As popjustice quite rightly pointed out, last night was Popshow Gold down in Soho - and while I didn't get to see the actual event (boo), I did get to see some of the amazing soundchecks that went on (yay)! In particular there are 3 songs that I wanted to bring to your attention today that are just too poptasmagorical and deserve immediate and intense attention:
Same Difference - Souled Out:
There is a very amazing indeed interview with the absolutely charming Sean and Sarah on this very blog tomorrow, interview fans! But first and foremost has to be mention of their groovy new song Souled Out. You can hear a clip of the Topham and Twigg produced number on the popjustice main page right now - however, the whole tune is one glorious pop romp from the very first note to the final second. If you were a big fan of "Pop" (the album, or for that matter the old group) then you are very unlikely to be disappointed by this tune. It's still very inspired by classic pop from the likes of Steps, S Club and A*Teens, yet it's undeniably got that Same Difference bounce and energy to it. It's not a million miles away from the more sophisticated tunes on Pop like Better Love Me and All Roads Lead To Heaven, yet it's a definite progression for the duo. Basically it's whistles and bells pop with a banging singalong chorus. It's Same Difference 2007 now. And there's a proper dance routine too - when they sing about "rhythm running through you", they sort of do the deeper shade of blue wavy hand movement, then the chorus is all bumpy fist action and arms forward. Quite quite magnificent indeed.
Elouise - Pretender:
Obviously, I've written a bit about this marvelous song in the past. Popjustice have just described her sound as dementedly dramatic. I suppose that's fair in a way - to me it's an absolutely timeless classic popsong that is fully deserving of tags like lush, epic, layered and swoony. Try not to be a little heartbroken during the middle 8 before Elouise hammers out her big note - it's impossible. Pretend you're mine indeed :/ During the soundcheck, it was just Elouise on this stage and a half empty club and her voice combined with the majesty of the song both filled and silenced the room. It was quite incredible. I'm reliably informed that she went down a storm later on with both this and a funked up version of The Runner. You can here Pretender here (though not from Popshow) and decide for yourself how elegant and for the ages the song is. I need more. And soon. (Check out a great write up on Elouise here!)
Waterloo - 4 Letter Word:
I tell ya. It's hell here. When love says goodbye it's a 4 letter word. Only not that one. No the slimmed down 3 piece Waterloo (who I mentioned before here)have crafted a summery sound of lilting magic with a layered harmonies, a dreamy melody of a chorus (complete with ooos and ahhs - ALWAYS works in a pop song) and a shuffling beat that pulls you, hips gyrating, into the song. The group works well as a 3 piece - the ridiculously handsome Nick & Luke take guitar and keys respectively, while Suzanne belts out the pop numbers up front and centre, and has quite a commanding presence. She even looks good backstage with rollers in her hair :P Basically, it's a new act that you should be keeping your eye on because they are just a big bundle of sing a long choruses, talent and fitness. And there's nothing wrong with that at all :) Now if they would only do a brilliant noughties version of this, it would be heavenly.
And if the quality and choice selection of these three tunes were in any doubt, read this tweet :) Also check out the Gay Times review from David here :)
There is a very amazing indeed interview with the absolutely charming Sean and Sarah on this very blog tomorrow, interview fans! But first and foremost has to be mention of their groovy new song Souled Out. You can hear a clip of the Topham and Twigg produced number on the popjustice main page right now - however, the whole tune is one glorious pop romp from the very first note to the final second. If you were a big fan of "Pop" (the album, or for that matter the old group) then you are very unlikely to be disappointed by this tune. It's still very inspired by classic pop from the likes of Steps, S Club and A*Teens, yet it's undeniably got that Same Difference bounce and energy to it. It's not a million miles away from the more sophisticated tunes on Pop like Better Love Me and All Roads Lead To Heaven, yet it's a definite progression for the duo. Basically it's whistles and bells pop with a banging singalong chorus. It's Same Difference 2007 now. And there's a proper dance routine too - when they sing about "rhythm running through you", they sort of do the deeper shade of blue wavy hand movement, then the chorus is all bumpy fist action and arms forward. Quite quite magnificent indeed.
Obviously, I've written a bit about this marvelous song in the past. Popjustice have just described her sound as dementedly dramatic. I suppose that's fair in a way - to me it's an absolutely timeless classic popsong that is fully deserving of tags like lush, epic, layered and swoony. Try not to be a little heartbroken during the middle 8 before Elouise hammers out her big note - it's impossible. Pretend you're mine indeed :/ During the soundcheck, it was just Elouise on this stage and a half empty club and her voice combined with the majesty of the song both filled and silenced the room. It was quite incredible. I'm reliably informed that she went down a storm later on with both this and a funked up version of The Runner. You can here Pretender here (though not from Popshow) and decide for yourself how elegant and for the ages the song is. I need more. And soon. (Check out a great write up on Elouise here!)
I tell ya. It's hell here. When love says goodbye it's a 4 letter word. Only not that one. No the slimmed down 3 piece Waterloo (who I mentioned before here)have crafted a summery sound of lilting magic with a layered harmonies, a dreamy melody of a chorus (complete with ooos and ahhs - ALWAYS works in a pop song) and a shuffling beat that pulls you, hips gyrating, into the song. The group works well as a 3 piece - the ridiculously handsome Nick & Luke take guitar and keys respectively, while Suzanne belts out the pop numbers up front and centre, and has quite a commanding presence. She even looks good backstage with rollers in her hair :P Basically, it's a new act that you should be keeping your eye on because they are just a big bundle of sing a long choruses, talent and fitness. And there's nothing wrong with that at all :) Now if they would only do a brilliant noughties version of this, it would be heavenly.
