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Neon Gold Records have something up their sleeves with newcomer ELLIE GOULDING. The label that signed the hailed Passion Pit has something new for us, and she's got a beautiful voice! Check out the album version and Jakwob's dubstep remix of Starry Eyed. Enjoy your Sunday!
STARRY EYED (ALBUM VERSION)
STARRY EYED (JAKWOB DUBSTEP REMIX)
Don't forget to leave us a comment and let us know what you think!
BAT FOR LASHES just released a new video today for Pearl's Dream. Watch her battle alter ego, a very blonde 'Pearl' who melts a la Wizard of Oz upon touching the real Natasha. She looks beautiful as usual and the track is ace, love you Natasha!
Well this is just genius! Quite often I hate it when old songs are covered, but this one I really enjoy! The SUGABABES have covered the WOMACK & WOMACK classic TEARDROPS for the 50 years of Island Records Album due to be released on June 1st. The girls are currently in LA writing and recording their 7th album!
TEARDROPS (DOWNLOAD)
We had the opportunity to have a 'virtual sit down' with SALLY SHAPIRO, who was kind enough to answer some questions for us! We love the single Miracle and look forward to the new album which will include collaborations with German nu-disco producer TENSNAKE and Swedish italo disco duo CLOETTA PARIS
Who are your musical influences?
Mostly Italian and French romantic 80s disco like Valerie Dore, Mylène Farmer, Savage, Fun Fun...but also more modern forms of electronic music. With Roger as a co-writer also some indie pop music influences.
Which artists did you grow up listening to?
I listened a lot to Swedish pop artists like Lili & Sussie, Lena Philipsson and also to the Eurovision Song Contest. I still watch ESC every year with my friends.
You are notably regarded as quite shy when it comes to publicity and the record making process. Has your confidence grown now the first record has been so well received and you have a growing fan base?
I don't have to be dragged into the studio to sing anymore...but I'm still quite shy, I don't like anyone to be in the studio when I sing and I don't enjoy being photographed or filmed. It's slowly going easier though, we recorded some scenes for a music video a few days ago and it went better than last time. It will be finished in a few months.
Will we be seeing more of Sally Shapiro or do you plan to keep the sense of mystery surrounding you?
I actually don´t really have a plan. I never had with this project.
Are you going to performing any live shows in support of the album? If so what can we expect from them?
Well you will see me a little in the video and I will make a few interviews but we don't plan to go on tour...it's not a strategy to appear mysterious, it's just that I don't enjoy standing on stage. Johan will do a few DJ sets, that's all...this is more of a hobby for me, I have a normal job aside from this project and prefer to have it that way. But of course I like music and singing!
Tells us about the new record. Is it a similar sound to the italo-disco sound of ‘Disco Romance’ ? Any favorite tracks on the new album?
We're not going in a dramatically new direction, but the album is still a bit different than Disco Romance and definitely more varied when it comes to the production, taking influences from more sources. The lyrics are a bit more self-confident too, I like that. It's a very romantic album just like Disco Romance. It's difficult to pick favourites but I'd probably say Miracle and Save Your Love.
What is working with Johan (her producer) like, how does the process work?
Johan (and sometimes the co-writer Roger Gunnarsson) comes up with an idea and play it for me, I give feedback and then he works a bit more, then I record the vocals on some weekend and he mixes it. So it's pretty simple, we don't make any demo versions except if Johan has made some version that he sings on himself. We record everything in his apartment.
I know you had mentioned that you had written a song before the ‘Sally Shapiro’ project. Is writing something that interests you and have you written any of the songs on the new album?
I don't write much music, the track I mentioned earlier is nothing I have played to Johan yet so it's not on the new album. I like playing simple accords on guitar, singing, and sometimes something comes by, but seldom something I feel is worth finishing...
What are you currently listening to?
Au Revoir Simone, Suzanne Vega, Marit Bergman and then I recently pulled out some old CDs by Belle & Sebastian. So more indie pop than disco actually.
What are some of your favorite records of the last year?
Oh I'm terrible keeping up to date with new music. I'm always behind. Maybe the Au Revoir Simone album came out last year?
Thanks Sally!
