Every UK artist dream is to break into the US market. And of course La Roux don’t want to be left out in the cold. So this Ellen performance is probably the start of their US invasion! The performance was blah! Watch yourself and see…

Year-End Report Card - Remixes

Ah, remixes. Can’t live without ‘em. Sometimes a decent remix is able to save a horrible track, as the vocals of the original would be kept and the instruments/arrangement would be replaced, often with matching backing of house music, which we all know now as modern day dance remixes that appears on the dance chart.

My hardworking ‘mammy’/boss, Dirrtysean, has his own picks for the year of 2009 and you guys & gals voted for ur fave remixes too. Now’s my turn!!! It wouldn’t be filled entirely with ‘mainstream’ songs, as it takes a good song and an excellent producer to conceive a fantastic remix. Just a side note, remixes are meant for us to get up and rule the dancefloor, I don’t understand why some peeps loiters around and acting like a wallflower. Weird eh. Anyway, what are my picks??? Read on to find out!!! =) I might not restrict the picks to 10 only (u’ll get what I meant if u read), and it doesn’t rank in sequence, all in random order.

1. Katy Perry – Waking Up In Vegas
Remixed by Jason Nevins, Calvin Harris and Mahattan Clique, I adore Jason Nevins’ Electrotec Club Mix the most. Heavy bass and fun lyrics, this is definitely a party song. =)
Katy Perry – Waking Up In Vegas (Jason Nevins Electrotec Club Mix)

2. Keri Hilson – Knock You Down
Both Moto Blanco and Bimbo Jones get to remix this track. While Moto’s signature disco vibe is obvious, it kinda falls flat at times. So, my pick would definitely be Bimbo’s (I’m not a fan though, as Bimbo’s mixes are sometimes unpredictable in terms of quality).
Keri Hilson – Knock You Down (Bimbo Jones Club Mix)

3. Lady Gaga – Poker Face
Technically, this song is eligible as it’s still on the dance chart in 2009. While everyone is raving on the overplayed Jody remix, the Glam as You remix is so much better. It’s more electrified, has a break down part too. Hands down, the best remix of all Gaga’s songs.
Lady Gaga – Poker Face (Glam As You Club Mix)

4. La Roux – Bulletproof
Ah, the UK number 1 hit. Remixed with the likes of Dave Aude, Mahattan Clique, Tepr and Zinc. But the best remix of all is by Tiborg. Justifies the original magic of the track too.
La Roux – Bulletproof (Tiborg Remix)

5. Kristinia DeBarge – Goodbye
Cleverly samples Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye“, this song, while a minor hit on the mainstream chart, scored a number 3 on the dance chart. The DJ Paulo Mix of this track is definitely a banger!!!
Kristinia DeBarge – Goodbye (DJ Paulo Club Mix)

6. Girls Can’t Catch – Echo
Having a huge hook on the chorus is always a good thing, and Nu Addiction made good use of it on the club mix.
Girls Can’t Catch – Echo (Nu Addiction Club Mix)

 
 
7. The Saturdays – Forever is Over & Ego
Both single are great, so is their remixes too. This is what I meant. =) Both songs deserves credit. The Manhattan Clique remix for FIO is a little mild for my taste but the Buzz Junkies remix is electro-pop GOODNESS!!! =)

As for ‘Ego‘, both Almighty and Jason Nevins did a decent job on remixing it, albiet the messy tempo. This song is still definitely a stomper. And you’ll think I’ll stop the double bill picks here. Think again….
The Saturdays – Forever is Over (Buzz Junkies Remix)
The Saturdays – Ego (Almighty Club Mix)
The Saturdays – Ego (Jason Nevins Club Mix)

8. Mini Viva – Left My Heart In Tokyo & I Wish
I was wanting to feature them on the ‘upcoming freshies’ column but didn’t has the chance to do so. Soon though, they deserves a proper introduction. ‘Tokyo’ is a great disco track on it’s original edit, of course as it’s written by Fred Falke. Out of all the remixes, the Treasure Fingers mix is probably the best.

