Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: B

On her new CD Janet proclaims “strobe lights make everything sexier,” and after her last two flops, “Damita Jo” and “20 Y.O,” her latest disc is a welcome comeback. “Discipline” goes back to Janet’s dance floor roots with a much more lighthearted approach, and the relaxed vibe shines through on this disc.

Janet’s new CD hints back to her late 90’s classic “The Velvet Rope” but with a few more upbeat tracks. “Luv” is a terrific up-tempo Janet song with great single potential. “So Much Betta” is yet another hip-hop song to sample French dance pioneers Daft Punk with bad ass results.

Whenever Missy Elliott shows up as a guest on another artist’s album you know it is going to be a standout track. The high hat drum beat and smooth hip-hop flow with Missy’s rapping on the song “The 1″ has an old-school feel to it. Janet’s high pitched range is at its best on this track.

I could do without the self-indulgent 30 second sound bite/”songs” that have become a staple on Janet Jackson CD’s. They offer no real substance to the music as a whole and just end up irritating the listener with incessant interruptions throughout the album. I mean, how many times do we need to hear Janet whisper the hardships of love to birds chirping accompanied with a soft beat? (The grating “4 Words” is an example).

The best tracks on this disc are “Rock With U,” “Feedback” and “2Nite.” All three of these songs catapult Janet into another realm of pop music. Finally, Janet has caught up with the current trends in dance music and production values. These songs are ready for multiple dance remixes to be played at clubs everywhere. The same can be said for the fresh tribal beats on “Rollercoaster”.

Janet’s ballads slow down the fun pace of “Discipline” (the title track is like audio molasses). “Can’t Be Good” and “Greatest X” are fluffy R&B infused songs with pulsing hooks, but they both sound a little too familiar. “What’s Ur Name” and “Never Letchu Go” not only both suffer from the pretensions Prince spelling of their titles, but the mediocrity of their lyrics and generic sound.

The great thing about this album is that Janet has come back with something worth talking about and dancing to. Forget the mindless slow tracks — this disc is all about the new Janet who is ready to play at the gay clubs again. I am excited to hear the various remixes and club versions that “Discipline” will offer. It has been long time since we’ve been able to dance to a new Janet track.

WATCH THE “FEEDBACK” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

THE NEW JANET JACKSON IS A BIT MORE “DISCIPLINED” ON HER NEW ALBUM THAN ON HER LAST TWO FLOPS

GRADE: B

Sia is an Australian-born pop singer with some big singing chops and a hip look. In addition to her solo career, Sia sings vocals for Zero 7 on their hit singles “Destiny” and “Distractions” from their debut album “Simple Things.” Zero 7’s second album, “When It Falls”, featured Sia on “Somersault” and “Speed Dial No. 2.” A third album (which was nominated for a Grammy in 2006) titled “The Garden” found six contributions from Sia, three of my favorites are “Throw It All Away”, “This Fine Social Scene” and “You’re My Flame.”

In January of 2008, Sia’s fourth LP entitled “Some People Have Real Problems” was released in Starbucks stores across the U.S. Critics have been giving a luke warm reception to her latest album, but after listening multiple times it has grown on me. Sia has a husky growl that aspires to be more soulful then it really is but I don’t mind her earnest vocal abilities. I like her range and eclectic style.

At times Sia can sound like a true gospel singer and then turn around and sound like a top 10 pop tart within the same song. Nowhere else is this more apparent than in her funky song “The Girl You Lost To Cocaine”. Sia’s catchy marketable sound is clear in her recent single “Buttons”. The Tori Amos-like piano arrangements in “Buttons” and the bizarre music video that accompanies it highlight Sia’s quirky style.

Sia recently recorded her own version of Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”. Though it is not yet scheduled for commercial release, its popularity is increasing amongst Youtube users (hear “Gimme, Gimme” on the Youtube clip below). Sia’s sense of humor is just as obvious in fun songs like “Lentil”, “Playground” and “Death By Chocolate” off of “Some People Have Real Problems”.