MIRACLE (DOWNLOAD)
PET SHOP BOYS are releasing their second single Did You See Me Coming?, if you missed the video premiere check it out here. First single Love Etc. is still tearing up the dance charts here in the U.S. and it's my personal favorite.
UP AND DOWN (TOM STEPHEN REMIX)
EMI and the PSB are giving away a free remix of a bonus track to be included on the single, by Tom Stephan aka SUPERCHUMBO. Check it out!
LADY GAGA is not a happy bunny this evening her PAPARAZZI video has leaked online! It's pretty damn hot, she even makes crutches look good LOL! This is a really fantastic video - well mini movie really - lots of stories told with great choreography and some brilliant styling! Does this pave the way for the days when people made great videos to return?
Don't worry Gaga the leak will make it do even better ;)
A few days ago we got the chance to speak with Dan and Martina from one of our favorite bands DRAGONETTE we are super excited to share with you the interview!
Martina answered these questions for us!
We love the name Dragonette... where did that originate?
Well that was basically us trying to be cool, maybe? Well I came from a solo project where I was just Martina Sorbara, but I always thought that when I had a band it would be so cool to come up with a name, but when Dan and I got together and it was time we were so stuffed! It was so hard to think of a name! I had originally called my ipod 'Dragonette' and it just stuck for a band name, we had some pretty bad ones.
Ahh I see, well we like it! Can you remember any of the names that didn't make the cut?
Hmm yeah the first one was Hawk Hawk, then I realized it was kinda like Talk Talk. Yeah that was kinda a joke band. Everything else we came up with was too pretentious.
Tell us more about the sound of the new album? Is it a similar sound to Galore?
Well its really hard to get a perspective on it, we stay in the same vein as Galore, its fun but a more masculine energy than Galore. I would say this album is less dark, but I'm sure there would be people with the exact opposite opinion! With Galore, we were really not used to working with synthesized sounds and drum beats and that was really exciting for me, so I think we were really going to town on that and really having fun with it. Now I think I have taken the stuff I learned before (as a solo artist) and used that with the synth sounds and now we have a bit more of a combination of acoustic and electronic. I think that I've really been inspired by people that do that so well like Beck and Gorillaz, every time I hear those records, the combination is so satisfying.
What was the experience of working with Cyndi Lauper on 'Grab a Hold' for her album 'Bring Ya To The Brink' like?
The project came about because she was interested in making a record that was full of different influences and people working together, like a jukebox which was originally the name of the album. The morning that we were supposed to meet her I was so nervous because she was like my first idol. I was so nervous that I almost made Dan call and cancel, I was convinced that was the right decision. Anyway, the experience of working with her was so crazy, I think I was nervous about being disappointed or let down, but she was exactly like you think she is, as kooky as ever in a really good way. She sings like a mother fucker! It was such a crazy trip standing beside Cyndi Lauper and giving her some kind of lyric or melody, it was one of the craziest experiences of my life!
So how do you guys make music together, I read that you really like to finish everything that you work on?
If we aren't so in to a song it just doesn't get finished, so the amount of song carcasses we have lying around a pretty few, well i mean we have little snippets but they are literally a few seconds, we don't really have any nearly complete songs lying around that we could say "oh we should release this sometime."
Mostly the way we write is that Dan plays around with some kind of beats and then if I'm excited about it then I'll kick him out of the studio and work on something, and hopefully after a few hours or day in the studio I've made him excited. Then it gets sent to Joel who works with the drums and we get a demo.
What bands are you listening to at the moment? Do you have a favorite record right now?
It's so funny cause I'm more likely to go through my vinyl collection and find something that came out like thirty years ago and then I hear new music and I think "Wow, I should really check it out." I think its the same as everything for me, and actually for a lot of people, I need to feel like I'm finding a treasure. I was just telling someone, I don't buy any clothing unless its from charity shop and that's almost how it is with music. I wanna go to a store and find an old record and put it on and miraculously its my favorite thing ever.
In terms of current artists - well actually it's a good example of the acoustic sounds mixed with electro - the Santigold album, I love it!
Are you gonna be touring in support of 'Fixin To Thrill'?
Yeah we are in the beginning stages of planning that, come the end of the summer to early fall we'll have some dates posted but I have no idea were they will take us!
Thanks Dragonette!
