Olga Loves YuЯi

Luv

2012-01-29T12:14:00.002-05:00

This is the week Madonna fans have been waiting for.

The release of the video and single for "Give Me All Your Luvin'" is set for Friday, Feb. 3 in the US. Of course, I'll be in Canada (Montreal, to be exact) then, but I will still be grabbing the track from iTunes and jamming out on my phone to it.

New album M.D.N.A. will be released in March, and thinking back, two other fantastic Madonna albums were also released in March: Like a Prayer and Ray of Light. If March is the magical month, then I'm ready to be blown away by a superior album!

Bring on the Super Bowl and all things Madonna this week!

"Resistance" is NOT Futile - A Review of Robert O'Connor's New EP

2012-01-19T17:33:00.001-05:00

Irish recording artist Robert O'Connor's new tracks will soon be on sale digitally around the world. Four songs comprise his new EP, Resistance: "Older," "Over," "Too Late," and the title track "Resistance."

Resistance is a very solid and complementary EP. All the tracks flow and feel related, and to me, the jangly guitars and smooth acoustic sound bring me back to my younger days listening to college radio and the whole "alternative" scene of the early '90s. Good times!

Robert, who's an independent artist, has poured his heart and soul into these tracks, and you can tell. The end product is a sharp set of radio-friendly songs. His first single, "Older" (not a George Michael cover, either!) has been very well-received in Ireland and was a popular track on local radio.

My favorite of the bunch is "Over," which is slated as the second single. Check it out below:

Over by Robertoconnor

Robert's EP hits digital markets, including iTunes US, on March 9.

Support an indie artist and pick up this gem. =)

Le Kid's New Track! "Human Behaviour"

2012-01-18T10:23:00.000-05:00

Absolutely loving the new single from the upcoming Le Kid album!

"Human Behaviour" fits nicely alongside monster tracks "Escape" and "America" from their Oh, Alright album, so I'm really excited for the new material!

And, the cover screams Human League's Dare, from the colours, the font, everything. Love love love

Is it just me, or are there lines or titles from other massive dance artists in there? Like "Gimme More" and Madonna's "Hung Up" - even though the line used would be "it's a quarter to two"?

In any event, this one's another stomper that's sure to rocket up the year end chart for 2012. Bring on the new album!!

Check out the track below!

Priceless "Masterpiece"

2012-01-17T10:13:00.002-05:00

This just about says it all.

Love this, even if "Masterpiece" is a half-ass Madonna song (in the grand scheme of things). Still, I'll always take a new Madonna song over anything Elton John puts out. Can't wait for the Super Bowl!

Best of 2011: The Ones That Got Away

2011-12-31T19:48:00.002-05:00

I hate making end of year lists for a number of reasons. First, I almost always forget several key songs. Second, I am in such a rush to get things published (don't know why...it's my blog after all) that I will inevitably miss songs that I wanted to include. D'oh!

Anyways, here is a list of songs that coulda / shoulda / mighta made it on the Top Song list this year.

P!nk - "F***in' Perfect"
P!nk - "Raise Your Glass"

I love me some P!nk, so I can only claim temporary insanity for not including at least one of these blazing tracks in my countdown.

Beth Ditto - "I Wrote the Book"

Memo to Lady GaGa: if you are trying to pay homage to the Queen, you bettah go and watch Beth's video. THAT is how you do it, beyotch!

Rye Rye ft. Robyn - "Never Will Be Mine"

What's not to love here?

You have Robyn guest starring on a massive track that features her own massive track ("Be Mine") as the chorus.

It totally works. Love love love

Selena Gomez - "Love You Like a Love Song"

I know, I know. Selena Gomez is so Disney Channel, but this track really showed me that the girl has some pipes. The remixes for this track are pretty sick too!

Last but not least, Britney Spears. The Femme Fatale tracks were, IMHO, hotter than the trash she put out last time, and they really got me dancing. So, here's one that could've made it.

Britney Spears ' "I Wanna Go"

All I Want for Christmas is Le Kid

2011-12-26T10:26:00.002-05:00

Best tweet evah!

Le Kid @Lekidinspace mentioned you:

Lekidinspace Le Kid

@jamesyboy82 @olgalovesyuri You two... What can we say? It was a fab x-mas for us as well! Thank you for your support!

Dec 25, 11:53 PM via Twitter for iPhone

Best of 2011: Top 25 Songs: #5 - #1

2011-12-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

Here we are at the finish line! For your review, #s 5 to 1:

#5. Le Kid - "Escape"

Le Kid has been my obsession this year. This Swedish band grabbed my attention with another song (see below!) and that quickly led to other songs, then to their album Oh Alright. I love all their songs, really. This was probably my most listened to album of the year, so having to pick from a set list was tough; however, "Escape" rose to the top. I love the line, "You started out my golden boy / but then the color started to fade / for us..." and then the strings take over. Bliss.

#4. Lady GaGa - "Born This Way"

I detest this video. Let me say that first. The Bernard Herrmann strings are great, but stolen or copied, just like many other items in the Lady GaGa canon. However, the song, before the album, before the video, literally took the pop world by storm. Landing her 6 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, this track represented a promise of solid, worthy material from the coming album of the same name. Well, that was a mixed bag, with the wrong songs being chosen for singles, and the brilliant being skipped. Oh well. Maybe it was the spirit of "Express Yourself" - which never was a #1 for Madonna back in the day. A crime against pop, for sure.

#3. Monarchy - "Maybe I'm Crazy"

The second of two tracks from Monarchy that made the countdown. Anthemic is really an understatement here. Read all about my previous comments (still valid!) here

#2. Adele - "Someone Like You"

I love me some Adele. I am so happy that America has embraced her this year. 2 #1 tracks in a row, and this one...the only #1 in chart history to feature only a piano and a voice - no other instrumentation. That's class. That's Adele. Love love love.

#1. Le Kid - "America"

The song that got my attention and started all things "Le Kid" for me. I wrote about the track earlier this year. Check it out here. If I were to recommend any song on my chart, it'd be this one. Give it a listen and see what you think.

Best of 2011: Top 25 Songs - #10 - #6

2011-12-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

Heading into the home stretch now, here come the numbers 10 - 6 on my Top 25 songs of 2011 list.

#10. Robyn - "Call Your Girlfriend"

Technically, 2010 was the year of Robyn. However, "Call" was released this year, so here we are! Robyn killed this track on SNL, which helped to put her in front of a lot of folks and relaunch her on the iTunes charts as well. All good stuff. Robyn is someone you need to listen to. Nobody can do raw emotion and dance like she can.

#9. Foster the People - "Pumped Up Kicks"

For a dark song about kids outrunning guns and bullets, Foster the People struck pop gold this year! The simple guitar riff and drum beat showed us that all the overproduction is not necessary for a hit. "Pumped" was a radio staple, played at Targets and Abercrombies all over America this summer. Gotta give it to these kids, they have a monster hit on their hands. Hopefully, they can follow it up with more vintage indie sounds in 2012. And, oh yeah, the whistles are infectious.

#8. Washed Out - "Amor Fati" and "Eyes Be Closed"

Continuing on with my indie streak, we have Washed Out, which is kind of a weird name for a band. But I'm not judging! Washed Out is the stage name of Ernest Green from good ole Perry, Georgia - about 3 hours north of me. His sound is chill to the max, slick and fantastic. I could not decide which Washed Out track to place, so I put them both here, as they are both sensational. "Eyes" sounds as if you have the synth track from the Cars' "Drive" in it, and that's just too cool for school for me. "Amor Fati" sounds like something from the Cure or the Smiths', minus the jangle and add extra chill - very haunting and cool. Oh, and Washed Out does a cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" too. So, obvs, this guy deserves to be on my chart! And the album cover is also one of the year's best.

#7. Allison Harvard - "Underwater"

Ok, this one is pure self-indulgence on my part. I am a reality TV junkie, and this track was featured on America's Next Top Model. The model, Allison Harvard, has the most striking eyes I've ever seen. All of her photos are interesting. Well, one of Tyra Banks' stupid challenges this season was to have the girls compose a song and do a video. Well, most girls were total crap. Except for Allison. She struggled to come up with her song, but she delivered it like a true pop star. The video to accompany was excellent. She stole rapper Game's heart as he called her one of the most beautiful people he's ever seen. (He was totally hitting on her that episode!) Anyway, I was playing this track on youtube until it was released a month ago. Love love love this 0:48 pop masterpiece! (The remix clocks in at 2:02!)

#6. Sneaky Sound System - "Big"

The second appearance of the Aussie super-duo in the Top 25 is no mistake and is truly "Big" indeed. The chorus swells as Connie sings, "This is the moment we've been waiting for / This could be big for me and you" - and it is. One of the standout tracks on their 2011 album From Here To Anywhere, this one's a keeper.

Best of 2011: Top 25 Songs - #15 - #11

2011-12-23T13:01:00.000-05:00

Continuing on with my top songs of the year: #15 - #11

#15. Holestar - "The Queen of F***ing Everything"

What a fun track! I featured it this year and fell in love with the fun and retro-goodness of it! The synths alone are worth a listen, and the "who made you....woaaah"s priceless. Love love love.

#14. Monarchy - "I Won't Let Go"

One of the first of two entries by British group Monarchy. Very slick lyrics and tight production highlight all of their tracks. I'd characterize the chorus as anthemic and very infectious!

#13. September - "Party In My Head"

Another Swedish beauty, Petra Marklund - aka September, has one of the best dance pop albums of 2011. Love CPR has so many excellent tracks, namely "Party In My Head." It's literally about having a party in your head, but who cares about lyrics! The beat and energy of the song is fun!

#12. Sneaky Sound System - "We Love"

I love love love this track by Aussie duo Sneaky Sound System! It sounds like they are using a dodge ball for the bass, and that just adds to the fun-factor of the song. "We Love" was the first single from their new album From Here To Anywhere, which is chock full of dancetasical songs. Oh, this is the first appearance of this group in this chart. Stay tuned for another rather large track a bit later.

#11. Florrie - "Begging Me"

Florrie used to be an in-house drummer for super producers Xenomania. Late last year, she began to test the pop solo waters and has burst onto the scene full force this year with free mp3s and lots of blog love. With good reason! Her Experiments EP is a solid pop effort that gives us a handful of booty-shaking music, including "Begging Me." This girl is one to watch in 2012!

Best of 2011: Top 25 Songs: #20 - #16

2011-12-22T13:54:00.000-05:00

And the countdown continues...!

#20. Alexis Jordan - "Hush Hush"

I learn something new every day! I thought Alexis was British, as I first became familiar with her Top 5 UK hit "Happiness" (2010) - but come to find out, she's from South Carolina! USA, USA, USA! LOL...

Anyways, "Hush Hush" is an electropop gem that didn't quite do it for her this year on the European charts (peaked at #66 on the UK chart). Even though she was "discovered" on America's Got Talent in '06, her recording efforts have been aimed overseas. No American releases. Hmmm... I still think it's a great dance track. So there!

#19. Rihanna - "We Found Love"

I had lots of Rihanna love on my chart last year. In fact, a Top 5 ("Who's That Chick?") and a Top 15 (#11 "Only Girl In the World") from the lovely lady. This year, this is her only entry. Why? I dunno, I guess I just don't get the extra specialness of the track. Sure, it's good. It's electronic. It's got a "featuring" by Calvin Harris. Should be the the ultimate combo, but it's not that awesome for me. And yet, so far 7 weeks at #1 on Billboard, so lots of folks love love love this track. Perhaps a few more spins will do it for me. In any event, Rihanna is still kicking out the hit records.

#18. Christophe Willem - "Cool"

This track was all over French TV when we were in Paris this year. If you didn't know any better, you'd swear Britney Spears was speaking/ singing in French, but that's how this guy sings. Very slickly produced electropop stomper. I will always remember Paris when I hear this one.

#17. Owl City - "The Yacht Club"

Owl City had one of the best albums (All Things Bright and Beautiful) of the year, and yet, you'll not hear that from anyone in the mainstream blogging or music community. For whatever reason, this kid has been relegated to "one hit wonder" status, but he's far from it. All Things is a cohesive, thoughtful and relevant collection of songs. I could have picked any of them for this chart, but "Yacht Club"'s dancetastic chorus puts it in the top songs for me.

#16. Nicole Scherzinger - "Don't Hold Your Breath"

X Factor (US) judge Nicole Scherzinger has had a good year in the limelight. Being the "new" Paula and mentoring the "over 30s" on weekly TV has most definitely put Nicole's name in American households. "Don't Hold" was #1 in the UK this year and has basically legitimized a formerly floptasical solo career. The Bimbo Jones remix of this track is sick! Love it!!

Best of 2011: Top 25 Songs - #25 - #21

2011-12-21T21:59:00.001-05:00

And so it begins - the annual countdown of the crazy songs that I've liked/loved this year.

As in all of my previous countdowns throughout the years, the artists and tracks you see here are going to be very different than the lists you'll see on the big blogs or even Billboard.

That being said, let's start the show!

#25. Duran Duran - "The Man Who Stole A Leopard"

Simon and the gang had a great year with their latest album, All You Need Is Now. Lots of great tracks there, but this one seemed to stand out to me. Perhaps the "con-trov-esie" lady who newscasts at the end? In any event, the track is very current and yet retro DD at the same time. I can hear bits of "The Chauffeur" and other Rio-esque tunes in there. Love love love!

