Lopez Blogs

It is quite common for a song to be announced that you are dizzy with anticipation for - usually it's one of your favourite artists who has brand new music coming out and the waiting & excitement for the time when can actually sooth your ears with listening to the promised tunes sends you into a frenzy; indeed the wait is deliriously agonising yet exquisitely painful in it's longing... Imagine though a project so immense that it contains many of your pop obsessions, brimming with new songs that team with a theme. It is a whirling dervish of musical genius that has one goal - to make you dance to some of the best in upcoming artistical sensation.

It is actually the biggest musical event for me since melodifestivalen - and one even more exciting. Ballroom Remixed has been announced this very day and features several of my very favourite acts that have featured on this blog many times over the past months and years. At the bottom of this blog, you'll find a list of and links to some of the artists involved along with my favourite musical accomplishments of theirs (so far - this album could change everything). What makes this even more special is the people behind the scenes of this epic project. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't twirled around a room to the lyrical insight of musical impressario Charlie Mason (who, among many fine others, wrote Eric Saade's Upgrade and current Disney Channel smash Determinate). I've been wowed at the creative art work of Liam Curry (who now turns his hand to several co-writes on this album). I've grabbed the one I love and shimmied like a superstar to the remix work of Ricardo Autobahn (particularly his remix of Kyle Brylin's Committed). I've swooned over the vocal and lyrical stylings of Richard Hymas (particularly in his acclaimed Ben Waters Band) and his singalong choruses. And who hasn't been wowed by the stunning choreography that Melanie LaPatin brings to the US version of my current UK obsession, So You Think You Can Dance. For me, this is indeed a dream team and a dream come true...

Above you can see and ecoutez to a preview video of the album (tracklisting of all great artists here). It starts off with the delightful and intoxicating original version of Elouise's Lovers Rumba (which I reviewed in it's remix format just last week here). There's an added drama in the tune that wasn't as apparent in the remix and this works incredibly well. Then it's onto Swedish pop darling Neo, who wraps his soaring falsetto vocal around a swirling disco number called New Star. It's straight onto Glamaholic by Kaya (with Nelson Clemente), a blistering dance twister that wouldn't be out of place in a lip-synch for your life on RuPaul's Drag Race. The all too short preview is concluded with a number from one mr. Simon Curtis himself, entitled The Puppet Who Gave Himself Strings. It's nice to hear Simon do a straight up pop number that has both an 80s synth vibe and a lovely feel of Stock/Aitken/Waterman genius to it. It's also nice that at the very least both Elouise and Simon have been given songs that totally fit them. Elouise's theatrical oomph is well matched by Lover's Rumba, while Simon's Puppet seems to link in perfectly with the Nick kid who went independent :) I'm chomping at the bit to hear more and you just know that I'll do a full album overview as soon as it's released :) Be sure to follow NinthWave Records on twitter for more info.

My fave acts involved (and my fave moments of theirs to date)...

• Elouise (blog posts here - fave moment? One Night Only)...
• Neo (blog posts here - fave moment? Human Frontier)... 
• Simon Curtis (blog posts here - fave moment? Diablo)...
• Kyle Brylin (blog posts here - fave moment? S&M)...
• Lee Latchford Evens (Steps posts here - fave moment? Deeper Shade of Blue)...
• Gravitonas (blog posts here - fave moment? Religious)...
• Craig Powell (blog posts here - fave moment? Can't Let You Go)...

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??)

You actually couldn't get two more diametrically different cover versions today, but both are by artists I adore and both bring a certain frisson of excitement in their work - one to an old classic, the other to something more new and brash. And that, my dear little pop pickers, is how it's done. Read on my pretties, read on!

Kyle Brylin ~ S&M (Rihanna cover): While everyone was spaffing up their chuff over the Britney aided remix of the tune, I was pontificating that there really should be a boy pop cover version of this doing the rounds. Quick as a flash, I knocked one out (an e-mail, steady!) to the very lovely Kyle Brylin and lo and behold! Less than 24 hours later, he has tantalising lowered his underwear and delivered the smutty goods! Hurrah! Now that's service :P It's as frenetic and energetic as you'd imagine, and Kyle's vocal is impeccable - giving a dirty little nuance to lines like "if i'm bad, tie me down/shut me up gagged and bound me" while the scintillating bass and high hat compete with the scuzzy electro track. What I like is that Kyle absolutely makes the track sound like it was his from the start - that cheeky Rihanna was only keeping it warm until he got his hands on it. It gives the track a whole new energy being sung by a fella - and Kyle is just the fella to sing it. He never fails to delight me with his music and this is a worth addition to his canon. What a guy :)


Elouise ~ Tainted Love (Soft Cell cover): Another week, another blog where Paul raves about another Elouise track. And quite deservedly so. With her stunning cover version of Born This Way lodged in my top 5 most played tracks (and set to climb this week), it's time to turn my attention to Tainted Love. It starts off as a theatrical denoument - dramatic horns, trembling drums and a powerhouse vocal from Elouise. You can almost picture her standing on the turrets of her princess castle, wind blowing, while she castigates the evil Baron VonDonderlinger with her music. Love the way the music works down the musical register as she finishes the musical intro with "take my tears and that's not nearly...." Stunning. Rather brilliantly, it then turns into a finger clicking, Hey Big Spender-esque, saucy little number. The drama is still there, but it's given a very slight playful edge that sexes it up - almost as if Elouise is teasing, demonstrating what the errant lover could be having. Once again, Elouise is a storyteller and you can only sit absolutely compelled and bewitched by her tales. Oh god, please let there be an album soon :)

It's both comforting and terrifying that I have now been blogging every move of the x-factor for 15 long weeks now. That is over a quarter of the entire 2010. And yet, I cannot remember a time before it began! This week is rock week and the contestants get to sing two songs! I will not be here however. I will be in Florida getting my Disney on, so I was hoping you would all do me a little favour. In the comments section for the next two weeks, perhaps you could all update me on what is happening, who was good, how awful Katie was etc. I'm having a self imposed internet break for 2 weeks, but your comments will be sent straight to my phone as texts. How magical technology is. You can update me in real time you lazy bums :) That would be terrific. I thank you.

I still want to play my fizzypop x factor contestants game though, so I've picked out one rock song and one song of my choice for each of this week's contestants... 'Ere we go then...

PRINCES AND ROGUES:

If i got my finger out before I went on holiday, I should have a nice interview opportunity taking place right now with my fave new boyband. And it should be ready for you to read upon my return. Fingers crossed!! What I absolutely adore about Princes and Rogues is that they seem to be absolutely charming fellas, they have really honed the 80s geek chic image beyond their clothes but into their performances too and they genuinely have a great blend of voices. Putting 5 voices together isn't hard, but making the strengths play off each other is. I am so eager to see what else they can do in the new year...

• Rock choice ~ Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover (Sophie B Hawkins): Not only one of my favourite songs of the 90s, but one that i've always thought a boy band could do justice too. Imagine taking this yearning plea for companionship and giving it a harmonised sheen. Imagine the chorus being more clipped, rounding off the notes instead of dragging them out. Imagine the backing harmonies creating a lush soundscape for the main vocals in the verses and particularly the middle eight. It would be magnificent. Trust me.
• My choice ~ Red (Daniel Merriweather): And as if by magic you can also view it above! How handy is that! I don't just throw these posts together you know! Led by a sumptuous piano accompaniment, it kicks off with a delightful vocal from Derek and continues to soar until the tightly harmonised chorus with Johnny taking a lead on vocals. It flies, all of the solo parts are impeccable and it already sounds like a Christmas number one. Glorious times one million. This is why I need more from them. And soon...

