UK Rap/Dance & Big Star Collaborators

EXCLUSIVE
U2 are returning in March 09, it's official. The world conquering Irish four-piece will return 2nd March with their 12th studio album 'No Line On The Horizon'. Five long years will have passed since the band's last new material, the 9 million selling How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb from 2004. Go to www.u2.com to stay updated with all the regular news of upcoming U2 releases.

Chart Update
It comes without a surprise that X Factor winner Alexandra Burke's 'Hallelujah' is this years Christmas number 1. Internet download campaign attemps to get Jeff Buckley's version the title and stop the yearly X Factor guarentee failed to beat the pop hungry masses. Buckley moves to number 2, whilst the original by bankrupt Leonard Cohen raches 36. Peter Kay's mickey take female persona Geraldine is the second highest new entry at number 5 with Gary Barlow penned track 'Once Upon A Chrsitmas Song'. Beyoncé gains a second song in the top 10 after an amazing joint X Factor performance with Alexandra Burke, as 'Listen' goes in at number 8 meeting 'If I Were A Boy' at number 4.
Take That's 'The Circus' and Leona Lewis' 'Spirit' stays at number 1 and 2 respectively in the album chart, being two of the biggest sellers of the year. Gaining fifteen places at number 9 with 'I Am Sasha Fierce' is Beyoncé, whilst Fall Out Boy's new album 'Folie A Deux' makes a dissapointing entry at number 39.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week

Tinchy Stryder ft. Taio Cruz- Take Me Back
www.myspace.com/tinchystryder
Hip Hop/Dance/Garage

UK rap has wilted somewhat this year, but to prove a different case for the next is Tinchy Stryder. Coming straight out of London with a vengance, the Universal Records rapper is here to make name for himself as the 'Star In The Hood' (title of his 2007 album). 'Take Me Back' is arguably Tinchy's most commercial friendly single to date, and gaining a place on the Radio1 B-List could also mean it'll be his most successful. In this song about needing his ex girlfriend back in a relationship that went wrong he takes hold of rapping the verses. Tai Cruz on the otherhand, sings the repetitive chorus not dissimilar from his own single 'Come On Girl' in a robotic voice. Rhythmic synths catch the listener along with a melody demanding dancing at high volume. The electronics feature highly in his music while he ventures into garage, grime and bassline territory in his other songs. Tinchy Stryder can be seen supporting N-Dubz end of March and throughout April on their UK tour, whilst 'Take Me Back' is out from 19th January 2009.



New Artist
N.A.S.A.
www.myspace.com/nasa
Hip Hop/Dance/Experimental

It is without a doubt that N.A.S.A. (North America/South America) has to be one of the front runners for 2009's hotly tipped. A mighty duo of Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon will blast 'Bazilian Funk' onto the music scene next year, boasting a bigger collaboration lineup than Mark Ronson and Timbaland of 07. Take first UK single 'Gifted' for example, not only does it feature Mr 'post-modern' Kanye West but also the indie likes of Santagold and Lykke Li. Both who made a fiery attempt to inject originality into the charts this year. If the mighty hook of the verses in this song don't capture you simply from the star studded features, the space age interludes certainly will. These fella's are not afraid to let loose of their experimental creativity, and have managed to concuct a genre hopping plathora of seventeen ear-grabbing tracks for the album. Talking about not holding back, it appears they embrace strong political views with images of George Bush and Saddam Hussain amongst other controversial characters, appearing in the video for 'Money'. Demonstrating the need for music with meaning, they highlight the world's greed and selfishness in our global society. N.A.S.A. is sure to be heard tearing up the clubs in the new year. The debut album 'The Spirit of Apollo' will be released on 17th February 2009.



Recent uploads to my iTunes:
The Prodigy- Invaders Must Die
The Ting Tings (BBC Radio 1)- Shutup And Let It Snow
Vampire Weekend (BBC Radio 1)- A Punk (Live from Maida Vale)

Top Club Track & A Highly Tipped Songstress

Chart Update
Number 1 in the singles top 40 this week is Girls Aloud with 60's inspired 'The Promise' after a well publicised performance on XFactor. Second highest new entry is NMU (3/10/08) featured 'Infinity 2008'- Guru Josh Project at number 3 this week. Bloc Party slip in at number 39 with 'Talons' (NMU 16/09/08).

