Lopez Blogs

Tough times for the high street CD retailers continue - and bad news for all of us who still like to rummage through the racks.

It has been a dark year, as firstly the fabulous discount chain Music Zone, fondly known to this blogger as MZ, bit the dust but was then resurrected by the equally wonderful Fopp. Now Fopp is gone, apparently weighed down by financial problems and the ill-fated MZ takeover was the last nail in the coffin for a company which started from humble beginnings but took on too much, too soon.

The blame is, as usual, being pointed at the "shifting landscape in how we buy our music".... I admit that I'm very partial to buying CDs on the internet but nothing beats the enjoyment of going into a record shop. It never has. Or maybe I'm just getting old. I love my technology and believe that MP3 players are probably the must-have gadget of our age. But there is still a place for record shops...there is no thrill in downloading music compared to visiting a record shop, particularly one which offers great value for money. It's not just the little guys who are suffering. HMV's profits have also fallen but their management has guaranteed that over the next 3 years they expect most of their sales to come from their stores. After then - who knows?

Firstly MZ and now Fopp. The outlook seems bleak, but there is now a gap in the UK market for a no-nonsense discount music retailer which respects its customers and knows just what they want. Any takers?

"La Voix d'un Ange" is the posthumously released album by the young singer, which has of course gone to the top of the French chart. It's a mixture of previously unreleased tracks including the single "De Temps en Temps", a cover of Queen's "The Show Must Go On" (one of the very rare times we've ever heard him sing in English) and old favourites which he made his own on Star Academy including an impressive "Con Te Partiro", "Envole-Moi" and his signature tune "SOS D'Un Terrien en Detresse" as well as his own French version of "Meme Si" (Lucie Silvas' "What You're Made Of"). A fitting tribute to the young man who was taken from us far too early. All proceeds from the album will go to "L'Association Gregory Lemarchal", the charity set up to fight cystic fibrosis.

Just because you're the son of France's most loved and enduring singer doesn't mean that you should cash in. Or does it? Clearly, David Hallyday tore up the rule book. The son of Johnny Hallyday has managed to create his own career, and if not as successful as his father then at least it has managed to be a credible one. Clearly influenced by rock - and most recently British guitar bands - David continues to produce quality music. His latest CD - titled "David Hallyday" continues with his formula of British-style contemporary pop-rock which fans of Coldplay and Muse would appreciate. IMHO it's not as good as his last album, the career-defining "Satellite" but stands up very well and is an effort that David (and dad) can be proud of.

And we're lovin' it. It is the end of June and Christophe Willem is no. 1 with "Double Je". Yes, no annoying kiddie-pop to be seen! Christophe knocks the late Gregory Lemarchal's "De Temps en Temps" off the no. 1 spot. Amel Bent's "Nouveau Francais" is the highest new entry this week, whilst David Guetta's excellent "Love is Gone" is the highest climber going up to no. 4. It's been a long while since I enjoyed lots of songs in the French chart which for the last year or so has been monopolised by kiddie-pop and dull r'n'b: at last things seem to be changing for the better. But it is summer in France, and that means that les tubes de l'ete are on their way. What will be the hits of the summer in France? Stay tuned to find out.

Some years back during one of my many visits to Paris, I remember the song "Tout ou Rien" by Gilles Luka and its video getting lots of play on M6. It became one of my favourites - but that was the last I heard of this singer.

Decided to do a bit of digging to find out that he's still making music and has hig own Myspace: the electro-rock of "Killshout" is very good and reminiscent of David Guetta, whilst "Just Because You Lied" and its hard-hitting video is a protest against the Iraq war.

Didn't realise until now that he was also responsible for Galleon's "So I Begin" which was a big hit in France in 2001.

His official site is currently undergoing maintenance: in the meantime visit www.myspace.com/gillesluka and have a listen to "Killshout" and some of his other tunes.

Some news regarding Jenifer at last!!! She will finally release her long awaited third album on 19th November. The first ever (and most successful) winner of France's Star Academy took a bit of time out but has returned with a new look which dare we say is a bit Nelly Furtado. The first single will be released in September. The musical landscape in France has changed over the past couple of years with acts like Diam's, Shy'm and Vitaa getting lots of airplay and having hit after hit. Times have not been so good for the more traditional French female singers (and, for that matter, ex-Star Academy winners!) so it will be very interesting to see what kind of musical style Jenifer will return with. The French gossip mags are also reporting that Jenifer and her (gorgeous...!) significant other Maxim Nucci will finally marry in Corsica this August. What a lovely couple they are and we wish them all the best.

Usually being liked by popjustice sadly turns out to be the kiss of death – I mean, tragically BWO and Stefy aren’t topping the charts here, are they and Fierce Girl aren’t currently doing the rounds with a greatest hits tour. So it’s with some trepidation that I check out the latest 3 popjustice recommendations…

1. Palladium ~ They may dress like a slightly outlandish Panic! At The Disco, but it just adds to their charm. I was pleasantly surprised by their song Happy Hour – it starts off as quite an unassuming little song, but these are the ones that you need to beware of. These are most likely to turn into monster brain magnets, and have you singing all the live long day. The lyrical tongue twister of a verse leads into a rather summery chorus that just demands that you give it attention and drink in it’s clever use of percussion and instrumentation. There’s something about Palladium that is eminently likeable – I’m not sure whether it’s their ability to look quite good despite the fact an Oxfam shop has exploded on them, or their knack of channelling their influences into something quite fun and spunky, but they are definitely a band to keep an eye on. And yay! They are at VFestival so ruthiepoos and I can give their live shows our very seal of approval.