ELOUISE:

What's not to love about Elouise? Her new Stardust Melodies EP came out last week and proved that she can take a familiar cover version and turn it around into something she completely makes her own. She would absolutely shine week after week on the x-factor taking on different genres and songs, though i think she would work best if Dannii were her mentor. Looking at her range and capabilities, it's both easy and frustratingly difficult picking songs for her week in week out - easy because she can turn her hand to anything; difficult because there is so much to choose from. I think I got it spot on this week...

• Rock choice ~ Black Velvet (Alannah Myles): I don't think I would even change this from the original arrangement very much. It allows Elouise to reign it in a little in the verses, even make it a little more coquettish than it is now - then gives her every opportunity to emote and go for it in those enormous choruses. I can't imagine this being anything but completely immense from start to finish...
• My choice ~ As Long As He Needs Me (Judy Garland): Oh! Another video. Aren't I good to you?! It's already staged like a mini x-factor performance with a nicely bronzed and buffed fireman parading around, but even that doesn't detract from the exquisite timelessness of the song. There's a deep emotional resonance in the vocal and it's a lush arrangement that beautifully complements this. Heavenly...

OK, that's your lot. Enjoy Beiber tomorrow and don't forget to keep me updated on what's going on in both Sat and Sun shows - and let me know what you think of Elouise and PnR! 'Preciate it!

Ooo it really is the most wonderful time of the year. The walk to work this morning was jolly freezing, the fields were glistening with frost and I get to go home tonight and pack for two weeks of Florida! How magnifico. I have lots of posts to keep you going over the next couple of weeks and hope you will keep me entertained with plenty of comments as although I am having a self imposed internet exile (it's so cleansing!), comments will come straight to my phone. Hurrah! In the mean time (and in between time - guess that pop reference, 90s disney group fans!), here are 10 lovely new Christmas songs and one extremely brilliant non festive treat (for more excellent Christmas stuff visit John's writing on top40about.com)...

The non-festive nugget ~ Dirty Disco return with Storyteller:

Sometimes, just sometimes at Christmas you need a bit of respite from the relentless cheer and good tidings that are almost rammed down your throat. Dirty Disco's excellent and thoughtprovoking new single is just the tune to do this. Following on from deliriously bonkers yet quality pop like Sista, Vulture and White Room, the innovative and artsy group have returned with an intense, brooding, gothic electro tune. It's tinged with eerie synth sounds and a stark strumming guitar and tackles aging, our obsession with youth and fitting into a restrictive society while remaining true to yourself. If you need a comparison, try Kidz or SOS on the new Take That album - yet it's different to those and has it's own Dirty Disco charm. Adam's distinctive voice consumes the lyrics to make them both angry and regretful at times without sounding aggressive (though there is a rather glorious "fuck" early on). The instrumental parts weave together and elevate an already good tune into a great one - little touches like the sounds of strings at the end or the guitar playing off the synth give little frissons of excitement throughout. Check the video above too as Adam and the boys in some haunting costumes seek down the Storyteller they wish to become. Tremendous stuff...

10 New Christmas Tunes:

• Hurts ~ All I Want For Christmas Is New Years Day: Yay! Hurts top off a year of quality music with an exquisite new festive offering that examines the bleaker side of this time of year. With a familiar sounding shuffling beat, sound effects that sound like walking over freshly crunching snow and chiming bells through a soaring chorus, the boys look at how the hope can make one feel even more lonely and hopeless as the persevere to get through the season. I like a bit of bleakness at Christmas and this is one beautifully crafted tune that once again proves they are stars in the ascendency. Check out vinny vero's review also...
• Owl City ~ Peppermint Winter: It's Fireflies the festive edition and the complete antithesis of the Hurts track. It's a love letter to all the cheesiness of this time of year and how it's even more magical if you just embrace it. Full of feel good bon mots like "i troll through the driveway with angelic grace/til i slip on the sidewalk and fall on my face" & "the snowflakes are falling and I start to float/til my mean older brother shoves snow down my coat", it's built around a sleigh ride of bells and the glorious refrain "what's december without Christmas eve". Heavenly optimistic and joyful. Love.
• Mans Zelmerlow ~ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home): I shall return to Mans' festive album a few more times before the big day. His big band readings of yuletide faves are brimming with elegance and a genuine warmth and love for the genre and songs he sings. This is a classy addition to any Christmas dinner party soundtrack and gets you fingerclicking along. Brilliant orchestration of the music too. I'm loving Mans formal Christmas look too - you can just imagine him coming home, loosening his tie and smooching the face off you under the mistletoe. Now, that's magic :)
• Wilson Phillips ~ Warm Loving Christmastime: It's not the first time the Wilsons have done Christmas (indeed this song featured on the second Wilson linked Christmas album - Carnie's solo) but it is the first time they have all felt the seasonal pull together. And hurrah, it's glorious, particularly for a long standing Wilson Phillips fan like myself :) It's a swinging and fun pop song with enough added jingle and bells to make it feel as Christmas morn as possible. And those choruses are saturated in their amazing harmonies. So so lovely. Well worth the import charges!!
• Jessica Simpson ~ My Only Wish: Jessica gets a lot of stick and I'm not sure why. I'm glad she's done a Christmas album anyway. This single from it is a decent pop tune and a nice ode to her new fella. Showcases her great pop voice (come back from country music!) and reminds me of how fun some of her music has been. Bits of it are reminiscent of Darlene Love's Alone on Christmas (which Britney liberally borrowed for her christmas tune) but it's a catchy little number with a lovely intricate piano middle 8. marvy.
• Indigo Girls ~ Mistletoe: Who would have thought that a blue(grass) Christmas would be so enchanting? The Indigo Girls did - their Happy Holly Days album alternates between rollicking joy and reflective pauses. This is one of the most beautiful on the album - a stripped back lyrical poem, resonant in a superb tenor vocal and supported by subtle harmonies and a gentle guitar. Makes me stop and luxuriate in it's beauty each time I hear it. Reminds me a little of Bette Midler's The Folks Who Live On The Hill. Never thought i'd make that comparison, but it's a complimentary one :) Delightful tune that you should really check out...
• Pink Martini ~ A Snowglobe Christmas: It's like being transported to a simpler time when the movies were black and white and people wrote to each other using pen and paper. This is a timeless, hawaian tinged classic that would sound beautiful whatever time period you are in when sung like this. it's from a whole album of magical wonder and one that should really investigate. As close to Doris Day as you are going to get this snowglobe Christmas. Like a festive hug and kiss. Melts me every time.
• Mariah Carey ~ Christmastime Is In The Air Again: I'm sure I'll return to Mariah's new Christmas album again lots more before the 25th December. There are lots of fun moments on that but this is one of the slower, sipping mulled wine by the fireplace moments. It's a string laden track with a restrained and impeccable vocal from Mariah that enables the song to transcend genres and time. The pull of the tune is undeniable and I soon find myself having little memory flashbacks to the ghosts of my own Christmas past. Dickensian!
• Lady Antebellum ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: A lovely little reading of this classic tune from the country group du jour. The cd of Christmas faves is (I believe) only available at Target but it's worth tracking down as it's full of faithful renditions like this that just sparkle with sincerity. Plus the fellas look proper foxy on the cover :)
• Puppini Sisters ~ Step Into Christmas: SCREAM! The Puppinis are back! And they have stuck to their absolutely delightful Andrews Sisters for the new millenium mantra. This has led to an amazing album of jazz tinged, boogie woogie Christmas faves and their turn on this Elton John fave is a fizzy explosion of joi de vivre all wrapped up in their tightly knitted harmonies. So much fun yet put together so very cleverly, very carefully and very well. Check out their older christmas tunes too like Jingle Bells and Little Match Girl. Top drawer!