THE GOSSIP created this cool infomercial for their album MUSIC FOR MEN due June 22nd. It's pretty funny and actually it reminds me of the Madonna one for Hard Candy so they lose a few points in my book LOL
Happy birthday to KYLIE who turns 41 today! Unbelievably Kylie has been entertaining us for over twenty years now!
It's been awhile since i've been able to post some SAM SPARRO, no it's not new solo material...but it is a hot remix! We're ready for a follow up album, Sam! The track it's is by new artist LIVVI FRANC. Sounds a bit like Rihanna, and guess what...she's from Barbados too!
NOW I'M THAT BITCH (SAM SPARRO REMIX)
Thanks MusicBoxMix!
Is that Grace Jones?! No, it's JONTE! Check out his debut single Bitch U Betta, which comes with a cheeky video + the dance moves to back it up! The Grace Jones similarities end with his avant garde attitude and looks, the dance moves are all Jonte!
The single was just released on iTunes, click here to purchase!
The YEAH YEAH YEAHS new video for Heads Will Roll finds Karen O and co performing for an audience who eventually are dismembered by a Billie Jean dancing Beauty & The Beast look alike. Not the movie, the late 80's television classic!
Anyway, I like the video a lot, especially for the last shot of Karen dismembered on the floor. The track is pretty good as well, who would have thought the band would whip out the drum machines on us?
I'm really lovin' this track by Middle Eastern/U.K. artist SEB. It's called News For You. Thanks to one of my daily reads, Audio Drums for getting to it first. Love it guys!
Check out the video below, it's like a low budget Ray of Light.
NEWS FOR YOU (DOWNLOAD)
GRACE JONES stopped by Jonathan Ross to perform her next single I LOVE YOU TO LIFE from the brilliant album Hurricane. As usual she gives an outstanding performance! I love the hat!
The REINVENTION TOUR started five years ago today in LA. It was the first MADONNA tour I saw live and one of my personal favorites. It was such a great tour, the first time Madonna had some of her biggest and best songs in many years and those we mixed with the incredible American Life songs. I love the darkness of this tour mixed with the religious themes, while it is dark it is able to remain a fun and greatly enjoyable show!
Now please send of the Lisbon DVD Madonna! Thanks! xo
I know a lot of you are chomping at the bit for news about GRACE JONES playing in NYC. The dates on her MySpace are July 29th and 30th at Hammerstein Ballroom. I contacted the venue today and they say there has been a mistake and she is not playing there :( Lets hope that she is still playing somewhere in NYC and they let us know the details soon, so we can get our hands on tickets!
Here is the cute video for the ROYKSOPP and ROBYN track THE GIRL AND THE ROBOT. I think that I'm in love with that robot myself!
That's America for ya! It's probably better off that he didn't win. He's got true talent that doesn't need a million smiles to sell (ahem Kris). The best performances from an overall mediocre night were from Kiss, Queen and Kara DioGuardi.
Kara DioGuardi sings Vision of Love with Bikini Girl
Adam Lambert and KISS!
Adam Lambert and QUEEN!
Watch these official MADONNA videos taken from the STICKY AND SWEET TOUR DVD filmed in Argentina.... Get there super fast before they get taken down!
Check out this classic performance, from the Vienna Life Ball that took place over the weekend, of the MOLOKO track THE TIME IS NOW by the one and only ROISIN MURPHY! I loveeeee her stage outfits and of course the live performance always rocks!
Here is a hot remix of WAKING UP IN VEGAS one of my favorite KATY PERRY songs from her album. This one will get you grooving! Is it wrong that this song really makes me want to plan a Vegas trip?!
WAKING UP IN VEGAS (MANHATTAN CLIQUE RADIO EDIT)
Here is a brilliant new track from CYNDI LAUPER called HERE AND THERE from a movie of the same name that stars her husband David Thornton. Rumor has it that this is the song that Cyndi is singing tomorrow night on the final of American Idol so look out for it!
You can catch Cyndi Lauper on Tour this summer here are the dates...
