New Years Resolutions? Think Again!

Ok, so it is kind of a bad pun. I didn't get a chance to blog about Kwanza Jones's smash song "Think Again" because it was already out for a while by the time I got my blog revamped and ready to present to the masses. I just wanted to make one last post this year, showcasing this amazing song and video, because when the album comes out, this very song will be completely different!



2012 is going to be an amazing year. I already have a lot planned for the new year including interviews, an exclusive new song preview, some new reoccurring features, and guests posts (both friends writing for my blog and me writing for others). It's gonna be a busy year and I hope everyone continues to to support me in my efforts to spread the love and joy of pop music to every corner of the universe -- before I take it over, that is.

On a side note, I am taking a mini-vacation this weekend. I threw this post together quickly (obvious, no?). But never fear, I will return Monday with the Song of the Week. I hope you all have a great New Year's Eve and New Years Day. Don't drink and drive and stay safe both physically and sexually! Love you guys!

Guest Post: Top Five Anime Openings of 2011

Today, I have enlisted the help of my friend Sarah, amazing manga and anime blogger and reviewer to do a post for me because I'm a bad anime fan and haven't been keeping up with the new wave of shows. Trust me, this girl knows her stuff! But because I'm a bully, I made her focus on the musical side of anime (this is a music blog, ya know!), and she's produced a list of the best anime openings of the year.

Oh, 2011. You turned out to be a very uneven year for anime in terms of quality, especially in the winter season; I'm still gagging on what little of Guilty Crown I forced myself to watch. And the less said about Fractale, the better for everyone. But what you lacked in quality series you made up for in quality music. Some of the best opening sequences I've seen in the last couple of years premiered this year - and yes, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica is on this list, did you have any doubt in your mind it wouldn't?

Note: These videos are all hosted on YouTube, which means that in an effort to avoid anime companies shutting down their accounts, some users will actually flip the video as a means of protecting themselves against being served with legal papers. So if some of the videos seem literally backwards, that's why. Sorry for the inconvenience!

First Listen: Nadia Oh - Fqn Amazing

Oh, Nadia, how you always own my heart. This time is no different. Nadia Oh, Space Cowboy's main project, has never been one to disappoint. Lately, she has been taking advantage of viral marketing and has made her music available as it's ready on SoundCloud as opposed to waiting for an iTunes release. Much like Vampire Night, this new track is unbelievably sickening.

Nadia Oh 'Fqn Amazing' masterr by nadiaoh

The song breaks away from the almost Bollywood feeling of her past album and has adapted a new club bumping style. This song feels so distinctly different that I can only describe it as the jump from her debut album to "Colours". If you don't understand, just try and imagine her doing The Soopermodel to this track. Yeah.

This song was made for club play. It has a lot of club-track staples, and it just makes you want to move. I can't help but do a few (really bad) moves while listening to the song for this mini-review. It keeps her usual speak-rap style, but it also has her singing in a few spots. The vocals sound a bit over-processed during the singing parts, but given her style and overall lack of seriousness (I mean really? Who wears a sweater to a rave party?) I think this can be overlooked.

The song is in the same vein as "Telephone" by Gaga, but takes a much more positive approach. Instead of ignoring her boyfriend like a jerk, she is gonna take pictures and text him everything so that he feels like he was there. She's quite certain that her night is going to be "fqn" amazing -- Speaking of which, I wonder if the fact that she technically isn't saying the f-bomb that she could get past the censors.

The song literally just hit the net, "about six hours ago" according to SoundCloud, and coming in at around three and a half minutes, this song is the perfect length for a single. I can't say I would be disappointed in the least if this was the new Nadia single, but with this girl you never know. We will have to just keep listening and supporting her. Cheers to more music from this budding diva in the near future!

Song of the Week - Better Than I Know Myself

Ok, ok. So I kind of said last week I didn't like this song, but I also said it would probably grow on me. It has. Get over it. I'mma talk about Adam Lambert now.

