Goldfrapp return

Goldfrapp have revealed tentative details about their forthcoming sixth album. The duo have eyed up a late summer release. It follows 2010's Head First and marks 13 years since critically acclaimed debut Black Felt Mountain.


The group will preview the new material at Manchestr International Festival in July , backed by the RNCM orchestra.

Anastacia battling cancer

American pop singer Anastacia has been diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time. Having defeated the illness before when diagnosed 10 years ago , the 44 year old has again been diagnosed with breast cancer.
As a result , she has now cancelled her European tour to undergo treatment. A statement read -"A born survivor , Anastacia has one goal, and that is to make a recovery. Now more than ever ,shes determined to live by the motto , "Dont ever let cancer get the Best Of You ".

Anastacia rose to fame in the Noughties with worldwide smashes such as Im Outta Love , Left Outside Alone . One Day In Your Life and Made For Lovin You.

Last year she released a covers album entitled It's A Man's World , featuring versions of songs by Oasis , Aerosmith and Foo Fighters

Adele lands Oscar glory

In the past two years , Adele has scooped every major award on the planet during her reign of glory. But last night she added an Oscar to her heavily crowded matelpiece. As expected Adele took home the gold statuette for Best Original Song for Skyfall , alongside co-writer and  21 producer Paul Epworth.

An visibly emotional Adele accepted the award from Richard Gere , Renee Zellweger , Catherine Zeta Jones and Queen Latifah.
Earlier in the night , Adele wowed the star studded audience with her flawless performance of Skyfall , her first live performance of the now Oscar winning song.

Skyfall becomes the first Bond theme to scoop an Oscar. At the ceremony last night , Dame Shirley Bassey also took to the stage during a Bond tribute to belt out GoldFinger.

Demi's Pop Cardiac Arrest

Fresh from her well received stint as a judge on X Factor USA , Demi Lovato has her sights set on global pop stardom.
Despite being a well known name , and having minor hits outside the States with Give Your Heart A Break and the incredible Skyscraper.

Heart Attack , is surely the song that will give Demi her biggest hit worldwide. And truly establish her as credible pop artist , leaving her Disney days long behind. It's a power pop anthem , with booming beat that Kelly Clarkson would kill for.

You make me glow/ But I cover up/ Won't let it show/ So I'm putting my defenses up/ 'Cause I don't want to fall in love/ If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack."


Her many Lovatics are already downloading the song in their droves with the track racing up iTunes in the States. It's almost sure to impact on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lovato releases her new album , the follow up to 2011's Unbroken , later this year

Tulisa cleans up at The Maloney's

DISCLAIMER- THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS A COMPLETE WORK OF FICTION. BUT ENJOY NONETHELESS


The Z-List were out in force last night for the inaugural The Maloney's. Sponsored by Lidl , and celebrating the very worst in British music ahead of tonights Brit Awards/
A tearful Tulisa , was the star of the night winning a record haul of 4 gongs. Dripping in glory , the X Factor judge won Worst Female , Lidl Worst Album for The Female Boss , Sir Jimmy Saville Worst Single for Live It Up and Worst Live Act.

Hosted by Jane McDonald and GMTV's Richard Arnold , the "stars " were out in force. Presenters included Sinitta , Rylan , Speidi , The Risk , Jodie Marsh , the cast of TOWIE , the cast of Hollyoaks, the cast of Geordie Shore , Dan Wootton , Peter Andre , Kerry Katona, Nadine Dorries MP , Paddy Doherty , Thelma Madine and Corrie star Michael Le Vell.

Performers on the night included Christopher Maloney whose 80's power ballad medley opened the show to rapturous applause.
The stars of The Big Reunion , 911, Liberty X , Honeyz, B*Witched ,Atomic Kitten and Five performed a cover of Dont Stop Believin.
Other performers included Rylan Clark the winner of the Womans Way Critics Choice , Peter Andre , Military Wives, Sinitta , Lisa Scott Lee , Frankie Cocozza and 2Shoes

The full list of winners at the Ist annual The Maloney's are

THE MALONEYS 2013

LIDL WORST BRITISH ALBUM Tulisa -The Female Boss

SIR JIMMY SAVILLE WORST BRITISH SINGLE Tulisa -Live It Up

WORST BRITISH GROUP - JLS

WORST BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH ACT -Leanne Mitchell

