Welcome to Poptastic Confessions! This blog is dedicated to glorious, unashamed alternative pop music! We hope to share new music with you that you might not have heard before because it is usually overlooked by the masses. Of course, we'll always encourage you to buy the music legally to support the artists. Enjoy! —Davearama, editor of Poptastic Confessions
Dear Poptastic Readers, For someone who doesn't have an album out this year, Kylie Minogue sure is churning out the singles this year. And her latest is with NERVO, Jake Shears and Nile Rodgers. The song is called "The Other Boys" and you are going to love it!
Who are the other people? Let's explore. NERVO are set of twins from Australia (no, not Say Lou Lou) named Miriam and Olivia Nervo, thus their last name is the name of their duo act. Jake Shears you might recognize as the lead singer for Scissor Sisters. And legendary Nile Rodgers gave an amazing legacy with Chic, as well as writing some of the best songs ever. Most recently, he teamed up with Duran Duran. Ok, enough about who's who. You want to hear the song, don't you? Well, better yet ... hear the song and watch the video here. Enjoy!~
Jenny is taking part in a Swedish reality TV program called Så mycket bättre (translation: So much better). The show takes seven music artists and has them spend each week covering each other's songs, with each person getting an episode dedicated to them as the other six artist perform a one of their songs in front of them and the other artists. September also participated in this program back in 2010 giving us the song "Mikrofonkåt" ... later re-recorded in English that turned into "Me And My Microphone."
Back to Jenny, her first week on the show she has covered Niklas Strömstedt's song "Om." However, Jenny chose to sing it in English. Check it out here ...
Wasn't that nice? I think so. I really like the key change near the end. In the second week, Jenny has covered a Swedish song called "Så Skimrande Var Aldrig Havet" sung by Sven-Bertil Taube. Watch the video here.
Both songs are available on CDBaby.com. A new song will come every week. Including a week where the other artists perform Jenny songs. But will they perform Ace Of Base songs? We'll have to wait and see. Cheers then, —Davearama
Dear Poptastic Readers, In better-late-than-never news, Duran Duran released a new video this week for their single "Pressure Off" that came out in June!
The timing for the video seems really odd. And it's not like it is a ground-breaking video as it is rather simple. However, simple works and it is a decent video. Have a look ...
Wasn't that nice? Nile Rodgers and Janelle Monáe are featured in the song and the video. Check out Poptastic Confessionsreview of Duran Duran's new album Paper Gods here. "Pressure Off" and Paper Gods are available on digital outlets everywhere. Purchase your copy today! Cheers then, —Davearama
Dear Poptastic Readers, We have already had two posts about Shalamar's latest single "Slowdance." So naturally the third time is a charm! First we told you about the song back in July. And then the video dropped earlier this month. Now the single is available as EP with a new cover.
That is the photo of the new cover ... Isn't it fab? This time the song is released on Spectra Music Group. The EP has the extended version (which only clocks in at over 4 minutes) that was released earlier. But now there is a glorious single edit, and instrumental version and a remix available.
So if you bought the song back in July, why should you buy it again? Here's why: Personally, I love having single edits of songs. Plus, instrumental versions are awesome for you to do your best karaoke. Or if you are really talented, you can try your hand at making a mashup! And who doesn't love a good remix? There is one included here called Ty Macklin Nusoul Mix. And buying the EP won't break the bank! Let's have another look at the beautiful video ...
Dear Poptastic Readers, For the last two years, I have loved Swedish DJ duo Rebecca & Fiona. They are out with a new song called "Sayonara" and I'm having mixed feelings about.
Overall, I think the song is good. I quite like the chorus. Unfortunately, I don't like the "Fuck the world" part of the song. And they say it twice! Ugh! VIDEO UPDATE: As always, Rebecca & Fiona look FABulous in the video. The video is amazing! Have a look ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igX1zSLih3M
I wish there were a "clean version" option as I really don't like listening to songs with profanity. If you know how to make a clean version and you can send it to me, you might be the Poptastic Reader of the Month! Go for it! "Sayonara" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Cheers then, —Davearama
Dear Poptastic Readers, As you remember, we featured Annie's latest single "Cara Mia" last month. And now it is available for purchase along with her latest EP called Endless Vacation. Once again
Just look at that cover art! Absolutely brilliant! In case you don't get it, it is designed to look like an old cassette tape insert. If you don't know what a cassette tape is ... move on!
The EP starts off with the wonderful "Cara Mia." I can't seem to get enough of this track. It's so dreamy and it just takes me to a tropical setting with not a care in the world. Such a lovely melody, too.
The second track is called "Dadaday." It too has a chill-out vibe. It's a lovely little tune to get lost in and daydream away while singing along.
"Out Of Reach" is the third track and continues the chill-out theme. It has a wonderful chorus. It is just absolutely wonderful.
