The A&R EP by Annie

Hello Poptastic Readers,

Back in 2004, there was a song called "Chewing Gum" by a Norwegian singer named Annie. I quite liked the song, but I think it was one of those songs that grew on me. The more I heard it, the more I liked it. That song was on Annie's debut album and she's been making music since. And now Annie has a new EP out and it is AMAZING!

Annie

Annie's new release is called "The A&R EP." We can safely assume it is called that because A is for Annie and R is for producer Richard X. Three songs of Richard X have been in my Top 20 Countdowns over the years: "Freak Like Me" by the Sugababes, "Being Nobody" by Richard X vs. Liberty X, and "Finest Dreams" by Richard X featuring Kelis. And yes, Richard X co-wrote and produced "Chewing Gum" and other songs for Annie.

The new EP starts off with the single "Back Together." The track starts off a bit slow without beats. But don't worry this is not a ballad. It doesn't take long for the beats to kick in. And perhaps it isn't a dance floor stomper, it is quite a poptastic song. I think it is quite lovely. A fabulous song! Edit: The video premiered today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veqFCCbyrX8

Track 2 is "Hold On" and it starts off a bit poppy but it quickly settles in a bit of chill-pop track. The vocals are effortless and dreamy. By the time the steel drums come in near the end, you've already imagined yourself on a beach sipping a piña colada.

The third track is my early favourite! The title is "Ralph Macchio." Yep, that's right! The actor who played in the original "Karate Kid" movie (and on "Ugly Betty"). And the song is quite the electropop tune! It's all about her having a crush on Ralph Macchio. This song is amazing! It will have you grooving in no time. I love this track. Admit it, you want to have a song called "Ralph Macchio" in your music collection. There's even a reference to him being on "Dancing With The Stars" in the lyrics.

Ralph Macchio

The next track is called "Invisible" and it has quite a few reviewers going bonkers over the song. It is very experimental. I like it, but it's a bit darker than all the other tracks. Other reviews list this song as the standout track. For some odd reason it reminds me of Kylie Minogue. There is an odd male (or vocoder) vocal here. I'm not quite sure what to think of it. What do you think?

The EP closes with "Mixed Emotions" and what a fun baseline this has with plenty of key changes. This is a bit trance pop. It is probably my second-favourite track. It just has a really nice melody.

All of the songs are great! This is a perfect summer EP to buy, and it won't break the bank. It will, however, leave you wanting more!

"The A&R EP" by Annie is available on iTunes. Go get it!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. I did notice that the cover art for the EP is very reminiscent of ABC's 1985 album "How To Be A Zillionaire" album and singles (sans cartoons). By the way, this is one of my favourite albums from the 80s.

A Savv by Jay Huffman

Dear Poptastic Readers,

A few years ago, we hosted a fundraiser at our home and a friend of a friend was the DJ. Naturally, I loved the grooves he was spinning. We became Facebook friends and have kept in touch sporadically over the years talking about music. The DJ's name is Jay Huffman. 

Last week, I found out that Jay's debut single is out on Gold N Tech Records. The instrumental song is called "A Savv" and it is available on iTunes! Yay!

Before you buy the track on iTunes, and I'm sure you will, you can listen to the track here via SoundCloud.

Here's what it says on the SoundCloud page:

JAY HUFFMAN is GnT's newest signing from San Diego California. This is probably the fastest release we've ever put together. The quality was already there & the deep rolling bassline was an instant selling point. Jay fits the GnT family perfectly. 

We see a bright future for Jay! Let's hope he can add some poptastic vocalists to his next ventures. In the meantime, please head on over to iTunes to buy the track and support the artist!

Cheers then,

—Davearama

Girlfriend and All Night by Icona Pop

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Last year, I found out about the Swedish duo Icona Pop with their song "I Love It." How fun! What an anthem. A bit on angry/funny song. We totally see the humor in it. They have a new song "Girlfriend." But it's got a nice fun, summer vibe to it and a catchy chorus.

And here is the video for the song "Girlfriend", which looks like it was filmed in California. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5_5s5jCYUg

But strangely enough, it's not their only single they have out now. They also have another single called "All Night." And it is pretty catchy, too. Yay! No video for now, but you can hear it on YouTube by clicking on the name of the song.

I do have a tendency to like girl groups (or duos). And because Icona Pop sing in unison like Bananarama ... it makes me like them more.

Icona Pop's music is available on iTunes as well as other online outlets.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

The Video for Love Is All We Need

Dear Poptastic Readers,

This just in: The video for "Love Is All We Need" by Adam J & Nightcrashers featuring Amelle Berrabah (of the Sugababes) was released today! Click on the name of the song to see our feature of it earlier in the week! Here it is!