Sia may remind folks of other piano driven vixens like Regina Spektor or Fiona Apple but her style is quite unique. Her voice is effective and haunting in some of her more restrained songs like “Soon We’ll Be Found” and “I Go To Sleep”. My favorite track on this colorful CD is hands down “Little Black Sandles”. The song is so catchy and original that I think it has great mainstream radio potential.

Although “Some People Have Real Problems” is not groundbreaking or overtly artistic, it is relevant and has an original sound. I have been a big fan of Sia’s work with Zero 7 for years and think her decision to go solo in a big way is appropriate. Sia’s voice is definitely one-of-a-kind and effective, which is why I recommend this perky little CD to fans of creative alternative rock and roll.

HEAR SIA’S COVER OF BRITNEY SPEARS “GIMME MORE” BELOW:

WATCH SIA’S “BUTTONS” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

GRADE: B-

GRADE: B-

Cat Power’s last CD “The Greatest” made a bold and honest statement in 2006 when it was released to huge critical acclaim. Lead singer Chan Marshall has a rich and textured voice that has a haunting effect live in concert. Marshall also has a sexy look that is unmatched in rock n’ roll today. This latest collection of covers and B sides by Chan and company isn’t as poignant or as moving as their last collection of tunes, but it works on many levels.

The rat pack staple “New York” has never sounded so eerily dark and ominous. Marshall’s bluesy take on the old classic is pretty ingenious. Songs like “Metal Heart” (a cover of the band’s own song) and “Woman Left Lonely” sound like they were plucked right from the band’s last effort “The Greatest”. “I Believe In You” has a tight arrangement and biting rock sound that make it the perfect stoner track.

CAT POWER’S LEAD SINGER CHAN MARSHALL

“Silver Stallion” is a slow track that bogs the CD down with its melancholy guitar riffs. The same can be said for slow tempo tracks such as “Don’t Explain” and “Lord Help the Poor & The Needy.” Just as soon as these songs start to make you feel a bit depressed, a song like “Ramblin’ (Wo)Man” reminds you how much you love Chan Marshall’s cloudy and captivating voice.

“Song to Bobby” is one of the album’s sweeter tracks with a great backing piano and underlined folk guitar creating a soft melody. “Lost Someone” is the perfect slow dance song with a 50’s Buddy Holly guitar sound and romantic hook.

The song “Blue” goes for a gospel sound with a funky keyboard and a fabulous build up and sexy tone. “Aretha, Sing One For Me” is the most obvious and playful cover on this c.d. You can almost picture Marshall having a conversation with the “Queen of Soul” herself.

CAT POWER’S LEAD SINGER CHAN MARSHALL

I liked this album, but I didn’t love it as much as the band’s breakthrough c.d. “The Greatest.” I guess it is hard to hold these works up to each other for comparison as they are two different pieces of art. But still, I was hoping for a bit more continuity with these tracks.

Although they come from many different inspirations, the songs assimilated here feel a little too busy and all over the place. That said, this is great driving or background music for those chilled-out moments in life when you just need to hear bare bones guitar music.

WATCH CAT POWER PERFORM “NEW YORK” BELOW:

WATCH CAT POWER PERFORM “METAL HEART” BELOW:

GRADE: A-

Goldfrapp fans can finally rejoice, their new album “Seventh Tree” is finally here! And what a surprise package of soft and delicate pop tracks they have combined this time! The disco shimmer and glam gloss of their last two c.d’s has been replaced by smooth, progressive electronic pop music that has depth with a twist of youthful playfulness added to it.

It is easy to point out the differences in the tracks assembled here on “Seventh Tree” and the dance floor infused songs off of “Supernature” and “Black Cherry”. “Seventh Tree” is an obvious and much welcomed new departure for a band that is already ahead of it’s time. The eclectic nature of Goldfrapp’s music has drawn me to their work since their first ambient c.d. “Felt Mountain” was released back in 2000.

