Just flip the pages of the mag and read about Bella, and then watch the video below to see and hear what she has to say in our exclusive interview!
Listen to a preview ofNobody Loves Me (The R.O.A.R. Re-Dux)
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The single is out now and available at iTunes
Check out our previous Bella and The Fire & Reason interviewhere
With the New Year comes hot new music…and the men are the one’s to watch in January!
Here’s the best music that’s heating things up from guys who rock the underground to the mainstream.
Maceo Plex
Life Index
Crosstown Rebels Records
Eric Estornel, now known as his House music moniker Maceo Plex, has been sweetening the kitty in the world of music since 1993 as a producer, composer, and artist under the names Maetrik, Mariel Ito, and Estornel.
He’s been influenced by his Latin roots, techno, and electro, but now, it’s house music takes a front seat and opens up the New Year with the deep and flavorful offering called Life Index.
As Maceo Plex, Eric is exposing a more soulful, housey, groovier side of himself. The lead single “Vibe Your Love”, with Peter King on vocals featuring Stevie Wonder’s classic For Your Love, has an early ‘90s deep house vibe to it and is sure to be a long-running club sizzler.
Maceo had specific goals for this project, “I wanted it to be very versatile with varied moods. Sexy futuristic music spread over 12 totally different tracks. Kind of like a 12 page excerpt out of a Kama Sutra book but set to beats!”
“You and Me” and “Your Style” (featuring Maceo on vocals) are go-deep dancefloor scorchers also destined to become late-night classics, the mid-tempo beauty “Love Your Mama”, and the closer “Bring It Back” are some of the best tunes here.
Maceo Plex
watch the video for “Vibe Your Love”
Hercules & Love Affair
Blue Songs
Moshi Moshi Records
The new Hercules & Love Affair joint is a one, two knockout punch, an awesome collaboration of talent and music. Andy Butler et al get nasty, and give it to you harder, faster, stronger…and now, deeper.
The first single released is “My House” features il divo Shaun Wright taking H&LA reigns to a more house-y, more deep sound than ever heard by them before. He gets his diva moments by soaring with the slick beats and the catchy, melodic hooks. Shaun also shimmers on “Falling”, refusing to stop the House party.
Check out the new video for “My House”
The opening track “Painted Eyes” and “Answers Come in Dreams” allow Aerea Negrot to sing the hell out of it and belt it out in both songs. She’s refreshing, powerful, and enigmatic. H&LA vet Kim Ann Foxman adds her sweet-n-spiciness to standout “I Can’t Wait” and guest star Kele Okereke sets it off on “Step Up”.
Blue Songs will undoubtedly come with so many (i can hardly wait) fierce remixes, but it will colour your life now with dance and is a must-have for any music monster, so go get it!
Here’s a very cool remix to “My House (Leo Zero Remix)”
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Hercules & Love Affair current lineup (l to r): Kim Ann Foxman, Mark Pistel, Shaun Wright, Andy Butler, and Aerea Negrot.
Twin Shadow
Forget
Terrible Records / 4 AD
I was first introduced to the music of Dominicano George Lewis Jr. (aka Twin Shadow) last Summer when I heard the single “Slow”. I warmed up quickly to it and eagerly awaited his full-length album.
Twin Shadow draws inspiration from trips abroad to Europe, classic cars, and an unmistakable new wave sentiment. Forgetis a synth-pop rock world that offers a panoramic view of a musical landscape that spans decades.
From the full-throttle power ballad “Slow”, to the glam-pop rock of “Shooting Holes”, to the shimmering disco of “At My Heels”, the feel good, synthesized rhythms of “I Can’t Wait” and “For Now”, and the daydreamy “Castles In The Snow”, Forget is non-stop, alt-pop with a spirited, and light-hearted air of fun to it.”
Take a listen to “I Can’t Wait”
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and “Castles In the Snow”
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Duran Duran revisits their distinct sexy sounds of the past and modernize it with a gilded voice of the here and now. Simon and company return to the spotlight with their first indie record All You Need is Now produced by the neo-soultastic Mark Ronson.
“Being Followed”, “Girl Panic”, and “Runaway Runaway” are fun, vintage-sounding Duran Duran reminiscent of their “Hungry Like The Wolf” glory days, but it’s the collabo tracks that standout and shine. “Safe” (featuring Ana Matronic of Scissor Sisters), and “The Man Who Stole A Leopard” (featuring Kelis) fuses the proven sounds of Simon Le Bon’s trademark croon with the contemporary funkiness of these alterna-pop princesses. A couple ballads are thrown in for classic Duran good measure but a little less sparkly, but not so-so if you are a true fan from the Rio get-go.
