Candy Love by Rebecca & Fiona

Dear Poptastic Readers,

The Swedish DJ duo Rebecca & Fiona have a new song out called "Candy Love."

As you might remember, last year we fell in love with Rebecca & Fiona. In fact, they had two songs our our Top 20 Countdown of 2013: "Union" came in at #3 and "Take Over" featuring the Style of Eye was at #12.

The new song is a bit down tempo compared to those two tracks. And while the title suggests something sugary sweet, it's a song about drug abuse. It's a bit of a heavier song from the duo. But the song does have a great hook. And the video is well done. Check it out ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXcDmqd9U3A

"Candy Love" is available on iTunes everywhere. 

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Brân i Frân Single and Video by The Lovely Wars

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Last month, we featured The Lovely Wars performing their new song "Brân i Frân" on Welsh TV. You can click on the title to see what we said about it last month. Scroll to the bottom of this page to read this article in Welsh. Sgroliwch i waelod y dudalen hon er mwyn darllen yr erthygl hon yn Gymraeg.

The band have put the 2-track single on SoundCloud for our pleasure! Last month, we saw them perform "Brân i Frân" live. Now you can hear the studio version mixed by Martin Rushent's son James. Have a listen ...



The second track on the single (the b-side) is "Future is Cancelled" and it is brilliant! Watch out ... the F-bomb is dropped! But it is hilarious so enjoy it!



If that wasn't fantastic enough, the video for the lovely song is out and it is their best video yet! Just have a look!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUegzjev00U

Now, you might be asking yourself, "Where can I buy these fabulous songs to add them to my playlists?" It isn’t available on iTunes, but it is available on Bandcamp. Why? Well, for independent bands like The Lovely Wars, they can make more money by selling their music through Bandcamp. I hope you will support them.

It's quite easy to do. The single is available for purchase on Monday, February 24. But you can pre-order it today. And why not? You might get busy on Monday and forget!

Buy it. You won't be sorry!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

***


Rhaglenni darllen Poptastic annwyl ,

Y mis diwethaf , rydym yn cynnwys y Rhyfeloedd Lovely perfformio eu cân newydd " Brân i Frân " ar y teledu yng Nghymru. Gallwch glicio ar y teitl i weld beth a ddywedwyd gennym am y peth y mis diwethaf .

Mae'r band wedi rhoi'r sengl 2 - trac ar Soundcloud ar gyfer ein pleser ! Y mis diwethaf , yr ydym yn eu gweld yn perfformio " Brân i frân " fyw . Nawr gallwch glywed y fersiwn stiwdio cymysg mab Martin Rushent James . Bod â gwrando ...

https://soundcloud.com/thelovelywars/br-n-i-fr-n

Mae'r ail trac ar y sengl ( y b - ochr ) yw " Dyfodol yn cael ei ganslo " ac mae'n wych ! Gwyliwch allan ... F - bom ei ollwng ! Ond mae'n ddoniol , felly ei fwynhau !

https://soundcloud.com/thelovelywars/future-is-cancelled

Os nad oedd hynny'n ddigon wych, y fideo ar gyfer y gân hyfryd allan ac mae'n eu fideo gorau eto! Dim ond gael golwg !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUegzjev00U

Nawr , efallai y byddwch yn gofyn eich hun , "Ble gallaf brynu caneuon gwych hyn i'w hychwanegu at fy playlists ? " Nid yw ar gael ar iTunes , ond mae ar gael ar Bandcamp . Pam ? Wel , ar gyfer bandiau annibynnol fel The Wars Lovely , gallant wneud mwy o arian drwy werthu eu cerddoriaeth drwy Bandcamp . Yr wyf yn gobeithio y byddwch yn eu cefnogi.

Mae'n eithaf hawdd i'w wneud. Y sengl ar gael i'w prynu ar Dydd Llun 24 Chwefror . Ond gallwch ei archebu heddiw . A pham ddim? Efallai y byddwch yn brysur ar ddydd Llun ac anghofio !

Brynu. Ni fyddwch yn flin !

Lloniannau hynny,
- Davearama

Not Giving Up Video by The Saturdays

Dear Poptastic Readers,

As we mentioned in our 2014 Pop Music Forecast, The Saturdays next single is "Not Giving Up" and the video has arrived!

Unfortunately, the single isn't out until April 4. Over a month away. I really don't understand why British acts need so long to promote songs before they are available for download. It just seems so odd.

However, if you like the song, you don't actually have to wait until April to get it. The song is on their album Living For The Weekend. However, the single version is slightly remixed. But the album version is awesome, too. 

And the video is lovely. It has lots of dancing with florescent lights! Have a look!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBoXld4URfk

Wasn't that nice? I think so. This is definitely one of my favourite songs of 2014!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Songs in the Key of Gold by Leslie Hall

Dear Poptastic Readers,

And now for something a bit lighter. You might remember that last November Poptastic Confessions featured the new song by Leslie Hall called "No Pants Policy." Shortly thereafter, the remix album Songs in the Key of Gold was released in December.

