Strip Me by Natasha Bedingfield

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 and charming song – co-written with Ryan Tedder and Wayne Wilkins – it reminded me of Natasha of old with a slight modern twist.

With the majority of tracks producing a vibrant and repetitive beat, this will without doubt be a popular album choice on personal iPod’s in the gym and running tracks.

Working alongside Andreas Kleerup, John Hill, Wyclef Jean, Salaam Remi, Ryan Tedder, Eg White and Sia Furler for the album, it’s clear to me that Natasha has found a new level of maturity and excitement in recording this, her third studio album.

4/5 Stars

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

Olly Murs - Thinking Of Me

Olly Murs is set to release his second single on the 21^st 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” and “Thinking of Me” single releases also feature two tracks you won’t find on the self-titled album due for release on the 29^th November.

Thinking of Me gets the thumbs up for a cheerful track even if he’s talking about his ex finding someone new (and he ain’t happy!), catching a number 86 bus and running away from her dad after stealing a kiss!

4/5 – Murrtastic!

Please Don't Let Me Go - Olly Murs

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“.

Cheryl Cole

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. It’s not a case of a date for the divorce to come through. That will happen when the lawyer’s letter arrives.”

I love it when papers print this stuff – not one single quote directly from Cheryl in the piece, “sources close to Cheryl” – I guess it all sells newspapers!

Derek Hough has been romantically linked to the pop star and given that Dancing with the Stars begins filming shortly he will now leave for the States to begin television commitments across the pond. It’ll be interesting to see if he tones down his relationships with his female celebrity dancers this time around.

Last night’s X Factor was rather disjointed, I never felt it got going and I am still unsure of the guest judge role following Geri Halliwell’s performance. That said, the highlight of the show for me was the performance from 18 year old Gamu Nhengu from Zimbabwe – the highlight of the Glasgow auditions.

Singing a rendition of Katrina and The Waves Simon’s reaction before the performance was indifferent “I’m intrigued to see what you’ve done with this song”. For someone of 18, she delivered a powerful and assured performance that blew the house down. It was clear the panel hadn’t expected such a performance and Cowell said afterwards

“I’m going to be honest with you; you sang actually one of my worst songs ever but you did something different with it. I really, really, really like you”

“You’ve kinda got this really cool, old school Jazz voice like the 20’s or the 30’s, but it was really talented.”

At which point the tears of joy began and the possibility that another star has been discovered on ITV dawned.

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 conclusion it took me on a wonderful ride of hope. Written for and about his wife, Guy really has capsulated his deepest feelings in a way many people fail.

We’d all like the ability to put down in words what someone means to us but most of us have to settle for putting together a cd mix and saying “here you go love” – I really mean “track 3″ and come to think of it “track 7″ says everything about you! So with that in mind when he sings Perfection it’s just that. Hope you enjoy it too! Here are the lyrics and video of Guy singing live in Penrith, NSW.

Perfection Lyrics

Peter can you gather the angels all around
i’ll need everyone to get this down
this will not be easy
cos what i’m asking for
is something we have never tried before
lets make a girl
but not just any girl
she needs to be perfect, perfect
and so beautiful
flawlessly divine
she needs to define perfection
and don’t forget the sugar
make it so she’s sweet from her head to her feet
perfection

go and get picasso he can paint her eyes
michelangelo can paint her smile
and when they’re finally finished
i want nothing less
than for all of us to stand here breathless
lets make a girl
but not just any girl
she needs to be perfect, perfect
and so beautiful
flawlessly divine
she needs to define perfection
and don’t forget the sugar
make it so she’s sweet from her head to her feet
perfection

all the angels said can we keep her
she’s so beautiful
but God said someone down there needs her
and he can’t live without her, without her
she’s beautiful
flawlessly divine
and yes she defines perfection
please don’t change a thing
it’s obvious to me that what i see is perfection
when she’s 21 she’ll change somebody’s life
when she’s 28 she’ll be his wife

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
Climb up on the fence just to be near me
Sometimes i think that horse still scares her half to death
Yeah i’m about as country as she gets

She likes being within spending distance of a mall
Havin’ enough bars to make a cell phone call
Put her in a crowd and she’s right in her element
Yeah i’m about as country as she gets

She’ll slip out on the porch sometimes
When that sun’s low in the sky
Pull up a rocking chair just to be with me
Until that first big junebug buzzes by her head
You see i’m about as country as she gets
Yeah i’m about as country as she gets

She hates goin’ anywhere in my old truck.

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!