#24. Vanbot - "Make Me, Break Me"

Ester Ideskog, aka Vanbot, is a Swedish diva who makes great electronic tracks, in the vein of Robyn. And yet, she's not Robyn (obvs). "Make Me" sounds to me like a mashup of a Robyn beat and something New Order-ish from around the Brotherhood era. Great stuff!

#23. Young Galaxy - "Open Your Heart"

Well, as I told you this year, Madonna's True Blue turned 25 .

To commemorate and make some cash, Paper Bag Records put together an indie compilation of songs from True Blue. My favorite was Young Galaxy's "Open Your Heart." The casio bell synths to start out are sorta magical and take, arguably, one of Madonna's finest songs and put a delicate indie spin on it. Nicely done!

#22. Katy Perry - "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)"

No doubt, Katy Perry has been having a phenomenal year. 5 #1 songs from Teenage Dream (released almost 2 years ago!) and another hopeful track on the way for a record-breaking sixth #1. We'll see about that, but based on the 80s-tastic video alone, this track ends up on my fave list. I do really like the "Oh Well"s in the song. LOL

#21. Chris Isaak - "Live It Up"

Olga and I are huge Chris Isaak fans. Been to over 5 shows in 4 years. His new Sun Sessions-inspired tracks and covers are great! "Live It Up" is an original Chris song, but it sounds very much at home on an album with "Great Balls of Fire" and "Oh, Pretty Woman" on it. The album and effort are labors of love, even if radio won't know what to do with the tracks.

Supa Madge!

2011-12-15T18:39:00.000-05:00

Of course, everyone has heard by now that Madonna will be the superstar Super Bowl performer during the half-time show.

I think that's fantastic! I can't wait to see it!

Here's the set list (courtesy of the fine folks at Idolator):

"Gimme All Your Luvin’”
“Ray Of Light”
“Vogue”
“Music”
“Holiday”

Too bad "Hung Up," "Express Yourself," or maybe "Open Your Heart" didn't make the list, but I'm stoked that "Vogue" is there! Let's hope and pray it's not the "Hard Candy version"! Oh, and I guess the Blond Ambition version of "Like a Virgin" was totally out! Talk about potential wardrobe malfunctions!

"Music" makes total sense because it was her last US #1 - waaay back in 2000! (Even though I'm getting tired of hearing it!)

I did notice that the "Love" in "Gimme All Your Luvin'" was changed - no doubt because of the leak. I bet the entire track is completely different now. Can't wait for it!

The "Gimme" single drops in late January (just in time for Super Bowl) and Interscope (her new record company) album in March. She's on the same label as GaGa now. Some $40 million deal signed. Good for Madge!

Best of 2011: Flops of 2011!

2011-12-13T08:29:00.000-05:00

Before we talk about what was HOT in 2011, I gotta say something about some pretty big FLOPS this year.

First and foremost, Beyoncé. Pretty much anything she touched this year was a flop. The entire 4 album and all the 7 (not really, but like 4 or more!) singles were flopzillas. Seems homegirl couldn't PAY someone for a hit. She did look GOOD this year, but poor girl couldn't scare up to save her life! On a positive note, congrats to her and Jay Z for the little one on the way.

Next in Flopstown is Lady GaGa. Yes, yes, I am aware that "Born This Way" was #1 for 6 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. And that song actually makes my year-end "best of" songs, and I am still a FAN, but let's talk about the other singles. "Judas," "You and I," "Marry the Night" - all these puppies are the wrong singles. There are tons of other single-worthy material on the album (how about "Electric Chapel," "Heavy Metal Lover," "Bloody Mary" - anyone?) - but somehow these were chosen? Really? Now, single #3 "The Edge of Glory" was awesome, but the video was NOT. Flopsville video for sure. After "Bad Romance" and "Telephone," we have been getting art-school projects continually. The million dollar "Judas" video still comes to mind. In this economy, too. Sheesh.

That brings me to all of her videos of late. Let me say that after seeing the "Born This Way" birthing sequences in the video, I have been thoroughly disgusted with her. I shall clarify and state that I have 2 wonderful children (now teenagers), and I was present at both of their births. It was not disgusting or angry, as depicted in the GaGa vid, but instead, it was magical and beautiful. No, I did not hang out "downtown" then to see all the happenings - didn't need to!

The Born This Way album, the scandalous $0.99 affair that helped her sell over a million records earlier this year, has all but been forgotten now, at the end of the year. And we are on single #5. Katy Perry's 5th single - let's compare, shall we? - (which was also her 5th #1 from that album) was from her album released ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO. Think about that. GaGa has 1 #1 from BTW, the title track. That's it. Top 10 hits, yes, but worldwide smashes, certainly no more than 1. Womp, womp, the flop trumpet blew.

GaGa's public appearances: the uber-drag performances at the VMAs - done way too long where it was not even funny or relevant. Drag itself is fine, but to the VMAs-extent (the entire show?), what was the point?? And the whole, "My little monsters help me breathe in happiness all day" garbage that we are getting from every social media outlet ... it's all just a bit much. Really.

Jeez, this is turning into a rant of sorts! LOL. Oh well, I have not posted in a while, so Imma get this out. Really, love most of her music, a few of her videos, and just about none of her outfits or public appearances. You will not catch me at a GaGa concert, either. I just don't think I have the stomach for all the over-the-topness. It may float your boat, and that's fine, but I'm going to "express myself" and pass.

That's it for the flops, folks. Stay tuned for the AWESOME tracks of the year.

Paris was not burning, but was pretty awesome

2011-12-01T16:52:00.001-05:00

Had a blast in Paris!

I finally shook the jet lag and am back on US time. Forever it seemed I was stuck six hours into the future...without even being on Fringe! lol

As for music, on the 10-hour plane ride back to the States, I basically listened to 1989 Madonna and some Kylie. Just wasn't in the mood for anything new or whatnot. I was pretty much done with long-ass plane rides by then! LOL

While in Paris, I did pick up some classic CDs at the Champs Elysees Virgin Megastore (which was not so mega on the music, but had stuff like towels and books...WTF?) I snagged the Experience Edition of Kylie fabulous Aphrodite CD and Bananarama's Wow! (Remaster). Both were like 5 euros. A steal, really, even at the outrageous exchange rates. There was also like 75 million folks crammed in there! Sheesh!

At a BHV department store in Paris, I picked up the ridiculously overpriced Christophe Willem CD Prismophonic, which track "Cool" was on repeat on French TV. Guess I caved. Enjoying it though! And some comic books that are, shockingly... in French! I purchased a Batman hardcover and a softcover Avengers: Origins. Ooh la la...

Paris Bound!

2011-11-16T15:49:00.001-05:00

Olga and I (plus the 2 kids) will be boarding a plane for Paris tomorrow.

6 glorious days and nights in the 7th arrondissement, with a view of this baby (see photo left).

We have been saving up for this trip for several years, and now, it's finally happening. It's really a trip for my daughter, as she is a senior this year, but I think I may really be the one most happy we are going. A friend of mine told me once that going to Paris is a lot like seeing a rock star. Amazement and speechlessness accompany such a visit, and that's a pretty accurate statement for me.

The iPod and iPad have been stocked with songs to listen to on the long plane ride. I'm sure I'll rediscover some forgotten gems via shuffle. In fact, I'm counting on hearing some tracks I love that have been hidden amidst the thousands of songs I have on my iPod Classic. Good times!

Oh, almost as an aside, I signed up for iTunes Match this week. So far, iTunes has matched 16,000 tracks that I have currently in iTunes. There are another 6,000 that are being uploaded to the cloud as we speak. So far, the process is very slow. (Three days now with it running continuously and still not done. Sure, I'm labeled as a "heavy iTunes user" by the service, as I'm almost at the 25,000 song limit.) And you cannot play the songs from "the cloud" - you actually download them to whichever IOS 5 device you have, and then you delete them when you have a space issue. The good thing is that they can be "re-downloaded" from the cloud without having to pay for them again.

We will see how the iTunes Match thingee works. It's a great thing when you are in a wifi situation, but not so good on planes or on vacation.

Slap Full of Ultimate Drama

2011-10-18T23:40:00.000-04:00

I'm all about songs with big hooks.

A blogger buddy, Phil (of Worrapolava fame), is quite the music producer and always has an excellent ear for music.

He has been working with a fascinating young woman who dresses in drag as a man dressed as a woman. It's sort of a Victoria/Victor/Victoria thing. She goes by the name Holestar, and all of it is working for her.

Her newest single will be out on Monday, October 24 worldwide on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. It's called "The Queen of F****ing Everything," and I've been pumping this track in the car and at home since Phil shared it with me.

It has a retro feel, think Stock Aitken Waterman, and there's layers of synths and fun-ness all around. It's a happy track indeed, and the hook is to die for. I've been singing "Who.Made.You....whoaaaa!" for two days straight now! Thanks, Phil!! No, it's quite ok, as now I have a new track to share with everyone!

Here it is via Soundcloud. Enjoy!

Queenof F***ing Everything EP by Holestar

Update: This just in! Here's the "Divine" video:

A bit of press: The Queen of F****ing Everything is a bouncing, melodic, auto-tune free zone; the perfect antidote to pop by computer.

As a follow up to her sparking début, NyLon Woman, The Queen of F***ing Everything features two more brand new songs, The Insider and Another Heartbeat. Both compliment the title track adding two more sides to the Holestar trinity. The Insider is a tale of a stalker scorned, whereas Another Heartbeat is an upfront description of clubbing lust.

The Queen of F***ing Everything EP is available on digital download from Monday 24th October 2011 through iTunes and Amazon worldwide and to stream forever on Spotify.

**photo credit: Lee Roberts

Songs of the Year: 2011 - Monarchy's "Maybe I'm Crazy"

2011-09-27T14:10:00.000-04:00

Another great track in the running for Song of the Year is Monarchy's "Maybe I'm Crazy."

I'd characterize the band Monarchy as an electronic or synthpop group with catchy tracks and huge, "get up and sang" choruses. They hail from the UK, and "Maybe I'm Crazy" was released in July. No, it did not light up the charts (as it should have done), but it's very good. The album Around the Sun is very solid, with all tracks having the same electric flavor.

Back to "Maybe" : I love how the verses build up to the chorus. It's a great driving song, with windows down and zipping along at 70 or so. You almost want to do a fist pump or an arm pump out the window when that chorus cranks up. Good times!

Check it out below:

Songs of the year: 2011 - Le Kid's "America"

2011-09-24T12:23:00.000-04:00

A track in the running to take the honored Olga Loves Yuri "Song of the Year" award is Le Kid's "America."

Admittedly, I'm new to Le Kid. From what I can piece together (no wiki page yet!), these awesome Swedes have been around a couple years, actively involved in Sweden's Melodifestivalen this year. Last year sometime (or maybe it was earlier this year?), their catchy "We Should Go Home Together" made the blog rounds, and Le Kid had my attention for a moment. As it seems in the strobelighted world of music blogs, things quickly moved on to something else. Perhaps it was GaGa then? I've even moved on from that! LOL

Anyway, Le Kid's "America" has been released to iTunes (US), and the track is fantastic! "America" was the sip of musical Kool-Aid that got me on Le Kid. Within maybe 3 spins, I was hooked. I quickly heard the entire album and fell in love with nearly every track. That's pretty rare for me, the "I'm all about the singles only" guy.

"America" has everything a pop song should: good/strong lyrics, full instrumentation, and a killer hook. I love girls' vocals, I love the synths, I love the beat, I love the chorus. I love everything about it, Sam-I-Am!

The entire album Oh Alright is also pure musical heroin, so perhaps more on that later.

Here's "America" for you. Enjoy!

Good Things Come ...

2011-08-21T11:12:00.000-04:00

Long-time Olga Loves Yuri readers will know that indie UK artist James Leon has been working a long time on cultivating some catchy electro tracks.

The really cool thing about James, other than being a super nice guy, is that he's self-financed, meaning that no record label has been shelling out cash for promotion or production of his tracks. So, that's unfortunate that he's had to come up with all the $$, but, at the same time, he's been totally in control of his musical destiny. And in the words of Janet Jackson, "It's all about control, and I've got lots of it!"

James has shared exclusive tracks with us since 2008, and I have been happy to pass them along to you. Well, I'm excited to share that his new album, Never Been Cool, is finally seeing the light of release on 8/22/11! And I couldn't be more excited!

You can check out some snippets at Amazon.co.uk - link here.

The tracks are infectious, sugary, electro confections. And that's a great thing!

We wish James all the best (and lots of cash!) with this musical endeavor!

Happy Birthday to the Queen

2011-08-15T23:14:00.000-04:00

Madonna is 53 years old on August 16.

I saw this cake on Flickr and thought how cool it'd be to have one made. (Not that Olga is ever gonna allow that!)

Anyways, she's still got it, and I cannot wait for the new album later this year.

Life's Short

2011-07-24T19:46:00.001-04:00

It seems everyone has an opinion about Amy Winehouse, so here's mine.

No matter what you think about her, she did influence popular music. In her short career (and life), Winehouse won three Grammy awards for her signature / international hit "Rehab." She won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. "Rehab" and "Valerie" (her hit with Mark Ronson - and my fave Amy Winehouse track) spun a slew of covers, even a Glee rendition or two.

How quickly, though, we forget the successes and focus on the negative. The world was more interested in her public antics or how disheveled she was of late. And that's pretty sad.

