Poptweetz Zero of 2010 No3 - One Direction

They make number 3 in my list for three very valid reasons:

1. People called them 'Wand Erection' (heh heh heh heh)
2. One of them has a filthy mouth - need I say more.
3. They looked better than they sang.

Sorry fans, I know some of you like them.

Remembering: Adeva

Continuing the 'Remembering:' series of posts, I would now to like to pay tribute to one of my favourite dance queens.  Adeva released several quality songs in the late eighties and nineties.  This was a time when I used to be smoozing with DJ's in record shops around Northern England.  Fond, fond memories. 

As you can see from the picture, Adeva's image was quite masculine and could easily be compared to that of Grace Jones (though perhaps not as striking as Jones is).  Adeva has a big gospel voice and although she sometimes shouted rather than singing, I was hooked.  She was massive on the House scene and looking back I'm amazed that she didn't have bigger hits in the UK.  She peaked at number 17 in the singles chart 3 times!

Poptweetz Hero of 2010 No3 - Lady Gaga

She is unstoppable.  I wasn't so sure when she burst onto the scene, but you can't deny her appeal.  The Telephone video was the best I have seen in years.

Poptweetz Zero of 2010 No4 - Kelly Osbourne

Kelly Osbourne makes No4 in my list.  The former pop star deserves her place because of her public rants.  Poorly judged comments about Dannii Minogue and Twitter arguements with her ex-boyfriend.  This is a lady that craves attention.

I don't suppose my criticism will make any difference because she looks healthier than she ever has done - and in that respect she is doing just fine.

Remembering: Holly Valance - State of Mind

Holly Valance's first single from her second album was titled 'State of Mind'.  Let's be honest, it wasn't a massive hit because the press seemed to take a dislike to her.  It was harsh and perhaps her stylists and marketing team were to blame for the negative press - the press taking a major dislike to her sexy image.  The record company seemingly deserted her after the album release.  I wish they had given her a chance to release some other songs from the album because it's as good as anything Rachel Stevens has released - although, maybe Rachel wasn't such a good example to use as she was also left without a deal.  Shame.  I liked it.

Remembering: Grace Jones - Hurricane

Grace Jones is a legend and that is a fact.  A respected model - a muse for artists and creative types - an occasional actress - but I prefer to think of her as being one of the worlds most interesting musical artists.  'Hurricane' was Grace's tenth studio album and a true return to form.  The album was released in late 2008 and the promo included a typically odd video which accompanied the song 'Corporate Cannibal'.

I've always been fascinated by Grace.  She's a force to reckoned with.   Unpredictable and always interesting.    

Remembering: Princess

In 1986, Stock Aitken & Waterman (the production power house) were drafted in to create material for a UK singer called 'Princess'.  Influenced heavily by US producers such as Jam and Lewis, the results were brilliant and very different from the material they released in later years. 

Songs like 'Say I'm Your Number One' and 'I'll Keep On Loving You' are fine examples of eighties pop but I can't help but feel that it's shame that her music career was so short-lived.  Princess sadly only ever released 2 albums. 

Fact: In 2009 her debut album was re-released by the Cherry Pop label.



Remembering: Cyndi Lauper - Bring Ya To The Brink

Cyndi Lauper is a name that many people associate with the eighties: 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun', 'True Colors' & 'Time After Time' to name a few....  However, Cyndi has always continued to work musically, as well as doing some occasional TV and movie work.  In 2008 Cyndi released a fantastic dance album titled 'Bring Ya To The Brink' which was produced by a mix of different producers in Europe and the US.  It didn't do very well here in the UK - which is a bit bizarre considering our nations love of dance music and clubbing.

Cyndi remains to be a unique artist - maybe she isn't having the same success that she had in the eighties? - but that makes her no less valid.  Long may she continue to work and create such great pieces of music.

Poptweetz Hero of 2010 No4 - Hurts

Hurts were the unexpected musical treat of 2010.  A group that produced songs that sounded fresh and original, yet firmly placed in the 'eighties electro synth' genre.  AND - aside from producing a fantastic album that included a song that features Kylie - they also gave us a Christmas song.  AMAZING .... and they are both very cute! *sigh*

Remembering: Red Hot + Blue

Well, hello there!  After a sudden rush of work, a new project and surgery of all things, I am back!  Only my kind readers would allow me some time to catch up. *wink*

I thought my first post (in a while) should be dedicated to one of my favourite albums of all time.  Back in 1990, there was a compilation album titled 'Red Hot + Blue', with proceeds going to Aids charities.  The songs were reinterpretations of Cole Porter songs and I remember watching a particularly fantastic video collection on TV which previewed all of the songs.  Cole Porters songs are amazing, but this album took his songs to a completely different level. 

I believe the album was re-released in 2006 in the USA as a CD and DVD pack.  However, if you can even hunt down the standard CD, you are in for a treat.

Highlights on album include; 'Down in the Depths' sung by Lisa Stansfield (where is she these days?), 'Too Darn Hot' sung by Erasure (a fantastic electronic version) and a highly amusing and bizarre version of  'Well Did You Evah?' sung by the glorious Debbie Harry and Iggy Pop.