Songs in the Key of Gold features Leslie's best song all remixed by Titus Jones. The result is an amazing dance album that will have you dancing and laughing along the way!

My favourite songs on the album are "Gold Pants", "Blame The Booty", "Tight Pants/Body Rolls", "Shazam I'm Glamorous", "How We Go Out", "No Pants Policy" and "Gem Sweater Lullaby."

To listen and preview the remixed versions, click on the BandCamp page. The remixes are amazing! Watch out for Titus Jones!

You can buy the album either from iTunes or BandCamp. Don't delay, buy it today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. Check out Leslie Hall's Facebook page. She's on tour with her group The LY's. You find out tour dates on their website.

Golau Arall by Gwenno

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Welsh pop star Gwenno is back with another lovely single called "Golau Arall" (Another Light). It is the second single from her forthcoming album Y Dydd Olaf (The Last Day). And it's available today! Go to the bottom of this page to read this blog entry in Welsh. (Ewch i waelod y dudalen hon er mwyn darllen y cofnod blog yn y Gymraeg.)

The new song starts off a bit folksy until the drums start. And then it becomes a bit mysterious. Gwenno vocals are soaring over the somewhat dark pop song. And that make for a nice blend for this mid-tempo affair. 

Gwenno

Gwenno's full length album will be out in March 2014. You might remember that she had an incredible EP out in the summer of 2012 called Ymbelydredd (Radiation), which featured two of my favourite songs by her: "Ymbelydredd" and "Despenser St."

The artwork for Gwenno's new single was done with her sister (notice I didn't say older or younger) Ani, who used to be in The Pipettes with Gwenno. Ani now fronts the band The Lovely Wars. Yes, it is because of The Pipettes that I now find myself listening to Welsh music, even though I don't speak Welsh. And I love it!

You can listen to the new song here ...





Now there are a couple of ways to purchase the song so you support the artist. You can go directly to Gwenno's record label website: Peski.co.uk and buy the downloads from them. They are quite nice and they make it very easy. While you're there, you can pick up a limited-edition CD. Both CD and download come with another track ... a b-side if you will ... called "Anthem Y Weriniaeth Newydd" (New Republic Anthem) and a remix of "Golau Arall" by Islet. 

You can also buy the songs on iTunes if that's your thing. However, I just looked and it isn't there today. But it probably will be later this week.. Or, if you'd really like to support the indie artist, buy them at both outlets! Don't delay, buy it today!

Don't forget, Gwenno's first single from her new album came out at the end of 2013. It was called "Chwyldro" (Revolution) and it was quite nice! It is available on iTunes as well as Peski.co.uk, too!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. Get updated on Gwenno by liking her official Facebook page. And if you'd like to read an interview that Gwenno did with Poptastic Confessions, click on the link in this sentence.

***


Rhaglenni darllen Poptastic annwyl ,

Seren pop Cymraeg Gwenno yn ôl gyda sengl hyfryd arall a elwir yn " Golau Arall " . Dyma'r ail sengl o'i albwm sydd i ddod Y Dydd Olaf . Ac mae'n ar gael heddiw !

Mae'r gân newydd yn dechrau oddi ar ychydig yn folksy tan y drymiau ddechrau. Ac yna mae'n dod yn ychydig yn rhyfedd . Llais Gwenno yn codi i'r entrychion dros y gân bop braidd yn dywyll . Ac mae hynny'n gwneud ar gyfer cyfuniad braf ar gyfer y berthynas canol - tempo .

Bydd albym hyd llawn Gwenno fod ym mis Mawrth 2014. Efallai y byddwch yn cofio bod ganddi EP anhygoel yn yr haf 2012 o'r enw Ymbelydredd  , a oedd yn cynnwys dau o fy hoff ganeuon gan ei : " Ymbelydredd " a " Despenser St "

Mae'r gwaith celf ar gyfer sengl newydd Gwenno yn ei wneud gyda'i chwaer ( yn sylwi nad oeddwn yn dweud hŷn neu iau ) Ani , a arferai fod yn The Pipettes â Gwenno . Ani bellach yn wynebu'r band Rhyfeloedd Lovely . Ydy, mae'n oherwydd y Pipettes fy mod bellach yn dod o hyd i fy hun yn gwrando ar gerddoriaeth Cymru , er nad wyf yn siarad Cymraeg . Ac yr wyf wrth fy modd!

Erbyn hyn mae dwy ffordd i brynu'r gân er mwyn i chi cefnogi'r artist. Gallwch fynd yn syth i gofnodi wefan label Gwenno yn : Peski.co.uk a phrynu'r downloads oddi wrthynt . Maent yn eithaf 'n glws ac maent yn ei gwneud yn hawdd iawn . Tra byddwch chi yno , gallwch godi cyfyngedig - argraffiad CD . Mae CD a llwytho i lawr yn dod gyda trac arall ... bob- ochr b os byddwch yn ... o'r enw " Anthem Y Weriniaeth Newydd " (New Gweriniaeth Anthem ) a remix o " Golau Arall " gan Islet .

