Lopez Blogs

Ooo, it's all but over now isn't it? Everyone will be talking about how lovely Catherine looked, how lemon may not have been age appropriate for the Queen, how Elton John looks more and more like the Churchill insurance dog every day and how elegant that kiss was (elegant = no tongue. Now that's class). Plus how romantic it was that William told Kate how beautiful she looked. Which she did. All this occurred at an ace gang style party in a lovely old cottage (think The Weasleys house!) in Warwickshire that had no phone signal (meaning a botched phone call to Larry Flick! SORRY!!) and 3 dogs practically orgying over the floor. Plus a classic text from my friend - "no spoilers sweetie - Harry" (her son, not the Prince's brother) "has just thrown up as Kate got out the car so I've had to wipe him up and i'm now ten minutes behind". Delightful. Here are some pics (above) from the event and here are a few more acts who should be doing what happened in Sweden at last year's royal wedding there (see Darin's performance for more) and playing for Katilliam tonight :) (Click here for last week's recommendations!)...


Elouise ~ The Lovers Rumba (ricardo autobahn remix): There is something about Elouise that screams elegance, class and modern day princess. She embodies everything that a Disney heroine should be, but without descending to the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding sort of crassness. Within that sweeping poise and ability to reduce grown men to tears with her torch song interpretations of classic and modern day pop, there seems to lie a ballroom queen who is itching to get the wedding reception on it's feet. The Lovers Rumba is just that song - while we patiently await the original (on a project that feels like it was custom made for me and I'm oh so excited about), this remix is an opportunity to see Elouise tackle something uptempo. It's infused with latin rhythms, sensual energy, clever lyrics that compare romance to the rumba and an utterly intoxicating beat that draws you inextricably into the song and refuses to let you go. Add to this a restrained yet spot on vocal from Elouise, you can almost visualise her - hair swept up, stunning gown and shimmying under the lights performing this as the royal couple (or any couple!) create perfectly choreographed magic around the dancefloor. Perfection for Will and Kate, but perfect for anyone. Download free on her facebook page now!!


Aston ~ Someone Like You: I'll admit I've really picked two acts today that I'm ever so smitten with and have written about lots before. I also think that pair Elouise and Aston together for a joint concert and you would have something absolutely magical (plus Daniel Boys on the odd duet please). Aston's latest classical interpretation is an absolutely soaring version of the already classic Adele tune - and while it's one of those tunes that might get misinterpreted as a wedding song (like Shania's You're Still The One, where she sings about the one she's not with), the lyrics are unimportant here as these talented young Australian musicians make it all about the instruments, replacing the vocal we all know so well with tasteful strings and a gentle percussion. It's totally dreamy to listen to and and would make a sterling first dance - particularly that whimsical and beautiful piano playing in the last couple of runs through the chorus. It's genuinely spine tingling. Stunning. (PS - not sure which member it is, but I love love love the guy on the right's jumper. Can i have it please??)

ASTON ~ BORN THIS WAY: Everyone is currently very busy analysing and commenting on the latest Lady Gaga video for Born This Way. Frankly, I'm just disappointed she wasn't birthed in a pool of crystallised tears from magical unicorns while wearing a placenta hat. But whatever. Making up for that disappointment is the latest in a long line of immensicles cover versions by classical band Aston. They've already tackled Telephone in the past and now they are turning their talents to a lovely rendition of Born This Way. There is a properly fetching video of them recording the tune above and there are several things I like about this video - there's the guy with the beard (oh I need to learn their names, do comment and correct me, this is frightfully rude) who has a jolly good smile as he plays the violin at the start. I like to see musicians genuinely liking what they do. Then the guy on the drums is wearing an ever so fetching pink jacket as he pounds away. Both boys have very good popstar hair that just looks a mess when I try to pull it off. I also like that the piano has off colour keys which means it is very well used. No point in having a piano that just sits around looking pretty. And everyone has amazing teeth. None of this necessarily tells you about the music, but presentation is important also. Basically, like all their musical creations, it takes the tune to a completely different level with gorgeous piano chords, sumptuous strings and a knowledge of how to keep the melody key while creating a layered aural treat for everyone. As an instrumental cover, there are obviously no vocals, but never has singing along (whatever your vocal ability) to "no matter gay straight or bi/lesbian, transgendered life/i'm on the right track baby/I was born this way" sounded so elegant and empowering. You could do far far worse than to buy this track and their astonishingly brilliant debut album from this link here. I remain, entirely smitten. EDIT: It's Daniel on percussion, Michael on violin, Will on guitar, Hanna on cello, Eliza on violin and Ella on piano. I'm no longer rude and ignorant! Hurrah!