The single “Happiness” has the catchiness and bombast to be a real hit if given a chance here in the states. “A&E” is Goldfrapp’s most mellow and U.S. radio friendly tune since “Fly Me Away” (off of their last album “Supernature” which was also nominated for a Best Dance Album Grammy 2 years ago). But “Happiness” is my favorite track off of this magnificently introspective and quietly fun album by far.

“Caravan Girl” shows that Goldfrapp are not just an electronic group, but that they can rock as well. Its swelling chorus and free flowing melody are infectious. “Little Bird” and “Eat Yourself” are both tracks that highlight Alison Goldfrapp’s written lyrical abilities and artistic range. “Cologne Cerrone Houdini” is a space age rock song that shows off Alison’s opera background as well.

“Seventh Tree” is a quiet masterpiece that once again establishes Goldfrapp as one of the leaders in the new pop sound coming out of Europe. The down tempo songs created here may surprise people who are hoping for more booty shaking tracks, but true fans with revel in the delicate nature of this new musical journey. I for one am glad to hear something “different” and “interesting” for a change!

WATCH THE NEW GOLDFRAPP MUSIC VIDEO “A&E” BELOW:

GRADE: B+

Kate Nash is an English singer songwriter from Harrow, North London. She has been compared to Lily Allen because of their silly storytelling lyrics, the dry sense of humour and wit that fuels their songs as well as the distinctive lower-middle-class London accents they both have. But that is where the comparisons should end in my opinion.

Nash, who studied at the same performing-arts high school as Amy Winehouse, says she sees herself as a storyteller, and her raconteur chops are especially sharp on “Foundations,” where she chastises her sloppy-drunk crush for puking on her new sneakers. Nash makes dude-dissing fun on this bouncy cut, airing boyfriend gripes over sunny piano pop.

“Mouthash” sounds very familiar to Regina Spektor and other pixie-esque piano driven pop princesses of recent days. But the layered production over Nash’s Cockney-drawl gives way to a sweeping orchestra of pop magic. The same can be said for the spry and fresh “Pumpkin Soup”. The catchy beat and ripe chorus on this song are infectious and radio friendly.

“Merry Happy” is a Beatles sounding track with a Scissor Sister’s tambourine beat that will have you tapping your feet. Nash’s soft spoken singing voice has great storytelling warmth to it which is endearing. The subtle production values and home spun sound on “Made of Bricks” are a gems in a rotten music scene filled with hit platinum records by Soulja Boy and Josh Grobin.

Tunes like “We Get On”, “Dickhead” and “Shit Song” bring a smile to your face while delivering fun hooks and melodies. If you can get past the comparisons to other U.K. chart toppers and enjoy this c.d for the frothy piece of fun music it is then you will enjoy Kate Nash’s original point of view like I do.

WATCH THE “PUMPKIN SOUP” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

WATCH THE “FOUNDATIONS” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

WATCH THE “MOUTHWASH” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

GRADE: A+

In 2006 I went to Coachella and saw a sneak peak at what was to become Daft Punk’s “Alive” concert line up. At the time the French DJ duo were tinkering with songs that would be the design for their upcoming 2007 tour. That show at Coachella in 2006 was the best live concert I had ever seen. That was until the “Alive’ tour came to the bay area this past summer, it was then at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, CA., that I witnessed an electronic show that would blow my mind and go down in the books as the best concert ever.

You can probably guess my excitement levels when I heard that the tour was giving birth to a live c.d and DVD which was just released. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this live concert c.d. It was well worth the wait I must say, “Alive” has to be one of the best live c.d.’s ever put together. True to the overwhelming excitement and energy they display on stage, the show recorded for “Alive” captures the innovative and bombastic energy that Daft Punk exudes at their concerts.

