Gillingham, Kent, UK (By Mikey)
RECORD OF THE WEEK
Girls Aloud - Jump (For Your Love) The UK's coolest girl group return with their brand new and highly infectious single 'Jump'. Girls Aloud have recorded a cover of the Pointer Sister's eighties gem 'Jump' for the new Richard Curtis film 'Love Actually', starring Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon. Once again the Girls have teamed up with Brian Higgins and Xenomania to give the track a contemporary sound to guarantee repetitive listens.
HOT SHOT RECORD
Pet Shop Boys - Miracles 'Miracles' is one of two new tracks on Pet Shop Boys' forthcoming album 'PopArt'. The single was produced by and co-written with Adam F (the hip hop/drum 'n' bass producer of 'Kaos') and Dan Fresh (drum 'n' bass producer and DJ). Anne Dudley the Oscar-winning composer and Art of Noise member arranged and conducted the orchestra with the final mix by Stuart Crichton. The bonus track, 'We're the Pet Shop Boys' was originally written and recorded by the New York electro artist 'My Robot Friend' on his album 'Hot Action!' as an homage to Pet Shop Boys and 'Transparent' is a Kraftwerkesque track recorded during the sessions for their last album, 'Release'.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - We're All In Love 'We're All In Love' is the second single to be taken from the critically acclaimed second album 'Take Them On, On Your Own' by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The track see's the group broadening their lyrical palette beyond the classic-goth yearning and disaffection they are commonly know for, and instead adopting an approach of compiling a lyrical masterpiece.
Kelly Clarkson - Low / The Trouble with Love Is Kelly Clarkson releases the follow up to the hit single 'Miss Independent' with her second release, a double A-side, 'Low/The Trouble With Love Is' taken from her highly acclaimed album 'Thankful'. Both tracks showcase her compelling vocal talent especially on the guitar driven 'Low' and the beautiful balled 'The Trouble With Love Is', which features in the forthcoming movie hit 'Love Actually'.
Enrique Iglesias - Addicted He may have turned his hand to acting, and been in the news more lately because of the removal of his famous mole and his relationship with a certain tennis star than for his music, but this atmospheric tune goes to show that Enrique Iglesias is still on top of his game. Co-written by the man himself and taken from his third album 'Seven', released on the 24th November the romantic 'Addicted' is another 'one for the ladies'!
Lemar - 50/50 Another mellow soul number from the classy face of the reality TV star-search phenomenon, Lemar. More Marvin Gaye than manufactured pop, the laid back '50/50' was co-written by Lemar and is bound to follow his No.2 debut single 'Dance (With U)' into the upper reaches of the chart. Watch out for his debut album 'Dedicated', due out in late November.
Lumidee ft. N.O.R.E. - Crashin' A Party 'Crashin' a Party' is the eagerly anticipated follow up single to this summer's smash hit record 'Never Leave You'. With an equally as infectious groove and the unmistakeable vocals this record is bound to repeat the success of the previous single with the added feature of guest vocals by N.O.R.E. The urban and house mixes are already causing a ruckus in the club scene as well as setting a launch pad for her debut album - 'Almost Famous'.
Mis-teeq - Style This Stargate-produced track is a tad more easy listening than Mis-Teeq's usual garage-y offerings. Boasting harmonies, a 'nice' tune, a deep 70's-style bassline using a sample from the Pet Shop Boys hit 'West End Girls', as well as a familiar TLC-esque rap, 'Style' marks a move away from Su-Elise, Alesha and Sabrina's clubby roots towards a slightly more mature sound, and will feature on the re-issued 'Eye Candy' album, which hits the shops on 24th November.
Alex Parks - Maybe That's What It Takes The winner of fame Academy 2003, Alex Parks is possibly the first true talent to emerge from any reality based music programme. The single 'Maybe That's What It Takes' was co-written by Alex Durling her time in the Academy and showcases her obvious talent as both a writer and singer. The single will be followed by the album 'An Introduction To Me' which will feature original songs as well as covers she performed during the show and ultimately lead to the public voting her the winner.
Radiohead - 2+2=5 '2+2=5' is the opening track and third single to be taken from the amazing album 'Hail To The Thief' by Radiohead. Within three minutes the tune moves from a calm electronic beat to outright 'Just'-era chaos. '2+2=5' is one of the strongest cuts on the album as it contains all the elements of a Radiohead classic encapsulating a great wealth of what the band has learned over the years.
