Lopez Blogs

Frankly although pop has clearly reached it's potential this year with Same Difference (thanks for all the many comments! love it!) and Britannia High, there are some other quite amazing groups and singers out there who aren't quite as in-your-face pop as the above acts and therefore may just be what you are looking for to fill those "create your own X-Factor" moments in your life... Judge with me people!!

THE GROUPS:

Technologic ~ Quite honestly, if you might while browsing the fan forum of a pet shop boys website, then you know you are probably going to click musically. That's what happened to Ray and Martina back in 2002 and they have been creating amazing electro-pop tunes ever since. Coming across like an ice cool version of Danish popsters Infernal, they mix down and dirty beats with haunting vocals and strong melodic impulses. I'm all for acts who learn from the best in pop, take those influences and create something slightly different with that sound - and Technologic are clearly influenced by the likes of Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, Kylie and even traces of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. It's classic Kraftwerk inspired electro with those beautiful uplifting melodies over the top. Check out We Are Technologic which evokes memories of I Feel Love and has the most lovely soothing uplifting tune. For more Technologic, make absolutely sure you check out their myspace and official site.

Ghost vs. Sanne ~ Great things often come out of Sweden don't they? Oh Laura, Volvos, Swedish Idol's very lovely Darin and now, of course, the dontstopthepop approved Ghost vs Sanne. I must confess, it took me the tiniest of whiles to get on board with the ethereal brand of atmospheric, soulful pop tunes, but now I'm there I'm totally committed :) Tracks like Hold This Girl and the excellent Say Something are full of passion, drama and intensity. Think Duffy meets Massive Attack and you won't be far wrong - they are not always instant stick in your brain songs, but the songs are so well crafted that there are layers to be peeled back which make listening an ultimately more rewarding experience. I'm very excited for the album, but while I patiently await that, there are 5 excellent songs on their myspace...

Stonefoxx ~ If The Saturdays have taught the world anything (and they haven't), it is that it probably is quite possible to break a new girl band into today's competitive world of pop. And Stonefoxx are determined to compete with Candy Coated Chaos and Red Blooded Women to be the next big girlie thing. But there is where the comparison ends. Each group has it's own unique take on the girlgroup sound and Stonefoxx are no different. They have been busy refining their glorious pop sounds since I last wrote about them, and touring with people like Shayne Ward (rar!), those adorable McFly scamps, and er, Mutya. They have "Pop" graduate Glenn Ball choreographing their dance moves. (He has borrowed Sean Same Difference's Legoman Haircut). They have some excellent pop writers penning their tunes including Georgie Dennis, Shaznay Lewis, Richard Stannard and Stuart Chricton. The new stuff sounds amazing, and they will be grabbing the ones they love and shimmying at Soho Revue Bar (even though i despise that place!) on 24th November. Sadly I will be in Florida (hey! I'm not that sad! It's Florida!) but you can check out a previous showcase here or listen to their fine poppiness at their myspace :)

THE BOYS:

Sam Taylor ~ Ah, this enigmatic young man has won my heart through his rather beautiful and yearning songs that featured on the Beautiful People soundtrack. Quite honestly until XO wrote about him, I had no idea if he was a new or old artist. However, I'm thrilled that he is a new act and has an album (and proper website) coming shortly. The song showcases Sam's tonal voice perfectly, and while Runaway sounds quite contemporary, it also works as the backdrop to the nineties soundtrack it features on. As XO points out, in an era where new male popstars seem desperate to pepper their songs with tinges of hiphop or urban beats, Sam works well in the confines of straightforward melodies, dramatic instrumentation and a strong vocal that propels the song into the heart of the most weary listener. Don't forget to check out his other BP contribution "Sometimes I Need You". It just enhances what i've already written. I've got everything crossed that actually, there is a serious male artist waiting to launch his talent onto Britain. Sometimes going back to the roots of a good pop song is what makes it timeless and endearing. Sam seems to be intent on creating these enduring classics... and bravo to him for that I say...

Val Emmich ~ Isn't exactly new, but smooching Amanda in Ugly Betty seems to be propelling him into the media spotlight. And obviously UB wants some smooch action too, and it's easy to see why. Not only is Val as cute as a button, but he has some pretty fine songs out there too. His latest cd "Little Daggers" is a real gem. It's full of bright melodies, sexy piano riffs, background beats, ridiculously catchy lyrics (particularly on songs like Wake Up Brand New) and Val's distinctive vocals which are both rich and warming. His compositions also really bring the instruments to life, and he isn't afraid to go beyond the traditional pop standards - violas, sax and trombones all get their time to shine here. Hard fast beats mixed with sensitivity and emotive issues? Gets me every time... Check out more Val here.