UK Singles Chart, 9/20/2008 (5-1)

5 (4). Disturbia - Rihanna

It's the second week she's dropped, and I'm not sure if this is getting a physical release anymore, as it's missing from the schedule this week. Still #3 isn't bad, if it never ends up going higher.

4 (3). When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls

Early in the week they were doing a lot better, but end up at #4, despite the CD single coming out this week.

3 (new). Thank You for a Lifetime - Cliff Richard.

No one in the U.S. would know who he is (he had a few hits in the '70s), but in the UK Cliff Richard is a pop music institution. This year he celebrates his 50th year in the limelight with a special compilation and this single. He's had 14 #1 hits, tied with Westlife at third after Elvis and the Beatles. This is his 69th top 10 hit. Wow.

2 (1). I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry

After 5 weeks at #1, Katy Perry relinquishes, tying her with Basshunter and Duffy for the longest-running #1 hit of the year.

1 (new). Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon

American indie band Kings of Leon have been a hit in the UK for 5 years now. Last year they had their highest charting single at #13 with "Fans," but this week score their first #1 hit. It's the first single from their upcoming fourth album, Only by the Night.

UK Singles Chart, 9/20/2008 (10-6)

10 (8). Mountains - Biffy Clyro

9 (7). All Summer Long - Kid Rock

8 (6). Beggin' - Madcon

7 (5). The Man Who Can't Be Moved - The Script

6 (2). Pjanoo - Eric Prydz

Not much news in the bottom half of the top 10.

UK Singles Chart, 9/20/2008 (20-11)

Halfway point already. Live blogging makes the show go faster it seems.

20 (17). Paddy's Revenge - Steve Mac

Down three after debuting last week on downloads. The physical release is out tomorrow. This is an instrumental dance track with an Irish flavor. Not such a common thing. Still, it's not really impressing me.

19 (11). 5 Years Time - Noah & The Whale

Big drop for Noah & The Whale this week. I liked this song briefly, but now I'm tired of it.

18 (35). Handlebars - Flobots

Big jump for Flobots and "Handlebars." I hadn't heard this yet; it's interesting. Not sure what I think yet. This is out September 22.

17 (13). Viva la Vida - Coldplay

Their former #1 edges down a bit.

16 (12). No Air - Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown

I still love this song. Great single.

15 (10). Love Is Noise - The Verve

The Verve falls out of the top 10. I reviewed their album earlier today, which I found to be pretty ho-hum. This is definitely one of the better tracks on it. The 5 weeks this spent in the top 10 is actually the band's longest run there--"The Drugs Don't Work" spent 4 weeks and "Bitter Sweet Symphony" spent 3.

14 (18). Miss Independent - Ne-Yo

It's not out until the end of the month, but already selling strong on downloads, up 4 this week. Great song.

13 (9). Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal Featuring Calvin Harris & Chrome

12 (16). Cookie Jar - Gym Class Heroes Featuring The Dream

Gym Class heroes new single fails to reach the top 10. Last year they were in the top 10 twice with "Cupid's Chokehold" at #3 and "Clothes Off" at #5. So it turns out Travis in the band is Katy Perry's boyfriend. Fearne and Reg asked him if he minds it (referring to Katy's "I Kissed a Girl" line "hope my boyfriend don't mind it"). He said he doesn't as long as he remains her priority.

11 (14). See You Again (Remix) - Miley Cyrus

Miley climbs a bit, but still not a top 10 hit.

? I think it's pretty clear that Daniel Powter's new single "Next Plane Out" has missed the top 40. Sorry Daniel. "Bad Day" was great, but that seems to be all the public wants from you. I bet the record company will be dropping him soon. Also missing the top 40 is The Zutons' "What's Your Problem."

So who's #1? It looked like Kings of Leon going into the weekend, but it also looked like Glasvegas would top the albums chart and that didn't happen. It's pretty competitive week with Katy Perry hoping for a 6th week at #1, while Kings of Leon, Cliff Richard, The Pussycat Dolls, and Rihanna are all strong challengers for the top spot.

UK Singles Chart, 9/20/2008 (30-21)

30 (20). Daddy's Gone - Glasvegas

Glasvegas is down 10 this week. The band's eponymous debut album was released Monday, and I expect it will be the UK's #1 album this week. I'd like to check it out, as this is pretty decent rock.

29 (new). In The Ayer - Flo Rida Featuring Will.I.Am

Flo Rida scores his third UK top 40 single this week. Just as in the U.S., his first single "Low" was a big hit (#2), and his second, "Elevator," was not (#2). This is a debut with a physical release, so I think this will be topping out here. Sorry Flo. I haven't listened to the Chart Show in quite some time--Fearne and Reggie are quite funny.

28 (21). Stepping Stone - Duffy

Poor Duffy. Struck out with her fourth single. Pity. It's a great song, just like all her others.

27 (22). Closer - Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo on the way down; "Miss Independent" will surely be on the way up later.

26 (39). Just Stand Up - Stand Up to Cancer

The cancer charity single, also a hit in the U.S., is up 13 this week.

