Flashback Friday: The Fixx - Deeper And Deeper

"The more I see, the more I fall"

Most people know The Fixx for their one big hit in the US, One Thing Leads To Another. While that track undeniably earns its "hit" status, it's never been one of my favorite 80's songs. I much prefer this track, which I first discovered as part of the soundtrack to the awesome 80's cult movie, Streets Of Fire. To me, it sounds nothing like One Thing. Instead, it's got a real aggressive, beat-heavy sound. When I heard it the first time, I had no idea who the band was, but I was definitely hooked. The production's just outstanding, complimenting the ultra-catchy guitar-riff infused hook perfectly. Also worth noting: the band has a new album out this year!



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

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Muse - Panic Station

"This chaos, it defies imagination"

With Muse, I've gone from loving them to not loving them and back again. Absolution continues to be my favorite of their albums, while the follow-ups have had their moments but failed to completely win me over from beginning to end. With this new one, they've finally gone and modified their sound, opting for a slightly more electronic--even dubstep--influence. It couldn't have happened soon enough. They sound reinvigorated, and even though I haven't had the time to delve in more seriously, on first listen the album sounds stronger than they've released in awhile. I love the record's big, theatrical moments (of which there are many), but it was this funky, surprisingly straightforward little song that got me right off the bat. It's really an example of what a simple melody and production can do if it's this awesome. It's like Muse mixed with Scissor Sisters! (And who would've ever expected that combination??)



(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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EXO-K - History

"I need you and you want me"

I find it so cool that PSY's ubiquitous (and honestly, awesome as hell) Gangnam Style could potentially become the first Korean song that hits number one in America. I mean, who ever thought we'd see a situation like this? The song's not even performed in English, which is a huge stumbling block in this country. K-Pop has a big cult following around the world, and rightly so. I'm not gonna pretend I'm an expert on the genre, but I am fascinated with it. I'm fascinated by the obvious polish and particularly the visual ambition of these South Korean groups. PSY's latest EP is definitely worth listening to, if just for the fantastic production alone, but I'm gonna highlight another act today. EXO-K is a Korean boyband, though they also have a Chinese equivalent who perform the same songs/routines (another fascinating idea). Think of them as South Korea's One Direction, though the styling and music couldn't be more different. Anyway, they're pretty damn good. The dramatic Mama, with its awesome video, is worth a look, but it's History that I can't get out of my head. One of its creators just happens to be Thomas Troelsen, of Private fame. That definitely explains a lot. Beyond that, though, the beat is just sick. Really funky. I don't care if I don't understand 95% of it. I love this.



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

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One Direction - Live While We're Young

"I know we only met, but let's pretend it's love"

Well, it's here. A few days early, but it's here all the same. Those who have been following the blog for awhile know what a huge fan I am of all things X-Factor UK (and AU, to be honest), so naturally that means that I've been following One Direction's career since they were on the show. In fact, I believe I totally called that they were going to be the biggest band in the world way back when they were on the live shows in 2010. I love being right, for once! Anyways, the new single Live While We're Young is basically What Makes You Beautiful: The Sequel, except now we're past the courtship stage and... you know... getting it on. While the track's not as good as WMYB, despite following the exact same template, it's still a wonderful slice of uber-catchy power pop. Some have criticized the group for sticking with the same sound, but I like that they're carving out a niche for themselves and that it just happens to be this cheesy, Swedish-produced pop, rather than the ubiquitous r&b/dance hybrid that's everywhere nowadays.



(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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Flashback Friday: Michael Jackson - Al Capone

"A madman's out tonight"

This is a bit of an odd Flashback Friday because, even if the song was recorded back in the 80's, it wasn't officially available to the public before this week. Al Capone is one of the awesome demos included in the 25th anniversary edition of Michael Jackson's Bad. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how absolutely epic and classic that album was (as well as all four of his first albums), so it's beyond awesome to hear other tracks recorded in that era. There are only a few artists in history that bring me so much excitement from something as simple as b-sides and unreleased material. Michael is right at the top. I would listen to anything he recorded. Al Capone is especially cool because it's the template for what would become the legendary Smooth Criminal. You can hear the similarities--the staccato instrumentation and verses, the urgency of the melody and vocals--but it is really a totally different song. Sort of a shadow version of Smooth Criminal. Its younger, rougher sibling. To me, at least, the existence of this is a very special gift. To the Powers That Be: Please release more.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy Bad 25 here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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The Top Ten Singles By... Britney Spears

Now that Britney's a judge on X-Factor USA (which you should be watching, by the way), I thought it would be a fitting time to look back at her surprisingly extensive catalogue. I'm not sure I'd ever point to her as being a real musical "artist," but that doesn't mean that she hasn't released some excellent pop music in the last thirteen years.

