Monday 16 September 2013

[New Music] Britney Spears "Work B!tch"



Britney Spears' new musical era has begun with the pushed forward release of single, Work B*tch.

The song isn't what I was expecting from the Diva, and honestly I'm left a little cold with the dance direction they've decided to take. Damn you Will.i.am!! However, I've only given the EMD-influenced cut a couple of spins, so perhaps it'll grow on me once the disappointment that she hasn't ventured back into Blackout territory has subsided

Still, it's nice/brave to try new things, so some respect goes to Britney/her handlers for not retreading old ground. (You know things are bad when I'm serving up generic platitudes!) Maybe you guys can help me understand how I should be feeling about the song in the comments.

Sunday 15 September 2013

[Discussion] Celine Dion Speaks About Music Industry And Over Sexualised Young Artists



Celine Dion is clearly a Diva who isn't afraid to give her opinion. Speaking to Access Hollywood on the promotional trail for new single Loved Me Back To Life, the Diva was asked her thoughts on the younger generation of music stars who use controversy to sell their product. But what did she say? Find out below...

[Discuss] Why Did MKS's "Flatline" Flop And What Can Stop Their Comeback suffering A Similar Fate?



MKS performed their first single Flatline live for SBTV in an acoustic fashion- and of course it was amazing. What was so gorgeous about this stripped back performance was how it highlighted how great their voices work together; with the ladies handling the alto, mezzo, and soprano roles of the harmonies without ever losing the individuality of their own voices.

Tuesday 10 September 2013

[Listen] The Weeknd Samples Emika's "Professional Loving" on Own Track "Professional"


emika weeknd

So I was minding my own business, taking a listen to The Weeknd's new album- Kiss Land- when  I got a very pleasant surprise. Two and a half minutes into opener Professional, when the track begins to wind down seemingly to its conclusion, the song unexpectedly starts up again. Now that's not the kindly surprise I was referring to before; it was actually the choice of sample used-  Emika's Professional Love- to build the coda that made me pause and smile [Don't click on that link if you plan to sleep, EVER].

I suppose I'm just agog that he's even aware of Emika, since her début album wasn't a big seller. But the two artist do share a dark and melancholy sound, so perhaps it's not so unexpected that their musical paths would have crossed eventually. Seriously, if you like The Weeknd's brand of atmospheric electronica, you'll probably enjoy Emika's 2011, self-titled album.


Check out Emika's original and The Weeknd's subsequent use of the sample, below.

[Music Video] Miley Cyrus "Wrecking Ball"

miley cyrus crying wrecking ball


The follow-up to Miley Cyrus's publicity generating single We Can't Stop has dropped! Thankfully new song Wrecking Ball finds the singer changing gear and delivering a tune with a little more depth than the song that preceded it.

The new song also gives Miley a chance to show everyone that she possesses a set of unique and capable pipes (I can't wait to hear her sing this live). I just wish she hadn't gone for shock value with the nudity in the video because I think the faux-scandal it's probably going to generate might overshadow the song itself.

But whatever, the Dr. Luke and Cirkut produced song is a corker and that's good enough for moi!

Monday 9 September 2013

[Watch] Celine Dion's Performance of "Loved Me Back To Life" and Interview @ Jimmy Kimmel Live!

celine dion jimmy kimmel 2013 singing


Glad to see Celine Dion isn't resting on her laurels and leaving the success of new single Loved Me Back To Life to chance. The Diva is out promoting- wooo yeah!- and joined American Talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform the mid-tempo ballad and chat about various bits and bobs.

The performance itself wasn't as pristine a one as I've come to expect from Celine- note the slight awkward transition to headvoice at 3.04 for example. But I'm just splitting hairs, in reality it was a great rendition that illustrated to people who accuse her of being a serial-lipper that the voice is still present and accounted for. The only thing really lacking was the manic energy she usually comes with- which I felt particularly absent in the belts. Perhaps she was just tired.

Check out the performance of Loved Me Back To Life and her interview with the host (which shows just how down to Earth this megastar still is) below!

[Watch] Jessie J Performs "It's My Party" Live On Strictly Come Dancing

Jessie j 2013 Strictly


Strictly Come Dancing is back on UK screens, so you know what the means: a new primetime slot for promotion has opened up! This weekend Jessie J was lucky enough to bag the gig, performing her new single It's My Party- which still sounds like something Katy Perry should be singing- live for the audience.

As is usually the case with JJ, the Diva gave an excellent vocal; serving high energy and character while strutting across the stage.Though still not feeling the song, I can't deny that I always enjoy watching Jessie J perform live- and this time was no different.

It's My Party was released on the 6th of September.