Katy Perry has enjoyed global chart success with her latest jam, the Russell Brand divorce-bashing anthem "Part Of Me." Not content with gaining commercial success on the track, Perry sets her sights on the club scene by getting world-famous DJs the Freemasons on board to remix the hit.
The make-over from the boys sees the pop-rock radio jam turn into a Freemasons signature disco-haven. The Brighton boys remix is giving us life! Fans of the boys will be happy - they never, never disappoint.
Preview the Freemasons Remix of "Part Of Me" below.
Katy Perry has enjoyed global chart success with her latest jam, the Russell Brand divorce-bashing anthem "Part Of Me." Not content with gaining commercial success on the track, Perry sets her sights on the club scene by getting world-famous DJs the Freemasons on board to remix the hit.
The make-over from the boys sees the pop-rock radio jam turn into a Freemasons signature disco-haven. The Brighton boys remix is giving us life! Fans of the boys will be happy - they never, never disappoint.
Preview the Freemasons Remix of "Part Of Me" below.
Colombian superstar Shakira followed up on her smash hit Loca (English: Crazy) with the second official single to be lifted from her Spanish language album Sale el Sol (English: The Sun Comes Out), the track Rabiosa (English: Rabid).
The track featured in two versions - one in Spanish with Dominican rapper El Cata, the other in English with Cuban-American rapper Pitbull. Charting quite well, Rabiosa hit the coveted #1 position in Spain, and the top ten in many other countries across Europe.
Adding a little sexiness and hip-shaking territory are the team from Club Junkies. Similar to what the Freemasons did with Loca, the guys have brought the bass and ramped up the club potential for the track. I love what they've done with the track, and so it features as this week's [REMIXED] number. Enjoy.
Rabiosa is available in Europe and the US digitally today [ITUNES]
Colombian superstar Shakira followed up on her smash hit Loca (English: Crazy) with the second official single to be lifted from her Spanish language album Sale el Sol (English: The Sun Comes Out), the track Rabiosa (English: Rabid).
The track featured in two versions - one in Spanish with Dominican rapper El Cata, the other in English with Cuban-American rapper Pitbull. Charting quite well, Rabiosa hit the coveted #1 position in Spain, and the top ten in many other countries across Europe.
Adding a little sexiness and hip-shaking territory are the team from Club Junkies. Similar to what the Freemasons did with Loca, the guys have brought the bass and ramped up the club potential for the track. I love what they've done with the track, and so it features as this week's [REMIXED] number. Enjoy.
Rabiosa is available in Europe and the US digitally today [ITUNES]
14 April 2011
So you'd know from my previous [WELCOME]blog entry about Yasmin, that I kinda think this girl IS THE SHIT. Not only is she gorgeous, but damn, she has some hot tunes. Finish Line, Yasmin's second musical delivery, has been in my head for weeks. I can't shake it I tell you, I just can't shake it!
I've stumbled on the FreemasonsPegasus After Hours Mix of the track - a great chillout version of the song that provides you with a completely different yet familiar vibe. Loving the combo right now. So, I thought I'd share it with you... enjoy.
So you'd know from my previous [WELCOME]blog entry about Yasmin, that I kinda think this girl IS THE SHIT. Not only is she gorgeous, but damn, she has some hot tunes. Finish Line, Yasmin's second musical delivery, has been in my head for weeks. I can't shake it I tell you, I just can't shake it!
I've stumbled on the FreemasonsPegasus After Hours Mix of the track - a great chillout version of the song that provides you with a completely different yet familiar vibe. Loving the combo right now. So, I thought I'd share it with you... enjoy.
I've been meaning to get this post out for a while now. You see, I wanted to get a Remixed post up some time ago, but every time I'd go to do it I'd get distracted and end up writing about something else. Or... get stuck playing Words With Friends on my iPhone. Or... craving a Campos coffee. Or... watching the lights flicker in the sky. Ohhhh... pretty lights.
Where was I?
Remixed. That's right. The Remixed post will be an opportunity to pay homage to the great remixers of this day - Freemasons, Cahill, Bimbo Jones, Dave Aude, Armin van Buuren, Kaskade, David Guetta, Avicii, etc. I could go on and on, but you catch my drift.