WORST BRITISH MALE -  Dappy

WORST BRITISH FEMALE - Tulisa

WORST BRITISH LIVE ACT - Tulisa

WORST INTERNATIONAL GROUP -Jedward

WORST INTERNATIONAL MALE - Pitbull

WORST INTERNATIONAL FEMALE - Alexandra Stan

WOMANS WAY CRITICS CHOICE -Rylan

Brit Picks - Brit Awards predictions

The Brit Awards rolls into London's O2 Arena , tomorrow night. Hosted by James Corden and with performances from Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake , it's sure to have no shortage of glamour and big performances.
Lets take a  look at the runners and riders for tomorrows big Brits bash and predict who#ll walk away with the gongs

BEST BRITISH MALE
Plan B -Calvin Harris -Ben Howard -Richard Hawley -Olly Murs

Not the most stellar category this year bt any means. All have had huge years. Plan B is the only nominee whos won this category before. He;s had a critically acclaimed albuma and would be my personal  pick. Then theres  Calvin Harris whose had a Number1 album and single, so too Olly Murs.
Ben Howard and Richard Hawley are teh token tastemaker nominations. But Ben Howard had great success with Every Kingdom , and is performing at the bash

Prediction: BEN HOWARD


BEST BRITISH FEMALE
Bat For Lashes -Jessie Ware -Emeli Sande-Paloma Faith-Amy Winehouse

This one is parctically a foregone conclusion. It'll be a huge upset if Emeli Sande does'nt join the likes of Amy Winehouse , Gabrielle , Annie Lennox, Adele and Lily Allen by winning Best British Female. If theres to be an upset look to Jessie Ware or Paloma Faith

Predidction: EMELI SANDE

BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH ACT
Alt J-Jessie Ware -Rita Ora -Jake Bugg -Ben Howard

Considering this is the award for new talent , for me it makes grim reading. Ideally , Jessie Ware would win this. But this is a public vote. and we know how often teh public get it wrong. Expect the overrated Rita Ora to win

Prediction ; RITA ORA

BRITISH GROUP
The XX-Alt J-Muse -Mumford And Sons -One Direction

Ignoring One Direction , this looks to be a strong category. Muse have never won this before and would be deserving winners. One Direction would be an atrocious choice.

Prediction: MUMFORD AND SONS

BRITISH SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Another public vote including 15 nominees. They include Florence , Emeli Sande , Labrinth , Robbie Williams , DJ Fresh , Rita Ora , Adele , Jessie J, Coldplay , Alex Clare , James Arthur , Olly Murs , Rizzle Kicks and Stooshe.

Surprisingly , Adele is the bookies favourite. She should have walked this last year. But its a public vote  , involving orchestrated online campaigns by tweens. See One Direction and JLS in the past. I expect that pattern to continue this year. Florence , Emeli Sande , Rizzle Kicks and Labrinth would be my perosnal faves.
But I reckon its another X Factor winner . But who ?

Prediction: OLLY MURS/JAMES ARTHUR

BRITISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Paloma Faith-Mumford And Sons -Plan B -Emeli Sande-Alt J

The biggest award of the night. Won in the past by Blur , Manic Street Preachers , Coldplay , Oasis , Florence and the Machine and Keane.

This looks to be a two horse race between Sande and the Mumfords. Sande had the biggest sellinga lbum of last year. Always an indicator of who will win this. But Mumford and Sons won the equivalent of this award at the Grammys. And sometimes the Brits like to be different. I'd have no problem with either winning. Mumford won this award in 2011 for Sigh No More

Sande has soundtracked much of last year

Prediction ; EMELI SANDE

INTERNATIONAL MALE
Bruce Springsteen -Jack White-Goteye-Frank Ocean-Michael Buble

The international categories are always unpredictable, Frank Ocean should win this. But again , sales play a huge part. Dont be surprised if Buble scoops it on the back of a Christmas album. Goteye had one of the biggest songs of last year. It's an odd category

Prediction: -FRANK OCEAN

INTERNATIONAL FEMALE
Rihanna -Lana del Rey -Cat Power -Taylor Swift -Alicia Keys


Foregone conclusion that Taylor Swift will clinch this. Rihanna has won this two years in a row whilst Swift is scheduled to perform. A strong category but Cat Powers inclusion is baffling. Its a tastemaker nod , but Pink would have been more deserving a nominee.