“Alive” is the world’s first recorded live mash up concert of it’s kind. Mixing all of their huge hits Daft Punk has woven a masterpiece of audio precision. From the opening track of “Robot Rock/Oh Yeah” to the c.d’s closing track “Superheroes/Human After All” the beats and fun don’t stop. You even forget that there is a crowd of thousands screaming in the background of this live c.d. The constant layering of their best tracks gives this c.d. of old hits a fresh sound that gives each song a new fresh feel.

The precise timing and talent it takes to create a live show like “Alive” is rare. Only a gifted band like Daft Punk can blend it’s groundbreaking sound into a newly crafted spectacle for fans. Watching this show twice and then hearing this c.d. reminds me of how much electronic music doesn’t get its credit where credit is due. Daft Punk have become the pioneers of the rave concert and of the electronic live stage act. If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the French duo arrive on stage in robots masks and on a 20 foot pyramid shaped U.F.O. then this c.d. is the next best thing.

WATCH MY VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM THE “DAFT PUNK” SHOW @ THE GREEK THEATER THIS SUMMER BELOW:

GRADE: B

The first track off of Kylie’s new c.d. “X” called “Two Hearts” is a fresh pop song with a driving piano melody that is reminiscent of the The Scissor Sisters fashion forward sound. “In My Arms” is futuristic Kylie doing her best. The electro bass line is saccharine sweet and the hook is classic sounding Kylie.

“The One” is one of this disc’s best tracks. This thumping 80’s sounding song is full of Kylie’s cheeky lyrics and breathy vocals. “The One” sounds like an ode to The Pet Shop Boys much like Robbie Williams did on his last c.d.

“All I See” is a stripped down R&B sounding Kylie with the typical Kylie hooks but with a soft spoken rap style. Kylie has never been a great ballad singer, this is still true on songs like “Cosmic”. Her talents are always used best when supporting fast, fun, gay sounding dance singles like her classics “Come Into My World”, “Slow”, “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”, “I Believe In Love” and “Love At First Sight”.

“Like A Drug” is classic experimental Kylie. Like “Slow” this song has a hard industrial pop sound that is ahead of its time. “Speakerphone” uses the best aspects of Kylie’s wispy girlie singing voice. This song is the biggest Madonna knock-off of the bunch, and that is a good thing. “Stars” follows the 80’s theme with a great synthesized beat and guitar hook. “Wow” is a neat little track with lots of bells and whistles, it is the most original track on this c.d.

The “Heart Beat Rock” is Kylie doing Fergie or Gwen with mild results. The two step production and rapping show Kylie’s weakness for current trends. “No More Rain” is a fluffy feel good Kylie track that doesn’t highlight the best of what Kylie has to offer, but it is harmless enough to pass as a mild ballad.

The truth of the matter is that Kylie shines best when she is backing a dance track. These two songs give the c.d. an awkward feel to it and in the end the album feels like it has no over all continuity. Her best album to date is still “Fever” followed by the terrific pop album “Body Language”.

The track “Nu Di Ty” is a silly exercise in Britney theatrics and is the weakest song on this light as air c.d. “Sensitized” is a dark cut with a Nelly Furtado-esque feel to it. By the sound of this album it is obvious that Kylie has been studying up on her pop stars and she has learned some new tricks, the influences are all over the place on Kylie’s tenth album.

Kylie has never been “innovative” or “edgy” but she has always had her finger on the pulse of what is cool in pop music. This “come back” album (from surviving breast cancer) isn’t as well constructed as her last pitch perfect c.d. “Body Language”, but it does deliver the silly fun energy you’ve come to expect from a Kylie record. Welcome back girl!

WATCH KYLIE MINOGUE’S “TWO HEARTS” MUSIC VIDEO HERE:

GRADE: A

A few years ago Junior Senior came out with one of the hottest dance tracks in a long time called “Move Your Feet”. Their debut album itself as a whole was a bit of a let down. The only other redeeming song was a novelty called “Shake Your Coconuts”. On their sophomore c.d. Junior Senior deliver a truck load of catchy, ready to go radio pop hits with super dance hooks. At first listen I was blown away by the amount of energetic dance numbers Junior Senior have compiled on their second album. Any pop music lover will drool over the quality of pop tunes on “Hey Hey My My Yo Yo”.