You see sometimes an artist will release a track and it's nothing short of pure brilliance. It needs no adjustment, in fact, it's just dandy the way it is. Sample: Dirty Talk, Wynter Gordon [VIDEO]
Other times an artist will release a track and it's ok... but it's kinda missing something. Enter one of the said remixers and it's an instant jam! Sample: Finish Line (Freemasons Remix),Yasmin [VIDEO]
Then of course there are times where you're like - WTF? What a crap follow up to a previous brilliant song. Someone better do something here and KAPOW, before you know it the remixer enters and it's brilliant. Sample: Good Girl (Freemasons Remix),Alexis Jordan [VIDEO]
See what I mean?
So, here we have it. Today's Remixed entry is for the only other great American Idol, Jennifer Hudson (the only other in comparison to Kelly Clarkson that is). J Hud returned to us with her second studio album only last week - matching the #2 placing for her debut record with I Remember Me.
The R Kelly penned Where You At was released as the lead single back in February. Whilst it's a good song reminding us that J Hud's power vocals are those to rival Queen Bee Whitney Houston, the track received mixed reviews and barely made an impact on the Billboard Hot 100 (peaking at #64).
For today's post, enter Dave Aude and KAPOW - gay boys are twirling all 'round San Francisco to this number. Aude's mix provides Houston Jnr's soulful vocals with that extra bop that gives the number the needed boost. Now don't get me wrong, I love the original, but the remix gives me the best of both worlds!
So, you get to enjoy both too. Below is the original and Aude's remix as well. Enjoy!
Visit Jennifer Hudson's digital library online today [ITUNES]
I've been meaning to get this post out for a while now. You see, I wanted to get a Remixed post up some time ago, but every time I'd go to do it I'd get distracted and end up writing about something else. Or... get stuck playing Words With Friends on my iPhone. Or... craving a Campos coffee. Or... watching the lights flicker in the sky. Ohhhh... pretty lights.
Where was I?
Remixed. That's right. The Remixed post will be an opportunity to pay homage to the great remixers of this day - Freemasons, Cahill, Bimbo Jones, Dave Aude, Armin van Buuren, Kaskade, David Guetta, Avicii, etc. I could go on and on, but you catch my drift.
You see sometimes an artist will release a track and it's nothing short of pure brilliance. It needs no adjustment, in fact, it's just dandy the way it is. Sample: Dirty Talk, Wynter Gordon [VIDEO]
Other times an artist will release a track and it's ok... but it's kinda missing something. Enter one of the said remixers and it's an instant jam! Sample: Finish Line (Freemasons Remix),Yasmin [VIDEO]
Then of course there are times where you're like - WTF? What a crap follow up to a previous brilliant song. Someone better do something here and KAPOW, before you know it the remixer enters and it's brilliant. Sample: Good Girl (Freemasons Remix),Alexis Jordan [VIDEO]
See what I mean?
So, here we have it. Today's Remixed entry is for the only other great American Idol, Jennifer Hudson (the only other in comparison to Kelly Clarkson that is). J Hud returned to us with her second studio album only last week - matching the #2 placing for her debut record with I Remember Me.
The R Kelly penned Where You At was released as the lead single back in February. Whilst it's a good song reminding us that J Hud's power vocals are those to rival Queen Bee Whitney Houston, the track received mixed reviews and barely made an impact on the Billboard Hot 100 (peaking at #64).
For today's post, enter Dave Aude and KAPOW - gay boys are twirling all 'round San Francisco to this number. Aude's mix provides Houston Jnr's soulful vocals with that extra bop that gives the number the needed boost. Now don't get me wrong, I love the original, but the remix gives me the best of both worlds!
So, you get to enjoy both too. Below is the original and Aude's remix as well. Enjoy!
Visit Jennifer Hudson's digital library online today [ITUNES]
Where You At (Dave Aude Remix)
Where You At (album version)
16 March 2011
It seems as though new talent is everywhere at the moment. There'll be periods of time when the music world is absolute crap and we're dying for something or someone fresh, new, exciting and full of life. Apparently however, now is not that time - and alas, we venture to the northern hemisphere once again for our next talented artist.
