JIMMY STEELE PRESENTS - TOP 50 SINGLES OF 2012

After revealing our Top 20 Albums of 2012, we thought it was about time we revealed our Top 50 Singles for the year! 

It's been quite a challenge to put this together - mainly because the year the Mayans called the end of the world (which ahem, never happened) delivered some outstanding single releases! None the less, take a look at our top tracks for 2012.

50. Jessica Mauboy - Gotcha
49. Elen Levon - Dancing From The Same Song
48. David Guetta - She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) [feat. Sia]
47. Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
46. Nelly Furtado - Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)



45. Taylor Swift - Safe & Sound (feat. The Civil Wars)
44. Rebecca Ferguson - Nothing's Real But Love
43. Sam Sparro - I Wish I Never Met You
42. Ellie Goulding - Anything Could Happen
41. Samantha Jade - What You've Done To Me



40. MSMR - Hurricane
39. Miike Snow - Paddling Out
38. Solange - Losing You
37. Lana Del Rey - National Anthem
36. Marina and the Diamonds - How to be a Heartbreaker



35. Jessie Ware - Wildest Moments
34. Emeli Sandé - Next to Me
33. Rudimental - Feel the Love (feat. John Newman)
32. Guy Sebastian - Battle Scars (feat. Lupe Fiasco)
31. Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble

30. Disclosure - Latch (feat. Sam Smith)
29. fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe)
28. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
27. Florence + the Machine - Spectrum
26. Frank Ocean - Think' Bout You

25. Flo Rida - Wild Ones (feat. Sia)

24. Elton John vs Pnau - Good Morning to the Night

23. Loreen - Euphoria

22. Ke$ha - Die Young

21. Swedish House Mafia - Don't You Worry Child (feat. John Martin)

20. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)

19. A*M*E - Play the Game Boy

18. Katy Perry - Part of Me

17. Christina Aguilera - Your Body

16. Lana Del Rey - Ride

15. Van She - Jamaica

14. Usher - Climax

13. Rita Ora - R.I.P. (feat. Tinie Tempah)

12. Parachute Youth - Can't Get Better Than This

11. Rihanna - Diamonds

10. Flight Facilities - With You (feat. Grovesnor)

After the success of "Crave You" and "Foreign Language" in 2011, Australian house outfit Flight Facilities returned in 2012 with yet another hit "With You."

Grosvenor's vocals ooze sexiness and desire as he begs his mistress "I just can't be seen by you..." The track is a classic chill-out house number that like their previous material, is a perfect summer jam.

- - - -

9. Ricki-Lee - Do It Like That

Calling on the #NoPantsBrigade! Australia's own diva Ricki-Lee, somewhat rising from the ashes, unveiled her killer anthem "Do It Like That" following last year's "Raining Diamonds." The jam, which originally leaked under the critically-acclaimed Fred Falke remix, instantly became one of the most addictive tracks on radio.

"Do It Like That" saw Ricki-Lee embrace everything we wanted her to - sexiness, freedom and God damn brilliant pop music. An excellent return to the scene girlfriend!

- - - -

8. fun. - Some Nights

New York City-based fun. launched their second single, the album's title track, earlier in the year post the belated worldwide success of "We Are Young" (feat. Janelle Monáe). The track became yet another massive hit for the group, cementing lead singer Nate Ruess as a key songwriter in the current age.

Probably the stand out from their album, it was a strong contender across the year - regardless of it's over-play on commercial radio!

- - - -



7. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

The track that took the world by storm would have to be none other than Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe." After the unofficial endorsement by Justin Bieber via his Twitter account, people started to notice (and get slightly addicted) to the ex-Canadian Idol's latest jam.

"Call Me Maybe" is an easy, fun, pop song. That's it - it's simple and effective. And did we mention slightly addictive?

- - - -



6. Matt Corby - Brother

It's hard to believe that it was five years ago when we met a young, fresh-faced 16 year-old Matt Corby on Australian Idol. Now, the 22 year-old is one of Australia's most successful recording artists signed to UK record label Communion (started by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons)... with four EPs under his belt.

