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Saturday, April 04, 2009

Tommy Sparks - She's Got Me Dancing

I've been following this guy for awhile now and each time I check up on his websites, there are more samples from the album (out May 11th...already!) and I'm further convinced of his genius. The new video for the launch single, She's Got Me Dancing, seals the deal. I am in love with this video, especially the hilarious, laser-shooting opening. And the song... well, now that I've finally heard the entire thing I am more than obsessed. We're talking album-of-the-year potential, here. Everything is working overtime.



Also, be sure to check out the clever video for his energetic debut single, I'm A Rope. And, if you're a fan of this insane video director's work (like I am), check out the super-strange video to MGMT's excellent single, The Youth.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Girls Don't Always Wanna Have Fun

Melody Club's new video for Girls Don't Always Wanna Have Fun premiered earlier today (stream it here) and like most of their recent videos, it's a low-budget affair. Basically, throw Kristofer in front of a bunch of brightly dressed rollerskaters and watch him go. I could watch Kristofer romp around all day long though...he's so delightfully weird. Melody Club videos are always from another planet. I love that. And, after a couple weeks without listening to it, the video's reignited my excitement for this excellent single.

In other MC news, the group mentioned in a chat with fans that the next single from their album would be the super-catchy (and super summery) The Only Ones, which I linked to a few weeks ago.

Track-by-Track: BWO - Big Science

Right Here, Right Now: I already wrote about this song earlier this week, but I'll reiterate my opinion that this is the best track on the album and one of the band's catchiest singles (and that's saying something). In a lot of ways it's Chariots of Fire, the Sequel.

Love Came Crashing In: A midtempo, somewhat experimental pop song, this track has a really catchy bridge but probably would have fit better further on in the running order. It's not a standout, but it's a great example of BWO in pop mode.

Kings Of Tomorrow: I've always been a fan of BWO's ballads (Open Door was what made me finally cave in and buy their debut in 2005, which I promptly fell in love with). Though I like You're Not Alone quite a bit, I think this is the stronger of the two ballads. It has a real epic, sci-fi feel that would fit perfectly in a movie.

Burning Down The House: When I heard this was a 60's pastiche with hints of Motown, I couldn't help but be disappointed. I am not a fan of that genre at all, and really didn't want to hear BWO adopt it. Luckily, they've changed it up quite a bit and even brought back the Beach Boys-esque background vocals from Sunshine in the Rain. The chorus is ridiculously catchy and the lyrics really fun (though I can't figure out what they say at one point - "did our bit of crumpty-jumping??").

Rise to the Occasion: This has a very summery sound to it and the best thing is definitely the "whoa-oh-wo-oh" parts that string the whole thing together. It's another more midtempo, relaxing song--sort of in between ballad and dance number.

You're Not Alone: I was so underwhelmed with this when it first debuted at Melodifestivalen, but now I love it. The gospel influence at the end extends to several other tracks on the album but it's used best here.

Bite the Bullet: A typical uptempo BWO song, this is somewhat forgettable but also very good. The chorus took awhile to really appeal to me, but now I find myself turning it up when it comes on. This is very Prototype.

In Too Deep: A lot of folks don't like this track, but I think it's easily as good as Let It Rain. In fact, it sounds very similar to that (misguided choice of a) single. It's a nice album track with some strange BWO lyrics in the chorus.

Thunderbolt: Probably the song with the most energy, this is bound to be a highlight for many. I quite like it too. It sounds a little like it could be a companion to Halycon Days' Juggernaut. It has a huge chorus that manages to be both menacing and campy--a hard feat to achieve!

Rhythm Of The Night: Another mid-tempo, with some nice synth sounds. A lot of people are raving about the chorus to this one, though I'm not too convinced. It's a nice late-album track, but nothing groundbreaking.

Singing In My Car: I quite like this song, if for the odd lyrics alone (the zoot suit part is especially random). The melody is insanely catchy and I find myself humming it when I least expect it. It's a slower, poppier sound for them.