10. Overprotected (2002) - From my personal favorite album of hers (and the most overlooked), this re-calibrated the Max Martin sound just enough to stand out as an edgier, more urban direction for her.

9. Everytime (2004) - My favorite Spears ballad. The spare, haunting piano draws you in even before the melody starts. It's restrained, sad, and very memorable.

8. Born To Make You Happy (1999) - One of the many pure pop moments on her debut, this was only released as a single internationally. It's a pity. Even though the lyrics are cringeworthy, the glossy melody is sonic bliss.

7. I Wanna Go (2011) - It's the damned whistles! I loved this from the moment I heard it. So catchy, yet it doesn't try too hard. This is a producer's showcase, but the production is ace.

6. Piece Of Me (2007) - Released during her... troubled years... this was co-written by none other than Klas Åhlund, famous for his work with Swedish pop legend Robyn. In fact, Robyn even provided backing vocals. That explains why it's so smart and engaging.

5. Oops!... I Did It Again (2000) - After ...Baby One More Time, Britney had to release something just as huge in order to stay relevant. This wasn't quite up to par--being much more novelty in nature--but it still stands as one of her indelible classics, delivering a one two punch when combined with the aforementioned Time.

4. Toxic (2004) - A much needed sonic change for her. At the time, the combination of surf guitars and glossy pop sounded practically revolutionary. It still holds up well today.

3. Sometimes (1999) - So. Freaking. Cheesy. But you know what? You just can't deny that melody. It's pop that doesn't care about being cool or reinventing the wheel. Instead, it focuses on being relentlessly singalong and one of the sweetest, least-calculated moments in her career.

2. I'm A Slave 4 U (2001) - Her first major reinvention, and it was a slam dunk. This time, Britney took inspiration from one of her idols, Janet Jackson, and went for an edgier, more urban sound that was at once more subtle and much more mature. This still sounds amazing in 2012.

1. ...Baby One More Time (1998) - Her first, and still her best. I mean, come on! How can you argue against something like this. It's turned from song to statement to the stuff of cheesy pop legends.

So there you go! But here's the thing, no list is complete without hearing what you think! Leave your top ten Britney Spears songs in the comments!

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Mika - Overrated

"Words get broken, cut me open"

Please believe me when I say that this new Mika album is freaking excellent. I wasn't a fan of his last one beyond the singles, but he's created something really special here. I'll have a full review shortly, but for now enjoy this track, which is one of the many highlights. Overrated is Mika as we've never heard him before. It's an aggressive, experimental electro/dance track with some really powerful vocals. I know he's famous for that falsetto, but I absolutely love the lower tones in his voice, and they're on full display here. There are some parts which are very on trend in the dance world, like the euphoric synths in the chorus, but the verses and bridge are so damned interesting. More and more, interesting pop is hard to find. Congrats, Mika. You totally redeemed yourself, and then some.



(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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Track-By-Track: Carly Rae Jepsen - Kiss

Five years ago, I was watching the fifth season of Canadian Idol. That was Carly Rae Jepsen's year. I remember her as a quirky singer-songwriter type--not my personal preference when it comes to genre or style, but charismatic nonetheless. Who would have thought, half a decade later, that she would have reinvented herself as a pop princess and taken over the world with what has to be the most well-known pop song of the year? Now, she's released her first big pop album. No, not just "pop." It's bubblegum pop, through and through. So how does it rate?