"Brother" is a highly emotional and provocative song. Corby belts out the tune with all his passion and might, captivating any listener upon first engagement. An outstanding release from the "Into the Flame" EP.

- - - -



5. Marina and the Diamonds - Primadonna

The part Welsh/part Greek beauty that is Marina and the Diamonds (aka Marina Diamandis) teased us with the Stargate-produced "Radioactive" in 2011 - a journey to a pop stratosphere that we'd not heard from the star before. Moving far away from her indie-pop roots we discovered on "The Family Jewels," Marina introduced us to her alter-ego, Electra Heart.

"Electra Heart," as it be named her sophomore album, revealed "Primadonna" as the lead single. Produced by Dr Luke and Cirkut, it became her highest-selling single yet - achieving platinum selling status here in Australia. 

"Primadonna" saw Marina's #Diamonds embrace the new pop star and her obsession with American culture. Throughout this transition though, has the beauty not just become what she mocks the most?

- - - -



4. Azealia Banks - 212 (feat. Lazy Jay)

Already topping a range of 'best of' and 'up and comer' lists late 2011, Azealia Banks was always going to be someone to listen out for. "212" was released as the lead single from her "1991" EP - and what a debut track. Lyrically coarse (we'll let you Google the lyrics if you don't know them), it certainly turned some heads and meant this girl meant biz-nes.

Throughout the year we were treated to clips for all four tracks off the EP, but "212" still reigned supreme. A hip-hop track that will stand the test of music time, one that only Nicki Minaj could hope for.

- - - -



3. Calvin Harris - Sweet Nothing (feat. Florence Welch)

Just when you thought nothing could get better than the Calvin Harris remix of Florence and the Machine's hit "Spectrum," out Flo and the new David Guetta pop "Sweet Nothing."

Welch's vocals and Harris' progressive house beats are a match made in heaven - making it hard to resist this impeccable tune. One of the stand out tracks, if not the best, from Harris's "18 Months" album.

- - - -



2. Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans

Released as the third single taken from her "Born To Die" album, "Blue Jeans" was a surprising single choice - mainly because it featured so prominently as a highlight of the "Video Games" b-side late 2011. Regardless, Del Rey pushed forward with the release.

Accompanying the official single release was the Yoann Lemoine-directed video, who also worked with Del Rey on "Born To Die." The black and white affair was a stunning visual and a must-see for all.

"Blue Jeans" is classic Lana Del Rey - vintage American, James Dean-esque, love.

- - - -



1. Frank Ocean - Pyramids

The second single to be lifted from Frank Ocean's critically acclaimed album "Channel Orange" was that of epic proportions. "Pyramids," in it's almost-ten-minute glory, tells us of multiple stories - with the most obvious being about a woman "working at the pyramid tonight."

The track features a mix of R&B and hip-hop, with electro club beats and a John Mayer-led guitar solo thrown in for good measure. "Pyramids" showcases Ocean's brilliant ability to tell a story through his outstanding writing skills, in a track that will be listed as a classic for years to come. A very worthy recipient of our number one single for 2012.

JIMMY STEELE PRESENTS - TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2012

What a year! 2012 really delivered a mixed bag of goodies when it comes to albums. We had stand-out sessions (like those listed below) and some that didn't really hit the mark... at all.

Below we've compiled out top 20 albums for the year... enjoy!

20. Medina - Forever
19. Missy Higgins - The Ol' Razzle Dazzle
18. fun. - Some Nights
17. Rihanna - Unapologetic
16. Christina Aguilera - Lotus

15. The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap
14. Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire
13. Morgan Page - In the Air
12. Miike Snow - Happy to You
11. Rebecca Ferguson - Heaven

10. No Doubt - Push and Shove

After an eleven year hiatus, 90s alt-pop-rock group No Doubt had some big shoes to fill. A lot has happened in the course of those eleven years, including lead singer Gwen Stefani releasing two amazing pop-electro albums that truly secured her as a woman with impeccable style (both musically and fashion-wise).

