Gillingham, Kent, UK (By Mikey:
[email protected])
RECORD OF THE WEEK
Madonna - Hollywood There's no stopping her, Madge is back and still going strong and has been for the past 20 years plus, even her voice never lets you down, the best solo artist in the music industry since sliced bread. Lifted from her latest album, 'Hollywood' finds the newly rejuvenated Queen of Pop at her most unflinching and downright pop best. One of the standouts from the 'American Life' album, it's a scathing attack on celebrity and, yep, you guessed it, Hollywood, and shows that over the years Madge hasn't lost any of her venom.
HOT SHOT RECORD
Pink ft. William Orbit - Feel Good Time Taken from the soundtrack to 'Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle' the second Charlie's Angels film, starring Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore, 'Feel Good Time' is produced and co-written by Madonna's long-term collaborator William Orbit and it shows. With Orbit's trademark electro bleeps all over it, its psychedelic 60's vibe, and Pink's attitude-y vocals 'Feel Good Time' is an unusual track, which should be another massive hit.
Blur - Crazy Beat Follow-up single to 'Out of time', Blur have been around for a long time, and stood the test of time due to the ever-changing style of music we hear today. Produced by Norman Cook, 'Crazy Beat' finds Blur getting back to their rough around the edges, Brit-rock best. Bringing to the fore the punky head-banging riffs that have been fairly sparse in their records since they blasted us with 'Song 2', it combines the best of both Blur and the Fatboy, and in the process creates an anthem that'll be huge at the most raucous festivals this summer.
Joe Budden - Pump It Up Taken from the Motion Picture Soundtrack Album '2 Fast 2 Furious'. New Jersey's Joe Budden is being hyped as hip hop's new big thing (an honour bestowed on 50 Cent seemingly weeks ago) and Pump It Up is the debut single from his self-titled album. Some rather funky horns lift this above the average rap record and the unstoppable momentum of the track means that this will be wildly popular in clubs up and down the land. It may not have the commercial nous of Eminem but there's enough promise here to suggest that you should believe the hype about Budden.
Eminem - Business Following on from his Anger Management Tour at Milton Keynes, Eminem releases his next single 'Business'. As the title suggests, this is Eminem getting right back down to 'Business'. Produced once again by Dr Dre, it's another insanely catchy, head-nodding hip-hop hoe-down, and one that finds him going back to the best his Slim Shady guise has ever given us. An insane, twisted, tongue-in-cheek floor filler as only Marshall Mathers knows how.
Javine - Real Things From Popstars: The Rivals comes Javine with her debut single 'Real Things' a cross between Whitney Houston and Beyonce, with her R'n'B infectious sound. Co-written by the girl herself with renowned producers Stargate, this is an infectious and sassy slice of hook heavy r'n'b (with a slight pop edge) that'll win this talented singer plenty of admirers from all corners of the music world. This tune has a classier feel, and yet to be recognised, so how will she fare at the end, time will tell. I believe we'll be hearing plenty more from her.
Elton John - Are You Ready For Love Elton John hooks up with Fatboy Slim's Southern Fried Records for this long-awaited re-release of Elton's lost 1977 disco gem, 'Are You Ready For Love?' Due for a full commercial release at the end of the year, it gets a very limited (5000 only) re-release on July 7th on heavy-weight pink vinyl with cool Keith Haring artwork and a slamming new remix from X-Press 2's Ashley Beedle. Phew! The original changes hands at ridiculous prices, and this 12" has all the ingredients to become a highly collectable, very sought after addition to anyone's record collection. Only thing is - you'll need to be quick!
Kraftwerk - Tour De France 2003 I remember this band in the early 80s, when they had a colourful No.1 hit with the 'The Model / Computer Love', and one of my fave track of the 80s era, and they had a huge fanbase at the time of their heyday. The Godfathers of Electronica return with a new version of their classic track, timed in order to coincide with the world's premier cycling event. If you know Kraftwerk, then you know what you're getting here. Cool and classy with smooth keyboards gliding along beneath some clinical Teutonic vocals.
Avril Lavigne - Losing Grip Avril returns to our music scene with her brand new single taken from her ground-breaking selling album 'Complicated'. Having showed us another side to her musical arsenal with her last single, the uplifting ballad 'I'm With You', Avril Lavigne returns with yet another single that continues to highlight her maturity. Retaining the feel and atmosphere of its predecessor, 'Losing Grip' is another angsty pop-tinted rock ballad that'll not only appeal to Lavigne's existing fans but also see her win quite a few new ones.
Kym Marsh - Come On Kym Marsh follows the success of her debut solo single 'Cry' this week with the release the new single from her forthcoming debut album, 'Standing Tall'. An up-beat pop tune riding on an irresistibly slinky groove, 'Come On Over' shows that Marsh isn't just a flash-in-the-pan pop success, and, on the evidence of bonus track 'Forever', that debut album's gonna be something very special as well.
