Movie Review: Hugo

Hugo

I'm an enormous fan of well-made "kid movies," or as I like to think of them, movies for the uncynical and young at heart. I think one of the biggest reasons they appeal to me so much is that they cut to the core of things. Oftentimes, a coming-of-age or childlike film gets right down to who a filmmaker is at their essence. This happens more often when great writers and directors are at the helm of these movies. They feel very personal. That's one of the reasons why I consider JJ Abram's Super 8 to be my favorite movie of the year (there are a hundred more, but this isn't a review of that film). Martin Scorsese's Hugo is right up there, and for many of the same reasons.

Based on a children's book by Brian Selznick (which, it kills me to say, I actually haven't read), Hugo is a completely unique, almost dream-like fable. I went in with little knowledge of the story and no expectations, which I think is the best possible frame of mind to be in before you watch this movie. After about the first fifteen minutes (more of an introduction to the title character's world... which ends with a stunning reveal of 1930s Paris) I found myself utterly engrossed. Riveted, even. This feeling lasted through the entire movie and the weird thing is, it's not a wham bang action thriller with huge plot twists and explosions. It's not the kind of thing I'd expect to be riveted by... yet there I was.

Now that I've given it some thought, I can put it down to several factors. First, the world of Hugo is utterly immersive. The color palette, the cinematography (the angles used to shoot inside the station are just thrilling to watch) and the side stories of the different goings on inside the station all add up to create a sense of place that's absolutely transportive. It's like a classic painting come to life. Story and character aside, it's beautiful to look at. But that's selling the story short. After awhile, you do know where it's going, but the journey to get there had me guessing. What's up with this strange boy's salvaged automaton? Or the mysterious toy seller, or the secrets his dead father seemed to know? I love a good mystery, especially when it pays off as well as this one did. I didn't expect the rich taste of history and filmmaking we get in the film's latter half. This is that deep, personal connection I was talking about earlier. It definitely feels like this is Scorsese's core. You almost expect the movie to head in a fantasy direction. What you get is quite different, and far more affecting.

Finally, I'd be leaving a gaping hole if I didn't at least mention the acting. It's uniformly excellent... "kid movie" or not. I've loved everything that Chloë Grace Moretz's done, so it's no surprise that she's amazing here (and it's nice to see her playing against the Let Me In/Kick-Ass type). Sacha Baron Cohen hams it up a little much here and there, but turns in a performance that ends up to be much more layered than it first seems. Ben Kingsley has one of the tougher performances and plays a critical role in the central mystery. He carries it off brilliantly, of course. And Asa Butterfield, the youngest of the bunch, carries the movie on his shoulders with a pair of ultra-expressive blue eyes that often speak louder than any line he's been given. He's the heart of Hugo, and wouldn't be a total shocker come Oscar nomination time.

The vague marketing isn't doing Hugo any favors, but if you like intelligent, engrossing, character driven movies (that just happen to star a child), you've got to check this out. Hell, if you're a fan of movies and moviemaking in general, I don't see how you could miss it! A

QUICK VERDICT: Must Go

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Donkeyboy - City Boy

"Underneath this doubt there's an ego"

I've established that Donkeyboy have one of the worst band name in pop music a long time ago, but that doesn't really matter because boy they're excellent. And they're back! City Boy is the first teaser from their upcoming album and, from the sound of it, they're going a little more electronic. While this might not be as lush as their past singles, I'm pleased that it's more uptempo. At first, the processed vocals irritated me, but I've grown to really love them--especially with the overall sound of the record. It will be interesting to see how this band develops. Their first (fantastic) album was a big hit in Scandinavia but couldn't find much traction anywhere else. I'm not sure if this is the song to break them out of cult status, but it's definitely a step in an interesting direction. I'm really loving it, especially the trippy music video.

Donkeyboy - City Boy by MrFavo

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the first album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Track-by-Track: One Direction - Up All Night

Though they've got a lot of competition in the UK, One Direction have released the best boyband album of the year by a mile. Not only that, but it's one of the best pop albums of 2011 as well. It's that rare case of a record where every track could be a single. Couple that with the guys' insane popularity and I think we've got a new Take That on our hands. Or at the very least, a new Mcfly.