Rock legends AC/DC managed a mighty number 1 album spot in a total of 29 countries, reflecting a dedicated fanbase still going strong. 4 other top 10 new albums starting the Christmas rush come from Sash's 'Best Of', Sugababes, Katherine Jenkins, Leon Jackson. Kaiser Chiefs commendably settle for number 2 with their third Mark Ronson produced album 'Off With Their Heads'.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week

Kid Cudi- Day & Night (Crookers Remix)

www.myspace.com/kidcudi

Hip Hop/Alternative/Rap

Already becoming an underground hit on the dancefloors, Day & Night (Crookers Remix) is currently circulating Radio 1Xtra's B List and is highly anticipating a Radio1 crossover. When a live strobe light accompanies the track breakdown that includes a manifesting alarm loop in a club, urban dancers are set alight to pulsating beats and 'whomping' bassline electronics. The original track by US rap outift Kid Cudi about a 'lonely stoner' has clocked up over a million listens on his myspace for this song, whilst the remix transforms it from a laidback cruise to a spark of energy. This new rapper boasts similarities with both Kanye West and Lil Wayne and aims for a crossover of genres. Guitars, drum and bass, and catchy samples all feature in Kid Cudi's music. A release date for the Crookers Remix of Day & Night is yet to be announced.

New Artist

Florence And The Machine
www.myspace.com/florenceandthemachinemusic
Indie/Punk/Soul

This voice will hit your soul. Emotional, dramatic and powerful are a few words to describe this new sound hailing from South London. Florence And The Machine make music so captivating they beg to be seen live, a potential festival stand out. It is expected this band will be all over the summer festivals of 09. Your first listen of this band was possibly from an advert for channel 4's new music channel '4 Music' with 'A Kiss With A Fist' (see below). Songs suggest a stripped down folk-indie sound with energetic drums, keyboards and guitars that accompany lead singer Florence Welch's powerful swoons. Florence And The Machine are currently on a UK tour including an acoustic set at the intimate Union Chapel in London for Jo Whiley curated 'Little Noise Sessions'. References can be made with the edgyness performance of Cat Power, the catchy rhythms of Feist, and Ida Maria who is also part of the progressing new punk wave. Next single 'Dog Days Are Over' is a happy clappy feel-good sing along to be released through Moshi Moshi Records on 1st December 2008. An album is yet to be confirmed.

Recent Uploads to my iTunes:
Bloc Party- Intimacy

Crazy P- Stop Space Return (iTunes Single Of The Week)

Joss Stone- Governmentalist

Re-energised Dance Tune & A Raggae Blondie

Chart Update
Kings Of Leon rule the music charts this week, staying for a second week at the top of the singles chart with 'Sex On Fire' (NMU 19/8/08) and match it in the album chart with the release of their excellent fourth album 'Only By The Night'. New singles 'You Make It Real' by James Morrison and 'Girls' by Sugababes are the highest new entries in the singles chart at position 7 and 8 respectively. Kanye West's surprise single release 'Love Lockdown' goes in at number 16 on downloads alone and is sure to climb higher.
Rihanna refusing to leave the album chart moves a place higher to number 2, whilst Pussycat Dolls, Bette Midler, McFly and David Gilmour all make a new entry in the top 10.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week
Guru Josh Project- Infinity 2008
www.myspace.com/gurujoshproject
Electro/House/Techno

First previewd by Pete Tong on Radio 1, this is the next club stomper to take over the club scene. Infinity was originally released in 1990 and became a worldwide smash and now in remix form is once again hitting the dance top 5 in home turf Germany. This may not be a big sing along tune like other successfull dance tunes i.e. 'Love Don't Let Me Go'- David Guetta vs. The Egg, but it's in the pulsating synths and heavy beats that this song finds its greatness. Similar synths can be found on other songs but are used far more effectively here with a choppy rhythmic effect. Horns throughout help keep a euphoric feel as if you are having the time of your life in Ibiza. The usual convention of dance videos has been taken on here with a sexy girl dancing around intertwined with various clips from a recent DJ headline slot from Guru Josh Project at a huge venue. Infinity 2008 is sure to reach the top 10 here in the UK and is released on 27th October.

