2011-08-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

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It's been an interesting time for Joe McElderry. 2009's X-Factor winner was dropped by Simon Cowell's label last year, only to turn up this year on Popstar To Operastar and win. Now signed with Decca, Joe now releases his brand new album, Classic, just six weeks after winning the reality TV show.

Now, if like ourselves, you're diving in without knowing anything about the show, then you're in for a treat. The 12 tracks of Classic are a mixture of some well known songs in the classic standards as well as some show tunes. The opening track of Canto Della Terra is the first showcase what you can expect from the album but with an unseeming ability to go from classic track in Italian to singing once again in English without much effort, you cannot help but be impressed. He's tackled some big songs too (Nessun Dorma both in English and original Italian and Time To Say Goodbye)

There are the show tunes too, such as Solitare, I Dreamed A Dream and Over The Rainbow, as well as a recording of the song that brought him to the attention of the X-Factor massive, Dance With My Father.

Bearing in mind that McElderry is no opera singer, he has obviously taken what he has learned from Popstar To Operastar and incorporated it into this album. Maybe a 6 week turnaround from winning to album release was too quick, and it's likely to be to 'cash in' whilst it's fresh in the public mind, which is probably why it is a safe list of tracks.

Hopefully future album's will give Joe more of a challenge and give him the chance to improve in what seems to be a new direction for the singer from South Shields.

Rating:4/5

Beverley Knight // Cuddly Toy

2011-08-28T03:59:00.001-07:00

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Does anyone remember Beverley Knight? We do but can't remember the last thing that she did released.

Anyway, she's back in 2011 with new song Cuddle Toy. Well, it's new for her. It's sadly a cover of Roachford's track. And now we're awaiting for some to say 'Who's Roachford?' Google is your friend! Anyhow, back to the track. It can't be helped that it's a straight sing, no effort to put her own spin on it. It's a good track but only one person can truly sing it properly. And it's not Bev...

Rating 3/5

Pixie Lott// All About Tonight

2011-08-27T16:54:00.001-07:00

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Pixie Lott makes a welcome return to the music scene with her new single, All About Tonight.

First thing first. It's an upbeat, dance around the handbag number, which suits Pixie's voice and perfect for her returning as it has that sound that is still her, but has an older edge to it. Fortunately, it's not too far off previous releases which have had a poppy/slight dance edge.

All About Tonight is the perfect club track and no doubt it remixes will be or have been getting spun. It's not too pop yet not too dance. It's just about right and is about what we'd expect for Pixie. Fingers crossed for at least a top 10 placing!

Rating: 5/5

Leona Lewis & Avicii // Collide

2011-08-25T14:55:00.001-07:00

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It's been over a year since the release of Leona's 2^nd album, Echo. And at the start of September, the first release from the, as yet unnamed,forthcoming album will be made.

Called Collide, it features an instrumental piece from Swedish DJ Avicii called 'Penguin'. And all good Leona fans will probably know the controversy round the song already. Anyway, onto the song itself. This time around, they're heading in a more dance orientated feel although sadly the mono syllabic words of the verses don't do anything for Lewis' voice and it truth, it is only the final chorus where her voice truly shines.

It probably not the strongest comeback. Will it stick? Well, the fans will probably make sure that it charts somewhere, but whether it's enough to make others take notice is another thing altogether. Hopefully, this is not the slippery slide downwards...

Rating: 2/5

Will Young / Jealousy

2011-08-21T02:57:00.001-07:00

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It's been a while since Will Young released anything (although you might have caught him in the Sky Living drama, Bedlam). Well, now he back with his new single, Jealousy, ahead of his new album release, Echoes.

It seems that Mr Young has been using his time well and found what sounds like a new sound. But that always seems to be the way with him when a new album comes out. It's got that definite Will Young sound to it, but, at the same time, it could be classed as someone else's song.

Basing on what's been heard from his and a current freebie from Amazon.co.uk, it sounds like that there is definite change and it seems to be working.

Rating: 4/5

Olly Murs / Heart Skips A Beat

2011-08-21T02:38:00.001-07:00

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On the back of a presenting job on ITV2's The Xtra Factor, the new single from Olly Murs isn't actually that bad.

This new track, Heart Skips A Beat sounds as if Olly has shrugged ye olde Balladeer jacket off to venture into something a little more upbeat. More to the point, the sound suits him and seems to be step in the right direction (even if, thanks to a recent interview comment, we can't stop thinking Eastenders when we hear it!)

We know in the past we haven't exactly championed Mr Murs, but if there is more of this style, then we might start taking him more seriously.

Rating: 4/5

The Wanted - Glad You Came

2011-07-31T06:04:00.001-07:00

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It's been a few months since The Wanted released a new song (the last being Forever Gold for Comic Relief) but now they're back with their new single, Glad You Came.

Whilst it is different from previous releases and shows a progression, it can't help be felt that they are simply playing catch up to what is already in the charts (we're thinking Jennifer Lopez and JLS at the moment). Yes it's summer and no doubt that it will probably be played in the clubs and fans will enjoy. While it nice to see them going with the flow and being with the in-crowd, it also means that there's nothing making them stand out.

Hopefully, with their debut single, All Time Low now available in the US, they won't slip into a trap just to fit in over there.

Rating 3.5./5

Cascada - Original Me

2011-07-17T05:18:00.001-07:00

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It's been a few years since the last album , Evacuate The Dancefloor was released by the German based group Cascada. Now, in 2011, they're back with album Number 4, Original Me. The title seems very apt for the release as there appears to be no cover versions at all.

First up is current single San Fransisco and sets up the rest of the album; electronic, synths...your general Cascada track you'd probably say. Au Revoir (another rumoured single given that a video has been recorded) follows along the similar lines. Unspoken is an odd track in that where Natalie would sing the full track, she's consigned to only the chorus (think B.O.B's Aeroplanes).

Pyromania is up next and is probably a familiar track to fans, with it being the first track to be released (leading many to think that Evacuate The Dancefloor was getting a re-release). Enemy is a slower track, not unknown for Cascada but given previous upbeat dancier tracks before it, maybe it should have been expected. Independence Day is another track where Natalie is on chorus only.

The pace picks up with the track Stalker which would sound out of place sang by the likes of Nicole Scherzinger. The spooky starting Night Nurse comes next followed by what could easily be the evil twin of the lead single from the 3^rd album, Evacuate The Dancefloor. Of course, we speak of Sinner On The Dancefloor. Title track Original Me could be read as how with people try to fit with whatever in trend, rather than just being themselves, before ending with Hungover which rounds the album off nicely, even if it's not the usual slow ballad that fans may have come to expect at the end of the album.

The 2^nd CD that is included is a greatest hits, which as you can probably guess, is just the singles from the past 3 albums (and not only those released in the UK, but also the singles released in Germany and the US), so perfect if you don't own any of the previous, or maybe just want the hits from the last few albums.

Overall, Original Me could quite possibly be the best release so far from Cascada. Whilst the last album was a step away from the covers that they have become known for, this album is the first to feature (as best we know) no covers what so ever, so the title is probably quite appropriate. Those that may have been disillusioned with the previous album, should give this release a listen.

Rating: 4/5

Alex Cornish @ 13th Note, Glasgow 6th July 2011

2011-07-11T17:52:00.001-07:00

Alex Cornish returns in 2011 with his 3^rd album, No Shore (released back on the 13^th June). Of course, when you have a new album to promote, there's only one thing to do; go on tour of course! The two week tour of the UK kicked off at the 13^th Note, located in the Merchant City, Glasgow.

