Sunday, 30 January 2011

Wow!: Adele is number one!

A massive congratulations to Adele who has gone to number one in the UK album charts with her second album, 21.  It's a massive feat because she sold 208k copies and it's also the biggest selling January album for 5 years.

Her debut album, 19, is also currently number four.
2011 is going to be a huge year for this outstanding artist.  She is also currently on the cover of US industry magazine 'Billboard'.

What's happening with the Sugababes?

Well, apparently they are in the studio recording a new album which should hopefully be released this year.  I've always liked the Sugababes, but if I'm honest, I'm tired of the drama.  Let's hope that there is less bad press and a return to form in 2011.

In the UK on 28th February, a new budget collection will be released.  The tracklist is unknown but 'Push The Button: The Collection' is expected to include a mix of singles and album tracks, and who knows? - maybe an unreleased gem will make the cut?  As it's only a budget release, it's likely that there won't be any promotion or accompanying singles.

Are you excited about the Sugababes return in 2011?

Saturday, 29 January 2011

Bebel Gilberto and the dodgy Spanish singer

I've been a fan of Bebel Gilberto since her ground-breaking electronic bossa nova album 'Tanto Tempo' - an album I bought by accident in HMV (don't ask).  It remains to be a classic album and the tracks have been used on many movie and TV soundtracks over the past few years. 
It's hard to believe that 'Tanto Tempo' is 10 years old because it still sounds so fresh.  In actual fact, it's my personal soundtrack to long hot summers and love (please don't vomit).

During my Spanish trip, I was treated to a performance of 'So Nice' by a singer in a restaurant.  It's a song that I firmly associate with Bebel because of it's appearance on the 'Tanto Tempo' album.  The unfortunate Spanish singer destroyed it.  To right that wrong, I would like to pay tribute to the definitive version by Bebel.  Watch the video, pour yourself a glass of wine and then I dare you to download the album.  You won't regret it.

Vanessa Paradis

She's a pop star, an actress, a model and she's the partner of Johnny Depp.  I first came across Vanessa Paradis back in 1987 (Yes, I'm that old) and I've been fascinated by her since.  English fans are no doubt thrilled that she is performing a rare UK date at London's KOKO club on 2nd February.  It's sold out.

Vanessa will be performing tracks from her 'Greatest Hits' album along with some new tracks.  She is sure to play this gem from 1992.  'Be My Baby' was produced by Lenny Kravitz and was the lead single from her 3rd album.  Enjoy.

The Rain in Spain

I've been in Spain for the past week - just in case you've been wondering where I've been.  We spent most of the week in a resort, which was nice as we were given an apartment for 8 people (even though there is only 2 of us). 

Unfortunately the weather was awful, but the highlight of our trip was going to Seville.  It's such a beautiful city.  Rich in amazing architecture and history.  If you enjoy snooping like I do, you will enjoy what Seville has to offer.  There is an amazing Cathedral in Seville which is worth visiting, but I feel I should warn you as well.  The amount of money and time spent on this structure is obscene.  Surely the money and effort should have gone towards helping the needy.  It is an incredible structure but I can't help but question the morals of those that created it.

Thursday, 20 January 2011

Film: Black Swan

With most of my friends and colleagues raving about 'The King's Speech', if I'm perfectly honest I'm more interested in seeing 'Black Swan'.  I love a good thriller.

Sticking with the subject of ballet, last year I saw a performance of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake - the famous production where the swans are men.  It was exquisite.

Video: Kylie Minogue Interview

Check out this lovely interview with Kylie. She talks about her forthcoming tour, about love, and about how she manages to stay so beautiful.

Click on the link: http://en.jyskebank.tv/012949275441145/exclusive-interview-with-kylie-minogue

Remembering: Susanna Hoffs

She is the lead singer of The Bangles, but she also released several solo efforts over the years.  'All I Want' was just one of a small handful of singles she released.  Susanna didn't reach the same success as a solo artist but I liked songs like this one and 'My Side Of The Bed' - which in all honesty was a Bangles song without the other girls. Nice though.

Wowza: Britney Spears

Well done Britney! In the US, download sales of 'Hold It Against Me'  went through the roof in the first week.  She's apparently broke the record for the 'largest debut for a woman as a lead artist' by selling 411,000 downloads.  Amazing.

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Win, Win, Win..... with Capital FM


GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR LOCAL CAPITAL FM HOTSPOT TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE LADY GAGA AND KATY PERRY

To celebrate becoming a national radio station Capital FM has launched an interactive map for you to share where you tune in to your local Capital FM for some amazing prizes. Pinpoint on the map where you enjoy the sounds of Capital FM, whether it’s your home, your workplace, your college - anywhere! This then becomes your hotspot. You can then encourage your friends to join your hotspot, upload photos and leave comments.

By using the map you could win tickets to see Katy Perry in her upcoming sell-out UK tour or even the chance to go see Lady GaGa perform in Mexico. There are two ways to win:

To win tickets to see Lady GaGa in Mexico sign in to the map and either join an existing hotspot or create your own. Once you are part of a hotspot you will be entered in a draw to win tickets.

Secondly Capital FM will be rewarding the person with the highest ranking hotspot – this is based on photos uploaded and comments received. In each region the biggest hotspot wins 10 tickets to see Katy Perry perform live.

Sign up and join or register for a hotspot to be in with a chance of winning at http://capitalhotspots.capitalfm.com/

To help boost your hotspot you can share your hotspot with your friends through your facebook and twitter accounts.

Watch the advert and see how many music stars you can spot: http://www.capitalfm.com/on-air/tv-advert/