Smash Hits magazine, the magazine that I lived on and loved during a big chunk of my adolescent years, if coming back. Only for one issue to commemorate the life and legacy of Michael Jackson. This magazine was really the greatest piece of pop journalism before the advent of the internet. It’s editor-in-chief was once Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys. I hope that this issue will make the Smash Hitters think about relaunching it forever. Maybe as a blog?
Two of the great masterminds behind the electro movement join forces. The result: nothing special.
Remember Diana King? Of “Shy Guy” fame in the mid-90s’. She also had other hits like “L-L-Lies” and a cover of “I Say A Little Prayer For You” for the My Best Friend’s Wedding soundtrack. She had a couple of minor hits here and there and she still remains famous in her home country of Jamaica. Anyway, she has just given out a great track dedicated to Michael Jackson. It’s 90s’ sounding, but quite an effort for the time she had to put it together. It’s called “Mi-Cha-El” and it’s available for free on her website.
Fresh video. Bursting into glitter is always wanted and needed. The song’s not bad either.
Jesus. Maybe? Bobby Brown? Unlikely. Michael Jackson? Yes. Anyway, the title is tepid and not what was expected. It should have been a proclamation. Some big statement about coming back and standing out. I mean, if Ashanti can call her album The Declaration then Whitney Houston can do much better, for reals. I Look To You doesn’t quite deliver liked Undefeated. The supposed first single, which I am sure is just a teaser, is already being hailed as a Leona Lewis b-side. The title is overawing – “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” – but the strength’s not in the song. Voice in-tact, but not that great of a melody. Everything aside, any new material is welcome.
Following the prevention of the landing of ousted president Zelaya Honduras joined the ranks of countries in unrest. This is looking like a global call for change rather than sporadic outbursts of resistance. This happens all the time but still it’s worth a look. I can think of a bunch of countries wanting this supposed change and have gone to great lengths. Firstly, Iran. But, that is not to forgot on-going struggles in Somalia, East Timor, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. Now, we see a country on a totally different continent wanting reform. Sign of the times? Maybe. But, if you want peace, prepare to fight.
As mentioned, Noah is one of the most promising artists of the year. With his brand of pop-conscious electro and dazzling visuals, he is bound to make some waves. If not on MTV and radio, then around the blogosphere. This has yet to happen. But, it will when he releases a video. This is just a teaser of what is to come, even if it looks like a cologne commercial.
This is the new sleeve for her upcoming English album. She has always used animal or mythic imagery in her artwork. Last time it was the doe-eyed eve with child at hand. Her tour was named after a horse. She keeps it Amazon. It’s probably going to have a couple of stompers on their. I haven’t heard enough to know, but I know that she is an artist that has consistently delivered to some extent on albums. The cover’s simple yet strong and gets the point across.
Chris Crocker’s videos are getting banal with time but he is still right-on at times. This is nice little vlog on the usage of the word “conservative.” Really? what are they conserving? The surely want to drill holes everywhere. So, it’s not the environment. The really judge minorities and women. So, it’s not culture or diversity. Morals? Maybe. But. that is just a reflection of their intellect rather than a conservation of something relevant to humanity and it’s progress. The hateful people cover their judgements these days with that term. You want to be a conservative? Conserve human rights, the environment and love.
