Pop Blitz 8/19/11

Nero - Promises
This is by far my favorite single they've released. It's got the poppiest song structure yet, but an indie edge reminiscent of La Roux. This just screams "crossover hit" to me. A-

Joe Jonas - Love Slayer
Well, it's certainly a jump into the dance/r&b genre for him, but like the first solo track, this has a gaping hole where melody should be. Listen to Darin's Love Killer instead. You won't be missing anything here. D+

JLS - She Makes Me Wanna
This is actually a lot better than most of the stuff they've released. It's nowhere near classic, and is completely trendy/derivative, but for what it is, it's alright. I wouldn't switch the radio if this was on. It's very similar to the Wanted's new single, though (and that one's better). B

Lil' Wayne (ft. Drake) - She Will
I've never really had any interest in Lil' Wayne. I honestly don't even know how to review this, since it's really not my thing at all. I guess it's alright? Pretty dirgy, though, for a rap song that's #1 on itunes. C-

Olly Murs (ft. Rizzle Kicks) - Heart Skips A Beat
Another artist I don't like (he's annoying). But, I've got to admit that I sort of like this song. You really can't tell it's Olly Murs. I wish it wasn't, because then I'd probably love it. As it stands, it's still quite enjoyable. Although I do find it really strange that Rizzle Kicks agreed to be featured on this. B+

Jessie J - Who's Laughing Now
I definitely like this better than her last single, which I hated, but there's still something totally missing in this popstar package for me. The laughing parts are so freaking scary sounding. I feel like the chorus slightly lets down the verses, too. But I do like the video. C+

Example - Stay Awake
Well, it's not as epic as his last single (one of the best of the summer), but this is still very good. I'm obsessed with Example's sound, and really believe that it could be as popular over here as it is in the UK. This is growing on me with each listen. A-

Sirius/XM yanks BBC Radio 1 - I've got a big problem, here

Ok, I have a bone to pick. It's a rather important bone (!), at least to me, so I figured I'd nix a music post today to talk about it. I'm not sure if any of you are Sirius/XM Satellite Radio subscribers in North America, but if you are--and if your tastes are anything like mine--you've probably realized that the company yanked BBC Radio 1 from their service last week without warning. It's been replaced by some lame disco station. This simply isn't gonna do.

You Brits may scoff, but Radio 1 is very important to me. In fact, it's why I bought the service in the first place. Having lived in England for awhile, it recalls pleasant memories. More than that, though, it makes all the European music I post on this blog real. What I mean by that is, it places it in a real-life context. I don't only like to listen to music for music's sake. I like to understand where it's popular and why. I'm a chart junky and (surprise, surprise) like to know what people are thinking about the latest songs. Given that my taste tends to tilt very heavily towards European stuff, Radio 1 is really the best way to do that. And even though I'm very well-versed in music from around the world, I've made more than one discovery from the channel.

Now, the company's striving to pacify its customers by offering the channel for streaming on their website (a bit laughable, since you can already stream it for free on the Radio 1 website and Sirius charges $2.99 for the privilege), but I don't listen to radio on the internet. I listen to it in my car. I want Radio 1 in my car. End of. I'm paying for it, after all.

I realize this rant won't apply to all of you, but if it does, there's a movement afoot to get the channel back on satellite radio in North America. Heck, even if you're a listener in England and believe us Americans/Canadians deserve access, visit the following link and join the campaign. Email them. Call. I'm serious! >:)

http://www.facebook.com/SaveRadio1inNorthAmerica

Frankmusik - Struck By Lightning

"I'd rather be struck by lightning"

The sampler for Frankmusik's upcoming album is out there and, while I haven't given it more than the most casual of listens so far, there is one track that definitely stands out to me. As you know, I'm all about the big anthemic pop hooks, and this song definitely has them. The verses surge, the chorus explodes, and the retro electro beat keeps it all going. I love songs like this. Frankmusik is extremely hit or miss for me, and as such I haven't been able to get completely jazzed about him like I wish I would. But I do love the new single, and this is just fantastic. I hope the album follows suit. It really hits that sweet spot between indie and mainstream dance pop.

Frankmusik - Struck By Lightning by projectDRK

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Tyson - Fight

"I will fight"

Sorry about the lack of post yesterday! It was one of those days where I left home at seven-thirty in the morning and got back at eleven-thirty at night. Not a lot of time to write anything up! But I think today's song makes up for it. If you'll remember, I mentioned electropop artist Tyson (of Unklejam fame) earlier this year. He's got quite a few nice songs uploaded on his soundcloud, and here's a new one. Fight continues the 80's inspired (the first little bit reminds me of Maniac) soul inflected dance pop that Tyson does so well. This is what I wish Cee-Lo would sound like. His voice is quite similar, but the entire sound experience feels way cooler. Despite the cheesy guitar solos and simple electronic beats, this doesn't sound like a novelty track. It's just an effortless, slightly anthemic pop track. It's all over too soon, though.

Fight by TYSON

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Listen to more here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.