As for I Wish, I’m shocked that it charted so low!!! Underrated again!!! Oh wells. And Cahill manage to bring a disco vibe to this already fantastic track. =)
Mini Viva – Left My Heart in Tokyo (Treasure Finger Remix)
Mini Viva – I Wish (Cahill Club Mix)

9. Solange – Would’ve Been the One
The remixes of this track is probably the only one in 2009 that I’m pretty satisfied with all of them. A club essential track. This is the case where the remixes triumph over the original track. Let’s just say the original has the Motown vibe.
Solange – Would’ve been the One (Groove Police Club Mix)

10. Annie – Anthonio
I’m saving the wildcard choice for last. Some might know her, but I know many don’t. Would feature her soon too. The album appears on the independent and electronic chart. She’s a hidden gem. Yeap. Released only as a digital single, this track appears exclusively on the “All Night” EP album accompanied with the “Don’t Stop” main album. I particularly love the Designer Drugs remix but the Fred Falke remix is good too. =)
Annie – Anthonio (Designer Drugs Remix)
Annie – Anthonio (Fred Falke Remix)

What are you favourite remixes for 2009?? =) Feel free to share. The next post would be the final installment of this series, the forecast of 2010. Stay tuned!!!

Singles of 2009!!!

Here’s the second part to the Year-End series, SINGLES!!! As we all know, singles are usually the songs that is send to the radio to promote the artist’s album and generate hype. Below are my picks for the singles released in the entire year of 2009. (The list is in no particular ranking order, alphabetical though)

1. Bad Romance – Lady Gaga [19th October 2009]
Can Gaga actually produce a song that is on par with “Pokerface” to ensure that she ain’t just a one note??? “Bad Romance” is the answer to all those having doubts about her. The “Rah-rah-rah-ah-ah/Roma-roma-mah/Gaga-oh-là-là” hook immediately sucks you in and there’s no escape. Judging form the quality of every track of the Fame Monster, she’s here to stay in the music industry for a long time to come.
Lady Gaga – Bad Romance

2. Bulletproof – La Roux [22nd June 2009]
Brillant Verses and Chorus. A UK Number #1 song. Need me say more??? I would. Haha. The melody of this song is insane too. Excellent use of syth and electro without overdoing it. Plus I *hearts* the vid!!!
La Roux – Bulletproof

3. Earthquake – Little Boots [16th Nov 2009]
This song is slightly moodier as compared to “Remedy”, which is catchy on immediate listen. The fact that it’s a dancefloor material allows me to give it two thumbs up. =)
Little Boots – Earthquake

4. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z Featuring Alicia Keys [20th Oct 2009]
A heavy-weight collab. And with a chorus as epic as this, Alicia doesn’t disappoint with belting out those vocals. The radio edit is much more listenable than the album version.
Jay-Z Featuring Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind

5. Goodbye – Kristinia DeBarge [April 7th 2009]
A likely anthem that scored a modest hit on the chart (but scored a number 3 on the dance chart). This is how teen-pop should sound like, not like Miley and the Jonas’.
Kristinia DeBarge – Goodbye

6. Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer) – Freemasons Feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor [June 14th 2009]
Puzzled that this song is here and not on the Remixes Report Card??? Wonder why??? Let me explain. The orginal edit is already produced by The Freemasons themselves, hence even the extended dance edit is considered part of the  family and not being remixed by any remixers yet. The remixes are rubbish btw, the original is epic enough.
Freemasons Feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer)

7. I Like – Keri Hilson [December 11th 2009]
I do like when Keri does abit of electro. There’s something about this song that makes it stands out from some of the bland stuff from her debut album. Given that this song does not have any feature vocalist, it’s nice to hear that she can present it all by herself too. =) And she’s deserves to win the upcoming
Keri Hilson – I Like

8. Why R U – Amerie [June 15th 2009]
“Loving you is like a battle that I can’t afford to lose”. Just this phrase warrants it a spot in this chart. Accompanied by the throwback R&B sound and the heavy vocal delivery by Amerie, it sure is single-worthy. Pity that it under performed.
Amerie – Why R U

9. Yesterday – Toni Braxton [September 29th 2009]
This song is considered as the best R&B ballad in 2009 (by my standards). Everything from the verses to the bridge to the chorus, the entire song can do no wrong. Toni hasn’t had any good material since “Spanish Guitar”, would this song save her then?? Critically, YES. Commercially, it’s not really out there due to promotion. A great song that’s gonna be unheard by the masses. Oh wells.
Toni Braxton – Yesterday