How far do we (as a society) need to let someone fall before we help? I mean, seeing her in the tabloids and on trash TV was like watching a train wreck in progress, and we all knew she needed help. Short of an intervention, what could have been done? I guess I had always held out hope that she'd pull through and maybe even give us another Grammy winning song or album. Heck, even if she didn't do music again, just a healthy Amy Winehouse would have been fine, really. She was always something of an underdog, so I just assumed she'd get better. It really is not a good idea to assume things.

While I was not a huge Amy fan, I think she had a great voice, spunk, wit, and personality. All the stuff needed to be a huge star. And she was a huge star - snuffed out too soon. RIP, Amy.

Madonna's True Blue - 25 Years Later

2011-06-30T10:09:00.001-04:00

It's really wild how time flies.

For one, I haven't updated the blog in what feels like eons. Life and work commitments will do that to a body. I'm still around, though, and still loving music. =)

Madonna's awesome third album, True Blue, was released 25 years ago this week. Not only is it one of my favorite Madonna albums, but it's also one of my favorite albums of all-time.

I will say that being a young teenager then, God I'm dating myself here, the fantastic ballad "Live To Tell" - True Blue's first single - was not really my cup of tea. Ballads, as a whole, still are not my go-to songs, but over the years, I have cultivated a love for this song. The simple video, the shots of a very blonde, modestly-attired Madonna sitting in a chair, the vocal delivery, all have made this song a classic. I believe Rolling Stone has named it one of the 50 or 100 best songs of all time. That's pretty sweet. It was another #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for her as well. "Live To Tell" has done very well for her.

With other tracks like "Open Your Heart," "True Blue," "Papa Don't Preach" - there's really not a bad song on the album, and I still play them all on a regular basis. I do love "Love Makes the World Go Round," which she played at Live Aid, but never released the single.

I do remember the time I bought the CD after I was converting my music collection from cassette to CD. It was years after True Blue was released. (I played the hell out of that cassette.) As the cashier at Turtle's Records and Tapes was ringing it up, the bag ripped, and the CD fell to the tile floor. It made a weird sound when it hit. When I got home, the jewel case was broken, and the "teeth" in the center were missing a few. I was devastated, so I glued it back together as best I could. The CD itself was unharmed. (I don't know why I didn't just take it back then...) Flash forward about a year, I had moved and was in college, but the ghetto-glued jewel case still bothered me, so I took it to Camelot Records (I think) and told them it was jacked up when I bought it there. They gave me a new one without checking a non-existent receipt. When I opened it, it was a different looking CD with the writing "True Blue" right above the super famous Herb Ritts profile that graces the cover. So, I chalk that up as a "score"! LOL

Before and After (return):

Born This Way Brings Down "the Cloud"

2011-05-23T15:48:00.000-04:00

With all the Rapture talk over the weekend, who'd have thunk it that Lady GaGa would bring down "the Cloud" today? No, "Judas" is not #1 - far from it, but the opening day of her worldwide release of her third album Born This Way seems to be taking the world by storm in an non-religious sort of way.

Aside from being #1 on iTunes (US) at the moment, Amazon Mp3 decided to basically give the entire album away for $0.99 - and in the process brought down "the Cloud" storage network!

I think we can safely assume that Born This Way is going to be #1 in pretty much every country this week.

Some early favorites (and granted, these are not going to appeal to everyone):

The Edge of Glory
Hair (love the chorus and the "oh oh"s in it)

Electric Chapel

Bloody Mary

Americano (just because it's all kinds of ridiculous)

And I do like the "put your hands on me / John F. Kennedy" part in Government Hooker

Whether or not GaGa will continue to dominate the music scene in years to come is debatable, you gotta give her credit for reinventing the way singles are released. Her strategy for the release of the first single "Born This Way" dominated charts (Billboard included) all over the world for multiple weeks. Perhaps that's the way to go?

While I do not consider myself a "little monster," I do like the new songs. I do not like the videos she's been cranking out and was pretty much grossed out by "Born This Way"'s video. A bit much, imho. How you can go from the awesomeness of "Telephone" to the $10M flop "Judas"? Perhaps she has too many "yes ma'am" people on Team GaGa? If so, she needs to fire some folks STAT!

In any event, the release of Born This Way looks to be huge on the first day of its release. I'm sure she's partying like it's on sale for $19.95 somewhere today.

Countdown to Kylie: Shining Like a "White Diamond"

2011-04-25T17:05:00.000-04:00

Let’s take a step back (in time), before the release of X, Kylie Minogue’s 10^th studio album. Kylie had battled breast cancer and emerged victorious. Resuming the tour that her diagnosis delayed, Kylie recorded a live album, Showgirl Homecoming Live, in her native Australia. This album (taken from a performance in Sydney) contained a brilliant track written for Kylie by the Scissor Sisters. Of course, Kylie fans will know that I am talking about “White Diamond.” What we heard on Showgirl was an electropop/dance track that hinted at the direction of new Kylie material. However, fans waited and waited for a studio version of the live track, and yet, it never materialized. Instead, promotion for new album X propelled forward, and “2 Hearts” was chosen as the lead single, while a ballad version of “White Diamond” was relegated to “bonus track” status on the UK version of the album. Granted, the ballad version is gorgeous and became the staple of the Kylie-mentary White Diamond, but it was never released. And it should have been. I can’t think of a more appropriate transition from the horrors of breast cancer to the success and victory of remission than “White Diamond.” Kylie sings, “Like a pure white diamond / I’ll shine on and on and on and on.” Whether you prefer the electro or ballad version, this fantastic “single that never was” is an opportunity that was absolutely missed.

Got Tracks? April '11 Playlist

2011-04-03T16:00:00.000-04:00

OMG... 2 posts in 24 hours! I must be losing it!

I've been asked what's spinning on my iPod these days, so here's a nifty little playlist for the Spring/ start of Summer enthusiasts.

1. Nicole Scherzinger - Don't Hold Your Breath (Bimbo Jones Radio Edit)
2. Lady GaGa - Born This Way (Chew Fu Born To Fix Remix)
3. Ivy - Edge of the Ocean (Duotone Remix)
4. Deborah Harry - I Want That Man (D-Bop's 11.59 Vocal Mix Radio Edit)
5. Fatboy Slim - Gangster Trippin 2011 (Lazy Rich Edit)
6. Scritti Politti - A Day Late and a Dollar Short - love this new Scritti track!
7. Friendly Fires - Live Those Days Tonight
8. Owl City - Lonely Lullaby - yeah, a ballad! Great song!
9. P!nk - Heartbreak Down (Funk3d Radio Edit) - P!nk is on fire lately!
10. Yelle - Que Veux-tu (Madeon Extended Remix)
11. Clare Maguire - I Surrender
12. September - Music - makes you want to get up and dance!

Kind of an eclectic mix of old and new. I tell you, I never thought I'd have a Nicole Scherzinger song on any list of mine, but this track is on fire!

The Chew Fu "Born This Way" mix is one of the best, imho.

I love the Ivy song and how it represents beach weather for me.

Oh, the Yelle mix screams "summer anthem" to me!

The Origin of the Music for Me

2011-04-03T00:51:00.002-04:00

For many of you, this is going to be the most foreign post ever. It deals with vinyl records (what are those??) and TV commercials for cheesy compilations. However, for me, it was the start of a long fascination with music.

I'm guessing somewhere back around 1981 or 2, a commercial for a K-Tel compilation (it wasn't the pictured one, but I ended up buying Danser - above - back in the day) caught my ear. "Heart of Glass" by Blondie was played prominently. I had never heard the song before, but Blondie was pretty much all over the radio with current hits "Rapture" and "The Tide is High." Funny, but I didn't own any album at that time. I did listen to the radio a lot back then though.

Youtube link for Facebook friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp0ckgJKurg&feature=player_embedded

I convinced my Mom to buy me an album (a 33RPM vinyl) from the record section at Albertson's grocery store. It wasn't the K-Tel from TV, but it was her actual album from 1978, Parallel Lines. After rushing home and throwing on my mickey-mouse record player (literally), I was a bit surprised that all of the tracks did not sound as "disco-y" as "Heart of Glass." In fact, that's pretty much the standout track, although I have come to love them all.

A few weeks later, I convinced Mom again to buy me another Blondie album at Albertson's, Autoamerican, which had "Rapture" and "The Tide Is High" on it. Love love loved both those tracks, so that album got lots of play as well.

That led to more albums from Albertsons, then mega-store Coconuts Records, and eventually cassettes (!) from places like K-Mart (!!) that became so numerous that they completely filled the front seat of my car and part of the back seat as well.

In any event, I guess I have the K-Tel compilation to thank for getting it all started for me. It's funny, but I never did buy the one advertised. =)

New HURTS Video "Sunday" is very Twin Peaks

2011-02-25T12:27:00.000-05:00

The new (4th?) single from the British duo HURTS is a fantastic little track titled "Sunday."

All of HURTS current lyrical material is a bit on the downer side, but "Sunday" has some great synth strings during the chorus that shoot rays of sunshine through it. So, it's a downer with some happy moments. LOL

PS - "Sunday" made was my #24 best song of 2010. That was even before I knew it was going to be an official "single."

Anyways, I've established already that I like HURTS (Best Group of 2010) and the song, so now on to the video. True to form, the opening moments bring sadness for frontman Theo of the group. His ladyfriend lies bleeding in the snow next to a car crash. What happens next is a very David Lynchian / Red Room / Twin Peaks finale kind of experience. Check right about the 1:00 mark for the start of it.

Now, I know I "see" Twin Peaks in everything, but I think there may just be some real homage to the great David Lynch TV series here. Right off the bat, we get lots of mirror and broken mirror images, which is true to the doppelganger theme that Lynch (and David Frost) uses in the TV series. The red curtains and the doubles of Theo and ladyfriend at the end trying to escape cinched it for me, though. We're in the Black Lodge, watching Theo fight for his true love as Cooper did for Annie. As Cooper met with disastrous results, so does Theo. Oh, and Theo wearing white to represent purity or the White Lodge and ladyfriend "wrapped in plastic" are awesome touches as well!

I won't spoil it further, but it's a very nice homage to the master for a great track. Check it out above.

On Track for the 1,000th #1 Single

2011-02-11T14:21:00.000-05:00

The GaGa onslaught has begun!

Made available on iTunes today at 9am, her new single "Born This Way" has taken over the iTunes chart in less than three hours.

As of the time this post was typed, "Born" was #1 on iTunes in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Finland, and about six other countries. That's pretty phenomenal.

The track does sound a bit like Madonna's "Express Yourself" and a little bit of "Vogue" too, but it's nothing to get up in arms about. This ain't Egypt, folks. While the lyrics might be a bit controversial or unconventional for "normal" pop radio, it certainly has the vibe of a pop anthem. According to my last.fm profile, I've listened to it 16 times already today. That's pretty phenomenal too, as I don't normally keep something on repeat that many times.

My first few hours verdict: this is going to be a worldwide smash and sure to be the #1 song on Billboard this week.

That would make "Born This Way" the historic 1,000th #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Oh, and we'll be seeing it performed Sunday night on the Grammys.

Sorry, I Don't See the Big Deal

2011-02-08T20:33:00.001-05:00

Ok, Lady GaGa released her single cover for "Born This Way," and some folks are comparing it to Kylie's single cover for "2 Hearts."

Hmmmm... sorry, I don't see it. Kylie doesn't have pointy bones in her head, and GaGa's hands are nowhere near her face. Different font, different pose.

Don't get me wrong, I'd be the first to cry foul here, but I just don't see the big deal.

I have heard that "Born This Way" gives a modern nod to both "Vogue" and "Express Yourself" - two of my favorite songs. So, I'm excited to hear the track. It's supposed to debut this Friday, 2/11, so we'll see if it leaks before then. Could happen.

But be ready for the GaGa onslaught because it's coming...

Moby vs. Acid Man

2011-02-02T22:51:00.000-05:00

I was really into Moby during the early 2000s.

Back when I had an office, I used to blast my iPod in the speakers, and frequently, a Moby song was playing. Drove my team crazy!

The last really good Moby song I was into was his track with rock legend Debbie Harry (aka Blondie) called "New York, New York" (not the Sinatra track either). I was sure it was gonna be a monster hit. Alas, it was not.

Anyways, I was reading his blog and noticed that the bald vegan doesn't lock his doors at night. And yes, he lives in Manhattan. It seems that Moby had an uninvited guest in his apartment recently. Apparently, a dude on acid "broke" into his place and made himself at home on Moby's couch.

Luckily, acid man didn't have any guns or didn't knife Moby in his sleep. Moby was the good guy and gave acid dude a sweatshirt and breakfast money. And he did not call the cops .... what a good guy!

Here are my Top 5 Moby songs (+1):

New York, New York
Porcelain
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad
Natural Blues
Southside
Go (Twin Peaks Mix)

UK Charts: The "R"s Have It!

2011-01-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

Get the glitter cannons ready, UK folks.

Looks like Ke$ha will have the new #1 song on the UK Singles Chart come Sunday with a little track that we've already made a #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Of course, I'm talking about "We R Who We R" - the track that makes English teachers cringe when we see it spelled!

Anyways, I was kinda like "wha?" when I read that today, but it's not been released in the UK before, so it's new to them!

In fact, it's homegirl's first UK #1. Go 'head on! ("Tik Tok" peaked at #4)

We Must Be "Crazy"

2011-01-21T12:46:00.001-05:00

Back in 2006, the smash "Crazy" made a bit of history in the UK.

