Lopez Blogs

Oh what a (night) weekend it's been! I've packed Darren off on holiday for a week; I have the next week off from work; I'm still addicted to Russell T Davies' The Writer's Tale and now have my own version of "the great correspondence"; I watched all of series 1 of the Inbetweeners today in one sitting and laughed my arse off; I'm now watching the new season of The Tudors and fear that it does not bode well for silly nymphette Katherine Howard; and I met up for blogest ("tweetmeet") 2010 with lovely XO, Jessica, Jams, Dan, Phil, two Rods and Richard which was quite the enchanting evening! Anyway, here is the remainder of the fizzypop chronicles and the weekly chart (poor Robbie. I just barely listened to Morning Sun this week!)

• Bright Light Bright Light ~ A New Word To Say: A popjustice song of the day on Monday (and deservedly so), BrightLightX2 is one of the Rods I met on Saturday night. Not only is he an intensely charming and well spoken chappie, he has worked my beloved Nerina Pallot but he produces eminently smart and well written pop music that delight the soul and tingles the senses. A New Word To Say (available as a free legal download on his website here) is a warm, lush, electro tinged track that is built around the constructs of some of his folk music and soars with the addition of some synths, a luxurious beat and a dreamy skybound chorus. Featured artist (from Neon Neon) Boom Bip works seamlessly with Rod and together they have conjured up one of the most engaging lovely songs of the spring. More to come soon on the debut album, Make Me Believe In Hope.
• Sound of Arrows ~ Into The Clouds: Much like my resurrected interest in Le Kid, I'm refreshing my love affair with the lovely synth-pop duo Sound of Arrows in anticipation of a new album fairly shortly. This track was out last year and while isn't quite as delicious and amazing as the always wondrous M.A.G.I.C, it is still a top notch tune - and the Fear of Tigers remix whips it into a disco frenzy that Giorgio Morodo would be jealous of. And although it's no crime to remind yourself of these tracks, I am hoping the new album won't be too far away now...
• Dirty Disco ~ Sista: I've written about Dirty Disco a couple of times, so it should be no surprise that their punchy, feisty single ends up on the monthly playlist. It's an energetic romp that is strong on dance beats, infectious melody and a heavy dollop of leaning towards theatrics - all things that make up an incredibly brilliant, smashing pop single. And one that deserves mighty success because it's a song that loves itself. That might sound a bit odd, but it's a tune that knows it is deliriously fun and plays on that, rather than tries to tame the fact. Play multiple times daily to cures the blues...
• Ryan Ferrada ~ Chemical Connection: Keeping the memory alive, I continue to mine Ryan's lovely album (Room 501) for singles and find the pickings rich in choice. Chemical Connection is a dark electro-dance tune that matches fuzzy synths and effects with Ryan's vocal style. It's definitely one of the most "pop" moments on the dance oriented album and a lovely - if now saddened - glimpse into the star Ryan could have become...
• Adam Lambert ~ Whadaya Want From Me: The sign of a good song is that it works quite well in a number of formats. So there is the dramatic, gothic-meets-glam original album mix that is quite nice (though not as brilliant as some of the BWO singles in the same ilk). There is the acoustic version which reins it in a little bit and is very pleasant (though not as brilliant as Darin, Danny or Mans turning their uptempo epics into acoustic ballads) and there is a fine dance mix floating around that works quite well. And it all works well and it's quite good, but I can't help but feel that it could be just that bit better...
• Hugh Sheridan ~ All About Me: Ah Hugh. I sometimes wonder whether I like his songs because he is actually incredibly pretty to look at at and yet looks quite gruff & rough in a denim shirt and tie. Heavy long sigh. But actually, I do quite like this song - it's an uptempo jangly number that is reminiscent of early Robbie Williams and is all about what a selfish tosser he has been in the past. Also it has some nice piano and sumptuous strings and a nice singalong chorus. Plus he also looks quite brilliant in a tux looking all tired after a night out. Oh I'm so shallow...
• Stan Walker ~ Think of Me: Australian Idol Stan looks like Bug from Life UneXpected. And then he has to suffer the indignity of having an album released that is mainly covers (although The Climb puts Joe's to shame). There are a couple of new songs that sparkle - Black Box is a corker (on the Jan Fizzypop Chronicles) and this one is nearly as good and well worth a few minutes of your time. It's a summery slice of soul that is smooth as silk and tasty as a galaxy caramel.
• Music Go Music ~ Just Me: Oh how I continually adore the music of, er, Music Go Music. Light of Love was the most abba-esque song since Benny Andersson Band. They have this exquisite knack of bridging the gap between the lovely 70s melodies so favoured by Abba and their ilk, and a more critical analytical blogging world of the new millenium. It's an ace chirpy, hook laden, marvelous four minutes and something that should be making lives sparkle across the world :)
• Todd Alsup ~ Let's Have A Party: I'm in full adoration mode of Todd Alsup. Mainly because he creates these genuinely inviting pop ditties that are full of uplifting melodies, great piano riffs and big singalong choruses. Let's Have A Party is a brilliant example of that type of tune and feels like it should be played loud on a Friday night as you grab a six pack of beer (= wine coolers/zima) and head on over to your friend. And how lovely that the song can help you create some lasting memories with your pals as it did me this week :)
• The Candle Thieves ~ We;re All Gonna Die: Oh, it's getting silly now. I can't really keep saying nice things about Candle Thieves, yet they keep providing me with such joyful music that I'm compelled. Their album review is coming later in the week and is going to be more of a love fest. Prepare for that with this heavenly track that is all chirpy melody and quirky instruments, with an excellent and memorable chorus. The title makes it seem bleak, but trust me - three plus minutes with this song and you'll feel better than you have in ages. Oh and check out this free remix - it turns it into a bloody brilliant synthtastic epic...
• The Sparkling Arrest ~ Skyman: I first fell (and fell hard) for Sparkling Arrest when I heard their ever so good song Skyman. It's an instant epic that mixes crashing piano chords with some brilliant guitar work, all the while driving the song forward with a vocal melody that weaves in and out of the instrumental drama going on. The performance below that they performed in their own home shows that it works in an intimate environment as well as it's most deserved place - a massive outdoor stage with people singing it back.