10. You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift [April 20th 2009]
Many wouldn’t be a stranger to this song, easily accessible to all. What makes this song so successful and not get sick of it, is the genuine feelings being put across on this song. I’m sure loads can relate to this song, and the video is a plus for this song too. Very dreamy. =)
Taylor Swift – You Belong With Me

Any comments on ur fave 2009 singles?? Feel free to comment and voice out. The next post would be on remixes!!! Please bear with me for my low article output. I’m going through a rather rough patch now. =( Would finish the rest of the series by end of this month. =)

Albums of 2009

Does anybody remember the Mid-Year report card article that I’ve done earlier this year in June??? Well, it’s back as the Year-End report card to sum up the best albums that is released this year!!! Would your fave album end up in my Top 10 list?? Read on to find out!!!

Remember, mine’s more towards the critic’s choice. Don’t expect the whole list to be filled with mainstream albums. I’ll provide substantial evidence on why these 10 albums are being chosen. If there’s any views, feel free to comment. =) HERE GOES!!! (Albums are in no particular ranking order, alphabetical though)

1. Alicia Keys – The Element of Freedom [15th December 2009]

Fresh out of the oven, this album was released mid this month. What makes it deserves to be on my list even though its only roughly a week old is that the contents of this album is filled so much with soul. The vibe of this album is modern and contemporary, yet it doesn’t follow any current Pop/R&B trends. Alicia makes her own rules. =)
Read album review here

2. David Guetta – One Love [25th August 2009]

Truthfully, before “When Love Takes Over”, David Guetta was relatively unknown in the mainstream scene. The collab with Kelly Rowland paid off big time, making the song one of the biggest hits of 2009 and propels David towards the mainstream dance crowd. The album is an catchy and addictive effort by David, making it his most mainstream album yet while true to the dance/club culture. Plus the number of well-known collabs adds hype to this album.
Read album review here

3. Gossip – Music For Men [23rd June 2009]

This is the first of 2 albums that I didn’t review. The reason is that these 2 albums are rather alternative and not your typical albums floating around in the mainstream chart, hence there might a conflict. Sure, they didn’t chart well, but both albums sorta represents me too.

Now for this album, it’s rather indie-punk with a little garage rock. Beth Ditto has a gifted voice that nobody can deny. It makes me wanna rock on, sing out loud and just feel liberated. Listen to the album and u’ll know why.

4. Kish Mauve – Black Heart [30th March 2009]

The 2nd of 2 albums that I didn’t review. I’m sure most would know Kylie’s “2 Hearts” right??? Well, Kish Mauve are the writers and producers for it. The sound of Kish Mauve is Electropop, more on the electro side though. Power-packed yet poised, I would consider this album as the soundtrack of my life. It’s very me. So, if anyone could handle this album, they pretty much should be able to understand me. =)

5. Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster [18th November 2009]

Only 8 tracks and it’s an EP, yet it’s on this list!!! I’m sure nobody would disagree that this EP could rival a LP release. Named as Women of the year by various music media sources, Gaga’s pretty much maintained her standards since “The Fame”. Only that this EP is better. A must have for every music listeners out there in general.
Read album review here

6. La Roux – La Roux [29th June 2009]

Ah, the British invasion is still going strong this year. Last year’s was more to soul music (Adele, Duffy) and this year is Electro’s turn to be in the spotlight. This self-titled debut album by La Roux channels the 80’s new-wave electro-pop sound and amped it up, making it relevant to the current sound of Brit-pop, or focasting a sound of the future even. =)
Read album review here

7. Little Boots – Hands [8th June 2009]

Being the winner of BBC’s sound of 2009, this album intrigues me as Little Boots (also known as Victoria Christina Hesketh) is able to link the electro-pop vibe, lyrics and the concept of love all packed into it. Little Boots’ sound is easier to adapt to as compared with La Roux. La Roux’s stuff is heavier on the syth. Both is equally as addictive. =)
Read album review here

8. Rihanna – Rated R [23th November 2009]

Ah, it seems like this album has generated a huge buzz, but it generated little impact at the end. Statistically, this album has generated Rihanna’s highest sales on it’s debut week. While critically, it sees Rihanna moving towards a new direction, darker and edgier. Going to somewhere that no one has gone before. Most people seems to like her mainstream sound on GGGB, but this album has certain cuts of mainstream effort too. So stop judging and listen each detail!!!
Read album review here