The collab between Cee Lo Green (the same "Forget You" or "F*ck You" singer - depending on your flava) and Danger Mouse (cleverly named Gnarls Barkley) made quite the splash on the music scenes on both sides of the Pond.

"Crazy" not only spent 9 weeks at #1, but also it was the first #1 single based on download sales alone.

That's a pretty sweet feat there. It also logged some time at #1 on the Eurochart Hot 100 and did very well in places like Austria, Germany, Holland, and Ireland.

Over here in the U.S., "Crazy" spent 7 weeks at #2 but never made the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. We can thank Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous" for that blockage. "Crazy" did log at #7 on the Billboard year-end chart. Oh, and Rolling Stone ranked it the 100th greatest song of all time.

Adele > Britney at Midweek!

2011-01-19T22:12:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well! No, not Duffy...I'm talking about the new track from British sensation Adele. Her track "Rolling In the Deep" is the #1 track in the UK at Midweek.

That's a great accomplishment, to be sure. What's interesting this week is that she's kicking the living crap out of Britney Spears. Titney's "Hold It Against Me" - a good track - was "rushed" to the UK music scene this week due to "high demand." Yet, "Hold" is holding at #6. It was actually a bit higher (#5) yesterday, so it's a bit wobbly. If this does not make the Top 5 by Sunday, then folks will surely cry Flopzilla!

It's no secret that Britney Spears is breaking all kinds of Billboard records. "Hold" will debut at #1 tomorrow on the Billboard Hot 100, and I read that it also debuted at near Madonna levels (a la "Frozen" in the 90s) on the airplay chart. As we know, it takes a little while for radio to catch on to hot songs. Britney's track is indeed hot, so there you go.

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "Rolling in the Deep" / Adele
2. "Grenade" / Bruno Mars
3. "Do It Like a Dude" / Jessie J
4. "Traktor (ft. L)" / Wretch 32
5. "Coming Home (ft. Skylar)" / Diddy - Dirty Money

Blake Lewis Update

2011-01-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

Got some pretty sad news about one of my fave American Idol alums.

Looks like Blake Lewis is busy with yet another record company, Black Hole Records, and will be doing some video blogs, will appear in a BT video, and even doing some dreaded voice overs. The new single is titled "Till We See the Sun." But Blake's releasing a video to his YouTube channel for a song that apparently won't be released by a record company, "She Loves The Way."

Yikes. The new record company alone is reason to :(. Granted, Tommy Boy Records is all about dance (I remember them from the awesome Information Society back in the day - pun intended), and I love love loved "Heartbreak on Vinyl," but I guess it didn't go #1 on the Hot 100, so that's all that matters to record companies, $$$$.

Not that $$$ is all bad, but I think Blake's chances of "making it" are just about over. Sadly. He could have been so much more, had that first single been a killer and not a dud... remember "Break Anotha"? Yeah, I didn't think so.

It's Nothin' But Rihanna in the UK Chart This Week!

2011-01-05T17:35:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

Well, it's Midweek, and the UK Chart is all about Rihanna.

Not only does she have the new #1 song, "What's My Name?" (already a #1 hit stateside), but also she has 2 other singles in the Top 10.

Those other tracks are "Only Girl (In the World)" (also a UK and US #1) at #6 and the dancetastical "Who's that Chick?" at #10. Nice!

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "What's My Name?" / Rihanna ft. Drake
2. "When We Collide" / Matt Cardle (2010 X-Factor Winner)
3. "The Time (Dirty Bit)" / Black Eyed Peas
4. "Your Song" / Ellie Goulding
5. "Firework" / Katie Perry

Oh, and Rihanna also has dethroned reigning album chart kings, Take That, with Loud, her new album. Double nice! (Although the Take That album, Progress, is quite lovely. Stuart Price has done a nice job and shame on me for not taking note of the album earlier...)

2010: The Superlatives

2010-12-28T16:37:00.001-05:00

Looking back on 2010, here's some musical superlatives.

Best Artist: Robyn

Big duh - unless maybe you've only read this blog once or twice this year. Robyn's three-prong musical strategy this year with her body of work (Body Talk, Part 1, 2, and the opus Body Talk) was innovative and a way for her to remix herself and be creative. Bravo! Body Talk also wins...

Best Pop Album: Robyn, Body Talk

14 tracks of awesome, this culmination of her two previous musical bodies of work this year highlights the best of Robyn. From standouts like the #8 UK smash "Dancing On My Own" (#3 US and UK Dance Club hit) to the perky "Hang With Me," and finally the Olga Loves Yuri #1 song of 2010 "Indestructible," this record ROCKS.

Other great albums: Goldfrapp's Head First, Kylie's Aphrodite, Scissor Sisters' Night Work, Kelis' Flesh Tone

Best Group: Hurts

UK synth duo Hurts has had a great year. Coming out of nowhere, the group landed three songs in the UK Top 100 songs in 2010. Their first, "Better Than Love," peaked at #50, followed by their biggest hit to date "Wonderful Life" (peaked at #21). Third single "Stay" also peaked at #50, but their awesome, yet sad "All I Want For Christmas is New Year's Day" made a splash on blogs 'round the world. The track has become one of my fave holiday tracks and will get a lot more spins in holidays to come. Nice work fellas!

Another excellent group: Mini Viva, who would've nailed this award had they stayed together. Still can't get over how they did not connect with UK music buyers!

Best Producer: David Guetta

Another huge year for Mr. Guetta! While he dominated last year with the world-wide success of the Black Eyed Peas, this year, he hit with two collabs that were outta sight! His collab with Kelis on "Acapella" created a soaring club track and his partnering with Rihanna on "Who's That Chick" were both tops with me this year. Mr. Guetta has become on of my fave producers.

Runner-up: Stuart Price for his assists with Kylie and the Scissters. Some of his/their best work, imho.

There could not be bests unless there were worsts.

Worst artist / album: Christina Aguilera, Bionic

From her rips on Madonna's "Express Yourself" video (that alone is enough to land her here), to her oh-so klassy lyrics on her floptastical bomb of an album Bionic, to being accused of ripping off the Goldfrapp sound, the worst moniker goes to X-Tina. Oh, and Bionic was the worst selling UK #1 album in history. That says much. Perhaps she can emerge from the ashes to have a successful 2011? We shall see, but I'm not holding my breath.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas! Hopefully, you will be able to spend it with loved ones, friends, and family.

Here's my new favorite Christmas song. Check out "Christmas This Year" by tobyMac and Leigh Nash (from Sixpence None the Richer) below:

Best of 2010: Top Tracks of the Year, #10 - #1

2010-12-21T17:00:00.002-05:00

And now, the Top 10 tracks of 2010. Enjoy~

10. "One Touch" / Mini Viva

Duo Mini Viva COULD have been and SHOULD have been huge in 2010, but something ran afoul in the UK, causing their last 2 singles to utterly tank and not chart at all. The humanity...! This track was the last one we'll get, as the group has officially been dropped from their label and have disbanded. Both female singers are pursuing solo careers, but one must wonder, if super-producers Xenomania could not get them charting, then it's doubtful that they could do it on their own.

9. "Wonderful Life" / Hurts

The last and highest year-end charting single from Hurts peaked at #21 in the UK and got them noticed. Yay for that.

8. "Teenage Dream" / Katy Perry

Katy Perry needs to thank Swedish mega-producer Max Martin and Dr. Luke for this #1 gem. I highly doubt homegirl could come up with this brilliance on her own. Regardless, the huge chorus had me humming and singing it all the time.

7. "All Night Long" / Alexandra Burke ft. Pitbull

2010 was the year I gave X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke the proper props she deserves. Girl cranked out some SICK tracks - Mom, that means good!! I was loving this one the most, so here it is.

6. "Dancing On My Own" / Robyn

The second of three Robyn tracks here. I'll spare you the heaps of praise and just say that this track goes right alongside "With Every Heartbeat" in its awesomeness.

5. "Any Which Way" / Scissor Sisters

Stuart Price + the Scissters = AWESOMENESS. Price tapped into the group's disco/diva/raunchy vibe and made a winner here.

4. "Who's That Chick?" / Rihanna

This "too safe" track that Rihanna refused to release (except as a "Doritos" extra on Loud) should have been. Someone on Team Rihanna needs to be FIRED. Thankfully, producer David Guetta saw the awesomeness here and released it himself! You go, David!

3. "Telephone" / Lady GaGa and Beyoncé

This monster (pun intended) track was a PSA for the Haus of GaGa. An over the top video that had everyone talking and a super-star duet with established diva Beyoncé lead to countless parodies, even some DADT ones from Iraq and overseas. I had this one ranked at #4 last year, and it just got even more awesome this year.

2. "All the Lovers" / Kylie

The lead track from awesome Aphrodite had me wondering what kind of Kylie sound this represented. Once I heard the entire album, I got it. Everything clicked. It was electronica Kylie, courtesy of Stuart Price. Of all the great tracks on the album, this one represents the best for me and sort of sums up the spirit of the album. It's an instant classic that resounded with the UK and lead to her highest chart position (#3) since 2004.

1. "Indestructible" / Robyn

THIS. IS. HARDCORE! The year of Robyn continues with a track that I could (and can)not stop playing. Remix after remix came, and I was still loving and playing it. The live version was off-the-chain and a thrill to experience in person. The strings + dance beat = AMAZING! I could not get the bridge out of my mind: "And I never was smart with love / I let the bad ones in / And the good ones go..." I still get chills, and that's what it's all about. Robyn puts it all out there - all of her raw emotions and hurt - and that connects with folks. I feel that Robyn is on the cusp of super-stardom. 2011 could very well be her year.

There we go, the top tracks of the year. Did I miss one? What do you think? =)

Best of 2010: Top Tracks of the Year, #20 - #11

2010-12-20T19:00:00.004-05:00

Continuing on with the top tracks of the year...

20. "Eleven Days" / David Byrne, Fatboy Slim, and Cyndi Lauper

This track from the Here Lies Love collaboration between Talking Heads frontman Byrne and DJ/Producer Fatboy Slim about Imelda Marcos caught my attention on the first listen.

19. "Better Than Love" / Hurts

The second appearance here from electronic duo Hurts was their first single that debuted poorly on the UK Chart (#50). The single was significant for me, as it put them on my radar. Sometimes I wonder "WTF?" about the UK record/music downloading public...

18. "Take Control" / Roll Deep ft. Alesha Dixon

When this track leaked, I almost went crazy trying to find a HQ version so I could put it on my iPod. The song is an instant party and makes you want to jump up and dance!

17. "Hang With Me" / Robyn

2010 was a HUGE year for Swedish pixie/goddess Robyn. She released not one, not two, but three albums or bodies of musical work this year: Body Talk, Part 1 in the spring, Body Talk, Part 2 in the summer, and her full album extravaganza Body Talk in the fall. Seriously, I could have had every track listed here, but how much fun would that be for you to read?! LOL

16. "F*ck You" / Cee-Lo Green

This track's retro, catchy vibe along with lyrics we have all felt at one time or another really took the UK by storm, flying to #1 in the fall. It peaked at #9 here in the States, but I heard it on radios everywhere.

15. "Acapella" / Kelis

David Guetta produced this anthemic track for Kelis, whose voice SOARS here. Love it!

14. "Alone, Together" / Infernal

Danish duo Infernal last surfaced with a track on my 2008 year-end chart with "Punk Disco" at #4 - and they are back on the chart this year again. Great pop-dance track.

13. "Rocket" / Goldfrapp

Goldfrapp's Head First album went back to the big '80s "Van Halen" synths, and this was the lead track.

12. "Resuscitate Me" / September

Another Swede (not Robyn!) here who knows how to crank out the dance tracks. Plus, throw in a generous sample of the Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony," and you get one helluva single!

11. "Only Girl (in the World)" / Rihanna

Dance Rihanna is one of the most exciting things that came outta 2010. Too bad album Loud doesn't fully explore that genre...

Best of 2010: Top Tracks of the Year, #30 - #21

2010-12-19T20:50:00.000-05:00

Here we go with the Top 30 songs of 2010, according to moi.
Let's kick it off with #30 - #21

30. "West End Girls (Grum Mix) / Pet Shop Boys

PSB are nothing if not prolific remixers. This remake of their signature song was as an extra little gem on their latest single "Together" that brings the 80s staple track up to date in true electro-poppy fashion.

29. "Get Set" / Yazoo

We had to wait a zillion years for this lovely track featured on the Reconnected Live CD, but it was worth it!

28. "Baby It's Christmas" / Bananarama

The beautiful Keren and Sara deliver this festive track that has quickly become one of my fave holiday songs.

27. "The Fear Inside" / Frankmusik

Love the robotic vocoder action in the chorus.

26. "Hollywood" / Michael Bublé

The Buub kills with his hilarious sense of humor in the video! Loved it! SNL anyone??

25. "Bulletproof" / La Roux

Ellie Jackson and Ben Langmaid had a monster hit on my year-end chart last year (#5) and their subsequent break-out fame status this year in the US (peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100) kept them on my chart this year.

24. "Sunday" / Hurts

This "album" track is awesome. The 80s synth string action in the chorus is chill generating.

23. "Vogue" / Sue Sylvester (Glee)

Love love loved the Madonna tribute episode, but the "Sue Sylvester / Dance on air" line is truly enough 'tude to really emulate the Queen of Pop circa 1990!