Listen here for“Safe” featuring Ana Matronic
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Listen here for “Runaway Runaway”
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Watch the title track video for All You Need Is Now
James Blake
James Blake
ATLAS / A&M Records
James Blake was a very busy young man in 2010 releasing 3 EP’s, all of which were eclectic in style, but 2011 brings us his self-titled debut and full-length album of new material.
He’s classically trained, and for someone in his early 20′s, James sings with a lot of conviction of someone much wiser, someone who has lived and loved. His brand of soul music is introspective, torchy, haunting, folksy, and experimental with slick beats, electronica, and some bass and piano that come along with him on the journey.
His stark, soulful yet flat and non-ostentatious vocal style is a staple throughout his debut. And, his chillingly beautiful cover of Feist’s “Limit To Your Love” updates the song with his captivating flair, it’s the most accessible of all the songs on the album.
Listen to “To Care (Like You)”
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“To Care (Like You)”, “Wilhelms Screams” and “I Never Learnt To Share” are other Blake multi-layered gems. If you like Antony & The Johnsons, the XX, downtempo, and brilliantly austere musical landscapes, you’re gonna love James Blake too.
Watch James Blake’s stark and mesmerizing cover of Feist’s “Limit To Your Love”
Dirty Beaches
Badlands
Zoo Music
Dirty Beaches is self-described minimalist rockabilly and lo-fi sensation Alex Zhang Hungtai, and Badlands is his ghost-themed album.
The concept behind Badlands, is about a man who is possessed by the road. His mother used to say to him, “You walk at night often enough, sooner or later you’ll run into a ghost.” Alex has said that he thinks “its very true, as the devil comes in all forms…Just here to fuck your shit up.”
Badlands are songs about leaving, and being chased on the road, and driving a burning car into oblivion mixed with ballads, and dirges laced with murder and lament. Kinda reminds me of a cross between Twin Peaks, Elvis, and 60′s beach party music all rolled up into one.
Alex aka Dirty Beaches
Here’s a preview of “Lord Knows Best”
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and “Sweet 17”
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A somber theme, but infectious and lively electro-pop from Portland’s finest STRFKR, from their upcoming Reptilians album.
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Peter Bjorn & John – “Second Chance”
Funky and fun rock/pop had me humming all weekend long…from PB&J’s new album Gimme Some
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Miami Horror – “Holidays (Miami Horror and Cassian Remix)”
If you love the original, you’ll love this dancier version even more, way more!
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Check out the video of the original version of “Holidays” from Miami Horror’s Illumination album
Sam Sparro – “Pink Cloud”
Sam Sparro quickly cements himself into the current 90′s dance re-craze that is trending now in today’s music with his new song “Pink Cloud”…awesome!
Here’s our top picks of Summer musical delights from the very popular & electrifying to the quirky & off the beaten path.
Christina Aguilera
Bionic
RCA Records
Christina Aguilera marks her return to the world stage and goes electro withBionic, her strong musical mix of voice, dance, synth-pop, and R&B. Her best release yet!
She flexes her vocal muscle by not singing all out, showing some restraint and coolness, ultimately reminding us why she has always been the pop princess that stomps to the beat of a funkier drum.
Christina teams up with some of the best in the business, again working with Linda Perry, as well as Tricky Stewart, Sia, Le Tigre, Polow da Don, Nicki Minaj, Peaches, and M.I.A. The special deluxe edition of Bionic contains 6 bonus tracks and collaborations with Ladytron, Cathy Dennis, The Bravery’s Sam Endicott, and Santigold.
The best tracks are the uptempo dance & electro tracks, “Woo Hoo” is a dancehall jam featuring Nicki Minaj, the sexy M.I.A. teaser “Elastic Love”, the runway-walking “Glam”, the fiery Spanglish “Desnudate”, the cheeky “I Hate Boys”, and the super sassy “Vanity” and “My Girls”.
The Linda Perry slow-cooker gem “Lift Me Up” which showcases her voice is another standout, and sounds like a potential big hit. We know Christina can sing, and she doesn’t have to hit us over the head all the time with it, a calculated move that adds to the charm and depth of Bionic along with different styles, and a futuristic, modern sound.