2. I Am Finn ~ ooo, two out of two for popjustice. I Am Finn successfully mix grinding electro beats with swirling disco noises and a chorus the Kaiser chiefs would wank off a tramp for. Hard manages to be all those things and yet sound fresh and exciting. Dance remixes of this song will be essential to give it’s full indie dancefloor cred, but you probably aren’t going to top the aceness of the radio edit, which if there’s any justice in the world, should be playing on a radio near you soon. And don’t think it’s all thrashy electro – iloveyou and light heart life produce strong melodies and harmonies while being slightly less aggressive and show a different side to the band. Excellent!

Gareth Gates – Pictures of the Other Side:

Ghosts – The World is Outside:

...is always a wonderful thing of course, however thanks to a rather nasty fall yesterday, my mobility is not what it was and jet-propelled power walking is now replaced by slow (and slower) limping. Therefore the ideal thing to do was for me and faithful travelling companion to take ourselves off to the nearest movie house to see "La Vie En Rose", this year's big-budget French success about the life of one of France's best known singers of the last century, Edith Piaf. Already Marion Cotillard, the young actress in the leading role, is tipped for victory come next year's Hollywood awards season. She was fantastic too - she literally became Piaf in one of the most believable performances I've seen for a long time, going from a teenager to a dying woman of 47 years old, (but who looked much older, thanks to the addictions and illnesses which befell her over the years) in this film which covered the life of the singer from her childhood until her death, and all the events in between. It was clear that hers was a very tragic life from beginning to end, and parts of this film are truly heartbreaking. Critics have commented in the lack of continuity as the film jumps backwards and forwards to various stages in her life - but don't let that put you off. This is a film which will hold your attention throughout its 2 hours and 20 minutes. Magnifique!

EDIT! 25th June ~ Hello gang! I'm preparing two really big features for Weds, working on my novel and got some work stuff going on, so you are just going to have to put up with an edit today! Boo you whore. And by you I mean me. Confused? You will be. Haha, Just kidding. Anyhoo, folks, it has done nothing but rain all day so I thought i would cover up with some cover versions! And trust me, lately the lovely Dermot O'Leary has become the new Live Lounge. Check out some great mp3s below and then scroll down to see more photos at the bottom from the weekend. Viva Walk Like An Egyptian! Let me know what you think of them :)

MP3: Athlete - God Only Knows (Beach Boys)

MP3: Jem - Maybe Im Amazed (Macca)

MP3: James Morrison - It Stoned Me (Van Morrison)

MP3: The Feeling - Walk Like An Egyptian (Bangles)

MP3: The Feeling - Shes Not There (Zombies)

24th June ~ My it seems like such a lot has happened this weekend so I am just going to get you all uptodate as quickly as I can, then will be back to normal tomorrow with two – TWO!!! – mammoth posts! Ooo look it’s that trusty bullet point format. Again.

• I realised after my craptacular day on Thursday, that it was the longest day of the year and boy, did it feel like it! Still Friday was just around the corner and the weekend turned out a lot better than the week did…
• I drove straight from work on Friday to pick up Ruthiepoos as we were off to the big outdoor Feeling concert in Cannock chase park near ruthiepoos house…
• I had foolishly dressed for the occasion rather than the weather, so wasn’t overly thrilled when it started pissing down with rain on the way there. Luckily sensible ruthiepoos had layered up and lent me her “hoodie” so I didn’t get completely drenched…
• Once there, we were both very rock and/or roll. Ruthiepoos ordered a water, and I went all out with the ligging and had a hot chocolate. As Darren texted wisely from the warmth of our apartment “you are so wild”. Indeed.
• Usually at concerts, all ruthiepoos sees is the back of someone’s arse cos she is so tiny. Honestly, you want to pick her up and put her in your shirt pocket so she can have a better view. This concert was on a hill, so to avoid the running water and for ruthiepoos to get an actual view of the stage, we stood near the back…
• … she was like a kid in a bloody candy store, actually seeing people on stage! Haha. Bless.
• The Ghosts were the support act and as usual XO is correct. They are very good indeed. Stay The Night positively rocked despite the pouring (and I mean pouring) rain, and even their version of Don’t Cha had a certain charm to it… Then! After we were told we weren’t allowed to bring umbrellas in (which was my provision for keeping my ensemble dry) they sold Ghosts umbrellas! I was most unimpressed!!
• In between the support and main act, Ruthiepoos had to widdle about 9 times. She had the bladder of a 92 year old man. And! The toilets weren’t a patch on V Festival ones. You couldn’t even flush them. I held mine til I got to the safety of my £3000 refitted bathroom.
• We were both quite cold and miserable by the time the feeling came on the stage. That is they appeared on the stage. They didn’t “come” on the stage. That’s a different show completely and one I hope to see one day with just Dan Gillespie Sells Sex and Mr Ellis Bextor, who as always looked adorable in his braces/suspenders.
• However, once the Fill My Little Fanfare intro merged into I Want You Now, our moods lifted, the sun peeked out from the clouds and Ruthiepoos and I were bopping about, albeit sedately as we didn’t want to slip in the mud.
• The set list was pretty much the same as the last two times we saw them live (5 times in 15 months. Obsessed much?) but still quite delightful.
• Fat Bottomed Girls live is just amazing, and they need to record this as a b-side tout de suite.
• When Never Be Lonely came on, a couple near us were spinning each other around, which was a bit hazardous but actually quite a lovely sight to behold. People in love are indeed fast and foolish J
• I think Ruthiepoos and I bopped hardest to the amazing Join With Us, which Dan once again promised would be on the second album.
• Then we drove back to my house as RP was staying over in preparation for an early start to Manchester. She was freezing in the car and I was boiling. It may have been a little selfish of me to turn the heating down surrepticiously.
• Saturday morning came round far too quick, and soon DazPants, Ruthiepoos, LusciousLou and myself were off in my little Merc up to Manchester to Sparkle In The Park(le) which is transgendered pride. We stayed in these gorgeous serviced apartments literally opposite canal street, but first of all popped off to the shops for a look around.
• I was VERY disappointed with Manchester shops. ScallySports is not a shop I want to peruse, though I did see an inordinate amount of people with Primark bags. Turns out it was 10% off day. Still, it’s nice for people who need 4 outfits for £13.50…
• Fact: If you are foolish enough to buy primark clothes you will notice they fall apart after two washes. I have this from a very reliable source.
• My Saturday Starbucks was only ok. It did not fill me with vim and vigour like it usually does. I think the boy serving was a bit stingy on the white chocolate part of my mocha. Question – do you pronounce it Moe-Car or Mock-Uh??
• After that, we mosied on down to Sparkle In The Parkle which was on this cute little village green and had a really nice atmosphere to it all.
• The drinks were more reasonably priced than the upitself Soho Revue Bar, so I was soon pretty hammered on orange Bacardi Breezers (hence the orange tongue in the vidclip above) and Darren was dancing around to an Indigo Girls tribute transsexual called Gloria.
• Luckily it got much better than that cos I got to hang out with the lovely Digital boys before their performance – and they are all as absolutely lovely in person as they are on msn/myspace, etc…
• …And gave an amazing performance to an adoring crowd. Much MUCH more on Digital tomorrow…
• I also got to say hello to Jazz and Ste from Billiam who were constantly surrounded by swooning girls. It was quite funny. For the record, I didn’t swoon.
• Having an all you can eat Chinese buffet with the Digital boys before going clubbing was a mistake, as it pretty much killed everyone off!! Hehe.
• It was an ace weekend, though I’m really tired right now.
• Of course I can’t leave without some Big Bro gossip – though I am no fan of Seany, I thought the moment below would have saved him from eviction. Genius!
• And below big bro vid, some more pics and vids from the weekend!

