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25

Jan

Too often songwriters don’t get the credit or attention that they are so deserving of.  With similar styling to that of Anna Nalick, Bonnie McKee is a name that every Britney fan should be aware of by now.  She’s the writer behind her recent #1 debut Hold It Against Me and provide the vocals on the leaked demo.  She’s also said to have written several other songs for Britney’s new studio album. Other popular tunes she’s written/co-written include Katy Perry’s Teenage DreamCalifornia Gurls, as well as Taio Cruz’s Dynamite.  Though she hasn’t had much success as a solo artist, she’s been internationally successful as a songwriter.  Her 2004 debut album Trouble is a sugary piano driven soft rock record that only had 17,000 in sales.  However, she’s said to be hard at work with Dr. Luke for her sophomore album, rumored to be released sometime this spring.  I suspect it will be a very different sound then her debut album— her MySpace has several demos that are more beat-driven and 80’s flared pop.  She’s got a voice that’s a blend of Katy Perry & Ke$ha, but with better control than both of them.  Will Bonnie finally capture the attention of the fans she’s gained for so many other great pop artists?

18

Nov

Introducing & Download: Tinchy Stryder

I was recently introduced to Tinchy Stryder by a close friend and I was hesitant to give his album Third Strike a listen.  And I am so glad I gave him a chance!  Damn this album is good (and that’s an understatement).  It’s not your typical hip hop/rap album by any means.  With tracks featuring Alexis Jordan, Swedish singer Eric Turner, Taio Cruz and Alicia Keys’ occasional fill in vocalist Bridget Kelly, Tinchy will have you begging him to release this album in the States (of course it’s currently only available as an import thru Amazon).  The video for the title track Take Over the World ft. Bridget Kelly has a similar power to that of Empire State of Mind, with a driving beat guiding Tincy’s rap and Bridget’s powerful vocals on the chorus.  Could this be the UK’s equivalent of the Jay-Z/Alicia Keys team? 



Until the album drops in the states (let’s hope early next year), download Tinchy’s EPs below:
EP Vol. 1 Star in the Hood
EP Vol. 2 Star in the Hood
EP III

13

Nov

Once Again, America Deprived of Greatness

Why can’t the States wise up and realize Kylie has something more to offer us than Locomotion?  I know the record companies are trying to play it safe, but who the hell made the decision to replace Kylie on Taio Cruz’s Higher with Travie McCoy?  First of all, Travie is a grown man… shouldn’t you go by TRAVIS?  Secondly, Kylie is obviously the better choice.  There’s a reason Katy Perry wrote this song about him (allegedly)… this single is going to circle the drain.  Island Records needs to wise up and keep Kylie on the US and UK versions.  Which do you prefer?

02

Nov

McFly feat. Taio Cruz - “Shine A Light”


British pop/rock band, McFly, just released the second single from their new album Above the Noise. Shine A Light was penned with pop/R&B singer Taio Cruz and you can hear tinges of that dance/pop sound in the uptempo chorus. It’s RIDICULOUSLY catchy in my opinion but I’ll leave it to the masses to decide. I’m a sucker for these upbeat dance/pop/rock hybrid tunes!! I’ve given their new album a full listen and it’s quite amazing.

21

Oct

Remix: Taio Cruz ft. Kylie Minogue “Higher”


Two of our favorite worlds have just collided: Taio Cruz has remixed his latest single by bringing in the amazingly talented Kylie Minogue!  Can you say hot dance song (and smart move on Taio’s part)?  Higher is sure to get your feet stomping and ready for the weekend.  Their voices mix well together and this is sure to be a hit!  Being that Taio has already had much success in the US market, hopefully this collaboration will help Americans finally realize that Kylie is incredible.  If you haven’t picked up her Aphrodite album yet, get it - definitely one of the best of 2010.

Taio Cruz ft. Kylie Minogue - Higher

18

Oct

Cover: Katelyn Clampett does Taio Cruz & Bruno Mars


Katelyn is one of those artists we just love to brag about.  She knows how to put just the right personal spin on a Top 40 hit.  This time, she’s done a mashup of Taio Cruzs Dynamite & Bruno Mars’ Grenade, and smothered it in her California Country sound.  It’s Glee meets Sugarland.  Good stuff for anyone with a sweet tooth.  Take a listen and be sure to show your support for Katelyn by buying her single Sweet Tea on iTunes.


Katelyn Clampett- Dynamite Grenade

17

Sep

Hot Weekend Jam! Taio Cruz & Ke$ha




Taio Cruz’s Rokstarr is one of Wonky Pop’s best albums of 2010 and this song is definitely a great addition to the airwaves.  Taio includes Ke$ha on his new single, Dirty Picture. The dance-driven hit is featured on his second studio album, which was released in the US in June. Taio admitted that he wrote the song with Lady Gaga in mind, but producer Dr. Luke encouraged him to collaborate with Ke$ha. “She hadn’t done TiK ToK or anything like that at that point,” Cruz states. “But I just thought she sounded really cool. A very unique-sounding voice.” 

For the UK release of Ke$ha’s Animal, an alternate version of the song, entitled Dirty Picture Pt. 2 is included, where Ke$ha replaces Cruz on the first verse (see below). The official remix features Fabolous and will be on the American version Rokstarr as a bonus track. A clean version of the song also exists where references to Send a dirty picture is replaced with Won’t you take a picture and Ke$ha’s line Take a dirty picture is replaced with Take a, take a p-picture. It was physically released on May 3, 2010 in the UK. The song will be released to U.S. mainstream radio next Tuesday. DigitalSpy gave the song 3 out of 5 stars, saying that Ke$ha had “enough gusto for the pair of them.”




Taio Cruz Ft. Ke$ha - Dirty Picture
Ke$ha feat. Taio Cruz - Dirty Picture (Part 2)
Taio Cruz “Dirty Picture” (Dave Audé Radio Edit) by DaveAude

Introducing…Mike Tompkins!


The cute & animated Canadian who covers songs using only his mouth for instruments is back with another incredible cover.  Mike Tompkins has been our video of the week, and looks as though he’s gonna steal next week’s slot as well!  This time Taio Cruz’s Dynamite.  Q&A to follow!  Stay tuned cause he’s our upcoming Diva Dish.  We’ll be speaking with him Friday afternoon!