Manda - Sweetest Heartbreak

"I'm like a devil in disguise"

I loved Manda on the first season of Swedish X-factor. I thought she had the perfect pop voice and picked great songs to perform. She was definitely a favorite, but even so, I knew she wouldn't go all that far in the competition. I was right, as she finished sixth, but I would never have expected that she would be the first one from the show to release a debut single. It's a pity this wasn't out in time for Melodifestivalen, as it would have fit right in. However, it doesn't appear that she needed that extra promotion, because as of this writing the song's sitting on top of the Swedish itunes chart! Sweetest Heartbreak is an instantly catchy, effortlessly sung, radio pop/rock track. It's the kind of stuff Sweden chucks out in its sleep, and that's one of the reasons I love the country so much. I look forward to an album, especially since a couple of months ago, I'd never have thought we'd see one!



(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.

Meat Loaf - I Would Do Anything For Love (SuperCHEAP! Remix)

"I would do anything for love, but I won't do that"

I am a massive fan of Meat Loaf. I am also a massive fan of dance music and remixes. As a result, I'm always on the lookout for Meat Loaf remixes. I'm aware that this is a... niche "genre" at best, and that would explain why there aren't many out there. But, I'm absolutely in love with the idea of reinventing classic rock for the dancefloor. It's not the easiest thing to find, and I always get excited when I discover something that makes me sit up and pay attention. I stumbled across the soundcloud page of SuperOkMusic--and this song specifically--and instantly fell in love. They take the piano hook and the main refrain of the track and use it to structure a dance remix that doesn't betray the original song's sensibilities. For now, it's the closest I'm going to get to Meat Loaf himself recording a club album, which I still think would be the most awesome thing ever.



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

Pop Blitz 3/19/13

Bruno Mars - When I Was Your Man
I've tried to get into the Bruno Mars thing, but honestly, I just find him to be a second rate Prince/Michael Jackson clone. The enormous success of this track baffles me. He's got absolutely no edge. C

The Saturdays - What About Us
This is another pop group I've tried to love without much success. That said, this is one of their best singles. It's hooky throughout and the melody doesn't get lost in the production (which is admittedly trend-conscious). B+

Nicole Scherzinger - Boomerang
I'm pleased to see that she's sticking with straight-up pop, now that she's gained a foothold on the UK audience. This isn't up there with her best, but it's a fun bubblegum pop track. B

Pink - Just Give Me A Reason (ft. Nate Ruess)
I'm not much of a Pink fan anymore, but I do love Nate's singing and (especially) songwriting, and that's what makes this single special. It's her best in years, with a strong, theatrical melody and rock production. A-

Pitbull - Feel This Moment (ft. Christina Aguilera)
This is just offensive, mostly because sampling A-Ha was a great idea used/abused for such a crappy song. Seriously, Pitbull needs to go away and take Christina with him. D+

Demi Lovato - Heart Attack
Not into it. More and more, Lovato's singing voice just irritates me. The melody and production seem so dated to me, and not in a good way. It's got that uninteresting, dirge-like sound to it--just kind of plods along until it's over. C

Justin Timberlake - Mirrors
I can't stand the guy, and judging from the samples of the album, it sounds absolutely atrocious and self-indulgent. This track is the silver lining, though, as it's the best single he's released since his debut. I'm even forced to like it a little bit. He's still a sorry excuse for a pop star, though. B+

Now it's your chance to have your say. Which track is your favorite?

Pop Blitz 3/19/13 Your Choice!

Bruno Mars - When I Was Your ManThe Saturdays - What About UsNicole Scherzinger - BoomerangPink & Nate Ruess - Just Give Me A ReasonPitbull - Feel This Moment (ft. Christina Aguilera)Demi Lovato - Heart AttackJustin Timberlake - Mirrors

pollcode.com free polls

Semi Precious Weapons - Aviation High

"I find myself counting the days"

To be honest, I always wanted to love Semi Precious Weapons instead of just liking them. They've got a fantastic image, a charismatic front man, and a clear love of classic glam rock/punk. For me, though, something has always been missing. But now the band are back with a complete reinvention of sound, which is enough to pique my interest again. They've gone from brash punk to mellow, new wavey synth pop. It's an interesting transition, though not altogether unexpected (they had been touring with Lady Gaga, after all). The song itself is a taster for the new album, which has yet to be released, and I hope it's not a red herring. I would love to hear some upbeat, rock-influenced electronica from these guys. I think they're totally capable of making an awesome album in that style. Justin Tranter's certainly got the vocals and persona for it.



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