Beth Ditto released her fiery debut album Fake Sugar last Friday (June 16th). The front woman for the now disbanded alt-rock band Gossip has been prepping her first solo release for the past four years writing somewhere between 65-80 songs for the record. Working with record producers Jennifer Decilveo and Jackknife Lee (REM & U2) to curate the sound she desired, Fake Sugar is a labor of love. “We Could Run” is one of the last tracks released before the album was dropped and it retains similar vibes of the teased sweet “In And Out” found on the same record. |
Key Lyric: There Are Rules That Are Meant To Break / You Could Call This A Great Mistake “We Could Run” finds Beth Ditto wailing her impressive vocal chops over three minutes and thirty one seconds. Luke Britton for NME described the song as “stadium rock sized”. Performing at the Gucci cruise collection in Florence, the singer isn't slowing down expectations of what she's capable of. Buy "We Could Run"
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Key Lyric: Last Year Took A Toll On Me / But I Made It With You Next To Me
The music video has already dropped and it has it all. The quintessential San Francisco skyline, black nail polish, flowers, and a hoard of rave ready fans waiting for the drop. Troye Sivan may be about to have his biggest hit stateside yet. Buy "There For You"
Most of the songs play with being on the brink of love and not quite getting there. Her attention gathering song “Touch” finds her running into a past lover and seeing the love but recognizing that something's changed. They can't be what they were. “Touch” was released almost two years ago, but just as recently as February found itself given the video treatment with some extra verses from rapper Talib Kweli. It's jarring to find him parring off against, Shura's light breathy vocals. That's possibly the reason that version was left off the album, but it shows a record labels well defined need for a radio hit. Buy "Touch" The well versed “2 Shy” deals with youth and friendship and a want for something more, but the fear of anything changing. It's blissful and sweet and it's no surprise it was chosen as a single from the album. Buy "2Shy"
It's no surprise then that you can find Shura opening for Tegan and Sara when they tour North America this year. Her music will coincide with what their fans already listen to. The album standout is “What's It Gonna Be?” The same questions are asked. Do I tell I love you? If you say no let me down gently. The song itself never answers the questions, but that's what we have music videos for. It has a high school setting. It plays with our heteronormative values. Shura and her best friend find love. Her with the beautifully intelligent girl in Chemistry and him with the preppy boy with the good hair on the sports team.
#NeverTrump Buy Nothing's Real
Brandy Clark has written for some of the biggest names in country music. Reba, LeAnn Rimes, The Band Perry, Darius Rucker, Kacey Musgraves, and even Sheryl Crow when she took a turn to country music with her Feels Like Home album.
She's behind one of my personal favorite, Miranda hits “Mama's Broken Heart” and the Band Perry smash “Better Dig Two”.
The song has received positive critical acclaim and received public support from Sheryl Crow, who has also called for an end to bro country.
Conservative country radio listeners may also not appreciate that Brandy Clark is an open lesbian, even though “Girl Next Door” makes no direct reference to this. It may skewer some listeners from her. Melissa Etheridge is the only gay artist to have had continued success in country music even after she came out.
Buy "Girl Next Door"
Brandy Clark's music is a refreshing change of pace to what country music has been saturated with and hopefully Big Day In A Small Town shifts a change in taste.
Tom Hardy portrays Reggie and Ronald on screen. Which, is certainly fine with me. Tom Hardy is low key beautiful and I certainly don't mind him being in this film.
The film has already been released in the UK. Way back in September. It's received middle of the road reviews. Some really like it, others not as much. There has been a lot of praise for Tom Hardy's acting in dual roles. I'm just going to have to see it and make my own judgment call.
Needless to say. I will be seeing Legend at a local theater near me on that Friday November 20th.
Ivy Levan
No Good August 7th Ivy Levan continues a trend that is bound to pick up support this coming year. Her debut album is being released on a Friday instead of the now traditional Tuesday. I have spoken of Ivy Levan on two occasions on this blog. I have to say that I'm obsessed with her and eagerly anticipating this new release.
Some of the production has been handled by Diplo, the man who is half the team behind “Where Are You Now?”, the frenetic “Bitch I'm Madonna”, and two of M.I.A.'s studio releases. He is also featured on No Good on the track “27 Club”. Sting also makes a guest appearance on the highly infectious second single “Killing You”. No Good has the potential to be the anti-pop album of 2015.
See Swamp Biscuits and Lick My Biscuit for further reading on Ivy Levan.
Buy "Biscuit"
Her music is looming and atmospheric. It has a radio friendliness that Lana Del Rey lacks. Melanie Martinez is the pop Lana (who's album Honeymoon is set for a September release). She plays with all the tropes of a troubled childhood. These themes have become common in the pop landscape with Natalia Kills and Lana Del Rey treading similar territory. However, Melanie plays it with her own vivacity and voice. The character she is portraying is a “cry baby”
The tracklist has yet to be confirmed. However, it is expected that the five preceding singles “Dollhouse” (my personal favorite), “Carousel”, “Soap”, “Sippy Cup” and “Pity Party” are to be included. “Pity Party” also samples the Leslie Gore hit “It's My Party (I Can Cry If I Want To)”. It's going to be a fascinating release.