CIMORELLI ~ PRICE TAG: The other track du jour that seems to be very popular and buzzy at the moment is of course Jessie J's lolloping anthem Price Tag. Austin Jennings pointed me in the direction of this vocal harmony group cover and I've been enchanted with them ever since. They are essentially six sisters from California who have built up quite the internet following thanks to their delightful blend of voices taking on today's popular hits. So essentially a bit like Wilson Phillips. What I love about groups like this is they way they manage to weave their voices together in the same way that instruments bring a song to life and Cimorelli are no different. They each take a vocal element of the song, melody and backing track, and layer them together with an ease that belies how difficult it can be to successfully pull off this type of track. The chorus with the added "uh" and "yeah" give this version a bit of a kick and is totally dreamy to watch. Not exactly a replacement of Jessie J's version but a fully accomplished and wonderful alternative :)

So guilty pleasures week on the x-factor was nothing of the sort. Frankly, my suggestions for the contestants were far superior. And this week is Hallowe'en? Sweet merciful Blossom Russo, how they will stretch and butcher that theme is beyond me!! (For my song suggestions for the contestants, see the comments box)... But it got me thinking about some very good indeed acts that put out some very good indeed cover versions that are frankly all of the pleasure and none of the guilt. Here are four of my current faves...

Aston ~ Viva La Vida: This Australian orchestral group continues to absolutely amaze and delight me with their classical interpretations of modern day pop songs. And according to an email I just got, their debut album is winging it's way across the ocean to England as I type. Good job, import fees are a mother :P Anyway, what I adore about this version is that it is not only a seamless blend of instruments, weaving together a gloriously rousing version of the tune - but the accompanying video is just as uplifting (the guy on percussion is well foxy). They all look like they are having such a fun time and that reminds me of being in the orchestra band, playing piano at school. It was such fun to hear the tunes come together. The chorus here in particular is a work of genius - the piano really stands out and isn't drowned out by the dramatic percussion and plays perfectly with the violin melody. Quite heavenly. Oh! And the softening just before the choral part of the middle 8 kicks in just sends goosebumps running all over my body. Absolutely celestial.

The Overtones ~ Well Well Well (Duffy cover): I have written a lot about The Overtones lately. And quite rightly so. I find myself quite charmed by them and eagerly await the release of their debut album in a week. They've taken the new Duffy single and managed to turn each unique vocal on the track into an essential element of their performance of the song; it comes across like it was always meant to be a rather avant garde 50s doo-wop classic; the chorus (at around 48s) speeds it up a little bit and you find yourself in finger clicking heaven. It's a catchy tune and they've managed to twist it around and make it something that is completely them. And let's face it - they all look rather marvelous. I adore their style and twitter has taught me that Lachie (far left) knows how to rock a pair of pink jeans. Now that's avant garde :)

Princes & Rogues ~ Acapella (kelis cover): I still mourn the fact that P&R didn't actually make the live shows of the X-Factor, but manage to cope with my varying stages of grief by picking songs for them each week. Not they actually need me (though if they want to offer me paid employment, I can live with that :P) judging from the assorted excellent cover versions on their youtube channel. One of my current faves is their version of Acapella by Kelis. And not just because it's acapella! And not just because of the enthusiastic WOO at the start of the video. And not just because Ash is a bit of a dish. No, mainly because they certainly know how to tightly harmonise, look like they are having a brilliant time and are definitely vocally miles better than about at least 6 of the current x-factor crew. And, like the overtones, they are another group that I am just utterly taken with. I'm wishing them all sorts of success in the future and have a brilliant song lined up from them for Sat's hallowe'en theme :)

Miss Kookie ~ Putting On The Ritz: I have to finish with something that makes me absolutely joyous and uplifted each time I hear it. If you want a song that is unashamedly fun, completely delightful and just insanely, deliriously wave your hands like you just don't care fantastic, then you have come to the right place. It's a modern day take on a classic 20s dancehall number that just enchants from the second the (rather hot) guy introduces us to Miss Kookie in the clip above. It's all hip thrusting vogueing, addictive dance routines, get your flapper on, horn laden magnificence. Miss Kookie delivers an outstanding vocal that totally encapsulates the vibrancy of the tune & there are enough modern day musical additions to make it sound fresh and relevant for today's market. A performance like this would bring the house down on the x-factor. I absolutely must have more, more more :)

Tomorrow: Boyband albums or the new Darin video!

There are plenty of marvelous things happening in the land down under right at this very second. Or at least eminating internationally from there. I mean aside from the sheery dribbly hunkiness of Hugh Sheridan, there is additionally quite a lot of excellent pop (and classical) music to be appreciated. Here are some of the current best...

Gabriella Cilmi ~ Hearts Don't Lie: I have been entirely enchanted by the wonderful pop music spell that is Gabriella's fantastic album Ten. It is in fact the best australian pop album with ten in the title since Jason Donovan's Ten Good Reasons. The still excellent On A Mission has become my walk to work anthem despite the fact that I am clearly not a woman. Or on a mission. That's how universal the pop of Gabriella is!! Anyway, there's no rest for the fabulous as Gabriella is already planning her second single - the effervescent Hearts Don't Lie. It's out on May 31st, which is not only a lovely sunny (hopefully) bank holiday weekend in the UK, it's also Birmingham Gay Pride and additionally the weekend of Eurovision so pop magnificence abounds. HDL is a wild beast of a song, almost feral in a new moto blanco remix (below) - you imagine Gabriella reigning in the tune before it bursts free in a massive glittering chorus. Absolutely brilliant. Totally besotted...