Prediction : TAYLOR SWIFT

INTERNATIONAL GROUP
Fun-The Black Keys -The Killers -The Script -Alabama Shakes -

Another unpredictable one. Everyone bar The Script has a decent chance of winning this. U'd like to see The Killers or The Black Keys win. and I think it may just come down to those two. Black Keys by a whisker

Prediction THE BLACK KEYS

BEST LIVE ACT
The Vaccines-Muse-Rolling Stones-Coldplay -Mumford and Sons

Great that they've brought this award back. Strong line up too. Cant see The Vaccines winning it. The other 4 though have had huge tours. Tough to call. They could give it the Stones and have a lovely Brits moment if they show up. Muse are always gonna be fancied in a live category. I'd fancy them to win this award again. Coldplay were a huge live draw last year also.
And then theres band of the moment Mumford And Sons.

Prediction -MUMFORD AND SONS

So there you have it , my predictions for tomorrow nights Brit Awards. Tune into ITV1 at 8pm tomorrow night

Pink kicks off her world tour

Pink has kicked off her mammoth The Truth About Love World Tour  , in typically spectacular fashion. She blew the roof off the US airways Center in Phoenix , Arizona as the US leg of her 99 date tour got underway on Wednesday night.
Its Pink's first tour in three years , following on the acclaimed Funhouse World Tour , which saw her gain huge credibility as one of pop's greatest live performers. And this time around , there's even more acrobatics , both vocally and visually.

The show is carved up into six acts , containing 25 songs.  Alongside the new album material and classic hits , the obligatory covers include Amy Winehouse , Chris Isaak and Cher , for whom Pink has penned two tracks from her forthcoming album.
Pink also revisits her 2000 debut album Cant Take Me Home , with a mashup of its three huge singles , her debut There You Go , with Most Girls and You Make Me Sick.

Through her live tours and spectacular slots during numerous awards ceremonies , Pink has established herself as one of the world's best live acts , proving to be a huge draw.
The Truth About Love World Tour will take in 28 dates in North America , before the European leg hits Dublin on April 12th. Thirty more European dates follow , before a staggering sold out run of 42 dates in Australia.

/The full setlist for Pink's The Truth About Love World Tour is as follows

Act 1
Intro
Raise Your Glass
Are We All We Are
How Come You're Not Here
So What
Leave Me Alone ( I'm Lonely )
Act 2
Try
Wicked Game (Chris Isaak cover )
Where Did The Beat Go
Sober

Act 3
Just Like A Pill
Back To Black (Amy Winehouse cover )

Act 4
Family Portrait
If I Could Turn back Time (Cher cover )
Beam Me Up
Who Knew (Acoustic )
Fuckin Perfect
Act 5
Interlude
Please Dont Leave Me
Just Give Me A Reason
Act 6
Slut Like You
Most Girls/There You Go?You Make Me Sick
U+Ur Hand
Blow Me ( One Last Kiss )

Encore
The Truth About Love
Glitter In The Air

My Bloody Valentine -Classic Love Songs

Silly love songs and Valentines Day. They go together like , well , love and marriage. Well for some. Anyway , love songs are amongst the pantheon of classic songwriting and vocal performances. They've soundtracked our lives. Everyone has that one love song that induces tears , goosebumps , a wry smile , a frown , a butterfly in the stomach. Torch songs.

So whether you be single , taken , unrequited , or just love a good love song, here are a selection of some modern love classics.

1. Frank Ocean -Bad Religion
For me this is the highlight of Ocean's critically acclaimed Channel Orange. The haunting church organ intro -"Taxi driver , you my shrink for the hour , so leave the meter running " And so begins  a heartwrenching confessional. A man trying to come to terms with this "unrequited love " . I could "never ake him love me " pines Ocean before that spine tingling high note.  Battling with lust and religion , it is moving and heartbreaking

2. Jessie Ware -Wildest Moments
South London soul diva Jessie Ware's breakthrough single is pure bliss.  Sensual pop music that despite being wriiten about a friendship can translate to all affairs of the heart. 

3. Ryan Adams -When The Stars Go Blue
Beyond beautiful. Featured on his classic 2001 album Gold , Adams displayed his considerable songwriting chops on this. This gorgeous ballad has been covered by Tim McGraw and The Corrs. But Adams original is devastatingly gorgeous. Perfect first dance material. Beautiful.