Right off the bat the first track “Hip Hop A Lula” gets you primed and ready for the funky ride you are about to take listening to this disc. One of 2007’s best songs “Can I Get Get Get” will keep your booty shaking in your desk at work and the chorus will be stuck in your head long after listening to it. “Take My Time” is like a 80’s flashback with a groovy hook. “Itch U Can’t Scratch” is so funky and tight you can’t help but clap along to the hand claps. Speaking of which, “We Are The Hand Claps” is fun song with silly dance floor potential.

“I Like Music” and “Ur A Girl” have a sweet indie pop sound you can sing-a-long to. “Happy Rap” is just that, a happy tune with a great guitar lick that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Much of this album sounds like a blast from the past, chock full of synthesizer beats and bleeps that keep this c.d. moving without stopping for air. Proof of this is “Let’s Go Out Together” and the incredible 80’s sounding “Simple Minds Do Simple Things”. “The Headphone Song” is another example of pop perfection and songwriting craftsmanship.

Junior Senior’s second c.d. “Hey Hey My My Yo Yo” is one of the most welcome music surprises of 2007 along with the miraculous new Robyn c.d. Junior Senior have created a pop, 80’s synth masterpiece with relentlessly catchy songs that are perfect for cocktail parties and singing in the shower. To say this is one of the best albums of 2007 is understatement, this is one of the best pop albums in years!

WATCH JUNIOR SENIOR MUSIC VIDEO’S FROM THEIR NEW C.D. “HEY HEY MY MY YO YO” BELOW:

HERE IS THE “TAKE MY TIME” MUSIC VIDEO:

HERE IS THE “CAN I GET, GET, GET” MUSIC VIDEO:

GRADE: A+

You remember Robyn don’t you? She had 3 hits in the late 90’s when the Spice Girls and Hanson were on top. She seemed to just disappear once Christina and Britney started dominating the charts. Well maybe the time away was well spent, Britney is gone and Christina is a mommy. The new Robyn c.d. is one of the best pop albums to come out in over 10 years! Much like Mika’s “Life In Cartoon Motion”, Jem’s “Finally Woken”, Annie’s “Anniemal” and Nelly Furtado’s “Whoa Nelly” Robyn’s new c.d. due in December is a pop music masterpiece of tremendous proportions.

The reason it took Robyn so long to come back is that she started her own label and production company called “Konichiwa Records”. This allowed her to take her time and craft a pop album that has so many influences and new sounds melded into it it blew me away after the first spin. I am completely impressed at the many genres that Robyn is able to tap into. The rap, techno, hip-hop vocal styles that Robyn uses are complex but simple at the same time. She creates a new, fresh sound from old techniques.

The best song on the c.d. is hands down “Konichiwa Bitches”. This animated, precise rap song is so fucking hot I can hardly contain myself. It clearly is one of the best songs of 2007. The many remixes I have found do not do it justice, the original is so much fun there is no reason to mix it any further. Listen to the words and try not to laugh out loud while tapping your feet. The next best song is the radio friendly “With Every Heart Beat”, this song has many remixes that actually work better and improve on the original. But still, these two songs are super original and fresh.

“Jack U Off” is perfectly nasty and a great way to end the c.d. “Cobrastyle” is a fierce lyrical onslaught with a thriving beat and hot pulsing under current. “Handle Me” is another creatively new sounding experiment worth checking out and blasting from your car. “Bum Like You” is a hilariously upbeat song with a dirty dance beat. “Be Mine” is fast paced exercise in obsessive pop music lyrics with a massive hook. “Crash and Burn” is fat pounding disco track I can see spawning many remixes.