22. "Looking for an Angel" / Kylie

Even though the entire album Aphrodite is awesome, it seems I came back to this track over and over again.

21. "Heard It on the Radio" / The Bird and the Bee

Super-producer/bee Greg Kurstin and songbird Inara George's Hall & Oates tribute was awesome, but this, their original track, both shows homage and mastery of the 80s sound that H/O perfected.

The Mystic Underground Got a lot of "Pride"

2010-12-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

This post has been a long time coming.

Olga Love Yuri friends and faves, the Mystic Underground, have a fantastical new single out titled "The Pride of St. Mark's."

Check it out below:

I really love the 80s synths going on here, but tMU don't linger in the past; they really pay homage to it. Very danceable stuff here, with classy b&w video to boot. Nice work, guys!

Pick this puppy up on Amazon or iTunes and support the up-and-coming worthy bands.

NME Don't Know Jack!

2010-12-15T22:14:00.000-05:00

Well, it's that time of the year where the blogs unveil their top songs of the year.

That's coming here soon, but get a load of this...

Of the 75 "top" albums of the year, here's the only 3 that I either recognized or even liked:

65. Robyn – Body Talk Pt 1
36. Hurts – Happiness
24. Vampire Weekend – Contra

That Robyn album alone should be about 64 notches higher, but that's just me.

I should have prefaced this by saying that NME and this blog are really in two different universes. As loyal OLY readers know, I'm all about pop, and it's really all about pop/dance, so my lists, as always, will differ greatly from others. Which makes it all the more fun!

Bring on the year-end lists!

We Dance To The Beat of Yuri

2010-12-13T20:57:00.000-05:00

But my phone does not!

Check out this link to create your own jam! (But don't try it on your iPhone - as you can see above, they don't dance to the beat). Flashzilla strikes again!

Willow is "Whipping" Not Only Her Hair, but Just About Everyone Else in the UK!

2010-12-08T22:39:00.000-05:00

I am laughing right now!

Willow Smith has a #1 hit on her hair, err... hands. In the UK, that is. Willow is kicking the asses of folks like the Black Eyed Peas (#2), Alexandra Burke (#17), and even pop goddess Kylie Minogue (#22)!

WILLOW SMITH. 9 Years OLD. NINE!

LOL!

Well, the Brits do love their novelty hits. I wonder, though, if the Scientology nuts are behind this? Hmmm....

The UK Singles Chart, at Midweek:

1. "Whip My Hair" / Willow
2. "The Time (Dirty Bit)" / Black Eyed Peas
3. "Your Song" / Ellie Goulding
4. "Only Girl (In the World)"/ Rihanna
5. "Heroes" / X-Factor Finalists

Speaking of Kylie, the surprise "Better Than Today" single debuts at a disappointing #22 on the Midweek chart, which surely must mean that our pop goddess is going to be forced to retire her excellent Aphrodite album, yes?

Duffy Finds No Mercy on the UK Chart This Week

2010-11-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

My oh my, Welsh lass Duffy cannot be a happy camper today.

Her latest single, "Well Well Well," debuts at the nosebleed position of #41 on the UK Singles chart. That's one spot lower than what it was at Midweek.

So, that leads me to ask...WTH? I mean, Duffy does a Diet Coke commercial like a year ago, and all of a sudden, the Brits want nothing to do with her. I don't get it. The commercial was not bad. Somebody help me understand that...

Anyway, I've heard the Duffster's new album Endlessly, and it's not bad. I need to give it another spin or two, but it's Duffy doing what she does best - sing.

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "Hero" / X-Factor Finalists (New) [1 week]
2. "Your Song" / Ellie Goulding (3)
3. "Love You More" / JLS (1)
4. "Thinking of Me" / Olly Murs (New)
5. "Only Girl (In the World)" / Rihanna (4)

Quick note about the #2 song: Ellie's best chart position ever. The last time she was in the Top 5 was "Starry Eyed" when it peaked at #4 earlier this year. Good on her!

Oh, and Rihanna's former #1 "Only Girl" is now #1 in the U.S. - so this puppy joins the exclusive club of trans-Atlantic chart toppers.

Hey, Hey, It's a B-day

2010-11-24T10:35:00.004-05:00

Hard to believe it, but today marks the 4 year anniversary for Olga Loves Yuri! Another blogoversiary!

True, work has sapped far too much of my attention this year, but I'm still in it to win it! LOL

Here's to another year of me bragging on some hot tracks and boring music chart stuff!

You stand warned! =)

Robyn Covers Prince's "When Doves Cry"

2010-11-19T21:51:00.001-05:00

And she does it VERY well!

Check out some Robyn awesomeness below!

Apparently, this was done in 1 take and cut straight to vinyl. Can we say talent? Oh yes!

Dancing: On My Own with Robyn

2010-11-11T22:01:00.000-05:00

I go to a lot of concerts.

I mostly see folks, though, whose heyday was a long time ago. However, this past Saturday, I checked out Robyn at a club venue in Orlando. And I went all by myself too.

But don't cry for me, Argentina, because it was a GREAT show. Sure, I missed sharing and making conversation whilst I waited 2 hours standing at the venue, but it was all worth it when she hit the stage.

A lot of folks have not yet heard of Robyn. That's really a shame because this little platinum blond, Swedish ball of energy really puts on an awesome show. Backed by electro gods Royskopp, Robyn took to the stage in full force and didn't let up for the next 75 minutes.

The picture here really doesn't do her justice, but it was the only one I could get where she remained still for a second, and when I was not dancing around too. Because this was one of the few general admission shows I've seen, I got to experience it with tons of other fans up close and personal. Perhaps a bit too personal because I sure could have done without the drunk 16 year olds behind me most of the night, but I got over it. (I guess their fake IDs were pretty good.)

Robyn sang a slew of her hits, including stompers like "Indestructible" (one of my faves), "Hang With Me," "Dancing on My Own," "Love Kills," a really Royskopp-twinged "Konichiwa Bitches," and, of course, "With Every Heartbeat" as the show closer. There were no songs from the early days, that I could tell, but then again, it was more about her new songs anyways. I totally get that.

Normally, I do up a proper playlist and evaluate during each song. F*** that this time because I had me some fun. I danced my mess around in the 1"x 2" section that I claimed in the front (which would have been about 3rd row in a seated venue).

Anyways, the show and her energy blew me away. She needs to totally get on the radio here and get noticed. Folks are truly missing out.

On a different Robyn note: her newest batch of tracks leaked to the Internet earlier this week (and I have been enjoying them immensely), and one particular stand-out, "Time Machine," is produced by none other than Max Martin, who is responsible for Katy Perry, Britney, and Kelly Clarkson #1 hits. "Time Machine" totally needs to be a single and get some seriously mad airplay here.

Folks would go nuts, for real.

Rihanna Kicking Boyband Butt in the UK at Midweek

2010-11-10T23:54:00.001-05:00

Yikes! I am betting some boyband fans are cussing about now! Rihanna's dance jam "Only Girl (In the World)" is still occupying the #1 spot on the UK Singles Chart at Midweek.

Take That's new single "The Flood" is stalled at #2, at least for now. I think everyone must have thought Take That would surely soar directly to #1. Perhaps it won't? We shall see if the power of "dance diva" Rihanna can keep the boys at bay.

Rihanna's also shutting out another boyband, McFly! Oh the horreur!

The UK Singles Chart Top (6) at Midweek:

1. "Only Girl (In the World)" / Rihanna
2. "The Flood" / Take That
3. "Shine a Light" / McFly ft. Taio Cruz
4. "Firework" / Katy Perry
5. "Make You Feel My Love" / Adele
6. "Gotta Be Somebody" / Shayne Ward

P!nk looks set to score another UK Top 20 hit with "Raise Your Glass," debuting right now at #12.

Rihanna Rockin' It Like She's the Only Girl in the World

2010-11-03T21:57:00.000-04:00

The lead single from Rihanna's new album Loud, "Only Girl (In the World)," is the #1 song in the United Kingdom at Midweek.

Can I say "woo-hoo!" now?

I'm definitely in a Rihanna mode right now. I've been playing "Who's That Chick" - the jam with David Guetta - over and over and over.

Can I say "woo hoo" for the all new Dance Diva Rihanna?

The UK Singles Chart Top 5, at Midweek:

1. "Only Girl (In the World)" / Rihanna
2. "Promise This" / Cheryl Cole
3. "Happiness" / Alexis Jordan
4. "Just The Way You Are (Amazing)" / Bruno Mars
5. "Firework" / Katy Perry

And the Saturdays featuring Flo Rida make it up to #10 with "Higher"? Will they be taking this track higher?? We'll see...

Cheryl Cole's Big Week on the UK Chart (So Far)

2010-10-27T23:27:00.000-04:00

This week so far on the UK Singles Chart, X-Factor judge and X-Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole's "Promise This" is having a gangbusters sales week - even one of the best sales weeks of the year.

So, it's no surprise that it debuts at #1 on the Midweek Chart Update.

Hot on her heels is the slamming new track from Rihanna - "Only Girl (In the World), " and that puppy debuts at #2. Great chart placement, but a #1 would be super. We'll see if she can pull it off...

The UK Singles Chart, at Midweek:

1. "Promise This" / Cheryl Cole
2. "Only Girl (In the World)" / Rihanna
3. "Just the Way You Are (Amazing)" / Bruno Mars
4. "Forget You" / Cee Lo Green
5. "Firework" / Katy Perry

Michael Bublé also jumps into the Top 10 at #10 with "Hollywood" - sweet!

While we are on the subject...

2010-10-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

I just caught this clip for Twin Peaks' debut on the UK's Horror Channel.

Love love love!

Vacation = Blast!

2010-10-26T22:36:00.000-04:00

Olga and I hit Vancouver, Seattle, and yep, even Twin Peaks!

In Vancouver, we stayed pretty much in Gastown and shopped around. We intended to get over to Stanley Park, but it just wasn't in the cards. Perhaps next time... that's me up next to a steam-powered clock that played the "Close Encounters" theme every 15 minutes.

In Snowqualmie and in North Bend, WA, two places where Twin Peaks was shot, we ate at the RR, aka Twede's Cafe, and the sucker was packed! Unfortch, a fire caused a serious renovation back in 2000, so it looked nothing like it did in the series, which was a major bummer. However, the cast photos and memorabilia were saved and up in the back. I was snapping pics like a paparazzo!

We did hit the HMV in Vancouver, but $20 CDs really turned me off. Plus, I didn't see anything I didn't already have in one form or another, so being in a real record shop was fun but sad at the same time.

Going West!

2010-10-21T00:15:00.000-04:00

Olga and I are headed out West tomorrow for a much needed vacay! We'll also be heading across the border to check out some Vancouver action as well.

While I'm not looking forward to a 7 hour trip in coach, I am looking forward to seeing some sights, eating some great food, and spending time with the missus.

Oh, and I am planning to check out a real live record store while in Seattle. Imagine that...a place that solely sells records!

More deets and pics to come, and hopefully some really great tunes too.

Coverage: Indestructible Robyn

2010-10-12T21:41:00.000-04:00

Counting down to November 6 in Orlando.

Cee Lo Tells Gary & Robbie: F*** You!

2010-10-06T23:18:00.001-04:00

Cee Lo Green's killing it over in the UK this week.

He's got the current #1 song at Midweek with a very radio-friendly version of his track "F*ck You" called "Forget You."

What's really funny or cool or odd (depending on your loyalties to boy bands) is that Cee Lo is outselling Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams' duet "Shame." Who'da thunk that would happen? Somebody at Gary's record company is going to be fired...especially if this puppy stalls out at #2. Mark my words!

The Kings of Leon also debut Top 10 with their new track "Radioactive," at #7. And Kylie is down to #28 with "Get Outta My Way" ;(

The UK Singles Chart Top 5, at Midweek:

1. "Forget You" / Cee Lo Green
2. "Shame" / Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams
3. "Written in the Stars" / Tinie Tempah
4. "Just the Way You Are (Amazing)"/ Bruno Mars
5. "Miami 2 Ibiza" / Swedish House Mafia v. Tinie Tempah

Looky, Tinie's got 2 tracks in the Top 5! (Not to mention "Written..." is the official UK #1 this week until Sunday.)

Only Yazoo

2010-10-05T11:09:00.002-04:00

I picked up the new Yazoo (or just Yaz if you prefer the "birth control" name) Reconnected Live last week, and I've been loving it. They could have called it Reconnected Love; that would be appropriate as well.

Seriously, the energy of the live show (yes, this is a live album) recorded from the tour is infectious. Alf's voice sounds great, and I get chills listening to the tracks, remembering all the good times.

Yazoo and I go way back. I can remember the family getting a huge satellite dish in the early '80s and how I found a music channel on an obscure satellite that played the "Nobody's Diary" video. From the moment I heard the first synths on it, I was hooked. It must have been that day or maybe the next that I talked my mom into driving me down to Turtle's Records and Tapes for me to look for anything "Yaz" (the Americanized name). I found You and Me Both, with "Nobody's Diary" on it. I also saw Upstairs at Eric's (purchased not long after), but I snapped up the You and Me Both cassette on the spot. I think it might have been in the sale bin too, but I could be wrong.