Xtina’s extra hot tracks: “Vanity”
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the M.I.A. joint“Elastic Love”
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the dancehall boogie throwdown with red-hot Nicki Minaj“Woo Hoo”
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Kelis
Flesh Tone
Will.i.am Music Group / Interscope
The future is bright for Kelis…a new son, recently divorced from rapper Nas, a new record label, and with her latest release Flesh Tone, she returns with a refreshed and improved sound to her captivating repertoire of music, this time with her feet firmly planted in the world of dance and thumping basslines.
No longer the siren and muse of the Neptunes, Kelis finds herself invigorated and transformed with the midas touch of Will.i.am, David Guetta, Jean Baptiste, and Benny Benassi. This is a solid, exciting, well-conceived, and catchy Kelis record from the very beginning to end.
Best tracks are the super-sweet, disco-esque “Song for the Baby”, electro dance anthems “Brave”, “Scream”,“Emancipate”, “4th of July (Fireworks)”, and of course, the first single and dancefloor hit “Acapella”.
Watch Kelis perform 4th of July on the Brit tv show Later…with Jools Holland
…And, here’s a preview of “Brave”
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…and also “Song for the Baby”
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Drake
Tell Me Later
Cash Money Records / Universal Motown
Canadian artist Drake is the one to watch and the hottest star to emerge in the hip-hop and R&B genre. You can also look for his star to also rise in upcoming movie projects, but it is his full-length, major label debut albumTell Me Laterthat will definitely catapult him further into the limelight and on the Top 10 charts.
Collaborations include Lil’ Wayne, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, T.I., Young Jeezy, The Dream, Timbaland, and Jay Z make this one of the strongest, and biggest premiere launches to date.
I love the already chart-topping lead single, “Over” and the Kanye West-produced“Find Your Love”that is the current radio darling, a popular hit with a strong, urban music video to accompany it.
Watch the video here
Other great tunes are “Unforgettable”, “Fancy”, “Thank Me Now”, and the next single “Miss Me”
Listen to a preview of “Unforgettable” (featuring Young Jeezy)
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Also, here’s the album title track and closer “Thank Me Now”
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Uffie
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Ed Banger Records / Elektra
Get ready to Uff…Uffie finally hits stateside with a full-length album after releasing several popular EPs over the years. Uffie has a cute, cocky, and special style of MC’ing, singing, writing rhymes, and rockin’ the party!
Previous releases & singles from a few years ago made the cut and are included here:“Pop the Glock”(a personal all-time fave),“F1rst Love”, and“Brand New Car”.
Produced in part by famed Paris-based record producer, composer, and songwriter Mirwais, Uffie shows us that her time has come with a delightful rendition of Siouxsie & The Banshees’“Hong Kong Garden”, as well as the new, fun singles“MCs Can Kiss”and“ADD SUV”featuring Pharell Williams.
Other standout tracks include the smart-mouthed and playful“Ricky”, the funky, finger-snappin’ “Neuneu”, and the melodic and smart“Our Song”and“Difficult”.
Here’s a look at some of the hottest Uffie tracks:
“Neuneu”
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“Ricky”
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Check out Uffie’s video for “Pop The Glock”
GET THIS NOW!
Sizzlin’ dance singles that will get you movin’ and groovin’ all summer long!
BreakBot – “Baby I’m Yours” (featuring Irfane)
…funky, vanilla soul like they used to make it back in the day!
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Punches – “Let Go”…a house jam that samples some Mary J.
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Quentin Harris & Jason Walker – “Circles”…a house grinder from Quentin Harris’ Sacrafice album
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Two Door Cinema Club -“Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)” …a feel-good, happy song to pull you through the most dreadful day!
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Benny Benassi – “Spaceship (EDX Remix) ” feat. Kelis, Apl, and Jean-Baptiste…you can only be sitting on top of the world when add a little Kelis to your mix and add some sparkle.
Spaceship (EDX Remix) feat. Kelis
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Blake McGrath – “The Night (Only Place to Go)” …dancer and choreographer to the stars, Blake McGrath takes center stage with his hot debut single.
Our Tangerine Music list is stuck on repeat with a variety of hot new music from Ladies who know to TURN IT OUT and give us sounds that are smart, thoughtful, fun, and sexy.
Goldfrapp Head First Mute Records
Goldfrapp is one of my favorite music groups around and they mark their return to the nightlife and dance scene with their 5th musical outing.