4. PJ Harvey -You Said Something
" On a rooftop in Brooklyn , at 1 in the monring , watching the lights flash , in Manhattan.....and you said something that I've never forgotten"  Polly Jean Harvey's classic 2000 album Stories From The City , Stories From the Sea , was a superb record with such warmth and hope , that it is still and always will be a much cherished record. This track was my personal favourite. Love against the backdrop of Manhattan skyscrapers on a New York night.  

5. R.E.M -Strange Currencies
Michael Stipe and company were the biggest band in the world when the underwhelming Monster was released in 1994. Though the album had its moments , this hit single was one of its haunting highlights. It's a song about obsession and infatuation , but rendered heartbreaking rather than creepy by Stipes soaring vocals. 

6. Tracy Chapman -Baby Can I Hold You
Chapmans eponymous album has sold by the truckload in the last 14 years. The tenderest of the vocals rein in the opening line " Sorry , is all that you can say "

7.Amy Winehouse -Love Is A Losing Game
The late , great Winehosue captured hearts and headlines with Back To Black. Away from her many troubles and addictions , Winehouse was a gifted , searingly honest songwriter. Fittingly , it was the final single released in her lifetime. Before Winehouse tumbled into a painful abyss. 

8.  Bon Iver -Skinny Love
Canadian singer songwriter Bon Iver 's Skinny Love , has been featured in numerous TV dramas and covered memorably by Birdy.
But Justin Vernons version is that of a purge of long standing demons , of love and loss. A moden love classic

  

INTRODUCING -Christianoshi

Picture this strange scenario if you will. In a parallel pop universe. Swedish pop princess Robyn seeks a child. But conception wont be performed in the conventional way. Surrounded by disco balls and a soundtrack of throbbing synthpop. Dave Gahan , Theo Hutchcraft , Neil Tennant , Marc Almond and Andy Bell , turkey baster in hand , perform electro pop's immaculate conception. The fruits of that said conception , would probably sound like Christianoshi

You still with me. Good. Then , allow me to introduce you to Christianoshi. A purveyor of sizzling , slinky ,  pulsating and addictive electro pop , that excites and enchants with wild abandon. A melting pot sculpted in the 80's , that beautifully and sensationally mixes elements of Depeche Mode , Pet Shop Boys , Erasure , Soft Cell and Pet Shop Boys to spectacular effect.
To my ears , current acts like Robyn , and Hurts would'nt be too far off an influence and sound.  But , to keep things simple and without using comparative studies with other acts , quite simply , Christian Oshi makes some sensational pop music.

It's inventive , melodic , lyrically sublime. If British pop was in need of a saviour. An antidote to X Factor rejects and Cowell puppets. Then , that saviour may have arrived in the quirky , eclectic , beautful form of London based artist Christianoshi.

I had s listen to some of his tracks whilst researching this article. A rollercoaster of synths , sick beats , sexy electro , euphoric vocals for sometime sombre , lamenting lyrics. This guy is the real deal. As well as being reminded of all the influences above , Christian's music to my ears also recalled shades of Madonna's 'Confessions On A Dancefloor ' , some Goldftrapp and Mancunian lads Hurts. Throw in some Disclosure and you have an explosive proposition.

The fantastic Fake Blood , would not have been out of place on Hurts debut album Happiness. I could not help but feel excited.
Christian has already released two singles on iTunes , in 2012 and recently played a headline show at Hoxton Underbelly.
Those two digital releases Trust and Fool , are insanely catchy , marinated in 80's synths , both superb. Christian promoted the releases with  shows in venues like The Social and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. But his music cries out for a wider audience. And it is only a matter of time before he infests the mainstream in glorious fashion.

My other fave tracks were Fuck Me and Over Yourself.  Fuck Me is brash and ballsy , sexy and fierce. Sexy and fierce would be two words well used to describe Christian. " You dont wanna fuck me anymore " , he sings. It's fantastic stuff and I'm sure Christian Oshi is far from short of offers.
Then there was the brilliant Over Yourself , which contains the great kiss off line " My balls are bigger than yours "

It's adrenalin pumping , music of the night. Music for kissing passionately under a disco ball. Music for dancing euphorically to with the gayest of abandon. Music for long hot , sexy , nights. For a stolen kiss in a cramped cubicle.
But quintessentially , what Christianoshi is , is just superb pop music. This guy is a thrilling prospect , and I for one , am all aboard this journey his career is about to go on. Check this guy out for yourself , by downloading Trust on iTunes and investigating the links below. You'll be glad you did.