Shania Twain - When You Kiss Me / Up Shania Twain's Top 5 album 'Up!' has spawned four hit singles 'I'm Gonna Getcha Good!', 'Ka-Ching', 'Forever and For Always' and 'Thank You Baby (for makin' someday come so soon!)' Now she's back with yet another superb release, the double A sided single 'When You Kiss Me / Up!', 'When You Kiss Me' is a fantastic ballad with a very intimate and compelling video. 'Up!' is a classic slice of Shania Twain uptempo pop (and the album's title track) with a fun and upbeat video.
Solex - Close To The Edge 'Solex' is a moniker of the acclaimed producer Michael Woods who has built a solid reputation as one of the most talented producers in his field. 'Close To The Edge' is a classic big room trance anthem with an emotional powerhouse of production that sticks in the memory after just one listen. The distinctive riffs and the lush synths with the hook melody guarantee that this is one of the year's biggest anthems.
Starsailor - Born Again Get ready to raise your lighters skywards for the very spiritual second single 'Born Again' from the much anticipated second album 'Silence is Easy'. The track is a more of a majestic urban hymn inspired by frontman James Walsh's one-year-old daughter Niamh with his girlfriend Lisa.
Westlife - Mandy 'Mandy' is the second single to be taken from Westlife's forthcoming album 'Turnaround' which demonstrates the bands musical versatility. 'Mandy' was originally a hit for Barry Manilow back in 1975 based around a 1971 hit song called 'Brandy' by Scott English, but Westlife have brought this classic love song bang up to date for a brand new audience. This is classic Westlife, full of emotion, melody driven and beautifully produced, featuring soaring vocals and a dramatic string section.
The White Stripes - The Hardest Button To Button The White Stripes are back with their next single 'The Hardest Button To Button' which is one of the finest moments from the band's 'Elephant' album. 'The Hardest Button To Button' is backed with The White Stripes live version of Detroit blues comrades The Soledad Brothers' song 'St Ides Of March'.
OTHER SINGLES RELEASED THIS WEEK
2 Play - So Confused
Ambershades - 8th Day
Belle & Sebastian - Step Into My Office, Baby
Bon Jovi - Wanted Dead Or Alive
Broken Social Scene - Cause = Time
Chikinki - Assassinator 13
Phil Collins - Look Through My Eyes
The Crimea - Baby Boom
The Fire Theft - Chain
FYA - Boops '03
The Glitterati - Do You Love Yourself
Martin L. Gore - Loverman EP
Happylife - Breathe For Me
Ilya - Soleil Soleil
Sharam Jey - Rox City
Klonhertz - Three Girl Rhumba
Jonny Lives - Tabloid Nation EP
Cass McCombs - Not The Way
Erin McKeown - Born To Hum
Katie Melua - The Closest Thing To Crazy / Call Off The Search
Motion City Soundtrack - The Future Freaks Me Out
Obi - To Some Folk
The Open - Never Enough
The Original - I Luv U Baby
RZA feat. ODB - We Pop
Simple Kid - Drugs
Solitaire - I Like Love (I Love Love)
Single Release Schedule
November 24
Mary J Blige featuring Eve - Not Today
Blink 182 - Feeling This
Breed 77 - La Ultima Hora
Chemical Brothers - Get Yourself High
Kelly Clarkson - Low/The Trouble With Love Is
Cody Chesnutt - World Is Coming
The Coral - Bill McCai
D-Side - Real World
Evan Dando - It Looks Like You
Dandy Warhols - Plan A
Matt Darey featuring Marcella Woods - Voice Of An Angel
Dirt Devils - Music Is Life
Dizzee Rascal - Jus A Rascal
Fleetwood Mac - Peacekeeper
Peter Gabriel - Burn You Up, Burn You Down
Iron Maiden - Rain Maker
Michael Jackson - One More Chance
Ja Rule - Clap Back/The Reign
King Adora - Drag
Limp Bizkit - Behind Blue Eyes
Lost Tribe - Gamemaster 2003