Minimalistix - Magic Fly A cover of the 1977 disco classic by Space, 'Magic Fly' sees Minimalistix blazing back onto Data Recordings after the huge success of their label debut 'Close Cover'. A pumping, riff-heavy trance pounder, it's already a big hit with many of the scene's taste makers and, as with most Data releases, comes with a remix package that's second-to-none. PPK weigh in with an awesome mix that rivals even their own 'Resurrection' whilst Ultrabeat deliver the goods for the more euphoric dancefloors. Don't miss!
N-Trance ft. Kelly Llorenna - Destiny New on the in-exhaustible AATW label, 'Destiny' sees N Trance mainman Kevin O'Toole teaming up with Kelly Llorenna on another slice of irresistible, uplifting trance-pop. One for the more commercial floors this summer (and no doubt destined to be huge), the sing-a-long original also comes with some seriously dancefloor friendly remixes from Voodoo & Serano and Q-Tex. For fans of the label, this is essential!
Simply Red - Fake Simply Red return with their follow-up single 'Fake', another band that stood the test of time. Mick Hucknall always gives 100% to the music industry and should be in contention to be receiving the Outstanding Contribution to British Music in next years Brits Awards. Mick Hucknall shows he's back on top form with this, the second single to be released from Simply Red's tenth album 'Home'. 'Fake' builds through Hucknall's distinctive vocals and rises to a climax with the help of a subtly soulful piano. Pared down from the album version, which features a brass section, the single version of 'Fake' is Manchester-based Simply Red's best single since 1995's 'Fairground'.
Vitamin C - Last Nite Although she may be a new name to most, Vitamin C is actually a bit a cult star on the other side of the Atlantic. She's appeared in movies ('Hairspray', 'Rock Star' and 'Scary Movie 2'), been in bands, had a few hits and even had a doll made in her likeness. Phew! Well, with this single she makes her first high profile appearance over here. A return to her new wave rock roots, this mash-up of The Strokes' 'Last Night' and Blondie's 'Heart of Glass' may be a sacrilege to some, but for those with an open mind, it is in fact an inspired interpretation of two classic tracks. Oh, and it's also got the seal of approval from both artists!
Zena - Let's Get This Party Started This girl Zena started life with Mis-teeq, when the band started off as a 4-piece, but for unknown reason she left the band, and now she's back with her first solo debut hit. A cool slice of floor-shaking minimalist r'n'b, 'Let's Get This Party Started' sees 21-year-old newcomer Zena moving away from the UK sound of her former band-mates' to a funkier, more polished, dare we say, more American sound. Already rocking the best urban floors, this single also heralds the arrival of a new UK star.
OTHER SINGLES RELEASED THIS WEEK
Aurora featuring Naimee Coleman - Sleeping Satellite
Broadway Project - I Believe In Superman
Harry Brooks - Dance With Me
Deluxe - Girl!
Echoboy - Lately Lonely
Isaac James - Baby Likes It
Kaci - I'm Not Anybody's Girl
Layo & Bushwacka - It's Up To You (Shining Through)
Longview - Further
Makoto featuring Cleveland Watkiss - Time
Mint Royale - I Don't Know
Moony - Flying Away
Morcheeba - What's Your Name
Planet Funk - The Switch
Postal Service - District Sleeps Alone Tonight
Rain Band - Knee Deep And Down
Rocket Science - Being Followed
Sleepy Jackson - Vampire Racecourse
Stone Sour - Inhale
The Transplants - DJ, DJ
Tricky - Antimatter
Tyrese - How You Gonna Act Like That
Vega 4 - Sing
Steve Winwood - Why Can't We Live Together SINGLE RELEASE SCHEDULE
July 14
Alkaline Trio - We've Had Enough
Appleton - Everything Eventually
The Bangles - I Will Take Care Of You
The Barndance Boys - Yippie-I-Oh
Bell X1 - Tongue
Benny Benassi presents The Biz - Satisfaction
Burning Brides - Arctic Snow
Calexico - Alone Again Or
The Cardigans - You're The Storm
The Coral - Pass It On
D-Side - Invisible
Distant Soundz - Just Wanna Love You
Fabolous - Can't Let You Go... Damn!
Goldfrapp - Strict Machine
Harry - Follow Me
Haven - Tell Me
Emma Holland - From Now On
Indien - Show Me Love
In-Grid - Tu Es Foutu
Inspiral Carpets - Come Back Tomorrow
Intenso Project featuring Laura Jaye - Your Music
Joe Jackson - Chrome
Jane's Addiction - Just Because
Jinny - Keep Warm 2003
LC Anderson vs Psycho Radio - Right Stuff
M Factor - Come Together
Ian McCulloch - Love In Veins
Cerys Matthews - Caught In The Middle
The Moony Suzuki - In A Young Man's Mind
Murderdolls - White Wedding
Polyphonic Spree - Soldier Girl
Train - Calling All Angels
Barratt Waugh - Skip A Beat
Yomanda featuring Ultra Nate - You're Free
July 21
The All American Rejects - Swing Swing
Daniel Bedingfield - Never Gonna Leave Your Side
Crackout - Out Of Our Minds
The Dandy Warhols - The Last High
Deepest Blue - Deepest Blue
Discovery - Missing
Flint - Aim 4
Glider - Riding High
J-D - Signal
Lamya - Black Mona Lisa
Mario Lopez - Always & Forever
Moby featuring Princess Superstar - Jam For The Ladies
Laura Pausini - Surrender
Kate Ryan - Scream For More / Desenchantee
RZA featuring Xavier Naidoo - I've Never Seen
Simple Minds vs Tomcraft - Space Face
Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow
Tiga - Hot In Herre
Triple Eight - Give Me A Reason
Unkle - Eye For An Eye
Maria Wilson - Chooza Looza
July 28
Blu Cantrell featuring Sean Paul - Breathe
Lucy Carr - This Is Goodbye
Craig David - Spanish
Dejure - Sanctuary
Dana Glover - Rain
The Hiss - The Clever Kicks
Hot Hot Heat - No, Not Now
Junior Senior - Rhythm Bandits
Stephanie Kirkham - Inappropriate
Lisa Maffia - In Love
Lumidee - Never Leave You (Uh-Oooh!)
