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Strip Me Album by Natasha Bedingfield

Posted on December 7, 2010
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Natasha Bedingfield’s first album since her smash hit Pocketful of Sunshine in 2008 is set to be a huge hit if this last hour and a half is anything to go by. Listening to a highly contagious mixture of pop tracks and the sultry Unexpected Hero, I sat mesmerised by her vocal range and styling. Strip Me video below …

Strip Me is released today (Dec 7th, 2010) and available to buy as a cd or download now.

Ever since I heard Bedingfield sing Unwritten and These Words back in 2005 I have been a slave to her music! – Well not quite but you get the idea! There’s something about Natasha that oozes self-belief and a confidence that I find hard to beat.

Apart from appearing to be a wonderful lady (she lists Audrey Hepburn as a style icon), she can also sing live! I’ve had enough of the apparent miming that goes on and on every week when the chosen few join forces to sing the opening number on the results show. If you can sing live – sing live! I’d much rather see a few mistakes than a flawless mime any day!

On to the album! Four tracks stood out for me – The title track “Strip Me”, the infectious “Neon Lights”, “A Little Too Much” and “No Mozart”. Although I have no idea on what Natasha will release for her second single I’d like to think I’m fairly close to the mark with these three!

A little Too Much has a catchy chorus and various pace changes throughout the song – a complex song that will have you tapping your feet or hitting the steering wheel as you drive to work!

Neon Lights is another toe tapper …

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Olly Murs and Thinking Of Me – new single 21st November

Posted on November 18, 2010
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Olly Murs is set to release his second single on the 21st November, another happy go lucky track titled “Thinking of Me” (also includes  bonus track called “Sophie”) – video below.

The video features the cheeky chappy selling ice cream in the rain – not a great idea eh Olly?! He decides to close up the shutters and take a walk beside the river. Strutting his stuff on a variety of bollards (nice balance act mate) Olly is joined by a bevy of beauties as he waxes lyrical about Great old London town.

His self-titled debut album “Olly Murs” follows on the 29th November.

Another track to feature a reggae background/tint – whatever you want to call it. I personally think it’s another infectious song that will have people smiling, after all that’s what Olly does best so why change now?

So do I think this is a ground breaking song ? No I don’t – Will it win an MTV award? I highly doubt it but will you tap your feet, sing along in the car and enjoy it for what it is – most definitely. That is of course assuming you like Olly’s style to begin with. You either liked him on X Factor and his little jigs or you didn’t.

There’s nothing I’ve seen in his first two releases to suggest he’s doing anything wrong. Epic are guiding him down the cheerful reggaesque and I for one can’t see anything wrong with it. He makes bright videos, belts out a tune or two and makes you smile – what more could you ask for in this economic hellhole of a society?!

One thing I did notice, and I think his management have been clever here – both “Please Don’t Let Me  Go…

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Olly Murs long awaited debut single “Please Don’t Let Me Go”

Posted on August 22, 2010
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It’s been a long time coming but in just one week, Olly Murs releases his brand new debut single “Please Don’t Let Me Go“. Shot on location in Reading I’ve included the official video below and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a foot tapping number sure to set the charts alight!

The timing couldn’t have been better what with the X Factor launching last night, no doubt we’ll see Olly strut his funky stuff on one of the live shows given he’s been signed with Simon Cowell’s label Syco and Epic Records. With two great companies behind him and clever musical choices I’m sure the lad will do well.

His first offering is, as I’ve mentioned, “Please Don’t Let Me Go” and has a summer/Carribbean feel to it. Fairly similar to his style on the X Factor last year, his performance both musical and visual have been refined and I like what I see – very keen to see what he does with an album.


Very catchy and instantly memorable, the song will stick in your head – good or bad! The single is released on Amazon on the 27th August 2010 and features another summer/reggae style “This One’s For The Girls“.

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Cheryl Cole happy and Gamu Jazz’s the X Factor

Posted on August 22, 2010
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It was good to see Cheryl Cole back on our screens last night following her serious fight against Malaria last month. I’ve always been indifferent to Cheryl’s multiple appearances on tv and in the papers but I have to admit, over the last year or so, I’ve warmed up to the Geordie girl and would probably miss her style on X Factor if she had been forced to quit.