New Artist
Ava Leigh
www.myspace.com/avaleigh
Reggae/Ska/Pop

Here to bring something fresh, new and exciting to the music scene is Ava Leigh. Ava Leighis a blonde bombshell from Chester specialising in the genre of reggae. First heard on the 'Next' Summer catologue advert last year, she sang a delightful cover of 'Mas Que Nada'. Then later came debut single 'Mad About The Boy' in September 2007 about confusion with a love interest, which unfortunately failed to set the charts alight. Now back for another attack on the charts, she brings her next single 'La La La'. Steel drums keep a carribean theme and a steady bass guitar keeps the pace laid back yet fluid, whilst Ava's strong voice rolls and holds notes well. True to the genre the video is set in a typical jamaican village with sepia colour insinuating the tropical weather and urban city feel. 'La La La' is out through Virgin Records on 27th October.

Recent Uploads to my iTunes:
Kings Of Leon- Only By The Night
Foals- Antidotes
Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend
The Chemical Brothers- Brotherhood

Energetic Guitar Strumming & A Spunky Hip Hopper

EXCLUSIVE!
All 13 tracks of Ne-Yo's new synth ridden album 'Year Of The Gentlemen', which is released this week, are available for listening on his defjam page www.defjam.co.uk/neyo.

Jazmine Sullivan's (NMU 19/8/08) 'Need U Bad' is this weeks iTunes single of the week on the US store.

Chart Update
Katy Perry finally takes a bow out of the singles chart number 1 after a 5 week stay as Kings Of Leon give an allmighty shove with 'Sex On Fire' (NMU 19/8/08), making it their first time at the top. Cliff Richard who jokingly said he'd 'leave the planet' if he didn't beat them, only manages number 3 with 'Thankyou For A Lifetime'.
There is a shock number 1 album entry from metal legends Metallica with 'Death Magnetic' when the release date was brought forward to last wednesday reaching sales of 75,164. The highest sales achievement by a number 1 in 11 weeks. Glasvegas settle for second spot with their self-titled debut.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week
Bloc Party- Talons
www.myspace.com/blocparty
Indie/Alternative/Rock

Bloc Party are back with a bang. Original fans will once more be satisfied, as they make a pleasing return to the skillful guitar work first heard on 'Silent Alarm'. Aiming to always make the sounds in their songs unique, Talons is no exception. The twinkering xylophone melody enchantingly eases through the verses and the guitars motor in the chorus along with a striking drum beat throughout. Fading rhyths build high anticipation to a chorus sung out loud by an emotional Kele Okereke. This song follows the dark trend of previous single 'Mercury' suggesting a similar approach for the album 'Intimacy' to be realeased 27th Ocotober. Talons is released for downloading and purchasing in the shops the week before, 20th October.

New Artist
Kid Sister
www.myspace.com/kidsister
Dance/Hip Hop/Rap

Energetic is the ideal word to describe the music from this female Chicago rapper. . Debut single 'Pro Nails', a song about painting your fingernails, doesn't win the award for best song subject of the year but who cares when addictive bopping beats hook your interest. Kanyé West lays his thing down on the track so you can trust that this isn't a solo artist to ignore. She also takes on her fellow rapper's illuminous colourful image, painted all over her myspace. . If it's Kid Sister's dancier sound you're looking for, it's 'Control' that draws you in with a faced paced chorus and fast flowing raps through the verses. With her punchy lyrics, an obvious influence you can hear is Salt-N-Pepa and a similar accent to Lil Mama. You may remember Kid Sister from her feature on semi-big single 'Beeper' by The Count and Sinden earlier this year. 'Pro Nails' was getting some early airplay on UK radio quite a while ago now and an initial release on 30th June, but things died down straight after. Hopefully a second return with an album in the near future will strike it hot like it should.