Top 21 songs of the week

21 ~ Gabriella Cilmi, Defender (NE)
20 ~ Jessie J, Price Tag
19 ~ Ola, Riot
18 ~ McFly, Shine A Light
17 ~ Shayne Ward, Gotta Be Somebody
16 ~ Joe McElderry, Someone Wake Me Up (VID)
15 ~ Darin, Drowning
14 ~ Eric Saade, Break of Dawn
13 ~ Westlife, Safe
12 ~ Kylie, Better Than Today
11 ~ A1, In Love & I Hate It
10 ~ P!nk, Raise Your Glass
09 ~ Deborah Gibson, I Love You
08 ~ EMD, What Is Love?
07 ~ JLS, Love You More
06 ~ Le Kid, We Should Go Home Together
05 ~ Andrea Lewis ft Simon Curtis, Talk To Me
04 ~ Take That, The Flood
03 ~ Daniel Boys, To Make You Feel My Love
02 ~ Gravitonas, You Break Me Up
01 ~ Elouise, You'll Never Walk Alone (1 week)

I'm always a little bit in awe of acts that - no matter where they get their pop beginnings from - work hard to build up a public profile beyond shows like the x-factor. They tirelessly promote themselves at gigs, showcases and online to build up a following and then, ultimately, gain their hopeful big break into the music industry with oodles of success. Three acts I adore have been doing that this week. Take the very lovely James Leon. His new single Caught In Your Vanity (which I reviewed here and called a sublime piece of music, like a lost Human League demo) is out on iTunes this week and is already getting rave reviews from PopTrashAddicts and Fabtasticmusic. It's already been played on Larry Flick's Morning Jolt (where I can't wait to take the lovely Princes & Rogues) and just shimmers from start to finish with synthy delight. Likewise, lovely Elouise has been wowing the crowds at Madame JoJos this week with a performance to bring the house down, while my adorable Princes and Rogues have been all over the country performing and turning on Christmas lights. Just sadly not in Birmingham. Sigh. Here is what I would have given them all to sing this week:

• Princes & Rogues ~ Ob La Di Ob La Da (it would have been AMAZING!!)
• Elouise ~ In My Life (a la Bette Midler in For The Boys)
• James Leon ~ Ticket To Ride (a beautiful shimmering synthy version)

Anyway... on with the show...

BEATLES WEEK:

• INTRO ~ Everytime Cher(yl) Lloyd and Katie Weasel pop up on my screen I feel properly billeous from my tongue to my tummy. Dermot has a nice waistcoat on this week and a rather regal tie. I choose to believe it's because of the upcoming royal wedding. Hurrah Katilliam! He introduces Beatles week. And the judges. Dannii once again is an elegant vision, while CherylChainMail is wearing whatever knights wore under their armour back in the day. Some old man appears on the video screen to tell the acts to just get on with it. Indeed.
• MATT ~ Boys are first again? I really must check out this, I'm sure it's a conspiracy!! I check. Out of 7 live shows, boys have been first 3 times and last once, while girls have been first once and last a whopping 5 times!! Hmmm. Anyway, Matt is very upset that Aiden has left and compliments his tight ass. Or something. Matt is having dancers this week though i suspect he won't dance. He's forgotten to put his shirt on (i'm not complaining) as he does Come Together (how bukkake) and it's all rather good. A little bit dangerous. A little bit sexy. A little bit amazing. Christ alive! Louis has been using CherylChainMail's hair dye! How scary. Matt (mercifully) has stopped using his praying hands and kisses one of his fists instead. Dannii says she is dripping. I've heard that happens to women once they've had a baby...
• CHER(YL) ~ CherylChainMail introduces her as adorable and I'm on the phone right away complaining to trading standards about that description. A puppy is adorable. A girl who looks like she would glass you with a WKD bottle is not. During Beatles week she decides to sing a John Lennon solo song. Because apparently rules do not apply to her! I don't even think she is that good and why she keeps grinning inanely as if to say "yes, i'm really this brilliant" is beyond me. Simon takes a drink mid performance. He's probably bored. To be honest, i went to heat up some mulled wine! PS ~ CherylChainMail's hair looks greased down in bacon fat. Yuck.
• ONE DIRECTION ~ Yay! I'm really loving a bit of Wand Erection. And I actually wrote that as WE without even thinking about it. Incredible. Dannii says they must get it perfect. Dear god, don't let Zain sing then! hoho. They are up on boxes singing a rather glorious, uplifting version of All You Need Is Love. COMPLETE WITH LOVE LOVE LOVE BACKING VOCALS. AND HAND CLAPS. It sounds totally beatles via Bay City Rollers via 2010. I love love love. KEY CHANGE. EUPHORIA. Yes, i liked it. A lot. CherylBaconFat is in a right pissy mood tonight. I'm perversely pleased by this. Yay.
• REBECCA ~ Rebecca is loving airbrushing. I would love it.I have to attempt photo shop to get rid of my lines, wrinkles and bags. She is singing a Beatles song according to her "scintillating" VT, because that little nugget is as interesting as it's going to get this week. At least that puts her one ahead of Cher(yl)!! She's doing Yesterday and sadly not the En Vogue hip hop version. She's dressed as a blood clot and obviously has a terrible vitamin deficiency as she has rickets. Her legs are REALLY FAR APART, like she has taken it up the 'arris!! Good God! She must have had a hard day's night, chortle. Look, I haven't written much about the song because we all know Rebecca is a jolly fine vocalist. I'd just like something a bit different. Dannii should have dragged her along when she went to see Elouise this week to see how someone can excel at slow songs but also be more versatile.