Whilst many weren't blown away by the album's lead single "Settle Down" with it's reggae/ska-punk sound, it's a great lead-in to the band's sixth studio album. "Push and Shove" is No Doubt at their finest, with cool, easy tunes that are highly addictive. Whilst commercially the album hasn't set the world on fire, it certainly has the ability to.

The Major Lazer-produced second single (the title track) grabbed the attention of many, and as it's somewhat stronger that "Settle Down," it's not alone as a stand-out on the LP. The eleven-track album is complete with the additional strong tracks including "One More Summer," "Looking Hot," "Easy" and "Gravity."

9. Ke$ha - Warrior

Maybe one of this year's most underrated albums, Ke$ha's sophomore album really works. Yes, it's not too distant from her "Animal" / "Cannibal" era, but who says it has to be? "Warrior" brings some real-time Ke$ha with "Die Young" - it has an unbeatably addictive chorus and you know you can't help but groove to it.

"Warrior" does feel like it's split into two separate albums though - tracks one to six appearing as an extension to "Animal," with tracks seven to twelve being an evolution of Ke$ha as an artist. Whilst we love the first half, the second part is where K$ really excels. It's here that we have her brilliant collaboration with Iggy Pop ("Dirty Love"), the acoustic throwback ("Wonderland"), the Greg Kurstin penned/produced track "Love Into The Light," and the epic future-single "Supernatural."

K$'s contribution to the pop market will be a gift that keeps on giving across 2013, just wait and see the success of the singles released across the coming months.

8.  Jessie Ware - Devotion

We stumbled upon Jessie Ware almost too late, but stumbled upon her none the less. Already appearing on many a 'best of' lists for album of the year in 2012, Ware's "Devotion" is a welcome to any music library. The 28 year-old hailing from the United Kingdom has been described as a modern-day Sade, full of smooth sexiness flowing from her vocals.

The album features a mix of soul, pop, electro and R&B. Stand out tracks are "Wildest Moments," "Night Light" and "Running" - although to be honest, the album is an eclectic mix of modern day sounds that are so well intertwined it's hard not to listen to the album on repeat all day before realising you've done so.

We hear rumours it's being prepared for a 2013 release in the US, which should see it do quite well after the success of a number of UK-based artists in a similar league (think Adele, etc).

7. Taylor Swift - Red

What a surprise of a record "Red" is. Crossing the boundaries between country and pop, the 23 year-old blurred the lines that saw her join the likes of many country stars before her, branching out to increase her already-heavy fanbase.

Working with producers such as Max Martin and Shellback, we were always going to get a strong influence of pop music weaving it's way through the album. Having produced three of the sixteen numbers, the duo helped carve the album's first two singles.

One of the best tracks, which sees a very mature Swift step out into the world, is her duet with Snow Patrol's frontman Gary Lightbody. Produced by Jacknife Lee (who recently worked with Crystal Castles and Robbie Williams on their new albums), it's an epic alt rock track that has 'number one hit' written all over it.

The other striking point is that the album barely has a weak spot. It has a very strong selection of possible singles; ranging from country, to pop, to electro (!) to alt rock... and it all works. It's a cohesive album that shows Swift can take some risks whilst still being true to her roots.

6. Emeli Sandé - Our Version of Events

Launching in 2011 with her debut single "Heaven," Emeli Sandé was always going to be a force to be reckoned with. The Scottish lass, who has written for the likes of Leona Lewis, Tinie Tempah and Cheryl Cole, delivered a soulful and triumphant debut album with "Our Version of Events."

Spawning five singles, including two that just missed the top spot (both "Heaven" and "Next To Me" stalling at #2 in the UK), the album is complete with beautiful melodies. The LP heavily features production work by Naughty Boy, who also claims single credits on "Daddy."

