Marcus Collins // Seven Nation Army

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

For those of you that don’t know who Marcus is, he was the runner up in the 2011 UK X-Factor competition, missing out to Little Mix. Now he’s releasing his debut single, a cover of the White Stripes Seven Nation Army

With it’s distinctive bass line, we can’t help feel that if the song had been kept at the same genre, we might like it a little bit more. Sadly, we’re not impressed with this first offering. First rule of doing a cover; do it justice! There’s just too many instruments, feels as if the song doesn’t fit his voice and that he is just trying too hard. We’re thinking if the single b-side (and now we see it’s apparently appearing on the album as the last track) Break These Chains would grab more attention than this (and that’s just basing it on a 1 minute clip!)

Rather worryingly, his album is out shortly but is this rushed album a mistake? Only time will tell…..

Rating: 2/5

New Music Friday: Military Wives & Marcus Collins

We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to bring you snippets from the 2011 Christmas No.1 group, Military Wives! The album, In My Dreams is released on the 5th March and features the no.1 single Wherever You Are as well as songs by Adele, U2 & Coldplay! Check out the samples below! We’ve wishing them the best with the album

Military Wives - In My Dreams by DeccaRecords

Pre-order: Amazon | HMV

2nd track for today comes from X-Factor runner-up, Marcus Collins! As you probably know, his debut single will be a cover of the White Stripes Seven Nation Army. But to be fair, we’re looking forward to the ‘b-side’ (at least on the digital version) to it, Break These Chains.  Check out a snippet below!

'Break These Chains' by MarcusCollins

Pre-order single @ Amazon | HMV | iTunes

Film Review: Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

The Force returns to the big screen with the what is possibly the first 3D version of the Star Wars franchise. Would you believe that it been 13 years since the film originally burst onto our screens and now, it's being brought to a newer audience.

There isn't much difference in the original film...well apart from some additional scenes or extended scenes that have been sneaked in. The 3D does work particularly for the pod racing and space scenes (and on the computer generated characters), though more was expected from the final fight.

Is it worth going to see? Well, we guess it depends whether or not how much of a fan you are. If you remember it first time round, then yes, maybe you'll want to check it out. Maybe you've got kids that will enjoy it. Still, most will use the excuse, it's Star Wars!

Rating: 4/5

One Direction // One Thing

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

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

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

Buy @ YesAsia.com | Download @ iTunes

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

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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