Stacie Orrico - Stuck
Voodoo & Serano - Overload
Wheatus - American In Amsterdam
Robbie Williams - Something Beautiful
August 4
Alien Ant Farm - These Days
The Cheeky Girls - Hooray Hooray (It's A Cheeky Holiday)
Culture Beat - Mr. Vain Recall
Deftones - Bloody Cape
Elbow - Fallen Angel
Mark Joseph - Fly
Jason Nevins presents U.K.N.Y. featuring Holly James - I'm In Heaven
Kosheen - All In My Head
Mark Owen - Four Minute Warning
QFX - Freedom 2003
Kelly Rowland - Train On The Track
State One - Forever And A Day
Tantalize - Definition
Ultrabeat - Pretty Green Eyes
Pharrell Williams featuring Jay-Z - Frontin'
Y Traxx - Mystery Land
August 11
Audio Bullys - Way Too Long
Mary J Blige - Love At First Sight
Busted - Sleeping With The Light On
Dallas Superstars - Helium
Dutch featuring Crystal Waters - This Is My Time
Courtney Love - Mono
Jaimeson - Complete
R Kelly - Snake
Monica - So Gone
Nio - Do You Think You're Special
Petrice - Till I Kissed You
David Sneddon - Best Of Order
Stylophonic featuring Shock-G & Humpty Hump - Way Of Life
System featuring Kerri B - If You Leave Me Now
Tatjana - Santa Maria
Venus Hum - Soul Sloshing
Violent Delight - Transmission
Richard X featuring Kelis - Finest Dreams
August 18
4 Strings - Let It Rain
Melanie Blatt - Do Me Wrong
Bowling For Soup - Punk Rock 101
Billy Crawford - Trackin'
Drunkenmunkey - E
Electric Six - Dance Commander
Foo Fighters - Have It All
Girls Aloud - Life Got Cold
Good Charlotte - The Anthem
Grafiti - What Is The Problem?
Jewel - Intuition
Lemar - Dance (With You)
Nightlife - Shining Star
Elvis Presley - Rubberneckin'
Radiohead - Go To Sleep
Rancid - Full Backdown
Sash! featuring TJ Davis - I Believe
Sonique - Alive
Stain'd - So Far Away
Queens Of The Stone Age - First It Giveth
The White Stripes - I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
August 25
A - Good Times
Abs featuring Nodesha - Miss Perfect
Big Brovaz - Baby Boy
Tim Burgess - I Believe In The Spirit
Mariah Carey - Bringing On The Heartbreak
Kelly Clarkson - Miss Independent
Cooper Temple Clause - Promises Promises
Gay Dad - Joy
Groove Armada - But I Feel Good
Lemonescent - Unconditional Love
Love Inc - Here Comes The Sunshine
Mya featuring Missy Elliot - My Love Is Like... Woo!
Snap! vs Motivo - The Power Of Bhangra 2003
Svenson & Gielen featuring Jan Johnston - Beachbreeze
The Thrills - Santa Cruz
Justin Timberlake - Senorita
Shania Twain - Thank You Baby
September 1
Christina Aguilera featuring Lil' Kim - Can't Hold Us Down
Tim Deluxe - Less Talk, More Action
Harry - So Real
Lacquer - Behind
Linkin Park - Numb
Marilyn Manson - This Is The New Shit
Moloko - Blow X Blow
Lisa Scott-Lee - Too Far Gone
Seal - Get It Together
Space Cowboy - Crazy Talk / Just Put Your Hand In Mine
Starsailor - 4 To The Floor
Rachel Stevens - My L.A. Ex
September 8
The Ataris - The Boys Of Summer
Chemical Brothers - Golden Path
Dido - White Flag
Siobhan Donaghy - Hate
Ainslie Henderson - Pretty Girls And Boys
Lene - It's Your Duty (To Shake That Booty)
Massive Attack - What Your Soul Sings
Metallica - Frantic
September 15
Melanie C - Melt
Fountains Of Wayne - Stacey's Mom
Gareth Gates - Sunshine
Finley Quaye - Dice
September 22
Blondie - Good Boys
Emma - Maybe
Ian Van Dahl - I Can't Let You Go
September 29
Mis-Teeq - Crossroads
Santana ft. Alex Band - Why Don't you?