(at least Charlie Digital is looking at the right camera!)

Thanks to Y** T***, I've been watching some old Star Academy clips from the 2004 series, which of course was won by the late Gregory Lemarchal. My favourite contestant in that series was Mathieu Johann, who made it to the final 4. Great to see these videos and I'd forgotten just how tall he was!!

I don't make a secret of the fact that series 5 was my least favourite, as it seemed to be the most manipulative (and manipulated) of them all. Inevitably the most talented contestants - Alexia and Jean-Luc (IMHO) didn't make it to the final.

Thankfully, talent will eventually prevail. Alexia is now part of the cast of "Salut Joe", a musical based on the songs of French legend Joe Dassin. The interesting thing is that the main performers are all ex Star Ac contestants: Mario & Carine (series 1), Houcine & Anne-Laure (series 2) and Alexia & Pierre (series 5).

Nothing has been heard of Jean-Luc till now, but we have just discovered that from October 2007 he will be starring in the French adaptation of the musical "The Lion King".

And what about Magalie Vae? That would be another story....

As you know, this blog is very much devoted to my love of European music and I thought it was about time that I honoured some of my all time favourite European artists. Over the next twelve months, an artist (or group) will be selected every month and will be inducted into our hall of fame.

I have already selected twelve acts, most of whom have made music for at least 10 years - however there are a couple of more recent acts which have been selected just because we love them and can see them having long careers.
The European Music Hall of Fame begins in July 2007 and will end in June 2008. I’m looking forward to this and hope you enjoy my choices.

Summer 1999 and we returned to Paris. If 1998 had been a scorcher, then 1999 was equally so. as we hit the French capital in the first week of September...

"Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega was the European hit of the summer of 1999. However, Lou had to take second place to Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" which got stuck at the top of the French hit parade and refused to move. Some other songs I remember very well from that summer in Paris....
"Sing It Back" - Moloko
"Au Pays des Merveilles" - Cheb Mami
"Sitting Down Here" - Lene Marlin
"Papa Chico" - Jamalak
"Septieme Ciel" - Jane Fostin
"On Ne S'Aimera Plus Jamais" - Larusso
"Tomber La Chemise" - Zebda.

Our obsession with Paris was in full swing, so it was inevitable that we would return in the spring of 2000 for our spring holiday. Cue soundtrack!!!
"Too Much Of Heaven" - Eiffel 65: proving they were no one-hit wonders
"My Heart Goes Boom" - French Affair: despite the name, they weren't French
"Le Mot de Passe" - Patricia Kaas: another quality song from a quality singer
"Ces Soirees-La" - Yannick: Oh What A Night! In French!
"The Riddle" - Gigi D'Agostino: Nik Kershaw revival time!
"Des Cendres et de Terre" - Calogero: the beginning of a brilliant career
"Jeune et Con" - Saez: the beginning of another brilliant career.

Coming soon: Portugal and....Paris! Just for a change!

After some considerable debate which saw the EuropeCrazy 2007 Summer Holiday Cup being contested between Nice, Pisa, Berlin and Dusseldorf, we finally reached a decision. Nice and Dusseldorf did very well to reach the semi-final, but our final decision on our summer holiday destination was made last night. Well done to Pisa for reaching the final two, but it was just edged out by Berlin. It will be the second year running that me and my faithful travelling companion spend our summer holiday in Germany: after a rather fab week in Cologne in 2006, we go further east to the once-divided city in 11 weeks' time. Can't wait!!!