I could review every song, but I won’t. Just believe me when I say this c.d. will blow you away with it’s creative technique and bubbly pop persona. Check out Robyn’s artistic, fun music video’s below and tell me I am wrong! Robyn’s voice is crisp, clear and bursting with soul. Her range and soft spoken lyrical style in her ballads and when she raps is pitch perfect. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this album take off when it is released in December here in the U.S. But then again I’ve seen this glorious type of innovative pop music fall on deaf ears before. Let’s hope “Robyn” gets its due and becomes massive.

WATCH ROBYN’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO’S HERE:

“WITH EVERY HEART BEAT”

“HANDLE ME”

“BE MINE”

“KONICHIWA BITCHES”

“CRASH AND BURN”

WATCH ROBYN’S OLD MUSIC VIDEO’S HERE:

“SHOW ME LOVE”

“DO YOU KNOW (WHAT IT TAKES)”

GRADE: B+

Recently Kaskade appeared at the downtown San Francisco Virgin Megastore for a c.d. release party meet and greet for his new mix album “Bring The Night”. Each time I have seen Kaskade perform he has been the sweetest, most humble D.J. I have ever met. This time around he played for the crowd and not so much for dancing. He asked if there was anything any of us would like to hear of his. The crowd was small and we were all mostly shy (I blame it on his down to earth vibe and gorgeous looks).

As he played some of his greatest hits, he started mentioning some of his favorite collaborations and how one of them was a song he mixed for Rufus Wainwright called “Go or Go Ahead”. Sadly this brilliant dance mix is not available to the public. Kaskade went on to mention that although Rufus was flattered and loved the remixed song, he wouldn’t let Kaskade put it on his new mix c.d. “Bring The Night”. This is a shame, I love the original song by Rufus but think the remix by Kaskade is brilliant.

The new Kaskade c.d. is a pleasant diversion from the overcrowded dance music scene. It starts off with a blazing epic by Axwell called “I Found U” and smoothly slides into some great dance tracks. I love the pop remixes of Kaskade’s “Sorry” and of Nelly Furtado’s “All Good Things Must Come To An End”. This is my favorite kind of dance music; gay and silly.

The Armand Van Helden track “NYC Beat” is the tightest track on this party c.d. The Bob Sinclar track “The Beat Goes On” is another fun little ditty. In essence this c.d. is perfect for after parties, road trips and working out. It has the perfect blend of hard core dance, pop and electronic tunes to make any party rage on. Kaskade is one of the best pop mixers and dance song creators of today, hands down.

GRADE: B-

Mark Ronson is an English music producer, artist and co-founder of Allido Records. So far in his career he is best known for his song “Ooh Wee” featuring Ghostface Killah and Nate Dogg, the cover version of The Smiths song “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before” which featured Daniel Merriweather on vocals, and his collaboration with Lily Allen on his version of the Kaiser Chiefs track “Oh My God”.

To some Mark Ronson’s latest c.d. may come off a bit too gimmicky, the all covers album “Version” is a nice diversion from the hum-drum music scene, but in essence it is chock full of cheesy covers. I respect what Ronson is doing here, I do. But as a hardcore “Smiths” fan I can’t seem to “love” the cover of “Stop Me”. But I must say I REALLY love the Robbie Williams cover of the The Charlatan’s classic “The Only One I Know”. Listen to the streaming full version of “The Only One I Know” below:

Lily Allen’s rendition of “Oh My God” is a funky, tight production that highlights Allen’s whimsical vocal style. The true gem or “classic” track on this c.d. is Amy Winehouse’s version of “Valerie”. Sounding like a b-side to her time warp instant classic “Back to Black”, “Valerie” is a song that gets stuck in your head and reminds you of “the old days” (whatever that means).

The cover of Radiohead’s “Just” does a fine job at re-doing a great song, but was it necessary? That is the feeling you get with other such covers like; Coldplay’s “God Put A Smile on Your Face” and Britney Spears’ “Toxic”. But after multiple listens I realize that there are pure moments of brilliance on this c.d. worth recommending it to my readers. Listen to the streaming full version of “God Put A Smile on Your Face” below:

The U.K. music scene is booming with fresh new faces and sounds, and I for one am reveling in the flow of great music coming from across the pond. Lily Allen, Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse and team are proof of that fact! Check out this little oddity and give it a spin if you are into fresh new music with a twist.