Christianoshi -sexy , thrilling , master of electro pop

Links:
http://christianoshi.com/

https://soundcloud.com/christianoshi

https://twitter.com/Christianoshi

https://www.facebook.com/christianoshi

Remembering Whitney - Her 10 Greatest Musical Moments In Time

A year ago today , Whitney Houston was found dead in her guest room at the Beverley Hilton Hotel , having accidentally drowned in her bathtub. She was just 48 years of age. An extraordinary voice , that had sold in excess of 200 million records worldwide , had been tragically silenced by years of chronic cocaine use.

It was a tragic denouement to one of music's biggest and most successful fairytale stories. Born in Newark , New Jersey to the legendary gospel singer Cissy Houston and cousin to Dionne Warwick , music was interwined in her DNA. Plucked from obscurity by revered mogul Clive Davis , Whitney Houston was an idol to million. The definitive "hairbrush in the mirror " singer , her voice was unrivaled , her songs timeless.

Away from the many column inches devoted to her drug addiction and tempestuous marriage to Bobby Brown , a year on from her death , Whitney Houston must indeed be acknowledged as one of the graetest female singers of all time.
And here's why. These are Whitney Houston's 10 most definitive and quintessential songs.


1. I Have Nothing ( 1993 )
Quite Simply the greatest song , Houston ever put that immaculate voice to. On eof the many highlights of the legendary The Bodyguard soundtrack. Here was Whitney at the peak of her vocal powers.  Stunning , epic chorus. Her finest moment

2. I Will Always Love You (1992 )
When you look back at Whitney Houstons music, this is THE song. Her trademark , her calling card , her opus dei. A Dolly Parton cover that has become of the most beloved songs of all time and one of the most successful. Probably , the ultimate power ballad. The quiet intro as Whitney softly sings " If I should stay / " The rest was record breaking history. That final boom before that glorious chorus. Divine

3. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (1987 )
This was Whitney's pop moment. A bona fide 80s classic with video to match. It was an unashamedly , euphoric pop romp. From the opening "Woooh " . Whitney was on the verge of icon status. this was an exquisite pop moment. Superb

4. One Moment In Time ( 1988 )
The official anthem for the Seoul Olympics, one of Whitneys most famous ballads. A vocal performance that shone. Cheesy , yes , but it's a staple Whitney ballad

5. How Will I Know (1985 )
An early precursor to I Wanna Dance With Somebody. A young Whitney embraced the  80s pop sound of the time with this cutesy , irresistible anthem.
" Theres a boy I know , he's the one I dream of " It was as catchy and playful and carefree as her music ever got

6. Saving All My Love For You (1985 )
Whitney first Number 1 in both the US and UK. " A few stolen moments is all that we share "  It was slinky , seductive and showcased that legendary voice , in its first big hit. Vintage

7. The Greatest Love Of All ( 1986 )
Whitney seemed unstoppable at this point in her career. Perhaps her cheesiest ballad , but most quoted too " I believe the children are our future" Its gone on to be a karaoke classic , but only Whitney could belt it out with such natural , easy finesse. "Learning to love yourself , it is the greatest love of all "

8.  My Love Is Your Love  (1999 )
Probably Whitney's last great anthem , as her life spiraled out of control throughout the Noughties. This was a huge summer anthem , produced by Wyclef Jean. A fitting way for her to see out the Nineties

9. Step By Step (1997 )
From The Preachers Wife soundtrack , this Annie Lennox reboot was one of Houstons most overlooked tracks. Uplifting and funky , its become somewhat of an afterthought in her back catalogue. But for me , its Whitney at her best

10.  It's Not Right , But It's Okay (1999 )
This was one of Whitney's finest pure RnB moments , if not her finest. A fiesty yet forgiving Houston calls out a cheating lover , telling him " pack yo bags , leave your key , dont you dare coming running back to me " It was Whitney at her most defiant and fresh , and a song that not just slotted in with the RnB scene of the time , but shone above it

Grab A Grammy -Mumford , Fun, Black Keys , Ocean & Goteye Win Big

Mumford And Sons , Fun , The Black Keys , Jay Z , Kanye West and Frank Ocean were amongst the big winners at last nights 55th Grammy Awards in LA.