• MARYFROMTESCO ~ Maryfromtesco's daughter (DawnfromBeeJams)is the spitting image of her in't she?! I'm half hoping that Mary sings while scanning items through on a till. She's not. Sadness. She does that Shirley Bassey version of Something In The Way She Moves. I think she's trying to be sexy with her girlish headbead on. And Pat Butcher's flowing jacket. (Dannii has the matching Pat Butcher earrings). I really quite like the performance. I think it's a bit pointless getting Mary to do anything beyond 1979 as it's not what she is about nor is it what people want from her. PS, i totally think Louis' suit is from the "buy the suit, get the shoes, shirt and tie free" range for £129 at Burtons. Bargainings!
• PAIJE ~ Paije felt punched in the face last week. Oh dear, he must have run across CherylBaconFat in the toot!! More chortling. He's doing Let It Be. It's a bit big for him, like his usual line in cabaret jackets. I wanted to give this to Princes and Rogues this week for my fake judges choices so I'm a bit miffed. He wheels out the children's choir from Michael Jackson's Earth Song and looks a bit godly on his podium. I suppose someone had to give them some work. Personally i'm grossly disappointed that he didn't bend the rules and do the Frog Chorus. That is proper immensicles. Louis calls him a little Marvin Gaye. Jesus, don't let his dad in the building...
• WAGNER ~ Each week the judges (rightly) slag Wagner off but let's not forget he wouldn't be at this stage of the competition if they hadn't kept putting him through the various stages and the public kept voting him through, so in effect they are slagging themselves off (which is ok) and slagging off the voting public who pay their wages (sort of) (which is not ok). Wagner runs on stage practically frenching the mic doing Get Back. Then it goes a bit weird for the Hippy Hippy Shake. I think someone is standing on his foot as he keeps going "ow" a lot. Then he does Hey Jude-Ju-Ju-Ju-Jude-Na-Na-Na-Na-OW! Oh. My. Christ. Said like Pamela Arugelashefsca Shipman from Gavin And Stacey. Was there a note in tune? I couldn't find it! CherylBaconGrease is in a right strop about something Wagner allegedly said in the paper. We have to ignore all the stuff written about her acts, and their behaviour and what they have said, but we must have our attention drawn to something Wagner allegedly said about CherylBaconFat. Hideous.
• KATIE ~ A girl goes last for the 5th time. Does being in the bottom 2 a total of four times out of 6 so far not tell you anything?! "The public saved you, don't forget that" bleats whiny CherylBaconFat. Uh, not really they didn't. She's come this week dressed as Eponine from Les Mis in her latest manipulative attempt to trick the public and she sort of sings Help. But it's not the Lanananeenanoonoo version so i'm not interested and she's not Aiden so that's a double negative. Which in this case does not make a positive. Meh meh meh. I don't know why I bother. It's clear the producers and half the judges want her to stay and will manipulate the show to keep her in so my opinion or anyone else who doesn't vote for her in their millions doesn't really matter. Dannii is right on the money and I absolutely love her for it.

Top performances ~ One Direction; Matt; Mary
Bottom 2 ~ Katie; Paije

I love a good cover version I do. When done well they bring an instant air of familiarity to your airwaves while hopefully offering something new into the mix, whether that be within the arrangement, the harmonies or the lead vocals. It's something X-Factor contestants do on a weekly basis (with varying degrees of success), but sometimes you will come across a cover version or two that is so outstanding it blows everything else out of the water. Here are two such recordings, both available this week...

Daniel Boys ~ To Make You Feel My Love

Ah Daniel. Aiden Grimshaw should take a leaf out of his book... Not winning Any Dream Will Do was probably a blessing in disguise for the charming Mr Boys. He's gone on to establish himself a pretty decent career in the West End (Avenue Q), put out a delightful debut album (the lovely So Close) and built up a solid concert following. His duet of I Know Him So Well with John Barrowman is one of the most stunning live performances I've seen/heard in recent years. His latest recording is a stripped back acoustic version of the Bob Dylan evergreen, To Make You Feel My Love. The guitar gently provides the background setting for an emotive performance from Daniel that accentuates his ability to really give a delivery with his vocals. His voice weaves a spell around the lyrics so you are transfixed by his total immersion into the song. He resists the need to belt it out, making it a more subdued plea that highlights the nuances in the melody. It's a truly beautiful performance that sadly shimmers from start to finish. Daniel is definitely an accomplished vocalist and definitely knows how to interpret a tune to maximum effect. It helps that he's an absolute looker too :) Be sure to follow him on twitter to download this gorgeous, gorgeous track for zero pence. amazing.

Elouise ~ You'll Never Walk Alone:

I've already chatted quite extensively about the two other songs on Elouise's latest Stardust Melodies EP (The Winner Takes It All and Stardust). Larry Flick premiered the third track from the EP (out now on iTunes) on his Morning Jolt yesterday and it's an absolute stunner. It's a simmering rendition of the Carousel anthem You'll Never Walk Alone and proves once again that the match of Steve Anderson's production values with Elouise's ever stunning vocals is something very special indeed. The instrumental backing is a slowly building echoing wall of orchestral magic that sounds incredibly festive without being Christmassy - let me clarify that: it's the type of song that an established artist would put out at Christmas, dominate the festive charts with but be the song that you can play all year round. There is an air of angelicness around the choral backing vocals that bring the song into life at the start with Elouise providing a tempered breathy delivery of the lyrics. As the tune progresses, there is a building drama that never completely goes over the top and nor should it - the passion in Elouise's voice demonstrate a an abiding love for the song and an emotional connection often missing in her contemporaries. And kudos to Steve for letting Elouise shine with that heavenly choir and orchestra that always enhances her but never overtakes her. Simply gorgeous. Buy the EP right here.

I've had such a busy week that i'm not sure i'm caught up on everything enough to do a decent blog today! So I had a quick butchers at last years blogs to see what I was getting up to while I impatiently waited until it was feasible enough to start doing all the new Christmas music reviews (I'm giving at least one more week). And keeping with, but not quite, the festive spirit I was having a gander at what songs should be Christmas singles for todays popstars (none of them were. Bah. No one ever listens to me. So I present some songs that absolutely should be the big Christmas single promotional push for artists. But won't be...

THE CHRISTMAS CHART THAT WON'T BE...

