Tori Amos’s first winter offering, some might say Christmas album, has leaked. Midwinter Graces is a collection of some of Tori’s favorites in her own style. To stray away from the christianization of the album, we’ll call it a “seasonal” album. After all, Christmas has Pagan roots. The album contains a duet with Tori’s daughter and a bunch of obscure seasonal ditties. We are sure we will love.
David Byrne is set to work on a concept album about shoe-hungry wife of former Philippines president – Imelda Marcos. The album will have many female vocalists including the one and only Tori Amos. Others include Santogold, Roisin Murphy, Sharon Jones and Alice Russell. The effort will be titled Here Lies Love and it should be released by the end of the year. Exciting!
This is dedicated to… Finally, some new tracks from the album. She sounds good and it’s a return to balladry, which is what she does well. It’s sultry and smooth and it’s called “Heart Never Had A Hero” and it should be on Pulse.
Björk’s four CD-set commemorating the greatness of her most recent album, or whatever it is, is out now. It contains one live CD, one live DVD, one DVD of all the music videos from Volta and a remix CD. Voltaic is yet another on of those packages that don’t really offer anything new but the packaging is fabulous.
As of now, Erik Hassle is the artist to watch for 2009. His debut album, Hassle, brings many great elements together, including pop, rock, alternative, soul and synth. His visual is also not bad at all. The singles “Hurtful,” which was previuosly featured, and “Don’t Bring Flowers After I’m Dead” are sure-fire chart successes and other gems on the album include “Wanna Be Loved” and “Back To Bed.” The album’s slated for a release soon worldwide and it’s only available in Sweden now. Keep an eye out for Erik Hassle.
Good sound. Nice single choice. I hope there’s a video.
As much as I love R&B, I feel like sometimes it gets all muddled up in the hype and plateaus for a bit (jackswing? crunk?). It is best when soul and sultry. Shontelle’s horribly named debut Shontelligence seems like a promising reformist record with a hint of reggae. Now let’s hope all of these are: Ciara’s Fantasy Ride (highly unlikely), Lady Love by LeToya (maybe), Pulse by Toni Braxton (she “doesn’t have a single hip hop bone” in her body), Love, Tweet by Tweet (if she dumps Missy), Monica’s Still Standing (again, if she dumps Missy Elliott) and Whitney’s tentatively titled Undefeated.
Still not OK with the supposed homophobic remarks he had made, even though he says he was misquoted. But, I have to say I am a big fan and, personally, I think he is one of the queerest people I have seen in my life, and I have seen many queens. Anyway, this is his 23rd and I am sure it holds some gems as do all his releases. The cover is horrific, but he is not known for his covers (check out Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic). Lotusflow3r will probably be more big-band and less soul. But, that’s OK.
It’s Not Me, It’s You is on the review stand. The album’s not bad at all and it follows in suit of Alright, Still. The songs are fresh and cockney-accented, even if she is posh. This track is a b-side that maybe on some of the album editions across the world. I think it should have been a single not just because of the subject matter, but also because’s it’s a banging morning song with a wandering chorus.
“We are one day closer to my album release and I’m getting more excited every day…less than 2 weeks NOW! On this project I got to work with some of the most amazing artists and musicians. I thought I would tell you just a little about some of the guests whom were gracious enough to record with me. Two of the songs are already out…so you might know about them! LOL. I was joined by my friend Musiq Soulchild on the single “Chocolate High.”
“The Fear” is #1 on the singles chart, jumping from below 150 and knocking off Lady GaGa. The album looks like it will do the same as soon as it debuts.
Warning: sample-can’t-get-over alert.
End of April is the release date for Annie’s troubled Don’t Stop, which has been leaked a long time ago. I think they shouldn’t bother unless they add or change around the tracks and remove the horrid “What Do You Want (The Breakfast Song).” It’s just an ear-sore. The rest of the tracks are up to par, but a bit of mixing won’t hurt. I wonder if the songs will sound outdated then. She’s ahead of her time anyway.
This has got to be one of the best music videos I have ever seen and I have seen a whole lot. The song’s not so bad either.
It’s not called Faster, Faster anymore, it’s called Champion. The album consists of 12 robust dance songs and it is a record that RuPaul is proud of muchly. She writes on her blog:
“i’ve been making records since 1983, and while some are better than others, nothing compares to the titty twisting experience i’ve had making my latest album “Champion”.
The Saturdays are slated to do the comic relief single, so shatter all your dream for a Girls Aloud/Take That duet. Anyway, it was too good to be true because Girls Aloud have done one with the Sugababes. The girls will do a cover of “Just Can’t Get Enough,” originally by Depeche Mode. It is bound to be their 4th top 10 hit and a fun make over. Maybe even their first #1.
Kelly Clarkson’s back on the same track following the disgraced My December. But, doesn’t it sound too close to “Since U Been Gone?”
A Beginning, A Detour, An Open Ending is highly recommended for all the romantics and folkies. It is getting better and better with time, like wine.