Yasmin is a 22 year-old singer-songwriter/DJ who first found fame DJ'ing across London a few years ago in a variety of clubs and shows. After supporting UK artist Example on his tour last year alongside fellow artist Devlin, Yasmin pursued a solo career. Prior to that she collaborated with Devlin on his top 20 UK hit Runaway [VIDEO].
Yasmin kicked off her solo career in January with her debut single On My Own[VIDEO] - a good track which reminds me a lot of early Massive Attack. Great sound and equally great vocals. The track achieved top 40 status in the UK.
Finish Line is Yasmin's follow up single, which will be released in the coming weeks. From my point of view it has mega-hit plastered all over it. It's catchy and fresh, and shows off all of Yasmin's talents - both vocally and visually... the girl is absolutely stunning.
But wait, there's more. Not content with how great Finish Line is already? Well, let me introduce you to the Freemasons Remix. "No, not again" I hear you say? Yes - the boys have done it again.
The Freemasons Remix takes a great track and turns it into an ah-mah-zing track. The boys do for Yasmin what they did for KellyRowland in Work - some slight movement with just enough pa-pow to make you wanna listen to it non-stop for a number of hours (which may or may not be what I have done).
Because I'm super cool and super nice, I've included both videos for you to view. You'll see what I mean. In the interim, listen and look out for this girl - I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far - and I think 2011 is going to be a good year for Yasmin. Enjoy and much love.
It seems as though new talent is everywhere at the moment. There'll be periods of time when the music world is absolute crap and we're dying for something or someone fresh, new, exciting and full of life. Apparently however, now is not that time - and alas, we venture to the northern hemisphere once again for our next talented artist.
Yasmin is a 22 year-old singer-songwriter/DJ who first found fame DJ'ing across London a few years ago in a variety of clubs and shows. After supporting UK artist Example on his tour last year alongside fellow artist Devlin, Yasmin pursued a solo career. Prior to that she collaborated with Devlin on his top 20 UK hit Runaway [VIDEO].
Yasmin kicked off her solo career in January with her debut single On My Own[VIDEO] - a good track which reminds me a lot of early Massive Attack. Great sound and equally great vocals. The track achieved top 40 status in the UK.
Finish Line is Yasmin's follow up single, which will be released in the coming weeks. From my point of view it has mega-hit plastered all over it. It's catchy and fresh, and shows off all of Yasmin's talents - both vocally and visually... the girl is absolutely stunning.
But wait, there's more. Not content with how great Finish Line is already? Well, let me introduce you to the Freemasons Remix. "No, not again" I hear you say? Yes - the boys have done it again.
The Freemasons Remix takes a great track and turns it into an ah-mah-zing track. The boys do for Yasmin what they did for KellyRowland in Work - some slight movement with just enough pa-pow to make you wanna listen to it non-stop for a number of hours (which may or may not be what I have done).
Because I'm super cool and super nice, I've included both videos for you to view. You'll see what I mean. In the interim, listen and look out for this girl - I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far - and I think 2011 is going to be a good year for Yasmin. Enjoy and much love.
7 March 2011
It would seem somewhat ironic that Wynter Gordon's mega hit single would be titled Dirty Talk, because simply, when I think of Wynter I'm kinda lost for words. The beauty and talent that is Miss Gordon was recently here in Australia (again) to play at the 2011 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras and I my dear friends, was very fortunate enough to meet her. For all of you that know me well and have been following this blog long enough, you'll know how much I adore her.
There are ample reasons why if you're not tuning into Channel Wynter, you need to now or you're going to get left behind. Because I'm a nice boy, I'll summarise why for you.
+ Dirty Talk, the sauciest and sexiest song on the airwaves was at #1 for three weeks on the ARIA Singles Chart and over the weekend Wynter was presented with 3x platinum status for the single (which is in excess of 210,000 copies sold)
+ Wynter has worked with legends and favourites such as Flo Rida, David Guetta and the Freemasons. Not to mention that she's also written tracks for JenniferLopez's upcoming album titled Love?
+ Wynter's track (Putting It Out There) Pride was the official theme song to this year's Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, clearly making her an even bigger gay icon than she already was
Now where was I? Whilst we know Wynter's debut album will be titled With the Music I Die (hopefully out later this year), I've been patiently waiting to capture details of the release of Wynter's next hit single. But alas, I now have something!