TOP 21 SONGS OF THE WEEK:

21 ~ The Candle Thieves, We're All Gonna Die (NE/VID)
20 ~ Simon Curtis, Diablo
19 ~ Marina & The Diamonds, Hollywood
18 ~ Diana Vickers, Once
17 ~ Boyzone, Gave It All Away
16 ~ Sergey Lazarev, Alarm
15 ~ Alex gardner, I'm Not Mad
14 ~ Mika, Rain
13 ~ Ola, Unstoppable
12 ~ Magnus Carlsson, A Little Respect
11 ~ Music Go Music, Light of Love
10 ~ Donkeyboy, Ambitions
09 ~ Darin, You're Out Of My Life
08 ~ Alcazar, Headlines
07 ~ Elouise, Fireman of My Dreams
06 ~ The Pipettes, Stop The Music
05 ~ Neo, Human Frontier
04 ~ Bjorn Johan Muri, Yes Man
03 ~ Simon Curtis, Super Psycho Love
02 ~ Gabriella Cilmi, On A Mission
01 ~ Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bittersweet (NE/1 Week)

Coming this week: Elouise interview; Simon Curtis mammoth feature; album reviews for Candle Thieves, Sparkling Arrest, The Pipettes and more!

There's no denying that when I choose a pop act to adore, I tend to follow them through good times and bad. Hence 22 years after I bought Out Of The Blue, I'm still trotting after Deborah Gibson like a lost puppy dog. Sure, she hasn't done an album of original material since 2001's epic MYOB (though there was a broadway album, 2 demo albums and numerous one off tracks) but I live in hope that she will achieve an immense pop comeback a la Tina Turner. To tide me over, there is a video of her surfaced on youtube duetting with Jaron (from Evan and Jaron - those catchy ditty makers from late last century) on the Dawson's Creek-esque smash Crazy About This Girl. I just love to see her pound those keyboard keys and make pop sound so effortless. Plus, I quite like that Jaron calls her "my dear". For a more uptodate Deborah sound check out this website for a clip of a new (?) single by her called Cougar. It's very Britney via The Saturdays with a hint of Lady Cuckoo. Despite the autotuning in the verses, that I'm not a fan of, it's still got undeniably Deb moments ("give momma some sugar!") that make me want to hear more AND make it sound like a new top 40 smash. Yes I'm still that dedicated... Now before I get onto the chart of change (my top 21 always undergoes a bit of a revamp in January), here are some new songs I'm belatedly getting into...