1. What Makes You Beautiful - Their big, breakthrough single. This is the type of unabashed power pop that manages to cross audiences and appeal to everyone. It's everything these guys should be doing, and one of the year's best singles. 10/10

2. Gotta Be You - This, on the other hand, should never have been a single. It's a nice song and a great album track, but there are stronger ballads on here. It does have a very Christmassy sound, though. 9/10

3. One Thing - Basically What Makes You Beautiful Part II, which explains why it's the next single. Same writers, similar production, and nearly as catchy. This could end up being the band's defining sound. 10/10

4. More Than This - Probably the best ballad on here. It's got a mature, classic sound to it and a wonderful melody with the expected boyband lyrics. Niall sounds especially excellent here. If this isn't a future single, it's a real shame. 10/10

5. Up All Night - An uptempo, catchy track with more of a rock sound. It borders on the novelty side of things, but I really love the Def Leppard-esque refrain at the end of the chorus and all the little hooks that run through the track. As with most tracks on the album, it's a ready-made single. 9/10

6. I Wish - Melody is the focus here, as this is one of the more mature sounding tracks on the album. It's got a throwback sound--a little rock, a little country. It doesn't initially stand out, but becomes better each time you hear it. 10/10

7. Tell Me A Lie - This is such a ready-made hit. Written for (by?) Kelly Clarkson, it sounds a lot like My Life Would Suck Without You (which, ironically, the boys sang on X-Factor). If they really want to break America, this is the song to release. It's one of their absolute best. 10/10

8. Taken - Another ballad, this is a Harry-centric track. It reminds me of something that Hanson would record, and that is no bad thing. It has a very organic feel. 9/10

9. I Want - Probably my least favorite track on the album. It was written by Mcfly and has Queen-esque guitars in it, which should be a great thing. But the melody and lyrics just seem too obvious. Not bad by any standards, but not amazing either. 7/10

10. Everything About You - Ushering in the dancier part of the album, this is a propulsive, repetitive radio track. Maybe a tad too repetitive, but I guess that's sort of the point. It's instantly catchy, for sure. 8/10

11. Same Mistakes - The final ballad, and it's a great one. The melody really appeals to me. It's got an interesting sound that somehow feels a lot more indie than the other tracks on the album. 10/10

12. Save You Tonight - The band's RedOne collaboration, and it's totally RedOne by numbers. That being said, the song's grown immensely on me. The chorus is still a bit underwhelming, but I love the bridge and verses. 8/10

13. Stole My Heart - What a way to end the album! Over a Dynamite-esque beat, the guys have taken the current trend of electro-dance and perfected it. The chorus and production are ridiculous. This needs to be a single! 10/10

* One thing of note about this album is that the tracks are ordered completely wrong. Plus, every b-side they've released is worthy of a place on the album. So here's my new version of Up All Night (Alienhits version):
1. What Makes You Beautiful
2. One Thing
3. Tell Me A Lie
4. Up All Night
5. More Than This
6. Stole My Heart
7. Another World (GBY b-side)
8. Gotta Be You
9. Na Na Na (WMYB b-side)
10. Stand Up (deluxe version track)
11. I Wish
12. Taken
13. Everything About You
14. Save You Tonight
15. Same Mistakes
16. I Want
17. Moments (deluxe version track)
18. Forever Young (deluxe version track)

Album Grade: 9.2/10

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Reece Mastin - Good Night

"Let's go back to rock and roll"

Yes, I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to X-Factor. I'm currently watching three (UK, US and AU), though the Australian version ended this week. And unlike the trainwreck that is the US version (I'm watching purely out of loyalty, enjoying none of it), the Aussies got it completely right with their winner, Reece Mastin. Sometimes I think people need to be reminded of the definition of the show's title. From the beginning, Reece had undeniable x-factor. I'd argue that he's the best contestant in all three series, but even so, the Australian version had the best contestants this year so it was a hard fight to the finish. This is his winners' song. And in a refreshing surprise, it's not a ballad. Yeah, the melody and production might as well be Pink's Raise Your Glass, but at least it's current and radio-ready (unlike 99% of the winners' singles). Reece was amazing throughout the show (this and this and this) and even got to duet with the always wonderful Kylie Minogue in the final. I have a feeling they'll try to launch this kid internationally like they're doing with One Direction. I hope so! (and at 16--correct me if I'm wrong--he may be the youngest winner in the show's history. though how old was that Martin kid from Denmark when he won?)



