The VM-OK's

The 31st annual MTV Video Music Awards aired last night and it was alright at best, which begs the question: Do artists & the audience care about it anymore?

The show opened with a bang(bang)! The Ariana/Jessie J/Nicki medley was great but not mouth-hit-the-floor amazing I was anticipating. Not even Nicki's wardrobe malfunction left me startled. They were preceded by other lacklustre performances by Taylor Swift and Maroon 5 to name a few. Sam Smith's voice shone as it always does but his performance wasn't a spectacle to behold. Being honest, I didn't think Beyoncé's was all that great either; recycled choreography and nothing new. I mean she put on a good show but I wasn't left wanting more. Just my opinion.

What I'm noticing though, is that artists just aren't there. Where are the people like; One Direction, Rihanna, Britney, Christina, both Justins, Janet Jackson. I know the show isn't as serious as the GRAMMY's but surely people in the music business should to want to be there, otherwise, what is the point?

Someone I know said something recently, where are the, "people who can go out and wow you and make proper VMA moment". And this is very true. I'm not knocking any performance from last night but they were nothing for the history books.

Is it about time the VMA's got revamped? I most certainly don't want to witness it become a parody of itself after giving us so many great moments in the past. We just need to get it back to the level it once was.

Ariana Grande is My Everything

Ariana Grande has released My Everything, the hotly anticipated follow-up album to her freshman triumph Yours Truly.

My Everything sees Grande flourish during the vocal riffs and high notes that she is oh so good at. It also has a more grown up sound compared to it's predecessor although the thematic much the same.

Teaming up with people such as; Childish Gambino, Big Sean and The Weeknd, My Everything isn't short of muscle, not that Ariana needs it to prove herself. Her vocals are unparalleled in her field right now and she can only continue to get better and better.

Top Tracks: My Everything, Love Me Harder, Be My Baby, One Last Time.

My Everything is released in Germany, Ireland & the UK on August 22nd & Worldwide August 25th.

4 Play - June 26th

I thought a good thing to start doing was to post about 4 songs that I am currently listening to on repeat for whatever reasons. They may be old, new, remixed whatever the case but just 4 tracks I am loving right now. So without further ado, here we go.

Track 1. Omer Adam feat. Arisa - Tel Aviv (Tal Malca Remix)

I'm off to Tel Aviv on Monday and while I was looking into what to do and where to go, I came across this gem and to get me in the mood for the holiday, I've had this on non-stop. The mixture of traditional singing techniques with the heavy club beat is what I live for. The production is most definitely influenced by the West. The Middle Eastern twang is so different from what I usually hear but it has such a universal appeal.

Track 2. Ella Henderson - Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix)

Having scored her first number 1, Ella is surely on her way to a solid career and with this belter as her debut single, it's no wonder why. While I like the original version, there is something more special about this remix. It's less heavy and more youthful, which fits in with Ella. It oozes summer vibes which is perfect timing for the good weather we've been having here in Dublin. Almost tropical, you can't help but feel good.

Track 3. Icona Pop - Get Lost

Having won the world over with their 2013 smash 'I Don't Care', Icona Pop have done it again with 'Get Lost'. The song is an absolute anthem. It is Icona Pop doing what they do best, churn out pop gems for everyone to sing along to. With catchy lyrics like, 'Let's get lost, leave this whole fucked up world behind' and a guitar riff that will get stuck in your head, you'll be singing this for days.

Track 4.  Sarah Blaine - Never Get to Heaven

In what is the only slow song of the bunch, Sarah Blaine's 'Never Get to Heaven' is the most special. After appearing on Pretty Little Liars a week ago I instantly fell in love with it. It's beautifully, written, arranged and performed. While using slight electronic elements and heavy percussion beats the song captivates you. Probably one of my most favourite songs of the year so far.

La Roux Is Back And Better Than Ever

Elly Jackson of La Roux is back with new music and a new vibe just in time for Summer.

After winning the Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album in 2011 and a two year hiatus, La Roux is back on the music scene going it alone without co founder Ben Langmaid and with material better than before.