As much as I detest shows like American Idol, every once in a while they produce some amazing talent. I don't pay much attention to the show because I believe that it's pretty much a karaoke competition, but nonetheless, once the top dogs release original material, I generally star paying attention. Adam Lambert was definitely one of these cases. Oh yeah, and he's really pretty.

This song is much less electro-pop than what people have come to expect from this established pop star. His wailing vocals get the emotions of the lyrics across very well, clinging to that last desperation of holding on to the one who he loves most of all. Overall, the song is very sweet, and it has a very strong story and message behind it, making it relatable to a large audience. I really hope his upcoming album explodes, because if the rest of the tracks are anything like this, it's going to be one of the best of 2012.

You can buy the track on iTunes. If you don't it means you are a douche. Just sayin'.

Merry Christmas Via Pandora Boxx

So I'm lazy and it's Christmas... and I ate too much. So to make up for the lack of holiday spirit, I'll post a video by the lovely Pandora Boxx as she channels her best Carol Channing to bring you this hilarious and festive video describing the exact present she wants. Enjoy.

2011 Universal Conquest Award Winners

Welcome one and all to the reveal of the winners for the first annual Universal Conquest Awards. This is my attempt to give the new guys, or maybe just the ones who haven't had enough attention, a bit of recognition. The music industry is a cold and cruel place. I hope that through these virtual awards, I can give recognition to those who I believe are not only doing it right but also doing it well.

Top Five Pop Divas I Would (Probably) Go Straight For (Maybe)

The time has come again for yet another pointless top five list from your favorite blogger. In case you haven't gathered this yet, I am gay as hell. I can hit on male artists all day long, but it's rare that I hit on the ladies. I feel I am comfortable enough in my sexuality to make a list of the top five hotties of pop. Plus, it's way more interesting than a top five hot guys of pop (it would be five entries of Space Cowboy).

5. Nadia Oh

Speaking of Spacey, anyone notice how hot his protege is? I have been a fan of Nadia since she started releasing music. I remember the insane rumors about her being a computer generated image (and looking back at some of the early press shots of her, I don't blame people) but lately, she has proved them all wrong by releasing a video for almost every song she's ever recorded ever. Joking aside, I really do think this lady is very attractive, and her Miss Kittin-esque music only helps further her as a standout in my mind. Keep werkin it, sexy bitch.

Hyper Crush Confirms Night Wave

After announcing the new album a while back, no other solid news has come around about the album. Earlier today, the group has finally announced a release date for "Night Wave", and even given us a glimpse into what the album is going to be like. Oh and there's this album cover here.

As if I didn't have enough of a crush on Preston already? And he wears a Misfits shirt for the photoshoot? Dear lord this man wants me to obsess over him, doesn't he? All joking aside, it is very nice to finally see the trio on the cover of one of their works as opposed to asses or Obama (I think). They are actually pretty attractive, and its good to get to know them, especially now that they are growing wildly in popularity.

The release date for the album is February 7, making the first quarter of 2012 an orgasm for the ears, especially since other amazing dance-pop acts are releasing material at this time. You can pre-order the album on iTunes, where in you will notice the tracklisting as well. The songs are as follows:

Werk Me
Chrome Pipes
Bad Boyz
Fingers Up
Cheap Thrills
Wtf
What Goes Up
Maniac
Chead
Flip The Switch
The Foundation

Missing from the list is a song called "Acid House" that is apparently a fan favorite from the live performances. No word yet on why it has been left out. Sadly, you cannot preview the tracks on iTunes for the pre-order, but knowing Hyper Crush, we will be getting a taste of what the album will be like very soon.

Song of the Week - Sunrise

I know. You are speechless. Yes, I am aware the Colette Carr released a single this week, too, but my life doesn't (always) revolve around her. I mean, I like other songs sometimes too. Jeeze. Lay off me. Oh? You're shocked because it's a Dev song? Yeah, we'll get to that in a moment. Song of the Week this week is "Sunrise" by The Cataracs and Dev.

