The Wanted // Glad You Came

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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

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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

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