In support was Paul Gilbody, who also plays double bass in Alex band. You might know him from working with such artists like KT Tunstall, Horse & . However, this time round he was showcasing his own material whilst being a one man band via loops (and having read his site and with him recently having bought a ukulele, I wonder if he plays the kitchen sink too!). It was a great little set from Paul who did apologise for not having any cds with him but encouraged people to sign up to his mailing list.

It wasn't long after Paul finished that, after a very brief tidy up of equipment, that Alex and co. took center stage.

Opening with Scotland The Brave, it was soon followed by Don't Hold Me Back (which recently featured in episode 4 of The Big C). Now we're treated to material from the new album in the form of Open Your Eyes, Always A Way and Skyline Of Paris.

Alex explains that he's been lucky with having songs used in shows, thanks mainly by people sharing copies (and I'm guessing not the legal kind!) of his music. This then leads into The Shame (that featured in Private Practice). At the end of this, Paul, Simon and Bevis leave, leaving Alex alone on the keyboard to perform I'm On The Right Side.

2 tracks from the debut album, Until The Traffic Stops, come next in the form of The King Of Hearts and This One's For You before jumping over to No Reason from the current release before back to the debut for Untied then back to This Is The Point, featuring a little violin loop. Assuming the end, they leave, but those present in the small, but intimate venue started chanting and after a brief absence, all return to perform Won't Be found. Before the last track, we're told about being invited to the Saturday Sessions and how Dermot O'Leary is actually quite knowledgable about music (and not just X-Factor!). He explained how artists are supposed to do a cover and how difficult it was to pick one. In the end, he picked Dire Straits Brothers In Arms and it is this that Alex and Bevis perform to end the gig.

It's a rarity to see and hear an artist who sounds as per the recording and having experienced Alex live 3 times in different sized venues (twice as support and now as headline), it is always a constant performance that is delivered. There is the feeling that more people should know him and his music. Best is wished in everything that Alex, Paul, Bevis, Simon & Gavin (the sound guy) do! For tickets and tour details, check out the official site (details below)

Photo © Vhari Lannigan

Alex Cornish
Official Site
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Paul Gilbody
Official Site

Zumba ® Fitness (Game)

2011-06-20T15:36:00.001-07:00

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If you have haven’t heard of Zumba® before reading this review, where have you been? Zumba is the dance fitness craze that’s been sweeping the world and now you can bring the experience to your living room with the release of Zumba® Fitness: The Video Game.

Okay, so this isn’t the first way to bring Zumba® into your home, there is of course the DVD set that you’ve maybe seen on the late night screenshops. Originally released for Xbox Kinnect, the game then received its ports for the Wii and Playstation 3. Instead of using a camera to track your moves, you get the lovely fitness belt into which you slot your Wii Remote or Playstation Move controller (one fitness belt is provided in the box. Additional belts can be purchased from ZumbawearUK, official Zumbawear stockist in the UK!)

The game features what could probably class as standard Zumba® tracks, some that you may even recognise if you’ve been to any classes. Following the on screen instructors you can work your way through either a single song or a set of varying lengths, depending on how your feeling or what your time allows. The more you move, the more you fill the bar which unlocks more ‘backing dancers’.

There’s one issue that presents itself and that is that the remote only tracks the hip movement meaning that movement from, ‘above the belt’ probably isn’t credited, or at least, credited properly

It is a fun game that takes up to four players allowing for you to hold your own Zumba® party in your living room. With 30 routines, some exclusive to the game, there’s plenty to go through and has routines suited for all skill levels. It’s a good fill in for those between class moments although if you haven’t maybe ventured to a class, you may find this hard to get into. Perseverance is the key here and you’re certain to have fun at the same time, especially if done with friends or family

Wonderland – Wonderland

2011-06-19T03:02:00.001-07:00

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If you haven't heard of Wonderland, then where have you been. If not, then let's give you a brief re-cap; Wonderland are the latest girl band export from Ireland and are managed by Louis Walsh and Kian Egan (yes, Kian of Westlife!). Now we have that out the way, let's look at the album release.

First off, instead of having some fancy title, it's simply a self-titled debut. The first two tracks are the first singles that many have probably heard (Not A Love Song and Starlight) before heading into the beautiful ballad, Nothing Moves Me Anymore. From here it is a cover of the multi-Grammy award winning song by Lady Antebellum, Need You Now, which while it is good, it doesn't hold a light to the original.

Onto a filler track, in the form of In Your Arms. It's a generic girl group track that is likely to drive you crazy with it's chorus (I don't wanna go, wanna go, I don't wanna go/ I don't wanna leave, wanna leave, don't you ever leave/ I just wanna stay, wanna stay, let me lie in your arms tonight) and that's only on the first play. Is It Just Me is another slow before heading into the hauntingly beautiful Why Here Why Now. The next track, another slow number titled Time Has Run Out, feels more like an album closing track rather than it's position on the album.

Fast paced Emergency is next (and has recently been iTunes Single of the Week!) but you can't help being left feeling like there's subliminal advertising in the lyrics (Ibuleave anyone?) and it's just the uptempo track that we've been waiting for. Too soon though it's back to the ballad's with It could Be You. Foot tapping is required for the next track Get Your Boots On before the requirements turn to swaying for When The Stars Turn Blue. The final track is another cover, this time in the form of the Adele hit, Rolling In The Deep, which they again, make a good attempt on, but only really Adele can sing this to it's true potential.

Looking at the album, it feels like he song selection has been a playing safe and leaving no doubt that the girls can sing ballads. The second half of the album feels a little all over the place, alternating between fast and slow. As a debut, it fulfils it's purpose, but it feels like it could have been more. Hopefully this is just a scratching of the surface an that there is much more to be seen. It's just a shame that their potential hasn't been shown fully.

Rating: 3.5/5

Bentley Jones–TRANS//LATION 2

2011-06-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

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Buy @ Official Site

It’s been two years since the release of Bentley Jones Japanese debut album, TRANS//LATION and only 6 months since Finally Free was released. But now the singer/songwriter/producer (and we’re pretty sure that he fits kitchen sinks too!) presents his brand new bi-lingual album, TRANS//LATION 2.

First off, let discuss how you can buy the album. It’s available either as a 13 track digital download or as a 14 track limited edition art CD from the official website

Now that’s out the way, here’s the next thing; this album is pretty rock and pretty loud (and you’ll gather that from the aptly named TRANS//LATION 2 introduction track. Another difference is that this album is a fair balance of English and Japanese covers, although a few are 2011 re-workings of previously released tracks ( 素直になれたら~FINAL NIGHT~, Dreams Of An Absolution, GLAMOROUS SKY)

Looking at some of the newer English tracks, they are recognisable classics from the 80s/90s (Word Up, Stay, Running Up That Hill (Deal With God)) and are true to their originals while making them Bentley's own. With regards to the Japanese tracks (JOINT, アメあと, 道～to you all, GLAMOROUS SKY, 素直になれたら), it's apparent that confidence has grown with the pronunciations compared to the debut release, which can only be a good thing.