“Rocket” the lead single has a retro disco-pop sound reminiscent of the Olivia Newton-John/ELO/Xanadu-era, and they continue the formula on “Alive” with great success.
The finest tracks are“Dreaming”, “I Wanna Life”, and“Believer” which are updated, glam-filled reminders of when rollerskating, disco balls, and shiny spandex pants were all the rage.
Take a listen here to“I Wanna Life”
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Here’s the Goldfrapp video for “Rocket”
New Young Pony Club The Optimist The Numbers Records
New Young Pony Club have something to be hopeful and broodingly happy for…they self-released their 2nd album The Optimist with a sound that could be described as mix of moody, and dark dance synth-pop. It’s got smooth basslines designed to move your butt, lyrics enticing your mind, and hooks that keep you humming.
The title track“The Optimist” and “Before The Light”shine bright and sound alot like Siouxsie & The Banshees. “We Want To”, “Chaos”, and “Lost A Girl” aim to get you on the indie dancefloor.
Here’s a snippet of “We Want To”
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and now let’s take a look and listen to “Chaos” here:
Gabriella Cilmi Ten Island UK Records
Gabriella Cilmi burst onto the international music scene last year with her big hit “Sweet About Me” and her debut album Lessons To Be Learned. Now, she is back with her follow-up called TEN.
Her new songs are an eclectic mix of pop, R&B, and electro with uptempo funk and disco-inspired music designed to make people groove.
Standout tracks are“Glue”, “Love Me ‘Cos You Want To”, “Boys”, and “Invisible Girl”.
Here’s preview of “Glue”
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Watch Gabriella Cilmi’s big budget video for “On A Mission”
JES High Glow Ultra Records
Jes continues to delve deeper into the realm of synth-rock, also known as rocktronica with her 3rd release High Glow. Here she fuses rock with electro, dance, and urban beats.
JES’ lead off single is a remake of the Cure’s “Lovesong” which will undoubtedly bring this classic gem to a new generation. Her version puts an ethereal dance spin on the original.
Other standouts include “Closer”and “Such A Long Time”. JES also throws in some ballads into this collection.
Here’s a look at the video for“Lovesong”:
FIERCE NEW TRACKS that are ON FIRE and worth a listen :
Until Roisin Murphy launches her next full-length album, just stay on the lookout for her singles releases and collaborations with other artists.
Here is one remix for an upcoming Crookers song:
Crookers featuring Róisín Murphy “Royal T (Riva Starr Dub)”
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Toni Braxton returns to form with her upcoming comeback Pulse with mid-tempo R & B jams, sultry vocals, and ballads, but she brings the heat with the stomper“Make My Heart” that is one of the strongest tracks and will leave it’s mark in the clubs and on the dance charts!
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By the time Marina and her albumFamily Jewelsfinally landshere stateside, there will already have been a slew of remixes and singles available including this:
Marina & The Diamonds“I Am Not A Robot (Flex’d Rework Mix)”
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Here’s some music that’s in heavy rotation at Tangerine Living, these artists have a dominance on our music players and threaten to blow out the speakers because we like to listen out loud and proud!
Sade Soldier of Love Epic Records
Helen Folasade Adu better known as Sade is back in the limelight with a new studio album Soldier of Love after a 10 year hiatus.
The first two tracks, “The Moon and The Sky” and the album title track “Soldier of Love” marks her triumphant return with a vengeance and lets everyone know she is back with smooth grooves, and smoky vibes, and why quite frankly she is the Queen of the torch song, the warrior of love.
Sade’s voice and sound are in classic form, timeless and familiar, always honeyed and inviting, yet moody and cool too. It’s the arrangements, instrumentations, storytelling, and lyrics that keeps her and the band at the top of their game with layers of imagery and emotion. This is evident on my favorite tracks “Skin” as Sade croons “Now as I begin to wash you off my skin, I’m gonna peel you away, ’cause you’re not right within”, on “Bring Me Home” she laments, “Put me on a plate with petals and a fire, And send me out to sea. Turn my angry sword against my heart, And let me free” and lovingly admits “My heart has been a lonely warrior who’s been to war, so you can be sure. In my heart, your love has found, the safest hiding place” in“The Safest Place”.
Listen to a sneak peek from Sade’s “Skin”
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and “Bring Me Home”
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Tracks like“Babyfather” sung from many points of view showcases additional singers woven with Sade’s soothing tone, let’s you know you can feel good about yourself no matter who you are, as a child, as a parent. With “Long Hard Road” the strumming guitar and melancholic vocals somehow assures us that on a long hard road ahead, when the big old world is closing in, know “it’s gonna be alright.”
