Tuesday, 27 September 2011

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

Sunday, 25 September 2011

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

Monday, 19 September 2011

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

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

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

Saturday, 3 September 2011

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