Overall, it's a strong album with a great balance of tracks. It's more along the lines of Finally Free soundwise rather than the original TRANS//LATION (which was more dance covers and more electronic sounding). If you've maybe not encountered Bentley Jones in the past, then this is probably a good place to start.

Rating: 4/5

Mike + The Mechanics @ Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow 25th May 2011

2011-06-11T06:13:00.001-07:00

It’s not often that a group for 25 years, but one such group is Mike + The Mechanics, who return in 2011 with a new album, The Road and a tour, which rolled into Glasgow on the 25th of May.

Supporting the main act was Scarlette Fever, who, for a change in support acts, actually had the same sort of sound as the main act. Powering through a strong set of songs from her album Medication Time including Crash & Burn, Black & White, Good Day. and Cheating Man For those that wished, there was an opportunity to buy the album and meet the artist at the interval whilst the stage was set up for the main act.

The show opened with the title track from the new album, The Road which introduced the two new vocalists Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar. Mike Rutherford welcomed and introduced himself and the band, before heading Beggar On A Beach Of Gold which was interesting to hear Tim Howar take lead vocals on, but he did the song proud. This was straight into Get Up, before slowing it down to beautiful version of Try To Save Me which Andrew Roachford on lead vocals and keyboards. From here it was a couple of older songs from the extensive catalogue; Nobody Knows, Another Cup Of Coffee and I Don't Do Love.

If I Were You (from the album, Rewired) is next and Mike explains that when the song was original written, it was done so to be sung as a duet. Andrew takes the male while Tim takes on what would be the female section. There's a slight detour here as Roachford performs one of his own songs, Only To Be With You. From this it's straight into Follow You, Follow Me and I Can't Dance, not Mike + The Mechanics songs but songs from Mike's “other band”, Genesis.

Next is a song that probably everyone knows and maybe one of the most well known Mike + The Mechanics, and that is The Living Years. It doesn't take much for the audience to join in with the backing singing on the chorus. After this was another well known song, being Over My Shoulder and I Need A Miracle. All left the stage and, as is customary, the chanting began to get the group back on stage.
On coming back, Andrew Roachford performs his song Cuddly Toy, that finally got everyone to their feet for a little dance. The night finished with what, Tim Howar explained was a traditional ending to a concert. This is of course, Word Of Mouth, which ended up with lots arm waving and singing along in traditional Scottish behaviour.

Overall it was a fantastic night, let down only by the number of people who turned out for the gig (only the stall appeared to have been sold). For those who hesitated in going, it was their loss. Andrew and Tim, although being new to the group treated the back catalogue with the respect it deserved whilst bring their own unique twist on it to make them theirs, and the new material sounded fantastic live. The one complaint; why does Mike Rutherford make playing the guitar look like a walk in the park? If you get a chance, do get to see them live.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Scarlette Fever
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iTunes

Mike + The Mechanics
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iTunes

Kerry Ellis & Brian May @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 12th May 2011

2011-05-29T15:41:00.001-07:00

Take one West End star and add one rock legend and you get a fantastic pairing. We are of courses talking about Kerry Ellis and Brian May, and to have both on stage on the one night is a chance not to be missed.

In support was new band Vintage Trouble. As a support act, they weren’t bad though it is hard to describe who they sound like. One description that was heard was ‘James Brown on speed’. Powering through a set of several songs, the audience seemed to take to them. After a short interval to allow the setting of the stage, the main act began.

Or at least, so people thought. After a little light show and introductional interlude, the band appeared from either side, before the familiar opening chords of Dangerland on electric guitar from Brian May before being joined by Kerry Ellis. It didn’t take long for Kerry to make her mark on the audience of the concert hall. To follow up the opening number was I’m Not That Girl (taken from the musical Wicked). From here, she thanked the audience for a warm welcome and thanked Dr. Brian May, causing a cheer to go up.

I Can’t Be Your Friend (This Can’t Be Over) followed by the well known Shirley Bassey song Diamonds Are Forever which showcased her range beautifully. Now it was Brian’s turn to address the audience and ask for permission for both him and Kerry to perform a few Queen tracks along the way…as if anyone was going to object! To start off they performed Somebody To Love and Crazy Little Thing Called Love. At the end of this, Kerry disappeared off stage leaving Brian to play a solo piece. He ten swapped electric for acoustic and a stool, to perform a song ‘written by a good friend called Freddie’. He then went onto mention how Freddie may be gone but he would live on through his music, both getting a rousing applause from the audience. Brian then played Love Of My Life ably assisted by the entire audience.

Kerry then returned to perform an acoustic track with Brian called I Loved A Butterfly. From here, Kerry performed the Queen track Save Me, which she admitted that there had been extra lyrics written just for her. Disappearing from stage, Brian now reminisces about how he first met Kerry, the audition for We Will Rock You and how she set the bar for the character of Meat and she had made No One Buy You (Only The Good Die Young) her own. This would be the next song for her to perform followed by You Have To Be There. A quick stage strip and it was onto The Feeling’s I Love It When You Call.

Another quick disappearance and outfit change and she’s back to perform the rocky Defying Gravity. The next two songs would get the audience up on their feet and doing what Glasgow does best; singing along. These songs would be We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions. Kerry, Brian and the band left the stage and the chanting begins. The band returns with Brian personally thanking the audience for welcoming them and reminding him why he loved Glasgow. Kerry comes back on stage to perform Anthem (from Chess), finishing on a high with the Queen classic Tie Your Mother Down.

For many, this may have been the first time that they had seen and heard Kerry live. To see and hear both Kerry and Brian on the same stage was a wonderful experience. Kerry was vocally stunning and lived up to everything and more than you hear on the CD. And Brian showed that he’s still got it…but why does he have to make playing the guitar like a walk in the park? A very enjoyable night and highly recommended night out.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Kerry Ellis
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Brian May
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Download @ iTunes

Sweetbox – Diamond Veil

2011-05-24T19:37:00.001-07:00

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Some may have thought that the album may never get released, but finally, studio album no.8 for the group / no. 2 for current front woman Jamie Pineda, Diamond Veil has landed!

Before we go any further, we'd like to apologise. The artwork we're using is actually the Japanese one and not the artwork that comes with the Western download (we just don't like it and we're sure you'll see why and you'll agree!)

As promised, Diamond Veil is slightly more dance orientated than previous release, The Next Generation, though some tracks still maintain the trademark classical sampling. The album opens with the bright, breezy and upbeat Minute By Minute(might have something to do with the classical piece sampled; Morning from the Peer Gynt suite). Keeping with the theme is Bullet Proof (nothing like the a capella clip posted by Jamie months ago) and I Know You’re Not Alone (which features in soon to be released Japanese film Paradise Kiss).

Air Raid raises the bar slightly into dance/R&B territory, kept up again by Under The Influence and Shot Gun. Dizzy & Fever are, to put simply, dance tracks (well you might be Dizzy from a Fever…okay bad joke) although there is a sense of forgottenlyricitius for Fever…Suddenly from nowhere comes the beautiful ballad Nothing ‘bout Nothing followed by the equally beautiful Echo.

Undo This Hurt lulls you into a false sense of a slow ballad before bursting into full pop song. I Don’t Give A Damn comes storming angrily in, being calmed straight afterwards by Once. Dropping the tempo is Indestrucible before closing the album on the ballad Remember This Dance (first single in Japan).