Recent uploads to my iTunes:
Pete Greenwood- Sirens (iTunes single of the week)
M.I.A- Paper Planes
Friendly Fires- In The Hospital (iTunes single of the week 9/9/08)

Dancing to the End of Summer & An Indie Band Worth Noting

Chart Update
The Script move a position closer towards the top of the singles chart to number 2 but Katy Perry is still going strong, whilst Biffy Clyro are the only new entry to the top 10 with 'Mountains'. J. Magik & Wickaman's single 'Crazy World' (NMU 30/7/08) goes into the chart at number 37 on their first week of downloads. Meanwhile in the album chart, The Script clock up a second week at number 1. Damon Albarn and Liam Howlett's theatrical project, Monkey- 'Journey To The West' enters the chart at an impressive number 5.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week:
Axwell & Bob Sinclair feat. Ron Carroll- What A Wonderful World
www.myspace.com/axwell
Dance/House

The 'tink tink' of wood blocks and a progressive synth melody opens the song to get your body moving, leading to the anticipation of the song's climax. As Carroll's vocals kick in the song has truely begun as he sings 'What a wonderful, wonderful' with the climax hit when the first verse is belted out. Followed shortly by more big beats to get a busy dancefloor going. There has been a lack of songs with a positive message in recent time, but 'What A Wonderful World' is here to turn that around. Granted the lyrics are a little cheesy, but you can't deny these top DJ's are at the top of their game. The message brings to light the power a love of music has in bringing people together. Axwell and Sinclair have already generated a healthy fan following on their own accord from great previous singles. Now joining together to form a super DJ collaboration, they have created a club stomper. This is guarenteed to be a summer hit played at party's all over the world.

New Artist:
Friendly Fires
www.myspace.com/friendlyfires
Indie/Pop/Disco House

Currently on the 1- Upfront List of Radio1 with their debut single 'Jump In The Pool' (see below). The sound of a carnival can be heard from the pulsating drums and crowd whisltes in this uptempo track. Friendly Fires seem to fill the indie/dance space in music that The Klaxons had left when they went away from the scene. Fans of Hot Chip and Calvin Harris will also find this St. Albans 3-piece pleasing to the ears. An influence of 90's dance can be heard in the synth noises they use, particularly in 'On Board' that has a synth sequence in it not too dissimilar from The Source feat. Candi Station- 'You've Got The Love'. Soon it will feel wrong to disregard a song of this band from a indie rave playlist. Friendly Fires release both their debut single 'Jump In The Pool' and self titled debut album on 1st September 2008.

Recent uploads to my iTunes:
U2- Elevation (Tomb Raider mix)
Last Night On Earth [Live]
Don't Take Your Guns To Town [Live]
The Cool Kids- What Up Man (iTunes single of the week)

Possible Best Song of 2008? & A Smooth R&B Soloist

V Festival Roundup
The 2008 V Festival on 16th and 17th August yet again failed to dissapoint with an amazing lineup. The Prodigy got the whole crowd jumping insanely to a loud Saturday headline set that included hits 'Firestarter', 'Poison' and 'Voodoo People'. Lostprophets created an exhilerating moshpit to final two songs 'Last Train Home' and 'Burn Burn'. Sunday headliners Chemical Brothers formed a sea of trance madness as fans went wild to their booming beats and amazing light show. Other highlights included an energetic Robyn, a crowd pleasing Kings Of Leon, and fresh new band Noah And The Whale making Summer happiness in the Virgin Union Tent.

Chart Update
Katy Perry makes her 2nd week at number one on the singles chart with controversial sexuality referencing 'I Kissed A Girl'. She continues with the great success she has already had in America with her debut. Only seven new entries on the singles chart this week with hip-hop rappers Madcon- 'Beggin'' being the highest new entry at number 7. The Script, who have been described as a cross between U2 and Timbaland, move into the number one spot of the album chart from first week sales.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week:
Kings Of Leon- Sex On Fire
www.myspace.com/kingsofleon
Rock

The popularity of this first single taken from their forthcoming fourth album, has lead to both Vernon Kay and Nihal on Radio1 making it their Record Of The Week. A steady guitar riff is followed by a chanting chorus, along with striking guitar notes as drums thump and smash. One thing's for sure is that this is another single made for live audiences to sing along to, proven by their V Festival performance (below). Kings Of Leon are known for always making brilliant albums and the next is more than likely to follow suit. The fourth album 'Only By The Night' is released 22nd September, whilst single 'Sex On Fire' is already out to buy and download.