Wynter's apparent next single is titled Crash & Burn. Whilst I couldn't get my hands on the actual edit that will be released as the single, there is a remix available that previews the track. The mix is very dubstep, but fear not! Wynter beautiful vocals shine through as always.
So - stay tuned for more details. For now, get that mother on repeat and enjoy the awesomeness that is Wynter Gordon.
Dirty Talk and (Putting It Out There) Pride are both available digitally [ITUNES]
It would seem somewhat ironic that Wynter Gordon's mega hit single would be titled Dirty Talk, because simply, when I think of Wynter I'm kinda lost for words. The beauty and talent that is Miss Gordon was recently here in Australia (again) to play at the 2011 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras and I my dear friends, was very fortunate enough to meet her. For all of you that know me well and have been following this blog long enough, you'll know how much I adore her.
There are ample reasons why if you're not tuning into Channel Wynter, you need to now or you're going to get left behind. Because I'm a nice boy, I'll summarise why for you.
+ Dirty Talk, the sauciest and sexiest song on the airwaves was at #1 for three weeks on the ARIA Singles Chart and over the weekend Wynter was presented with 3x platinum status for the single (which is in excess of 210,000 copies sold)
+ Wynter has worked with legends and favourites such as Flo Rida, David Guetta and the Freemasons. Not to mention that she's also written tracks for JenniferLopez's upcoming album titled Love?
+ Wynter's track (Putting It Out There) Pride was the official theme song to this year's Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, clearly making her an even bigger gay icon than she already was
Now where was I? Whilst we know Wynter's debut album will be titled With the Music I Die (hopefully out later this year), I've been patiently waiting to capture details of the release of Wynter's next hit single. But alas, I now have something!
Wynter's apparent next single is titled Crash & Burn. Whilst I couldn't get my hands on the actual edit that will be released as the single, there is a remix available that previews the track. The mix is very dubstep, but fear not! Wynter beautiful vocals shine through as always.
So - stay tuned for more details. For now, get that mother on repeat and enjoy the awesomeness that is Wynter Gordon.
Dirty Talk and (Putting It Out There) Pride are both available digitally [ITUNES]
Whilst we have Happiness still sitting pretty in the top of the ARIA charts (peaking at #3 only a few weeks ago), Alexis Jordan is starting to wet our appetites with a taste of her music, that specifically of her latest single - Good Girl.
Good Girl is another catchy pop number... does it possess the same bum-shaking groove that Happiness does? Maybe not? Is it likable? Yes. Will I probably end up loving it? Ah, yes. Clearly with a line like...
"Good girl, but I've been bad before..."
...I'm destined to love it. Me, and every other bloody gay man globally. You gotta give it her though, she's pretty cute.
HALT THAT ASS!
Enter my boys from Brighton, aka the Freemasons, and BAM! If there was a gay man that lacked connection to the track he certainly doesn't now.
The Freemasons edit (video below!) brings us back to that happy place where Happiness left off. OMG - I feel a Whitney HoustonMillion Dollar Bill moment coming on. Be. Prepared. To. Shake. Your. Ass.
Whilst we have Happiness still sitting pretty in the top of the ARIA charts (peaking at #3 only a few weeks ago), Alexis Jordan is starting to wet our appetites with a taste of her music, that specifically of her latest single - Good Girl.
Good Girl is another catchy pop number... does it possess the same bum-shaking groove that Happiness does? Maybe not? Is it likable? Yes. Will I probably end up loving it? Ah, yes. Clearly with a line like...
"Good girl, but I've been bad before..."
...I'm destined to love it. Me, and every other bloody gay man globally. You gotta give it her though, she's pretty cute.
HALT THAT ASS!
Enter my boys from Brighton, aka the Freemasons, and BAM! If there was a gay man that lacked connection to the track he certainly doesn't now.
The Freemasons edit (video below!) brings us back to that happy place where Happiness left off. OMG - I feel a Whitney HoustonMillion Dollar Bill moment coming on. Be. Prepared. To. Shake. Your. Ass.
13 January 2011
PART III, THE FINALE
And so, here it is - the Top 10 Singles as assessed by me; the music-driven, ass-swinging, blog-loving Jimmy Steele. Can I tell you how hard it was to get this list to a Top 50, let alone a Top 10? 2010 was truly blessed with so many tracks that really outshone previous years in regards to music. Pure quality I tell you, pure quality.