Overall, the album has a different feel to previous albums with more upbeat songs rather than ballads. It feels and plays like a balanced album. There’s no disjointed or awkward moments that can arrive from track order. The samples that were provided by the Japanese label on a special commemorative site of selective tracks (or samples provided by other sites) do not live up to the full tracks potential. And it’s obvious that Jamie has grown more confident vocally from the previous release and that can only be a good thing.

Rating 5/5

Lady Gaga - Edge Of Glory

2011-05-21T06:28:00.001-07:00

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If you’re a ‘Little Monster’, then you’re probably lapping up everything to do with Mother Monster’s upcoming album release. For everyone else, you’re probably sick of it. The release of so many ‘singles’ before the album release makes you wonder why bother with an album.

Of the four ‘singles’ released (Born This Way, Judas, Edge Of Glory and Hair), it’s the third that’s caught this blog’s attention.

Edge Of Glory has a retro 80s feel to the entire song, which, in a way, suits Gaga. It’s easy to catch onto the lyrics and, as a whole, this probably would have been enough for us to rate it 5 out of 5.

Sadly, someone somewhere decided that it would be a good idea to release the song the week of Eurovision in Europe, and at times, you could find yourself drifting to Gaga in Eurovision (let’s be fair, she’d probably fit in quite well!)

So far one of the best tracks from the upcoming album although others will probably disagree.

Rating: 4/5

Clare Maguire - The Shield And The Sword

2011-05-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

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Clare Maguire returns with the third offering from her debut album, Light After Dark. And it’s a cracker!

The latest oferring is a little more upbeat from the last two singles but the powerful vocals still remain intact. Once more it showcases the range and power of Maguire’s voice and holds the listener from the first to the last note.

Things have appeared to have gone from strength to strength from having a remix of the debut single used featured in an advert for a well known car manufacturer, touring as support for Hurts and The Script as well as completing her first headline UK tour. Hopefully single number three will continue to show what she is capable of and encourage more to check her out.

Rating 4/5

Olly Murs - Busy

2011-05-21T05:50:00.001-07:00

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The 2009 X-Factor runner up (who, incidently has had better luck than winner Joe McElderry…Murs still has a contract!) returns with latest offering Busy.

Sadly, however, there is still nothing original here. As it starts, you can be forgiven for thinking that it’s the latest offering from Bruno Mars (Lazy) whic of course is the opposite. Thought slow to start, the pace soon picks up and feels ‘Busy’

The single comes out as he's on tour so he’s got something to promote. Like previous singles, longevity not guarenteed.

Rating: 2/5

Pete Lawrie – A Little Brighter

2011-05-06T17:35:00.001-07:00

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Download @ itunes | Download @ iTunes (Deluxe)

Welsh singer/songwriter Pete Lawrie finally gets around to releasing his debut album just a week before going on a joint Highlands tour with Glaswegian Pearl & The Puppets.

The first half of the album sees a nice balance of upbeat, quick tempo and slower, mellow little numbers, opening with the foot tapping, sing along track In The End treated to a new String arrangement opening for the album release. The laid back All That We Keep follows before rousing to the quick paced ramble that is How Can I Complain? Half As Good has a James Blunt-esque feel to, but also feel simple in it’s instrumentation while Fell Into The River brings the first half of the album to a close with a Motown/Soul feel.

The second half of the album feels a little like a ballroom dance with a slow,slow, quick quick, slow slow feel to the song listing. Both Poor Man’s Game and Paperthin show that Lawrie doesn’t need hugely produced tracks and can work easily with the bare essentials. If Not for You and the slight synth tinted Just Dust pick up the pace before dropping it to a more mellow tone with Dance Of Your Own, ultimately ending beautifully on slow piano driven song Jimmy And The Birds On Fire.

Overall, it’s not bad for a debut album. It’s not been over produced, giving the listener a clear distinction between instrument and vocal. It would have been nice if the track listing had followed the same pattern throughout, but this is just a minor issue. If you like your artists to have a honesty and connection with their lyrics, then Pete Lawrie is a recommended listen.

Rating: 4.5/5

KT Tunstall - The Scarlet Tulip EP

2011-05-01T06:26:00.001-07:00

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The Scarlet Tulip EP is the latest self released EP from Scottish singer songwriter KT Tunstall. Simply KT and a guitar, all 7 tracks on the EP were recorded live in a solar powered studio in England

With it just being KT and a guitar, you can’t help but be reminded of the Throw Me A Rope EP and Eye To The Telescope. It showcases that, despite recording with full band, she’s still got it when it coms to performing alone and that it's not all pop & rock. These 7 little tracks eminate a calm and reflective side that's maybe been missing for a while and has needed to shine.

Being available on three formats (digital, CD and limited edition 10" vinyl), there's something for everyone. Highly recommeded buy for all Tunstall fans, especially those more familiar with the folier side of her

Rating: 5/5

Sweetbox - Remember This Dance

2011-04-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Download @ iTunes Japan

After a lengthy delay, the latest studio album from Sweetbox, Diamond Veil (8th in the group’s history and 2nd for current front woman Jamie Pineda) is set to be released at the end of May in Japan.

In the meantime, the (very quiet) release from the album is the ballad Remember This Dance, a personal favourite of Jamie’s. From the very first vocal note, you are made to feel that there is a connection between singer and lyrics. It’s easy to lose yourself in the song and just start swaying along. You could almost imagine it being used as a first dance at a wedding.

There have been comments that maybe this wasn’t the best song to release given that the song I Know You’re Not Alone is set to appear in the Japanese film Paradise Kiss (Out at the beginning of June). But let’s consider Remember This Dance a gentle re-introduction to Sweetbox given that it has been 2 years since the last album.

Rating: 5/5

Nerina Pallot - Put Your Hands Up

2011-04-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

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Put Your Hands Up is the first offering in 2011 from Nerina Pallot from her forthcoming studio album, The Year Of The Wolf (set to be released at the end of May).

With a 60's feeling with a bit of a modern twist, the song is one of those that instantly becomes likable on first hearing. It light, bright and classy with fantastic melodies that complement Nerina's vocals. It's a lovable tune perfect for the recent sunny weather and may be an indication of what we can expect from the full album later next month.

A highly recommended listen. A chart return for one Nerina Pallot? We'll have to wait and see.

Rating: 4.5/5

Taio Cruz - Telling The World

2011-04-24T09:06:00.001-07:00

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Download @ iTunes

Hot off the collaboration with Travis McCoy and Kylie Minogue (though the personal fav is with Kylie alone), Taio Cruz returns with his brand new offering, Telling The World, taken from the new CGI movie Rio.

To be fair, to slate a song featured in a film could be seen as unfair. But this feels a hark back to the Departure days rather than being up there with more recent releases. If we take it in the context of film tie in, then we can let it pass. But as a single, it doesn't do much.

One to maybe give a miss unless watching the film

Rating: 2/5

Glee: The Music Presents The Warblers

2011-04-23T05:42:00.001-07:00

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ Play.com | Buy @ HMV.com
Download @iTunes

For Glee fans, The Warblers require no introduction. But for those of you who aren’t maybe too familiar with them, The Warblers of Dalton Academy, an all boys school, are the rival vocal group for season 2 of the show.

The Warblers haven’t been shown much love with the last two volumes of Glee: The Music with only Teenage Dreams being put on the CDs. However, here, you will find all the songs that they performed from the season as well as two exclusive tracks (What Kind Of Fool and the unheard Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?). What makes The Warblers stand out, and rightly deserve their own album, is the fact that they are the instruments. The accapella renditions of these songs work well even for those that you wouldn't think.