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Watch his X-factor journey here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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One Direction - Stole My Heart

"Under the lights tonight, turned around"

It was so clear during last year's UK X-Factor that we were witnessing something special when One Direction were put together. And luckily, with the debut of their first album, they've delivered on the promise. Now this is pop music... not singer-songwriter critics-awards-bait. Let's get that out of the way. And this isn't a critics-award-bait band (though given Take That's current output, there's always a chance they could get there). What One Direction are is a massive pop band, a group of personalities capable of creating the type of groundswell needed to create real hysteria. And with a US contract official and a US release early next year, they will be global. And strangely, I knew this was going to happen ever since X-Factor. Sometimes you can just tell. But back to the music... I'll have a review of the album later (it's very good pop), but I wanted to share this track today because their handlers would be INSANE not to release this as a single at some point. Sure, it's reminiscent of some of the trends in pop now, but it perfects them. That chorus is a number one hit. It's one of the more electronic songs on the album, which is a direction (haha) I'd love for them to explore further in future albums.
Oh, and speaking of X-Factor, I'll have a song from the Australian version tomorrow (they totally, totally got the winner right... that's twice in a row, Aussies!)



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Rogue Traders - Don't Think I Love You

"God knows that I've tried"

Australia's Rogue Traders just (finally) released their first album with new vocalist Mindi Jackson. It was worth the wait! I really like Mindi's vocals--they remind me of early Kylie with a punk edge. On the whole, the album is very 80's inspired and mostly uptempo. It's definitely a progression from their earlier work with Natalie Bassingthwaighte. Less straight ahead dance and more new wave. If you've heard the singles, you know what to expect. One of my favorite tracks is Don't Think I Love You, which has an amazing, soaring chorus. It begins as a slow synth ballad but quickly bursts into a propulsive, sing-along melody. According to the band, the song came to life when they thought of mashing up Prince's Purple Rain and Blondie. It's a pretty good description, and the track's a total success. Ditto for the album.

Rogue Traders - Don't Think I Love You by nohfap

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Track-by-Track: Rihanna - Talk That Talk

Rihanna has never been cooler. From the styling to the distillation of sounds on her sixth album, I'm a big fan of this era in her career. Though there's a clunker or two, and the tracks could do with some reshuffling, this could easily end up as my favorite Rihanna album.

1. You Da One - This track suffers greatly from being the opener, where it's completely out of place. Looking past that, it's a solid mid-tempo reggae flavored song. We've heard this before from Rihanna, but there's no one better when it comes to this kind of stuff. 8/10

2. Where Have You Been - Now we're talking! This is the first heavy dance track on the album. I'm convinced she should do an entire album with Calvin Harris. It's such a great match. The melody is just soaring, too. 10/10

3. We Found Love - And when we're on the topic of "soaring," this single pretty much defines the term. It's well on its way to becoming my favorite Rihanna track. So simple, but so incredibly effective. 10/10

4. Talk That Talk (ft. Jay-Z) - I could do without the Jay-Z bits, which go on a bit too long, but other than that, I'm a huge fan of this. I love the simple, almost orchestral sounding beat. Seems like an obvious single choice. 9/10

5. Cockiness (I Love It) - This approaches MIA levels of bonkers. I should hate it. It's near atonal at parts, but the craziness just works wonders. It also ushers in the album's "dirty" sequence. The next few songs are easily her most sexual work. 10/10

6. Birthday Cake - The most pointless track she's ever done. It's not a full song, but not an interlude either. It just sort of goes nowhere until it fades out, totally screwing up the sequence in the process. I don't understand the logic behind this. 7/10

7. We All Want Love - Of the full songs, this is probably the only clunker. It's pleasant enough, but just so straightforward and anonymous. The only "filler" track on the album, though it would probably sound better toward the end of the album. 7/10

8. Drunk On Love - A big belter with a Te Amo-esque beat. Not single worthy, but an excellent album track. 9/10

9. Roc Me Out - One of the album's best songs, and probably should have been the first on the cd. It's like SOS meets Shut Up And Drive meets Rude Boy, but might be better than all three. The chorus is massive. 10/10

10. Watch 'N Learn - Another favorite. The playful sexuality and lush midtempo production reminds me a bit of Janet Jackson. There's something about the seesaw melody that's so addictive. 10/10

11. Farewell - The album's big ballad. Think along the lines of the last few tracks on Rated R. The lyrics are a little clumsy, but the production is beautiful and I love how she didn't hold back on the drama. 9/10