WATCH MARK RONSON’S MUSIC VIDEO’S HERE:

“STOP ME” (THE SMITH’S COVER)

“JUST” (RADIOHEAD COVER)

“OH MY GOD” (KAISER CHIEFS COVER)

“VALERIE” (ZUTON’S COVER)

GRADE: A

Here is another example of quality electro pop music from the U.K. that us American’s have no clue about, and it is a shame. Currently Calvin Harris is tearing up the Eruopean Dance charts with his catchy brand of retro pop music. On “I Created Disco” it obvious that Harris doesn’t take his job too serious, he has fun with his lyrics and sounds. By blending 80’s synth pop, new wave, techno, disco, funky beats and sounds Calvin Harris breathes new life into the tired genre of “dance pop” (NOT TO MENTION HE IS CUTE AS HELL). “I Created Disco” is that fresh creative surprise I have been waiting for in music. I am sure you won’t disagree once you get the chance to hear this disc. That is, if it released here in the states anytime soon.

This c.d. is jam packed with hits and quality pop. “Acceptable In The 80’s” is a catchy and lively number with an awesome hook. There are also some really great re-mixes of “Acceptable In The 80’s” that are sure to please any dance floor addict. “Merrymaking At My Place” is a trippy, hilarious song with a funky sound. The lyrics to “Merymaking” capture the essence of “after parties” perfectly. Try not cracking a smile while you tap your toes to this one, I dare you!

“I Created Disco” has a bad ass driving beat which will leave you in techno heaven. “This Is Industry” is a fun pointed track which pokes fun at, can you guess?, the industry! At 4 minutes and 20 seconds “Love Souvenir” is the perfect stoner song for those chill out sessions after dancing too hard. The song “The Girls” is the best track on this disc, and is currently one of my favorite tunes of the summer. It is hands down the best song on this c.d. which is saying a lot.

“I Created Disco” doesn’t re-invent the pop/dance music wheel, but it does bring new life into a stale genre. With acts like “Goldfrapp”, “Annie” and “Kaskade” (all of which have new c.d.’s coming out this fall) making some of the only good electro pop out there these days, it is good to see a newbie bringing something new to the table. If you like silly, non-pretentious dance music with a smart sensibility then check this disc out, you will be in pop heaven once you hear it.

WATCH “THE GIRLS” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

WATCH THE “ACCEPTABLE IN THE 80′S” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

GRADE: B+

Groove Armada have put out a few hit or miss albums in my opinion. Their last outing “Love Box” is their best c.d. to date and has a great vibe to it. After listening to “Soundboy Rock” a few times I quickly realized that this is Groove Armada’s best album to date, hands down. Never before has their work sounded so cohesive and mature. This disc has loads of great dance tracks, ready to be remixed for dance clubs across the nation. So don’t be surprised to hear a few dance floor hits come out of this record.

“A Song 4 Mutya (Out of Control)” is the disc’s most original track. It is a pop music dance song hybrid with a fresh sound and hit single potential. “Girls Say” and “Drop That Thing” are sassy little numbers with a funky hard dance edge. “Paris” is a sweet little song with a great French house sound. “Things We Could Share” sounds like a lost Basement Jaxx track with a killer hook. “Lightsonic” is a cool twisted electro song with a interesting mix of dance and pop. Lastly, “Get Down” is a completely infectious song with a driving beat and hardcore chorus and a trippy video to go along with it (see it below).

More than anything this album is a great experiment in pop and electro music fusion. You could say that Groove Armada is getting better with age. This is evident by the smart collection of tunes gathered onto “Soundboy Rock”. I am excited to see what kick ass remixes come out of this album, the material is so ripe for tweaking. I am already putting this c.d on my list of great albums of 2007. If you like pop, dance and electronic music, don’t miss this one!