25 (23). Spiralling - Keane

After peaking at #23 last week, Keane's preview single from their forthcoming third album Perfect Symmetry falls two spots. The album's first official single, "The Lovers Are Losing," will be out Oct. 20, a week after the album's release. Odd timing I think.

24 (new). Angel in the Night - Basshunter

And here is the new Basshunter single as promised, selling on downloads in advance of its September 29 release. It's got more of a rocky vibe, but no one would mistake this for rock. It's solidly Swedish eurodisco...and not that great.

23 (new). Lies - McFly

McFly follow up their recent #2 hit "One for the Radio" with "Lies." The physical release is out tomorrow. This is the band's 15th top 40 hit. All the 14 others were top 10, including seven #1 singles. This is actually pretty good.

22 (15). Boyfriend - Alphabeat

Alphabeat slipping down after 2 weeks at #15. Shame this wasn't top 10. It's one of my favorite songs at the moment and definitely the best thing the Danish band has released so far.

21 (new). In This City - Iglu & Hartly

This is a cool song. Physical release out tomorrow. This is the band's first top 40 hit.

Albums chart update: So Metallica has the UK's new #1 album this week with "Death Magnetic" and Glasvegas is in at #2 with their debut. Elbow rebounds to #7 thanks to their Mercury Award.

UK Singles Chart, 9/20/2008 (40-31)

I'm listening to the Radio 1 chart show today, so this will be in reverse. I'll bold the highlights.

40 (new). Can't Stop Moving (Mirwais Remix) - Sonny J

Sonny J slides into the top 40 just barely with "Can't Stop Moving." I thought this would go higher, as it's pretty decent. The Mirwais Remix really doesn't sound that much different than the original mix (so if you already have the original this is worth getting only if you're a Mirwais fanatic--Mirwais, of course, being principal producer for Madonna's Music and American Life albums).

39 (27). All I Ever Wanted - Basshunter

Basshunter's second single takes a big plunge this week. Fearne and Reggie said Basshunter's new single, "Angel in the Night" will be coming up.

38 (19) The World Should Revolve Around Me - Little Jackie

Little Jackie takes an even bigger plunge this week. I'm surprised this wasn't a bigger hit. It's a pretty decent song. Maybe it wore out its welcome (I've been skipping it on my iPod lately).

37 (new). Paper Planes - M.I.A.

Acclaimed UK rapper M.I.A. scores her first top 40 hit with "Paper Planes." Already a major hit in the U.S. (it's currently #5 on the Hot 100), she finally lands a hit at home--and major hit this could be. It's already charting on downloads, but it's not due for release until Oct. 13.

36 (re-entry). Black and Gold - Sam Sparro

35 (re-entry). One Day Like This - Elbow

Elbow makes a re-entry with their most recent single, "One Day Like This." The track made #39 when it released over the summer, so it improves its peak position a bit. The reappearance is of course due to Elbow having won the Mercury Prize this week for their album Seldom Seen Kid. It's also a great song, my favorite from the album. The band's new single "The Bones of You" will be out later this month.

34 (24). Give It 2 Me - Madonna

Madonna, on the way out. "Miles Away" is expected to be her next single, but I haven't seen a release date yet.

33 (new). C-Lebrity - Queen + Paul Rodgers

Queen's made their first album since 1995, with new singer Paul Rodgers. "C-Lebrity" is the second single from The Cosmos Rocks, out tomorrow. The album's first single, "Say It's Not True," failed to crack the top 40.

32 (28). Forever - Chris Brown

31 (25). She's Like a Star - Taio Cruz

I hadn't heard this yet. It's okay, but I can see why it wasn't a big hit like "Come on Girl."

Album review: The Verve - Forth (2.5/5)

In 1997 on the eve of splitting up for the second time, The Verve released their career-defining masterpiece, Urban Hymns, best known for the Rolling Stones-sampling "Bitter Sweet Symphony" and UK #1 "The Drugs Don't Work." This was gorgeous melodic rock music at its best. The album was a big hit, beating Radiohead's iconic OK Computer to win the Brit Award for best British album of the year. Talk about going out in style.

Eleven years later and The Verve have finally reunited and released their fourth album, Forth. Sadly, nothing comes close to the grandeur of those two hits, or even the album's other two great singles "Lucky Man" or "Sonnet." The songs are long (about 6 minutes on average) and plodding and mostly lacking in energy. A real disappointment. I've been listening to this a lot the last couple of weeks, hoping that repeated listens would reveal its charms, sadly that's not the case.

Some of the songs have a good sound, but just wear out their welcomes. "Rather Be" is case in point. I like the warm piano, strings and guitar vibe, but after the five and a half minutes are up (and that's on the shorter side among these songs), I feel like it's failed to deliver anything more interesting than what I heard in the first few bars. Same goes for the dark opening track "Sit and Wonder"--great concept, but needs editing, although not as bad as "Rather Be," for at least it delivers an interesting instrumental middle section. "Judas" has a nice ethereal sound and actually builds toward something at the end.

Other tracks plod along without giving much of anything. "Numbness" has a dark, meditative quality, but again, after the first 3 minutes, I was hoping the second 3 minutes would give me something more apart from a brief increase in the guitar tempo around 3:36. "I See Houses" has a meditative quality to it--swirls of bass, piano and guitar over a mid-tempo drum routine.