I just don't know what it is about this song. The airy vocals by Dev are amazing, the beat is insane, and actually getting to hear the guys behind the beats was crazy! I couldn't miss the chance to feature one of my favorite song producing teams on my site. Everything they touch is amazing, and this song doesn't fail.

The only place I really have a place with this song is in the lyrics. The beat, yeah, amazing, but the lyrics -- A very different story. The first problem is Dev's obsession with saying "popping bottles in the ice". Yeah. She says it here. Again. Do you see my problem with her yet? And then the Cataracs say "I just did a car bomb in the back seat of a car." I dont really know what a car bomb is, but I'll assume it's not a literal one. Despite these two instances, the rest of the song is amazing, dancable, and an instant hit. I'm starting to like Dev. No, I'm not eating my own words, she's just getting better.

You can buy the song on iTunes. Do it. Do it now.

Exclusive Interview - Kwanza Jones

Oh. My. God. Let me tell you, I recently got in contact with one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of talking to. Kwanza Jones is not only a singer, but also a songwriter, and an ambassador for equality. This future pop icon and role model took time out from her busy tour to give me the details on her next moves in the music world, as well as her stance on other serious issues.

Chelsea Korka To Release Solo Album

After finding some old Paradiso Girls tracks, as well as a couple of rare demos from her, I tweeted Chelsea asking when we could hear more. Her reply was a simple "not long" -- and damn was she not lying. Last night, Chelsea revealed her big announcement via Twitter: She is going to be releasing a solo album. There is a god.

 

I cannot express how excited I am about this. I have loved Chelsea ever since I first laid eyes on her in the Search For The Next Pussycat Doll (This is the first time I've admitted to watching the show), and she was, to me, the most talented of the Paradiso Girls. As devastated as I am that the group is over, I am glad to see her moving forward with her career -- and if she follows through with tracks like the "So Over" demo I heard, this album will be amazing!

No title has been announced, but she has put up a teaser site, IAmChelseaKorka.com, with a countdown to January 3, when the album will drop. Releasing an album cold can be a scary thing, but she promised that there will be music out before the album drops. I really hope so! I hope she kept in touch with Space Cowboy and had him help out. I mean don't you remember "Falling Down"? Smash.

With Lauren heading up the new Pussycat Dolls and Chelsea working solo, we have accounted for 2/5 of the Paradiso Girls. Now where did Aria get off to?

EDIT FOR CLARITY: Chelsea has informed me that the Jan 3 date will be the release of music (probably a single) and the album will be out shortly. Sorry for the confusion.

Mondays Resume Being A Drag Jan. 30

In my opinion, every day is going to be a drag until January 30. That is when season four of Ru Paul's Drag Race will premier. Why does it have to be so far away? I know they have been saying January, but why not January 1 instead of 30? Damn. Guess I gotta be a patient bitch.

In order to keep us calm, they released yet another trailer for the show. This one has actual footage, showing us clips of the "gurls" as boys, and all the drama that comes with it. Some of the highlights include Willam deciding she has to be the funny one instead of the pretty one, apocalyptic being mispronounced, and a threat of pee on the runway. Check it out.

Tags: Gay Video & Lesbian Movies, Logo: Fierce TV

I think you can rest assured that this season is going to be amazing. As always, it will probably take me a couple of episodes to fully warm up to them, but at least we can rest easy that no past contestants will be popping out of boxes this go around. This time, they are fighting it out for one hundred thousand dollars. Ru assures you that this is "the beginning of the rest of your life (life life life life)."

Song of the Week - Where Did You Go

Why do you look so surprised? I mean, it's not like Young London is the only thing I listen to! Sometimes, singles hit the market and got very unnoticed. Stephen Jerzak seems to be one of these artists. I don't know why, either. He's not half bad.