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO “GET DOWN” BELOW:

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO “SONG 4 MUTYA (OUT OF CONTROL)” BELOW:

GRADE: A-

The Chemical Brothers have consistently put out great dance albums for years with their signature block rocking beats. Their newest outing “We Are The Night” is more brooding than their last effort “Puch The Button” and has an underlined melancholic charm that is quite different from their dance floor heavy music of the past. There are some great hardcore trance style tracks on “We Are The Night” that are sure to be work-out staples in my iPod, like the crunching hard driving beats of the first single “Do It Again”.

My favorite tune is one of The Chemical Brothers lightest and sweetest tracks ever called “Das Spiegel”. The gimmicky “The Salmon Song” is a hilariously cute track with dance craze possibilities. “Saturate” is classic old school Chemical Brothers which fans will glad to hear. “A Modern Midnight Conversation” is the most uplifting song on this c.d. and reminds me of 1980’s Annie Lennox. The closing song “The Pills Won’t Help You Now” is a haunting and fitting way to end this dance c.d. It gives you the feeling that there is a movement in dance to step away from the dance floor and incorporate a message into “techno” music. The Chemical Brothers have their finger on the pulse of what is “now” in modern electronic music for sure.

WATCH “THE SALMON SONG” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

I plan on purchasing tickets for the upcoming Chemical Brothers concert tour (my 3rd time seeing them live) this coming fall. They always put on a remarkable light show and have a pitch perfect sound system. Without being to deep and trippy their music is able to transcend regular pop dance music and become something valid and emotional at the same time. In my book, this c.d. proves that The Chemical Brothers and electronic music are here to stay.

STREAMING CHEMICAL BROTHERS MUSIC FROM “WE ARE THE NIGHT” BELOW:

“SATURATE”

“WE ARE THE NIGHT”

“DO IT AGAIN”

WATCH THE “DO IT AGAIN” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

GRADE: B -

Kelly Clarkson has proved that the “American Idol” format does work and that it does help nurture great talent. I wasn’t a big fan of her first c.d., but loved her single “Miss Independent” and all the remixes that followed. Her second album “Breakaway” was a huge success due to one of the best pop songs of the past 20 years, “Since U Been Gone” (just in case you have lived under a rock for the past 3 years). In “My December”, Clarkson throws away the old tricks and tries to show her darker more authentic side, and it works…kind of.

I say “kind of” because a lot of “My December” takes it’s sound from bands I loathe like “Evanesance” or Avril Lavigne. The whole pop-punk thing has now been diluted with Emo-rock and even an adult contemporary vibe (another American Idol, “Daughtry” comes to mind). The hard rock edge doesn’t come off convincing enough to make it “hard rock” basically. What I did enjoy are the dance infused tracks on this c.d.

“One Minute” will most likely become another top 10 hit for Clarkson if she releases it as her next single. “Never Again” is the hardest song on the c.d. and it actually works better than “Hole”. “How I Feel” has an underlined catchy melody which could make it a hit. “Judas” is another up-tempo track with radio potential. Her ballads, “Sober” and “Maybe” would have bored me if it weren’t for the flawless range Clarkson can show off. The bluesy “Yeah” borders on Joss Stone, but it is a welcome oddity on the c.d.

I like this c.d. much more than Clarkson’s debut c.d., but not as much as her biggest hit yet “Breakaway”. I guess it isn’t fair to compare Kelly Clarkson’s hit status to the ones on “Breakaway”, that album was a surprise global phenomenon. This time around Clarkson has found her groove and her own voice, she has definitely grown up from her old “Idol” days and that is a great thing. Kelly Clarkson still remains to be the most talented person to ever come out of that show and one of the best voices in pop music today.

LISTEN TO NEW STREAMING KELLY CLARKSON MUSIC FROM “MY DECEMBER” BELOW:

“SOBER”

“NEVER AGAIN”

CHECK OUT THE “NEVER AGAIN” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW: