- Tinie Tempah (NMU 1/2/10) has recently announced the 14-date Disc-overy Tour which will feature fellow label mates Chiddy Bang on support duties. His third single 'Written In The Stars' is going to be released in September and is sure to hit the top 5.
- The self-titled debut album of Eliza Doolittle (NMU 1/210)was released 12th July and entered the chart at a very impressive number 3, whilst second single 'Pack Up' has risen three places to number 6 this week. The album cover resembles closely to Lily Allen's first album 'Alright, Still'.
- Another debut album that's been released this month is the long awaited 'Metropolis' by Janelle Monae (NMU 7/5/09). Although awarded top scores in the press the album is yet to slip inside the top 40. Current single 'Tightrope' featuring Big Boi is a standout track.
- 'Oh No!' will be the fourth single to be released from Marina And The Diamonds' (NMU 16/5/09) album 'The Family Jewels'. It is out to download from 2nd August and has a colourful cartoon inspired video to go with it.
This time NMU brings you...
Song Upfront
Christina Aguilera- You Lost MePop
In one word, this vocal performance can be classed as stunning. Christina has always had the best songwriters on hand to perfect striking, heartfelt lyrics which is none more so demonstrated by this standout track from new album Bionic. Taking credit for the song’s writing duties are Christina herself with the help of solo artist Sia and one of her biggest song writing collaborators Samuel Dixon. Also finely produced by Dixon, the song begins peacefully with gentle piano keys as Christina weeps into the microphone, ‘the love is gone’. Great anticipation is built for the three minutes thirty seconds of blissful hearing pleasure that follows. Christina’s trademark vocal acrobatics float through the bridge of the song with sombre violins creeping in as it is revealed the woman’s partner in question has been unfaithful. First run through of the chorus is sung with angelic notes from the top end of her vocal register juxtaposed to the force by which she sings it at the other end of the track. It is rare for an artist to be able to pour their heart out on a track about sensitive subjects as well as this and it is this connection to the deepest emotions of her dedicated fan base that she does perfectly well. As the song breaks down the violins pick up and she cries ‘You’ll regret it but it’s too late’ crafting a poignant yet dramatic masterpiece. At its climax the song’s overwhelmingly powerful melody ignites Christina’s erupting vocals in the final chorus, hitting your senses into an alarming whirl wind. The final breathes bring the song full circle with a sad but calm reiteration of the song title, ‘Babe, you lost me’. This is yet another storming ballad to go alongside such previous hits ‘Beautiful’ and ‘The Voice Within’ and will no doubt enthral those lucky enough to witness its recital live. ‘You Lost Me’ is hoping to top previous single ‘Not Myself Tonight’’s disappointing number 12 position and is expected to get a UK release in September.
Christina nailed her first live performance of the song 26th May on the American Idol finale and you can see it here.
Artist Upfront
Lissie
Folk/Indie/Rock
The American folk/rock scene gets an energised revival in the form of Illinois’ Lissie. The 28 year-old with long blonde locks and freckled face has a raw striking voice fused with an American twang, setting her apart from anyone in the commercial radar of now, and for quite a while back in chart history for that matter. She has been constantly performing this year and managed to win over famous fans in the form of Courtney Love, Mumford & Sons, and Mark Ronson along the way. Her determination to showcase her music shines through by looking at a touring schedule that has included a number of UK festivals such as Glastonbury with Bestival, V Festival and several others still to come. November 2009 saw her first release in the form of five-track EP ‘Why You Runnin’’, which showcased one of her best written tracks ‘Everywhere I Go’. The song which has been used on several TV programmes including Grey’s Anatomy has moving vocals and a solemn accompanying guitar that tugs at the heartstrings of listeners. ‘Angels will call on me and take me to my home’ she cries in a track that will sadden yet astound listeners into wondering how the singer is able to evoke our emotions so strongly. Earlier this year Lissie performed a storming rendition of the song with the help of Ellie Goulding for a live duet. Debut album ‘Catching A Tiger’ followed at the start of July with critical acclaim in the press, landing near the top 20 of the album chart at number 22. Many tracks on the album are uplifting mid-tempo affairs such as third single ‘Cuckoo’. This musical approach is reminiscent of popular folk/rock from the 70s and ideal for driving with the top down during summer taking your mind away to long winding American highways. Regrettably past singles ‘In Sleep’, concluded by a guitar solo that begs for increased volume, and ‘When I’m Alone’, rhythmically pulsed with a sing along chorus, failed to enter the top 40 despite rotation on Radio 2. However, Lissie’s talent doesn’t necessarily need confirmation by single success as she is truly an album artist whose unique vocals will be loved by a niche crowd of followers. Lisse will be heading out to support The Script on their UK tour this September before embarking on her own at the end of October. Single ‘Cuckoo’ is set for release 30th August and you can watch the accompanying video below.Lissie has caught attention of new fans with her cover of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ which can be heard here and will feature on the release of 'Cuckoo'.
Finally
Here's what you need to...
Hear...Katy Perry's next single 'Teenage Dream', which will probably be just as big as 'California Gurls'.
Watch...N-Dubz's amusing and insightful reality series 'Being...N-Dubz'
Read...'Real Music First', the detailed blog of fellow music reviewer Emma Hitchens.
3 comments:
I'm definitely into Lissie. Kind of ironic she is quite popular in the UK before North America... We'll come around, hopefully!
Thing is I don't think she's popular enough here. Although she's had top rated reviews for her album and she's touring like mad at all the festivals it hasn't really transferred to sales. Maybe it'll pay off later with a re-release or something. 'Everywhere I Go' has been on a few American programmes including Greys Anatomy and So You Think You Can Dance so she's bubbling under somewhere. Thank you for the comment.
Really, ah, I wouldn't have known based on reviews like you said. I see she is 52 on the UK charts, so yeah. She's a star in the wings, guess it depends on how record labels promote her, or if she gets big on her own though the internet, etc. Anyway, no prob. Feel free to check out my blog anytime! (Opted to not Open ID this time)
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