A little less electronic than what Jerzak fans may be used to and a bit more singer/songwriter, this track definitely is a departure from this blog's norm. The accoustic guitar is a nice welcome from my usual over processed techno beats. His voice is quite amazing, and has me left regretting not reviewing his album that came out earlier this year when I had the chance.

This song is all about love that is lost. He spends the song wondering about that girl that just slipped through his fingers, asking if she still thinks of him or even cares. The theme, along with the stripped down feel of the song, get the emotions and vulnerability across very well, making for an excellent track.

You can preview and buy the track on iTunes. Remember kids, support your artists. Don't go illegally downloading everything.

MYPHNH(BS) - Silveradio

Music comes in all forms. It's not always about the singer. Often times, there is a hidden face behind the beats, or it has been completely revamped by a talented remix artist. My point is, you don't always have to be a vocalist to express yourself artistically. With that being said, lemme introduce you to Silveradio.

To be honest, I wasn't even aware that my friend was making music. I had known him for at least a year before I knew he was seriously making music, and at the time I was rather skeptical about listening to music that wasn't headlined by a vocalist. What can I say, I was naive. I did, however, have faith in my friend, and finding talent in the wasteland we are from is rare, so I gave it a shot. I can honestly say that even if I had not been friends with him, I would still enjoy his music immensely. How can I say this with such certainty?

One day, while riding in a car with his sister, a hot jam came on the radio via her driving playlist. This song was a very amazing remix of E.T. by Katy Perry (A song that under normal circumstances I cannot stand). This was around the time that I was really getting into remix EPs, so I asked: "Who's version is this?" Of course, it was the Silveradio mix. It was then that I started to look at his music more seriously, and I have to say that he really did impress me.

Being a pop music freak, I was much more quickly drawn to his remixes of pop tracks. He has given his own spin to Adele, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears. Recently, however, he has decided to go bak to his roots with his music, and has begun to focus more on his original material to release on online retailers. His iTunes debut "Rain (11 Remake)" is available for purchase here. Let me give the disclaimer that for full effect you should listen to the song with some great sub woofers, such as heavy-duty computer speakers or a car stereo. It sounds so much better that way.

The Silveradio style is called Techn-Trance. In line with this genre is a steady build up in the music, starting out with just on or a couple of tracks of music and building up as the song continues. By the mid point of the song, each bit of the song is going full force. The style allows for people to see what all goes into a song, and creates more of a movement than offering everything upfront.
 
He may have taken down his remixes, but three of his core songs, "Tempo", "Destinox", and "Winterspring" are still up on his official site Turboturbo. I have also bullied him into entering a remix contest to potentially be on a remix album for a rising star in the pop world, Kwanza Jones. I have heard an initial version of his Silverado mix of "Time To Go", and it was sick.

Lyrics are not always required to convey a feeling or an emotion in a song. In fact, being able to express yourself without lyrics can be even more impressive and impacting . Then again, who knows? Maybe one day I'll talk him into letting me add some lyrics to one of his tracks.

If you don't have the cashflow to buy music, please go die another mix of his debut single is available to download for free (at leas to the next 99 people) on SoundCloud. So listen below, download, and enjoy. Or else. This is the internet and I can't get in trouble for threatening.


Rain (11 Chill Mix) by Silveradio

Coming Soon: Jada + Young London + Koda Kumi

It's time. Everybody is announcing their fresh start for the new year. I love it when this time of year comes around, the new year is fast approaching and that means SO MUCH NEW MUSIC! Three of my favorites have already staked their claim in the early months of 2012, and they are giving everyone a look of what's to come.

Four piece girl group Jada have been on my radar for a while. Being one of Red One's projects, it's no wonder they have had some amazing tracks, but they disappeared for nearly two years until this past fall where they released "This Party's On Fire". Thankfully, they aren't letting the momentum die this time around, and have announced not only a new EP, but also a Christmas single.