There are a few bright spots. The lead single "Love Is Noise" is pretty good, the album's most uptempo track. "Noise Epic" has a great opening, slowly layering in the guitar and then the drums and spoken-word vocal, before hitting full tilt in the first chorus. This song, despite being the longest at over 8 minutes, actually doesn't bother me, because unlike the other languid tracks, this actually has variety and momentum to it, pushing through to an explosive guitar ending. "Valium Skies" is pretty good too--more song-like than many other tracks.

Forth's songs have the ingredients of the songs from Urban Hymns--the lush multi-layered sound of guitar, piano, strings, and Ashcroft--but, with a few exceptions, seem to have been left on the stove too long.

Best: Love Is Noise, Noise Epic, Valium Skies

Happy Birthday Hot 100

This week's issue of Billboard celebrates the 50th anniversary of the publication's most prominent char, the Hot 100, a weekly tabulation of the most popular songs in the United States based on airplay and sales. The formula has changed through the years, accommodating changes in media formats and more recently what "airplay" means, but it remains the best national barometer of popular music.

The issue has a lot of special charts and articles, including a new "definitive" list of the top Hot 100 hits of the last 50 years. A great improvement in this chart over previous such charts--it's been weighted to take into account periods when chart turnover increases or decreases. This was a problem with some of the previous methodologies, where you'd see, for example, lots of entries from the mid '90s when the chart slowed down (so songs stayed around a long time racking up chart "points") and very few from 1987-1991 (when songs rotated through the chart much faster).

Leon Jackson returns

Leon Jackson, who won Britain's X Factor reality singing contest last year, is back with the first single from his debut album Right Now (Oct. 20). It's a lovely, old fashioned single called "Don't Call This Love," but it's certainly no "Bleeding Love." Jackson may have a great career in the UK, but so far, I don't see him having the international appeal that Leona Lewis does. Check out the single:

Billboard Hot 100, 9/20/2008

1. Whatever You Like - T.I.

T.I. spends a third week at #1 with "Whatever You Like." I listened to the track last week, and I don't care for it. Come on Pink! Score your first solo #1!

2. So What - Pink

Yes, the Pink I was referring to is indeed up one spot to #2 this week. Pink replaces T.I. atop the Hot 100 digital sales chart, but T.I. is unfortunately still way ahead in airplay (he's #5, she's not in the top 25). Pink's airplay at top 40 radio though is quite strong, where she'll likely be in the top 10 next week.

3. Disturbia - Rihanna
4. Forever - Chris Brown
5. Paper Planes - M.I.A.

The top 5 is all jammed up this week. All 5 songs were in the top 5 last week and all are bulleted. Actually, tracks 6 through 9 are bulleted too, making the entire top 9 comprised of tracks with chart gains this week. That's pretty unusual.

9. In the Ayer - Flo Rida Featuring Will.I.Am

Flo Rida scores his second top 10 hit this week with "In the Ayer," up 12 spots to #9. His first hit, "Low" is still this year's longest-running #1 hit, having spent the year's first 10 weeks at #1. This is Will.I.Am's second credited appearance in the top 10 (outside of Black Eyed Peas). His first was being featured on Fergie's 2006 hit "Fergalicious," which went to #2.

11. Just Stand Up - Artists Stand Up to Cancer

"Just Stand Up," the cancer charity record featuring an amazing lineup of 15 of the biggest female singers of the English-speaking world, rockets up 67 spots to #11 this week. The featured singers are Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, Miley Cyrus, Keyshia Cole, Leann Rimes, Ashanti, and Ciara.

While popular charity records are fairly common in the UK, such as for Comic Relief or Children in Need, they are pretty rare in the U.S. The only other major one this decade was "What's Going On" in 2001 to benefits AIDS charities, which peaked at #27. In the '90s there were some big charity records, although I'm not sure the public was necessarily aware they were such, like Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997" and Elton and George Michael's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."

The last major U.S. charity release like this--where someone got a big choir of people together--was "Voices that Care" in 1991, which peaked at #11. It included lead vocals from acts like Garth Brooks, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, and Will Smith, and then a huge backup choir of singers, TV and film stars, and athletes, including Kevin Coster, Cindy Crawford, Ted Danson, Sally Field, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, William Shatner, Meryl Streep, Debbie Gibson and Tiffany. The single was created as a way to support the troops during the Gulf War and benefit the Red Cross.

13. Hot N Cold - Katy Perry

Katy Perry looks set to score her second top 10 hit quite soon, as "Hot N Cold" rises 7 spots to #13 this week. It's a worthy follow-up, perhaps even better than "I Kissed a Girl." That single, which spent 7 weeks at #1, is currently #1 in the UK for a fifth week.

53. American Boy - Estelle Featuring Kanye West

Over the past month Estelle's single "American Boy" has fallen from #11 to #37 to #57 and rebounds slightly to #53 this week. The rather dramatic freefall was due to her record company, in their infinite wisdom, cancelling the single (and album) from iTunes, pretty much the only place anyone buys singles from anymore. Apparently that wisdom wasn't infinite though, and this week Estelle's album is back on iTunes, and "American Boy" is currently #5 in iTunes sales. So next week, I expect a dramatic resurge, potentially into the top 10.