1. Tiny Little Bows - Opens with a sample of Sam Cooke's Cupid, which is an oddly old-school choice, before bounding into a string-laden, intensely propulsive pop song. It's like Call Me Maybe part two. The verses are the standouts here. 9/10

2. This Kiss - The third single, and probably the most 80's inspired moment on the album. It's one of those top-down, drive-around-in-the-summer pop songs with a huge chorus and even better verses. Still, it doesn't quite have the same sticking power as her very best material. 9/10

3. Call Me Maybe - There's a reason this has been so huge around the world. Sure, it sounds a bit tired now, having been played to death (and then some) on the radio, tv and youtube, but think back to the months when it first came out and how refreshingly upbeat it was. Give it time, it'll sound great again. 10/10

4. Curiosity - This was one of my favorite tracks on her previous EP and, as a pop song, it's still amazing. But, it's getting downgraded in score for the hollow production revamp its been given on the album version. It sounded so much better with its warmer, slightly more organic sound. The production drains something, here. 9/10

5. Good Time (with Owl City) - I'm not a fan of Owl City. At all. So, it surprised me how much this single won me over in the end. I love the fuzzy synths in the background and the anthemic, wordless chorus. 9/10

6. More Than A Memory - This approaches Taylor Swift territory. It's still unbelievably glossy and poppy, and the chorus is instantly catchy, but it's a slight step down from the very strong opening segment of the album. 8/10

7. Turn Me Up - Now this is what I'm talking about! This is total, pop/dance bliss. The propulsive production and aggressive melody really makes this a standout, despite its boring title. 10/10

8. Hurt So Good - This is a little all over the place. It's got some great power keyboard riffs that are straight from the 80's, but it's a little frantic--particularly the chorus. 8/10

9. Beautiful (ft. Justin Bieber) - The only slower (and even then, its midtempo) track on the album. It's nothing special, but it serves as a much-needed breather from all the high energy bubblegum that preceded it. Of anything on the album, it sounds the most like her older stuff. 8/10

10. Tonight I'm Getting Over You - A big, contemporary club banger. I believe this is the next single in Canada, and I can see why. It's not the strongest track on the album, but it's one of the most current. 9/10

11. Guitar String / Wedding Ring - Despite the cringeworthy title, this is a definite standout. Impossibly catchy, it's got a lot of character for what's essentially a straightforward pop track. I love the dizzying synths in the chorus and the unexpected routes she leads the melody. 10/10

12. Your Heart Is A Muscle - This is pure 90's, lighters-in-the-air cheese. It's more organic sounding than most of the album, and a fitting closer as it's got that rallying, singalong quality to it. Very, very catchy. 9/10

Album Grade: 9.0/10
On the whole, a strong, strong pop album. There are also some wonderful bonus tracks on the deluxe editions. Won't review them here, but they're worth searching out.

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Natalia Kills - Controversy

"Drink the kool-aid, don't drink the kool-aid"

I've been sort of hot and cold when it comes to Natalia Kills. Some of her stuff, I absolutely love, but a lot of her album tracks just didn't hit with me. Plus, like others have noted, her constant desire to be controversial and "arty," can sometimes get in the way of a good tune (sound familiar, Lady Gaga?). So it's going to be a bit strange that I'm now singing the praises of her least melodic, most controversy-baiting single. In fact, the song's even called Controversy (in case we didn't get it). It should be horrible, but I find this utterly engaging. The beat, for starters, is absolutely addictive. I love the industrial production. Then there's Natalia's delivery, which really sells it. There's something very charismatic about her speaking voice. When I first heard the song title, I thought about Prince, which is a comparison that still stands today. This reminds me of something he might have done way back when.



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

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Flashback Friday: John Miles - Music

"Music was my first love and it'll be my last"

How about a rousing, cheesy ballad for our flashback today? It doesn't get any more earnest than this. Music, by English musician John Miles, was a big hit in Europe in the late 70's. It alternates between tender balladry and out-an-out symphonic grandeur. If you know me, it'll be no surprise that I'm in it for the symphonic grandeur part, particularly the last couple of minutes. I always laugh at the first falsetto verse in the song (soooo cheesy), but by the end of the track I'm brought around to loving everything about this gargantuan piece of over-the-top awesomeness. We don't have this kind of stuff in us anymore. It's a shame, really.



(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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Son Of A Kid - Consider This Self-Defense

"I'm not afraid to enter the fray"

Sweden's Son Of A Kid (once part of the excellent synth-pop group Dyno/Set Fire Run) has been releasing new demos at a blistering pace. Many of them haven't connected that strongly with me, but they are only demos, so that's to be expected. This track, though, sounds like something that could have been released by Dyno. It's got that driving, full-production sound, especially in the chorus. It's what I first fell in love with when I heard this band/artist, and I'm glad to see that it's still in full force. I also like the lyrics and title, which promise the kind of emotive, aggressive pop song that definitely appeals to me. Best of all, the song can be downloaded for free by following the link below!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Listen to (and download) his other stuff here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Matchbox Twenty - Radio

