Not too much is going on, so there isn’t much to report today. So let’s just jump right into the music, shall we?
Pixie Lott – Boys & Girls
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_731_pixielott-boysandgirls.mp3]
A little bit Pipettes, a little bit Sugababes, and a little bit Amy Winehouse, this track sure is chock full of fun, and great pop influences. Pixie is getting a lot of buzz over the UK, and I am going to do my part, and bring the buzz stateside. This song is a fun, danceable song that has a drum beat that reminds me a LOT of Imani Coppola’s amazing hit from the 90’s, Legend of a Cowgirl. Damn, there’s yet ANOTHER great influence. This girl is harnessing some great stuff, and making fun, relatable pop with it. Um, did I mention FUN enough?
Ivyrise – 1000 Feet
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_731_ivyrise-1000feet.mp3]
I heard about this track from a fellow music blogger, and I liked it right away. It really reminds me of other pop-rock “boy bands” like The Script, and a LOT of BBMak, who unfortunately are no longer making music together. Since this is only a taste of a forthcoming album, I can only hope that I’ve stumbled onto something really great here. I love sound of the background guitar picking; it really gives it an ethereal feel that adds layers to an otherwise straightforward pop-rock song.
A Fine Frenzy – Blow Away
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_731_afinefrenzy-blowaway.mp3]
I had a hard time getting into this track initially, because it really feels like stumbling onto some kids doing double dutch, and you are instantly asked to join in. The beginning of this song starts at a running pace, and you really have to already be at a good pace to catch up (and to maintain, this track will not slow down for stragglers!). However, when I did finally do catch up, and got to the airy chorus where she sings, “blo-ho blo-ho oh-oh oh-oh away”, I saw the greatness in this saccharine sweet pop track. I enjoyed A Fine Frenzy’s debut album, and if this is an indicator of her forthcoming effort, I think that I am going to enjoy it as well; perhaps even a little more.
Ryan Star – Right Now
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_731_ryanstar-rightnow.mp3]
I will admit that I was originally drawn to Ryan’s EP because I thought he was cute; but I loved his smoky, deep vocals, and that is what got me to download it (think Chris Daughtry with more edge). Then, I kinda forgot it was on my ipod, and then Right Now came up on random one day, and WOW. I love how he uses familiar lyrics like, “we are strong, we are young”, and builds a MASSIVE rock and roll track for the youth of the world with Right Now. The message in this song of “cherish all that we have, for tomorrow may not come” goes from mere sentiment to power and stamina from Ryan’s amazing vocals. I’m defiinitly looking forward to more from Ryan in the coming months.
Aqua – Live Fast, Die Young
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_731_aqua-livefastdieyoung.mp3]
Yes. I posted a song by Aqua. The same Aqua that gave the world Barbie Girl. And YES. I am demanding that you listen to it, because it is FUCKING GREAT! Aqua recently released another greatest hits album, and while I wasn’t feeling the lead single (Back to the 80’s), this song REALLY stood out, and only has me questioning why they didn’t chose this gem as a comeback single? Either way, this is a great song that satisfies my nostalgia for earlier Aqua (and their particularly sweet style of pure-sugar driven bubble gum pop), and brings them into the here and now. Now, if they made more like this, I think we would all be ready for a whole album of new stuff, from Aqua! Take note!
Now the usual: 1) let me know what you thought of today’s picks, 2) let me know what you are listening to, and 3) have a great weekend!