Gallwch hefyd brynu y caneuon ar iTunes os yw hynny'n eich peth. Fodd bynnag , yr wyf yn jyst yn edrych ac nid yw'n yno heddiw . Ond mae'n debyg y bydd yn ddiweddarach yr wythnos hon .. Neu , os ydych chi wir yn hoffi i gefnogi'r artist indie , yn eu prynu yn y ddau allfeydd ! Peidiwch ag oedi , ei brynu heddiw !

Peidiwch ag anghofio , daeth sengl cyntaf Gwenno oddi wrth ei halbwm newydd ar ddiwedd 2013 . Cafodd ei enw " Chwyldro " ( Chwyldro ) ac roedd yn eithaf 'n glws ! Mae ar gael ar iTunes yn ogystal â Peski.co.uk , hefyd!

Lloniannau hynny,
- Davearama

P.S. Cael ei diweddaru ar Gwenno drwy hoffi ei thudalen swyddogol Facebook . Ac os hoffech i ddarllen cyfweliad a wnaeth Gwenno gyda Confessions Poptastic , cliciwch ar y ddolen yn y frawddeg hon 

Russian Kiss by Annie featuring Bjarne Melgaard

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Last year we reviewed Annie's A&R EP, and her song "Back Together" came in at #16 in our Top 20 countdown of 2013. Well, Norwegian-singer Annie is back with song called "Russian Kiss."

"Russian Kiss" is a song that is directed at Russia and their anti-gay laws under Putin. I think it is quite commendable. And Annie has my support as well as my purchase. I hope she has yours, too!

Annie

The song was released today — the same day as the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. Part of the proceeds of the sales will go to the international LGBT group All Out.

The pulsating club song is produced by Richard X, who also produced Annie's A&R EP. The video for the new song is directed by Richard Kern. Bjarne Melgaard is the art director of the project, and he also provides additional vocals on the song. He can also be seen in the video singing with Annie. Here it is ...




Please support the artists by legally purchasing the song. You can buy it on iTunes. But you may need to find it by going to Annie's site and clicking on the iTunes icon. Please share the song on social media. You are more than welcome to share this link.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

The One by The Knocks featuring Sneaky Sound System

Dear Poptastic Readers, 

Last summer I went bonkers for Sneaky Sound System. It doesn't always take much for me. But Sneaky Sound System's back catalogue being so good, I spent most of last summer listening to them. And they were featured in Poptastic Confessions in July.

Sneaky Sound System

And now, they have new song coming out with The Knocks called "The One." I've not heard of The Knocks before, but apparently they are New York DJ duo with some pretty great remixes under their belts. And they have quite a few EPs on iTunes.

The Knocks

"The One" is a groovy song with a lovely melody. Someone on their Soundcloud page called it "Funktronica" and I thought that was brilliant! Just have a listen!




"The One" is available for purchase on February 18.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Like Sneaky Sound System's Facebook page.

Like The Knock's Facebook page.

People Are Lonely by Gravitonas featuring Army Of Lovers

Dear Poptastic Readers,

As we reported in our 2014 Pop Music Forecast, Gravitonas and Army Of Lovers are back together again for a song called "People Are Lonely."

Alexander and Andreas are Gravitonas.

You might remember that the two groups collaborated last year for "Signed On My Tattoo" (#18). That was was billed as Army Of Lovers featuring Gravitonas. The new song is Gravitonas featuring Army Of Lovers. And it sounds like it, too. The music is a bit darker and more guitar. It's definitely not a campy song that Army Of Lovers are known for.

Now you might be asking yourself, who is in which group? Well, if you look at the single cover above, Alexander Bard (with the red beard) is in both groups! You see Army Of Lovers was the group he was in during the 90s. After Army Of Lovers stopped recording, Alexander went on to form other groups Vacuum, BWO and Gravitonas (and help start Alcazar). Last year, Army Of Lovers reformed so Alexander just put the two groups together. Andreas (with brown beard) is the lead singer of Gravitonas. And Jean-Pierre and Dominika of Army Of Lovers are in Army Of Lovers shown here.

Dominika and Jean-Pierre are 2/3 of Army Of Lovers.

Alexander sings the falsetto vocals on the new track. I wonder how it would have sounded if Dominika had sang that part? She's not the best singer, but she has sung on previous Army Of Lovers tracks and done fine. But ultimately, it is a Gravitonas single, not an Army Of Lovers one … Dominika and Jean-Pierre are just along for the ride. The video is a bit odd. But now it isn't available on YouTube for US viewers. Booo! So here is a performance ...

"People Are Lonely" is available on iTunes. If you like it, buy it today!

Something Kinda Funny,
—Albert Green

Let Her Down Easy by George Michael

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Here's a song that wasn't on our 2014 Music Forecast. It is a new song from George Michael. The song is called "Let Her Down Easy" and it is a remake of Terence Trent D'arby's song from 1993. 

The song is the first single from George's album Symphonica. Apparently the album is live recording of when he toured with an orchestra.

The song is a piano ballad with strings. And George really puts his heart into it. And it is beautiful. The video is in black and white. And here it is …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58hMog3XuuY&feature=youtu.be

Symphonica will be released on March 18. 

Cheers then,

—Davearama