Kylie ~ Love Love Love/Announcement: As the world and his dog knows by now, lovely Kylie is making a very important announcement at noon today. So just as Larry Flick starts his Morning Jolt rather conveniently! Hurrah! In the meantime, a rather lovely Biff Stannard track has surfaced that probably won't be on the new album but is just so delicious and heavenly that it's a nice treat to tide the masses over. I'll edit in the announcement later - in the meantime, pop over to PopTrashAddicts for a rather good write up of the leaked track...EDIT: The new single is the Kish Mauve (2 Hearts) penned All The Lovers from the BRILLIANTLY new titled album Aphrodite. This is all very exciting indeed (and quite close to the release of new Scissor Sisters so June is turning out to be an excellent month for pop!). View the album artwork here. Kylie looks stunning.

Aston ~ Telephone (Lady Gaga cover): After writing about the lovely Aston classical music group on Sunday, I've become a bit obsessed with them. It's such a refreshing change to listen to them and they are a very delightful soundtrack to the summery evenings and even make me feel a little bit elegant. Not content with absolutely nailing Confide In Me, they have taken on Telephone, albeit without the overly elaborate video which is a plus. They clearly absolutely love what they do, and part of the joy of their cover is watching them create something together in the video that they feel is special and enjoyable to them. Apparently Empire State of Mind II is their next song. Hurrah.

Don't. Blink. (ooo spooky yet potentially brilliant Doctor Who reference) because if you do the weekend will be over before you even blooming well know it. And it very nearly is. It's Sunday evening as I quickly type this up - the weekend was very pleasant indeed, but is now drawing to yet another of it's inevitable conclusions. Luckily, as the sunny days begin to tentatively poke their head like a little baby crowning (?!), there are three very lovely songs that will make you Sunday evening a whole lot nicer. And all three should be played in this order, with a nice glass of wine. Or some raspberry swirl cheesecake...

1. Lovestoned ~ Rising Girl: I'm very behind indeed on Lovestoned but have decided to throw myself into their music with a vicious vengence - particularly since their rather glorious melodifestivalen entry, Thursdays. Rising Girl was indeed their first single last year in Sweden and is a gently bubbling, reggae tinged slice of sunshine. Sure it has shades of Jason Mraz's I'm Yours, but that can only be a good thing and the unimposing chorus sways along so nicely that it soon hooks into your head for dear life. Thursdays is like Ace of Base never went away but decided to mix their sound with a bit of Dolly Parton's Those Are The Days, and brand new single (I Know Nothing) is possibly their most radio friendly track yet, complete with some aces dance mixes. A debut album is coming, and I'm very excited indeedio...More soon!
2. The Living Sisters ~ Double Knots: While the world and his pet budgie await the release of the third Scissor Sisters album, I've been busy enjoying myself with another group of Sisters, this time a trio of female singer/songwriters. They have put together an album of perfect, laid back, thoughtful, essential, heavenly pop tunes that sound just ever so ethereal and delightful on a Sunday afternoon. Double Knots has gorgeous harmonies, lushly layered over a subtle but giving melody. It's a song that is both timeless in it's delivery and memorable for it's sheer stark brilliance. There is an air of The Puppini Sisters (or what they would have been if they had continued) about them and the music floats around your consciousness and makes you feel quite marvelous, whatever the lyrical subject matter it deals with. An album review soon no doubt...
3. Aston Band ~ Confide In Me (Kylie cover): Based on the introduction alone, it seems that the Kylie classic would be ideal for a classical cover version. Australian band Aston have done so much more than just using the dramatic opening strings, they've added an absolutely crucial piano riff to it and build and pause the tension in the song through volume, delivery, crescendo and urgency. It works incredibly well and builds to an almost frenzied climax with all the instruments complementing each other perfectly. Quite an astonishingly rewarding piece of work. Oh, and because i ALWAYS notice these things, the guitar player dude is indeed quite the looker :) Plus it's Mr Steve Anderson approved...

Top 21 Songs of the Week:

21 ~ Diana Vickers, Once
20 ~ Kimberley Locke, Strobelight (NE)
19 ~ Mika, Kick Ass
18 ~ Bjorn Johan Muri, Yes Man
17 ~ Music Go Music, Light of Love (Vid)
16 ~ Elouise, Fireman of my Dreams
15 ~ The Candle Thieves, We're All Gonna Die
14 ~ Sergey Lazarev, Alarm
13 ~ Darin, You're Out Of My Life
12 ~ Alcazar, Headlines
11 ~ The Pipettes, Stop The Music
10 ~ Maria Mena, All This Time (NE)
09 ~ Neo, Human Frontier
08 ~ Ola, Unstoppable
07 ~ Mariah Carey, 100%
06 ~ Eric Saade, Manboy
05 ~ DeeDee, Endure
04 ~ Gabriella Cilmi, On A Mission
03 ~ Sophie Ellis Bextor, Bittersweet
02 ~ Simon Curtis, Super Psycho Love
01 ~ Adam Tyler, Friction (2 Weeks)