• Jason Donovan ~ When You Come Back To Me (Yuletide Sleigh Mix): Should absolutely be rereleased to not only celebrate his new covers album I Love The 80s but also his brillo double cd rerelease of Between The Lines. It's as festive and jolly as you remember, but this lesser heard version has a entirely seasonal talky bit at the beginning which is as cheesy but delicious as some festive stilton. ESSENTIAL!
• Joe McElderry ~ Someone Wake Me Up/There's A Place For Us : Mercifully, this is the second single from Joe's album and is released the week before whatever cover version Simon foists upon this year's X Factor winner. It's the perfect chirpy follow up to Ambitions, but to give it some extra welly, it totally needs to be a double A side with the rather lovely traditional ballad from the new Narnia film (performed by EMD here).
• Bjorn Johan Muri ft Kelly Mueller ~ Nobody Knows: In a perfect world, Bjorn would have had some sizeable hits in the UK now with Yes Man and Once Upon A Time. But whoever said this world was perfect? This sparse, electro-tinged and slightly haunting but very pretty and melodic ballad duet would light up the ending of any Christmas party while drunken, ill-matched couples smooch away in their corner and cop a good feel. Lovely.
• Maroon 5 ~ Never Gonna Leave This Bed: What has gone wrong with the Hands All Over campaign? It's sort of fizzled out in the UK and the lovely Adam and his gang need something that's a bit familiar, a bit warm and a bit catchy to get it back on track. This radio friendly, singalong track would be perfect. How about some cozy hotel room ski lodge style video with a nice roaring fire to make it a bit more "tis the season"...Ta.
• Scissor Sisters ~ Sex and Violence: See above about latest Maroon 5 album campaign? Ditto the Scissters. Bah humbug I say, bah humbugger. Every Christmas needs a song that is so wonderfully not festive and such an antithesis to all the sleighbells and good tidings - this dark, disco tinged creation is just that and so exquisitely dangerous. Play loud.
• Le Kid ~ We Should Go Home Together: It's perhaps the perkiest pop song you've heard in the longest time - sort of a mix between Alphabeat's 10,000 Nights of Thunder and Britannia High's perennially amazing Start of Something (exuberant live version of course). Just the sort of skip along with happiness that you need when you've been splashed from head to toe by a bus driving through a slushy puddle. and need cheering up (yes this was my walk home from work)...
• Elouise ~ Massive Christmas song: That's not the title of the song of course but I need a nice festive single and while Bananarama and Mariah are doing that quite wonderfully (see chart below), I think Elouise could clean up with a rather heavenly Christmas album - all class and none of that shouty wailing that Mercedes is doing all over the Glee Christmas album. Give her an elegant version of As Long As There's Christmas and pair it with a heartbreaking ballad such as Deborah Gibson's Christmas Without You. There won't be a dry eye in the house...
• X Factor Finalists ~ All I Need Is You: Tragically this will never happen. Britain gets a dodgy cover of David Bowie's Heroes. I still maintain that Hotel Rival's Second Best To None should be the perfect X Factor finalists single that would linger in the charts for weeks. Swedish Idol has done the next best thing by putting out this gorgeously optimistic and uplifting tune. Just imagine how brillo this would be with Wagner doing a line, Nicolo Ford Fiesta being all bitter and Cher(yl)Clone being all rap-esque like Lady Sovereign in the middle somehow. It would be top ten for weeks.
• X Factor Winner ~ My Heart Is Yours/Story Of A Heart: How about being a bit daring and having a great double A side winners single like the glory (hole) days of William of Young?! One side could be the eurovision entry for Norway this year originally sung by the devillishly goodlooking Didrik Solli-Tang and the other side could be the yearning beauty of Benny Andersson Band's Story Of A Heart. Both epic. Both not v well known in the UK. And if they are too sweeping, the winner (aka Matt) can always do an acoustic version with some nice soprano here and there...

Top 21 Singles of The Week:

21 ~ Joe McElderry, Someone Wake Me Up (NE)
20 ~ Joe McElderry, Ambitions
19 ~ Grobbie, Shame
18 ~ Darin, Drowning
17 ~ Eric Saade, Break of Dawn
16 ~ Kylie, Better Than Today (NE)
15 ~ Ola, Riot
14 ~ A1, In Love & I Hate It
13 ~ Jessie J, Price Tag (VID)
12 ~ Robbie Williams, Heart & I
11 ~ Le Kid, We Should Go Home Together
10 ~ JLS, Love You More
09 ~ Westlife, Safe
08 ~ McFly, Shine A Light
07 ~ EMD, What Is Love?
06 ~ P!nk, Raise Your Glass
05 ~ Deborah Gibson, I Love You
04 ~ Andrea Lewis ft Simon Curtis, Talk To Me
03 ~ Shayne Ward, Gotta Be Somebody
02 ~ Take That, The Flood
01 ~ Gravitonas, You Break Me Up (2 weeks)

Christmas singles chart (full version coming next week) ~ 3 - Annie Lennox, Universal Child; 2 - Mariah Carey, Oh Santa; 1 - Bananarama, Baby It's Christmas (1 week)

as you must surely know by now, i love the x-factor. I am equal parts delighted and disappointed by it on a regular basis but it is surely the most engrossing reality/music show on tv in the UK at the moment. However, as i watch I am often reminded of all the talented folk out there whom I adore who are going grassroots and building up their careers and fanbase without the aid of tv's most powerful promotional tool. This little feature is dedicated to shining a light on their marvelous talent and investigating what songs they might be performing in the show... (PS both these acts are mentioned in a very ace post by Bobby!)

Your X-Factor alternative to...Cher = DeeDee

Let me preface this by saying I do find it quite exciting to have someone like Cher on this year's show. She's certainly not cut out to be your average contestant. Having said that, it does make me throw up in my mouth a little when Simon states that she is one of the most exciting pop acts in the UK right now. This is simply not true. She is arguably one of the more interesting contestants who covers songs of innovative artists right now. By the time her album comes out mid-late 2011, she will be a homogenised version of all those great artists she aims to be like. Sadness. DeeDee is out there and doing what Cher should be doing right now. Her "The Lowdown" EP (now on iTunes, mp3 buying fans) is a 5 song festival of gutsy, emotion-sharing, no holds barred musical magnificence that pops & sizzles with fresh sounds, tight production and the elusive "swagger" Louis Walsh keeps referring to. In short, it's an impressive debut. I've written about Balls and Endure (the latter not on the EP) already, along with the infernally catchy Bum Around (note - not Bum Love as I mortifyingly referred to it on twitter once!). There are still plenty of new delights to discover in The Lowdown ~ Balls still outranks Cee-Lo as one of the best "oh just fuck off" songs of the year. Amazing how something so theatrical and perfectly pogo pop can absolutely drip vengence and malice while still sounding so upbeat. This is one girl you don't want to piss off :) Bum Around is a call to arms to all those who do just want to follow the beat of their own (admittedly lazy) drum - and yes, I still get a rush from sing "bum bum bum bum" so many times in a row! Low sounds like it should be easily sitting in the top 5 of the charts right now - Terry Ronald and Ian Masterson have done a sterling job of crafting these percolicious melodies that wonderfully match DeeDee's distinctive vocal and offset the often cheeky downbeat lyrics. Been There Done That is my current favourite from the EP - ever been messed around? Fed up of playing manipulative mind games? This is the song / anthem for you. Hammond organs, hand claps and a galloping beat all swirl around DeeDee delivering her vocal with a real "are you kidding me" attitude. That she throws her all into the song and attacks the lyrics with such insightful finesse is what makes this EP a real winner. My x factor song choices for her so far? The Fear by Lily Allen (number ones week) & Devil in Disguise by Elvis Presley (heroes week)... Now go buy the EP :)

Your X-Factor alternative to...Rebecca = Elouise

I love Rebecca. Like Stacey last year, she brings an element of class and elegance to everything she does. My one hope is that she gains more confidence and performs to the audience, rather than looking like she is encapsulated in her own little world. Someone who knows how to put on a show of course is my beloved Elouise. Readying another live showcase at Madame JoJos, her second EP is imminent - and features a trio of classic songs given the Elouise treatment. I've already reviewed the title track of the EP, Stardust (video above) and the Abba classic, Winner Takes It All (video below) here... and I'm excited to hear what will no doubt be a soaring take on the motivational & often quite comforting You'll Never Walk Alone. Let's return for a second to Stardust, performed live above. In the first few seconds alone, Elouise is the song. She's so invested in performing it, throwing her all into the emotion of it that her tiny figure isn't at all dwarfed by the massive stage - it's the focal point for anyone in the room. I love some of the OTT production on the X-Factor but moments like this remind you that sometimes less is most definitely more. Similarly, the piano-led Winner Takes It All interpretation performed below is all about bringing the emotion of the lyrics to life, with insightful production and an absolutely heartbreaking (almost devastatingly so) performance. As I've said before, she's the Disney princess, some years after the Prince has run off with the scullery maid and singing her heart out to those lucky enough to hear her. From 3m13 to about 3m55 in the video below - well just watch and try not to be a little bit breathless by the range of emotions on display; and the powerful note of determination after the fragility of life's fractured ways. Amazing. My x-factor song choices for her so far? All Time Low by The Wanted (a paired down piano ballad version) (number ones) and Only Yesterday by The Carpenters (heroes). And i've got a doozy lined up for her for guilty pleasures week :)