I am stuck on repeat with this one, as I can always rely on Sade to remind me of the joy, sorrow, pain, and the unmitigated excitement and glow of love, the good, bad, and sexy…the haunting, hope, and horror of it. Just the way I like it, Sade sets my heart on fire time and time again with rays of sunshine often mixed with confusion and despair.
Parralox State of Decay Subterrane Recordings
The twosome behind Australian band Parralox, Amii and John Von Ahlen are right on track with keeping the electro vibe alive in 2010. The group was created in 2008 from the love of all things synthetic, science fiction, and surreal.
Their sophomore album has pop sounds reminiscent to 80′s dance artists like Yaz, Heaven 17, Pet Shop Boys, and Stacey Q.
The opening tracks “Beautiful World” and “Universe, I Love You” are a good place to start with uplifting electro gems, but it’s the lead off single, “Hotter” that is one of my favorite tracks with music that’s sexy and melodic…and lyrics that are catchy, ironic, and playful, “You’re just what I’m looking for, I just wish you looked a little bit hotter, we could be so perfect together, what a shame you weren’t a little bit hotter.”
Other standouts are “In the Night” and “Isn’t It Strange” which has John sharing the vocals and adding additional textures and layers to Amii’s expressions.
“When The Walls Came Tumbling Down”, “Two Hearts”and “I Am Human”reminds me of Stacey Q and her Better Than Heaven days when she ruled the dancefloors and the charts with smart, cheeky synth-pop!
Parralox down shifts into a lower gear with “Be Careful What You Wish For”, “Time”and the closer“Hold Me Now”are tunes that have moody, atmospheric undertones of an esoteric film score.
With State Of Decay,Parralox has a very lush outing from beginning to end with fun, introspective, and danceable music that is sophisticated and so different from the current crop of mainstream pop tarts.
Check out the sultry first single “Hotter” from Parralox
Delphic Acolyte Modular Recordings / Polydor
The debut release by red-hot Manchester-based band Delphic is loaded with resonant, well-tuned songs with stellar chords, keyboards. The band includes Richard Boardman, Matt Cocksedge, James Cook, and Dan Hadley and their sound is very reminiscent of a very early Human League, and New Order in their heyday.
On “Doubt”, one of my favorite tracks, and“Counterpart”synthesizers, guitars, and vocals harmonize together in fast, dance rhythms and beats. “Submission” my other favorite track has fine Duran Duran-like moments while “Red Lights” is an infectious rush of euphoria laced with melancholy.“This Momentary”and “Halcyon” repeats the dance formula with modern touches.
Much more than 80′s revivalists, Delphic starts the new year with very listenable, fun, and thoughtful music that helps to solidify them as a versatile, modern indie dance band.
Here’s the “DOUBT”music vid from Delphic
Marina & The Diamonds The Family Jewels 679 Recordings / Atlantic Records
Marina & the Diamonds is Marina Diamandis, a Greek/Welsh singer and songwriter. Marina’s hope for the album is for it to be enjoyed and consumed as a story and theory that encourages people to question themselves because it’s a body of work largely inspired by the seduction of commercialism, modern social values, family and female sexuality.
Marina is a new type of pop vixen. She is sort of refreshing in today’s pop climate. With a big voice, experimental songs, and more piano & keyboard-based music, she is more of a Kate Bush-y, Tori Amos-ish, and Lady GaGa-esque chanteuse with more shrieks, snarls and prowls.
“Hollywood” is most radio-friendly with its smoldering vocals, and a super sexy music vid. The song is a cautionary tale about how Hollywood can change you and get you all caught up in all the wrong things. The obsession with celebrity culture is really unhealthy and Marina didn’t want to live life like that, not wanting to be a typical tabloid-fodder pop star. “Shampain” is another standout that has good potential for radio with its hints of 80′s new wave synthesizers.
Other highlights includes the quirky gems of “I Am Not A Robot”, “Numb”, “Seventeen”and “Obsessions” all of which are some of the best songs Marina has to offer. I hope to see many electro-inspired remixes in her future to make her brand of musical uniqueness more dance-ready, ultimately thrusting her into the stratosphere.