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
Did he get the letter
That she sent a week ago
All in all what could be nicer
Than two people young at heart
[ Gilbert O'Sullivan Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
Looking forward to the future
That together they will start
When you think of all those people
Who are left out in the cold
All because they never dreamed
That they’d be written off as old
Mum, the kettle’s boiling
Dad, ‘ere what’s the time
Sis, look what you’re doing
Can’t you see the baby’s crying
Can’t you see the baby’s crying

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!!

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 a change!!

Predictable choice from the producers for Melinda “Tina Turner” !!!! Never been a fan of Tina but this was a great vocal performance. She has really grown in stature during the series and a cert for the final after this rendition. Brilliant. Best I’ve seen her move on stage. So after round two Melinda still out front but Blake has come back on par with Jordin.

Jordin once again kicks off the final round with “I who have nothing” – good performance but it wasn’t outstanding but for two notes towards the end. Jordin has been amazing throughout and only time will tell if she makes it to the final. Blake’s up with yet another kick ass effort, this guy’s album will be awesome winner or not !!! I think after this performance he did enough to make the final two with Melinda. Very confident performance. Randy is talking through his big “bleep” !!! He really has no idea what he’s talking about.

Melinda closes the final round with “I am a Woman” – very sassy performance, the crowd loved it and America will love it !!! All round it was Melinda’s night and I stand by my earlier prediction that Melinda and Blake will be in the final although I’d be gutted to leave anyone out !!!

So this is it, we are down to the results and following emotional home visits it comes down to the viewer votes ! You have to love Blake’s father !! The first one to go through is ……..Jordin. I didn’t see that coming. Surely this means Melinda will claim the other spot making it an all female final………….. Oh My God…… Blake makes it into the final, the place is in shock. I guess we all know that Melinda will make it in the real world – Melinda we salute you!!! Fox’s interview with Melinda Here

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 can show no mercy
It can tear your soul apart
It can make you feel like you’ve gone crazy
But you’re not
Things have seem to changed
There’s one thing that’s still the same
In my heart you have remained
And we can fly fly fly away

‘Cause you are not alone
And I am 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 the worlds crashing down
And you can not bear to crawl
I said, baby, you’re not lost

I 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. Many artists have covered the song notably including Bette Midler, Fred Astaire, Kirsty MacColl and Rosemary Clooney to name but a few.

According to the linear notes from the Cole Porter collection, he was inspired while dining in a restaurant overhearing a waiter give a fellow diner his apologies “Miss Otis Regrets, She’s unable to lunch today”. How accurate this is we may never know – I do hope someone out there has better information!

And to the song … Porter may have started out with the waiter’s words ringing in his ears but it soon took on a whole new angle. Each verse describes different excuses why she (Miss Otis) can’t meet her luncheon date begining with her dalliance with her lover in lover’s lane and ending with her death, hanged in front of an angry mob. The very name Miss Otis reminds me of a black woman from the south and her velvet robe suggests she is of a certain social standing, well to me it does. Taking the gun from her robe she kills her lover and all hell breaks loose! The angry mob take her from her jail cell (no mention of a trial here!) and she is hanged.

Miss Otis regrets, she’s unable to lunch today, madam,
Miss Otis regrets, she’s unable to lunch today.
She is sorry to be delayed,
but last evening down in Lover’s Lane she strayed, madam,
Miss Otis regrets, she’s unable to lunch today.

When she woke up and found that her dream of love was gone, madam,
She ran to the man who had led her so far astray,
And from under her velvet gown,
She drew a gun and shot her lover down, madam,
Miss Otis regrets, she’s unable to lunch today.

When the mob came and got her and dragged her from the jail, madam,
They strung her up on the old willow ‘cross the way,
And the moment before she died,
She lifted up her lovely head and cried, madam…
Miss Otis regrets, she’s unable to lunch today.

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 !

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..

I received an advanced copy of the new Paris Hilton album yesterday, aptly named “Paris”, it left me very disappointed. Not that I expected an Ivor Novello award winning album but I expected more! Without doubt the first single taken from the album “Stars Are Blind” is the best song on the album, full of Caribbean flavour it is a true summer single. Unfortunately nothing else on the album comes close to it, no ballads, no catchy tunes just the same old same old. View the Stars Are Blind Video at youtube
At times I found it difficult to listen to, her voice was monotonously monotoned throughout (not that I could do a better job) and she sang the majority of the tracks as if she was reading from a crib sheet, unaware of what the next lines was. It made the tracks uncomfortable to listen to and even taking into consideration that this album was a first attempt, I’m shocked her advisors let this go through as it did. Maybe I’m being a little unfair, it’s not that bad but it sure isn’t great. The album might be one of those cult albums people buy because it’s Paris Hilton and they want to see what she delivers.