Anyways, from that moment, Yaz was incorporated into my pop pantheon of songs. You could call them my "songs for life" - as something about the duo's music really connected with my teenage self. I played both cassettes of their only two albums over and over and over, all through college too. They used to have a prominent spot in the front seat of my car, as I'd fling cassettes around after playing them on the Alpine stereo I had in my Honda. Ah, those were the days.

Reconnected also has a "new" track - never before released called "Get Set" - and I love it. It's like I'm back in the day listening to the cassettes all over again. Good times indeed!

Here's the cheesy vid that started it all for me:

The one thing that surprised me was the Digital Booklet. I was surprised to see how "not friends" Alison (Alf) and Vince Clarke were. She spares no detail in how it was a "job" then and how she and Vince were so unalike that it was not even funny. All Vince has to say in the booklet was that when Alison sang "Only You" (their first single), it was "beautiful." That was it!

I have since seen an interview with Alison saying she owes her career to Vince Clarke, so I'm guessing they have become friends since the early days. Somehow, that makes things seem better in the pop universe.

Working Too Hard: Kylie's "Get Outta My Way"

2010-09-29T22:47:00.000-04:00

My favourite diminutive Aussie pop star, Kylie Minogue, is working too hard these days.

Her "comeback" album Aphrodite, a pop masterpiece, yielded a #3 smash "All the Lovers." Now, seemingly 6 months later, second single "Get Outta My Way" - a song that should have debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, may not even debut Top 10. Which is a damn shame.

In the pop days gone by, this puppy would have been #1 for a hundred years. Now, not so much. Kylie's been on TV, the radio, commericals... EVERYWHERE pumping single #2.

"Get Outta My Way" debuts at #11 on the Midweek chart update. I'm hoping for a surge come Sunday, and this puppy goes Top 10. Surely the pop gods must be listening...!

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "Written in the Stars" / Tinie Tempah
2. "Let the Sun Shine" / Labrinth
3. "Just the Way You Are (Amazing)" / Bruno Mars
4. "Make You Feel My Love" / Adele
5. "Dynamite" / Taio Cruz

The Saturdays Disappoint the Chart - Once Again!

2010-09-23T19:01:00.000-04:00

No doubt trying too hard, the girls who comprise The Saturdays underwhelmed the UK music buying public once again.

Their new single, "Higher," debuts at #23 on the UK Singles Chart at Midweek. So, that means if it loses any ground or stays at #23, "Higher" will be the biggest flop that the Sats have put out. Their last big bomb was "Work" which peaked at #22 on the Chart. And I say "bomb" lovingly because I actually liked that song, and most of their songs anyway.

But, "Higher" does have Flo Rida in it, and it's not been released physically yet, so I'm probably jumping the gun a bit. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time! The Sats are just such an easy target! LOL

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "Just the Way You Are (Amazing)" / Bruno Mars
2. "Dynamite" / Taio Cruz
3. "Focus" / Emma's Imagination
4. "Teenage Dream" / Katy Perry
5. "For the First Time" / The Script

Hot Traxx, Right Now

2010-09-20T19:47:00.000-04:00

This post is loooong overdue. So without further ado, here are some slammin' traxx for your immediate auditory consumption.

Roll Deep ft. Alesha Dixon, "Take Control"
I knew I loved this track when I heard the first one second of it. And, Alesha is off the chain! If her own recent singles sounded this bangin', she'd have a #1 on her hands!

Rihanna, "Only Girl (In the World)"
Finally! No more "Rated R" business from Princess Ri-Ri. No sir, it's all about the clubs now. And I am ecstatic about it. Those synths are killer! Welcome to Rihanna's next #1 single.

Rihanna, "Who's That Chick"
OMG...if this is supposedly a "club only" single that leaked early - SOMEBODY on Team Rihanna needs to be FIRED! This needs to be up on iTunes STAT. The vocoder action makes me crazy... love love love this one.

Ola, "All Over the World"
I just got my ticket on the Ola train, but this Swedish reality singing show finalist has got some vocal chops. Love this song. The chorus is epic - sorta like Blake Lewis first album ("End of the World") epic.

And rounding things out, Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream (Manhattan Clique Edit)"

Just because I still love the chorus.

#1s From Around the Pop World

2010-09-16T22:48:00.000-04:00

Quick update on some #1s ...

At Midweek in the UK, Alexandra Burke's "Start Without You" remains at #1. (It was the offiicial UK#1 song this past Sunday when the chart was published.) Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" moves down, while Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" moves up to #2. Sorry, Katy!

Here in the States, "Teenage Dream" is #1 on the Billboard Singles Chart, and the new album by Sara Bareilles Kaleidoscope Heart debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. It sold a bit over 90,000 copies. Ah, who'd have thunk it back in the day that a 90,000 sales week would equal #1?

Well, regardless of sales, the album is solid, hooky pop. I actually purchased this morning - even after hearing an "evaluation" copy. Imagine that! I may do up a nifty review, but we'll see. In any event, it's a very good album - check it out.

Still Feeling Fascination

2010-09-14T10:20:00.001-04:00

"(Keep Feeling) Fascination" is one of my favorite songs by the Human League. The synth riff is something I know instantly and sometimes even just hum or do air synths to periodically. I know, weird. LOL.

Anyway, heard that riff again last night in a commercial. Samsung even named a phone after the song. Somebody at Samsung has a brain. Give that person a raise! Check out the tune:

I loved the "you are here" type video: (embedding disabled, nice! - clicky the link to see it)

FYI - they used REAL PAINT for the ground, house, and car!

This peppy track was the follow-up to the worldwide smash "Don't You Want Me" - which hit #1 all over the world. "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983 and was still a hit, but not the smash the former track was. It was, however, the League's first US #1 dance track, and my beloved UK took "Fascination" to #2 - which is so very cool.

I'm pretty sure that no matter what, I'll always be feeling the "Fascination."

I'm Right Over Here / Why Can't You See Me?

2010-09-10T22:18:00.000-04:00

Sweet! I scored tickets to see Robyn in Orlando on November 6!

I've read many super-positive reviews and cannot wait to experience it live. Of course, a review will follow...

Big thanks to buddy John for giving me the head's up about Robyn's newly added tour dates.

How 'Bout Them Apples? Alexandra Beats Katy Perry to #1 in the UK (Midweek)

2010-09-08T23:30:00.000-04:00

Well, so much for those "Teenage Dream"s ... looks like Alexandra's headed for yet another #1 UK single, and that would snub Miss Katy Perry's chance to top the UK singles chart come Sunday. And with a whole slew of debuts by the likes of McFly, the Script, and Alesha Dixon, Katy could be SOL for a while.

To be honest, I'm really liking Alexandra and am happy to say that Olga loves "Start Without You" and "All Night Long" (even if it was for Pitbull initially). "All Night Long" is her go-to "Imma workout now" song. Very cool!

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "Start Without You" / Alexandra Burke
2. "Teenage Dream" / Katy Perry
3. "Please Don't Let Me Go" / Olly Murs (this week's official UK #1)
4. "Dynamite" / Taio Cruz
5. "Party Girl" / McFly

New Bublé! "Hollywood"

2010-09-07T22:29:00.000-04:00

Looky what hit iTunes (US) today!

A brand new uptempo single from Michael Bublé titled "Hollywood." It's coming from the re-release of Crazy Love - my what an original idea! Not sure why the album needed another release, but that must be how record companies think $$ is made these days. Whatevs! It's all made in touring, duh!

"Hollywood" is uber-catchy and should follow #1 AC hit "Haven't Met You Yet" quite nicely. "Haven't..." peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, btw.

Check it out here.

Good Golly, It's Olly! (at the Midweek #1)

2010-09-02T00:19:00.000-04:00

X-Factor runner-up Olly Murs has the #1 track on the UK Singles Chart at Midweek. With the guitar-strumminess and - I think - Will Young-ish vocal style (or certainly Darren Hayes?), "Please Don't Let Me Go" makes a big ole splash across the pond.

Can this little ditty keep the "you.make.me.feel like i'm livin' a.teen.age.dream" anthem that Miss Katy Perry has going for her? Hmmm..."Teenage Dream" is debuting at #2 at Midweek. We'll see if she can overtake Olly come Sunday's official chart tally.

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "Please Don't Let Me Go" / Olly Murs
2. "Teenage Dream" / Katy Perry
3. "Dynamite" / Taio Cruz
4. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna
5. "You Took My Heart" / Pepper and Piano

Brandon Flowers' "Crossfire" Blasts onto the UK Chart

2010-08-29T21:07:00.000-04:00

With all the great music happening right now (hello, HURTS), I completely forgot about the first debut single from Brandon Flowers.

The lead singer of the Killers has the #8 hottest song, "Crossfire," on the UK Singles Chart this week. Although the song is not Stuart Price "Spaceman" awesome, it is still very Killers-ish and good.

Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" keeps its Midweek #1 position, while HURTS' "Wonderful Life" only loses 1 spot and officially debuts at #21 - becoming their highest charting song to date. Nice!

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "Dynamite" / Taio Cruz
2. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna (2)
3. "Club Can't Handle Me" / Flo Rida ft. David Guetta (3)
4. "Green Light" / Roll Deep (1)
5. "Katy on a Mission" / Katy B. (New)

Cee Lo Says "Forget You"!

2010-08-28T23:46:00.000-04:00

Well, not really. He really says something a bit more forceful that also begins with an F. But radio would never play that.

1/2 of the duo Gnarls Barkley, Cee Lo Green has one of the catchiest tracks of the year with "F--- You" or the more radio-friendly "Forget You."

With just the right combo of retro-funk/soul and pop, Cee Lo hits right notes here. And I'm all on board. With the cleaned up radio version, the rest of America should be on the Cee Lo train here shortly.

If you get a chance to hear the original "F" bomb version, it conveys the emotion a heckuva lot better. But some folks are quite sensitive to that particular word. However, to me, it's apt, raw, and totally appropriate.

Anyone else hear the Prince "Awwww-ah!" in there?

Check the (clean) vid here:

HURTS Debut Top 20 in the UK at Midweek

2010-08-25T17:53:00.006-04:00

British duo HURTS are back on the UK Chart with their second single, "Wonderful Life," debuting at #18 on the UK Singles Chart.

Some call these kids the new Pet Shop Boys or even a younger, hipper Depeche Mode. Call them what you like, these guys have some great synthpoppy tunes. True, they have some haunting tracks, but the synths and voice go together nicely.

"Wonderful Life" may just be their highest charting single yet. The dancier "Better than Love" (blogged about here) peaked at #50 on the chart, but #4 on the UK Dance Chart. Well, I'm hoping the #18 debut will solidify into a bona fide Top 20 debut for the guys.

The UK Singles Chart, at Midweek:

1. "Dynamite" / Taio Cruz
2. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna
3. "Club Can't Handle Me" / Flo Rida ft. David Guetta
4. "Green Light" / Roll Deep (this week's official UK #1)
5. "Katy on a Mission" / Katy B

I'll leave you with the HURTS video:

Eminem & Rihanna Rock Both Sides of the Atlantic

2010-08-19T21:15:00.000-04:00

"Love the Way You Lie" is the current #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it's also the #1 song on the UK Singles Chart at Midweek.

I gotta admit, the song is haunting. Who better to deliver it than two mega-stars who know their way around some punches and bitch-slaps? Oh well, they do make a good pop duo, and that's obviously paying off.

Enrique Iglesias' & Pitbull's "I Like It" moves up to a new peak at #4 on Billboard, while the Saturdays drop a few to #6 at Midweek in the UK.

Still Got the Moves, Baby

2010-08-16T17:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to the Queen. She's still hotter than all of us, at 52.

UK Charts: Saturdays - DENIED

2010-08-15T21:16:00.000-04:00

Wow, I have been busy posting away this week, haven't I? LOL... Well, it has been busy.

But I have NOT been as busy as the Saturdays! Those UK girls have been busy begging and lighting up Twitter in hopes to have the new #1 song today.

Well, it didn't happen. **womp womp**

Flo Rida's "Club Can't Handle Me" overtook the Sats, pushing them out of the temporary #1 spot they held at Midweek. "Missing You" ends up officially debuting at #3, which is shy of the peaks held by previous singles. So, we'll have to see if the girls can beg their way up to #1 after this week. Unlikely, but it could happen...

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "Club Can't Handle Me" / Flo Rida ft. David Guetta (Debut) [1 week]
2. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna (4)
3. "Missing You" / The Saturdays (Debut)
4. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool vs. D CUP (3)
5. "Beautiful Monster" / Ne-Yo (1) .. big drop!

Stop the Presses! The Saturdays Finally Might Have a #1 in the UK!

2010-08-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

Can this be?

Will UK girl group The Saturdays finally have their first UK #1 single this Sunday? Well, it sure looks that way.

Their latest single "Missing You" is #1 at Midweek. It's their 7th single, and they've peaked at #2 with the Comic Relief single/cover of "Just Can't Get Enough" and also "Forever is Over." So perhaps they will finally get a #1 and not be dropped from their record label! Nah, it's not that bad...yet!

The UK Singles Chart at Midweek (Top 5):

1. "Missing You" / The Saturdays
2. "Club Can't Handle Me" / Flo Rida ft. David Guetta
3. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna
4. "Beautiful Monster" / Ne-Yo
5. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool Vs. D CUP

Checking Out the UK Charts

2010-08-08T22:46:00.000-04:00

Snoozy Top 5 on the UK Singles Chart this week.