Dido "Don't Believe in Love"

Here's Dido's new single "Don't Believe in Love," from the forthcoming Safe Trip Home album. It's a new sound for her, definitely less produced than her previous. That picture below is the album's cover, by the way.

Glasvegas curb from John Updike

So I'm reading Rabbit, Run right now, the first in John Updike's acclaimed four-part series about Harry Armstrong, and then today, I read in NME how Glasvegas's debut album, which is heading toward #1 on the UK albums chart this week, is absolutely amazing, and they single out this track "Stabbed," so I listen to it on YouTube, and there's a part where they sing "run rabbit run" over and over, which made me think of the book. Amazing how it all comes together.

Personal Chart, 9/13/2008

TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... Forever - Chris Brown (3 wks @ #1)
2 .... 3 .... Disturbia - Rihanna
3 .... 2 .... Viva la Vida - Coldplay (4 wks @ #1)
4 .... 5 .... Changes - Will Young
5 .... 6 .... The Man Who Can't Be Moved - The Script
6 .... 4 .... Closer - Ne-Yo
7 ... 10 ... Stepping Stone - Duffy
8 ... 18 ... Boyfriend - Alphabeat
9 ... 21 ... Girls - Sugababes
10 .. 14 .. Spiralling - Keane

Elbow wins the Mercury

Elbow claimed the Mercury Prize for their album Seldom Seen Kid. This is a surprise win over Radiohead's In Rainbows, although the Mercury has often gone to more offbeat choices. My ranking of the nominees:

1. Radiohead
2. The Last Shadow Puppets
3. Estelle
4. Adele
5. Elbow
6. Alison Krauss & Robert Plan
7. British Sea Power
8. Neon Neon

Estelle's back on iTunes

After a ridiculous 2-week absence, Estelle's album Shine is back for sale at iTunes. Apparently, whatever record exec thought it was a good idea to pull the plug to make people buy the album realized the error of his ways (or was sacked).

Coldplay new EP this December

Coldplay has announced it will release an EP of new material this December titled Prospekt's March, that will include a collaboration with Kylie Minogue. They also say they will release a new album next December, bucking the usual 3-year wait we've had between their albums. Read the Spin article here. Also, if you go to their official site, they are offering a free track right now called "Death Will Never Conquer."

Christina Aguilera - Keeps Getting Better

Christina Aguilera is back with a new single "Keeps Getting Better," which she apparently performed last night on the MTV VMAs (I didn't watch this year, sorry). It's got an electro stomp to it, a la Goldfrapp's "Ooh La La" or Kylie's "2 Hearts." It's not bad, although I don't think it's as good as either of those. Check it out:



This is a from a new greatest hits album of the same name. I saw a track list on Wikipedia, which has since been pulled. I hope the set improves from what I saw, because it was really disappointing. It had only the bigger hits from her three albums, which any fan would already own. Why not spruce it up with some of her other non-album hits, like the Moulin Rouge #1 hit soundtrack single she did with Pink, Lil Kim, and Mya, "Lil Marmalade?" or her top 10 duet with Ricky Martin "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely?" Or even "Car Wash?"

Album Review: The Script - The Script (4/5)

The Script is a surprisingly hard album to get my head around. On its surface, it's the debut album from just another MOR pop band, a la Maroon 5. But a closer listen reveals there's more going on with this Irish trio. The Script ends up being an eclectic mix of sounds, settling someplace between the socially conscious R&B of Black Eyed Peas' "Where Is the Love" and the modern AC sound of David Gray. It reminds me a lot of Daniel Bedingfield's 2002 debut, Gotta Get Thru This, which explored a range of pop sounds such as hip-hip, dance club, guitar pop, and AC balladry. Lead singer Danny O’Donoghue sounds a bit like Daniel too.

"We Cry," the band's first single, takes itself quite seriously. It tells the story of a drug-addicted pregnant teen, a drug-addicted aspiring pop singer, an idealistic woman wasting away in a dead-end marriage, scored with strings and acoustic guitars tuned to a minor key. With lyrical phrasing verging on rap (and a few stray sirens), the song's urban influence is obvious. It doesn't quite hit the mark, but it's not bad.

The album quickly improves though with "Before the Worst." Although incorporating urban influences into a band like this is novel, The Script works best when they stick to just being a melodic pop band. This track has a beautiful piano underpinning and surprisingly dynamic drumming. Another of the album's standout tracks, "Fall for Anything" has a similar pedigree. Piano and warm synth chords take center stage on "Talk You Down," which exhibits a welcome, although obvious David Gray influence.

Then there's the album's showstopper, the lovely "The Man Who Can't Be Moved." It opens simply with a plucked electric guitar and vocals before the bass and drums kick in. It's a lovely song and a nice sentiment too--a guy whose girl has recently dumped him returns to the street corner where they first met and refuses to leave that spot until she changes her mind. People try to give him handouts to which he replies "I'm not broke, I'm just a broken-hearted man."