"We feel it in our hearts for sure"

Matchbox Twenty reminds me of middle and high school, a time of my life where they ruled the airwaves. It's wonderfully nostalgic to listen to their new album now, which is I'm sure the whole idea of this campaign. But the thing is, they're not just coasting on nostalgia. While the new album, North, isn't their best (I still love the debut), it's not the tepid "comeback" most 90's stars release, either. The band have added some new tricks to their already expertly produced, radio friendly mix. There's some synthy dance stuff in there that'll shock their core audience, but my favorite is this rockabilly, subtly anthemic pop track (appropriately) called Radio. It truly shows how a good song transcends genres. In this song alone, there are brief elements of 80's power ballad, brassy swing, UK punk and, of course, classic Matchbox Twenty. It's also far more rousing than the band have any right to be at this stage in their career.



(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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Robbie Williams - Candy

"Liberate your sons and daughters"

That tidal wave of new music I was talking about last week has started, and Robbie Williams' return to pop is among the spoils we get to bask in for the next few months. Many are calling this his comeback single, but I don't think that's really true. I mean, his last album sold very well and was released only a couple of years ago, and his reunion with Take That was a bonafide blockbuster. So, it's not really a comeback. More of a victory lap. It is, however, his first single in awhile that embraces a pop sound, rather than go down the easier, adult-contemporary route. Candy, co-written with band-mate and X-Factor judge Gary Barlow, is big, brash and sickeningly catchy. One listen to the chorus and it'll be stuck in your head all day. I'm not sure exactly what's going on in the video (below), but it's entertaining. That's the big word for this track: ENTERTAINING. I love it. He is a legend.



(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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Carly Rae Jepsen - This Kiss

"I don't wanna miss this kiss"

I'm really pumped for this upcoming Carly Rae Jepsen album. Sure, Call Me Maybe has become completely overplayed, but it'll sound good again once people start forgetting about it. Even though the song became a massive smash because it was so poppy/catchy, I didn't allow myself to believe that she'd release an actual pop album to follow it up. It seems like most artists, even given the success she has had, retreat into safer, more singer-songwriter territory for a full-length. It's rare, in North America, to find a solid POP album. From the samples of Kiss, it sounds like Jepsen may just buck the trend. That all starts with the release of her next solo single, the dizzying 80's pastiche that is This Kiss. This could easily sound like a novelty track, but Jepsen's delivery, lyrics and charisma make it something special. Sure, it's not the type of world-conquering track that Call Me Maybe was, but if we get an album of this type of thing, I'll be a happy camper.



(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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Skyship Academy: Crimson Rising - Out Now!!

Today I'm going to forego the music and pimp myself. Yes, pimp myself.

The reason being... my second book is out now! If you've read my previous book, SKYSHIP ACADEMY: THE PEARL WARS, you'll know that it was only the first in a series. Now, the story's continued in SKYSHIP ACADEMY: CRIMSON RISING. After months of work, it's finally available for people to read! Just let me bask in the moment for a day or two :)

Here's the blurb from the back cover, as well as some snippets of pre-release reviews from advanced readers:

Following their dramatic showdown in Seattle, Jesse Fisher and Cassius Stevenson find their world's been turned inside out. The faculty at Skyship Academy is keeping Jesse a prisoner in his own home, fearful of his influence over Pearls. And Cassius, once a loyal Pearlhound for the Unified Party, has been pushed into hiding, fearful of his government's retaliation.

When Jesse smuggles a mysterious red Pearl onboard the Academy, he sets loose a destructive chain of events, which lead him to a reunion with Cassius and a confrontation with Theo -- a bloodthirsty Pearlhound with a dangerous secret.

But a larger threat looms in the stars. An enemy is gathering, with plans to exterminate the entire human race. And Jesse and Cassius might just be the lynch pins that trigger mankind's destruction.

"Nick James has managed quite a feat. He's pulled off the literary equivalent of The Empire Strikes Back."

-- Stephen, Goodreads review

"This is another novel I could not put down. The combination of science fiction and dystopia is flawless, and the characters are very well developed."

-- Anja, Goodreads review

"The concept is just so fresh and unique that you can't help but to enjoy it."

-- Ny, Goodreads review

"I see this series as one of those rare gems, and think everyone should read it."

-- The Book Cellar

Buy the book:

Amazon | Indiebound | Barnes & Noble | Flux

Read the first few chapters!