The X Factor Final 12 – Spoiler Here

Louis Walsh on the other hand – I wouldn’t miss at all! I’d love to see him replaced, he’s nothing more than a Leprechaun – or is that disparaging to Leprechaun’s?!!

In today’s paper “The People” it runs an exclusive report on Cheryl’s new found happiness following her split from husband Ashley, the 27-year-old insists that she has never been happier.

Cheryl’s first Official book is launched next month titled “Through My Eyes“.

She told The People: “I’ve got so much to look forward to in the next few months. I’ve never felt happier.”

Cheryl has now fully recovered from the disease that left her hospitalised. Friends said that the singer now feels ready to move on from the pain of her marriage break-up.

A source said: “Cheryl’s saying I feel like I’ve turned my life around.

“She says she’s looking at doors opening for her in her life over the next few months. She is excited about starting this whole new chapter in her life.

“It’s great to see her looking and feeling good again after all that she’s been through.

“She is talking excitedly about starting work on The X Factor again and the release of a pop single.”

They added: “But she seems particularly relieved about the way her divorce is progressing. There is no time frame here. …

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Perfection – Guy Sebastian

Posted on July 25, 2010
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Way back in 2003 when I was in Melbourne having fun and playing tennis I, like milions of Australians, watched Guy Sebastian win the very first Australian Idol. I didn’t want to get caught up in the hype, I should have been watching neighbours, but I did. Despite his woolly afro hair (I wasn’t a fan!) at the time, I remember buying his first album “Just As I am” and was immediately hooked.

“She’s beautiful, flawlessly divine”

Guy has released five studio albums, the last in 2009 called “Like it like that” which happens to be the first single to be released from the album. The track hit number one in Australia going 3 times platinum in the process. His second single which featured American Idol star Jordin Sparks only reached number seven. Despite his appearance on Hey Hey It’s Saturday his third single unfortunately reached 51 in the Australian charts failing to go Platinum.

When he showed up for the Adelaide auditions in 2003 he sang Stevie Wonder’s Ribbon in the Sky. The formalities over and despite joking about his hair, the judges were mesmerised from the moment he started singing the song. Little did we know then that he would turn into the great singer he is today. He has always had talent, that much is obvious, but to make it in the business it helps to have an adoring public willing to buy your music. Without that you have nothing. Fortunately for Guy he had a following keen to soak up almost everything he offered.

There are two stand out tracks on the album for me, “Magic” and “Perfection” (lyrics below) and it’s the latter that really struck a chord with me. Despite its cheesy lyrics the song is heartfelt and until its …

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Joe Nichols “As Country As She Gets”

Posted on July 16, 2010
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Way back in 1994 I was introduced to country music via Tim McGraw’s”Don’t Take The Girl“. It meant a lot to me then and it still does, I never tire enough from listening or watching that video – I still get shivers when I listen to the story that unfolds in the video.

As the years have passed I’ve become a staunch fan of the new country style and quite often listen to Tracy Lawrence, Billy Currington, Dixie Chicks, Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert …. I could go on and on!!! I digress, the reason for this post is Joe Nichols. Nichols is an amazing singer who has struggled in recent times with substance abuse checking in to rehab in 2007.

Don’t ask me why but I can’t get enough of  “As Country As She Gets”, it’s just an amazing track. Never released as a single it’s one of the stand out tracks from his 2005 “III” album. Despite the number 1 “Tequila Makes her clothes fall off” and the wonderfully moving single “I’ll Wait for You”,  “As Country As She Gets” still remains a big favourite. “III”  is a Gold album and reached number 2 in the charts.

As Country As She Gets – Lyrics

She hates goin’ anywhere in my old truck
She says it’s always muddy and it rides so rough
And there ain’t no graceful way to climb up in a dress
Yeah i’m about as country as she gets

I might get her on the lake to fish with me
If the water’s smooth and the sky is blue with a nice cool breeze
But anything we catch i’ll have to clean myself
Cause i’m about as country as she gets

She’ll slip off a pair of heels
Walk barefoot across the field…

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I’m falling in love tonight – Elvis Presley

Posted on January 27, 2010
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On the way to work today and had the iphone plugged into the car and the third song to hit the airwaves was Elvis Presley’s “I’m falling in love tonight”. The song, taken from It happened at the world’s fair (1963), is a beautiful romantic song and one I have always enjoyed listening to.