There have been a few key standout artists this year too... but I think that's anotehr blog post entirely - let's get into the countdown!
10. NOT GIVING UP ON LOVE // Arvin van Buuren vs Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Miss Ellis-Bextor teamed up with our favourite Aussie models/DJs, Nervo, to pen this brilliant track, which also includes the girls on backing vocals. Yet again, do my Nervo girls deliver!
Not Giving Up On Love was released as the lead single off Armin's 2010 album, Mirage, and will also feature on Sophie's fourth studio album, Make a Scene, which will be released in this coming April. Armin debuted the track in his A State of Trance podcast in August.
Whilst the single didn't fair that well chart wise (excluding Poland where it went to #1 - random); it certainly made a presence on the club scene globally.
Miss Ellis-Bextor, with her sassy vocals and classy style, oozes sex 'n' love in this video. Also, she kinda makes me jealous lounging on that boat in the video clip (grrr), which was shot in Ibiza, Spain (double-grrr).
Purchase Not Giving Up On Love digitally now [ITUNES]
9. EMPIRE STATE OF MIND // Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
Some of you may argue that this track really should have been featured as a 'best of 2009' - well... bite me.
The ode to one of America's most well-known cities is really, one of the stand-out tracks of this decade. Alicia Keys belting out...
"New Yoooooooork...concrete jungle where dreams are made of... there's nothing you can't do..."
...sends chills down my spine and makes me wanna grab that credit card and book my one-way flight now.
Alicia and I had a good year in 2010 actually - this is her third appearance in the countdown (with tracks Un-Thinkable and Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart making earlier appearances)... I gotta say, her Elements of Freedom album clearly was one of the best albums of the year.
Purchase Empire State of Mind digitally now [ITUNES]
8. BELIEVER // Freemasons feat. Wynter Gordon
Oh bless. What an amazing combo - the boys from Brighton, England; and New York's princess, Wynter Gordon. I'm not really sure what else to say here except for...
Get your ass into gear and start grooving!
Believer was released earlier in the year to the UK/Australia markets, however only in the last month has it been released in the US. A huge club smash in the UK and Europe over summer, I'm expecting it to do the same over the US in the coming weeks/months.
Also, this is Wynter's second appearance today with Dirty Talk coming in at #26... oh how we love Miss Gordon!!!
7. SHAMPAIN // Marina & the Diamonds
Welsh/Greek Goddess, Marina Lambrini Diamandis, or as you may know her, Marina & the Diamonds; is clearly one of 2010's precious gems.
Her debut album, The Family Jewels, is a piece of pure indie pop heaven... really, it's hard to fault any of the tracks on the album. So much so, this is Marina's third appearance in my Top 50 of 2010 (Hollywood at #19, Oh No! at #32)!
I was lucky enough to see Marina perform just recently in Sydney in a show performing at The Factory Theatre. Her performance - vocally and stage-presence wise - was really hard to beat. It was hard not to be captivated by her aura on stage... one word to describe the night - WOW.
The Shampain video, with it's Thriller-like choreography, wind machine blowing leaves and overall beauty of Miss Diamandis, clearly is one of the best clips of 2010.
Acapella was Kelis' opportunity to embrace a market in which we knew she'd reign - and boy did she do that. The lead track from her fifth studio album, Flesh Tone, was co-penned by Kelis and produced by David Guetta; and paved way for what was received as one of the best albums of 2010.*
*according to me of course
The colourful and energetic video was a collaboration between fashion photographer John "Rankin" Waddell (Germany's Next Top Model photographer), and director Chris Cottam. It's vibrant, effective and provides the buzz that the track needs - a great, great film clip.
In addition to Acapella, the album spawned three other singles - 4th of July (Fireworks), Scream and Brave.
So here we have Robyn, her second appearance in my countdown (no surprise there) with Hang With Me. In 2010 Robyn released three EPs, titled the Body Talk series. All three were released within a six month period, with Hang With Me featuring on the first and second editions.
On the first edition Hang With Me is a slow, soulful acoustic ballad. A beautiful number really... however it wasn't until it got a little bit of treatment and appeared on the second edition did it really hit the mark. The single gave Robyn her fifth top five number in her native Sweden... hmmm, what was her forth...? Stay tuned!