As I mentioned earlier, my favourite track is “Stars Are Blind”, number three on the album. It has a great catchy tune and simple chorus, the video’s pretty good too! Every time I hear the song it reminds me of holidays in Barbados and sitting on the beach drinking cocktails, thinking less about the troubles of life as each drink takes effect! it’s such a shame she didn’t follow this line for the rest of the album. Another gripe with the album is its length, it is very short weighing in at just over 40 minutes and includes 11 tracks.

The album was mixed by Grammy-winning engineers Tony Maserati and Serban Ghenea and was recorded over the course of the last year in Miami and Los Angeles.

The fourth track “I Want You” uses a sample from Grease and I was expecting John Travolta to join in at any minute; it didn’t happen of course! The final song “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy”, a remake of Rod Stewart’s hit doesn’t deliver either, it made me cringe. I think track eight says it all really “Screwed” ! No doubt a lot of people will take pleasure from this album but it left me disappointed unfortunately and I expected better from her producers. After two run through’s I can’t see where her second single will come from, who knows maybe the album is a grower ! I nearly forgot, the album also includes a dvd “the making of”, the album is released on the 22nd August.

“Turn It Up”
“Fightin’ Over Me” (featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss)
“Stars Are Blind”
“I Want You”
“Jealousy”
“Heartbeat”
“Nothing In This World”
“Screwed”
“Not Leaving Without You”
“Turn You On”
“Do Ya Thnk I’m Sexy”

Want a body like Beyonce ? Simple according to her, just do the Maple Syrup crash diet and you could lose 14lbs in 10 days !!! Following a statement by Beyonce that she used the diet to lose weight for a film have helped sales for Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup soar! The syrup is flying off the shelves and into the homes of those desperate to lose weight, let’s face it that’s half the population! Aol have an opinion too !

Simply mix the syrup with water, lemon juice and cayenne pepper and you are set to go. You drink the concoction in place of your meals at dinner time. The diet was devised in 1985 by a Swiss company and appeared on UK shores five years ago but it takes a huge (not in body proportions!) celebrity like Beyonce to bring this latest fad to light. If you know of any companies making versions of the Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup then this is the time to buy into them!!

If Beyonce claims it worked for her there is no doubt that thousands of people will want to try this regime, however let’s not forget she also has an army of trainers and nutritionists to help her through any regime she wants. Azmina Govindji of the British Dietetic Association warned dieters should treat any “miracle” products with caution.
“There is no evidence that detoxing is any better for you than eating a balanced, healthy diet.

“Fasting for that length of time, whether you are having that drink or any other drink, is likely to give you drastic weight loss anyway because it is all about the deficit of calories.

“It is unlikely to have enough calories or the balance of protein, carbohydrates and essential fats and other vitamins and minerals.”

Only time will tell if this works, watch this space to see if it get’s smaller!!!

While talking to someone in work today about musical tastes I was trying to think what really made me stand up and listen to country music for the very first time. I honestly can’t remember but one thing I do remember, I always go back to this video. I believe this song was instrumental to me falling in love with the country genre. The song I hear you ask ? Don’t take The Girl …

It was 1994 and my very first introduction to Tim McGraw and his own style of delivering a song, it was also my first real “story” song where the video/song had a beginning, middle and ending. It always makes me shudder when I see this video, not sure why. Maybe I know subliminally that this song means so much to me and it marks a move into the genre. The other singer I enjoyed around the same time was Vince Gill but McGraw has a certain draw for me.

If you read the lyrics it’s fairly obvious what the song is about, but if you can’t quite figure it out take a look at the video found on youtube. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Johnny’s daddy was taking him fishin’
When he was eight years old
A little girl came through the front gate holdin’ a fishing pole
His dad looked down and smiled, said we can’t leave her behind
Son I know you don’t want her to go but someday you’ll change your mind
And Johnny said “Take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my best friend Bo
Take anybody that you want as long as she don’t go
Take any boy in the world
Daddy please don’t take the girl

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Ten years down the road
He held her tight and kissed her lips
In front of the picture show
Stranger came and pulled a gun
Grabbed her by the arm said “If you do what I tell you to, there won’t be any harm”
And Johnny said “Take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards
Here’s the watch that my grandpa gave me
Here’s the key to my car
Mister give it a whirl
But please don’t take the girl

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Five years down the road
There’s going to be a little one and she says it’s time to go
Doctor says the baby’s fine but you’ll have to leave
‘Cause his momma’s fading fast and Johnny hit his knees and there he prayed
Take the very breath you gave me
Take the heart from my chest
I’ll gladly take her place if you’ll let me
Make this my last request
Take me out of this world
God, please don’t take the girl

Johnny’s daddy
Was taking him fishin’

Following my post yesterday regarding the new album from Christina I’ve listened non-stop to the forthcoming single “Candyman” and can’t get the great song out of my head. It reminds me of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by the Andrews Sisters (albeit a very modern slant on it!), can’t see the Andrews sisters singing like she does! There are also elements of scat that reminds me of the song Phil Collins did with N-Sync for the Tarzan soundtrack, the song was called Trashin’ The Camp.