Sat/May-23 Paradise Island
Fri/Jun-12 Milwaukee
Thu/Jul-30 Niagara Falls
Fri/Jul-31 Niagara Falls
Sat/Aug-01 Verona
Mon/Aug-03 Peekskill
Tue/Aug-04 Montclair
Wed/Aug-05 Staten Island
Fri/Aug-07 Atlantic city
Sat/Aug-08 Westbury
Sun/Aug-09 Red bank
Tue/Aug-11 Schenectady
Wed/Aug-12 Washington
HERE AND THERE (DOWNLOAD)
Well continuing with the KYLIE overload theme here is a great remix of SPINNING AROUND taken from BOOMBOX. Spinning Around is one of my favorite Kylie tracks and I love the video also ( a totally genius song and video that got her back on top!) I've loved Kylie since 1989 when I got 'Kylie' the album for my fifth birthday, the first album I ever owned in fact LOL. These days you always know what you're gonna get with her, she doesn't stray to far outside the lines and that's enjoyable with people like her :)
SPINNING AROUND 7th DISTRICT CLUB MENTAL MIX (DOWNLOAD)
Head over to the wonderful Roisin Murphy Blog to check out a great feature from The Observer about the lovely ROISIN! She discusses her performances and the article mentions shes currently working on her third solo album.... So beyond ready for THAT!
I can't help it, this remix is absolutely the shit! SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR and Freemasons are going to have a huge hit this summer with Heartbreak Make Me a Dancer. Here is the full mix, in it's 9 minutes. The single cover (which i've jazzed up a bit) looks like a hair care ad! Still love it.
FULL CLUB VERSION (DOWNLOAD)
If you missed the video premiere, click here.
(Looks like Martina kicks some ass in this still from the Fixin To Thrill video!)
Ohhhh what a lovely suprise we got in our email this afternoon! One of our favorite remixers DON DIABLO got his hands on the new DRAGONETTE single FIXIN TO THRILL. Loving this remix! Go Don!
We're gonna be interviewing Dragonette on Monday so if you have any questions for them leave them in the comments and we'll try and ask them! Watch the blog next week for the post!
DRAGONETTE - FIXIN TO THRILL (DON DIABLO REMIX)
DRAGONETTE - FIXIN TO THRILL (DON DIABLO DUB)
Here is the cool new cover for the forthcoming GOSSIP album MUSIC FOR MEN... K.D Lang anyone? Also, we have another Fred Falke remix for you tonight, this time he has remixed the wonderful first single from Music For Men, HEAVY CROSS. I really like this track and the remix is great! I love what he did with it!
HEAVY CROSS (FRED FALKE REMIX)
Well this has been such a messy rumor/ leak that until now we haven't posted anything about it... but we give in with the leak of the full REVOLVER demo. The rumor is that this demo, sung by for MADONNA and her version may also feature Lil' Wayne. There are two versions floating around one with Lil' Wayne one without. The track is supposedly for Madonna's upcoming Greatest Hits album. As much as I hated the idea of Madonna and Lil' Wayne working together, I must admit that I actually like this demo, its catchy as hell, if the Madonna version is as good I'll be happy!
One of the most reliable and connected sources for Madonna news, Anna H, had this to say about the track and video....
"there is no definite release date or there would have been an official announcement by now. 'revolver' should be out by the end of next month and the video concepts are already in plan so the video shoot may also take part this June. keep track"
Let's hope the song does better than Mr Ritchie's movie of the same name! ;)
REVOLVER (RAVAUGN AND LIL' WAYNE DEMO)
REVOLVER (RAVAUGN AND JACKIE BOYS VERSION)
I think the M version is gonna leak soon :)
Check out the bonus track on BAT FOR LASHES new album, Two Suns. Make sure to pick yourself up a copy. It's worth a full listen! Bonus track Wilderness sounds like a desert lullaby, with production reminiscent of Vespertine-era Bjork! Thanks to the wonderful 8/1 for getting to this first!
WILDERNESS (DOWNLOAD)
Since there can never be enough Natasha Khan, the amazing Sheena Beaston has a great remix of Two Planets!
TWO PLANETS (AMPLIFYA TAKE EM TO CHURCH MIX)
I've had this mix on repeat since hearing it!
A week later and I am still ridiculously excited about the KYLIE MINOGUE North American Tour. Here she is talking to the AP about why she decided to tour North America after so long. She also says the show is gonna be a greatest hits affair possibly using some of the best bits of other tours shes done!