Buy "Dollhouse"
I can't imagine her becoming a major pop star. At least not at this point in her career, but I certainly do enjoy her music. Two singles have been released from this album so far. “Hurricane” and “Ghost”. My personal favorite is “Ghost”. I think it's the most accessible pop tune here. However, with Ella Henderson's similarly titled hit earlier this year it's hard to imagine it grabbing a foothold.
Buy "Ghost"
Granted I didn't buy any of those albums. I am working on it. I was trying to save money by not buying music. And, then I bought 20 albums this month, so I think it worked out really well for me.
Florence + The Machine
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful June 2nd
This is going to be my first Florence + The Machine album. I've decided this is going to be my first experience. I've always liked them, but I am obsessed with their song “What Kind of Man”. The music video is great. Florence Welch has very nice breasts by the way. And, if it is representative of the album at all. This is a stellar release.
Hilary Duff
Breathe In. Breathe Out. June 16th
Buy "Sparks"
Ryn Weaver
The Fool June 16th
Buy "Octahate"
Giorgio Moroder
Deja Vu June 16th
Britney Spears is covering “Tom's Diner” and that song has already been released. It's an invigorated cover and it's Britney. It's a necessary addition to any album collection. Kylie Minogue was on the lead single “Right Here, Right Now” that although catchy, failed epically. Mikky Ekko is also on the album if you have any interest in him after his duet with Rihanna on “Stay”. This might not be an album for you to buy blind, but definitely look into. Giorgio Moroder has been in the industry for a long time and it's sure to be memorable whether or not it's something you want to turn up to at the gym.
Buy "Tom's Diner"
Tori Kelly
Unbreakable Smile June 23rd
This album should be interesting. This is the only one I'm a little hesitant on buying, but I hope it will be good. I have my fingers crossed. I most certainly will be tweeting and tumblring about if it does not live up to expectations.
Buy "Nobody Love"
Carly Rae Jepsen
Emotion June 23rd
Buy "Drop It Low"
Really, what Ester Dean is known for is her song writing. She's been behind some of the biggest pop smashes of this decade. She co-wrote this one new Nicki Minaj song “Hey Mama” that is going to blow up. I am not a David Guetta fan, but this song. It's kind of everything. I love it. I am obsessed. It is super catchy. She's also working with Britney Spears on her new album. Ester Dean is songwriter to the stars.
Buy "Hey Mama"
Hopefully, you know what an EP is, but it's basically a teaser, like half an album that's a drum roll to a full release. Now, Ester Dean was signed to a record deal, but she pulled out of that. I haven't heard of her signing with anyone else, so I suppose this music is all an independent release. It doesn't include any of the songs she's released recently. I love both “Get My Dough” and “Twerkin 4 Birk'n” (which is just as ratchet as you think it is). Juicy J even did an official remix for “Twerkin 4 Birk'n”. I'm honestly so confused as to what Ester Dean's career is right now.
She's also touring with Nicki Minaj this summer. I think it's only select dates, but who knows. The Pinkprint Tour will be everything. Tinashe is opening Trey Songz is coming along. Rae Sremmurd is going to show up. Kill it Nicki. I can't imagine a better line up if it included Beyonce. I'm just so ready.
These are six samplers of the songs she uploaded to YouTube and I've included a link to her soundcloud page, so you can listen to the full song at the bottom.
Buy Miss Ester Dean
In the following months, new music is going to be coming down from the god's above. Taylor Swift's 1989 will be a sure fire hit as will Nicki Minaj's The Pinkprint whenever she gets around to releasing it. Madonna is certainly going to shake ground if she ever does release any music from her as of yet, untitled, thirteenth studio set. Scottish DJ Calvin Harris should not fail to impress. T.I.'s Paperwork: The Motion Picture may be his most inspired set, yet. And, Rihanna has yet to claim ground in this years market, it's unlikely she's going to ignore a release. Rihanna has never gone two years before without a new album. Ke$ha is also a contender. Since, she got out of rehab, she's also been working on a comeback.