 

http://youtu.be/eKW14ifmi7s

The song should be available on iTunes on August 18. Hopefully in the US, too!

And Amelle retweeted one of my tweets today! How cool is that!

Have a FABulous weekend!

—Davearama

Same Love by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert

Dear Poptastic Readers,

It probably comes to no surprise to you that I'm not the biggest fan of rap music. Sure I had Salt-N-Pepa albums back in the day. And I've liked rap when it is mixed with Eurodance like the Real McCoy. But generally, I don't listen to rap music. However, our teenage sons (ages 16 and 13) do. 

This morning, I had the day off from work and I drove the boys to their summer hang out: The Boys & Girls Club. We were listening to the radio the "it" radio station for teenagers and the song "Same Love" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert came on the radio. I listened in awe and I was even a bit emotional when my 13-year-old started singing along from the back seat.

The single cover features Macklemore's gay uncles referenced in the song.

I knew about this song. I initially watched the video last fall when it premiered. I'm sure I cried and shared it on my Facebook page. I didn't actually think much else about it. Sure, I've seen various Facebook friends posting every so often. But I had absolutely no idea that it was being played on radio stations.

I drove home and immediately went and watched the video again on YouTube. I had tears in my eyes again. Afterwards, I looked up the song on Wikipedia. The song has been released on iTunes and it is currently at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has already gone to #1 in Australia and New Zealand. Wouldn't it be great if it went to #1 in the US?

I've just downloaded the song on iTunes. It is on the album "The Heist." Please legally download the song to support the artist and it will help keep the song climbing the charts. More radio stations will continue to play it, and hopefully the message will keep reaching people who need to hear it.

Here is the video ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mINGKrtG3iw

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. You can see a performance on the Ellen Show here.

Nightlife Single Edit by Jody Watley on SoundCloud

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Oh what wonderful news! Jody Watley has put up the single edit of her new song "Nightlife" on SoundCloud! And it is AMAZING!

Here's what it says on the SoundCloud page ...

Written by Jody Watley (Jody Watley Music, BMI), Julien Aletti, Raphael Aletti (Aletti Brothers Music BMI) Produced by Count De Money for Peace Bisquit and Jody Watley. 

Grammy winner Jody Watley, one of Pop/R&B and EDM's most enduring and stylish trailblazers, returns with a shimmering dance floor classic inspired by both her well documented roots in disco funk soul and her love of the gilded era of dance and it's legendary bastions of groove and fashion, from NYC's Studio 54 to Paris' Les Baines Douche with a sly nod to the underground dance style 'Waacking.' An authentic bonus are guest backing vocals from original Shalamar male lead Gerald Brown. Destined for international runways, dance floors and beyond, this party jam is irresistible from start to finish. COMING SOON -LIMITED FREE DOWNLOAD!! MAKE A 'NIGHTLIFE' VIDEO FOR YOUTUBE!!



You can actually get the limited free download now. However, I will ask that when the song is available commercially, you will do your part and support the artist by legally buying the track.

After all, the track is so that fans will make a video for YouTube. Will I? Hmm. I will think about it.

Enjoy!~
—Davearama

Please like Jody's official Facebook page.

You can follow her on Twitter.

Bookmark her official website.

Visit her blog!

Watch her videos on YouTube.

And purchase Jody's music on iTunes.

Love Is All We Need by Adam J featuring Amelle and Nightcrashers

Dear Poptastic Readers.

While the Sugababes are on hiatus, and the original members reform under the name MKS, current-Sugababe member Amelle Berrabah has been working on a solo album. Yay! And before her official solo single comes out, she is featured in a new song called "Love Is All We Need" by Adam J featuring Amelle and Nightcrashers.

Amelle Berrabah

The song is aimed purely at the dancefloor. Amelle wrote the lyrics and melody. I think the song is fun and it makes me wanna dance. I'll think I'll like it more when the video is out.

The video should be out soon. And the song should be available for download on August 18 (I think). There is a cute behind-the-scenes video on YouTube. However, there is also a lyric video that you can watch here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pYCxoV-5Zw

I believe her solo album will be out in September or October. And then the Sugababes will be back in 2014 with new material! Hooray!

Sugababes: Jade, Heidi and Amelle

Last year, a song that Amelle sang on called "God Won't Save You Now" was leaked. I'm not sure if it was officially released. And Amelle was also featured on a UK#1 song with Tinchy Stryder called "Never Leave You."

Amelle performed the new song on a UK TV Show last week. You can see her performance here.

I'll let you know when the video premieres!

Cheers then,
—Davearama