The Ark - Absolutely No Decorum

Here it is, folks... the song of the year so far. When it comes to The Ark don't expect me to shed any of my enthusiasm and offer any kind of solid critique beyond saying that this is another masterpiece for the band. Just give it a listen and you'll see what I mean.

Below (in the youtube video) is the studio version of the song, which I will not be posting for download in the hopes that fans will go out and buy it next week, but I will post the band's live debut performance of the song from the P3 Guld 2007 radio awards. The track's given a bit of a different flavor live. The piano and background are more prominent. Both versions are beyond excellent, though. I am anxiously awaiting the release of The Worrying Kind, the band's Melodifestivalen entry, early next month, and the album after that. No band can get me in such a frenzy like these guys can.

mp3: The Ark - Absolutely No Decorum (Live on P3 Guld 2007)

Video Premiere: Robbie Williams - She's Madonna

Very strange video, but at least it explains the infamous drag interview. So far, though, this is definitely the best vid from Rudebox and an altogether interesting choice.

For those who may be wondering...

1. I have not stopped making the #1 Hits promo sleeves. But, instead of two a month with 14-15 tracks on each, there will now only be one at the end of the month with 20-22 tracks.

2. Special weekly features will return next week, beginning with a bit of a literary journey...

SWITCHES - NO HERO



"It's true, so what can I do?"

Switches are one of the more ambitious of the new crop of UK bands. They take the spiky, alternative rock of their peers and add multitracked vocals and odd stylistic turns. This instantly makes them more interesting than a lot of indie groups and also leads me to believe that their debut is going to be quite a listen when it's released later this year. I'm posting No Hero, though their new single Drama Queen and older release Lay Down The Law are both well worth searching out. All three are punchy, glam inspired indie rock that could see bands like the Kaiser Chiefs watching their backs.

mp3: Switches - No Hero
zshare: Switches - No Hero

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! No album yet, but preorder the new single here.)

PLEASURE - OUT OF LOVE



"And I'm running away and I just don't stop to feel"

The brilliant Popjustice and Into the Groove highlighted this group (or, to be more specific, one-man act) back in 2006 and I know that I listened to this song some months ago but I'm kicking myself because I didn't really "discover" it until a week ago. And, I really think it is one of the best tracks of 2006. Like fellow favs Alphabeat and Lucky Soul, this is pop music but it's not vacuous in any way. High quality, unique melody... spare disco beat... it is absolutely essential. Brilliant, even, in its simplicity. Pleasure is the work of Fred Ball, Uk DJ and pop music creator extraordinare. An album is promised "soon," though I can't wait if it's anything as good as this (and judging from second -and completely different- single Back To You, it is).

mp3: Pleasure - Out Of Love
zshare: Pleasure - Out Of Love

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! No album yet, but buy the track here.)

ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS - TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

"I don't want to slow down, I just want to have fun"

I've got a new glam rock group (or kitschrock, as they call it) for you today. All That And A Bag Of Chips incorporates elements of Bowie, the Ark and even a bit of Tim Curry. It's a mixture made in heaven as far as I'm concerned, and their first single Take Me To Your Leader utilizes this sound to great effect. Glammy verses gradually build up to an explosive chorus that sets the track into spastic motion from that point on. ATAABOC hail from Norway, though they sound like they could have come out of America in the early-mid eighties. Plus, you've gotta love Francis' hat (above)!

mp3: All That And A Bag Of Chips - Take Me To Your Leader

zshare: All That And A Bag Of Chips - Take Me To Your Leader

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Buy the EP here.)

EMMON - WAKE UP TIME



"Wake up time is calling out for you"

I have a delicious electro pop hit for you all today. Emmon was the lead singer of Swedish pop/rock band Paris and has now gone solo. In addition to doing remixes for bands like the fabulous Melody Club (and supporting them on tour), she's released this brilliant debut single. Although it seems to be a bit underhyped on the radio, it is completely deserving of massive hit status. File this next to the new Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Kylie tracks and don't forget to buy her debut album The Art And The Evil when it comes out February 2nd.

mp3: Emmon - Wake Up Time
zshare: Emmon - Wake Up Time

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Preorder the album here.)

Catchy Girl Pop EP

Today #1 Hits will feature an EP of unabashedly catchy girl pop. It's the kind of stuff that is absolutely thrilling in moderation, if a bit monotonous after you've had too much. But, there's nothing monotonous about the following selections. This is the cream of the crop. Although I've omitted the big artists (no Kylie, Sophie or Madonna here), these lesser known singers are really giving the biggies a run for their money.

Please right click, save as to download files - songs are up for a week... or until my bandwidth holds out :)

1. September - Sacrifice
2. The Lovemakers - Set Me Free
3. Annie - Me Plus One
4. Seiko - Let's Fall In Love Again
5. Meja - All 'Bout The Money
6. Nathalie Nordnes - Cars & Boys
7. Paulina Rubio - Fire (Sexy Dance)