9. Shakira – She-Wolf [12th October 2009]

The long awaited album from Shakira, 4 in the number of years. This album is Shakira’s at her most creative yet. Willing to experiment with different genres and sound without over-doing it, shows that she ain’t afraid to push boundaries musically. This is what makes her successful. Sure, She Wolf is weird, but it’s new material and not recycled.
Read album review here

10. Utada – This Is The One [24th March 2009]

Saving the best for last. Haha. Ain’t surprising that this album is both in the mid-year and year-end list. This album is beautifully produced and written, that I can’t deny. The problem is that it’s so underrated, maybe due to the lack of promotion. It deserves some success I guess. Hands down as one of the best album of the year.
Read album review here

So, what are your fave albums for the entire year of 2009??? Any albums that I’ve missed?? Feel free to comment and discuss. =)

I’m Not Your Toy is the fourth single to be released off La Roux ’s debut album.

I really like the song because of the catchy tune and interesting lyrics.
Besides, I’ve always had a thing for British voices, think Eurythmics with Annie Lennox

Now for the video, I loved it!

It feels like a Katy Perry video, watch it and you’ll understand why.

Like how, everyone in the video is actually involved, you know, instead of having
backup dancers, or backup “actors” the whole video actually syncs together.

It has a futuristic feeling, with the effects, colors and all, and the dancers are cute in their moves.

I’d say, good effort on the video!

“La Roux” is the self-titled debut album by English electropop duo La Roux, which consist of lead singer, Elly Jackson and co-writer and co-producer Ben Langmaid. The album was released on 29th June 2009 by Polydor Records.

First Impressions
Prior to the album release, I’ve listened to buzz single “Quicksand” and the #2 hit, “In for the Kill“. I wasn’t really expecting “In for the Kill” to be a hit single. Compared to Little Boots, La Roux is the underdog, with the former is glossier than the latter. There’s just an air of uniqueness in the sound and style of La Roux. The album is entirely produced by La Roux themselves.

On the vocals and syth, Elly Jackson sounds like a female equivalent of Pet Shop Boys lead singer, Neil Tennant, when Elly’s is on falsetto. When she’s not, Elly’s attitude is straight on fierce.

On the first listen, I wasn’t able to take in everything cause it’s such a fresh sound and a departure from current electropop stuff. I immediately linked this album with the sound of a fast-paced tetris. The album grows on me after a couple of listens and surprisingly hooked on it. It’s indeed a grower. True that it has 80s influences from PSB, Soft Cell, Erasure, Human League and most notably, Eurythmics. But the album has a modern twist to this sound, making it fresh.

Standout tracks

• In for the Kill
  UK #2 hit, album opener. On the first beat, you’ll find that you’ve travelled back in time. Groovy and catchy, I thought singing it in falsetto for the whole song is weird, but it works. =)

• Tigerlily
  
  This song packs a rough, hard punch on the verses. But it grows soft on the chorus. Reeks with attitude. Quicksand – The beats are rather arresting here. Again, sharp and piercing vocals by Elly.

• Bulletproof
  3rd single, UK #1 hit. It’s definitely electro-pop madness on the production here. The chorus is definitely irresistible. Now you all know why I adore this song alot. =)

• I’m Not Your Toy
  
  Upcoming 4th single. Another song with both killer chorus and production. It’s set to be another hit for La Roux. Maybe another number 1??

• Cover My Eyes
  It’s a slow, sensitive ballad. “Every time you leave with her, something inside of me dies”, Elly sings on the chorus. It sends chills down my spine with the lyrics.

• As If by Magic
  As this song suggest, the song’s magical and easy-listening.

• Fascination
  I particular like the syth beats of this song and the chorus. =)

• Reflections Are Protections
  The bouncy beats are addictive. Elly sings about taking comfort in her memories.

Final Verdict
The whole album blends very well together, song after song, that it could be a megamix instead. An astounding debut, it is indeed a grower to many. La Roux is pure retro syth-pop with a modern twist, while Little Boots is much more glossier. So, it would be kinda unfair to compare as both have distinctly different sounds. Uniquely appealing, I would deem that this album is edgy and has a cool factor indeed.

This album scores 4 out of 5 stars.