Having just hit the one million sales mark in the UK alone, it's a clear winner when it comes to the commercial market. Whilst some have said it's too ballad-heavy, it's a beautiful record that will continue  to earn Sandé her stripes in years to come.

Apart from the single choices, other stand outs include "Mountains"and "River."

5. Rita Ora - Ora

Dubbed London's answer to Rihanna, Rita Ora first bounced into the spotlight (via her Roc Nation record label) featuring on DJ Fresh's dubtastic "Hot Right Now." The track secured both a number one track in their homeland, and started what was to be known as the Ora-Era.

Months later the talented 22 year-old dropped her first singles stateside and in her homeland - two different singles to suit both markets. "How We Do (Party)" for the US (and Australian) market, with "R.I.P." (feat. Tinie Tempah) for the UK market. Whilst there was a lukewarm take-up to Ora's brilliance in the states, both singles hit the coveted top spot in the UK (and top ten in Australia).

"Ora," released in August, was a nice surprise. Delivering the writing talents of some of pop's well-known names - Ester Dean, Bonnie McKee, Sia, Greg Kurstin - the LP also saw Ora co-pen some of the tracks. Throw in production work by The-Dream, Stargate, Chase & Status and Major Lazer and you have a winning album.

The blonde-bombshell's debut is a solid piece of pop music and it's strong, mature and highly addictive. Stand out tracks are "Radioactive," "Uneasy" and "Roc the Life."

4. Ellie Goulding - Halcyon

Goulding's sophomore album was hanging on the promo single "Hanging On" (see what we did there?) featuring rapper Tinie Tempah. The dubstep track, a cover of Active Child's song from 2011, was released in July to a very impressed crowd.

"Anything Could Happen," the albums lead single, followed shortly after. Produced by Kish Mauve's Jim Eliot (who worked on seven of the album's twelve tracks), it was a synth-indie-pop dream, becoming the starlet's first Australian hit, peaking at #20 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

"Halcyon" is a cohesive mix of beautiful vocals and intricate melodies fused with dubstep beats that marry Goulding's style like a match made in electro heaven. "Figure 8," one of the albums best tracks, serves as the next single. It's a strong track, one of many on the album.

3. Marina and the Diamonds - Electra Heart

After the brilliance that was the debut album from Britain's latest indie pop darling, Marina Diamandis, or Marina and the Diamonds as her stage name, high hopes were in place for the sophomore album from this starlet in 2012. And well, "Electra Heart" delivered.

Unlike it's predecessor "The Family Jewels," in which Marina took us on a journey through indie pop, new wave and folk, "Electra Heart" was always going to be the record that saw Marina head straight for pop stardom. We're talking bubblegum-popping, electro-loving, Dr Luke-producing, Katy Perry-supporting, pop.

As a taste of what was to come, Diamandis released "Radioactive" in late 2011 - produced by Stargate and DJ Chuckie. It was Marina in a different light, an opportunity to introduce the "Electra Heart" persona and campaign that we'll all grown to love. After postponing the album release (which was originally due for late 2011), Marina jumped back in the studio to spend further time redefining the album and current tracklist.

"Primadonna," the album's lead single (yes,"Radioactive" was reduced to a buzz single), peaked just outside the top ten in the UK, and became her highest selling single here in Australia - hitting a high of #21 on the ARIA Charts and achieving a platinum-selling status.

It was followed by "Power & Control" (co-penned by Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia and produced by hit-maker Greg Kurstin) and "How To Be A Heartbreaker," found only on the repackaged US version of album.

In addition to the singles, highlights include "Starring Role," "Lies," "Teen Idle" and "Sex Yeah."

2. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Twenty-five year-old Christopher Breaux, aka Frank Ocean, made headlines in the lead up to his debut album "Channel Orange" for all the wrong reasons. Well, maybe not the wrong reasons, but it was certainly a bold move in declaring his (bi)sexuality to the world.