Shoot From The Heart: This song is gigantic! I love the whole James Bond/spy theme and the lyrics are great. It sounds like a theme song from some campy action series. The chorus is one of the strongest on the album, along with the dramatic production.

It's really hard to rate BWO albums, because they've been incredibly consistent. I find myself listening to each cd equally, though I guess if I had to pick a favorite it would be Prototype, if only for the nostalgia. Big Science, while not as instant as some past releases, is another strong album for the group and one of my favorites so far this year.

Best tracks: Right Here, Right Now, Shoot From The Heart, Kings Of Tomorrow

Thursday, April 02, 2009

"Everybody wants to feel the same"

Feneche-Soler, three guys from the UK, were recently featured on the fantastic worrapolava. They're an electropop trio with shades of Grafton Primary and Daggers. As far as I can tell, they haven't had any official releases out yet, though their excellent single The Cult Of Romance comes out in just over a month. Listening to the songs they've previewed, though, I'm partial to LA Love, a squiggly, relentless dance track. I can't say I understand many of the lyrics, but the music does the trick in conveying what the song's all about. It's a very smooth sound, with the synths pushed up all the way to the forefront, and perfect for a summer dancefloor. It'll be interesting to see where these guys go next.

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy some past songs here.)

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

"Lovin' aint' easy, we've been crying in the rain"

BWO's new album seems to have polarized listeners so far. It's certainly more laid-back than Fabricator was, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Personally, I loved it from the very first listen and was blown away by the opening track, which is set to the be next single. Right Here, Right Now is one of the best songs BWO have ever recorded, in my opinion. It belongs among their poppiest material, with a straightforward but addictive dance beat, string section, and near-choral vocals. I might write up a more detailed review of the album later, because I do have quite a bit to say, but as of now Right Here, Right Now is the definite highlight. It manages to be both regal and uplifting, with a very European sound that echoes past hits like Sunshine In The Rain and Chariots Of Fire. With all the releases these guys have had in the past five years, it's easy to take them for granted. Songs like this prove that they are still very much a force to be reckoned with.

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here.)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The Galvatrons - Cassandra

Watch video here!

I first posted the demo version of this song nearly a year ago and now finally it's become the launch single for their first album, complete with all the bells and whistles. Rather than post the audio, I'm streaming the video today because it is fantastic, and really sums up what makes this band so exciting. I really feel that they smashed up all my favorite songs from the 80's and put them back together for 2009. This is an anthem if there ever was one, and if there's any justice in the world it'll be a hit in Australia and around the world. I cannot wait for the album.

Monday, March 30, 2009


If this song doesn't make them huge, I don't know what will...

"I'm born under a badly busted sign"

Sweden's Moneybrother is out with a new single before the album is released on the 15th, and it's quite addictive. For those not in the know, Moneybrother is responsible for the massive, earth-shatteringly good They're Building Walls Around Us a few years ago, as well as the fantastic single Guess Who's Gonna Get Some Tonight in 2007. The new single is definitely up there in quality. It's instantly catchy and upbeat, and has me super excited for the album. I haven't stopped singing the chorus since I heard it a few weeks ago. Moneybrother's been called Sweden's answer to Bruce Springsteen, though his voice is far more unique and, not being much a Springsteen fan myself, he's much more interesting. I hope there are some grandiose string arrangements on the new disc like on his 2005 album, To Die Alone. He's at his best when he amps up the drama, though direct pop songs like this one are definitely good too.

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here.)

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Just like Mr. G in Summer Heights High, I got an excitement quiver when I saw this:

Digital release April 20
In stores April 22


Track list

ON THE RUN
SHE’S THE GIRL
WHERE DO I BELONG
GIRLS DON’T ALWAYS WANNA HAVE FUN
DEVIL IN YOU
EIGHTEEN
THE ONLY ONES
DO YOU WANNA DANCE
HIGH SOCIETY GIRL
OH CANDY CALL ME

Album cover