Other winners on the night included Kelly Clarkson , Adele , Beyonce , Drake , Skrillex and Carrie Underwood.
Mumford And Sons won the top gong of the night , winning Album Of The Year for sophomore album Babel , the second fastest selling album of 2012 in the US.

Elsewhere , The Black Keys El Camino , earned them a staggering 4 awards. They triumphed in the Rock categories for Album , Performance and Song. Dan Auerbach was also honoured with Producer of The Year.

As expected Frank Ocean won a gong or two , although missing out on major awards such as Album and Best New Artist. However , he deservedly beat Chris Brown to scoop Best RnB Contemporary Album and his collaboration with Jay Z and Kanye West for No Church In The Wild was rewarded.

Jay Z and Kanye West dominated the Rap categories as the spectacular Niggas In Paris won Best Rap Perfromance and Best Rap Song.
Drake won Best Rap Album for Take Care.

Fun. were also big winners on the night winning the prestigous Best New Artist , beating favourite Frank Ocean and The Lumineers. Their massive , ubiquitous worldwide smash We Are Young picked up Song of The Year.

In the pop categories , it was Kelly Clarkson and Adele who added to their previous Grammys. Clarkson fended off Pink , Fun, Maroon 5 and Florence And The Machine to win Best Pop Vocal Album. Adele won yet another Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance for Set Fire To The Rain.
Other winners included Goteye and Kimbra whose global smash Somebody That I Used To Know won Record Of The Year.

Skrillex cleaned up in the dance categories , Carrie Underwood in the country stakes , and Beyonce won yet another Grammy for Love on Top.

Hosted by LL Cool J , the Grammys saw live performances from Taylor Swift , Fun, Justin Timberlake and Jay Z , Rihanna with Bruno Mars and Sting , Kelly Clarkson , Maroon 5 with Alicia Keys and Ed Sheeran duetting with Elton John.

INTERVIEW - Meet Sleeve Of Hearts

'Write awesome songs and violate society's eardrums until their ears bleed '

Meet Sleeve Of Hearts , 22 old Londoner Benjamin Lee. I featured him last month as the first unsigned act on The Playlist. As he released his debut single Bitter Pill on iTunes this week , I caught up with him to talk  about the new single , hopes and inspirations and embarrassing VIP encounters with Good Charlotte.

Benjamin Lee aka Sleeve Of Hearts , is a London born singer/songwriter , with a voice that could sell a milliion records and a face that could break a million hearts. As yet , still unsigned , Sleeve of Hearts released his debut single , the beautiful Bitter Pill on iTunes this week. His voice resonates with regret and yearning and is an exciting debut

With Bitter Pill , I was really just expressing my frustration with myself. How it feels like I'm always screwing things up one way or another. The songs really about what you want in life , leaving the past behind you and moving onto bigger and better things.

Bigger and better things will surely await the young Mr Lee. Gabrielle Aplin has already invited him to write a  song with her and Ben has big plans for 2013

I really wanna play as many shows as possible and build my fan base up. I'm working on my debut EP. I wanna earn my stripes as a singer/songwriter up with the best of them

Sleeve of Hearts is certainly earning his stripes , frequently  taking to the streets of London to busk 

I am always really surprised  how many people seem to enjoy my music. It's a good platform to practice and play new material in front of hundreds of different people. Very good confidence builder.

It's hard not to see Benjamin Lee , going from busking to hundreds to playing to thousands , carving the same path to stardom that's seen the Ed Sheerans , Ben Howards and James Blakes of this world sell out arenas and garner critical and commercial success.

Ben's current listening and musical influences cover the sometimes obscure but ultimately sublime

Jamie Woon's album has been on repeat nearly every train journey I've been on recently. I also really like a band called Periphery. They have some mental guitar solo's going on , love it.

As for songwriting heroes and influences , Aaaron Lewis from Staind , Luke Pickett , Anais Mitchell , Foy Vance , John Mayer , Tracy Chapman , Justin Nozuka , and Dallas Green. Somgwriting gold.