It’s a great film and a wonderful soundtrack – I believe the film introduced Kurt Russell to the acting world as a precocious kid who kicks Elvis in the shin for money!

Hope you enjoy the video!

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What could be nicer – Mum the kettle’s boiling

Posted on August 17, 2009
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I’m not quite sure what made me think of this song by Gilbert O’Sullivan but it evokes so many memories for me of my dad and growing up – he used to play this song in the car – on cassette (yes the song is old!) – I haven’t heard it for a while and I tracked it down on youtube earlier and it’s still the great song I always thought it was!

Quite often, early memories are clouded when you get a little older, things always seemed better in the good old days – children’s tv always seemed better and the films and programmes you watched as a teenager were better than the offerings today. That rule doesn’t always apply and it freaks me out when I catch an old programme I used to love growing up and now think “how the hell did I like that as a kid”?

I digress! What could be nicer (Mum the kettle’s boiling) is an example of the former, I loved it then – perhaps because mum and dad loved it so much, and I love it now. So many fond memories come flooding back of road trips and quiet moments in the house listening to Gilbert’s melodic songs.

You don’t hear much about him any more, time to do some investigating and find out what he’s up to, if he still performs etc! I’ll update this blog with info on him if I find any – in the mean time if anyone who reads this knows anything or this song evokes fond memories of growing up then drop me a line!

The Lyrics !

Mum, the kettle’s boiling
Daddy what’s the time
Sis, look what you’re doing
Can’t you see the baby’s crying
Tell your Uncle Tony
Helen wants to know…

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Save The Last Dance Please !

Posted on October 6, 2007
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I was taking a look around youtube today and came across Michael Buble’s “Save the last dance for me” video and it’s another great offering from the Canadian crooner. While watching the video I am positive the dancer he teams up with in the ballroom class is none other than the beautiful Flavia Cacace (part of the Vincent and Flavia partnership). Anyone reading this confirm that it is indeed Flavia ? I hope someone can help – it’s doing my head in !

Thanks to the guys at Digital Spy, I’ve found out that the youtube video is no longer available. here’s another version!!

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American Idol – The trio, my take !

Posted on May 18, 2007
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Sitting here watching a delayed showing of American Idol and I thought I’d make notes as the evening went for the final three. Jordin opened the show with a great performance one that oozes class. I preferred this version to the original “Wishing on a star”. Simon Cowell liked the performance but didn’t like the arrangement.

There’s no doubt the three best singers are left in the semi-final and it’s going to be hard to chose the final two from these talented singers!!! Blake’s up and singing a police classic “Roxanne”. Blake has a magnificent delivery and yet again makes the song his own with a faultless performances, very reggae!!! He ends the song with a slide towards the judges – no beat boxing ! Again Cowell keeping it real comparing with Sting’s rendition.

Now then this will be very interesting, Melinda is going to sing Whitney Houston’s “I believe in you and me”, one of my all time favourite Whitney songs!! Not the greatest offerings from Melinda but it was polished and she made it her own. It sounded a key lower than Whitney’s version and not as “sweet” but it was still a cracking attempt. After the first round I’d probably have Jordin and Melinda as the finalists.

Jordin kicks off round two with a Donna Summer number, “she works hard for the money”. A very confident song but I didn’t think it was as good as the first song of the evening. Very feisty though. The crowd loved it! Oh wow, Blake gets to sing Maroon 5′s “This Love” – this will be interesting. Welcome back to Blakesville ! This is more his music – cracking blend of beat boxing and singing – I really enjoyed this, he’s back in the game. Judges agreed with me for …

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Michael Buble – Lost

Posted on May 11, 2007
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Every now and then you come across a song that you can’t switch off and before tonight’s drive home from work it was Tim McGraw’s “My Little Girl” from the movie Flicka. About five minutes into the drive tonight the cd flicked over to Michael Buble’s “Lost” – track six from his album “Call Me Irresponsible”. The haunting words and awesome delivery from Buble had me in awe and as soon as the track ended I hit return and the pleasure began once again.