The songs themselves appear in order that they did in the show, but that shouldn’t matter. If you’ve not been buying the individual tracks on a weekly basis and you love the versions of the songs by The Warblers, then this should be on your list to buy. Show The Warblers the love they’ve missed from the last two CDs.

Rating: 4.5/5

Clare Maguire @ Oran Mor, Glasgow 15th April 2011

2011-04-16T05:34:00.001-07:00

Having been tipped as 2011 next big thing from various lists, and having already supported Hurts and The Script on their respective tours, Clare Maguire finally steps out on her first headlining tour, her only Scottish appearance on this tour at Oran Mor in Glasgow on the 15^th April. Support on the night was provided by Jonathan Carr (who admitted himself, it was a last minute gig).

Hailing from the county of Lanarkshire (making this almost a 'local' gig for him) Jonathan appeared on stage with just himself and his keyboard. It would be easy to class him in the same genre as Jamie Cullum as he powered through a half hour set of his songs including Daisy Buchanan, Not The Cheating Kind (which he explains was difficult to explain to his girlfriend as the song is about a guy who cheats but tries to say he doesn't), The Joke's On Me (where he recounts performing the song and John Mayer inviting him to record the song as well as performing guitar on it) and Love's On It's Way (which he encourages the crowd to download so he can earn 50p from each sale).

Also included in the set is a cover from 'the other gig in Glasgow tonight', and proceeds to perform Adele's Rolling In The Deep and a song that he and Lou Hickey (of Codeine Velvet Club fame) wrote called Perfect To Me. During his set he also mentioned how he was hoping to have his own headline show soon complete with band. Not that he was touting for business. All in all, it was a great warm up to the main act.

After a quick stage re-arrangement, it was time for the main act. Using the intro from the album, Are You Ready? to bring the band and backing singers on stage, it leads into Ain't Nobody using the Breakage's Suck It Up remix as inspiration (many may recognise it from the most recent Renault Clio Va Va Voom advert). It's the first time we get to hear the voice, and if her voice was 'under the weather' as she mentioned on twitter, it didn't seem to show. From here it was straight into current single The Shield And The Sword and then onto Freedom.

During the songs, Clare travels up and down the small stage in small steps that as a fan, you' be worried that she's going to fall over (whether due to the tight little black number she wore, the shoes or a combination of both). You're Electric, I Surrender and Sweet Lie are all up next, the energy and power not dwindling from Clare, the band or the crowd. Break These Chains follows. She then mentions how she recorded as song for the Chase & Status album and performs that very song. Of course, it Midnight Caller.

Before moving on she announces how she first played Glasgow supporting Hurts and how she love the venue she's in (“great food, great drink”). She slows the tempo down with the beautiful ballad Bullet. The slowness doesn't last though as she heads into Burn before announcing her last song, The Happiest Pretenders. During this, she climbs off the stage and walks through the crowd as she sings. In an unusual move, the crowd just seems to part to allow her through, no ambushing her or anything. She ends the song back on stage and everyone leaves the stage. Cue the crowd to start chanting (they've already been told earlier in the night that The Last Dance was coming up)

After a few minutes, Clare returns with guitarist Paul, who she takes great pride in announcing that he's Scottish, getting a cheer from the crowd. The pair then perform Trouble In Mind before asking the crowd if she should bring the band back, to a resounding cheer. Clare apologises but the next song is new so no one will know the songs, but asks the audience to stamp their feet and clap their hands. The song is Mess You Around (which she revealed later on that it's likely to be on the new record). There's almost a feeling that you want to whip your head back and forth and maybe a little head banging.

The night ends on a high with what is probably her most well known track, The Last Dance, which gives the crowd a chance to sing along (as if they haven't the whole night) and go a little mad.

Clare Maguire is one of those artists that to truly appreciate her voice, has to be heard live. As said previously, Clare had posted on twitter that her voice was tired and that she apologised. However, she didn't need to. It's hard to imagine what her voice live when 'not tired' sounds like. Maybe one small draw back was that the venue was small, so whilst it was an almost intimate setting maybe the true potential is shown better in a slightly larger venue. Time will only tell. Still, catching Clare live is well worth the ticket price. If you've been impressed from what you've heard from the studio versions, then you won't be disappointed.

Buy Light After Dark @ Amazon.co.uk | Download Light After Dark @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy Light After Dark @ HMV.com | Buy Light After Dark @ Play.com
Download Light After Dark @ iTunes

Jennifer Lopez Feat. Pitbull - On The Floor

2011-04-09T03:32:00.001-07:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Play.com
Download @ iTunes.com

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from Jennifer Lopez and she returns with a summery electro dance pop tune produced by RedOne.

On The Floor is the debut release for Jennifer Lopez on Island Def Jam Music, after leaving Epic. It features sampling of the 1989 song Lambada by Kaoma (recently also sampled by Ke$ha). Whilst maybe not the most imaginative song in the world with easily learned lyrics, but with it’s latin beats, it will soon have you dancing away. The song itself brings J-Lo bang up to date without losing too much of what fans have come to know.

A great little offering that is likely to filling the dance floors throughout the summer season (and Zumba classes too!). With the song already number 1 in 12 countries and top 5 in others, it’s obviously a very welcomed track!

Rating: 4/5

Susan Boyle & Geraldine McQueen - I Know Him So Well

2011-03-20T06:02:00.001-07:00

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk(CD) | Buy @ Amazon.co.uk(DVD)
Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk (+Video)
Buy @ HMV.com(CD) | Buy @ HMV.com(DVD)
Buy @ Play.com(CD) | Buy @ Play.com(DVD)
Download @ iTunes

When you have an official single, you’ve got to have a comedy release to back it up. This year it’s a cover of the Abba song, I Know Him So Well, performed by none other than Susan Boyle and Geraldine McQueen (aka Peter Kay and he does make a rather good looking female).

The video for the song is a enactment of the original but that is not the best bit. The best has to be hearing Peter Kay singing along side Susan Boyle. Now there is something that you probably thought you wouldn’t see or for that matter hear!

It’s well worth the price of the cd/dvd/download and it is all for charity. In the battle of the Comic Relief singles though, this has to be hands down the winner, no matter what the charts say!

Rating:5/5

The Wanted - Gold Forever

2011-03-19T18:50:00.001-07:00

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ HMV.com
Buy @ Play.com | Download @ Play.com
Download @ iTunes

The hottest boy band of the moment, The Wanted have been given the honour of singing this years official Comic Relief single, Gold Forever

Now you know that it is bound to go to number one just for fact that it is a charity single…and it’s The Wanted. It isn’t the best song from the band, nor is it one of the best official songs to come out for Comic Relief. Still, the video is probably the best laugh with a ‘How many celebrities can you name?’ in it.

Go on. Buy it. You know you want to. And it’s for charity as well.

Rating:4/5

Sara Bareillis - King Of Anything

2011-03-19T17:28:00.001-07:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Play.com
Download @ iTunes

Probably best known for the debut track, Love Song, Sara Bareillis returns with a new album, Kaleidoscope Heart, and the first single to be lifted from the album, King Of Anything.

The song is similar in sound to that of Love Song. It’s got a easy foot tapping beat with what sounds like simple instrumentation. Each instrument has it’s part and doesn’t sound like it deviates throughout the entire song.

Maybe as first offering it’s a safe bet, returning with something that people are likely to recognise and possibly automatically relate it to the artist without too much difficulty. Hopeful not the only offering from Sara from this album.

Rating:4/5

Parade - Louder

2011-03-19T16:55:00.001-07:00

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk (CD1) | Buy @ Amazon.co.uk (CD2)
Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ HMV.com (CD1) | Buy @ HMV.com (CD2)
Download @ Play.com | Download @ iTunes
Fan Exclusive Bundle @ Parade Store

Meet Emily, Lauren, Bianca, Jessica and Sian, collective known as Parade. Louder is the debut single from the girls who have recently been supporting Shakira, Alexandra Burke and now Shane Ward.

To be fair, the song is something that you would expect from a girl group. Simple, catchy. And slightly annoying after a while. That seems to be the bread and butter of starting a girl group (unless your name happens to be Wonderland).

The song will appeal to some members of the listening public but is not one of their better songs that have been performed live. Still, will probably get them noticed just and no more. Possibly the support slots will gather some fans

Rating: 3.5/5

Nicole Scherzinger - Don’t Hold Your Breathe

2011-03-19T11:28:00.001-07:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk (Remixes)
Download @ Play.com | Download @ Play.com (Remixes)
Download @ iTunes | Download @ iTunes (Remixes)

Don’t Hold Your Breathe is the second solo single from Nicole and is slightly slower in tempo to debut release Poison.

This single feels a little more accessible than the previous release. An upbeat ballad, you’ll more than likely find yourself singing along to the chorus in no time as it very easy to pick up from the word go.

It’s already taken the number position on the Big Top 40 (that charts iTunes releases) despite only being released basically16 hours before the chart countdown. There are some good remixes to be had of the song too and for the karaoke singers out there, you can also get the instrumental version of the song.

Great little number whether a fan or not.

Rating:4.5/5

McFly - That’s The Truth

2011-03-13T15:40:00.001-07:00

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk (CD1) | Buy @ Amazon.co.uk (CD2)
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk (7") | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ HMV.com (CD1) | Buy@ HMV.com (CD2)
Buy @ HMV.com (7”) | Download @ iTunes

McFly appear to be able to do no wrong with their latest album release, Above The Noise. That’s The Truth is the third single to be released from the album. Is it as good as what’s came before?

The answer is simply…yes! The song is a rocking little pop ballad which if compared to earlier works, this continues to show how much the boys have grown when you compare it to earlier works.

Another great track from the album and yet another hit for the boys. One to buy that you won’t be disappointed in.

Rating:5/5

Olly Murs - Heart On My Sleeve

2011-03-12T16:35:00.001-08:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Play.com
Download @ iTunes

Heart On My Sleeve is the third single to be released by Olly Murs from his self titled debut album. The last two songs have seemed to emulate the sound of other artists rather than focus on a sound that suits him. So is it third time lucky with this one?

Sadly, no. This time around it feels as if it’s an emulation of a Take That song, and some times, you might believe it was them or wouldn’t have much difficulty imaging the boys performing it. It’s a ballad yes, but some how the tone of it makes the song seem longer than it is and may have you reaching for the off button.

The single releases probably haven’t grabbed the attention of the casual listener, meaning that they’ve probably given the self titled debut a wide berth. If there is a second album, hopefully Murs will find a sound that he can make his own rather than borrowing from others.

Rating: 2/5

Mary Byrne - I Just Call You Mine

2011-03-12T16:05:00.001-08:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Play.com
Download @ iTunes

Mary Byrne: the checkout assistant from Ireland with the big personality and the voice to match. She was certainly a favourite on the 2010 X-Factor, and now finally it’s came time for her debut single to be released.

As we know, all those that made the final show had recorded a different song as the winner’s song and this may well have been the one that Mary would have released if she had won. The song itself is a cover (original is by Martina McBride) however, the song feels like Mary own’s it with it being more balladistic and piano driven. Lyrically it’s also seems very fitting for her.

The song maybe doesn’t showcase the power of her vocals that viewers of the ITV1 show know that she is capable of. But the song is very fitting for her. It’s possibly a bit of playing it safe with this release, but with what appears very little promo for the song, the song is likely to go unnoticed.

Rating4/5

The Pierces - You’ll Be Mine

2011-03-07T16:19:00.001-08:00

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ HMV.com | Download @ Play.com
Download @ iTunes

The Pierces are principally sisters Catherine and Allison Pierce who are based in New York. With their songs having featured in promos for shows such as Dexter, Charmed & Pretty Little Liars and appearances in Gossip Girl and on Later…With Jools Holland, then you’ve possibly heard them without knowing.

You’ll Be Mine is a nice little number with a country/rock/pop feel to it which seems to be an in thing so far this year. It’s an easy track to listen to and one that you might find yourself humming along to without knowing it. Certainly ones to keep your eye on for the coming year

Rating: 4/5

Glee: The Music Volume 5

2011-03-06T05:13:00.001-08:00

Buy @ Amazon.com

The UK is just coming up to the Sectionals in the second series, but over in the US, they're up to Regionals. As with all these albums, it tends to simply be the highlights of the next batch of episodes that are included, and mostly, not in order that they appear in the show.

In this offering is songs originally by Michael Jackson (P.Y.T Pretty Young Thing), Queen (Fat Bottomed Girls), Justin Bieber (Baby & Somebody To Love), Katy Perry (Fireworks(, Human League (Don't You Want Me Baby) and recent Grammy Award winners, Lady Antebellum (Need You Now). You'll also find quiet possibly one of the best mash-up from the series here as well (Michael Jackson's Thriller and The Yeah Yeah Yeah's Heads Will Roll). Additionally, the first original songs from the show so far are also found on this release (Loser Like Me & Get It Right). Again, this half of the season has had it's share or old and new songs, bring different acts to a new generation.

Really only buy this if you're a complete Gleek and you need it to balance up ye old CD collection but if you've been buying weekly, you're not missing anything.

Rating:4/5

Clare Maguire – The Last Dance

2011-03-03T18:20:00.001-08:00

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ HMV.com (CD) | Buy @ HMV.com (12”)
Download @ Play.com | Download @ iTunes

Described by Q Magazine as 'The Voice Of 2011', Clare Maguire is definitely a voice that won't be ignored. The Last Dance is the second single to be lifted from her recently released debut album, Light After Dark.

Maguire was inspired to write the song after the death of Michael Jackson, so as you've probably guessed, this is a ballad. Not one of those soppy, lovely dovey ballads. This has a slightly dark if slightly detached edge to it but it is a powerful and emotional song, as conveyed as the song comes to the chorus and Clare's vocals swell to the opening bars. The song itself feels very 80's but Clare's haunting vocals (which could be compared to likes of Annie Lennox) adds the dark feeling to it.

Overall, the song showcases not just the power that Maguire exudes from her voice, but also the emotion. She commands attention and hold it, not letting it go until the last note. If this is what Maguire sounds like on record, one can only imagine what she will sound like live.

Rating: 5/5

Wonderland – Introduction To Wonderland EP

2011-03-03T17:31:00.001-08:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Play.com
Download @ iTunes

Wonderland is the most recent girl group on the music scene, managed by Louis Walsh and Westlife member Kian Egan. Their first offering to the music world, in the form of a Introduction to EP, is the song Not A Long Song.