Ne-Yo debuts at #1 with "Beautiful Monster," and Flo Rida moves up to #2 with "Club Can't Handle Me."

I'm scanning down the chart this week and can't get too excited about any one in particular. Sure, "Alejandro" is hanging in there at #18, and Kylie's not a goner at #21 with "All the Lovers." That's about it. Like I said, zzzzzzzzzz...

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "Beautiful Monster" / Ne-Yo (Debut) [1 week]
2. "Club Can't Handle Me" / Flo Rida ft. David Guetta (5)
3. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool v. D CUP (2)
4. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna (4)
5. "All Time Low" / The Wanted (1) ** BIG TIME DROPPAGE **

A Great Musical Day So Far...

2010-08-05T11:40:00.002-04:00

I got the new La Roux album Sidetracked in the mail today. Ok, so they have 1 new song and a couple of remixes on it, and the rest are "various artists." I knew that, yeah, I knew that. "Under My Thumb" is peppier (and shorter) than the leaked version a few weeks back. Me likey album cut better! It seems to be going somewhere and not all monotonous (like the leaked version).

The tracks picked for Sidetracked are very La Roux-ish, which totally makes sense about the compilation. It's like taking Mr. Peabody's Way-Back Machine straight to 80s with tracks from Blancmange, Tears for Fears, and one I've not heard before - 1984's "Big Blue World" by Paul Haig - is really fantastic.

Earlier this AM, I got a chance to preview Robyn's new Body Talk Pt. 2. AMAZING. I don't say "amazing" often, so pay attention now: this is a must have. I'm loving all the tracks and have had them on repeat all morning.

A mere mention of Robyn's new album on Twitter today caused a big ole ruckus, with folks begging left and right to hear it. I'm sure it will leak proper by the weekend, so patience Pop Chyldren, patience!

Today has been a pretty fantastical music day. We seem to have moved out of the musical slumpitude from earlier this year to some full-on jams. Thank God. I think it all started with Kelis/Scissor Sisters/Kylie albums, and the party continues on here. Awesome!

Chris Isaak is My American idol, too

2010-08-02T16:44:00.000-04:00

With all the talk about who would be a new judge on American Idol, Chris Isaak's name got tossed in the ring, as many of you already know. And regular readers know also that Olga and I are huge Chris fans. I mean, just check this out if you don't think so.

Anyways, I stumbled across a great link talking about how a writer thinks Chris is already his American idol. And I have to wholeheartedly agree. After seeing 5 shows in 5 years, Chris really knows how to work a crowd and a stage. His band, Silvertone, has been together for over 20 years and are some of the best musicians in the biz. Chris' bassist, Rollie, as I mentioned before, has won Grammys for songwriting. Anywho, check out the link.

I think I like Chris better as my own American idol, and not everyone else's. Sure, he'd be great on the show, but he's no Simon and thankfully so. I think Idol's a sinking ship anyways, so Chris not being attached to it is probably a blessing in disguise.

Here's to the "original American boy" who doesn't have to quit his day job.

Official UK #1 Song: "All Time Low"

2010-08-01T23:33:00.000-04:00

Check out my Midweek review, as a whole lot did not change.

The lads with The Wanted have officially made the UK Singles #1 spot this week with "All Time Low".

Check out the rest of the Top 5:

1. "All Time Low" / The Wanted (New) [1 week]
2. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool Vs. DCUP (1)
3. "Billionaire" / Travie McCoy & Bruno Mars (New)
4. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem & Rihanna (2)
5. "Club Can't Handle Me" / Flo Rida ft David Guetta (New)

Both Kylie's "All the Lovers" and GaGa's "Alejandro" are still hanging out in the Top 20.

Chris Isaak, Live at Chastain Amphitheater, 7/24/10

2010-07-31T17:34:00.029-04:00

Be sure to check out Part 1 here!

This year's show included songs we've not heard Chris sing live before, namely "Dancin'" and "Two Hearts" - both early tracks that Olga and I love. The set, pictured above, was the exact same setup as last year, but who's noticing?! LOL Clearly, it's all about the music, and that's perfectly OK with us!

The show kicked off promptly at 9pm (still daylight, but barely) with "Lonely With a Broken Heart." Olga and I love all the tracks, but some of my faves included "Western Stars" - and for the record, I've never heard k.d. lang's version and don't care to! Oldies "Wicked Game" and "Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing" are always welcome, and I wish he had done "Don't Make Me Dream About You" from Heart Shaped World. Oh well, perhaps next time. All in all, another fantastic evening and well worth the whirlwind travel. (We put 746 miles on the rental car! D'oh!)

Here's a quick tracklist for the die-hard Chris Isaak fans:

Lonely With a Broken Heart
Dancin'
Two Hearts
Somebody's Cryin'
Love Me Tender
All I Want Is Your Love
Cheater's Town
Speak of the Devil
Wicked Game (complete with the Herb Ritts video)
Go Walking Down There
You are the Best
Give Me One Day
Big Wide Wonderful World
Worked It Out Wrong (gospel style)
Lost Our Way
Take My Heart
Western Stars
Sweet Lelani
I'll Go Crazy
You Don't Cry Like I Do
Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing (mashed with Bye Bye Baby)

Encore:
Blue Hotel
San Francisco Days
Honky Tonk Blues (duet with brother Nick Isaak)
Pretty Woman
Blue Spanish Sky

Looks like somebody in the VIP section this year defied the Camera Nazis and video'd "Western Stars". Next year, I'm so doing that!

Yet Another Evening With Chris Isaak

2010-07-30T22:32:00.000-04:00

Once again like the devoted live music pilgrims we are, Olga and I drove 6 hours to Hot'lanna (or the ATL) to see Chris Isaak at the swanky Chastain Amphitheater in Buckhead, GA. Check out last year's (also from Chastain) review here.

You must be thinking that we've seen him enough already, right?! 5 times in, I guess, 5 years! My, how time doth fly. Each show has its own charm and special songs, and this time 'round was no exception.

Having been to Chastain once before and marveling at how the ATL elite dress up for 98+ degree outdoor shows (floor length sun dresses and slacks/jackets) , Olga and I dressed to the nines to fit in. We're such slaves to fashion! After having an expensive yet vaguely unfulfilling dinner at the Horseradish Grill (on the grounds of the venue), we found our seats and took in the completely unimpressive opening act Marc Broussard. As Olga eloquently stated, "If he'd find a genre and stay in it, he'd be pretty good." Slap! So true, as I was busy catching all the folks having dinner all around us (in decadent Southern style, no doubt) instead of listening to the screechiness Mr. Broussard put forth. I was seriously like, "Are we there yet?!" the entire time he was up there. Marc had songs about his wife being right, gardening, and his kid wanting to be in a "real band" etc. I'm sorry, I was just not feeling it. He had like 2 or 3 folks in attendance who got all excited when he did certain songs, but by and large, folks were busy having wine, beer, and finger foods.

Just before Chris hit the stage, the Camera Nazis hit in full force. I tweeted about it, and I'm sure my peeps had absolutely no idea what the hell I was talking about! LOL.. well, we've been to plenty of live shows, and each venue handles the "do we allow cameras, etc" question very differently. Because I got so many excellent shots of Chris last Christmas in Orlando, I decided not to test the might of the Camera Nazis and put the phone away - except to note the tracklisting. So I guess I let "the man" win by not sneaking a blurry photo in there. Oh well...

Stay tuned for Part 2 ... !

Travie McCoy "Billion"-izes the UK at Midweek

2010-07-28T20:20:00.000-04:00

Lots of new entries on the UK Chart this week. I love it when the chart gets shaken up.

Not yet #1 but coming in at #2, Travie McCoy's "Billionaire" makes a big splash over in the British Isles this week.

The current front-runner for the "official" #1 position, "All Time Low," is by The Wanted - and I've never even heard of them. Go figure. And we have the Swedish House Mafia at #5 with "One (Your Name)" which features Pharrell. I'm glad Mr. Williams is getting work after his floptacular work with both Gwen and Madge!

The UK Singles Chart Update, at Midweek:
1. "All Time Low" / The Wanted
2. "Billionaire" / Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars
3. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP
4. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna
5. "One (Your Name)" / Swedish House Mafia

Both Kylie and GaGa lose ground - thanks to all the newness in the Top 5 and 10. :(

You Can Hang With Me

2010-07-27T10:08:00.000-04:00

Here's my new fave song of the moment - Robyn's souped up "Hang With Me" from the new album Body Talk, Pt. 2

Check out the fun video below. Made me smile.

I would love to see her on tour. For all of you who have, LUCKY!!!

Robyn - Hang With Me official video from Robyn on Vimeo.

Novelty #1 on UK Singles Chart

2010-07-25T22:09:00.005-04:00

Novelty #1 alert!

Once again, the Brits have selected a quirky song as their most purchased/listened to track of the week.

"We No Speak Americano" by Australian producers Yolanda Be Cool (Sylvester Martinez and Johnson Peterson) and D Cup (Duncan MacLennan) is the official UK #1. These guys have been around the club charts and radio across Europe since 2009. Until now, they have never had a record enter the Official Charts. So these dudes must be super stoked right now.

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool vs. D Cup (2) [1 week at #1]
2. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft Rihanna (3)
3. "Airplanes" / B.o.B ft Hayley Williams (1)
4. "California Gurls" / Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg (4)
5. "Pack Up" / Eliza Doolittle (8)

More La Roux Concert Woes

2010-07-23T11:23:00.000-04:00

More woe-age for La Roux fans as more cancellations are being announced. They actually show as "postponed," but who knows if they will be rescheduled?

As a fairly regular concert-goer, I am on the major concert distribution lists (like Ticketmaster/Live Nation). A fave venue, Hard Rock in Orlando, hit me up with their latest list, sans La Roux. No explanations, but Elly was not on the list.

And then a myspace blog post (today) advising more vocal issues/laryngitis, etc. And that the entire North American tour is on hold. Sheesh, and I almost went to the Orlando show! Except I'm way too damn old to be standing in the general admission/floor section. Yeah, old man here needs a proper seat up front, thankyouverymuch!

This has to suck for Elly and Ben. "Bulletproof" peaked at #8 - which is a huge hit for them. Did I mention that other UK acts like Girls Aloud, Little Boots, even Estelle ("American Boy" peaked at #9), have not had that much success stateside?

UK Chart at Midweek: We Do Speaka Americano!

2010-07-21T22:34:00.000-04:00

Jumping 2 notches to #1 this week on the UK Singles Chart (at Midweek), Yolanda Be Cool vs. D Cup bust a move to push B.o.B out of the top spot with "We No Speak Americano." (That wasn't so hard now, was it?)

Is this another novelty #1 for the Brits? Let's see if they can hold on to the #1 spot come Sunday's official chart update.

Good new for Kylie and GaGa - both remain in the top 15. "All the Lovers" holds at #12 and "Alejandro" at #11.

Oh, and we have Basshunter debuting with more Eurotrashiness at #19 with a track called "Saturday." I'm sure it'll be #1 within 2 weeks!

The UK Singles Chart at Midweek:

1. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool vs. D Cup
2. "Airplanes" / B.o.B ft Hayley Williams
3. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft Rihanna
4. "California Gurls" / Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
5. "Pack Up" / Eliza Doolittle

Coverage: Belinda - "Feeling the Magic" 2007?

2010-07-20T11:14:00.000-04:00

Check out this shot from Belinda Carlisle's 1986 hit "I Feel the Magic" - where, if I might add, she looks very hot.

And judging from this, my guess is that B has a thing for Paris. (That's not a bad thing, let me tell you...)

Now, check out this hot mess from 2007. Voila!

Wouldn't it be green-er if B used the '86 photo?

Just sayin'!

Give Me Faith / Give Me Joy

2010-07-18T00:26:00.000-04:00

Taking a bit of a break with Olga and the kids this weekend in beautiful Destin, Florida.

And, no, no tarballs or oil spill crap on the beaches. Thankfully!

The waves are ridic, though! Not like the beaches back home. It was seriously like hiking and not walking the beach today. But all is good. Breaks are good, and so is family time!

Google the title if it doesn't immediately hit you ... and you'll get it.

It's Midweek: What's Up on the UK Charts?

2010-07-14T23:44:00.000-04:00

We have a couple of new entries in the UK Top 5 singles at Midweek.

Mark Ronson debuts at #3 with his new single "Bang Bang Bang," and Professor Green + Lily Allen debut at #5 with "Just Be Good To Green."

Kylie hangs on at #11 with "All the Lovers" and GaGa is down to #12 with "Alejandro."

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "Airplanes" / B.o.B ft Hayley Williams
2. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna
3. "Bang Bang Bang" / Mark Ronson & the Business Intl
4. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP
5. "Just Be Good To Green" / Professor Green ft. Lily Allen

Michael Bublé Brings the Party to Jacksonville

2010-07-13T23:30:00.000-04:00

Sunday night's Michael Bublé show in Jacksonville was ... amazing! This, our third time seeing the Bublé live, was his biggest show yet. Michael explained that he felt the show was a sort of homecoming, as he created the show in our very own venue last year. He spent two week in Jacksonville (who knew?!) in an empty arena mapping out the Crazy In Love tour.

Michael began the show with the triumphant "Cry Me a River" - which totally set the tone for the biggest show he's ever done live. He breezed through hits like the awesome "Everything" fairly early in the set. He covered all of his hits like "Home" - everyone screamed when he started - and my favorite "Save the Last Dance For Me," done acoustically to fabulous results. Michael ended the official set with "Haven't Met You Yet."