* If I were to take a stab at reordering the sequence, I'd do this: 1. Roc Me Out 2. Where Have You Been 3. We Found Love 4. Talk That Talk 5. You Da One 6. Cockiness (I Love It) 7. Watch 'N Learn 8. Drunk On Love 9. We All Want Love 10. Farewell (unfortunately, I don't like any of the bonus tracks enough yet to warrant adding them to the album)

Album Grade: 9.0/10

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JLS - Shy Of The Cool

"She's just a few degrees shy of the cool"

After enjoying both of the singles, I've given in and listened to my first JLS album. It's not normally the type of music I'm into, but I really like about half to three quarters of the album (the rest is just too generic). In addition to all the of-the-moment upbeat tracks, this wonderful little song is nestled right at the end of the album. Apparently, it was written by the guys even before their stint on X-Factor. It forgoes trendiness and focuses on spare production and a winning melody. Everything about this works. And while I'm on the topic of JLS, who else can't wait until the inevitable Aston solo album a few years down? The guy's got an amazing voice. If he goes about it in an interesting way, he could be massive on his own.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Track-by-Track: Cher Lloyd - Sticks & Stones

Post X-Factor albums are always an interesting prospect. More a chance to establish an artist's sound and image than an actual, cohesive album, they're best judged on their own standards. And using this criteria, Cher Lloyd's debut is definitely a success. Room for growth, but a success nonetheless.

1. Grow Up - A good, extremely catchy opening. The melody in the chorus reminds me of the Toys R Us jingle, which cracks me up (and is even funnier since Lloyd samples a lot throughout this album). The cameo from Busta Rhymes is also a nice little trip back to the 90's. 8/10

2. Want U Back - If this isn't a single, Lloyd's management are crazy. From the very first listen, it's a bonafide smash. The grunting noises totally make it. 10/10

3. With Ur Love - This is the track that made me come around to Cher's music career. It's laidback, subtly addictive and very cool. it wouldn't make a bad US single, either. Mike Posner's sort of extraneous, but doesn't detract. 10/10

4. Swagger Jagger - This fits much better in the context of the album, though the choice of sample still irks me. The production is great, though. A guilty pleasure. 8/10

5. Beautiful People - The last perfect track on the album. This is a great ballad and suits Lloyd's voice very well. It works alright as a duet with Carolina Liar, but probably would have been just as effective if she sang it alone. 10/10

6. Playa Boi - This song succeeds because of its excellent sample. That being said, the original song is miles more creative. I wish she would have just done a straight cover rather than augment it with some pretty lame lyrics. Still, that chorus melody is always welcome. 9/10

7. Superhero - A more laidback facet of Cher's sound, this has a very catchy melody and some nice lyrics. Even so, it's the first track to feel slightly underwhelming. 8/10

8. Over The Moon - A cutesy, nursery-rhyme sounding chorus battles with harder edged, rapped verses. It works surprisingly well, though the hook can quickly go from endearing to irritating. 8/10

9. Dub On The Track - The hardest track on the album, this is pretty much rap, dubstep, grime... all of that stuff thrown together. It's Cher's "street" side. It goes on too long, but it's not bad. 8/10

10. End Up Here - My least favorite track. That's not to say it's bad, but it certainly doesn't do anything interesting. It's pretty much the standard midtempo post-Ryan-Tedder pop/r&b track. Nothing more, nothing less. 7/10

* Worth noting are the album's two bonus tracks, the gorgeous cover of "Stay" and "Talk That," which should probably have been on the album as well.

Album Grade: 8.6/10

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Sebastian - Sunday Morning

"Sunday morning took my soul"

What do we think about this, guys? Sweden's ex-Idol contestant Sebastian debuted his new electropop sound in this year's MF contest back in February, but I had my reservations about that track. Now, he's following it up with a song in a similar vein. It's less instantly catchy, but it also doesn't have those moments that made me dislike the last one. I wish it had a little more oomph to it, but I'm happy that he's continued working in this genre. It's certainly a smooth little pop song. I'm not sure if an album is in the works (I assume so), but it's about time for him to make a comeback. I loved the first two albums. The third one, less so... but I'm ready for another!