Anyway I checked out youtube.com earlier and found the following video taken from a Channel 4 programme in the UK, broadcast last week it’s a special live edition of the song. I have now found the Official Candyman Video here and there are two videos on youtube on the making of and behind the scenes – you can find links to the two halves here part 1 & part 2. Another version can be found here in her MTV Back to Basics Special. Looking for more versions I came across her live performance of Beautiful on the TV show and thought I should include it here !

The Video is a live performance of Candyman taken from her new Album Back to BasicsA number of live performances are surfacing now and I thought I’d list them to make it easier for you to locate them. Click the links to watch them, enjoy. If you find any more then please let me know.

Christina’s Good Morning America appearance – Bryant Park New York City
T4 in the UK from Channel 4, Christina’s Live Performance Here – Enjoy
Christina’s Back to Basics Special

If you want something a little different why not try the Sims Version !!!!

Two bits of news for fans of the very very sexy and hot  Christina Aguilera today here at Milo’s Rambles; Aguilera, the blonde bombshell has stripped…. not in song but for a sexy photo shoot in the latest edition of the GQ Magazine. The pictures are reminiscent of the Marilyn Monroe style in the late 1940′s. The photo’s are stylish and leave little to the imagination but hell, who’s complaining, not me that’s for sure.

Next week sees the launch of her latest and most daring album release for years in Back to Basics, a double album full to the top with 23 tracks. The album is a tribute to the the style that made and inspired her throughout her career and draws heavily on a mixture of influences including soul, jazz and blues taken from the ’20′s to the 40′s. Also included is her own take on R&B and pop music.

Her first single from the album “Ain’t no other man” was released in June and reached number 2 in the UK charts and number 6 in the US. On the other hand the music video was released on iTunes and went straight to number one in the downloads chart. The video is set back in the 1920′s/1930′s and she stars as her alter ego baby Jane. “Candyman” will be the second single to be released from the album. The song is sung in the style of the 1940′s and listening to it you could close your eyes and be transported back in time to second world war period dance hall music. The song is without doubt the “happiest” song on the album.

One of my other favourites from the album is taken from the second discs, a very melancholy, blues number with unmistakable Aguilera style and high notes. The track is called “Mercy on Me” and if this doesn’t get a single release I’ll be amazed! All in all I thoroughly recommend this album and is yet again a masterpiece. Fans will not be sorry with this collection and at less than $12 for the double album a superb bargain too. UK fans can get the album on the 15th August too and at £8.99 or less that too is a steal.

Disc 1
“Intro (Back to Basics)” — 1:47
“Makes Me Wanna Pray” — 4:10
“Back in the Day” — 4:13
“Ain’t No Other Man” — 3:49
“Understand” — 3:46
“Slow Down Baby” — 3:29
“Oh Mother” — 3:46
“F.U.S.S.” — 2:21
“On Our Way” — 3:36
“Without You” — 3:56
“Still Dirrty” — 3:46
“Here to Stay” — 3:19
“Thank You (Dedication To Fans…)” — 4:59
Disc 2
“Enter the Circus” — 1:42
“Welcome” — 2:42
“Candyman” — 3:14
“Nasty Naughty Boy” — 4:45
“I Got Trouble” — 3:42
“Hurt” — 4:03
“Mercy on Me” — 4:33
“Save Me from Myself” — 3:13
“The Right Man” — 3:51
“Back to Basics” (making of) — 10:07

‘This is a concept album that follows a bold, set vision,’ Aguilera says. ‘The touchstones are Billie Holiday, Otis Redding, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald…. what I used to call my ‘fun music’ when I was a little girl.’

Living in the UK we are very fortunate to get a lot of the US shows and that includes American idol. I’ve enjoyed watching it over the last few seasons especially for the country element and this year was no exception. However I wasn’t prepared to be amazed by Taylor Hicks and each week I would tune in hoping that the American public in their wisdom would send him through and to at least reach the final of the show so that at the very least he would gain a recording contract due to his popularity.

I silently hoped he would win the contest especially once the Pickler had been kicked off the show. He doesn’t conform to the usual pop idol, he dances a little weird and certainly doesn’t dress like a youthful pop star someone would want on their walls but I have to say, the guy for me delivered weekly without fail. Long live Soul Patrol.

I’ll certainly be getting his debut album when it comes out, anyone else ?