The encore was three songs, kicking off with "Feeling Good" - a huge number he's done as the show opener in the past. "Me and Mrs. (Mrs.) Jones" and "Song For You" ended the evening. It flew by! I love how Michael put down the mic and busted out "Song For You" without artificial amplification. Boy's got a voice!

Perhaps the best part of the show was Michael's banter with the audience. He explained how he's engaged to Argentine hottie Luisana Loreley Lopilato de la Torre, and how if she had been married to Tiger, he'd be missing a vital organ! Apparently, men wear engagement rings in Argentine engagements too, as he was sporting a shiny one. My daughter was so bummed after Olga texted that piece of news to her! Bublé also joked and gave TMI details about all his bandmates - to embarrass the fire out of them. You can tell the boys in the band get a little crazy after hours, the Bub included!

All in all, this was a great experience. I thought I had scored floor seats (I'm in the fanclub after all!) but no...I had club seats instead. That's the second time I have had a "misunderstanding" with Ticketmaster. It was still very close to the stage, so I got over it.

I can't wait for the next show. Hopefully it won't be another 2 years, but based on the sell-out (13K+) crowd, I'm pretty sure he'll be back in the River City next tour.

UK Charts: Kylie's "Aprhodite" Reigns Supreme

2010-07-12T16:21:00.000-04:00

You might as well go ahead and call her the Queen of the Universe this week. You wouldn't be far off, if you were referring to the Pop Music universe, as Kylie Minogue's latest collection of jams, Aphrodite, debuts at #1 on the UK Top 100 Albums Chart this week.

What's really cool is that this #1 album is 22 years to the week since her first album, Kylie, was also #1. How 'bout them apples?!

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "The Club Is Alive" / JLS (New) [1week]
2. "California Gurls" / Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg (1)
3. "Airplanes" / B.o.B. ft Hayley Williams (2)
4. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna (6)
5. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool Vs. D Cup (New)

Michael Say Relax!

2010-07-09T21:34:00.000-04:00

Big plans this weekend!

On Sunday, Olga and I will have a fabulous evening of jazz & pop with Michael Bublé.

This will be our 3rd time seeing him live, and each time has been more supercharged than the last. Check out my reviews here and here. I can't wait to see what's in store for us this time around.

Needless to say, we are really looking forward to an evening out and about and seeing our boy Bublé again.

Expect a blow by blow soonly!

Check out a cool song Michael did with his opening act, Naturally 7. It's called "Relax Max" and is super smooth

UK Charts at Midweek: Speaka Americano?

2010-07-07T22:08:00.000-04:00

Chart time again!

The UK Charts sometime contain a surprise or two, and this week is no exception. A band named Yolanda Be Cool and DCUP debut at #5 at Midweek with "We No Speak Americano"- which sounds like an Al Jolson track mixed up for today. Strange but catchy!

X-Factor runners up, JLS, debut at #1 with a track I swear I heard last year! Oh well, those darn Brits!

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "The Club is Alive" / JLS
2. "California Gurls" / Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
3. "Airplanes" / B.o.B ft Hayley Williams
4. "Love the Way You Lie" / Eminem ft. Rihanna
5. "We No Speak Americano" / Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP

Both Kylie and GaGa are down some spots at Midweek... =[ But Kylie is holding strong with probably the bestest album of 2010 so far, Aphrodite. Her lead over Eminem should hold come Sunday, giving Kylie another #1 record. Good on that!

UK Charts: Kylie Bounces Back to Re-peak at #3

2010-07-05T16:25:00.001-04:00

Kylie's "All the Lovers" bounces back from #6 to #3 this week, setting a new peak in the process. This new peak is better than any track off the last album, X, so this is good news for Ms. Minogue.

Katy Perry still has the #1 song, and Enrique/Pitbull (what a combo there) debut at #4. And "Alejandro" inches up another notch to #7.

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "California Gurls" / Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg (1) [2 weeks]
2. "Airplane" / B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams (12)
3. "All the Lovers" / Kylie (6)
4. "I Like It" / Enrique Iglesias ft. Pitbull (New)
5. "Wavin' Flag" / K'Naan (2)

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T21:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Americans out there!

(To all my world peeps, I hope your Sunday was fun and relaxing!)

Today's festivities got me to thinking about songs (not necessarily patriotic, mind you) with terms associated with America or the holiday.

Here's what I came up with, my 4th of July playlist:

1.     American Boy - Chris Isaak. Theme song from his TV show. Classic stuff and a concert staple. Olga and I are off to see him (again) in a few weeks!
2.     American Life - Madonna. Worst. Rap. Part. Ever. Luckily the album was much better than the leading track.
3.     Freedom '90 - George Michael. Probably my fave George Michael song. Love this one.
4.     American Pie - Madonna. I know, blasphemous, but I love the electronica-ness of it.
5.     4th of July (Fireworks) - Kelis. Her new single. The perfect summery song.
6.     Kids in America - One of the best of the '80s. Where is East California though?
7.     Hollywood’s Not America - Ferras. Used as the exit song on American Idol for a while.
8.     Born in the USA - The obligatory Bruce Springsteen song, but I don't mind. Great anthem!
9.     America – Prince. From Around the World in a Day. Wasn't a single but is a funked out anthem in its own right.
10.   America – Neil Diamond. I don't really like Diamond, but the track is great.
11.   Celebration - Kylie. Or Kool and the Gang, your choice. But Kylie's been burning up the iPod so her version goes here. =)
12.   Surfin’ USA – Beach Boys. Surf, sun, babes. Repeat.
13.   Living in America – James Brown. Detroit City!
14.   Star Spangled Banner –Whitney Houston. Lament the horrors of crack.
15.   Holiday – Madonna. Fits for any holiday, really.
+1.   Think (Freedom!) - Aretha. Honorary song here.

Click on the title to view/hear. Enjoy!

UK Charts at Midweek

2010-06-30T22:10:00.000-04:00

Here's a quick look at the Midweek results on the UK Singles Chart.

Katy Perry keeps her brastraps on the #1 position, but guess who moves up 4 spots?

That's right: IT'S KYLIE! YES! "All the Lovers" bounces back better than its earlier peak at #4. Is it too early to pray for a keeper at #2 come Sunday, or dare I say, a #1?

The UK Singles Chart, at Midweek:

1. "California Gurls" / Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg
2. "All the Lovers" / Kylie
3. "Wavin' Flag" / K'Naan
4. "I Like It" / Enrique Iglesias ft. Pitbull
5. "Airplanes" / B.o.B ft Hayley Williams

PARTY ON! Kylie's New Album 'Aphrodite' = FANTASTICO

2010-06-29T18:37:00.000-04:00

Break out the champagne, Red Bull, tequila, (or all the above!) and get the party started!

Aphrodite is one of the best albums of the year, maybe even the last couple of years. For real! Stuart Price, one of my fave producers, has done it again. Price has taken Kyle and made her (more) current and relevant. I can't say it's better than Price's masterpiece, Confessions On a Dance Floor, but I will say it is in the same universe as Madonna's record. And that's high praise indeed - especially from me!

I have read reviews left and right; all have been majorly positive. And they should be! With tracks like "Looking for an Angel," "Aphrodite," "Everything is Beautiful," "Better Than Today," and the huge "Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)" - all could be singles - how could you go wrong?

My favorite song on the record changes every day, but I think it's "Looking For an Angel" right now. Ask me tomorrow, and I'm sure I'll be back to "Aphrodite."

I'm excited to see where both "All the Lovers" and the album charts over in the UK in the next few weeks. Truly, the soccer songs are losing their steam as the UK loses interest in the World Cup. Well, their team got kicked out; we can relate!

Anyways, check out "Looking For an Angel" below. The album flows from one track to another; goodness abounds.

Uk Charts: Katy Makes It Official

2010-06-27T20:27:00.001-04:00

Well, Katy Perry has made it official.

"California Gurls" has become an official UK #1 this week, making a trans-Atlantic connection with the Billboard Hot 100 #1 at the same time. Not too bad. And the song is catchy as hell.

The FIFA World Cup connection remains strong in the Top 5, with the #2 and #3 songs representing UK soccer fever.

And Kylie's "All the Lovers" shows its chart legs and maintains a Top 10 position (#6). The new album Aphrodite leaked this week, and it's sooo good! One of the best pop albums of the year, and a stong contender for Album of the Year already. I pre-ordered on iTunes already.

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "California Gurls" / Katy Perry (New) [1 week]
2. "Wavin' Flag" / K'Naan (2)
3. "Shout" / Shout ft. Dizzee & James Corden (1)
4. "Kickstarts" / Example (3)
5. "Not Afraid" / Eminem (6)

"Alejandro" moves up 2 to #8, and the new single by the Scissers, "Fire with Fire" debuts at #11. Nice.

UK Chart at Midweek: "Gurls" Rules

2010-06-23T22:49:00.000-04:00

Well, ain't it grand that Katy Perry's summery jam "California Gurls" is topping both the US and UK (at least at Midweek) Charts simultaneously? And isn't it also interesting how Katy slams GaGa for mashing up sex and religion when Katy herself seems a bit scantily clad herself? So... sex sells? hmmm....

Unfortch, both Robyn and Kylie drop from the official positions on Sunday. So, it appears that Kylie will be YET AGAIN denied a UK #1, as "All the Lovers" drops to #6. It's been since 2003 since she topped the chart with "Slow," and that's about a zillion years in chart lingo. Robyn falls out of the Top 10, landing at #14. Oh, and the new single "Fire With Fire" by Scissor Sisters makes a fiery splash at #12.

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "California Gurls" / Katy Perry (ft. Snoop Dogg)

2. "Wavin' Flag" / K'Naan

3. "Shout" / Shout (ft. Dizzee & James Corden)

4. "Kickstarts" / Example

5. "Not Afraid" / Eminem

Songs on a Plane!

2010-06-22T23:32:00.001-04:00

Talk about a craptacular weekend. I spent Friday through Sunday (yes, Father's Day!) working 15 hour shifts in Minneapolis. Not my idea of fun!

To top it all off, air travel has become a friggin' nightmare! I literally had to pull an OJ and run through ATL to get to my connecting flight. Complete suckage!

Well, there was one positive experience on the plane. Delta has some swanky muzak playing as you board the aircraft. Once I got settled, I heard a catchy-as-hell melody playing. I made out a refrain, so I whipped out the trusty iPhone to look up who it was.

The catchy tune happened to be "Levi Blues" by Canadian folk duo Dala. Never heard of them before Monday. And guess what? It's not dance and is barely pop! LOL. Why should I like this song, you must be asking? Well, take a listen. My daughter loved it after hearing it once, and Olga took about 2.5 listens to start singing it.

According to Wiki, "Levi Blues" was nominated in the Mainstream Adult Contemporary category at the 2010 Canadian Radio Music Awards. Not too shabb-ay...

UK Charts: Kelly Rowland Marches Into the UK Top 20 with "Commander"

2010-06-20T18:02:00.000-04:00

Kelly Rowland's new single "Commander" invades the UK Top 20 this week, flying up from #52 to #17 - with the Top 5 in sight. "Commander," another David Guetta production, proves to be another gold feather in Kelly's massive weave (see photo)!

Unfortunately, World Cup fever spells chart frustration for Kylie. The awesome "All the Lovers" is denied a higher placement thanks to all those damn vuvuzelas!!!

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5:

1. "Shout" / Shout ft. Dizzee & James Corden
2. "Wavin' Flag" / K'Naan (3)
3. "Kickstarts" / Example (New)
4. "All the Lovers" / Kylie (New)
5. "Frisky" / Tinie Tempah (2)

And guess what? X-Tina's floptastical Bionic, which was the #1 album last week, plummets 28 spots from #1 to #29 this week. SWEET!

Unfortch, Robyn's album Body Talk, Pt. 1 debuts at a disappointing #47 on the album chart. However, "Dancing On My Own" debuts at #8 - becoming her biggest hit in the UK since the super-awesome "With Every Heartbeat."

UK Charts at Midweek: Kylie & Robyn

2010-06-16T23:26:00.004-04:00

A couple of VERY good songs debut within the UK Top 10 Singles chart at Midweek.

First up, Kylie. Her anthemic "All The Lovers" climbs to #4 so far this week. From her upcoming album Aphrodite, "Lovers" is dance pop done right. Let's hope this puppy can climb a bit higher before Sunday's official chart. A #1 would be nice, but it looks like Dizzee & James Corden will be staying there with "Shout" for one more week.

Next up, Robyn. I have been loving on "Dancing On My Own" for weeks now. The Buzz Junkies mixes are outta this world. Robyn's strong debut at #7 means very good things for this Swedish cutie. Her biggest hit since her UK #1 "With Every Heartbeat," "Dancing" is charting and getting much blog love everywhere. Would love to see this become her second UK #1. Let's make that happen, shall we?

The UK Singles Chart, Top 5 at Midweek:

1. "Shout" / Shout for England (ft. Dizzee & James Corden)
2. "Wavin' Flag" / K'Naan
3. "Kickstarts" / Example
4. "All The Lovers" / Kylie
5. "Frisky" / Tinie Tempah ft. Labrinth

Lady GaGa's "Alejandro" climbs to #14 this week after her much discussed Steven Klein homage to Madonna hit the airwaves. I'll need to do a proper review of the video soonly. Stay tuned for that.