The second track to be lifted off Gaga's infamous The Fame Monster EP, Telephone is pure pop brilliance. Originally written by Lady Gaga for none other than Miss Britney Spears (for her Circus album), once rejected, Gaga decided to own the track and pursue Beyonce for the additional part. Great move girl.
Telephone featured one of the most anticipated video clips of all time. The video, shot by the creative genius that is Jonas Åkerlund (who directed Gaga's Paparazzi), featured Lady Gaga and Beyonce in a range of designer outfits that played out in a number of different scenes.
The video, available in 'clean' and 'explicit' versions, is just over nine minutes and thirty seconds in length, and as of today, has had more than 100,000,000 views on YouTube. Un-fucking-believable!
What has been claimed by critics* as Kylie's best track in years, Get Outta My Way was a clear reminder that Miss Minogue still has it. Oh yes she does. Whether it's the video with those gold shoes, the striking poses or the brilliant chair choreography - she still has it.
*those critics being me and a whole lotta gay men globally
The second single off the Aphrodite album (clearly a life saving album, thank you Stuart Price), unfortunately didn't receive the chart success it deserved, however it still is, without a doubt, one of Kylie's best songs EVAH (big call, I know).
Ex-Siren (remember those girls - come on, think about it... Sarah-Marie from Australia's Big Brother... I'm So Excited... Oh God, yes, that was Zoe Badwi) has been around the Aussie club scene for some time now. She's partnered with TV Rock and delivered In The Moment and Release Me over the last couple of years - clear club numbers that everyone loves.
Move forward to 2010, grab yourself an Amy Pearson penned track, Denzal Park on production and BANG - you have yourself a surefire hit. Freefallin' is nothing but brilliant... picture it now... gay men throwing their hands up in the air like they just dont' care. Oh bless. Cause I'm freeeeeeeeeefalllin...
Dancing On My Own was unveiled to the world in June - the synth love ballad, with Robyn's unique vocals oozing heartache and betrayal, instantly won me over the moment I heard it. And, funnily enough, I wasn't alone worldwide.
The track went to #1 in Sweden - Robyn's first ever hit to the top in her homeland. Additionally, it achieved top ten in many countries across Europe, including the UK. It was the lead track off the three-part Body Talk series and certainly gave us a great taste of the excellence that was yet to come from the following EPs.
The video, with Robyn's awkward yet mesmerising moves, is a reminder of what it feels like when a love is not reciprocated. Painful, beautiful, indulging.
Robyn - you really are a talented artist. Much love.
And so, here it is - the Top 10 Singles as assessed by me; the music-driven, ass-swinging, blog-loving Jimmy Steele. Can I tell you how hard it was to get this list to a Top 50, let alone a Top 10? 2010 was truly blessed with so many tracks that really outshone previous years in regards to music. Pure quality I tell you, pure quality.
There have been a few key standout artists this year too... but I think that's anotehr blog post entirely - let's get into the countdown!
10. NOT GIVING UP ON LOVE // Arvin van Buuren vs Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Miss Ellis-Bextor teamed up with our favourite Aussie models/DJs, Nervo, to pen this brilliant track, which also includes the girls on backing vocals. Yet again, do my Nervo girls deliver!
Not Giving Up On Love was released as the lead single off Armin's 2010 album, Mirage, and will also feature on Sophie's fourth studio album, Make a Scene, which will be released in this coming April. Armin debuted the track in his A State of Trance podcast in August.
Whilst the single didn't fair that well chart wise (excluding Poland where it went to #1 - random); it certainly made a presence on the club scene globally.
Miss Ellis-Bextor, with her sassy vocals and classy style, oozes sex 'n' love in this video. Also, she kinda makes me jealous lounging on that boat in the video clip (grrr), which was shot in Ibiza, Spain (double-grrr).
Purchase Not Giving Up On Love digitally now [ITUNES]
9. EMPIRE STATE OF MIND // Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
Some of you may argue that this track really should have been featured as a 'best of 2009' - well... bite me.
The ode to one of America's most well-known cities is really, one of the stand-out tracks of this decade. Alicia Keys belting out...