The four have put a preview of the EP up on their official website. The mini-album doesn't seem to have a title (that I can tell) but it does include "This Party's On Fire" and another solid club track "Supersonique," which I've seen some of the girls hint at. The website lets you preview 60 seconds of each track, giving you a good look at what the album is all about. I've always been weary of girl group's non-single tracks, but I am LOVING all of these tracks, especially "Mercy Killing." No exact date has been announced, but I'll assume it will be released in early January.

I'm not sure if I can brag on these guys enough. They were my first ever interview, and they are still some of the coolest people I have ever got to speak with. They just dropped their newest single, "New Reputation," channeling all of their 90's pop influences into one sexy-ass track.

The self-titled album is due out January 10, 2012. Can't wait that long for all of the Euro-dance goodness? Hop on over to Amazon to be able to preview 30 seconds of each track. I know, it's not long enough, but it will give you a good idea of how epic this album is going to be. "Be My Radio" and "Whipped" will be played obsessively in my car after this album comes out.

Ok, this may not be the exact criteria for this blog, as it is not easily accessible, but when I saw this on my Facebook feed, I just couldn't pass it up. Koda Kumi has been a favorite Japanese singer of mine for ages (I mean did you see her fierce acting in Cutie Honey?), and I did review the music videos for her "4 Times" single. While I don't expect to review something in a language I don't speak fluently, I did find something amusing. All of the "4 Times" singles are listed as tracks on the album, but one isn't exactly as you might remember it.

The song "V.I.P." now has "featuring T-Pain" tacked on the end. Oh. My. God. The Lord of Autotune is teaming up with Koda Kumi. I'm not sure if I'm excited or mortified, but I'll accept it. The fan page also says that there will be a music video for every song on the album. I'm not sure if this is a typo, but if not, I really think Koda has gone off the deep end. I mean having four music videos released at once is kind of crazy, but a full seventeen track album full? That's insane!

UPDATE: After cross-referencing several sites and having a few translations done, it is being said that she will have seventeen music videos. One. For. Every. Track. THERE IS A GOD! Here's to hoping T-Pain gets shoehorned in the V.I.P. video.

Song of the Week - Hologram

No, it's not a new Jem and the Holograms song, it's the newest track from my girls Mimi, Ronny, and JC under the name XELLE. I interviewed them a few months ago where they said a new single was "coming very soon." Well, guys, it's finally here. Get into "Hologram."

Dubbing themselves the "party girls of pop," they sure did have a lot to live up to. I think it's safe to say after this new song that they definitely live up to the reputation. This song is an electronic orgasm, completely fun from start to finish. The beats are amazing, and I really am in love with Zach Adam's style, as he also is working with another rising star, Moses.

The lyrics are my favorite part of the song. The story is about a man that is nothing but an illusion, bringing about one of the best lines in a song: "You're a fiction of my affection." Is that not sickening? I also find myself randomly spouting off "Holla Holla Hologram!" Maybe I should hire these ladies to write my debut single.

As a bit of an update: I have been poking them about the video, but they still won't say a lot. On a radio interview, JC said that the video will be "one hundred times the work" that the "Party Girl" video was. She also mentioned that she didn't think anyone had used the medium like this for a music video. It sounds so exciting, but the release won't come about until March at the earliest. You better work, ladies.

Until then, why don't you buy the track on iTunes? It's killer!

Top Five: Un-Christmas Songs

Welcome to Christmas! I'm not really as happy about it as the exclamation point would lead you to believe, but it's hard not to buy into the fake cheer of the holidays. It's time to hash out more celebrity X-mas related songs. Luckily, not all of them are your traditional tunes, some being downright anti-Christmas. As part of a month-long Top Five column of random crap I deem entertaining and relevant, I will be  Let me get at you with some Un-Christmas Christmas songs.


5. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence - FYI by Utada



Confession time: I LOVE Hikaru Utada's English albums. Back when I was a Weeaboo (Don't ask), I was all about some Utada, and she released her debut English album Exodus at the height of my Japan obsession. She released two English albums, this song from the second one. I placed it so high on the countdown mainly because it trolls you into thinking it's a Christmas song when it really isn't. She doesn't even mention the holidays at all. The only really seasonal part of the song is her saying "Jing-a-ling" a couple of times. Way to fool us, Utada. You win.
Edit: An Anon informed me she had to keep the title of the song she sampled for legal reasons. That still doesn't mean she isn't trolling you. I mean if she had to keep the title, logic dictates you should roll with the Christmas theme. She did not. Thus, troll.
(Warning: Lots of Hos under the cut.)

JohnBoyCool Unleashes "Greed"

Another pre-release track from JonhBoyCool's new mixtape, "Greed" follows in line with the theme of the "7 Sins" title. He has been teasing us with this mixtape for a while now, originally saying it would be out on Halloween. Hopefully it will be out soon. Til then, let's take a look at "Greed".

This song is more rap than anything I've heard from this artist before. I'm not sure how I feel about it, as I was madly in love with the electric sound from his first mixtape. The lyrics fall more in line with greed than the previous pre-release track "Vanity", as he is talking about wanting it all during the track. There is even a break in the song with a very distorted voice talking about how greed is actually a good thing.

The guest on the tack, Chris King, does his job well. I've never been huge on the fad of having rappers guest in the middle of your track, but at the same time, I like seeing artists able to work together. I'd never heard of this guy before, but seeing as this group is still emerging into the music scene, I'm sure I'll see him pop up again. It's just leaving me with the question if any of the "7 Sins" tracks will be just JohnBoyCool without any features.

While not as instantly lovable like the "Too Cool 4 School" mixtape, the song is growing on me. It's dubstep back beat, paired with Jonhboy's distinctive voice refuse to let me dislike this song in any way. If you want something fresh and fun, get this track. And hey, as of now, it's free!

Site News: The Universal Conquest Awards

It is finally here. The event I've been planning for months. I am so insane that I have decided to give out my own awards. There are so many great pop artists out there, and only a select few get recognized, so I've decided to take it upon myself to award some of pop music's lesser known artists, the underdogs if you will. For my first year I've started out small with six categories. A select group of my closest friends and I will determine all but one of the awards. Sound unfair? Well I've left the biggest and most important award to you guys. So you'd better vote!

Here are the non-voting categories and their nominees:

BEST DEBUT
Best Debut
Young London - Let Me Go
XELLE - Party Girl
Colette Carr - (We Do It) Primo
Chris DiSario - Could This Be Love
Black Cards - Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Fame

BEST DRAG SONG
Sahara Davenport - Go Off!
Manila Luzon - Hot Couture
Pandora Boxx - Cooter
Raja - Daimond Crowned Queen
Holestar - Queen of F***ing Everything

BEST NON-SINGLE
RuPaul feat. Jipsta - Sexy Drag Queen (Jared Jones La Push Remix)
Simon Curtis - Joshua
Frankmusik - Struck By Lightning
Demi Lovato - Hold Up
Ultraviolet Sound - Electric Misfit Love Machine

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Frankmusik - Do It In The AM
Demi Lovato - Unbroken
Natalia Killa - Perfectionist
Nadia Oh - Colours
Aqua - Megalomania

EDITOR'S PICK - SONG OF THE YEAR
My selection based on this years Song of the Week selections.

The big one? Song of the Year. That's where I need you guys. If you are a stan of any of these artists, pick their track. Vote on the poll at the right hand side of the page. Voting will end in the wee hours of December 24th and the winners will be posted the following morning. This is your chance to give your favorite the credit they deserve!

I know, it's December, which means there's one more month worth of awesome songs to select from. Don't worry, as the column will continue, but the selections will be eligible for NEXT year's Song of the Year contest. Don't see your fave listed? Go up to the Recommendations page and shoot me an email suggesting who you think deserves the spotlight.