"Breakeven" is another winner--understated with a guitar focus livened up with strings and synths during the chorus. I also really like "The End Where I Begin," which starts with a nice guitar-based first verse and follows with an even better guitar-and-piano second verse.

It would be really great, if it wasn't for the remaining three songs that don't stack up. "Rusty Halo" annoys me. "If You See Kay"--well, just say the title out loud a few times and you'll see that this is way too juvenile a song title for a band that wants to be taken seriously. Then there's "I'm Yours," which is too syrupy.

While most band's first albums wouldn't dare show such range, nor boast such a polished production, it's no surprise really, given that O'Donoghue and guitarist Mark Sheehan formerly worked as pop producers alongside big names like Rodney Jerkins, The Neptunes and Teddy Riley. While the album does have the aforementioned downsides, it's mostly a hit, and when it works it sounds really great. They got the music part of songwriting down pat, but need to work on the lyrics. That's what album #2 will be for.

Best: The Man Who Can't Be Moved, The End Where I Begin, Before the Worst, Breakeven, Talk You Down, Fall for Anything

Billboard Hot 100, 9/13/2008

1. Whatever You Like - T.I.

T.I. holds the top spot for a second week. "Whatever You Like" remains #1 on Digital Sales, and jumps up from #20 to #13 on the airplay chart, earning T.I. the Airplay Gainer award this week.

3. So What - Pink

Pink emerges as a potential challenger for #1 next week, bolting up six spots to #3 this week. "So What" is currently #1 at iTunes and is quickly moving up the pop airplay chart. This is the highest a solo Pink single has ever charted, beating the #4 peaks by "Most Girls" in 2000 and "Get the Party Started" in 2001. Pink's best placing ever was her 2001 #1 hit "Lady Marmalade" with Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim and Mya.

9. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

I'm not sure to what Jason Mraz owes the sudden popularity of his single "I'm Yours." Released in February, this week the single jumps 15 spots to #9, and is this week's Sales Gainer. It's now his biggest hit, eclipsing "The Remedy," which hit #15.

13. Can't Believe It - T-Pain Featuring Lil Wayne
16. Got Money - Lil Wayne Featuring T-Pain

It's a case of "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" in the teens this week, as Lil Wane and T-Pain both appear with singles featuring each other. T-Pain's got the upper hand, rising nine spots this week to #13, while Lil Wayne's "Got Money" is up two to #16.

20. Hot N Cold - Katy Perry

While Katy Perry's recent #1 hit "I Kissed a Girl" is quickly losing steam (it's down from #4 to #10 this week), her new single is poised to supercede it, rising 27 spots to #20 this week, giving the singer her second top 40 and top 20 hit.

32. Miss Independent - Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo scores his 10th top 40 hit with "Miss Independent." No, it's not a remake of Kelly Clarkson's 2003 hit, but a new single.

40. Don't Think I Don't Think About It - Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker, the lead singer from Hootie & The Blowfish, the band that scored a major hit with their 1994 debut Cracked Rear View, lands his first solo top 40 hit this week with "Don't Think I Don't Think About It." Here's the real interesting part: it's a country song! It's currently #5 and rising on the country chart, a rare feat for a black artist.

Keane receive Q Award nomination, reveal cover

That's the cover of Keane's forthcoming third album Perfect Symmetry, out October 13. Very cool. My mom would like it, since it's sort of quilt-like. Keane's also been nominated for the Q Magazine Award for best track of 2008 for "Spiralling." They're up against Duffy's "Mercy," Coldplay's "Violet Hill," Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," and The Ting Tings' "That's Not My Name."

Personal Chart, 9/6/2008

TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... Forever - Chris Brown (2 weeks @ #1)
2 .... 2 .... Viva la Vida - Coldplay (4 wks @ #1)
3 .... 3 .... Disturbia - Rihanna
4 .... 6 .... Closer - Ne-Yo
5 ... 11 ... Changes - Will Young
6 ... 12 ... The Man Who Can't Be Moved - The Script
7 .... 5 .... All Summer Long - Kid Rock
8 .... 4 .... I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry (2 wks @ #1)
9 .... 9 .... I Decided - Solange
10 ... 14 ... Stepping Stone - Duffy

Fall Music Preview Update

Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue (Sept. 23). The lead singer from Rilo Kiley releases her second solo album, the follow-up to 2006's Rabbit Fur Coat (and last year's excellent Under the Blacklight from the band).

Take That - 5th Studio Album (November). Having successfully reunited in 2006 with Beautiful World, which produced two #1 singles, "Patience" and "Shine," which both won BRIT awards for best British singles of 2006 (Patience) and 2007 (Shine), the foursome is back with the same producer John Shanks at the helm.

Girls Aloud - 5th Studio Album (November). Not to be outdone by the Sugababes, Girls Aloud will also release a new album this fall, their fifth. No first single yet.

Leon Jackson - Right Now (Oct. 20). Last year's X Factor winner, the show's fourth, releases his debut album. The first single is "Don't Call This Love," out the previous week.

The Saturdays - TBD (October). The latest girl group, who had a top 10 hit this summer in "If This Is Love," releases their debut.