"New Yoooooooork...concrete jungle where dreams are made of... there's nothing you can't do..."
...sends chills down my spine and makes me wanna grab that credit card and book my one-way flight now.
Alicia and I had a good year in 2010 actually - this is her third appearance in the countdown (with tracks Un-Thinkable and Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart making earlier appearances)... I gotta say, her Elements of Freedom album clearly was one of the best albums of the year.
Purchase Empire State of Mind digitally now [ITUNES]
8. BELIEVER // Freemasons feat. Wynter Gordon
Oh bless. What an amazing combo - the boys from Brighton, England; and New York's princess, Wynter Gordon. I'm not really sure what else to say here except for...
Get your ass into gear and start grooving!
Believer was released earlier in the year to the UK/Australia markets, however only in the last month has it been released in the US. A huge club smash in the UK and Europe over summer, I'm expecting it to do the same over the US in the coming weeks/months.
Also, this is Wynter's second appearance today with Dirty Talk coming in at #26... oh how we love Miss Gordon!!!
7. SHAMPAIN // Marina & the Diamonds
Welsh/Greek Goddess, Marina Lambrini Diamandis, or as you may know her, Marina & the Diamonds; is clearly one of 2010's precious gems.
Her debut album, The Family Jewels, is a piece of pure indie pop heaven... really, it's hard to fault any of the tracks on the album. So much so, this is Marina's third appearance in my Top 50 of 2010 (Hollywood at #19, Oh No! at #32)!
I was lucky enough to see Marina perform just recently in Sydney in a show performing at The Factory Theatre. Her performance - vocally and stage-presence wise - was really hard to beat. It was hard not to be captivated by her aura on stage... one word to describe the night - WOW.
The Shampain video, with it's Thriller-like choreography, wind machine blowing leaves and overall beauty of Miss Diamandis, clearly is one of the best clips of 2010.
Acapella was Kelis' opportunity to embrace a market in which we knew she'd reign - and boy did she do that. The lead track from her fifth studio album, Flesh Tone, was co-penned by Kelis and produced by David Guetta; and paved way for what was received as one of the best albums of 2010.*
*according to me of course
The colourful and energetic video was a collaboration between fashion photographer John "Rankin" Waddell (Germany's Next Top Model photographer), and director Chris Cottam. It's vibrant, effective and provides the buzz that the track needs - a great, great film clip.
In addition to Acapella, the album spawned three other singles - 4th of July (Fireworks), Scream and Brave.
So here we have Robyn, her second appearance in my countdown (no surprise there) with Hang With Me. In 2010 Robyn released three EPs, titled the Body Talk series. All three were released within a six month period, with Hang With Me featuring on the first and second editions.
On the first edition Hang With Me is a slow, soulful acoustic ballad. A beautiful number really... however it wasn't until it got a little bit of treatment and appeared on the second edition did it really hit the mark. The single gave Robyn her fifth top five number in her native Sweden... hmmm, what was her forth...? Stay tuned!
The second track to be lifted off Gaga's infamous The Fame Monster EP, Telephone is pure pop brilliance. Originally written by Lady Gaga for none other than Miss Britney Spears (for her Circus album), once rejected, Gaga decided to own the track and pursue Beyonce for the additional part. Great move girl.
Telephone featured one of the most anticipated video clips of all time. The video, shot by the creative genius that is Jonas Åkerlund (who directed Gaga's Paparazzi), featured Lady Gaga and Beyonce in a range of designer outfits that played out in a number of different scenes.
The video, available in 'clean' and 'explicit' versions, is just over nine minutes and thirty seconds in length, and as of today, has had more than 100,000,000 views on YouTube. Un-fucking-believable!
What has been claimed by critics* as Kylie's best track in years, Get Outta My Way was a clear reminder that Miss Minogue still has it. Oh yes she does. Whether it's the video with those gold shoes, the striking poses or the brilliant chair choreography - she still has it.
*those critics being me and a whole lotta gay men globally
The second single off the Aphrodite album (clearly a life saving album, thank you Stuart Price), unfortunately didn't receive the chart success it deserved, however it still is, without a doubt, one of Kylie's best songs EVAH (big call, I know).