New Artist:
Jazmine Sullivan
www.myspace.com/jazminesullivan
R&B/Soul

Fans are quick to compare the rolling soulful sound of Jazmine's voice to that of Lauryn Hill, which can be seen on several of her myspace comments. This 21 year old Philadelphian of USA is the hottest new singer to the R&B/Soul genre and is nothing short of famous backing. 'Need U Bad' is Jazmine's debut single released on J Records featuring Missy Elliot and Lamb on producing duties. Pepa from Salt-N-Pepa gives a raggae chant at the beginning, leading to Jazmine pouring her heart out on to the song about a love interest she can't live without. The beginning of the Jazmine Sullivan story was finding her voice through the children's choir at church, leading on to several other events including a performance with Stevie Wonder. She describes her outlook on music as "confident, fearless of being honest in songwriting and musically not afraid to try different things." 'Need U Bad' was released in America way back on 20th May, whilst her debut album 'Fearless' is released later this year.

Recent uploads to my iTunes:
Robyn- Cobrastyle
Little Jackie - LOL (iTunes single of the week)
Santogold- Santogold
Pendulum- In Silico

Pop Girl Band & A Young Acoustic Crooner

Chart Update
In both the Singles and Album charts this week the number 2 position has knocked off the previous owner of the number 1 spot. Kid Rock with 'All Summer Long' has moved up to the top of the Singles Chart to prevent a 5 week Dizzee Rascal reign and Coldplay move back comfortably to number 1 on the album chart. Passing my music radar and entering the singles chart this week is Honey Ryder- Numb, which has made it into the chart at Number 32!

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week:
The Saturdays- If This Is Love
www.myspace.com/thesaturdays
Pop

A new wave of pop bands is arriving on the scene. Aiming to be at the front of this scene are new stylish and sexy girl group The Saturdays. Consisting of two girls from former Sclub Juniors (Frankie and Rochelle), along with Mollie, Una and Vanessa they bring 80's pop song 'If This Is Love' as their debut single. The song which hit number 7 in the singles chart this week, cleverly showcases each of the girls' singing talents in the verses, along with a much needed catchy chorus. Young teenagers will particularly be looking to hook onto their music first. As their popularity grows, this song could have a chance at moving a couple more places up the chart.
Out to download and buy NOW.

New Artist:
Sam Beeton
www.myspace.com/sambeeton
Pop/Indie

Samuel J. Beeton is a singer/songwriter with a distinctive voice that suggests someone older and further Western than this 19 year old from Nottingham. In his happy-go-lucky tunes an influence of Bob Dylan can be heard from his country-rock vocals and jangling acoustic approach. Easy on the ears and proving to be radio friendly, Jo Whiley on Radio 1 has chosen 'What You Look For' by Sam as her Pet Sound for this week. Fans of Paolo Nutini and James Morrison will be pleased with what Sam has to bring to the music scene, with a debut album due for release on 8th September through RCA records. Sam Beeton can soon be seen playing live at the V Festival on 16th and 17th August.
Here is a live acoustic performance of Sam performing 'Trouble And Strife' earlier this year:

Recent uploads to my iTunes include:
The Black Ghosts- Something New
Santogold- LES Artistes (xxx remix)
EXCLUSIVE! Keane- Spiralling
(limited download availability from www.keanemusic.com until 11/8/08)

Pumping Rave Tune & A Creepy Estonian

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week:
J Majik. + Wickaman- Crazy World
www.myspace.com/jmajikinfrared
Drum + Bass/Jungle

Following in the footsteps of recent drum and bass success' Pendulum and Basshunter, J. Majik & Wickaman team up to make this energetic attack on the chart. Made to be pumped up loud this song has anthemic long notes to sing high to the roof. Just added to the Radio1 playlist and fast gaining popularity, this track is sure to pack the dancefloor with happy ravers! I predict top 10 at least, Number 4. Released 11th August.

New Artist:
Kerli
www.myspace.com/kerlimusic
Alternative/Pop/Rock

From first impressions, creepy is the word that springs to mind when watching the first video (Walking On Air- see below) of this new female songstress. The song is currently featured as the US iTunes Single Of The Week. The bleach blonde Estonian combines haunting piano scales and dramatic violins with a clunking beat to make a haunting debut single. Slight comparisons can be made to her singing style with that of Bjork, and a gothic image similar to Amy-Lee of Evanescence and the films produced by Tim Burton. Backing from a big label like Island Def Jam means a lot of faith has been put into Kerli's future. Big things could follow...

Recent uploads to my iTunes include:
30 Seconds To Mars- A Beautiful Lie
MGMT- Oracular Spectacular
Craig David- Born To Do It