Lady Gaga // Marry The Night

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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

 
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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

 
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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

 
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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

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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

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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

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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

 
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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

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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

 
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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

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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

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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

 

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

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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

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

Olly Murs: Official Site | Amazon.co.uk | iTunes
Sugababes: Official Site | Amazon.co.uk | iTunes
Cover Drive: Official Site | iTunes
Matt Cardle: Official Site | Amazon.co.uk | iTunes
Nina Nesbitt: Official Facebook
Pixie Lott: Official Site | Amazon.co.uk | iTunes
Dappy: Official Site | iTunes
Jessie J: Official Site | Amazon.co.uk | iTunes

Aloe Blacc // Green Lights

 
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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