Ex-Siren (remember those girls - come on, think about it... Sarah-Marie from Australia's Big Brother... I'm So Excited... Oh God, yes, that was Zoe Badwi) has been around the Aussie club scene for some time now. She's partnered with TV Rock and delivered In The Moment and Release Me over the last couple of years - clear club numbers that everyone loves.
Move forward to 2010, grab yourself an Amy Pearson penned track, Denzal Park on production and BANG - you have yourself a surefire hit. Freefallin' is nothing but brilliant... picture it now... gay men throwing their hands up in the air like they just dont' care. Oh bless. Cause I'm freeeeeeeeeefalllin...
Dancing On My Own was unveiled to the world in June - the synth love ballad, with Robyn's unique vocals oozing heartache and betrayal, instantly won me over the moment I heard it. And, funnily enough, I wasn't alone worldwide.
The track went to #1 in Sweden - Robyn's first ever hit to the top in her homeland. Additionally, it achieved top ten in many countries across Europe, including the UK. It was the lead track off the three-part Body Talk series and certainly gave us a great taste of the excellence that was yet to come from the following EPs.
The video, with Robyn's awkward yet mesmerising moves, is a reminder of what it feels like when a love is not reciprocated. Painful, beautiful, indulging.
Robyn - you really are a talented artist. Much love.
Have you heard this yet? Is that a no? So I wasn't the only one hiding under a rock then apparently.
The very, very gorgeous Wynter Gordon has released the video for her new track, Dirty Talk. Now whilst I'm calling it a "new" track, I just discovered today that it's actually been around since the beginning of the year. How did I miss this one?
Dirty Talk is making some pretty serious noise in Aussie clubs at the moment, and I can't seem to imagine why with lyrics like... "I am no angel... I like it when you do that stuff to me"
Whore. I love her.
This better get picked up by radio and become a mega smash or there's gonna be trouble. I love it. I love it. I love it.
In case you're wondering where/how you know the name of this ebony beauty, Wynter appeared with Flo Rida on his 2009 single Sugar; and more recently was featured on the Freemasons track Believer (which I posted a few weeks ago, here).
Look out for this girl, I have a funny feeling we'll be hearing a lot more from her!
Have you heard this yet? Is that a no? So I wasn't the only one hiding under a rock then apparently.
The very, very gorgeous Wynter Gordon has released the video for her new track, Dirty Talk. Now whilst I'm calling it a "new" track, I just discovered today that it's actually been around since the beginning of the year. How did I miss this one?
Dirty Talk is making some pretty serious noise in Aussie clubs at the moment, and I can't seem to imagine why with lyrics like... "I am no angel... I like it when you do that stuff to me"
Whore. I love her.
This better get picked up by radio and become a mega smash or there's gonna be trouble. I love it. I love it. I love it.
In case you're wondering where/how you know the name of this ebony beauty, Wynter appeared with Flo Rida on his 2009 single Sugar; and more recently was featured on the Freemasons track Believer (which I posted a few weeks ago, here).
Look out for this girl, I have a funny feeling we'll be hearing a lot more from her!
have
13 October 2010
Fancy that. Who'd have thought that the Freemasons would keep producing hands-in-the-air numbers that party-goers worldwide (like y'all) would love? Hmm?
Me. That's who.
The official video for the latest Freemasons track - Believer featuring the beautiful Wynter Gordon - has been released. It's a typical video from the boys with flashing lights, pretty girls and lots of camera tricks. Did I mention Wynter is beautiful in this clip?
Now grab your nearest sista and swing those arms girrrrrrrlfriend. Enjoy.
Fancy that. Who'd have thought that the Freemasons would keep producing hands-in-the-air numbers that party-goers worldwide (like y'all) would love? Hmm?
Me. That's who.
The official video for the latest Freemasons track - Believer featuring the beautiful Wynter Gordon - has been released. It's a typical video from the boys with flashing lights, pretty girls and lots of camera tricks. Did I mention Wynter is beautiful in this clip?
Now grab your nearest sista and swing those arms girrrrrrrlfriend. Enjoy.
1. Lady Gaga - Applause
2. Annie - Back Together
3. Ricki-Lee - Come and Get in Trouble...
4. Monsieur Adi / A*M*E - What's Going On
5. JAY Z / Justin Timberlake - Holy Grail