Here is the video for Marina’s second single, “Hollywood”
HURTS Wonderful Life [EP] Major Label Records
Last and most definitely not least, the band HURTS is a UK synth-pop duo hailing from Manchester and made up of Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson. The future seems blindingly bright with the launch of their EP, Wonderful Life.
Their EP contains 5 great songs, including the title track “Wonderful Life” and also a special remix by Arthur Baker. The song is based on two extremes: the first being a man who wants to kill himself and the second being love at first sight. The man’s standing on the bridge about to jump and he’s suddenly stopped by a woman. They see each other and fall in love. The woman basically saves him and says it’s going to be okay. The song only offers a moment of someone’s life, so we don’really know what the outcome is.
HURTS’ music has a mix of disco lento (Italian slow disco), a touch of gloom and doom, excellent melodies and songwriting, an industrious and meticulous attention to sonics and atmosphere, and you have a HURTS brand of well-crafted synth-pop. This winning formula is also apparent on “Blood, Tears and Gold” and “Unspoken” and will most definitely hold me over until they finishing recording their full-length debut album launching this summer.
Take a listen here to “Unspoken”
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Here’s HURTS “Wonderful Life”and see what all the buzz is about:
Thanks for stopping by and checking out our top music choices for Winter and keep it locked here when next month we preview hot new music that’s blooming for Spring!
Welcome to our first everTangerine Living Holiday Gift Guidewith music you should give and get this Holiday and hope for in the coming New Year!
With so many bands scrambling to be seen and heard amidst the declining luster of major record label glory or the deafening ear of radio airplay, or due to the glare of a million other artists vying for the spotlight on YouTube and Myspace, here is some ear candy that is either new, worthwhile, and should have gotten your attention in 2009, but just in case it didn’t, we’re here to make sure it gets another look and a second chance.
Esmée Denters Outta Here Tenn Man/Interscope Records
You should definitely rush out and get this when it finally becomes available on January 12, 2010. I have been jamming to tracks from the album since the Summer and know that Esmée is going to be a big, big hit here in 2010.
In 2007, I was first introduced to EsméeDenters, the Dutch girl and YouTube phenom who came into the worldwide web spotlight for sensational covers of hit songs especially Justin Timberlake’s “What Goes Around Comes Around.” Justin took her under his wing, signed her as the first artist on his TennMan Records label, and now has executive-produced the album.
Justin leaves his musical style stamp all over the album, and Esmée delivers on it song after song. I would describe this outing as more than just a female version of Justin “JT” Timberlake, but that is just one small comparison, and an obvious honor too. Their collaborations (and their are a few here) are strong, sultry, and spot on. There is a funkiness here that celebrates voice, soul, song, dance, and sexiness.
The title track and first single “Outta Here” was released in Europe in May 2009 and “Admit It” both have been generating a lot of buzz and airplay recently on MTV and other radio & video outlets. She co-wrote most of the songs, and on “Love Dealer” which features Justin Timberlake on vocals, she will undoubtedly get much more attention. But, the best tracks in my opinion are the smashing, big beat gems “Bigger Than the World” with lyrics like “I think my heart might explode, ‘Cause now I feel the weight of your love on me now, from my head down to my toes, And I can’t handle nothin’ else” and the sassy and sultry“Getting Over You”. Other standouts are “Memories Turn to Dust”, “Casanova” and the anthemic “Victim”.
Watch “Outta Here” & “Admit It”
For the last few years, she has been honing her skills as a supporting act in Europe for JT in 2007, as well as for Ne-Yo, and Enrique Iglesias in 2009. Esmée Denters comes into her own musical stardom with this record, a young white girl with a big voice and the soul of a new, modern day Teena Marie…and ready or not, here she comes!
Frankmusik Complete Me Universal Island Records
Hot on the heels of La Roux and Little Boots and the Electro Synth-Pop explosion in the UK, now comes Frankmusik’s debut full-length release Complete Me. Frankmusik, aka Vincent Frank, sings songs that are upbeat, infectious, and fun.
The album was produced by master dance remixer & uber-producer Stuart Price (aka Thin White Duke, Jacques Lu Cont, Les Rythmes Digitales), who has been very successful with Madonna for the Drowned World Tour, the Re-Invention Tour, as well as her “Confessions on A Dancefloor” album.