The North London lad may be a mere 22 years of age but has been honing his craft since his pre-teens

My dad bought me my first guitar when I was 10 , and just watched people on TV and tried to copy what they were doing. It was only when I hit 15 , that I started taking things seriously and formed a band with friends. I started singing and writing songs around the age of 17 after my first real break up. A lot of my songs refer to that time

With his achingly beautiful voice , babyfaced indie boy looks and a set of amazing rose tattoos on his left arm , you would think that Sleeve of Hearts was more a king of hearts , leaving a trail of hearbreak in his wake, However , this is not the case he assures me

It's usually me that get's their heart broken. I took my name from the saying "Wearing your heart on your sleeve" , as my music is very upfront and honest so I thought it was very apt.

Apt indeed. Sleeve of Hearts is exactly that. A singer/songwriter that does indeed wear his heart on his sleeve. Listen to any of his music online , and you are privy to gorgeous confessionals , lyrically sombre but uplifting. And all heightened and elevated by that crisp , flawless voice. A voice that will ultimately set him apart from his peers in that genre. There's a comfort , warmth and maturity to his voice that belies his 22 years. And a depth to his songwriting that is as impressive as it is inspiring. He may claim to always be the one that gets his heart broken , but its nothing a good bowl of SuperNoodles wont solve. His many Twitter followers will attest to his love of hem. Heck , when I eventually see Sleeve of Hearts live , I may indeed , bring along a packet.

But Sleeve of Hearts does have a cheeky side to him as he discussed one of his most memorable festival moments , that saw rock n roll bravado lead to utter mortification

I had a VIP pass to Sonisphere Festival. They have to drive you in a golf caddy around the VIP section. I hopped on the back feeling like a pro. As the caddy stopped , I fell off the back of it. I just remember looking up to , 2 members of Good Charlotte staring and laughing at me. That was pretty embarrasiing.

Also , one other time at a festival , I remember trying to get the crowd to sing a line back to me , but they were just completely silent. I died inside for a moment. Serious tumble

weed moment

Sleeve of Hearts ambitions and hopes for the future are simple yet imspired. His mission statement for what should be a blossoming career ahead

Write awesome songs and violate society's eardrums until the ignorance blleeds out of them

Sounds like a plan. I'm certainly in. And you will be too. Sleeve of Hearts debut single Bitter Pill is available to download on iTunes right now. Buy it , cherish it , and embrace it. Cos this Bitter Pill goes down a storm

Watch the video for Sleeve of Hearts Bitter Pill below; Follow on Twitter @SleeveOfHearts

Timberlake confirms new album tracklisting

Justin Timberlake has unveiled the cover for his forthcoming album The 20/20 Experience.  The imagery of the cover art seems to take the title quite literally as Timberlake's face is covered by a series of lens.
Timberlakes comeback record is his first in almost 7 years , and features ten tracks,

The tracklisting for The 20/20 Experience , released March 18th is as follows

1. Pusher Love Girl
2. Suit & Tie (feat. Jay Z )
3. Dont Hold The Wall
4.  Strawberry Bubblegum
5. Tunnel Vision
6. Spaceship Coupe
7. That Girl
8. Let The Groove Get In
9. Mirrors

10. Blue Ocean Roar

Taylor Swift For The Brits

Taylor Swift has been confirmed as the latest performer for the Brit Awards 2013. The country-pop superstar will come face to face with ex Harry Styles at the O2 Arena on February 20th.
Swift is nominatef and tipped to win Best International Female whilst One Direction , are up for Best Britush Band and will perform their Comic Relief cover of Blondies One Way or Another at the bash.

Expect ITV cameramen to zoom in on Styles when Swift presumably performs We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together or I Knew You Were Trouble. I'd quite like see Taylor perform her duet with Ed Sheeran, the fantastic Everything Has Changed.


Swift joins Justin Timberlake, Robbie Williams , Muse , Mumford and Sons , Emeli Sande , Ben Howard and One Direction as performers on February 20th at the O2 Arena.

Kylie signs to Jay Z's Roc Nation label

Having celebrated a quarter of a century in the music industry last year , Antipodean pop princess Kylie has made a daring new career move.
Minogue , joins the likes of Rihanna , Rita Ora and MIA ,  bu signing to Jay Z's Roc Nation label.

Kylie is no stranger to changing record companies as shes done ta  few times , with varying degrees of success. It's an interesting , fresh move for Kylie, Whether it marks a move in an urban direction musically , it definitely provides scope for some interesting future collabs.

However , further reading indicates , that this is just a manangement deal, And that Kylie is still signed to Parlophone.