More dates have also been added to the tour and you can check them out here
The PET SHOP BOYS have wasted no time since the release of Yes. If you haven't seen the eye-catching video for Love etc, you must! The video for second single Did You See Me Coming? has just premiered. Look for remixes by Richard X, Unicorn Kid and the Pet Shop Boys themselves!
What do I think? Neither the track or video are as good as Love etc, but the band just has that sound that will last forever - i'm sure it will do well!
The PSB recently spoke with OUT Magazine, check out the interview at Chart Rigger!
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I've always felt a bit sorry for DANNII MINOGUE, she's never been able to achieve the success her sister Kylie has, despite being just as talented (well nearly anyway LOL)
Her 2003 album NEON NIGHTS is a corker of an album. Every song is a winner, it is a full on collection of upbeat dance pop tracks - that was the soundtrack to many wild nights at University! As a full album I honestly think its better than most of Kylie's albums (and you know I love me some Kylie!) but for some reason it failed to really set the charts on fire.
I really love this album, especially since it gave us one of the best mash-ups ever - DON'T WANNA LOSE THIS GROOVE - normally I'd hate any mash up using the classic song 'Into The Groove' by Madonna, but this works, and I heard even Madonna loved it!
DON'T WANNA LOSE THIS GROOVE (DOWNLOAD)
LA ROUX didn't impress us that much during their live set last month in Brooklyn. The packaging and video releases have been great, as have the tracks. The next single is called Bulletproof...and we've got the new video for ya!
Looks a bit like Robyn's With Every Heartbeat, with it's own flair. Sounds a bit like something catchy mixed with, well...something I haven't gotten into yet! I'm still going to go with In For The Kill as my favorite single so far.
If you've been following my posts, I'm sure you know that I'm loving the new YEAH YEAH YEAHS album IT'S BLITZ!. I find this album a little more accessible and easier to get into than some of their previous albums. I love that the band took a chance and moved towards a more electro sound this time, the result is a less heavy more danceable collection of songs.
We have a CD copy of It's Blitz! to giveaway to a Hard Candy Music reader, as well as a rather nice YYYs poster (I mean who doesn't love a nice poster right? LOL) Simply send us your name and address to giveaway@hardcandymusic.com (US residents only) with Yeah Yeah Yeahs Giveaway in the subject line to be in with a chance to win.
You can also catch the band on tour in the U.S. this summer :)
Thanks to Meg @ Cornerstone for hooking us up!
If you haven't heard about SALLY SHAPIRO, you really need to check her out! Her last album Disco Romance was a winner on every level, a fantastic collection of 80's inspired euro-disco tracks. This is her latest track MIRACLE, the maxi single for this one is out June 16th and there is an album to follow in the fall. I'm loving this chill out track!
MIRACLE (DOWNLOAD)
LADYHAWKE released the 80's tinged, backseat blasting Back Of the Van last year. The single included Fred Falke's 'Ultimate Beverly' remix, which was on fire! He's done it again for the re-release of the single, you must check it out!
BACK OF THE VAN (FRED FALKE VALVESTATE MIX)
Video below. Heart style hair, 80's...it's got everything you could need!
FEVER RAY is coming to the U.S. and Canada this fall! Are you ready? Here are the dates.
09-28 New York, NY- Webster Hall
09-29 New York, NY - Webster Hall
10-01 Montreal, Quebec - Metropolis
10-02 Toronto, Ontario - Kool Haus
10-03 Chicago, IL - Metro
10-05 San Francisco, CA - Grand Ballroom
10-07 Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theater
TRIANGLE WALKS (TIGA REMIX)
Teaser video for the tour below...creepy!
TOMMY SPARKS released She's Got Me Dancing last week, he's got a great pop vibe and the video for the track is below. Loving the 80's inspired He-She Man! Ladyhawke will join Sparks on a few dates during his U.K. tour. If you happen to be in that part of the world, you must see him!
SHE'S GOT ME DANCING (TOMMY SPARKS & THE FURY REMIX)
Enjoy your Saturday night with some VINCENT VEGA, thanks to MusicBoxMix!!