It probably not something that you might expect from a debut single. It's a very laid back melody with a slight rock edge. Fortunately, the song lends itself to providing a base to showcase each of the girls vocals individually and as a group.

As for the rest of the EP, the tracks are all live acoustics including a cover of the recent Grammy winning Need You Now (originally by Lady Antebellum), possibly giving the listener a better chance to hear the girls vocals both individually and as a group.

The country/rock/pop sound separates them from what is out there at the moment with a natural sound to their music, rather than the electro-pop that seems to be drowning the music scene at the moment. With upcoming support slots with Boyzone and Westlife on their UK tours, they are likely to get quite a bit of attention meaning that they shouldn't slip under the radar. So long as they keep their currently unique sound, they should do well. One to watch.

Rating: 4.5/5

Pink – F**cking Perfect

2011-02-20T10:13:00.001-08:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

Coming straight from the latest album from Pink (The Greatest Hits...So Far), Pink presents her latest offering to the music world and by the sunds of it, it sounds like it's another hit in the making.

It seems with Pink that every few tracks there's a ballad thrown in for good measure and this is one of those tracks. This song could or maybe that's should call out to everyone, a fan or not. In the most basic sense, it sends out the message that you shouldn't care what others think and that it's alright to be different. Don't let the ballad labelling fool you though. It's a ballad with attitude!

It's a cracking little number that shouldn't be missed (even the radio edit works as there are no bleeps in it, just a slight reworking of the lyrics). Should be number one or at least a top 5 track.

Rating: 5/5

James Blunt @ Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow 17th February 2011

2011-02-19T13:44:00.001-08:00

James Blunt released his album Some Kind Of Trouble back in November 2010. In February 2011, he began a 13 month world tour kicking it off at the Clyde Auditorium (known locally as the Armadillo) in Glasgow.

In the support slot was Brooklyn based group Wakey!Wakey! Amidst the banter (which ranged between talking about crowd size, being invited to join James and talking about the audience in the gallery seats ('saving their money for beer...they're my kind of people') they played a half hour of music, much of which can be found on their album Everything I Wished I'd Said The Last Time I Saw You. Having not heard of them before the show, they were actually in league with James in the style of music.

At 9pm, the main event began. The house lights went down and the intro music began (it was something very old western film sounding) allowing the band to come on stage and start playing So Far Gone. But there was no James. That was because he was running down the aisle, hi-fiving members of the audience and then jumping up on stage to get the show on the road. From So Far Gone it was straight into Dangerous, both of which are taken from current album Some Kind Of Trouble. From the 3^rd album, it jumps back to the debut, Back To Bedlam for Billy and Wisemen. Near the end of Wisemen whilst singing the lyrics 'where are you now', James belted out 'Glasgow!'

After this, James welcomed everyone to the show and thanked them for their support. He warned the men that if the women had told them it was going to be a sedate night, they were wrong. He encouraged people to get up and dance if they felt the urge, but said he'd get the miserable stuff out the way first.

Fans were treated to the beautiful ballad Carry You Home, the first song in the set from the album, All The Lost Souls which led to SABS (that's Swaying Arms & Bodies Syndrome). From this, another track from the same album, I'll Take Everything, which James jumping from guitar to the piano. It was this song that seemed to get the crowd in the singalong mode. From one power track to another, it's Out Of My Mind up next.

Now the pace comes down a little as James once more takes to the piano and performs Goodbye My Lover alone, again the crowd in full voice. Still on piano but joined once more by his full band, he performs No Tears. To end a trio of ballads, it's back to the guitar and a performance of High, once more ensuring a singalong from the audience.

Once more James addresses the audience and tells them that it's rumour that the further away from London that you get, the better the singing gets, and that he hopes the audience will prove that. But not right now. Now he wants us to get up and dance to the brilliant Superstar dropping the tempo with Same Mistake. Now James has no instrument to hide behind as he performs If Time Is All I Have, resulting in more cases of SABS.

How do you follow something as beautiful as this? Only with what is probably you're biggest single to date. Yes, it's You're Beautiful with James being almost drowned out on the second verse with the explict line 'F***ing high' being belted out by the Glaswegian crowd. So Long Jimmy follows it up.

The tempo is raised to the rocking I'll Be Your Man during which, James leaves the stage and runs through the crowd, hugging, hi-fiving and kissing members of the audience. Once back on the stage, we encourages people to the stage. Well, don't mind if we do James! At the end of the song, he leaves the stage and everything is dark. Cue the obligatory chanting.

True to form, James returns to the stage and begins to tell how whilst writing the album, he inadvertently wrote a 'celtic' tune, and he'd like to play it for us now 'if that's alright'. Like the crowd are going say no? The song that he is referring to is Into The Dark . This is followed by the first single from the latest album, Stay The Night. Finally, the set comes to a close with the song Turn Me On, Coming to the end of the song, James climbs on top of the piano and pretends to be surfing. Really, health and safety will have you for that!.

Overall it was a great night with a mixture from all the albums so that there was something for everyone. Although James was only on for approx. an hour and half, the 21 strong set made it seem much longer. Here's to that the rest of the tour as is good as the first night.

Wakey! Wakey! releases

CD @ Amazon.co.uk | Downloads @ Amazon.co.uk
CD @ Amazon.com | Downloads @ Amazon.com
iTunes

James Blunt Releases
Amazon.co.uk Store | Amazon.com Store
HMV.com | iTunes

Jedward - Lipstick

2011-02-13T13:09:00.001-08:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

Europe prepare yourselves for a Jedward invasion! This duo are representing Ireland in the Eurovision song contest. So what is their offering like

Well first off, it's not a cover!Recovered? Good. Now imagine the melody of Britney's 'Womanizer'. Add Jedward vocals. Yes you've just got the song. So a song that's not a cover and sounds like Britney? Good combination, right? Not quite. The vocals are heavily autotuned meaning that you're still not hearing the real Jedward. Had this song been sung by anyone else, particularly someone just starting out, they'd probably get away with it

Let's look at the song on two bases. As a Eurovision entry, it's the sort of thing that you would expect. As an actual single, probably shouldn't been made. The only thing worth of any listen is the instrumental.

Rating: 1/5

Eternity – Wonderful World (Classical Mix 2011)

2011-02-12T17:31:00.001-08:00

With the original version of the track currently being used in an advert in Korea, it should be no surprise that it's charting once more. And maybe one other surprise is that there is a new version of the song released.

This 'Classical Mix' takes the song back to a raw format as sorts with what sounds like very little electronic input. Sadly it's difficult to see any need for the track other than to cash in on the current ad usage and keep the name out there.

Fans will probably appreciate the release but there's nothing else really here

Rating: 2/5

Lady Gaga – Born This Way

2011-02-11T08:41:00.001-08:00

Download @ iTunes

Lady Gaga returns to the airwaves with the title track from her forthcoming album, Born This Way. But with all the hype surrounding it, has it been worth the wait?

Sadly no. Sounding more of a mash up of Madonna's Express Yourself and Vogue, it feels like an anti-climax. Add to that, that vocally it sounds like Madonna, there's not much going for it. The short a capella snippet that was released before the New Year seems a world away from this offering.

No doubt it will end up number one. But unless you knew the artist, you;d pass it off as Madonna. Born This Way? More like Cloned This Way!