The grey skies of London sparkled a little brighter on Saturday night when Elouise bought her live show to the capital. Produced by the wonderful Steve Anderson, it was destined to be a fine introduction to the powerful and emotive vocal stylings of Elouise and a reminder that voice and performance is still important and needed in the world of pop music; a flashback to times when Judy, Shirley, Dusty et all would simply take to the stage and command a presence from start to finish. A full set list is available on Steve Anderson's blog (I remain quite pleased that recently when I sent Elouise a list of musicals songs she should one day cover, I had inadvertantly guessed one which made this list!) and it's hard to imagine any other contemporary singers who could perform these songs in one sitting and make it seem so effortless and engaging. There's epic balladry in there, but it's mixed in with danceable delights (One Night Only, Could It Be Magic, Xanadu) and delicious campery (Fireman Of My Dreams). For those that weren't there, I'm sure videos will pop up at some point on youtube - in the meantime, sample clips at Elouise's various webpages. Stardust Melodies EP should be available in October to add to your collection :)

I got the opportunity to ask Elouise some questions a few weeks back - here's what she had to say :)

So Stardust (the song) has just aired on Larry Flick's morning show - it seems like it's part of a much bigger musical landscape happening yet works well as a tune on it's own (i'm thinking of songs like Copacabana and Cabaret...) Does it set a template for the theme of your next Ep/forthcoming album?

You know I love Copacabana! Well I think the track ‘Stardust’ is one on it’s own. It sums up everything about Stardust in a song. The big musical production, the big voice, and it introduces the way for my own stardust melodies to follow on the EP. The next EP will be all covers, as well as ‘Stardust’ I have taken on two of the greatest melodies/anthems of all time, and these two songs are very much the powerful torch epics that I think people expect from me, although they’re so big I’m a little nervous about everyone’s response to these great classics!

It's also tinged with a sadness and pathos, that is offset by the sheer power and determination in your voice, matched with that gorgeous brass section which really brings it to life. Was the brass section there when you recorded the tune and do you draw on any experiences to bring out the emotion in your voice?

I always draw on my own personal experiences when I record and I always put every bit of emotion that I can into them. One of the songs is very personal to me and my family, and I put so much emotion and drama into it when recording that I nearly passed out!!!! (Although this was probably because I was hungry, and after a big bowl of pasta I was fine!)

I actually found the recording of ‘Stardust’ vocally challenging, as the vocal is huge throughout! The brass section wasn’t there when I recorded the track no. Once the vocal was down myself and Steve Anderson listened back to it, and Steve said it needs real brass!!!! So he made a few phone calls and pulled in the Kylie brass section! How cool is that! I don’t think you can beat real brass, and I can just imagine this song with a full live band one day in a fabulous dress at The Royal Albert Hall! ;)

Stardust (the show) is due in just a couple of weeks now - and you've been tweeting the gowns, the shoes, the dance routines - which are you most excited about?

The gowns, no the dance routines, no the gowns! I don’t know, all of it! The dresses are more fabulous than ever, and I now have a choreographer so the dance routines are fabulous too!!!!

And can you tell people who are/aren't attending what the show will deliver? What's the ultimate goal for you in performing this concert?

The show hopefully will deliver a night of glamour and a rollercoaster of emotions. I want the show to be a spectacle and I want to draw people into my world for that short space of time. The show takes on a magic section, a diva section, a heartbreak section and a love section. I use some of the greatest songs of all time to explore these emotions and tell my own stories through the music of iconic women such as Dusty Springfield, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. I also have two wonderful girls with me on the night, who also get to sing and dance in ridiculously high shoes and sequins, and we perform numbers like ‘No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) & ‘You Don’t Own Me’ together! It’s lots of fun!!! Not to mention I have a bit of eye candy in the show too.... I have a special support act on the night, ‘City Gents’ (below). These four gorgeous men are a cross between Il Divo and Michael Buble, and their voices are simply gorgeous! I have sneakily borrowed the men for certain numbers in the show too..... without saying to much... BOND, FIREMAN, and SEQUIN HOTPANTS.... well that kind of says it all doesn’t it :/ ...!!!!!!

The ultimate goal for me with this show is to vocally get through it! Almost every song is a show stopper in Stardust and it will be a huge vocal challenge to take on! At the end of it all though, I want the night to be a success, I want the audience to have had a wonderful night, packed with high glamour, drama, tears, laughter, fairy cakes, and fabulous songs.

Last time we spoke, we discussed working with people like Terry Ronald and Steve Anderson. You are continuing to work with them - is there anyone else you are currently working with/would like to work with?

The track ‘Stardust’ was written by Hoagy Carmichael, and this version was originally recorded by The Three Degrees. Steve Anderson has produced all three tracks on the next EP, like ‘The Stardust EP’, and I really think we have completely found my sound now. Working with Steve is like a dream come true and I feel we are creating something really magical with the music now. I hope myself and Steve will go on to produce a hit album, and continue to work together and make all these Stardust dreams come true. Having Steve, Terry Ronald and my creative team behind me is all I need and I have no ambition to work with anyone else. Although I still want to do a duet with someone at some point….!

The response to your first EP of songs seems to have gathered you a really dedicated following and larry flick has been promoting you like crazy! Have you noticed a discernable change in life yet or is everything still plodding along nicely while you wait for the next stage of your singing career?

No, I am still spending my rent money on sequins..!!!! The support from Larry Flick on Sirius XM in New York has been really incredible though, and I feel extremely lucky to have him support my music and my ambitions. The fans that I have gained from the first EP have all been truly wonderful, and I will be forever grateful for this early support in my career. I cannot do this without you all and I treasure every one of you!

You don't fit into a traditional pop genre. You sort of transcend the trends to create a more timeless sound - you are more a chanteuse for the ages than perhaps the next Lady Gaga. Is this because this is the type of music you love/grew up on? Is there ever a temptation to just belt out a Bad Romance floorfiller?

Oh totally! I love Bad Romance! We actually had an idea to do a mash up of the song for the show, but there just wasn’t time amongst everything else!

I think my voice just lends itself to this genre of music that I am creating. I love powerful dramatic songs full of emotion that have a beautiful melody and strings soaring on them! I think this is why myself and Steve get on so well! I did have a collection full of Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and Judy Garland when growing up! I think this probably started from my love of the musicals, and watching these fantastic women in films like ‘The Wizard Of Oz’, ‘Gypsy’, Funny Girl, ‘Meet Me In Saint Louis’. I’ve always been completely fascinated by them and their ability to move people through their performance, and it was something that I’ve always wanted to try and touch on in my performances.

How do you think your songs will fit in at radio? I think you have more of a sound that will sell a lot of albums rather than a lot of singles, but then again you only need a big Celine Dion-type ballad to launch a career...and a niche market can be incredibly lucrative in terms of dedicated fans craving your sound.