Macklemore ahead of Disclosure in race for Number 1

US rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis are on course to claim another global Number 1 with the massive Thrift Shop.

Having already conquered the US charts , Thrift Shop is ahead of Disclosure and AlunaGeorge's fantastic White Noise, which was on sale early due to huge demand.

Macklemore and Lewis are currently Number1 in the States and next single Same Love leads teh Austalian charts.

Pink premieres "Just Give Me A Reason " video

Pink has premiered the stunning new video for new single Just Give Me A Reason. The follow up to the epic Try , is a heartfelt duet with Fun. frontman Nate Ruess. The video provides another gorgeous visual feast , as Pink's videos for The Truth About Love singles campaign get better and bettter.

As well as Pink floating alone on an empty mattress with a glow eyed teddy bear , its the second Pink video to feature her husband Carey Har. The motorcross racer famously appeared in her 2009 video for worldwide smash So What. The couple share some passionate scenes in the video

Just Give Me A Reason is released March 17th , and this weekend she  vies for Best Pop Vocal album at the Grammy's alongside Fun, Maroon 5 , Kelly Clarkson and Florence and The Machine

Beyonce Bowl -The Verdict

Beyonce stormed the Superdome in New Orleans last night for her much hyped SuperBowl HalfTime show. It was flawless , showstopping and polished to within an inch of its life. There was no new material , but teh setlist itself was perfect for the occasion. And then theres the small matter of Destinys Child.

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The set opened with a slowed down Love On Top , before Beyonce sissy walked into the classic Crazy In Love. The choreography was stunning , but felt recycled. We then segued into End Of Time. This was rousing. Beyonce was at this stage on fire.
many Beyonce afficionados have a great affection for End of Time. The song that should have been lead single from 4.

Then came unexpected yet welcome version of second single Baby Boy , as multiple Beyonce's appeared beside her on screen. Impressive yes , but recycled from her legendary 2011 Billboard Awards performance.

Then came collective squeals of delight worldwide , as Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams emerged from underneath the stage for that long awaited Destinys Child reunion. A medley of Bootylicious and Independent Women followed. Perfect choices I might add. But this reunion for e fell flat. It did feel like Rowland and Williams felt like backing singers and dancers.
Now , of course , many would say that about Destinys Child as a group in the first place. Beyonce was always the star. And that backing singer comparison was reinforced when Kelly and Michelle were both given parts of Beyonce's own Single Ladies to sing. Iconic routine included. The girls were then thanked before disappearing back into Beyonce's shadow.

One gets the impression , that a full Destinys Child reunion , with new material and subsequent tour , will probably never happen.

Beyonce closed the set with the anthemic Halo. It was a classy , polished , electrifying and frenetic set. Boundless energy and powerhouse vocals. It worked magnificently as a paltform for Beyonce's forthcoming 5th album. And only served to solidify Beyonce's place amongst the great live performers of her generation.

The setlist was brilliantly constructed. Essentially , all killer , no filler.  Sure it would have been great to hear Ring The Alarm , Irreplaceable or have a cameo from hubby Jay Z. But it will serve as the perfect commercial for her now confirmed Mrs Carter Show world tour.

Beyonce will kick off the tour in Serbia on April 15th.  She takes in six dates in England , in Birmingham and London. She's Dublin bound on the 11th and 12th of May
Her North American tour kicks off in LA on the 28th June before finishing in Brooklyn , New York on August 3rd.

Still no details on the new single or album , but I'm guessing Easter time could mark the release date.

Pink confirms new isngle

My favourite female solo artist Pink has confirmed the 3rd single to be taken from her Grammy nominated The Truth Aboit Love.
The stars phenomenal duet with Fun. frontman Nate Ruess , Just Give Me A Reason, is set for release for March 17th.
Its the first time in her 13 year career , that Pink has released a duet. And what a duet it is. One of the highlights from her recent album , another worldwide smash awaits. Stunning vocal performance from her and Nate Ruess , this is a fantastic addition to Pinks classic canon of singles.
Pink kicks off her world tour next month.

Hurts Reveal "Exile " artwork

So here it is then. The artwork for Hurts upcoming sophomore album Exile. Similar to the Happiness cover , the boys look as dapper and 80;s as ever.
Meanwhile , the video for single Miracle , is expected to premiere on Momday.

Exile is released March 11th