• Ke$ha ~ TikTok: Oh I am so very late on this, but I haven't been able to escape it on Larry Flick lately, or while I was in vegas and I'm enjoying it quite a lot in this snowy weather. The album isn't quite a slam dunk but it's a lot of fun and I can see why D'Luv has luvved writing about her so much :)
• Adam Lambert ~ For Your Entertainment: Once again blame Larry for this one too (it's a lovefest!) - he has tirelessly promoted this album and got me into another American Idol when I swore I was only concentrating on XFactor. Plus Nick's enthusiasm didn't hurt either!
• Owl City ~ Fireflies: I thought actually that this would make one of those lovely surprise Christmas number ones like Mad World or that one about the JCB. It's not even out in the UK yet, but it's entirely cute, singable and lovely. And has already won over the rest of the world!
• Eva Simons ~ I Want To Make Love To The World: The title of it makes me think of that crazy actor from The Piano when he made his unforgettable oscar speech. The song makes me want to get up, dance, boogy, grab the one I love and shimmy. It's so much more than the addictive Silly Boy :)
• Barenaked Ladies ~ You Run Away: Thank heavens John reminded me they were still around. BNL (like Dashboard Confessional and Indigo Girls) are one of those groups I absolutely adore but don't blog about as much as I should. I have always thought they do quite brilliant ballads, but this is one of their more anthemic ones and I am already far more in love with it than I should be. Constant repeat. Lovely piano, lovely vocal, great layered harmonies, crescendos. EPIC.

TOP 21 SONGS OF THE WEEK:

21 ~ Mans Zelmerlow, A Stranger Saved My Life
20 ~ Simon Curtis, Delusional
19 ~ Whitney Houston, I Look To You
18 ~ Natalie Imbruglia, Scars
17 ~ Nerina Pallot, When Did I Become Such A Bitch?
16 ~ Alcazar, Thank You
15 ~ JLS, Close To You
14 ~ Leona Lewis, Stop Crying Your Heart Out
13 ~ Industry, My Mistake
12 ~ Pet Shop Boys, It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas
11 ~ Blake Lewis, I Left My Baby For You
10 ~ Dangerous Muse, I Want It All (NE/VID)
09 ~ Alphabeat, Hole In My Heart
08 ~ The Saturdays, Ego
07 ~ Alexandra Burke, Broken Heels
06 ~ Robbie Williams, You Know Me
05 ~ Agnes, Love Love Love
04 ~ RyanDan, Can't Help Falling In Love
03 ~ Ryan Ferrada, Room 501 (NE)
02 ~ Barenaked Ladies, You Run Away (NE)
01 ~ Simon Curtis, Diablo (2 weeks)

RYAN FERRADA - ROOM 501

I seem to have been waiting for this album forever (indeed I last foretold of its coming back in March this year, and reviewed the lead off single "Dirty In The Club" back in October 2008 and the initial version in April 08). Indeed the lovely Ryan was one of my top tips for 2009. And with a month or so to go, the boy has done good by getting his outstanding album 'Room 501' out there for the public to feast upon. If you are looking for an album with sleek pop sensibilities, lush orchestral ballads and a dirty dance edge that mixes influences of Kylie, George Michael, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Darren Hayes into the pot, then Room 501 is the album for you. It's a veritable hotpot of potential singles, starting with the still sizzling Dirty In The Club, which rocketed all the way to #2 on the Music Week club chart with nary a promotion gimmick in sight earlier this year. The song is still a stomping pop-dance work out that practically oozes seduction and charm through the sultry beats and Ryan's intoxicating vocals. Second single is the title (and lead off) track of the album and continues the pace, standard and lyrical tone set by it's predecessor. Definitely one to get your blood pumping as Ryan sings "3s a crowd; 4s even better, 5,6,7 baby I'm in heaven"! It's not so much that Ryan is being so sexually suggestive - Janet Jackson, Madonna and Prince (for example) have been doing that for decades; it's more that it works because it is delivered with such conviction and excitement. The listener is drawn straight into this titillating situation and frankly I ended up with sweaty palms and having to cross my legs! Don't feel there isn't diversity within the album though, because Ryan isn't afraid to tackle other genres. Chemical Connection is possibly the most out and out "pop" moment on the album with a raucous, beat ridden, in your face singalong chorus that will make a triumphant third single - not only will it cement his popularity, but show people a different side to him. For something completely different, check out the most amazing ballad, Glorious. Drenched in a wonderful string arrangement, kudos must also go to Ryan's co-writer and producer Greg Fitzgerald. It's beautifully produced, with lush melodies and an impeccable vocal delivery from Ryan that is evocative of the best of George Michael. Certainly a highlight of the album and one that totally stands out amidst the more obvious tracks - much the way Is It Any Wonder did for Sophie Ellis Bextor on her debut. For more sumptuous balladry check out the personal and intimate What People Say where Ryan lays himself bare and invites the listener deeper into his world. A raw emotive song that showcases what a capable vocalist Ryan is and his solid understanding of how to craft memorable tunes.Oh, and Kylie fans are going to want to check out Drives Me Crazy - it has a reworked sample of Burning Up baked into the core of the song and it works brilliantly.