Sebastian - Sunday Morning by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Nightwish - Storytime

"I am the voice of Never-Never Land"

After months of long lulls in interesting music releases, the floodgates have opened this November. My latest obsession is this incredible, huge, ridiculously overblown track by Finnish symphonic rock band Nightwish. Some of you might already be familiar with Nightwish. They're big in Scandinavia and have quite a huge cult following around the world. They've been around for awhile but it's been a few years since their last release. This is the first single from the new album, Imaginaerium, which is due out in a couple of weeks. The album's going to have an accompanying movie, which I am so excited about. Nightwish is the perfect kind of band to have their own rock opera. But enough about the album. This song... oh my god this SONG. I have no words, really. Instead, let me highlight some of the things I'm obsessing over:

1. The fact that this essentially sounds like Abba fronting a classical/metal/goth band.
2. The children's choir/MASSIVE symphonic breakdown two thirds of the way through.
3. The references to "Peter Pan" and storytelling, which I gather is the subject matter of the concept album.
4. That. Chorus.

Bottom line, this is one of the best singles I've heard all year. I CAN'T WAIT for the album!

Nightwish - Storytime by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Natalia Kills - Kill My Boyfriend

"He's only nice when there's somebody there"

I've slowly come around to Natalia Kills. At first I thought she was the poor man's Lady Gaga (but the British version, which should technically be much cooler). I'm all for more theatricality in pop music, but nobody wants a copycat. Luckily, with every single she releases, Natalia is carving out an identity all her own. Wonderland was excellent (but still very Gaga), Free was, for me, the turning point. It's an excellent pop song in its own right. And now, with Kill My Boyfriend, she's ready for her first big hit. If everything goes well, this should be the song that introduces her to a bigger audience. It's cheeky without being annoying, but more importantly it has an undeniably catchy melody that hits you on the first listen. I love the mix of tones here... playful at one moment and then sleazy the next. Of course, with the title of this song and her stage name, people are gonna get the wrong idea about this girl!

Natalia Kills - Kill My Boyfriend by Marco_g2

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Track-by-Track: The Sound Of Arrows - Voyage

It's difficult to review this album on a track-by-track basis, because more than any other recent release that I can remember, this is a collection of songs meant to be experienced together. As the album's title expresses, this is a voyage... and one hell of a fantastic one at that. Expectations were high after a string of amazing singles, but these guys have done the increasingly impossible task of creating a perfect, modern pop album. I can't stop listening to it.

1. Into The Clouds - What more can be said about this? Amazing. One of the best pop songs of the last few years. I love the new, dramatic synth opening. It's absolutely majestic. This track alone will get you hooked on the band. 10/10

2. Wonders - This was a "9" until I heard it in the context of the album. A few days ago, I really had my "moment" with the song. It's a massive dance track and one of the more uptempo songs on here. It flows perfectly from the last one. The drums are especially huge. 10/10

3. My Shadow - Compared to some other tracks, this is pretty straightforward and radio friendly. It's very reminiscent of 80's era Pet Shop Boys. This is a very good thing... even better than I would have thought. The instrumental alone is gorgeous. 10/10

4. Magic - An irresistibly feel-good single. The music video made me fall in love with it, but after several months with the new single mix, I haven't gotten tired of it. I love the use of the children's choir. 10/10

5. Ruins Of Rome - A natural progression from the last track, this also utilizes the children's choir... but to very different effect. This has a darker, more plodding feel to it. It's by no means a bad thing. It's got a real cinematic grandeur to it. While not as instant as the past four tracks, I'm now thoroughly addicted. So, yes, it's another 10/10

6. Longest Ever Dream - I think I like the instrumental portion of this better than the vocals. It's still extremely strong (and I love the operatic bits), but I wish they would have reserved the female vocal parts for background only. That would've made it perfect. As it is, the verses fall just a little short. 9/10

7. Hurting All The Way - My least favorite track, but that's not saying a lot because the entire album is brilliant. It's more of a short palate cleanser than a full song. In that regard, it totally works. It's just quite slow and doesn't really go anywhere. 8/10

8. Conquest - Back to straightforward pop. Of course, nothing's quite straightforward with these guys. This has a slight island flavor (which strangely works), and a funky beat with one of the album's catchiest choruses. 9/10

9. Nova - The second single, and probably the most aggressive sounding track on the album. I've loved this song from the beginning, and it's no different here. Once that beat kicks in, it's pretty epic. 10/10

10. There Is Still Hope - Speaking of epic... oh my god. This is the longest track on the album, but it earns every single minute. Starting with a dramatic synth intro before bursting into an anthemic, triumphant melody, this is rousing, life-affirming stuff. Essential. 10/10

11. Lost City - In a lot of ways, this acts as the ending credits to a great journey. I'm not usually a big fan of instrumentals, but this is flawless. The vocals at the end are just icing on the cake. 10/10

* Though I won't count them in the album's grade, some versions come with two bonus tracks. It's worth highlighting "Disappear," which is a wonderfully uptempo pop track that's actually one of their stronger recordings.