Much of the tracks are of love- before, during and the aftermath mixed with falsettos, ballads, strings and a thumping drum machine. Stuart Price’s midas touch of electronic dance beats with riffs, arpeggios, and vocal lines faded and filtered throughout the tunes for dramatic effect and are ever apparent on melodic and dance stompers like “In Step”, “When You’re Around” and “Gotta Boyfriend”. On the real fetching & club-ready “Better Off As 2″, Frankmusik croons with heart and soul “I’m sorry but did I never mention, I’m better off with you, ‘Coz now I think it’s time that you understood, We’re better off as two.”
Check out the video here for “Better Off As 2″
In 2009, Frankmusik was touring the UK as a supporting act for Keane, and then also for the Pet Shop Boys. He released a companion piece to his album, an acoustic version titled, “Completely Me”, that is a stripped down, digital format.
Dragonette Fixin to Thrill I Surrender Records
Despite a lot of buzz and critical acclaim for their first record Galore, Dragonette did not set the charts ablaze, but it wasn’t for lack of trying with good music, a red hot lead singer, stylistic videos, grittier themes, or crossover potential. With Fixin to Thrill, they succeed again with an album of electric vocals, melodic hooks, and awesome songs that are more poppier, sleeker, hard-hitting, and lyrically witty.
Dragonette are best when they can make you follow to the electronic beat of their pop drum on songs like “Big Sunglasses”,“We Rule the World”, “Stupid Grin”, and my best-loved track, “Liar”. Adding some glitter & gold for everyone, there’s the cheeky country twang of “Gone Too Far”, sugary pop of “Pick Up the Phone” and the saucy, sweet, slow-cooked “Easy”. I’m hoping that 2010 is even better to the band, and garners them the prominence and commercial success they deserve.
Dragonette’s video for “Pick Up the Phone”
Matisyahu Light Epic Records
Matisyahu is back with Light and returns to form with his hybrid of reggae, hip hop, religion, and beat box, BUT with a more rock edge and more layers than his previous work.
“One Day”the lead single was released this past Summer and classic Matisyahu, positive, catchy and uplifting. “On Nature” reminds me of the funk/rock of vintage Red Hot Chili Peppers with a dash of California sunshine and hope thrown in for good measure. “Darkness Into Light” roars with the riffs of a rock guitar and some beat box.
“So Hi So Lo”, “Thunder”, and “Struggla” are some of my faves here with Matisyahu’s very distinct blend of reggae and hip hop, and with moments of ska reminiscent of Sublime. The record rings the alarm with beautiful, lyrical messages and a style of storytelling that is thoughtfully engaging, an album to bring in the new year with hopes of peace, joy and freedom.
Matisyahu’s “One Day” vid
Florence & The Machine Lungs Universal Republic Records
Florence & The Machine is Florence Welch on lead vocals sneering her way into our hearts, and The Machine are her backing band comprised of various musicians who help to propel her into a realm of gothic imagery that’s no easy, breezy, cheesy pop.
Before her major label debut of Lungs, I heard a few of the tracks in a demo form which was much more raw, spirited, and quite frankly, mas rock and roll. Although I prefer that version, this current adaptation of “Kiss With a Fist”, “Girl With One Eye”,and “My Boy Builds Coffins” are glossy and polished, and not necessarily a bad thing because they are just as edgy, moving, and snarly.
Stylistically, Florence is in a league all her own from the current British crop of darlings of Duffy, Adele, Pixie Lott, and Lily Allen. With influences and theatrical touches of Kate Bush, Bjork, PJ Harvey, and Tori Amos, along with some glimmer of rock legends Grace Slick and Heart populating the album, it’s a breath of fresh goth-pop-rock air all over here. The beautiful “Howl”, and “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)” are standouts for me, as well as, the remake of Candi Staton’s hit “You’ve Got the Love” which puts some soul on the music plate and may be the song that has a chance of thrusting her into the U.S. charts.
“You’ve Got the Love” vid
New in 2010
There are some highly-anticipated follow-ups that are coming in 2010: Sade in February after a 10 year absence, the Scissor Sisters in March, and then No Doubt sometime thereafter.
The Gossip kicked off their 2009 U.S. tour this October in support of their recent album Music for Men. We got a chance to see them in San Francisco at the Regency Ballroom on October 25, 2009.
Armed with messages of love, gay rights and marriage, celebrity, confidence, and hope, the Gossip rocked the house. Beth Ditto and band are the future of rock music with a punk and pop mix, a powerful voice, big guitars, snappy beats, explosive choruses and an enigmatic and proud lead singer.