Before the fourth and final track starts, there is a long silent pause at the end of "Out Of Reach." You might have thought the EP ended, but then after the short pause, track four hits you with an uptempo track called "WorkX2." It's a fun little track that certainly brings the pace up.
All-in-all, it is a great follow-up EP to Annie's A&R EP that was released in 2013. Click on the title to read what Poptastic Confessions had to say about it. Endless Vacation is on digital outlets everywhere. Don't delay! Buy it today! Cheers then, —Davearama P.S. Annie's song "Back Together" was our #16 song of 2013. Last year, her song "Russian Kiss" was our #39 song of 2014. Will "Cara Mia" get higher? Stay tuned ... but have a listen here ...
Dear Poptastic Readers, Little Boots is continuing churning out some amazing songs! Her last single from her album Working Girl is called "Get Things Done." It is a brilliant song and you are going to love it!
Who is Little Boots? Her real name is Victoria Hesketh. And she is from England. We loved her song "Headphones" but unfortunately I missed it the year it came out.
Her previous single "Better In The Morning" has been on constant play! And now I'm adding "Get Things Done" to my 2015 playlist. Check out the video ...
Dear Poptastic Readers, Last year, The Queen of Cool Jody Watley released her fantastic EP called Paradise. If you don't have it, click on the title and go buy it immediately!
Well, the remixes for "Dancer" have finally been released. And it was worth the wait. Here is the official artwork and track listing ...
1. Dancer (Original Version) 4:37 2. Dancer (Casamena Remix) 6:09 3. Dancer (Cut Correct and Rhe'mix) 7:13 4. Dancer (Bojan's in the Music Club Mix) 5:25 5. Dancer (Bojan's Anthem Mix) 5:19 6. Dancer (Craig C. And Bill Coleman Elements of Vogue Mix) 6:07 7. Dancer (Craig C. True House Mix) 6:53 8. Dancer (Bojan Battle Beats) 5:20 And here's a little preview ...
Dancer Remixed is available on digital outlets everywhere. Don't delay, buy it today! And while you're there, don't forget to pick up Jody's latest single with Shalamar called "Slow Dance." Cheers then, —Davearama
Dear Poptastic Readers, It dawned on me while I was writing my review of Duran Duran's latest album Paper Gods, that I didn't actually write a review of one of my favorite synth-pop albums of 2015. And that would be the album Aeronaut by Parralox.
Now as you remember, I interviewed John of Parralox earlier this year. I also became a proper fan of the group back at the end of last year thanks to "Crying On The Dancefloor." I'm not sure why I didn't review the album this spring. I remember waiting so I could give it a nice review, but I guess time got away from me. ***EDIT! The amazing track "Wildlife" was added after I bought my digital album. So, I have downloaded it and added it here. Also the track listing near the end changed ever so slightly.***
So better late than never! Here we go ... click on the song titles to hear them on YouTube!
The album opens with the title track: "Aeronaut." Click on the title to see what I wrote about it back in April. You will most definitely see this track appear in our year-end Top 20 countdown of the most POPtastic songs of 2015.
"Do You Feel What I Feel" is the second track and it is aimed right at the dancefloor! It clocks in at just over 8 minutes. It has a crowd sounds at the beginning and the end, making you feel like you might be hearing this a live show. It's a great song. I'd love to hear a radio edit! ~;-)
The next track on the album is "Solid State" and it is close to being my favorite song on the album. The verses have John rapping! But the chorus is infectious. The music is awesome, too. Have a listen and synthesize the beat!
"Companion" slows down the beat a bit. But not too much. Another great song commanding you to "Don't forget me." It really is wonderful.
"Mystery" is a brooding track with deep vocals by John. And it is a wonderful track with an amazing chorus. In fact, I just drove our 15-year-old son to school and it came on in the car and he was singing right along!
"Somebody II" picks up the pace again. Fun fact: Parralox already had recorded a cover of Depeche Mode's "Somebody" on their covers album Recovery. So this song got the "II" in the title. There was some talk about this being the second single.
"Together" is so amazing! The bridge is my favorite bit. The keyboards are a bit "house" and it is awesome.
"Atmosphere" ... could it be trance or techno? No matter! It's awesome!
"Wrong or Right" is a dark, brooding track. John's vocals are really nice here.
; "Widelife" is an AMAZING track and it was added to the album after the initial release. I think this might be my favorite song on the album. I just love it so!
"Miranda" is a haunting track. And the best part comes at the end ... so don't stop the song early!
"Zero" is an instrumental track that takes a bit of time to get going. It also clocks in at over 8 minutes. Again, this is really a wonderful electropop/synth-pop album! Even though it came out this spring, it isn't too late to go out and enjoy one of the year's best albums! You will love it! The Aeronaut album is available on digital outlets everywhere. If you'd like a physical copy, head over to Parralox's website for more information. Remember to "like" Parralox's Facebook page for all of the latest news. Cheers then, —Davearama
Dear Poptastic Readers, Last month, I bought the latest album from Duran Duran called Paper Gods. I wasn't so sure about it at first. And last week, we saw Duran Duran in concert in Berkeley, California. I'm happy to say that the album has indeed grown on me. Now, if you need a refresh on Duran Duran. Check out our history lesson on the band here.