Buzz single 'Let Me Down Gently' paved the way for the new sound. Darker than previous singles it layers Elly's mellow vocals over syncopated beats with much less electronic instruments than before. It reminds me of Royksopp & Robyn's latest endeavour 'Monument' in ways.

'Uptight Downtown' is the first official single from the new album 'Trouble in Paradise'. A lot less heavy than the buzz single and with a more jaunty vocal and rhythm that wouldn't be out of place in the 80's.

'Tropical Chancer' premiered online on June 9th and is probably my favourite of new La Roux. A distinct summer vibe that is xylophone-esque with a Caribbean chorus that nestles itself into your head.

While I loved 'In For The Kill' and 'Bulletproof' I feel as though this new era of La Roux is what is going to set Elly apart from the rest. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the new album which is scheduled to drop July 7th.

Paloma Faith - 'A Perfect Contradiction' Album Review

Having just finished listening to 'A Perfect Contradiction', the third album from Paloma Faith, I wonder to myself why the Londoner hasn't become bigger because that's what she deserves. A Perfect Contradiction is soulful, melodic & full of funk. Everything you want to hear in a record.

Lead single Can't Rely on You which is produced by current hot property Pharrell Williams, paves the way for the rest of the album with it's use of brass instruments and 1960's era vocals.

The syncopated rhythm of disco-fuelled Mouth to Mouth couldn't keep you down if you tried. With it's catchy vocals and 70's inspired production it wouldn't feel out of place in a roller-disco rink.

However Faith doesn't only do uptempo. Paloma's smooth vocals are layered delectably over the strings of Only Love Can Hurt Like This which brings things back while drawing you in.

To me, the album fits alongside Amy Winehouse's Back to Black yet gives the listener something different. Paloma's talk/singing technique works well & is truly something special.

Top Tracks: Only Love Can Hurt Like This, Other Woman, Impossible Heart. Mouth to Mouth

A Perfect Contradiction is available now on iTunes.

Katy B - 'Little Red' Album Review

Katy B returns with her highly anticipated sophomore album 'Little Red '.

Following the success of her debut album, On A Mission, Little Red strives to show just how talented the BRIT School graduate truly is. While her debut was piped full of drops & dancefloor thumpers, the follow up shows a more mature side, yet stays true to her roots.

Lead single 5 AM  is pure electro, hands-in-the-air, trademark Katy B layered with smooth vocals. But she is not a one trick pony. The second single from the album, Crying For No Reason, shows off Katy's range while also showing a vulnerable side which is rarely seen. The album is full of luxurious beats, catchy melodies & even features UK hit girl Jessie Ware on the addictive Aaliyah.

While the album is not perfect, with a few incoherent tracks added in, it is impossible to deny that Little Red is a treat for the ears. Loyal fans & new listeners alike will find something to indulge themselves within the 17 numbers.

Top Tracks: Sapphire Blue, Aaliyah, Next Thing, Emotions.

Little Red is available now on iTunes

And The BRIT Award Goes To...

The BRIT Awards have come around and gone again quicker then Kim Kardashian's 2nd marriage and they were.. alright. There were no real shock moments or anything media worthy but then again that's what they're like each year - Safe.

The Winners

British Breakthrough Act - Ben Howard
For Breakthrough Act I wasn't surprised Howard won. I had said it was between himself and Rita Ora for the award, but for some reason Ms. Ora seems to give the impression she's been around longer than she actually has. I don't know whether or not this is due to her style of music, the Pop/R n' B sound that is so commonplace right now that just doesn't scream 'Breakthrough'. 

British Female Solo Artist - Emeli Sandé
Let's all be honest, did anyone else have a chance in this category? Sandé has been on a non stop promotional/critically acclaimed rollercoaster the past year and for that reason there was no doubt in my mind she was going to walk home without the award

British Group - Mumford & Sons
As much as I LOVE One Direction, I'm a Directioner through and through, I'm delighted Mumford & Sons won. Their writing technique, musicality and performance makes them a stand out group from the rest right now. Sure, One Direction have world domination under their belt, however that's due to the millions of tweens supporting their every move, how long can it last? For their sakes, I hope forever, they're great but I was happy to see a worthy winner beat them this time.