Mark Medlock is the latest winner of "Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar" (aka Idol) and his first single "Now Or Never" reached the top of the German singles charts. Written by Mr Modern Talking himself, Dieter Bohlen, it's typical Idol-winner-fodder, a big ballad with the inevitable big gospel choir finale. I didn't really follow the last series of DSDS but I get the feeling that this singer deserves better - just like many Idol winners of course.

Bit of a mixed bag this week....
Shine - Booty Luv: I doubt if any of this summer's dance anthems will top this one. "Boogie 2Nite" seemed to be around for ever but IMHO this is even better.
Leef - Mozaiek featuring Walter Grootaers: The theme tune to the original Netherlands version of Big Brother - and a song which still sounds great today.
Heavyweight Champion Of The World - Reverend and the Makers: not too much British new music around at the minute to get too excited about...until this came along. From Sheffield, and connected in some way to the Arctic Monkeys, we won't hold that against them however - this is a great record!
Work Of Art (Da Vinci) / Please Me - Måns Zelmerlöw: His album is providing the pop soundtrack to the summer at EuropeCrazy HQ and these are the two tracks which, pardon the pun, "pleased me" this week.
Set Me Free - Jaki Graham: Sparkly slice of 80s electro-soul which was good to hear again....
Another Step (Closer to You) - Kim Wilde & Junior: ... continuing the 80s vibe this week, a nice collaboration between Ms Wilde and one of the decade's finest young Brit-soul discoveries.
Beautiful Liar (remix) - Beyonce & Shakira: Fed up with the original version but I'm enjoying the remix now.
Mambo - Helena Paparizou: Bit late getting into this, but heard it again in Stockholm and now I can't stop playing it. A million times better than her Eurovision winner "My Number One".
Behind The Cow - Scooter: marvellous piece of techno nonsense from Deutschland's main exporters of that kind of thing.

my lovely Tom Baxter has finally gotten around to (quietly) releasing his second album, Skybound. I have been a fan of Tom ever since his debut album was advertised the same time as Nerina Pallot’s Dear Frustrated Superstar in Heat magazine, and I rushed out to purchase both. Ruthiepoos and I even got to see Tom do a fairly quiet set at V a couple of years back! I think Tom was either slightly before or after his time – he produces the same sort of yearning, heartfelt music as James Morrison and Paolo Nutini are successfully selling now, and probably appeals to the same market as them, David Grey and James Blunt, yet has managed to remain under the radar for some reason. Before you all run screaming at the James Blunt comparison, hear me out. I just mean that I think his music could appeal to the people that buy that type of album, yet there is an underlying current of lyrical poetry and mature takes on ancient themes that permeate Tom’s music. The lush use of strings, piano and acoustic guitar give the album a real intimate feel, bringing the listener in as its confidant. Gorgeously atmospheric, there isn’t a weak track here, though it’s not as immediate as some pop albums. Definitely worth more than a moment of your time and in case you want to check out some of the songs first, you can do so at the link below... I’m certain i’ll return to this album when i’ve soaked it in some more...

LINK: Tom Baxter Skybound samples

Swedish pop star Bosson, best known for "One In A Million" (can it really be 7 years ago?) has been away for a while is now back with the interestingly titled "Future's Gone Tomorrow, Life Is Here Today", an album packed with typically Swedish electro-pop with many a falsetto interlude. If that sounds familiar....no I'm not hallucinating, I really did hear him sing "Live Forever". Yes he has done a cover version of Magnus Carlsson's recent hit and manages to make it sound even more camp than the original. Anyway I don't like his voice as much as I like Magnus'. Oh well I suppose it's a matter of taste - there may be some (or many) out there who may disagree with me. Nevertheless I've never really been a Bosson fan and I can't see this CD joining my collection any time soon.

I am in shock, to discover that my other favourite Swedish Idol finalist and all round gorgeous person, Sebastian Karlsson, has gone and done a "Martin Stenmarck" - yes he's shaved all his hair off. Now we know his hairline was receding but did he have to shave it all off? Despite his indisputable loveliness, we at EC HQ have to say that he does not suit this new style at all. Add to that his increasingly questionable fashion sense (those neck scarves were, as Calvin Harris would say "Acceptable in the 80s" but today???) and we're now seriously worried that if he keeps on like this, he may be in danger of being relegated from our EuropeCrazy Hot Guys Hall of Fame!!

I feel like a stalker on this blog as I seem to be watching his every move!! Latest sighting was on TV4's "Nyhetsmorgon" this week, where he was interviewed and also performed fab acoustic versions of "Work Of Art (Da Vinci)" and "Cara Mia". He continues to look as if he's enjoying every minute of this, and so are we!!

News recently reached us that our favourite little bundle of Spanish hunkalicious intensity, none other than Mr Alejandro Sanz, has had to postpone his summer tour of the USA on doctors' orders that he needs to rest although further details are not known.

We're not really surprised that he's run out of steam, thanks to what seems to be a constant recording/touring schedule which would wear anyone down. Add to that his recent marriage split and revelations regarding his personal life, and voila! Exhaustion and cancelled tour.

Hopefully he'll be back on track very soon, and if he needs anyone to help him recover.....we live in hope!!

Just read over at the Popjustice forum (www.popjustice.com) that the mighty Alcazar are rumoured to be reforming and will play a gig at a well (G) known (A) London (Y) nightclub in July, alongside none other than the almost equally mighty BWO. It would look to me however that the line up would probably be back to its original three members Andreas, Annikafiore and Tess, as Magnus is doing wonderful solo career-type things now.