Celine Dion - My Love: Essential Collection (Oct. 27). Celine Dion releases her greatest hits collection, featuring first single "My Love," a reworking of the Taking Chances track, and a new track written by Kara DioGuardi and David A. Stewart, "Let Me Be Your Soldier."

Craig David - Best of (Nov. 24). Expect "Fill Me In," "7 Days," and "Rise & Fall" to get new life as David, who's career trajectory hasn't exactly been uphill lately, collects his biggest hits.

Billboard Hot 100, 9/6/2008

1. Whatever You Like - T.I.

Rapper T.I. vaults to #1, securing a new record for the biggest leap to #1, rising 70 spots from #71. Sooner or later someone will jump 100-1, and we'll never be troubled with this record again. Until that time, T.I. can claim it for himself, beating out Maroon 5's 64-1 jump with "Makes Me Wonder, " which had beat the previous record-holder Kelly Clarkson's 51-1 jump with "A Moment Like This." This is T.I.'s second #1 hit, following his guest appearance on Justin Timberlake's "My Love."

9. So What - Pink

Pink makes a strong Hot 100 debut at #9 with "So What," the first single from her upcoming fifth album Funhouse. Interestingly, "So What," which is #9 this week, is Pink's ninth top 10, and both top 10 hits from her last album, "U + Ur Hand" and "Who Knew" both peaked at #9.

19. All Summer Long - Hit Masters
25. All Summer Long - Kid Rock
37. American Boy - Estelle Featuring Kanye West

This week's Hot 100 provides an interesting lesson on the cost of ignoring innovation. First up at #19 is "All Summer Long" by Hit Masters, a karaoke company's remake of the song popularized by Kid Rock, which appears at #25. The Kid Rock track (and the entire album) has been withheld from iTunes. Consequently, a song that if available as a single would surely be in the top 10 right now, languishes at #25 based solely on airplay. This if course was done in hopes that fans would buy the album, which apparently has worked, as the album is #2 right now. So I guess the gamble paid off for the bottom line, even if it means that for now "Picture" continues to be Kid Rock's only top 10 hit.

In another corner is Estelle, who's record label Atlantic decided this week to discontinue offering her album Shine on iTunes. This, it turns out, was a bad decision. Last week "American Boy" was #11 with a bullet, having been steadily climbing. With the album gone from iTunes, so then is the track, and it plummets 26 spots to #37. Estelle could have had a top 10 hit this week, instead she has one of the week's biggest droppers. I suppose the rationale here was again hoping that fans would instead buy the album, but taking it off iTunes--America's #1 music retailer--really deprives fans of that opportunity too. Consequently, the album plummets from #124 to #159. If I was Estelle, I'd be more than a little bit ticked.

Why would record companies do this? They seem unable to grasp that consumers want to buy music online. They don't want to buy CDs anymore. CDs are dying. Let them die. Move on or be left behind.

"Missing" hits

J.Mensah's comment on my blog today got me thinking about hit singles that are "missing" from the Hot 100. From 1995 to 1998, US record companies began not releasing singles from major acts, preferring to market them only at radio and with videos in hopes that consumers would just buy the album. The effect on the charts were that a number of notable songs that were very popular at the time never appeared on the Hot 100--including many potential #1 or top 10 hits. Even after Billboard changed the rules in November 1998 and started allowing these non-single tracks to chart, there were still a number of erratic chart entries due to singles having airplay but no sales.

Here are some examples:

Alanis Morissette: You Oughta Know, Hand in My Pocket, Head Over Feet, and Uninvited never charted ("Thank U" appeared at #17 on its way down, as it was a hit in late 1998 when the rules changed. It probably would have been a top 10 hit, or with a single, a potential #1).

Fugees: Killing Me Softly never charted

No Doubt: Spiderwebs, Don't Speak never charted

The Cardigans: Lovefool never charted

NSync: Tearin' Up My Heart never charted ("Bye Bye Bye" hit #4 in 2000 based only on airplay, incredibly high at the time for a song without a physical single. It surely would have been a major #1 hit if a single had been released)

Backstreet Boys: As Long As You Love Me never charted ("I'll Never Break Your Heart" hit #35 when the rules changed, but surely would have charted much higher with a single; "I Want It That Way" hit #6 on airplay, but with a single would surely have been a #1)

Natalie Imbruglia/Goo Goo Dolls: "Torn" charted just below the top 40 after the rules changed--months after it was a hit. It's airplay was that strong that it was still around. Goo Goo Doll's "Iris" charted at #9 when the rules changed, but had been a #1 airplay hit over the summer.

Sugar Ray: "Fly" never charted.

UK Singles Chart, 9/6/2008

1. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry

Katy Perry spends a fourth week at #1 with "I Kissed a Girl." The single finally lands in shops as a physical release today, making her 4-week run at the top the longest ever without a physical release. Perry's also the sixth artist so far this year to spend at least 4 weeks at #1--four of the others (everyone but Basshunter) also hit #1 on downloads in advance of their CD releases.

2. Pjanoo - Eric Prydz

Katy will have some competition at the top next week from Eric Prydz, whose latest single also hits stores. Prydz scored a major #1 single in 2004 with "Call on Me," and hit #2 early last year with his remix of Pink Floyd's "Proper Education."