Being part of what was tagged as the "next best thing in hip-hop" group Odd Future (or OFWGKTA), coming out and openly talking about your first love being with a member of the same sex was really one of the last things anyone expected from the talented star. Regardless, it set the e-world alight with mixed comments and reactions, most praising Ocean on his bravery in doing so.

We're referring to the track "Thinkin' 'Bout You" - originally penned for R&B star Bridget Kelly - Ocean decided he wanted his voice heard after revealing the track was extremely personal to him. The melodic R&B song was indeed about Ocean's first love, a first love he shared with a man.

Whilst being released in April, "Thinkin' 'Bout You" is still receiving chart-love today, climbing the Billboard Hot 100 again this week to it's highest peak so far in it's 19-week chart history. As far as singles go, "Sweet Life" and "Lost" - again two of the albums strongest tracks - were also released.

And lastly, "Pyramids." In an almost ten-minute production of beats, synths and dramatic melodies, Ocean delivers the next strongest track on the album (behind "Thinkin' 'Bout You"). It's a mix of mood-driven lyrics and R&B soul that has had the star compared to artists such as the iconic Prince (namely, his "Purple Rain").

Overall, the album is a strong effort for a debut release, and a very worthy contender of the most recent 2013 Grammy nominations.

1. Lana Del Rey - Born to Die / Paradise

When compiling our albums of the year list it was a no-brainer for us that the highly-anticipated debut album from Lana Del Rey was going to come in at the top position. Whilst the lead single "Video Games" took the indie-pop underworld by storm in 2011, it wasn't until the then b-side "Blue Jeans" and follow on single "Born to Die" caught our attention that we were hooked.

Spawning five singles (the above three plus "Summertime Sadness" and "National Anthem"), the LP is an eclectic mix of tragedy, love and vintage throwbacks. The release features notable productions by Rick Nowels (Lykke Li, John Legend) and Justin Parker (Ellie Goulding, Rihanna); with Del Rey co-penning all tracks on the standard and deluxe editions.

Combining the "Paradise" EP and revealing "Born to Die: the Paradise Edition," it added the darker element - somewhat more creative and less commercial than it's predecessor. The lead single "Ride" is a perfect taste and opener for the eight-track EP, with beautiful gems like "Cola," "Body Electric" and the The Clovers 1954 classic "Blue Velvet."

With over 2.6 million copies of the album(s) sold worldwide so far, I reckon we're not the only ones who have fallen in love with the star that they claimed was never gonna make it. Excellent year, Miss Del Rey, excellent year.

[VIDEO PREMIERE] MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS "POWER & CONTROL"

Primadonna Marina and the Diamonds has premiered the video for "Power & Control," the second single to be lifted from her UK #1 album "Electra Heart."

The track was co-penned by Steve Angello (one-third of the DJ supergroup Swedish House Mafia) and is one of the three tracks produced by Greg Kurstin (Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger," Kylie Minogue's "Wow").

"Yeah you may be good looking, but you're not a piece of art." Maybe so, but Marina looks exquisite in this clip - great cinematography!

"Power & Control" will be released July 9, with "Electra Heart" available today [iTunes]

PREVIEW MARINA & THE DIAMONDS "LIES" ACOUSTIC VERSION AND "ELECTRA HEART" ALBUM SAMPLER

Indie-pop princess Marina & The Diamonds has certainly been busy of late, preparing fans for the upcoming release of her much-anticipated sophomore album "Electra Heart." Pleasing all, in the last few days an album sampler has surfaced online.

In addition to the six minute mix, the Welsh beauty has also uploaded an acoustic version of the "Electra Heart" album track "Lies." Take a listen to both below and let the countdown begin!

"Electra Heart" will be available from April 30 [iTunes]

LISTEN TO MARINA & THE DIAMONDS "PRIMADONNA" (BENNY BENASSI REMIX)

Loving Marina & the Diamonds' "Electra Heart" lead single "Primadonna?" So are we. What's even hotter is the Benny Benassi remix, currently available on the digital remix EP. Listen to the edit below.