THE COSY SIT DOWN WITH JONATHAN FAGERLUND:

Sweden is pretty darn hot when it comes to churning out bonza popstars with tunes so deliciously perfect that for a brief moment after hearing them you get what the French call “la petit mort”… that means they are blissfully good. The music of Jonathan Fagerlund is destined to stand up there with such luminaries as Mans Zelmerlow, A*Teens, Darin and any others that Poppostergirl may have mentioned over the past few months ;) Jonathan got his start with a popular tv show called Super Troopers before getting a part in a new boyband. Proclaimed as the next big thing, sadly the problems with management were so intense that Jonathan wisely left and is now pursuing his solo career. The four songs on his webpage represent classic elements of pop music including Backstreet Boys, Britney, Kelly Clarkson and even Take That. Songs like the effortlessly catchy Playing Me and power ballad Damn Lonely Night showcase Jonathan’s surprisingly deep and rich voice as well as the potential he has to forge a solo career. And at a tender 16 years of age, it’s easy to see why he has already had a varied career to date. Jonathan was way too kind to take time out of his school studies to chat about music, fashion and whatever popped into my head…

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself - I understand you got your start in a Swedish musical tv show called Super Trouper?

Yes, that was a really great experience for me, Super Troupers is like Pop Idol for young people. Myself and the rest of the finalists even released a Christmas album!

2. Can you talk at all about what happened with the boy band you were in?

Yes, that was also a great experience, it gave me a lot of confidence on stage and also gave me my first taste of the life in the music industry. We had some pretty dedicated fans! Too bad the manager is the way he is!

3. How is it being solo after being a group for 12 months?

The band was a good experience and I met one of my best friends there but I really enjoy the freedom of being solo. I like the freedom of deciding what to do next on my own!

4. Swedish pop has a reputation for being pretty much amazing - do you feel any pressure to live up to that (you are doing pretty well so far!) Any favourite acts?

I didn’t realize people loved Swedish pop so much until I met the Irish guy who was in the band with, I was pretty shocked when he knew more Swedish music than I do! I’m working with a top Swedish producer so I hope I can live up to the pressure! ;) I have so many favourite acts its hard to pick just one! I really like a singer called Anders Johansson!

5. How would you describe your music? And if people listened to one particular song of yours first, what would that be and why?

I would describe my sound as pop with a slice of emotion and feeling! To be honest, I don’t know, I love all the songs so much so I can't pick one, I'd probably tell them to listen to a little bit of every song! ;)

6. Were you ever tempted to go the Idol route on tv? Any favourites from those kind of shows??

I think I would have back when they first started but now those shows are old, people have seen what happens to the winners and I just think it’s nicer to be in control of things myself!

7. Live Lounge on radio one is one of my favourite shows - where acts cover songs in the chart that they might not normally sing. What song would you cover and who would you want to do a cover of one of your songs?

Like I said I have so many artists I love its hard to pick just one!

You will be the first one to know that I am actually recording at the moment. It's originally sung Bryan Adams, and it’s a fantastic song which I think has gotten too little attention!

8.Who have you been most influenced by in the music industry?

I haven't really ever had any specific "Idols", though, right now im really into Justin Timberlakes stuff, I love the new album!

9. What can I expect if we went for a night on the town with you and your buddies?

I’m the kind of guy who might be planning to take a walk with my dog ending in a café downtown, so, be prepared for everything! =)

10. Rather randomly what would your stag night prank on a friend be?

Oh my, I have no idea, but it would be well planned out and pretty crazy!

11. I often think fashion and music go hand in hand together - how important is it to you to have a particular image associated with you and your music (am loving the orange tie by the way!)

So do I! As much as everyone says image doesn’t matter, I think in the music industry it does make a bit of a difference, after all, if the image matches your personality, people will feel like they know you by looking at you!

12. What do you do in your "non-music" time - games, books, tv, movies, hanging out??

I go to the gym about 4 times a week so, when I’m not in school or at the gym you'd probably find me with friends or at the computer, I study "IT/MEDIA" in school so we get to do a lot of designing in photoshop also!

13. What will be the most outrageous lie the Sun newspaper prints about you during your long career?!

Wow, thats a hard one, I have no idea!

14. What can people expect to see who come and see you play live - what would your ideal show setting be?

I have this dream about doing a gig on a big indoor stage. You could expect a high tempo, a lot of dancing.. basically, a gig á la Justin/Westlife/Backstreet/Darin (who is a Swedish singer) also!

15. Finally, thanks so much for doing this. Anything else you want to add???

Thank you! I am releasing a single soon enough, so, keep your eyes open! =)

THE PHOTO LOVE-IN OF MAROON 5:

I love how he has absolutely stuck to his "i don't do jeans and t shirts anymore" quote and has the tequila in his hand that he discussed in my interview with him. RAR!

After the magnificent Euro-electro-pop wonderfulness of Swedish Idol finalist Danny Saucedo's "Tokyo", it was inevitable that his next single wouldn't be as good. "Play It For The Girls" is another electro-pop tune but it's a little on the bland and forgettable side on first hearing, maybe it will grow on me?

There is no place safe from all-conquering producer and man of the moment Timbaland, who has turned his attention to Russian Idol winner Dima Bilan's "Number One Fan" which is not as good as "Never Let You Go" and "See What I See". It's all rather bland and anonymous and Enrique-Iglesias-on-a-bad-day.