Album Grade: 9.6/10

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Cher Lloyd - Want U Back

"Remember all the things that you and I did first?"

Cher Lloyd's released a great little pop album this week with her debut, Sticks & Stones. I loved her during her run on X-factor, went a bit off with the first single, but am totally a fan again now. I must be crazy, because even Swagger Jagger's alright with me. Cher's love-it-or-hate-it attitude is totally present on many of the album's tracks, and this is one of the best examples. I love the grunting parts (I never thought I'd write that in a track review), but beyond that, this is a modern pop song that just works. Even the stupid helicopter bit at the end doesn't ruin it (why do artists insist on these unfunny little joke bits after songs?). Though they're spoiled for choice when it comes to singles, they'd be crazy not to send this to radio. It's concise, energetic and melodic with just enough attitude to make it unpredictable.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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The Sound Of Arrows - There Is Still Hope

"In the darkest hour, there is still hope"

Absolutely euphoric. That's about all I can say when it comes to The Sound Of Arrows' debut album. it may sound like hyperbole, but with the release of Voyage, these guys may have just saved the modern pop album. This track comprises the album's conclusion, so I almost feel wrong offering it for sample out of context. It works best as an earned climax to the journey that the album takes you on, but it's just so damn good that I need people to hear it. If this doesn't make you want to get the album, I don't know what will. At nearly eight minutes, it's the longest, most epic track on the album. Though believe me, it speeds by and almost (in a strange way) seems too short. The grandiose opening will grab your attention, but once those drums usher in that anthemic melody of the verses, you'll be pumping your fist along. In some ways, it's the closest these guys get to a "Don't Stop Believing" moment, though this is not nearly as straightforward. Ugh. It's brilliant. You've gotta play this album loud. Believe me.

The Sound Of Arrows - There Is Still Hope by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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The Wanted - I'll Be Your Strength

"We can make it through the stormy weather"

Today is a great day for new pop albums, so expect to hear about them this week. First up is the Wanted. I never considered myself much of a boy band fan, yet two of this month's most anticipated albums for me are by boy bands (The Wanted & One Direction). But the thing is, despite a few songs, these two groups aren't stuck in the formula that you'd expect. Sure, they've got their own formula, but that's a different matter. I was a big fan of the Wanted's first album and their new one--while not quite as exciting--is full of great UK pop. Rather than boast any huge standouts, the album is consistently good. My taste, as usual, sides with the melodic, so my favorite tracks are the ones that hit hardest in that regard. But more than melody, I love how this track segues from delicate ballad to smashing dance anthem. I do wish the dance portion would last just a little longer, but it's a minor quibble. It's no surprise that Xenomania had a hand in this track. Their work is always fantastic. Side note: while I'm really enjoying it, the album as a whole has some of the clumsiest lyrics I've heard all year.

I'll Be Your Strength - The Wanted by 7Lacerda

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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The Fall's New TV Line-up: Part Three

Okay, so I wrote about my most anticipated new Fall shows, I offered my initial thoughts, and now it's time to conclude the TV fun with my final verdict.

1. X-Factor
Still watching, but I'm finding myself slightly underwhelmed. I guess I'm just so used to the UK and Australian versions, which are much, much more entertaining. Our host is ridiculously stiff, our contestants (while talented) are mostly American Idol-style boring, and last night's results were a disaster. America continues to vote for the predictable over the surprising. I'll watch the entire season, but not with the excitement I give the other versions of the series.

2. Terra Nova
Dropped. I gave it about four episodes. I loved the pilot, but the quality of storytelling dropped considerably after that. Too many cliched, been-there-done-that storylines. Too bad.

3. Ringer
Dropped. It didn't completely pull me in after the first episode and I just don't have time for shows that are only alright.

4. American Horror Story
Still watching, and loving. It's my favorite new show of the year. I love the characters, I love the unsettling vibe, and most of all I love how I don't know where each episode is going.