LA COCAINE (DJ RENAT REMIX)
SOPHIE ELLIS -BEXTOR and the FREEMASONS will be tearing up the U.K. charts with Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer). If you are in the mood for some great dance music this is for you. The official video has just hit the net as well, Sophie looks great and I love her serious yet kitschy demeanor. Check it out below.
Woohooo! I was just thinking the other day that it has been so long since we heard anything new from DRAGONETTE and bam this hits our inbox! This track is a brand new one taken from their forthcoming album due out in August. I'm really enjoying this, its a little bit of a different sound to Galore, which was one of my favorite albums of 2007, but i think its promising! Lets hope they finally get the success they deserve!
Fixin To Thrill (Download)
ROISIN MURPHY always has the ability to make me smile, even on a gloomy day. I've been waiting eagerly for new material from the former 1/2 of Moloko, especially considering all the artists she has been seen with these days (Santigold, Kanye West to name a few). I feel collaborations coming on!
This is a new track called Yellow Moon which features Roisin, it's by Marius DeVries and it'll be released on The Revolution, a fusion collection of cuban artists with edgy UK/US producers. We can thank ArjanWrites for finding it for us!
U2 digitally affix themselves atop a building in Morocco on the above single cover for Magnificent. The official video, directed by Alex Courtes is set in Fez, Morocco. The band wrote and recorded their current album, No Line On The Horizon here as well.
The single includes remixes by Fred Falke, Pete Tong and others! I'm still not a fan of this era of U2, but I support their choice in remixers...and Morocco sounds fun too! According to Rolling Stone, even will.i.am has involvement in this single, with a yet to be released mix!
Wonders never cease! KYLIE MINOGUE has just announced her first North American Tour! The FOR ME, FOR YOU tour will hit 6 North American cities in the fall. Tickets go onsale the weekend of May 15th, but if you are an American Express cardholder you can get tickets on May 7th. See you all in New York!
Sep. 30 Oakland, CA (SF Bay Area) Oakland Fox Theatre
Oct. 3 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl (Palms Hotel and Casino)
Oct. 4 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
Oct. 7 Chicago, IL The Congress Theater
Oct. 9 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Oct. 11 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Here is a preview of the MADONNA Sticky and Sweet DVD filmed in Buenos Aires (Argentina). This video is VOGUE and it looks like its shot pretty well and not over edited like the Confessions DVD, lets hope the rest is just as good!
WTF it's usually Liz R with the dodgy headpiece! MADONNA went out dressed like THAT to the MET costume gala, what do you all think? Hit or Miss? I think I'm going with Miss! too much going on and the hair looks crap especially from the back! Still at least she's taking chances I guess!
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Here's Graceeeeee!"
Well I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for this! GRACE JONES has added to her Hurricane Tour and it now includes two dates in NYC. I am beyond excited! There is no information on when or where these dates go on sale but I'm watching it closely! So who's in? This is gonna be a show like none other I'm sure of it!
Jul 29 2009 8:00P
Hammerstein Ball Room New York, New York
Jul 30 2009 8:00P
Hammerstein Ball Room New York, New York
Thanks to MuuMuse for the great news!
In other Grace news she also just performed Nightclubbing with IGGY POP on French TV it is off the chain! (Do people still say that?!) watch it here
This is another striking performance from ANNIE LENNOX. She performed a beautiful acoustic version of THERE MUST BE AN ANGEL in Australia at the Logie awards. Not only does she give a brilliant performance of what must be a difficult song to sing live, she also mixes it up a little and throws in some LITTLE BIRD for good measure!
SUSAN BOYLE is NEW IN TOWN... wanna take her out tonight? show her around?
RIHANNA's got the single from the upcoming summer blockbuster Terminator Salvation. I have to say it's going to be everywhere, I predict a hit. It's totally a re-hash of If You Seek Amy, or rather, the past few Britney singles floating around the clubs and radios lately.
Check it out for yourself!
Wow Icon, Madonna's official fan club has actually given fans a decent issue! wonders never cease! The highlight of which was Liz "The Validator" interviewing Madonna, with a serious of random questions which you can see below :) I also love the pictures, my two friends are in the crowd shot of the US Opening night of Sticky and Sweet and I was pretty much behind the guy in the blue polo shirt, just missing the cut LOL.