Live Act - Coldplay
This, in my opinion, was a very tight race. I've never seen Coldplay live before so I'm going out on a whim here but everyone I know who has seen them can't fault them in anyway, shape or form. The closest thing to seeing them was on The X Factor 2012 final where they pulled out a stellar performance. I don't think anyone can knock them for winning.

British Male Solo Artist - Ben Howard
I was quite surprised Howard won. Personally I would've liked Olly Murs to have received the award. I always find him very underrated and forgotten about. I know he didn't win The X Factor his year but he's certainly achieved more than Joe McElderry and past winners alike. I was also surprised Ed Sheeran wasn't nominated for the award, having him present it kinda seemed like an awkward 'This will do you Edward'.

British Producer - Paul Epworth
Not much to say other than with Adele's success he was always going to win.

British Single - Adele, Skyfall
Once again, what is there to say? If being penned and performed by Adele wasn't enough it's also the official single from the UK's Highest - Grossing Film of 2012/Bond Film ever. Yeah. Sorry competition. Being nominated is nice though isn't it?

BRITs Global Success - One Direction
REALLY? ONE DIRECTION WON?! DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING AT ALL! Just kiddin' of course I did. With making themselves roughly £100 million in two years does it shock anyone? Albums, Dolls, Promotional tours, Music Tours, Merchandise these boys work hard for their money and they deserve every penny of it. Truly amazing of what they've accomplished in such a short period of time. What's next, One Direction Sex Toys? JLS had condoms so it really wouldn't surprise me. Move over the 'Rampant Rabbit' and hello 'Rampant Harry'.

Critics' Choice - Tom Odell
I don't really know anything about Tom Odell so I'm not gonna waffle. Winning the award he has a lot to live up to, following in the footsteps of the likes of Jessie J. Will be interesting to see what his debut album has in store which drops on April 15th.

International Female Solo Artist - Lana Del Rey
Once again I think it was a tough competition but I am surprised Rihanna or Taylor didn't bag the title. However, Lana did blow up in 2012 even despite her lackluster appearances on TV, such as SNL.

International Group - The Black Keys
Thought, or hoped, The Killers had this down. If not for them maybe FUN. As much as I should be supporting the Irish, I really don't think The Script had a chance. None the less good on The Black Keys.

International Male Solo Artist - Frank Ocean
Maybe I'm missing something, however I really don't see the hype surrounding Frank Ocean. That's not to say I don't like him, I just don't see what everyone else does. Perhaps I'm not listening to the right songs I don't know. In my opinion the nominees for this award were a random bunch altogether anyway.

Best Album - Emeli Sandé, Our Version Of Events
As I already said about Emeli winning Female Solo Artist, no one else really had a chance. If i had to have call a runner-up it would definitely be Babel. Both albums were truly brilliant.

Overall I feel as though the majority of the award winners were Alternative/Indie performers. Pop and R n' B performers didn't have much of a presence at all unlike past years. I think nowadays people have a wider appreciation for music so I believe we'll see more diverse musicians coming out of the woodwork in future, move over Gaga.

Congratulations to all winners and I look forward to what they have in store for the rest of 2013.

Adios!

Something New

As my favourite hunz, Girls Aloud, sing in their comeback hit, 'All I Want Is Something New', and this is exactly what I want!

So I have thrown out the old and I'm starting with the new. My old blog, as dismal as it was, was about my life and writing personal day - to - day accounts, which to be honest was boring for me. So, I am now gonna write about current events, celebrities, events, reviews and still have personal posts thrown in but just not as detailed or as a polite way to put it, shit.
In short I will just post about whatever grabs my attention like Taylor Swift's 47th boyfriend of 2013 or the results of my most recent STI test, which were all clear thanks folks.

Until my next post I will leave you with what I started with, the amazing Girls Aloud's 'Something New'. Just admire their fierce poses and puff dresses that would look hideous on anyone else.

Gone to practise my strut, Adios!