After about 30 years at the top of the charts (!) Fixkes are finally dethroned by....oh nooooo... the queen of Belgian schlager....Laura Lynn, and her version of the old Dutch singalong "Dans Je de Hele Nacht Met Mij". Idol winner Dean is the highest climber in the top 20 this week with "So Many Ways" whilst Udo is still doing well with "Ik Mis Je Zo", his Will Tura cover version. This comes from a top Flemish TV show "Zo er is maar een" which saw current stars doing cover versions of popular old hits by Flemish artists.

We have reached 1998 and another new country - Norway. Strangely enough, I can't remember any songs linked with our trip that spring to Stavanger, although when I think of Norway I think of Espen Lind for some strange reason. His "When Susannah Cries" had been a big hit all over Europe the previous year, and I almost bought his album "Red" whilst in Stavanger, however by-passed this in favour of Tomas Ledin's "Sanger Att Alska Till" (Treason! Buying a Swedish singer's album in Norway. Oh well, this was in the days before the internet arrived at EC HQ and you had to take all the chances you could get...!)

Anyway, did you know that Espen Lind co-wrote Beyonce's "Irreplaceable"?? I only just found that out. He has also written songs for Ne-Yo, Elliot Yamin, Atomic Kitten, Rooster and Jessica Simpson. So he's not just a pretty face. And boy oh boy, he is one very pretty face (drooooool).

But I digress.

In August 1998, I visited Paris for the very first time ever with my faithful travelling companion. It was the holiday that changed everything for me, when I realised just how much I loved France .... and how I rediscovered my love of French pop music. The most played French songs on the radio (and TV - we had M6 - what a great TV channel with lots of French music) during that holiday were:

"La Tribu de Dana" - Manau
"Pourquoi" - Sandy Valentino
"Pata Pata" - can't remember who sang it, wasn't Miriam Makeba but was a big summer hit in France?
"Univers" - Jean-Louis Aubert

That summer I bought the "Fredericks Goldman Jones" tape, the one with "A Nos Actes Manques" and Mylene Farmer's "Anamorphosee" and "Ainsi Soit-Je". It wouldn't be the last time I would visit FNAC for my French music fix.

1999 saw yet another return to Ostend, as Belgium still figured largely in our travels. Once more I had my trusty radio by my side and yet again it was playing lots of Clouseau, whose latest CD "In Stereo" had just been released. After the rather rubbish "Adrenaline" which is to this day my least favourite Clouseau album, I was rather pleased that they had redeemed themselves with this new CD which of course I bought during a day trip to Bruges. Another purchase on this holiday was Mylene Farmer's "Innamoramento" which over the years has proved itself to be a rather great album, even if in the beginning I had my reservations about it. (Compare this with "Avant Que L'Ombre" if you catch my drift). "L'Ame-Stram-Gram" is a rather fab piece of electro-pop. Check the video out, with Mylene and her hair extensions in all their glory. It goes without saying that, of course, she rules.

Coming soon: another trip to Paris....and another trip to Belgium!

Was eagerly looking forward to "Tiswas Reunited" on ITV tonight, and I was not disappointed. It was a fitting tribute to the greatest Saturday morning TV show, which ran from 1974 to 1977 in the ATV region (Midlands) EDIT: and then got a full UK airing later on (sorry for inaccuracies in my original post which stated that it ran from 1977 to 1982).

Tonight's show brought all of the great memories flooding back. Of course in these days of political correctness (yawn) it would probably never get commissioned by any TV company, so it was a joy to look back to the glory days of a truly great show. Lots of laughs and flan-flingingly great memories resurrected thanks to this show. Just one thing though: that wasn't the original Spit the Dog, was it? Or maybe he's just had a facial wax?

Oh well here we are, it's Saturday night but things aren't the same as both "Any Dream Will Do" and "Grease Is The Word" have left our TV screens. Still, we did manage to get our Lee Mead fix as he appeared on the "National Lottery Draw" singing of course what else but "Any Dream Will Do". Very nice to see him again, but I'm a little distressed on reading that he's been fitted for a wig for the stage show. Yes, a wig. You could understand if he had rubbish hair, but a man with such glorious curls should be allowed to share them with the world. EDIT: Have now discovered that he will not be wearing a wig on stage and all his lovely curls will be displayed in all their glory.

Anyway, to fill the void there is "Britain's Got Talent", which promised a feast of variety, but only delivered a parade of sob stories and....children. People of a certain age in the UK will remember a TV talent show called "Junior Showtime" which showcased the alleged talents of kiddie performers in the 1970s. A nightmare from my TV childhood which has come back to haunt me, only it's now called "Britain's Got Talent". Please don't put your children on the stage. You only have to remember the tragic lstory of Lena Zavaroni, who won a UK TV talent show in the 1970s only to fall victim to the pressures of fame which in turn led to an all too early death from anorexia.

Talking of 70s retro TV, tonight sees the Tiswas reunion show. Tiswas was of course the best Saturday morning TV show EVER and again those of a certain age have many fond memories of the Phantom Flan Flinger, Trevor McDoughnut and Compost Corner!!

My journey through the songs that, for whatever reason good or bad, remind me of past holidays, continues.

1996 - Ostend. For some reason, I didn't have a 'holiday song' for this springtime visit to Ostend, however I was listening to a lot of Marco Borsato at the time so possibly "Dromen Zijn Bedrog", three minutes of pure Dutch Edam if ever there was. Also around that time in the days before Sky Digital and you could get Dutch TV, there was the "Rabo Top 40" which in April 1996 featured "Ridin'" by Doop, a song so spectacular and unforgettable that I was on a mission to buy it. Flemish-speaking Belgium however was a Doop-free zone. Doop, if you recall, was a one-hit wonder in the UK with the very silly "Doop" but that was nothing compared to "Ridin'", lyrically and musically a true classic. The video is one of the greatest ever made.