Absolutely. I have been working towards making this album happen for a long time now, and I am getting closer. If I could have a hit album one day that would be the dream come true. I think my sound will take some time to break into radio, but like you say all you need is that one song… have I got that song in the bag… maybe… ;)

Has it been hard to get to where you are currently at? Where you ever tempted to do Pop Idol/X Factor/A Song For Europe?! You could have been charting at 124 with That Sounds Good To Me!!

Oh my goodness can you imagine!!!!! I was actually asked to go and audition for Eurovision, but it seems they didn’t want the diva in the dress and the epic torch ballad after all… ;)

A few years ago I was tempted to go for Pop Idol, X Factor, yes… in fact before these shows all started I went for an audition. It was a long audition process all over the country and I was actually chosen for the band, but then after lots of discussions they decided they should have filmed the auditions, and we were all dropped, and then the launch of Pop Idol started, in which I did go back for but was turned away at the first audition. From this moment I knew how fickle the industry can be, and this gave me my determination to do this the hard way, and I feel I am now getting there.

I'm still obsessed with Fireman Of My Dreams - what's the reaction been like to that song? It's camp and funny and glorious all at once!

I know isn’t it! The reaction to ‘Fireman’ has been really great! I think people liked the subtle cheekiness of the song, and enjoyed hearing me sing something a little different. I’ll be performing ‘The Fireman Of My Dreams’ in Stardust, the audience might even get to see a real fireman’s helmet if they’re lucky…! ;)

So after Stardust the show - what are your plans then?

Well, I’ll be releasing my second EP, ‘Stardust Melodies’, and then hopefully working towards a single, and of course an album!!!! We also hope to try and get my show ‘Stardust’ on the road for a mini tour, so lots to do and be working on!

If you could do a cover version in your own style of any current (ish) song, what would you do and why?

Well, I’ve had ideas about covering a Britney song recently actually, something we might try in the future… There’s a few songs I’ve thought about covering actually, from Kylie to Skunk Anansie to Erasure! What cover would you like to hear me perform..? Maybe I’ll be able to do it… ;)

Well you know, I have a whole host of songs I'd like you to cover - in particular a musicals album. But most recently - hmmm, how about putting a female spin on Shame by Robbie Williams?! Right, what's currently on your iPod that you would recommend?

My ipod is currently taken up with songs from ‘Stardust’!! I do have a few others in there though, In fact Steve Anderson has got me into a wonderful artist called Rumer. Her voice is like Karen Carpenters, it’s really gorgeous soothing music, and I’m loving Katy Perry at the minute, she’s good fun.

Oh, I really like Rumer! I've written about her once, mainly because of Steve tweeting about her! Now, you've done a lot of Abba tribute concerts in the past - are you the AnniFrid or Agnetha?! And have you ever thought of recording one of their tunes for yourself? They certainly do heartbreak and sadness incredibly well (ditto Karen Carpenter) (note: I asked this question before Winner Takes It All had been announced as a recorded track! I'm two for two!)...

I feel like you can read my mind….!!!! Yes I have depped for a few Abba bands in the past, and I am an Agnetha not a Frida! I quite like being blonde actually for a short space of time!

As you will now be aware I have covered ‘The Winner Takes It All’! For me, this is one of the greatest pop songs ever written, the song has a beautiful melody and at the heart of it is an incredibly sad story. I wanted to try and give a piece of myself to this song and see if I could pay tribute to one of the greatest classic songs of all time. I am incredibly proud of the version myself and Steve Anderson have created, and I hope it honors the song. If you liked this song though, wait to you hear track 3 on the EP….!

and finally, what of Steve Anderson’s tracks would you cover?

You know I really love ‘Confide In Me’ but it has been covered twice now! I just love the opening musical production, it is like a Bond theme and I love it!!!!!! I don’t know, I would just like to sing my own song that Steve and myself have written one day.

Thanks Elouise for your time in answering these questions :)

The rural retreat continues - and I managed to get the internet connection to work well enough today that I caught the delightful Elouise have a chat with my beloved Larry Flick on The Morning Jolt. It was serendipity - the connection had been down all day, but just as we were having a yummy lunch, the gods smiled and it lasted all through to the second play of Winner Takes It All. Aceballs. Here's my thoughts on the two new Elouise tracks that will keep me going until Stardust live on 11th September (follow Elouise on twitter here)...

Stardust ~ ever wonder what happened to snow white, belle, princess jasmin et al after the Disney movie had finished? Stardust is their tale. It's 10 years later, the bloom has faded on the rose, they don't look at the prince the same way and he doesn't see her as a doe eyed cheerleader. But there is still magic and sparkle in their world and they are going to sing it out at the Princess bar downtown...Stardust the song feels like it's part of a greater musical canvas that Elouise will reveal as part of her debut album. In that sense, it's like Liza Minelli's Cabaret or Barry Manilow's Copacabana - a song that tells it's own tale, has it's own pathos and passion, yet also fits in as part of a greater aural musical theatre. It begins with an acapella vocal by Elouise prior to some lush piano coming in. This works amazingly well for her voice - you can visualise that Princess bar, a slightly smoky atmosphere, the tinge of sadness in the air but the absolute power and passion in the delivery that makes you feel that a) she doesn't regret these sad memories for they have made her who she is and created her musical aura and b) she's ready to take these experiences and let other people learn from them - and from this, there's a joy in the sadness that eventually gives Stardust a somewhat playful feel. At 90s or so, there's a big drum roll and the song takes on a more jazzy feel with a gorgeous brass section that has a great rhythmic beat to it and perfectly frames Elouise and the swooning backing vocals. Beautifully produced, it soars as an antidote to some of the more soulless concoctions that pervade radio and takes the listener back to a time where gimmicks weren't needed - an impassioned delivery that matches (rather than is swallowed by) the instrumentation and tells a story that is both graceful and yearning. Absolutely heavenly. As an album/show opener (or closer), this is nigh on perfection in the world Elouise (and her musical team) have created.

The Winner Takes It All ~ Weirdly, before I even knew Elouise had recorded this song, I was asking her some questions for an upcoming interview that make me feel quite prophetic right about now. There's always a danger in ANYONE covering an Abba song, no less one that has had it's place most recently in Mamma Mia and a Kylie & Dannii duet. This is a different concoction and rather than producing something lazy that would more than have sufficed (I suspect whatever arrangement there was, Elouise would have carried it off vocally), this production feels uniquely created for Elouise, her album and her show. There is a lot going on in the background, but it doesn't feel cluttered, neither does the stunning backing track take over. It works seamlessly to complement Elouise's vocal delivery... She knows when to show restraint, when to let loose and when to temper her voice just in time to let the song holistically shine. Essentially, the instrumental builds and is continually layered as the song moves and breathes. The second verse is particularly gorgeous with piano chords playing off against strings and a lilting piano melody with an amazing ascending crescendo of notes bringing back the crashing drums. Fireworks explode in the sky with this song. It's instantly become one of my very favourite versions of the tune I've ever heard. "No self confidence - but you see..." becomes a five second menagerie of emotions from fragility, humility and sheer determination. To deliver that perfectly is a testament to Elouise's understanding of the song and her knowledge of how and when to control what comes out of those powerful singing lungs of hers. Expect this to debut high on my chart this Sunday. I'm stunned...
More Elouise at her own site and interview at Bobbypops...
Coming soon: Gravitonas! Darin! Their new videos and interviews :)

Thank Christ it's Saturday. I'm going to have to get used to doing my weekly catch up post on a Fri/Sat instead of Sunday for the forseeable future as X Factor is back next Saturday and I will be busy doing my write ups of them for each Sunday (though I can't remember whether I blog the auditions or not, or just start at bootcamp stage? I will see how enthused I am!)... Other than that, it's only two weeks til my countryside retreat week and only 105 days til I go for a Christmas break in Disney World. Woohoo! Gotta keep those holiday goals in sight :) Right, what's been occurring this week?

