Mash Up Magic

I don't trust people who don't like mash ups. I remember working with a guy who was a "musician" (I believe that was the term he used) when I lived in Canada who told me that as a "musician" (there's that word again) he couldn't get behind mash ups. He said it was because it didn't sound right to throw two songs together, something about key changes, pitch, him being a snob etc etc etc. Look I'm sure there are genuine reasons why mash ups are musically unsound but honestly, take a listen to this beauty:

Now as far as I can see grafting two very modern pop gems on to a bunch of thumping dance hits can only ever be a good thing. A bit of Shakira is always amazing, a bit of Lady Gaga is always fun, throw in a Madonna beat, a bit of Pitbull (who has perfected the art of the trashy club pop tune) and a snippet of David Guetta and how can you go wrong?

I may not be a "musician" (truth be told, I just like putting quote marks on things, no disrespect to any musicians intended) but I can't help but this not only makes the case for mashups, it also makes the case for Shakira and Lady Gaga teaming up for some kind of world conquering pop superduo. Like Salt 'N' Pepa with the rapping swapped with leotards. I think it would work well for everyone.

Usher's Finest Pop Moment to date? Maybe?

Not content with a return to chart success this year with OMG and the album Raymond Vs. Raymond, Usher is readying a new single alongside a new EP release (and re-issue of the album) later in the year. DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again (bit of a mouthful that title!) features Pitbull and is another piece of Max Martin backed pop goodness. The single sleeve is wierd though. Like a crappy fan photo taken of Usher at a gig. Wierd.

A tad generic it may be, it's also one of the catchiest, uplifting tracks Usher has done in ages and easily one of his poppiest moments to date. Not only that but Team Usher aren't wasting any time in getting this out to the masses. Within days of the songs online premiere it's now on sale on iTunes in the US and here a move which doesn't always happen. It's paying off with the track already sitting comfortably inside the Billboard Hot 100 and and the track making a dent on the lower reaches of the chart on this side the water.

It might not sound like much but after years of following a system of extended airplay before releasing a song it's interesting to see labels put a song out almost immediately. The initial sales may be not be as high but less people are likely to source an illegal download while waiting for the song to come their way.

AND to top it all off I was in a taxi on my way out to "the club"the other night when this came on the radio, OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS SONG I squealed.. and what did the taxi driver do? Turn it up! Amazing.

 

The track is on iTunes now. A re-release of the album alongside the seperate EP release  is planned for the Autumn. The original album Raymond Vs Raymond which includes the single OMG feat. Will.I.Am is out now.

Tunes of the Moment.

I am weighed down with new music thanks to lots of great new songs being leaked online and great albums being leaked. and as I've been asked to write the music column for GCN magazine (so thrilled) I've had a number of new albums thrown my way as well (as well as picking up some recent releases. PERK.)

But anyway, I digress, in no particular order here is a list of songs rocking my world at the moment (or over the last few weeks). With thanks to MuuMuse, Mossip Blog and Spherical Notions for the tips.

Shakira - "She Wolf" : superstar disco/electro of the highest order. will be huge.

Sugababes - "Get Sexy" : unapologetically brash stomper set to re-establish the 'Babes

Jordin Sparks - "SOS (Let The Music Play)" : generic but totally fun dance pop

Madonna - "Celebrate (Oakenfold 12" Dub)" : i smell a monster hit.

Pitbull - "I Know You Want Me" : bit late on this but what a great bootyshaker.

Britney - "Radar (Bloodshy and Avant Mix)" : breathes jittery life into this Brit classic.

(see also "Radar (Circus Tour European Studio Version)

Booty Luv - "Say It" : can this just hurry up and become a huge hit please?

Dizzee Rascal - "Holiday feat. Chrome/Calvin Harris" : perfect summer follow up to "Bonkers"

Brooke Hogan - "Ruff Me Up feat. Flo Rida" : crap & amazing, "Womanizer" on a budget

Stonebridge - "Put 'Em High" : its always nice to rediscover a classic. TUNE.

Lady Gaga - "Lovegame (Chew Fu Remix) feat. Marilyn Manson": noisy and nutty. Brilliant.

Martin Solveig/Dragonette - "Boys and Girls" : charming pop number. Dragonette do it again.

Rudenko - "Everybody" : not new but still sounds fabulous.

Kesha - "P.Diddy": Lady Gaga meets Uffie meets Katy Perry meets the dancefloor.

Leighton Meester - "Body Control" : more fun but throwaway dance pop.

Britney - "Gimme More (LAZRTag Remix)" : for the tour memories.

Ashley Tisdale - "Crank It Up" : Britney-esque Blackout style number. Brill.

Dan Black - "Symphonies" : Epic and moody pop.

VV Brown - "Shark In The Water : fast becoming the song of summer that never was.