Reece Mastin - Good Night

"Let's go back to rock and roll"

Yes, I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to X-Factor. I'm currently watching three (UK, US and AU), though the Australian version ended this week. And unlike the trainwreck that is the US version (I'm watching purely out of loyalty, enjoying none of it), the Aussies got it completely right with their winner, Reece Mastin. Sometimes I think people need to be reminded of the definition of the show's title. From the beginning, Reece had undeniable x-factor. I'd argue that he's the best contestant in all three series, but even so, the Australian version had the best contestants this year so it was a hard fight to the finish. This is his winners' song. And in a refreshing surprise, it's not a ballad. Yeah, the melody and production might as well be Pink's Raise Your Glass, but at least it's current and radio-ready (unlike 99% of the winners' singles). Reece was amazing throughout the show (this and this and this) and even got to duet with the always wonderful Kylie Minogue in the final. I have a feeling they'll try to launch this kid internationally like they're doing with One Direction. I hope so! (and at 16--correct me if I'm wrong--he may be the youngest winner in the show's history. though how old was that Martin kid from Denmark when he won?)



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Watch his X-factor journey here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

One Direction - Stole My Heart

"Under the lights tonight, turned around"

It was so clear during last year's UK X-Factor that we were witnessing something special when One Direction were put together. And luckily, with the debut of their first album, they've delivered on the promise. Now this is pop music... not singer-songwriter critics-awards-bait. Let's get that out of the way. And this isn't a critics-award-bait band (though given Take That's current output, there's always a chance they could get there). What One Direction are is a massive pop band, a group of personalities capable of creating the type of groundswell needed to create real hysteria. And with a US contract official and a US release early next year, they will be global. And strangely, I knew this was going to happen ever since X-Factor. Sometimes you can just tell. But back to the music... I'll have a review of the album later (it's very good pop), but I wanted to share this track today because their handlers would be INSANE not to release this as a single at some point. Sure, it's reminiscent of some of the trends in pop now, but it perfects them. That chorus is a number one hit. It's one of the more electronic songs on the album, which is a direction (haha) I'd love for them to explore further in future albums.
Oh, and speaking of X-Factor, I'll have a song from the Australian version tomorrow (they totally, totally got the winner right... that's twice in a row, Aussies!)



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

Rogue Traders - Don't Think I Love You

"God knows that I've tried"

Australia's Rogue Traders just (finally) released their first album with new vocalist Mindi Jackson. It was worth the wait! I really like Mindi's vocals--they remind me of early Kylie with a punk edge. On the whole, the album is very 80's inspired and mostly uptempo. It's definitely a progression from their earlier work with Natalie Bassingthwaighte. Less straight ahead dance and more new wave. If you've heard the singles, you know what to expect. One of my favorite tracks is Don't Think I Love You, which has an amazing, soaring chorus. It begins as a slow synth ballad but quickly bursts into a propulsive, sing-along melody. According to the band, the song came to life when they thought of mashing up Prince's Purple Rain and Blondie. It's a pretty good description, and the track's a total success. Ditto for the album.

Rogue Traders - Don't Think I Love You by nohfap

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