He co-wrote “Lost” with another promising Canadian singer Jann Arden, and pianist Alan Chang. If you’d like to check out the music then why not visit the wonderful youtube for a fan’s version of the video, set to stills. I’ve no idea if Buble will release this song as a single but I hope he does just so I can see how he sees the video !!! Youtube Video Here

I can’t believe it’s over
I watched the whole thing fall
And I never saw the writing that was on the wall
If I don’t land
Days were slipping past
That the good things never last
That you were crying

Summer turned to winter
And the snow it turned to rain
And the rain turned into tears upon your face (I love these three lines, very simple, very clever !)
I hardly recognized the girl you are today
And god I hope it’s not too late
It’s not too late
‘Cause you are not alone
I’m always there with you
And we’ll get lost together
Till the light comes pouring through
‘Cause when you feel like you’re done
And the darkness has won
Babe, you’re not lost
When your worlds crashing down
And you can’t bear to fall
I said, babe, you’re not lost

Life …

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Miss Otis Regrets – Ella Fitzgerald and Porter

Posted on September 17, 2006
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Cole PorterI was watching an episode of The Ghost Whisperer (Ghost Bride) the other night and right at the end of the programme, during a wedding ceremony a song was used (post production) and it immediately struck me that I had heard it before, but from where? It turned out it was sung by Ella Fitzgerald and the track was “Do I Love you”. I absolutely love this song and although I’ve heard it before a few times, I’ve never been in a position to do any searching while it was fresh in my head.

The song led me to Ella’s renditions of classic Cole Porter songs spread over two albums, volume 1 and 2. I’ve heard and can easily recognise a lot of Porter’s songs but I was shocked to hear so many new ones in the collection. I certainly didn’t realise Cole had written the classics “In the still of the night”, “Too darn hot” and “Beguine the Beguine”. He truly was a master of his craft.

Listening to the album I re-discovered the song “Miss Otis Regrets” and again like “Do I Love You”, I had no idea it was written by Cole Porter. The song is a melancholy song written about the love of a woman, her fall from grace which led to her committing murder and her eventual death by execution. Not a song you’d ever think as romantic but sung by one of the greatest singers of all time, Ella transforms the song and delivers a tragic tale in her own imitable style.

Although very little background information is available for the song, the song was used in the stage production “Hi Diddle Diddle” in 1935. It has been suggested that Cole wrote the short song for friends but this is unconfirmed. …

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Beyonce hits the high notes

Posted on August 27, 2006
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Great to see Beyonce has made it to number one in the official UK charts, knocking Shakira and Wycleff off the top after three weeks. Beyonce’s Deja_Vu, recorded with her boyfriend Jay-Z was hotly tipped to shake the Colombian Goddess from her perch following positive midweek sales. Hips Don’t Lie has seen a resurgence in Shakira’s pop career.

Deja Vu is taken off her new album B-Day which is released next week (5th September) in the UK and US. Interestingly, Justin Timberlake saw his first single in three years, Sexyback, enter at 13 on download sales alone. It goes on general sale on Monday.

Meanwhile in the Album charts sexy Christina Aguilera’s amazing album has been knocked off the top spot by Snow Patrol’s Eyes Open. Possibly the truest reflection on quality and song writing ability sees socialite Paris Hilton entering the charts at a high 29 in her first week. The album isn’t worth the money and if you had to choose, pick either Christina’s album or the new Beyonce album.

Ten days ago Beyonce hit the headlines for her weight busting Maple Syrup diet, read more in an eariler blog !

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Tracy Lawrence launches label and new single

Posted on August 19, 2006
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Great news for Tracy Lawrence and country music fans alike. Together with his brother and manager Laney Lawrence, the Multi-platinum recording artist has launched Rocky Comfort Records (RCR), to be based in Nashville. The label will operate as a joint venture with CO5 Nashville (a division of CO5 Music) and has secured an exclusive retail distribution agreement with A2M Distribution. As president of RCR, Laney Lawrence will oversee the operation of the label, while Tracy Lawrence will direct A&R. His first single, “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” will be released to radio August 21 with his first studio album on the RCR/CO5 Nashville imprint scheduled for release in early 2007.

I’ve not heard this yet but i can’t wait to get my hands on some new material. It has been far too long in coming. “Then and Now“ was his last album to be released back in October 2005. The album was a collection of his greatest hits (and two new ones) and were all re-recorded due to contractual obligations. It was a smash hit with the fans and his new one due out early next year is set to be another hit..

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