1996 - Gothenburg. Ah, Sweden. Surely there would be lots of Swedish music on the radio? Um...no. 11 years ago, Swedish radio was in denial that there was actually any Swedish music. Don't think Svenska Favoriter existed back in the day, or I would have been listening to it. So anyway the most played song on the radio, during that holiday....."Champagne Supernova" by a little-known Swedish combo called Oasis. Hm.

1997 - Toronto. Now this was a strange one as it was possibly the only time I didn't take a radio with me, and had to rely on what was played on the music channels and in shops. Maybe it was just as well, as I would have been even more sickened than I already was by Elton John's gooey remake of "Candle In The Wind", three weeks after Diana's death of course.

1997 - Ostend. With a jaunt over the border to the Calais hypermarket. This holiday being notable for buying Eros Ramazzotti's Greatest Hits and Mylene Farmer's "Live at Bercy". It was one of those occasions where a song hits Europe first and then the UK later. Run DMC's "It's Like That" was a hit in Belgium long before it reached the UK charts and therefore got lots of airplay and it always reminds me of that holiday.

Coming soon: The French years, and .... Norway!

So after all these weeks, France's "Nouvelle Star" is over and the winner has been chosen. As predicted, Julien has won this year's title although we at EC HQ refuse to recognise this fact, as Pierre was clearly the best of this year's contestants and his eviction several weeks ago remains a mystery.

Still can't see Julien having any kind of recording career, unless the French record-buying public want to hear his Marilyn Manson tribute version of "Tainted Love" for example.

With "Idol" (Belgium), "Any Dream Will Do" and "Grease Is The Word" (UK) and "Nouvelle Star" now over, my next assignment is to find me a reality singing contest somewhere in Europe in between now and September/October when of course it will be time for the 7th "Star Academy" and Swedish version of "Idol". "Star Academy" remains my favourite of them all, of course.

Next week will see the release of "La Voix d'un Ange", the final album by the late Gregory Lemarchal, who recently died after losing his battle with cystic fibrosis. His family have set up a foundation in his memory and all funds raised from sales of the album will go to this foundation to provide assistance to those also suffering from this illness.

The album inclues five previously unreleased tracks and some of his best loved numbers which he sang on "Star Academy" including "Con Te Partiro" and what became his signature tune, "SOS d'un Terrien en Detresse".

The Tudors ~ Season one just wrapped on Showtime and was an absolute gem of a show to watch. Plus I didn’t feel guilty watching it because it was almost historical! The season focused on Henry trying to dissolve his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, as she was once married to his brother (ew) and he is now in love with Anne Boleyn. I don’t think I’m giving any secrets away there, but to watch the manipulation of the king through Anne’s family into the season ending event that changed history was a joy to behold. Plus the show had some real eye opening moments including the following:

• Henry masturbating into a saucer that his servant is holding, while bashfully avoiding the King’s fast fisted salami pumping…
• Henry planting his face full into the sweet muff of Anne Boleyn and probably humming the national anthem…
• Henry shouting “I don’t FUCKING care if you were a virgin and your cunt was in tact. That’s not the point”. Who knew language was so coarse in the middle ages.
• Plus the duke of Suffolk is a bit dishy no? (Henry Cavill above)

Kyle XY ~ Season two premiered on ABC family on Monday. I have to say the first season was a REAL slow burner and I often wondered if anything would ever happen. However, it soon upped the ante and storylines came flying together like crazy in the last couple of episodes. Monday’s premiere didn’t provide too many answers, but it did seem like it set things up for the extended second season and of course had Kyle returning to his newly adopted family. Like they were going to write them out the script. I don’t overtly love this show, but there is something about it that keeps me watching…

Danny – Heart. Beats.

This has to be the gayest cover of an album ever. It probably couldn’t be more gay if Stephen Gately was on his knees sucking Danny’s cock. Which might seem a little coarse and graphic, but when you’ve just watched Henry VIII cunnilingalise Anne Boleyn, nothing is shocking anymore. It’s not the most brilliant album in the world, but it has pop at the heart of it and it is pretty catchy for the most part. Singles Tokyo and Play It For The Girls are easily the strongest tracks but if you are looking for some fun boy fronted dance pop, you could do a lot worse...

Mans Zelmerlow – Stand By For...

Not only is he freaking gorgeous, he has a certain ability to put together not one, not two, but a whole album of quality pop tunes that cover ballads, pure pop, dance, and pop-rock. There is even an obligatory but not very convincing cover of Maniac. Best skip past that, groove onto the excellent Cara Mia and wallow in the utter gloriousness of Brother Oh Brother and The Prayer. A talent to keep an eye on. Literally :P

Enrique – Insomniac.

Four contestants were left, battling for the role of Danny and Sandy in the new West End show. Anthony "Me-Me-Me! I used to be Kavana" Kavanagh, and Danny B (our favourite), then Susan "Sister of Brian, but it's not as if I mention it much" McFadden, and Michelle, who improbably reached the final at the expense of the better Vicky and Alison.
Anthony & Danny: "Sandy" - Ant is tooooo confident.
Michelle & Susan: "Hopelessly Devoted to You" - Round one to the McFadden, with The Chin a long way behind.

Anthony: "You Get What You Give" - up a wee bit in our estimations as it's one of our fave songs ever. If gold medals were given out for self confidence, he's be on top of the podium everytime.