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Calvin Harris - Sweet Nothing (with Florence Welch)

"I'm living on such sweet nothing"

At this point, there's simply no stopping Calvin Harris. Who else (besides maybe David Guetta) can have so many singles out concurrently and keep such a high level of quality? His latest features Florence from Florence + the Machine and continues to prove my theory that she, along with Adele, should record a dance album. First there was that ubiquitous (and excellent) remix of her song Spectrum, and now we have this as a follow-up. I love unique and interesting voices singing over dance tracks, and Florence definitely has the power (and volume) to make it work. This track took me a listen or two to fully sink in, but now it's completely won me over.



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

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Agnes - Human Touch

"Wanna feel your heartbeat closer than ever"

Straight after yesterday's post, I've got an incredible pop track from one of the album's I spotlighted. I've always enjoyed Agnes's singles, but that love never really extended to a full album. But, I worship at the alter of Tony Nilsson. He is one of my favorite producers/writers in pop music, and he's responsible for some of the best current Swedish music. He's worked on quite a bit of Agnes's new album (which explains why it's so good), and this is one of his many tracks. As usual, it's unashamedly 80's, with a propulsive melody and bombastic production. He's also added a gorgeous string section throughout, which gives the song added oomph. Now give him some production work on One Direction's new album and we'll be good.



(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 Summer Drought Is Almost Over: Fall Music Preview

Last Summer I wrote about how there was nothing going on in the music world. It turns out that I may have been overreacting then, because the Summer of 2012 has been five times as barren. Seriously, I haven't been excited about an album release in months and months, and (honestly) it probably shows on this blog.

But pop music is not dead! In fact, the Summer was just the calm before the storm because there is a tidal wave of excellent pop releases coming our way and I, for one, am both excited and relieved. Here's a rundown. Did I miss any?

Agnes - Veritas (Sept. 5)The previews to this sound immense. Lots of Tony Nilsson is always good.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Kiss (Sept. 18)Bound to be a 2012 pop classic.

The Killers - Battle Born (Sept. 18)I'm really taken with their new single. Hopefully the album's as good.

Alphabeat - Express Non-Stop (Sept. 24)These guys never disappoint.

No Doubt - Push & Shove (Sept. 25)The previews sound promising, even if the singles have been somewhat underwhelming. Still, I've been waiting for this for years.

Dragonette - Bodyparts (Sept. 25)Another pop band that never disappoints. The previews sound great.

Melody Club - Let's Celebrate (Sept. 28) I'm a little disappointed that we're not getting a new studio album from them, but it'll be nice to get this greatest hits and I'm excited for the new track.

Muse - The 2nd Law (Oct. 2)I want another song like Survival!

Mika - The Origin Of Love (Oct. 8)New single Celebrate has me very excited. Here's hoping the title track is a cover of the epic Hedwig & The Angry Inch anthem.

Loreen - Healed (Oct. )The long-awaited debut is finally released! (That is, if it doesn't get pushed back again)

Robbie Williams - Take The Crown (Nov. 5)Always excited for new Robbie, and this is supposedly a very big "pop" album.

One Direction - Take Me Home (Nov. 12)Their debut was such a pleasant surprise. I can't wait until this.

Little Mix - TBD (Nov. 19)

Olly Murs - TBD (Nov. 26)

The Veronicas - Life On Mars (?)
Amelia Lily - TBD (?)
Reece Mastin - TBD (?)
Darin - TBD (?)
Private - TBD (?)
The Wanted - TBD (?)

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Private - Everywhere (ft. Genasis)

"Girl, I'll take you everywhere"

I've been waiting for this for years now. I'm a huge fan of Thomas Troelsen's work. I love his stuff with Superheroes, Junior Senior, and a host of varying European artists. But most of all, I'm obsessed with his very best project: Private. Private used to be a trio and released a flawless pop album five years ago. It appears that the band name is now just a moniker for Troelsen himself, but that's no biggie. I'm just glad that he's finally back with new music! Everywhere is his first single in over four years and, as such, the sound is a little different. It's much more warm and anthemic than most of the Private album and, most notably, features a prominent rap section. This was a bit jarring for me at first, but I've grown to understand how it fits into the puzzle. Most of all, the song sounds like a lost Prince track from the 80's. Obviously, that's no bad thing. Now I hope there's not another long wait before an album's released, because I don't think I could handle it.



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

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