3. Disturbia - Rihanna

Rihanna is fast emerging as a potent challenger to Beyonce's title of biggest new female artist of the decade. "Disturbia" won't get a physical release for another 3 weeks, but it's already #3. This is her 8th top 5 hit.

5. Mountains - Biffy Clyro

Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro climbs five spots this week with its full release, further cementing "Mountains" as the band's biggest hit to date. The single is not tied to any album.

12. Daddy's Gone - Glasvegas

Another Scottish band, Glasvegas, gets their second top 40 hit, besting by 4 places the #16 peak of their first single from earlier this year, "Geraldine."

14. The World Should Revolve Around Me - Little Jackie

The group Little Jackie, featuring singer Imani Coppola, rises seven notches this week with the full release of "The World Should Revolve Around Me." It's a great pop single, and I'm surprised not to see this in the top 10.

15. Boyfriend - Alphabeat

Alphabeat jumps 20 spots this week to #15 with the physical release of their third single, "Boyfriend." I wouldn't be surprised if this single--a great pop track--climbs further, although it has a way to go if it's to catch their first and so far biggest hit, the #6 single "Fascination."

19. The Day that Never Comes - Metallica

Metallica is up 17 spots on download sales. This is the band's biggest single since they hit #16 in 2003 with "Frantic."

23. See You Again - Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus makes her UK debut with "See You Again." The track was Cyrus's first top 10 in the US, where she's since had a second ("7 Things"). Miley is the second Cyrus to land in the UK top 40--16 years ago her father hit #3 with "Achy Breaky Heart" and #24 with "Could've Been Me."

39. Miss Independent - Ne-Yo

Finally, Ne-Yo debuts at #39 on downloads with "Miss Independent," his 6th top 40 hit and follow-up to the #1 single "Closer."

Singles out on physical release today: Katy Perry, Eric Prydz, Duffy's "Stepping Stone" and New Kids on the Block's "Summertime." I hope Duffy can land in the top 10.

Fall Music Preview 2008

And the floodgates are open. After a tepid summer--really year--of new releases, September marks a turning point. The tendency for labels to release their major artists' products during the 3-month period of September through November has never been more pronounced than this year. Here are key releases arranged by month and sorted roughly by my interest. Highlights are the must haves.

Fall Music Preview - September

September



Album of the month: Jennifer Hudson - Jennifer Hudson (9/29) Since appearing on American Idol, Jennifer Hudson has been known more for her acting than her singing abilities, starring in this summer's hit film Sex and the City and winning an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls. But singing is how we first knew her, so it's with much anticipation that Hudson finally releases her debut. First single, the Ne-Yo penned "Spotlight," is a hit at R&B radio, although unfortunately not at top 40. That could change with the newly released remix featuring Young Jeezy. Besides Ne-Yo, Stargate, Timbaland, Dianne Warren, Ryan Tedder (One Republic), Robin Thicke, T-Pain and Missy Elliott also make appearances.



Will Young - Let It Go (9/29) The original "idol" returns with his forth album, following up 2005's Keep On, which featured the hit single "All Time Love." He's already hot at UK radio with the album's great first single "Changes," although I can't help but be peeved that Radio 1 hasn't put it on their playlist. Still, I'm hopeful this will be great, as all Will's albums have been so far.

Robin Thicke - Somethin' Else (9/22) The R&B crooner who hit it big last year with his single "Lost Without You" returns with his third album, featuring first single "Magic."

The Streets - Everything Is Borrowed (9/15) The Streets is to the UK as Eminem is to the US, with perhaps even more critical acclaim. He stumbled a bit with his last album, although I liked "When You Wasn't Famous." This is his forth album, featuring first single "Everything is Borrowed."

Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman (9/15) Ne-Yo is perhaps best described as the next Babyface. Although he's well-known as a pop star, having hit #1 in the US and the UK with hits like "Closer" and "So Sick," he's also written major hits for other artists, including "Irreplaceable" for Beyonce, "Unfaithful," "Hate that I Love You" and "Take a Bow" for Rihanna, and the aforementioned "Spotlight" for Jennifer Hudson. The release of his third album should allow him a little time in the spotlight himself.

The Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination (9/15) Having struck out on her attempt to launch a solo career (the album never materialized), Nicole Scherzinger is back with her girls and their "groupies" (yes I know it sounds like something else, believe me--I run around the house singing it all the time) on the 'Dolls second album. Includes current single "When I Grow Up." It posts an A-list cast of writers and producers, including Timbaland and Danja, Kara DioGuardi, Dr. Dre, Rodney "DarkChild" Jerkins, Ryan Tedder, Taio Cruz, Scott Storch and The Clutch.



New Kids on the Block - The Block (9/2) They're back! After a 14-year hiatus, the New Kids on the Block have a new album, their fifth. Timbaland, Ne-Yo, The Pussycat Dolls, and Teddy Riley show up here. "Summertime" was a modest U.S. hit this summer.

Travis - Ode to J. Smith (9/29) Just over a year after their last release, The Boy with No Name, Scottish band Travis are back with their sixth album. The lead single is "Something Anything," which I haven't heard yet.