Cass McCombs - Not The Way
Meat Loaf - Man Of Steel
Million Dead - I Am The Party
Moloko - Cannot Contain This
No Doubt - It's My Life
P.O.D. - Will You
Radical Noiz featuring Adeva - In And Out
Room 5 featuring Oliver Cheatham - Music And You
Seachange - Glitterball
Shane Ritchie - I'm Your Man
Skandinavia - Dark Days
Starsailor - Born Again
CJ Stone - Don't Look Back
Studio B featuring Romeo & Harry Brooks - I See Girls
The Thrills - Don't Steal Our Sun
Tramp Attack - Oh When The Sun Goes Down
Whirlwind Heat - Purple
Will Young - Leave Right Now
Young Circle - Vive les enfants d'amour
Zutons - Pressure Point
December 1
The Black Eyed Peas - Shut Up
Blu Cantrell featuring Ian Lewis - Make Me Wanna Scream
Buffseeds - Sparkle Me
Dido - Life For Rent
Evanescence - My Immortal
Flip & Fill featuring Junior - Irish Blue
Gareth Gates - Say It Isn't So
Delta Goodrem - Not Me, Not I
Gus Gus - Desire
John The White Rapper - Put Your Hands Up
Alistair Griffin - Bring It On
Koreans - How Does It Feel
Madonna - Nothing Fails/Love Profusion
Lisa Maffia - Women Of The World
Summer Matthews - Little Miss Perfect
Muse - Hysteria
Nelly - Iz U
Noddy - Make Way For Noddy!
Alex Party - Read My Lips (12")
Puddle Of Mudd - Away From Me
December 8
Christina Aguilera - The Voice Within
Atomic Kitten - Ladies' Night
Big Brovaz - It Ain't What You Do
Blue featuring Stevie Wonder & Angie Stone - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
David Bowie - Never Get Old/Waterloo Sunset
The Cheeky Girls - Have A Cheeky Christmas
Finger Eleven - Good Times
Nelly Furtado - Powerless (Say What You Want)
Good Charlotte - Hold On/The Young And The Hopeless
Alicia Keys - You Don't Know My Name
KoRn - Right Now
John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
The Lost Brothers - Cry Little Sister (I Need U Now)
Love Inc - Into The Night
Mr. On vs Jungle Brothers - Breathe Don't Stop
Ozzy & Kelly Osbourne - Changes
Cliff Richard - Santa's List
Simply Red - You Make Me Feel Brand New
Rachel Stevens - Funky Dory
Sting featuring Mary J Blige - Whenever I Say Your Name
Texas - I'll See It Through
Justin Timberlake - I'm Lovin' It
Luther Vandross - Dance With My Father
December 15
Beyonc� - Me, Myself And I
The Darkness - Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)/Friday Night
Craig David - You Don't Miss Your Water
Different Darkness - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Darkness
Sophie Ellis Bextor - I Won't Change You
Four Poofs And A Piano - Camp Up Your Christmas
Robin Gibb featuring Alistair Griffin - Lover's Prayer
Wyclef Jean & Missy Elliot - Party To Damascus
Gary Jules - Mad World
Billy Mack - Christmas Is All Around
Avid Merrion - Little Drummer Boy/Proper Crim-bo!
Pop Idol Finalists - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Amy Studt - All I Wanna Do
Sugababes - Too Lost In You
Travis - Beautiful Occupation
Ultrabeat - Feelin' Fine
December 29
Victoria Beckham - Let Your Head Go/Don't Disturb This Groove
S Club 8 - Tears On My Pillow/Don't Tell Me You're Sorry
These are some of the new releases that are filtering through for the early part of 2004
January 5
Kelis - Milkshake
Mya - Fallen
Sean Paul featuring Sasha - I'm Still In Love With You
Jay-Z & Pharell Williams - Change Clothes And Go
January 12
Fatman Scoop - It Takes Two
Jamelia - Thank You
Despina Vandi - Gia
January 19
Abs - 7 Ways
JC Chasez featuring ODB - Some Girls
Liberty X - Everybody Cries
Offspring - Hit That
Pink - God Is A DJ
Scissor Sisters - Comfortably Numb
January 26
Clea - Stuck In The Middle
Emma - I'll Be There
February 2
John Mayer - Bigger Than My Body
Triple Eight - You And I
Snow Patrol - Run