So overall, a tremendous effort and one that continues to reward with multiple listens. This could easily be a stand out epic for 2010 and deservedly so.
Potential singles: Dirty In The Club; Room 501; Chemical Connection; Glorious

ADAM LAMBERT - FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT:

Even though I didn't really get involved with American Idol this year (it takes on a whole different meaning I feel when you are somewhat removed from the hype you get from living in the country that airs the show), I certainly knew who Adam Lambert was. Perhaps the most refreshing runner up to the show's crown since Blake Lewis, I have to confess I was less excited for his debut album than I was for Blakes (though that may have something to do with a) Blake covered maroon 5 on the show and b) I sort of wanted to spoon Blake at the time!)... His 2012 movie theme "Time For Miracles" didn't inspire me with confidence and it's only at the enthusiastic reviews from some of my blog buddies and DJ Larry Flick that I checked it out at all. And I'm glad I did - it's an absolutely solid collection of entertaining pop tunes that are instantly catchy, entirely enjoyable although sometimes somewhat reminiscent of other fare. So let me preface this by saying I really like the album. It's a bold opening statement. And for better or worse, it's taken lessons from some of the best in pop over the past 25 years. Let me explain...

Throughout the album, I was constantly reminded of other acts. Sometimes that was The Darkness (understandably, as Justin Hawkins wrote amazing opening track Music Again), sometimes it was Queen (see Sure Fire Winner - and frankly Queen's not a bad template to model yourself on!). Other times, the epic and underrated template of McFly seeps through (they have excellent track record in epic, almost glam rock tunes like the amazing Transylvania and soaring Sorry's Not Good Enough) and some of the more anguished fare reminds me of Pink. Is any of this a bad thing? Not at all - Adam's vocal style, passion and enthusiasm totally make the majority of the album uniquely his. And compared to how derivative most idol/x factor alums albums are, that he has been able to mine some of the best moments of pop as inspiration for his debut makes him a promising new artist with huge potential to develop over the coming years. So rather than a full review (which Nick has done incredibly well here), I'll just point out some of my faves from the album...

• Soaked is by far my favourite song on the album. It's dramatic, engaging, exciting, soaring, epic and wonderful all at once. For me, it's the track that made me stop and think, by god this boy is going to go somewhere...
• The Justin Hawkins penned Music Again is also a complete winner. Fiesty, ballsy, energetic and a confident soaring vocal make this a wickedly effervescent way to kick off the album
• The good ballads - both Broken Open and A Loaded Smile are totally charming, ready for the european market and singable after just one listen. Similarly the Pink track Whataya Want From Me is custom made for a huge radio hit
• Fever! The Lady Gaga demo is transformed by Adam into something quite paletable, partying and pulsating all in one go. Just imagine if the Scissor Sisters came back with something as instant and glorious as this!

There are plenty more sure fire hits on the album (including Pick You Up and If I Had You) which suggest that this album will have legs throughout 2010 and possibly beyond. As I said, it's a confident opening statement from Adam, rich in pop history and diversity. It's the all important second album that will hopefully cement his appeal and clarify his sound for the world. For now, just enjoy because it's hard to do otherwise...
Potential singles: So hard to pick actually from this - any suggestions?

Finally, it's been hard to avoid Lady Gaga over the past week - on Monday my blogroll links was almost 80% Lady Gaga heavy! I've clarified my feelings towards her in Adem's excellent Fame Monster review (it's comment #10) and hope it makes sense :) Let me know what you think!!