Duran Duran are: Roger Taylor, John Taylor, Nick Rhodes and Simon Le Bon.
The album starts off with the title track: "Paper Gods." The track features Mr. Hudson — the album's primary producer. It is a strange number as it starts off with an acapella intro. It's a funky song with an awesome bass line and rather interesting lyrics. The song lasts a whopping 7 minutes. I do wish it were a bit shorter. But it's a good song. The band even opened the concert with the track.
Paper Gods album artwork
"Last Night In The City" featuring Kiesza is an amazing track that is next on the album. This has "hit" written all over it! This definitely needs to be a single. Thankfully, the band also performed this live and it got a great reception! Click on the name of the song to see them perform it live on the Today Show.
A photo I took at the concert in Berkeley! Confetti time!
The third track is "You Kill Me With Silence." The intro almost songs like a hip-hop song. But don't be fooled, this is a down tempo track that is really quite good. Very Duran Duran. "Pressure Off" featuring Janelle Monãe and Nile Rodgers is the fourth track. Of course this is the first single off the album. Click on the title to see what we said about it back in June. But here's a recent performance on the Ellen show with Janelle and Nile ...
The fifth track is "Face For Today." It starts off sounding like a slow song. But it quickly picks up the pace. It really has some nice chords and fun melody. Lyrics are a bit wonky at times, but it adds to the fun. "Danceophobia" is the stand-out track on the album. This is a full-on dance track that is AMAZING! And it features guest vocals by Lindsay Lohan! This must be released as a single. I absolutely love it!
Another photo I took at the concert. Guess which song was playing?
The seventh track is the ballad "What Are The Chances?" It is a beautiful song and the band even played it live when we saw them. A great track that shouldn't be missed.
The next two tracks are "Sunset Garage" and "Change The Skyline." They are both songs that I tend to skip. Nothing is really wrong them. I quite like the music of "Change The Skyline" ... but I'm not crazy about the chorus. "Butterfly Girl" gets the album back on track for me. It's a wonderful song that features female vocals heavily. I thought it was two women singing, but the album liner notes just lists Anna Ross as additional vocals. Anyhow ... it is fabulous! "Only In Dreams" is a great song, too. I call this the "Vampire in a Limousine" song. The album closer is "The Universe Alone." It's a nice way to end the album.
Overall, it's a decent album. I must admit, the first seven songs are my favorites. And I tend to listen to them the most. There are some bonus tracks available online and also the physical copy available at Target. If you have a chance to see Duran Duran in concert ... GO! It was my sixth time seeing them live and they always put on a good show. Paper Gods is available on digital outlets everywhere. Get your copy today! Cheers then, —Davearama
Dear Poptastic Readers, Happy Friday! And here is our second post of the day! Alice D has a new song with E&D called "Baby." And it is quite nice.
Alice D
I'm not sure who E&D are. You might remember that Alice D had the #8 song on our year-end countdown last year with "Moving On." And you might even remember that I interviewed her last year. Here's the new song "Baby" and it is available to download for free! Have a listen ...
Not a whole lot of lyrics there, but that's OK. Alice D's lovely vocals are ace!
Alice D also had another EP out this summer with Karlton Breezy that I never got around to reviewing. To listen to it, click the link on the line above. Cheers then, —Davearama
Dear Poptastic Readers, Happy Friday! Great news from Jody Watley and Shalamar! However, I have one more post coming today! And we are seeing Duran Duran in concert tonight. Next week, I will finally get my review out of their album Paper Gods. But in the meantime, Shalamar have released their new video for their latest single "Slowdance."
Back in July, I reviewed "Slowdance" and gave an overview of Jody Watley reforming a new version of Shalamar. Since then, the song has been on rotation on my 2015 playlist. I has become my summer R&B jam! The video is quite nice! LOVE Jody's hair! Have a look ...
Wasn't that awesome? Yes it was! "Slowdance" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Go out any buy your copy today! For the latest Shalamar news, "like" their Facebook page! Cheers then, —Davearama
I must admit that when I head the name of the song, I cringed a little bit. I have worked in the corporate world since 1997, and any time an account manager used the word "Synergy" ... I've rolled my eyes. Check out these Dilbert cartoons ...
However, the song isn't cringeworthy at all. And it might just be the song to give some love to the word "synergy." The radio edit is a dance song, but low-key in a way. Have a listen ...
Wasn't that nice? I think so! It comes with a fabulous remix package that adds more energy to "Synergy!" "Synergy" is available on digital outlets everywhere. Go buy your copy today! For the latest Crystal Waters news, "like" her Facebook page. Cheers then, —Davearama