After performing various hits and new music like the opener Dime Store Diamond, Pop Goes the World,Yr Mangled Heart (my personal favorite), Men in Love, Love Long Distance, Listen Up!, and Heavy Cross, the Gossip returned for their encore with a special rendition of Tina Turner’s What’s Love (Got To Do With It?) with JD Samson from M.E.N. (an opening act for them) and then they closed their set with their breakthrough rock-pop anthem Standing In The Way of Control. Take a look at our video of their performance right here…
The Gossip are on tour here in the U.S. through this month and ending in their former home state of Arkansas on 10/30. They resume their European leg of the tour starting in Paris beginning on November 15th and ending in London and Manchester on 11/30/2009. While their new album is more polished and slick, their punk and rock grittiness is so apparent in their live show, so go check them out if you can…you’ll be glad you did because the Gossip can rock it out!!
By Hadrian MiguelPublished: September 8, 2009Posted in: Featured Articles, Tangerine MusicTags:electro, fashion, Hadrian Miguel, music
The Fire and Reason are Bella Saona and Steve Narvaez, the so hot, you’re cool, so totally right now electro-rock duo that are blazingly ready for their rockstar close-up of fame, style, substance, catchy rifts, pop vocals, and dense beats.
The New York-based band is not afraid to switch it up and move around different genres of music. It’s evident from the rock and raw of their earlier sounds to reaching new heights with fresh music that is now dirty, sexy, daring, and dancey.
Fiercely Latino, their music incorporates English and Spanish with nasty, crazy electro banger beats topped off with a sexy, pop kiss. But more importantly, they make music that transcends color, race, and sexual preference.
The Fire and Reason won The Brink of Fame Award (the same award Lady Gaga won last year) at Logo’s NewNowNext Awards in June 2009. As the only unsigned band nominated for the special award, they were up against some heavy hitters like Morningwood, Lykke Li, and Ladyhawke.
Their music video for Do It Again has brought them their ready for the world exposure on MTV, and the song can be heard on the MTV series House of Jazmin.
We absolutely love them, know you will too, and we expect some bold and sassy great things from them soon!
So, sit back, and take a first look at what’s good with The Fire and Reason.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Listen up to their fiery, red-hot new songs:
This Isn’t Love by The Fire and Reason
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My 5th Avenue by The Fire and Reason
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The Best In Music for Summer & Fall 2009 Hadrian, LifeStyle & Skincare Director
At Tangerine Living, we’re buzzing with excitement with a list that is loaded up with artists who have made a big splash on the other side of the pond…But, we’re hoping their brilliance will move & inspire you do great things, as well as, make them big household names here in the U.S.
Here’s the top 5 music must-haves for Summer & Fall 2009!
What It Is: Amazing Glam Pop & Stadium Rock What We Give It: What’s In It: Giant rock and pop vocals Why It’s Good: Ready for her close-up Beth Ditto Why We Really Love It: Portland, Oregon-based indie Gossip is hugely popular overseas, but with strong production by Rick Rubin, they are gunning for the mainstream & the heart with their big label debut. Gossip shines like never before on standout hits like Pop Goes The World, Heavy Cross, Love Long Distance, and Men In Love.
What It Is: Sassy, fun, electro, synth-pop What We Give It: What’s In It: Electro, retro-dance Why It’s Good: Elly Jackson and their music videos Why We Really Love It: Magnificent 80’s/New Wave-inspired synthesizers, melodies, and lyrics never miss a beat!
Standout tracks includes In For The Kill, Bulletproof, Quicksand, and Fascination.
What It Is: Solid electro-pop from start to finish What We Give It: What’s In It: Polished electro, pop, and ballads Why It’s Good: Victoria Hesketh & her Kylie-esque pop stylings Why We Really Love It: Dance-pop & synth sensations at its best are showcased on tracks like New In Town, Stuck On Repeat, Click, Hearts Collide, and Tune Into My Heart. These songs will have you thinking and dancing; moving you from night into day and vice versa.
Check out our previous Bella and The Fire & Reason interview here
Best tracks are the super-sweet, disco-esque 
HURTS
HURTS’ music has a mix of disco lento (Italian slow disco), a touch of gloom and doom, excellent melodies and songwriting, an industrious and meticulous attention to sonics and atmosphere, and you have a HURTS brand of well-crafted synth-pop. This winning formula is also apparent on “Blood, Tears and Gold” and “Unspoken” and will most definitely hold me over until they finishing recording their full-length debut album launching this summer.
Dragonette