There's going to be a lot of music for fans of any kind. September is the drum roll up to the frenzy that's going to be the music market this year. We're kicking it off with Lady Gaga's and Tony Bennett's collaboration Cheek to Cheek. But, in October what should you be looking for? Let's talk shop. October 7th, R&B ingenue Tinashe is releasing her debut set Aquarius featuring the popular “2On” and the follow up single “Pretend”. After the release of three mixtapes Aquarius is sure to combine elements of all three critically acclaimed releases. Helmed by Mike-Will-Made-It (Producer of Miley Cyrus's Bangerz and “23”) and DJ Mustard who you should be aware of from my previous article “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”. Will, I be buying Aquarius. Yes. I finally decided its what I wanted in my life. I do have some qualms, but I will let you know October 7th, how I feel about it, throughtwitter, maybe tumblr. I don't know. The thing that's definitely making me kind of pumped for Aquarius is that it shares the title of an Aqua album. The hit makers behind “Barbie Girl”. With quality association like that, Aquarius is sure to be fantastic. Buy "Pretend" Buy "Barbie Girl" The Tuesday after that comes the as of yet, untitled, fourth studio album by Hilary Duff. Ed Sheeran has been linked in writing for the album. As have Colbie Caillat and Toby Gad. This is exciting news. Now October 14th is definitely a tentative release date, I feel. As, Hilary has yet to have a radio hit. Lead single “Chasing The Sun” was not sent to radio, however second follow up single “All About You” started impacting the radio near the end of August. I think her record label made the right decision. "Chasing The Sun" is not how people need to hear the new Hilary. I think Hilary desire to change the orientation of her album from a dance to folk is a strong game plan. She understands the pop accessibility that came with her younger years, but is fusing that into a mature sound. Something she's been working on over the years since leaving Hollywood Records. This album will be everything. The very first album I ever owned was Dignity. I still get chills to “Gypsy Woman” and every other pop gold on that album. Hilary Duff is queen. I love her so much and I am so ready to see one of the few strong Disney role models take back the albums charts. Because if we're being honest. She never had any real hit songs. Us late 90's babies know every word to “Come Clean”, “So Yesterday”, “Why Not”. But, literally no one else does. It's only because we are addicted to the Disney Channel. Buy "All About You" For an article completely dedicated to "Chasing The Sun" see the Friday Favorites article "Chasing The Sun" Buy "Gypsy Woman" I am also freaking out over The Tings Tings third studio set Supercritical due out October 20th (more then likely the 21st in the United States). I had been so pysched about when I heard they were working on their new album in the DJ scene of Ibiza, because when they released Sounds From Nowheresville they lived in Germany and we got some good punk rock from them. Hearing lead single “Wrong Club” I'm underwhelmed. They have been dropped from their major record label Columbia after the phenomenal commercial and critical disaster that was Sounds From Nowheresville. It isn't club music like their previous song “Hands”. As I'm saying this you don't know who they are. The Tings Tings are the band that created the ever god awful “That's Not My Name” and “Shut Up And Let Me Go”. Both of which are anthems. I will buy it. I will let you now how I feel about it. I just know they can deliver the goods. And this faux Daft Punk bullshit is not everything. I expect great things from this album, because if I had bought Sounds of Nowheresville based off of lead single "Hang It Up" I would have run for the hills. You have to take time to invest in The Tings Tings, but they're worth it. The worst thing that ever happened in my life was when my father refused to allow me to miss a day of school, so I could go see them in concert. It was my sixteenth birthday. It was all I wanted. It broke my heart. I love this band so much. I know Supercritcal can impress me. Buy "Hands" Buy "Wrong Club" Other Major Albums Out in October:
Anything Goes Florida Georgia Line, October 14th Sucker Charli XCX, October 21st Paperwork: The Motion Picture T.I. October 21st 1989 Taylor Swift, October 27th Tha Carter V Lil Wayne, October 28th As usual, I am completely unaware of something until months after its started. But, Nicole Richie (Notorious party girl, daughter of Lionel Richie) now has a you tube show called Candidly Nicole. It's also on VH1, but I don't have cable. Which, is why I probably didn't know about this earlier. You see whenever, I tell you all how much I love Hot In Cleveland, realize that I am one season behind you. At the moment I still don't know what's going to happen to Emmett and Victoria's relationship after he escaped prison disguised as her, but I am guessing that Alex and Melanie's love is getting rekindled with her pregnancy news. . "In life we're all going to have to run across a dick to be successful." -Nicole Richie I am however obsessed with it. It's the perfect length. Each little clip is maybe five minutes long. She offers life advice on tramp stamp removal, flower arrangements, and first date appropriate outfits. I think it's hysterically funny. One of the guest stars in particular kills it. You may know who he is. RuPaul. Drag superstar. Things like this have made me learn to love Nicole over the years.
But, just like with Paris, I like mature Nicole better. I enjoyed their antics, but mature, adult Nicole is a necessary transition. That is what we get to see in Candidly Nicole. I love every single webisode. Of course I'm also only on episode 9. I would have marothoned this bitch for you, but the internet stopped working. I said screw this, I don't need to watch all 20 to get the gist of this show. I understand the concept and I can write about. This also isn't the internet company's fault. My family steals our wireless from the neighbors, so it doesn't always work. My cellphone, if you want to call it that is also a flip phone. If you met me, you would be so surprised that I of all people am doing a blog. Or that I have tumblr. Which, I might add is how I found out about this vlog. I saw all these gifs of this show, and I was like I like this show. Also, I did not do my research as well as I should have for an article I did for you entitled “Come Alive”. It was over Paris Hilton's latest release as a musician. In it I said something about how Nicole Richie wasn't singing. That is not true. In episode 19 (I think) of Candidly Nicole she is in the studio writing a song called “Stunnah” for a mixtape entitled Nikki Rich. Yes, I did start with episode 19 instead of the first one. Your judgmental eyes need to watch the video. And, this has been fun. My favorite episode now that I've binged watched: |
AboutIn the words of Madonna, "Music makes the people come together." SOCIAL MEDIA
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