The week that was...

• Reclusive Barclay Brothers ~ We Could Be Lonely Together: I am not exaggerating when I say that A LOT has been written about the business model of RBB this week. Basically, it's billed as they are paying you £27 to listen to their music. What really happens is you enter your email into their website and are entered into a draw (read more on it all here). I'd rather concentrate on the song though because I really like it :) It's essentially an enticing tune with a slightly punky attitude.It's built around a fuzzy glam-rock guitar sound with a vocal style over it that comes across as both a little aggressive and a little sweet. In this type of tune, the vocal has to carry the melody and it's definitely strong and distinctive enough to do that. It gels together with clever lyrics and enough hook to have that chorus swimming in your head for days. If Bowie were a woman he would have been proud to have released this tune. Oh and two things - 1) the guitarist is uncoventionally handsome and definitely worthy of the cosmic horn and 2) my email is thezapping@gmail.com. Just saying :P
• DeeDee ~ Balls: Not enough people are writing about the entirely charming, yet potty mouthed DeeDee. All this will change very shortly I should imagine. I became somewhat entranced with her brilliant tune Endure earlier in the year and it seems she is stepping up a gear as she readies the release of her first EP. Balls is a lyrical triumph that stands out in an overcrowded market of dear diary assertive female singers (see Lily Allen, Kate Nash, Eliza Doolittle et al). It's a devilishly vaudevillian slice of pop-cabaret with vicious putdown lyrics aimed at an errant lover. It's the clever structure of the song that makes it all flow together seamlessly - the verses finish mid sentence and it swiftly continues into a galloping chorus that is instantly a new generation's You Oughta Know. Only catchier. Let's not forget that sinfully delightful middle 8 - a rompy breakdown of "fuck you, you motherfucker/i wanna run you over with my truck-a/you're the reason I'm outta luck-a"... it deserves - no, demands to be sung loud and proud. A gem of a pop tune and surely the start of big big things for DeeDee...
• Elouise - Stardust Live: The ever so lovely, delicate Elouise has launched a brand new website in support of upcoming music and a live show on Sept 11th at the beautiful looking Tabernacle venue in London. The website is full of little treats like a cute video of Elouise in a rather lovely looking garden, some musical treats and of course some nice rehearsal footage of her practicing some new dance routines for the ace gang to master (hello Kris Manuel! :P) Things are only looking glittery and glam for Elouise right now, so if you aren't already a convert, be sure to spend time with her sound as she readies her debut album with the incomparable Mr Steve Anderson. Cannot wait. Oh, ace gang summit today to plan the trip to the concert :P
• Pretty Little Liars ~ yes it's all a bit Twin Peaks meets Veronica Mars via Gossip Girl, but naturally I have become obsessed with ABC Family (surely the new WB?) latest summer smash. And no it's not just because teacher Ezra Fitz is all sorts of apple bringing amazing :P It's just one of those so called Guilty Pleasures and the OTT cliffhanger has me both furious and curious :P Like all these teen shows, there's an element of great music in it (particularly the theme tune) which made me yearn for the days of The OC and Dawson's Creek. Then, via Pip at Entertainment Focus, I discovered a rather great compilation cd with loads of US tv show music in it. Called American Dreams, there is bound to be something amazing on there to remind you of the glory days of the WB. And it's £2 off if you quote "PLAYDREAMS" at Play.com. Bargainings!
• The Baseballs ~ Chasing Cars: I've been a smitten little kitten with The Baseballs for a while now and finally it seems like they are getting their due across Europe with their brand of rockabilly covers of current(ish) pop tunes. Their latest is a typically rollicking run through of Snow Patrol weepy Chasing Cars. It turns it from MOR rock ballad into something that would have propelled Cha Cha DeGrigorio (the best dancer at St Bernadettes - with the worst reputation...:P). The thing that really works about the Baseballs is they put so much energy into their performances, turn familiar tunes into something different and new and exude such charm that it's hard not to like them. Now how about some All The Lovers and Bad Romance on album two please?!

Back tomorrow with Scissor Sisters video and a chart rundown!

I recently read that facebook is for people who you forgot were your friends and twitter is for people who you would probably like to be your friends. This is very probably extremely high on the truth-o-meter, should such a thing exist. I have lots of twitter buddies, but very few of whom I have met in "real life". What is great about twitter is that you can guage lots of very instantaneous opinions without visiting lots of different websites. Such as this one! One of the great people to follow for musical tips is Steve Anderson (who I recently did a post on here - and check out his latest recommendation on twitter above! GLORIOUS!) Here are some of his latest suggestions - some he's working with, some he just adores. And quite rightly so...

• Rumer ~ there is just something magical about the power and emotion portrayed in each note and nuance of Rumer's stunning vocal style. It reminds me (although isn't just a replica of) the timeless vocalists like Karen Carpenter, Agnetha Falgstok and Joni Mitchell. Her simply wonderful debut single, Slow, is a lyrical tale of unrequited love (so topical and so in line with my John James-Josie BB11 obsession) that weaves it's glorious melody intricately with the yearning in her voice to create an incredibly emotive and powerful piece of work. Definitely worthy of you falling in love with...
• Lauren Pritchard (above) ~ Painkillers is a wonderful song. It's imbued with the hurt and pain of a relationship, all backed up by a doleful yet sparse rhythmic melody and a powerful, yearning vocal from Lauren. Like Rumer, it's the vocal that makes you sit up and take notice. It's both soulful and rock (particularly in the *fights back* middle 8) and is so intrinsically linked with the emotion of the song that it becomes a real story. be sure to catch her live because there is a joyous diversity in her music that creates a real landscape of musical enjoyment.
• Project A ~ ooo, new girl group alert!! Will they succeed where Mini Viva, Dolly Rockers, Girls Can't Catch et al have failed? I really hope so - the sneak peak of Girls Will Be Girls on youtube is a pop treat - sleek production, fun lyrics, catchy chorus and sensual dance moves. I'm already salivating for the finished product. PLUS! They are rehearsing next to two punching bags! For some reason, this makes me want a big superhero kick-ass-the-movie type video from them please. Definitely one to watch out for with some pop luminaries working on this project (A)...
• Elouise ~ Ah Elouise. of course I have written about her many times before. I find her voice, her music and her live shows just entirely enchanting. So rather amazingly there is another opportunity for UK folk to catch her live on September 11th at The Tabernacle in London. It promises to be a night where Elouise explores the emotions and passions of some of the greatest divas of our time and intersperses her own beautiful music into the mix too. I'm hoping a new EP will be available at the time too... so do be sure to book your tickets for a night of pure Stardust. Sounds magical!

Coming soon: Video breakdowns of Olly Murs and Hurts; Fizzypop Chronicles...