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Friday, November 04, 2011

The Fall's New TV Line-up: Part Three

Okay, so I wrote about my most anticipated new Fall shows, I offered my initial thoughts, and now it's time to conclude the TV fun with my final verdict.

1. X-Factor
Still watching, but I'm finding myself slightly underwhelmed. I guess I'm just so used to the UK and Australian versions, which are much, much more entertaining. Our host is ridiculously stiff, our contestants (while talented) are mostly American Idol-style boring, and last night's results were a disaster. America continues to vote for the predictable over the surprising. I'll watch the entire season, but not with the excitement I give the other versions of the series.

2. Terra Nova
Dropped. I gave it about four episodes. I loved the pilot, but the quality of storytelling dropped considerably after that. Too many cliched, been-there-done-that storylines. Too bad.

3. Ringer
Dropped. It didn't completely pull me in after the first episode and I just don't have time for shows that are only alright.

4. American Horror Story
Still watching, and loving. It's my favorite new show of the year. I love the characters, I love the unsettling vibe, and most of all I love how I don't know where each episode is going.

5. The Playboy Club
Dropped. Well, it was the first show of the season to be cancelled. That about says it all.

6. Revenge
Still watching. I've lost some interest with this new romantic portion of the storyline, but I'm still fully onboard with this show and will be all season.

7. Once Upon A Time
Watched Pilot. The second episode's on my DVR. I liked it, but I'm obviously not all that excited.

8. Pan Am
Never watched. I intended to. I really did. But it's not gonna happen.

9. The Secret Circle
Dropped. Same deal as Ringer. I watched the pilot, thought it was alright, but never saw another episode.

10. Suburgatory
Still watching, and enjoying more with every episode. It took me awhile to fully get onboard, but I'm glad that I am because this show is very funny.

So there we go, the Fall TV Season in a nutshell. This is actually a pretty good ratio of "Still Watching" and "Dropped" for me. What about you guys? What are you into and what have you dropped?

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Thursday, November 03, 2011

Rhydian - The Promise


"If you'll wait around awhile, I'll make you fall for me"

While the winner of the 2007 UK X-Factor has faded into obscurity, the runner-up, Rhydian Roberts, has quietly carved out a nice little pop opera career for himself. I loved him on the show, but only when he did the crossover songs--pop or rock with just a taste of opera. Because of this, his first two albums weren't of much interest to me. They could've been released by someone like Josh Groban and I probably wouldn't have noticed the difference. But for his third full-length, Rhydian's done something very special. He's recorded an entire album of obscure 80's covers. It's the perfect move, really, and something I always hoped he'd do. This track was originally a single (their only successful one) by British pop group When In Rome in 1988. Rhydian sounds great on the track. He amps up the tempo a bit and takes the track to the dancefloor. In some ways, it's got a strong Malena Ernman La Voix sound to it. I could imagine something like this going down very well in a venue like Melodifestivalen.

02 The Promise by ConeheadUK

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Wednesday, November 02, 2011

November is the Month for Albums

November is always a reliably strong month for pop music. Historically, it's when most of the would-be blockbuster albums are released in time for Holiday shopping. This year, we need November more than ever. It's been a pitiful past few months for big pop albums. I can't remember a dry spell this lengthy in years. It seems like everything's just been shut down since the Spring. Even countries like Sweden, who are usually quality pop producers, have been quiet of late. Luckily, there are plenty of releases coming up in the next few weeks that I'm very much looking forward to:

The Sound Of Arrows - Voyage (11/7)
I've been waiting for this one for years. The singles have all been excellent, the videos even better. I can't wait to hear the album in full.
Samples



The Wanted - Battleground (11/7)
Their first album was a very pleasant surprise and I'm hoping for more of the same on this one.
Samples




Cher Lloyd - Sticks & Stones (11/7)
The new single is excellent and Lloyd is an undeniable pop star. Having heard most of this already, I know it'll be great.
Samples



One Direction - Up All Night (11/21)
My favorite X-Factor contestants of all time had one of my favorite singles of the year already. I'm eagerly awaiting more from them.
Samples



Rihanna - Talk That Talk (11/21)
There isn't even a tracklist yet, but Rihanna never disappoints. The new single is one of her best and the new video is the most riveting thing she's ever put to film.
Video



Olly Murs - In Case You Didn't Know (11/28)
I wasn't sold on his debut, but I've loved both of the singles from this. I'm hoping this will end up as a nice surprise.
Video



Eric Saade - Saade Vol. 2 (11/30)
Volume One left me mostly cold, but I have faith in Saade. He's representing Sweden this month, so he better not disappoint.
Single



Others that I'll give a try: Pixie Lott - Young Foolish Happy JLS - Jukebox, Snow Patrol - Fallen Empires, The Saturdays - On Your Radar

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Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Titus Jones - Bad Things Will Roll With The Devil


"I wanna do bad things with you"

I'm a massive admirer of Titus Jones' work, so every time he releases a new mash-up I get super excited. His mixes are more than simple mash-ups. He's got an incredible knack for re-configuring samples into brand new songs. This track, including elements of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Katy Perry and the epic True Blood theme song (amongst others), is no different. It's got a bit of a Halloween theme to it, so I guess today it's more of a Halloween hangover. If you haven't checked out the rest of Jones' work, you've gotta go to his website now and download it. You won't be disappointed. His best track remains the awesome La Roux/Robyn/Whitney Houston/Taylor Swift mix, but they're all pretty amazing. Oh, and this song is also free to download!

Titus Jones - Bad Things Will Roll With The Devil by titusjones

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Download more here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

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Monday, October 31, 2011

Anything Can Happen On Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone!!

If you're a longtime reader, you know what I'm going to post today. It's tradition, after all. And it's the best Halloween video EVER.



I can't even count the number of ways this is epic.

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