Joining the Benassi remix on the EP are mixes by Riva Starr, BURNS, and Evian Christ.

"Primadonna" is available today (UK) [iTunes]

[VIDEO PREMIERE] MARINA & THE DIAMONDS "PRIMADONNA"

Welsh beauty Marina & the Diamonds has unleashed the official lead single from her sophomore album "Electra Heart," the Dr Luke, Diplo and Cirkut-produced "Primadonna."

The track follows in the footsteps of the promo/buzz singles "Homewrecker" and "Radioactive" (which will now be available on the Deluxe Edition of the album, along with three other new tracks).

"Primadonna" will be available from April 16, with "Electra Heart" to follow from April 23 [iTunes]

MARINA & THE DIAMONDS DROP ALBUM COVER AND TRACKLIST FOR "ELECTRA HEART"

Welsh beauty Marina & the Diamonds has dropped the album cover and final tracklist for the her upcoming sophomore album "Electra Heart." The release, which we know will deliver the lead single "Primadonna" on April 16, features twelve tracks on the standard edition.

Whilst the tracklist confirmed does not include the single "Radioactive", we're hoping to see it included in the deluxe edition which is rumoured to hold an additional four tracks.

Heard "Homewrecker" yet? Take a listen to the buzz track below. "Electra Heart" will be available from April 30 [iTunes]

1. Bubblegum Bitch
2. Primadonna
3. Lies
4. Homewrecker
5. Starring Role
6. The State of Dreaming
7. Power and Control
8. Living Dead
9. Teen Idle
10. Valley Of The Dolls
11. Hypocrates
12. Fear & Loathing

LISTEN TO NEW MARINA & THE DIAMONDS WITH "HOMEWRECKER"

Indie-pop superstar Marina & the Diamonds has released another buzz track from her upcoming sophomore album, the track "Homewrecker". Given away as a freebie from her website (to those with the code only, sorry!); the track is interesting taste of what's in store from "Electra Heart".

The album's lead single "Primadonna" will be released April 16, with the album out from April 30. Listen to "Homewrecker" below.

Marina and the Diamonds: Homewrecker by hardcandymusic

MARINA & THE DIAMONDS ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE "PRIMADONNA", NEW ALBUM "ELECTRA HEART"

The glamorous Marina & the Diamonds has announced via Twitter the release of her latest single "Primadonna", the lead track to be lifted from her highly-anticipated sophomore album release "Electra Heart". The single is due to hit the shelves from April 16.

In addition to the new single announcement, Marina has confirmed that the album will available from April 30. So far the confirmed tracks are:

-- Primadonna -- Bubblegum Bitch -- Lies, Power and Control -- Homewrecker -- Starring Role -- The State of Dreaming -- Living Dead -- Sex Yeah -- Valley of the Dolls -- Hypocrates -- Fear and Loathing --

Umm, "Radioactive"...?

Via the official press release Marina tells us "It’s an ode to dysfunctional love. I based the project around character types commonly found in love stories, film and theatre, usually ones associated with power and control in love, as opposed to weakness or defeat. I guess it was a way of dealing with the embarrassment that, for the first time in my life, I got ‘played’. Rejection is a universally embarrassing topic and Electra Heart is my response to that. It is a frank album.”

Stay tuned for more as we get it.

PREVIEW NEW MARINA & THE DIAMONDS WITH "STARRING ROLE"

A new Marina & the Diamonds track, Starring Role, has leaked online. Unknown as to whether this is marked as the stars upcoming single or not, the track is yet another brilliant pop gem. Starring Role features a slightly more indie-pop vibe, complete with an electro-synth backing to compliment Marina's angelic vocals.

Radioactive, Marina's first official single from her sophomore album, peaked at #25 in the UK back in October. So far we're pretty happy with what the Electra Heart campaign has delivered... can't wait to hear more.