Rating: 2/5

Manran – Latha Math

2011-01-23T15:25:00.001-08:00

iTunes

There is a possibility that you may never have heard of this Scottish group, more than likely as this is their first release. But everyone had to start somewhere, so let's have a look.

Now bearing in mind that the group is Scottish, it might give the origins of the title away. Yes, the title is Gaelic (it means Good Day) as in fact the whole song is. But don't let this deter you from listening. It's a catchy little song that will soon have you tapping and clapping along even if you don't know what the song is truly about*. But that is the joy of music, that it is universal.

It is certainly different from what is out there at the moment although the meaning could be lost on many. If you're looking for something different from what's currently in the charts, or looking for something a little unusual, then take a listen at this

* There is an English translation available on the group's Facebook page

Rating: 4/5

Emma’s Imagination – This Day

2011-01-12T08:19:00.001-08:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | iTunes

If you followed Sky answer to the X-Factor, Must Be The Music, then you'll already know Emma Gillespie aka Emma's Imagination, the singer-songwriter from Scotland.

This Day was originally released during the the Must Be The Music show (a format adopted by X-Factor last year) but has been giving a re-working for the proper debut single/album (both released on the same day).

The song itself is a very little and easy song to listen to and you're likely soon to find yourself singing along with it. It's a simple song but maybe it's this that helps it stick in the mind. That said, it may also be it's downfall as after a while, the song can become irritating.

Also included with this release is an acoustic cover of the Amy Winehouse track, You Know I'm No Good, which Emma makes her own.

On the whole, it's different from what is currently out there but maybe so different that it's just passed over by all expect those who already know of her.

Rating: 3/5

Hayley Westenra Christmas Wishes Live @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (17th December 2010)

2010-12-20T13:24:00.001-08:00

On a bitterly cold December evening, a large crowd filled the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for a performance from New Zealand born Hayley Westenra. Before Hayley though, there was the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS) Renfrewshire who performed two songs before making way for the main act of the evening.

At first the band and the Raven String Quartet appeared on stage before the drummer began playing on the snare. This was to lead into the opening number of The Little Drummer Boy. This was followed by the beautiful yet haunting song Veni, Veni Emmanuel. After this, she welcomes the audience to show and jokes about how they were worried about getting into Glasgow because of the snow, but the biggest problem was getting out of London. After asking the audience about Christmas shopping, she confesses that most of hers is done through duty free.

Introductions out the way, the music continued with the well known song, The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire). She introduces the next song explaining that it originally started out as a poem, but throughout the years has been put to different music and that this arrangement is based on a traditional Irish tune. The song is Love Came Down At Christmas. After this, she introduces her special guest, Thomas Oliver (usually seen in the Welsh male choir Only Men Aloud). He performed two songs; a almost swing version of Winter Wonderland and the Austrian song Still, Still, Still.

Hayley returns to perform a song that she's kept a hold of since performing with the Boston Pops a few years ago, the song being The Little Road To Bethlehem. Before she has a chance, the NYCoS Renfrewshire choir return to the stage to accompany Hayley on the last two songs of this half: The Coventry Carol and When A Child Is Born.

After an interval, it's straight back into the music with Carol Of The Bells and the Corpus Christi Carol. Silent Nightis next, but only after Hayley explains the history behind the song. After this, she introduces the musicians that join her on stage before adding a few mentions to people, particularly her guiarist Andy's mum, who's birthday it was (cue, Andy to give a sort burst of Happy Birthday on the guitar).

Getting the show back on track (because she's knows people are watching the time very carefully!), she introduces a track from the album, Winter Magic that she wrote called Peace Shall Come. At the end of this, she leaves the talented Raven String Quartet to play a little medley of songs including We Wish You A Merry Christmas and The Sailor's Hornpipe. During The Sailor's Hornpipe, the audience began to clap along, almost taking the quartet by surprise. Whilst the song itself does get faster and faster as it goes on, it almost felt as if the girls were deliberately getting faster, trying to lose the audience in the clapping. Fortunately, the audience kept up and in time right to the end.

The wonderful Thomas Oliver appears back on stage followed by Hayley for a duet on the the song I'll Be Home For Christmas. Next we're treated to a traditional Maori carol called Te Harinui as well as the traditional Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. After a brief thanks, she explains the song and also that this will be her first Christmas away from home. At first she'd warmed to the idea but realised what she'd be missing, explaining that it is Summer in New Zealand after all. On a positive, she might get to experience a White Christmas. It is now she realises that she doesn't have her sleigh bells and explains they're essential to the next song. It leads on to her asking if anyone has any spare. Cue someone from the NYCoS choir to rattle a set and her asking them how they knew they'd be needing them. Fortunately, Michael the drummer/percussionist produces some and so it's onto Sleigh Ride.

All With You is next and is another track that Hayley wrote for her last album. Finally, she sings, what she believes is either the most popular or most well known, she can't remember, Christmas song. That is O Holy Night. With it being the last song, she leaves the stage. But no house lights come up. Is she coming back on?

Of course she is and once again, is joined with Thomas Oliver on stage. She invites the audience to join her in a spot of carolling with the song The First Nowell (which, for those who had purchased the programme, had probably realised something like this would happen). As the band start up, the audience is still seated, causing Hayley to stop and get the audience standing. After all, she's standing and it's good singing posture. So everyone is the standing singing three verses of the carol, meaning everyone present could claim that they'd sang with Hayley Westenra (a tweet from Hayley later on would reveal she thought Glasgow rocked the carolling). This brought the evening to a close.

Overall, despite being cold outside, it was a fantastic atmosphere in the main auditorium. Hayley was engaging with the audience, if appearing shy and a little embarrassed when people clapped at the end of her songs. She is one of the few artists around who sounds the exact same live as she does in studio recordings so you don't sort of feel cheated. You get what you pay for and it was certainly worth every penny of the ticket price.

Buy Hayley Westenra releases @ Amazon.co.uk
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Steve McKenna – You Raise Me Up

2010-12-13T09:29:00.001-08:00

iTunes

If you're in Scotland and you happen to listen to Real Radio, then you'll already know what I'm about to say, so stop reading here. For those that don't, continue reading.

Steve McKenna is a presenter on Real Radio who has been forever slating Westlife and pretty much refusing to play it. So on a recent visit to Glasgow, the Westlife boys decided to do something about it. The options: get beaten up by the boys or perform one of their songs. You guessed it, he opted for performing one of their songs. The song he choose was You Raise Me Up, the video for which was released during Help For Heroes event after enough money was raised. Fortunately now, more money is going to be raised for such a worthwhile cause with it's download release.

There is only one word to describe this: fantastic! Steve obviously has hidden talents that no one was aware of. Add to that, that the release is in aid for Help For Heroes and you've got a winning combination.

Rating: 5/5

Sandi Thom – House Of The Rising Sun

2010-12-05T12:55:00.001-08:00

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | iTunes

House Of The Rising Sun is the brand new single from Sandi Thom. It is, as you've probably guessed from the title, a cover of the classic folk track (the most famous version probably by The Animals), but what a cover it is!

It's not your straight cover. Sandi performs it in her own style, with her powerful vocals being complimented by the instrumentation. Although performed I her own style, it still maintains that familiar feel to it.

This is a must for fans as it's not a track from her recent album, Merchants & Thieves. It's a recommended listen for anyone, a fan or not.

Rating:5/5