It is like I have suddenly been jolted from sleep; I have one of my biggest and best hobbies back in full swing. In fact, it is like I am making up for lost time!!! Here’s some of the great stuff that I have uncovered lately:
— Shayne Ward – Shayne Ward: Winner of X-Factor in the UK… (hottie in the picture left) teh hotness; and a BEAUTIFUL singer. Seriously, my knees get weak when I hear some of those songs. He commands a powerful voice, and sings some seriously beautiful songs. Lots of covers too, but it is to be expected.
— Ronan Keating – Bring You Home: He’s back!!! A few covers (to be expected), but overall a good show from a good singer/producer. Pop goodness.
— Shiny Toy Guns – We Are Pilots: A terribly fun throwback to 80s synth-pop, with a more modern feel. Really good stuff. I usually don’t like something instantly, but for some reason, I really like this.
— Hellogoodbye – ZOMBIES! ALIENS! VAMPIRES! DINOSAURS!!: I mentioned them before, but I am officially in love. LOVE. Seriously, I want to see them at Masquerade on Nov 9. Anyone in?
— Anastacia – Pieces of a Dream: I FINALLY got her greatest hits (damn you US and your silly music “import” crap!), and I must say, I still don’t understand why she isn’t super famous here. Seriously.
— JoJo – The High Road: This is a cute little pop-hip-hop CD. She definitely can sing, and definitely works hard for the money. I LOVE that she sampled Africa by Toto… awesome.
— Paris Hilton – Paris: I know what you are thinking, Paris Hilton?!? But seriously, she did snag some hot producers, because they turned out some hot tracks for her. I don’t like everything, but of what I do like, I really like. I know, I know, I should be ashamed, but I am not. Deal. It’s not like I said “Fergie” or anything. Bleck!
— John Mayer – Continuum: I haven’t gotten to listen to this as much as I would like to, but I really like what I have heard. I felt like I sold it short initially, because I was all, “eh”. But a deeper listen reveals that Mayer is definitely growing. I think this could even be better than his debut.
— Jem – Finally Woken: It couldn’t be more appropriately titled; because where the hell have I been, asleep? Those of you that know that I love Imogen Heap should have told me about Jem. Shame.
— The Backstreet Boys – Never Gone: Um, I know what you are thinking (again), but why did this CD not do better? Seriously, it’s good! Trust me! (If you like BSB, that is)
I find that as I am getting back into music, I am getting very lucky in having a friend that shares my music tastes, and is constantly introducing me to more and more UK pop that so many have made so much fun of me for such a long time. Yes, I own every Westlife album, and now I can wear that badge with pride (at least around him). As a result, I ordered some pop albums I missed out on:
Hear’Say – Popstars AND Everybody
S Club 7 – 7
Girls Aloud – Chemistry
Sugababes – Taller In More Ways
H & Claire – Another You Another Me
Liberty X – Thinking It Over
Now, if you are wondering who these acts are… go wiki them, they are/were all famous UK pop acts in the past few years, and I have fallen in UK pop love. I am just glad that I have a friend that has shown me where I left the path, and how to get back on. Thanks Stu!
I have also been exposed to/am currently in the process of checking out some Da Buzz (who knew they had multiple albums and not just one fantastical song???), Atomic Kitten, Clea, new Ben Folds, Delta Goodrem, and new Damien Rice (finally).
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