Radioactive is available digitally today [iTunes]

Marina & the Diamonds - Starring Role by hardcandymusic

[THOM'S TOP TRACKS] August 2011

I was so glad to see the sun out in August, it just reminds me of last summer with Dad down the beach, woof! Sand, sun and smells. And the other dogs, talk about some babes...

Check out my list of top tracks for the month. Dad reckons it was a hard month, but I have my favourites that I shake my tail to. Til next month, woof.

AUGUST

Marina & the Diamonds

Radioactive

[VIDEO]

Sneaky Sound System

Big

[AUDIO]

Nicola Roberts

Lucky Day

[VIDEO]

David Guetta feat. Jennifer Hudson

Night Of Your Life

[AUDIO]

Voltaire Twins

Animalia

[AUDIO]

LISTEN TO NEW MARINA & THE DIAMONDS WITH "RADIOACTIVE"

A few weeks ago Marina & the Diamonds previewed the track Fear and Loathing - a somewhat haunting yet exciting new chapter for the beauty, via her alter-ego Electra Heart.

Watch part one, Fear and Loathing here.

Today we hear the part two of that beginning: the lead single from Marina's upcoming album, Radioactive.

I have to admit it the Stargate/DJ Chuckie produced track has quite a commercial feel to it which may lose some of Marina's die-hard indie fans... but if we go back to reviewing Fear and Loathing it's safe to expect that the new album will be an eclectic mix of both ends of the pop stream.

Radioactive will be released 3 October [iTunes]

Marina & the Diamonds are back, via Electra Heart. Part 1: Fear and Loathing

For those of you that know me, you'd understand how excited I am to see Marina Diamandis return in 2011. Diamandis, aka Marina & the Diamonds, produced some of the best pop music last year. In fact, some of the best pop music in years.

Marina returns via her new "alter-ego", Electra Heart. I use the word alter-ego loosely asteh word project is probably more fitting. This week a video was released via Marina's official site, with the below text:

"Electra Heart" embodies the lies, illusions and death of an American Dream.

"Part 1" is called "Fear And Loathing". This includes a preview of an album track, under same title. "Part 2" will be posted on this same page next Monday at 4pm.

Nice to be back,
Love,
Marina

The video itself features the haunting yet outstanding album track Fear and Loathing... but it's just left me wanting more. MORE MARINA, MORE.

See Marina cover Notion Magazine, tweet details about Electra Heart.

'Til next week when Part 2 is released...

Marina Diamandis covers Notion Magazine, embraces Electra Heart

Marina Diamandis, all-round beauty of Marina & the Diamonds fame, covers the latest edition of fashion/music/culture magazine, Notion. In the photo shoot Diamandis pairs up with fashion guru Hasan Hejazi, wearing some of his latest creations. This isn't the first time the pair have worked together either, with Diamandis wearing Hejazi at Nylon and the NME Awards.

Check out the additional shots below.

As a side note, Hejazi is also a clear favourite of UK popstars Jessie J and Claire Maguire, with both artists wearing his designs on a number of occasions.

In other Marina & the Diamonds news - it seems as though we've been introduced to a new Marina, her alter-ego Electra Heart. According to various tweets via Diamandis' Twitter account, "Electra Heart is a Selfish Bitch". Hmmm.

Does this has something to do with a new album in the pipeline? Another Sasha Fierce if you may? Unsure. But, what we have heard is that on board for production of the album we have Diplo, Dr Luke, Stargate and Greg Kurstin. Stay tuned for more information as it's comes to hand, and whether or not these rumours are true.

Whilst we wait, grab yourself a copy of Marina & the Diamonds' outstanding debut album, The Family Jewels [ITUNES]

Make sure you keep up to date with all things music, like us on Facebook for regular updates.

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED... COCKNBULLKID?

Umm - do we need to talk about the name? Yes, the name. CocknBullKid is the stage name for a lurvely 25 year old singer/songwriter who hails from Hackney, England. Born Anita Blay (apparently too plain for some), she'll release her debut album, Adulthood, in May.