5. The Playboy Club
Dropped. Well, it was the first show of the season to be cancelled. That about says it all.

6. Revenge
Still watching. I've lost some interest with this new romantic portion of the storyline, but I'm still fully onboard with this show and will be all season.

7. Once Upon A Time
Watched Pilot. The second episode's on my DVR. I liked it, but I'm obviously not all that excited.

8. Pan Am
Never watched. I intended to. I really did. But it's not gonna happen.

9. The Secret Circle
Dropped. Same deal as Ringer. I watched the pilot, thought it was alright, but never saw another episode.

10. Suburgatory
Still watching, and enjoying more with every episode. It took me awhile to fully get onboard, but I'm glad that I am because this show is very funny.

So there we go, the Fall TV Season in a nutshell. This is actually a pretty good ratio of "Still Watching" and "Dropped" for me. What about you guys? What are you into and what have you dropped?

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Rhydian - The Promise

"If you'll wait around awhile, I'll make you fall for me"

While the winner of the 2007 UK X-Factor has faded into obscurity, the runner-up, Rhydian Roberts, has quietly carved out a nice little pop opera career for himself. I loved him on the show, but only when he did the crossover songs--pop or rock with just a taste of opera. Because of this, his first two albums weren't of much interest to me. They could've been released by someone like Josh Groban and I probably wouldn't have noticed the difference. But for his third full-length, Rhydian's done something very special. He's recorded an entire album of obscure 80's covers. It's the perfect move, really, and something I always hoped he'd do. This track was originally a single (their only successful one) by British pop group When In Rome in 1988. Rhydian sounds great on the track. He amps up the tempo a bit and takes the track to the dancefloor. In some ways, it's got a strong Malena Ernman La Voix sound to it. I could imagine something like this going down very well in a venue like Melodifestivalen.

02 The Promise by ConeheadUK

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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November is the Month for Albums

November is always a reliably strong month for pop music. Historically, it's when most of the would-be blockbuster albums are released in time for Holiday shopping. This year, we need November more than ever. It's been a pitiful past few months for big pop albums. I can't remember a dry spell this lengthy in years. It seems like everything's just been shut down since the Spring. Even countries like Sweden, who are usually quality pop producers, have been quiet of late. Luckily, there are plenty of releases coming up in the next few weeks that I'm very much looking forward to:

The Sound Of Arrows - Voyage (11/7)
I've been waiting for this one for years. The singles have all been excellent, the videos even better. I can't wait to hear the album in full.
Samples



The Wanted - Battleground (11/7)
Their first album was a very pleasant surprise and I'm hoping for more of the same on this one.

Samples




Cher Lloyd - Sticks & Stones (11/7)
The new single is excellent and Lloyd is an undeniable pop star. Having heard most of this already, I know it'll be great.

Samples



One Direction - Up All Night (11/21)
My favorite X-Factor contestants of all time had one of my favorite singles of the year already. I'm eagerly awaiting more from them.
Samples



Rihanna - Talk That Talk (11/21)
There isn't even a tracklist yet, but Rihanna never disappoints. The new single is one of her best and the new video is the most riveting thing she's ever put to film.
Video



Olly Murs - In Case You Didn't Know (11/28)
I wasn't sold on his debut, but I've loved both of the singles from this. I'm hoping this will end up as a nice surprise.
Video



Eric Saade - Saade Vol. 2 (11/30)
Volume One left me mostly cold, but I have faith in Saade. He's representing Sweden this month, so he better not disappoint.
Single



Others that I'll give a try: Pixie Lott - Young Foolish Happy JLS - Jukebox, Snow Patrol - Fallen Empires, The Saturdays - On Your Radar

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Titus Jones - Bad Things Will Roll With The Devil

"I wanna do bad things with you"

I'm a massive admirer of Titus Jones' work, so every time he releases a new mash-up I get super excited. His mixes are more than simple mash-ups. He's got an incredible knack for re-configuring samples into brand new songs. This track, including elements of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Katy Perry and the epic True Blood theme song (amongst others), is no different. It's got a bit of a Halloween theme to it, so I guess today it's more of a Halloween hangover. If you haven't checked out the rest of Jones' work, you've gotta go to his website now and download it. You won't be disappointed. His best track remains the awesome La Roux/Robyn/Whitney Houston/Taylor Swift mix, but they're all pretty amazing. Oh, and this song is also free to download!

Titus Jones - Bad Things Will Roll With The Devil by titusjones

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Download more here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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