Danny: "I'm Your Man" - effortless performance which proves he would make a good Danny Zuko.

Michelle: "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" - dreary. That's all.

Susan: "One Moment in Time" - pleasantly subtle performance of a song which is always in danger of becoming overblown.

Anthony/Susan/Danny/Michelle: "Summer Nights". Good to hear another song from Grease. Danny & Susan still our faves.

During the week the final four were then set the challenge of performing to the co-stars already cast for the musical - which includes - OMG! The mighty Siobhan from "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria"!! Good to see her again and glad she's making her way in musical theatre.

Results

Sandy....... IT'S SUSAN !! (cue shots of cheering by The Brother who is there tonight with Delta Goodrem)

Danny ....... IT'S.......... DANNY B !!!!!! Justice is done!!!!

We at EuropeCrazy feel that the right choices were made for Danny and Sandy. Despite only being 19 years old, Danny B has the maturity and cool appeal for the part, whilst Susan not only has singing experience, but she really has that Sandy-quality.

Saturday 9th June 2007 was a very enjoyable night, as not since Will Young on Pop Idol have we agreed with the result of any of these TV singing contests, neither in the UK or in Europe. So let's celebrate!!!!

THE THEATRE NEWS:

~ Sound of Music review...

Paul again, taking control here. I have to say I was most impressed with the Sound of Music stage version. At the London Palladium don’t you know. Which has no air conditioning so most people were flapping their overpriced programmes all the way through. The man in front had a constant trickle of sweat running down his neck which was quite offputting. This version was faithful enough to the film that it would keep your average punters happy, but enough little quirks to make it’s own mark. A couple of quick observations...

• Connie Fisher is a powerhouse maria, though her cheeks didn’t go as red as Julie Andrews when she fell in love with the Captain...
• The orchestral arrangements of the songs were uniformly stunning...
• ...as was the stage set. Very inventive and clever.
• Stage Maria came across as much more as a teacher, particularly during the cute Do-Re-Mi...
• ...which, along with So Long, Farewell and Lonely Goatherd, had the cutest dance routine this side of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Stage Mary Poppins...
• ...Rolf is a lot nicer/hotter in the stage version...
• The Baroness and Uncle Max came across as a 40s version of Will and Grace. Quite the comedy couple, and the orphans potential mommy was a lot nicer in this version. Oh! And their songs, cut from the film, are real burlesque type highlights.
• There are some great comedy moments with the nuns, particularly as Maria prepares for marriage and one of the Sisters pulls a skimpy nighty out of her suitcase. Hahahaha.
• The Wedding Processional is always aces ~ I played it as my sister Hannah walked down the aisle 8 years ago and accidentally went into the how do you solve a problem like maria part. Ah, good times...
• But to be honest, if I was Maria, i wouldn’t particularly want some nuns telling me I was a flibbertigibbet or a willo the wisp as I walked down the aisle. Although, when i was at school, some people did think i was a character from willo the wisp...
• The kids were all bloody excellent.

It made me want to dig out Connie’s album again, and although it’s no Laura Michelle Kelly album, it’s still quite good.

MP3: Connie Fisher ~ Another Suitcase

The Darren-esque pre-amble...

£28. Remember that figure. I will be getting back to it later. Hello, it’s Darren again here. Don’t go getting excited because this isn’t going to be a regular thing. I am just so outraged by the aforementioned figure that i had to wrest the computer from Paul to steal his oddly named pre-amble. Our Saturday in London was quite brilliant (remember how to say that? Slightly awed whisper, enunciating each syllable). I drove down while Paul made me listen to various odd cds that he is convinced are the future of pop. Simon Curtis, most likely, but I think he’s way off with his vain hope that Deborah Gibson will make a comeback... poor deluded sod. We parked the car in Bloomsbury Square (I think we saw Phil, but then his jaw dropped to the floor and it scared us so we ran away! Haha) and then Paul was convinced he was headed in the right direction of the hotel so we wandered round in a circle for twenty minutes before I accurately assessed that the hotel was actually about a 2 min walk from where we originally started. We had a quick power nap/shag then went to see Sound of Music, which was actually very good. Except when I accidentally burped at one of the quiet bits and quick as flash turned to glare at Paul along with everyone else. He was not amused. I was. I tittered all the way through 16 going on 17. Then we met up with ace gang Simon and Mark for some drinks before going to see Switch22 at Soho Revue Bar. Excuse my language, but what a load of old shit. The bar not S22... full of pretentious stuck up bar staff who quite frankly acted like cunts. And! AND! Charged me £28 for 4 – 4! – drinks... I still get a bit weak at the knees thinking about it. It didn’t endear to the place in the slightest. Then some poor girl (later revealed to be called Maya) came up to me and asked for a cigarette lighter. I was still reeling from the £28 pounds (that’s$56 dollars, USA fans!) so I said “i’ve just spent £28 on four drinks. Do i look like i can now afford a cigarette lighter. Piss off.” Which may have been a little bit rude, as she didn’t charge me £28. So I went to chat with her, and actually she was quite nice. Then we saw the singer from Switch22 – the blonde one – and he thought i worked in Selfridges!! I don’t work, that’s what Paul is for. I don’t work, I am. Anyway, they were very good on stage, and I pogo’d around like a mental patient. Partly to shake off the shock of the drinks price and partly to celebrate that silly bitch Paris Hilton going back to jail. Mummy, noooooooooo! The man from del monte say yes. Brilliant. Now go ask Paul why he has a sore bumholey today...