Having supported Marina & the Diamonds, Kele (of Bloc Party) and Janelle Monae on their recent tours all within the last twelve months, CocknBullKid has also found time to admit she'd kill a pigeon if she could. Ok, so that's a bit random I know - but it's something she said in a recent interview with Robot Pigeon and I thought it was funny.

As an artist CocknBullKid sounds a little bit like Santogold... that indie-pop-synth sound that is nothing short of pleasant to the ears. Others may think she's a little more MIA, but according to a recent interview with Paul Lester of The Guardian...

"...People put me in the MIA category, but I'm not grime and I'm not some 'ghetto princess'. I want to make pop music. The media put black people in boxes. It really irks me."

Ah, so there. No box putting please. In fact, Miss 'Kid cites her influences as David Byrne, Grace Jones, David Bowie and Kate Bush. A nice combo actually, and certainly nothing like MIA.

We were treated to One Eye Closed late 2010, and since then we've heard Hold On To Your Misery and her most recent single, Asthma Attack (my favourite - video below). The album, as mentioned earlier - Adulthood, will be released in the UK late May. Unfortunately no sign of an Australian release as of yet.

My final verdict on what I've heard so far - CocknBullKid offers a fresh, unprocessed, raw talent that will quite easily compliment an already great selection of new artists to arrive on the pop scene in the last 6-12 months. Let's maybe just do something with that name, shall we?

Welcome, CocknBullKid.

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED... CLARE MAGUIRE?

For a land that hands out pretty crap weather year in year out, it produces some pretty amazing talent. Of course I'm talking about the dreary land of the United Kingdom. Apart from providing us with such visual and vocal beauties like Adele and Marina Diamandis (Marina & the Diamonds); it seems as though the UK has another princess waiting for us to embrace. That princess is Clare Maguire.

The 23 year-old from Birmingham, England, was recently announced by the BBC as one of the top five in the BBC Sound of 2011 list as being one of this years most promising artists.

Her sultry, brooding voice compares her to the likes of Sian Evans (from Kosheen) or Sharleen Spiteri (from Texas). Clare's debut album, Light After Dark, was released late February and achieved top ten status in the UK - a great feat for a any artist breaking into the industry with their debut album.

The Last Dance, Clare's second single to be lifted off the album, is her most successful single to date. Emotionally it's a strong track, and for me it calls upon the same heartstrings as Robyn's Dancing On My Own... powerful... it leaves you wanting more as the song finishes. Clare wrote the number after music legend Michael Jackson's death, in response to unjust comments from the media about his life.

Whilst I'm yet to finish listening to the album in it's entirety, from what I've heard so far it certainly is a strong, mature album - and something very different to what we're experiencing globally right now in the world of pop music. This is nothing like Ke$ha, Rihanna or Beyonce. We're talking more Stevie Nicks, Annie Lennox or even Chrissie Hynde.

Love, love, love what I hear. What a breath of fresh air.

Purchase Light After Dark digitally today [ITUNES]

Jimmy Steele's Top 50 Singles of 2010 (Part III)

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.

Purchase Shampain digitally now [ITUNES]



6.  ACAPELLA  // Kelis

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.

Purchase Acapella digitally now [ITUNES]



5.  HANG WITH ME  //  Robyn

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!

Purchase Hang With Me digitally now [ITUNES]



4.  TELEPHONE  //  Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce

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!

Purchase Telephone digitally now [ITUNES]



3.  GET OUTTA MY WAY  //  Kylie Minogue

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).

Purchase Get Outta My Way digitally now [ITUNES]



2.  FREEFALLIN'  //  Zoe Badwi

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...

LOVE IT.

Purchase Freefallin' digitally now [ITUNES]



1.  DANCING ON MY OWN  //  Robyn

Here it is!!! My #1 Single of 2010!!!

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.

Purchase Dancing On My Own digitally now [ITUNES]