Nelly - Brass Knuckles (9/15) To say this album has been troubled is an understatement. Its first single, "Wadsyaname" was released over a year ago, but performed so poorly that it has actually been dropped from the album, which was due for a release back then, but got pushed back and pushed back. Then "Party People" with Fergie came out early this year and just barely cracked the top 40. Then there was "Stepped on My J'z" and now finally "Body on Me" featuring Ashanti, which hit #17 in the UK. Finally it looks like the album will see the light of day, but it's doubtful Nelly, whose scored four US #1 hits, will earn a fifth anytime soon.

Daniel Powter - Under the Radar (9/15) Canadian singer Daniel Powter scored a big break in 2005 with "Bad Day," a major UK hit, which went on to become the biggest hit of 2006 in the US after being featured on American Idol. He had great follow-up singles, but none of them became major hits. Now he's back with his second album, featuring first single "Next Plane Home." My question--does he ever take off that hat? I'm tired of seeing it, and he's a good looking guy, so he has nothing to hide.

James Morrison - Songs for You, Truths for Me (9/29) It's hard to believe he's only 24, but the English singer-songwriter, who scored a major hit in 2006 with "You Give Me Something" is back with his second album, featuring first single "You Make It Real."

Kings of Leon - Only by the Night (9/22) Southern Tennessee rockers Kings of Leon return with their fourth album, said to "rock harder" than their previous works. Features first single "Sex on Fire."

Metallica - Death Magnetic (9/12) Metallica's ninth studio album, the first to feature bassist Robert Trujillo. Two singles, "The Day that Never Comes" and "My Apocalypse" were recently released.

Keri Hilson - In a Perfect World (9/29) Keri Hilson has been around as a songwriter for awhile, and made her first major appearance as a vocalist on Timbaland's massive 2007 hit "The Way I Are." Now she's putting out her debut album, produced primarily by Timbaland and Danja. Features first single "Energy."

Gym Class Heroes - The Quilt (9/9) Gym Class Heroes broke out big last year with "Cupid's Chokehold," but this is actually their fourth album.

Little Jackie - The Stoop (9/1) Little Jackie is a pop duo that includes singer Imani Coppola, who had a top 40 hit in the UK 10 years ago with "Legend of a Cowgirl." First single "The World Should Revolve Around Me" is quickly becoming a hit in both the US and the UK--particularly the latter. This is the UK release (the album is already out in the US).

Cold War Kids - Loyalty to Loyalty (9/22) California indie rockers return with their second album.

TV on the Radio - Dear Science (9/22) Spin Magazine named TV on the Radio's last album, Return to Cookie Mountain, the best album of 2006, and their first album, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes beat The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Wilco and The Streets for the Shortlist Music Prize in 2004. So no pressure here for their third album.

Jessica Simpson - Do You Know (9/9) Since her last album bombed, Jessica Simpson is back, this time as a country artist. Whatever.

Natalie Cole - Still Unforgettable (9/29) Natalie Cole's 1991 album, Unforgettable...with Love, was a major commercial and critical success. Since then she's...pretty much gone nowhere, hence the return to the formula that gave her the biggest hit of her career. Yes, there's even another virtual duet with her father.

Plain White Ts - Big Bad World (9/22) Last year, "Hey There Delilah," from their 2005 album, became a major international hit. Now they're back, but I'm not expecting great things.

McFly - Radio:Active (9/22) Britain's biggest pop band this decade releases their fourth album.

T-Pain - Thr33 Ringz (9/30) The current king of auto tune brings his third album.

T.I. - Paper Trail (9/30) Rapper T.I. is sitting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Whatever You Like," which made the biggest jump to #1 in history, up from #71. This is his sixth album.

Also:

The Rasmus - Black Roses (9/15)
Cassie - TBD (9/15)
LL Cool J - Exit 13 (9/8)
The Coral - Singles Collection (9/15)
The Chemical Brothers - Brotherhood (hits) (9/1)
Cliff Richard - They Said It Wouldn't Last (My 50 Years in Music) (9/15) 8 CD Set

Fall Music Preview - October

Album of the Month: Keane - Perfect Symmetry (10/13) They've been around since just 2004 and already Keane are poised to release their third album. They fell prey a bit to the dreaded sophomore slump for Under the Iron Sea--great album, but not as successful as the band's debut Hopes and Fears, the UK's second best-selling album of 2004. Known for their piano-backed guitarless pop/rock, the first singles from this album, "Spiralling" and "The Lovers Are Losing," already point to a new and exciting direction, heavy with synths and even featuring electric guitar.

Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul (10/6) Oasis's career has been a bit rollercoaster. Lately its been on the up though, so I'm hopeful this, their seventh album, will be really great. Last album, Don't Believe the Truth, gave us the great singles "Lyla," "The Importance of Being Idle," and "Let There Be Love," and this new album has already produced an upbeat first single, "The Shock of the Lightning" and the dark album cut currently offered by iTunes "Falling Down."

Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns (10/27) Until 2004, Snow Patrol were a little-known band. Then their third album Final Straw produced a major UK hit, "Run," and then their fourth album Eyes Open, which was the best-selling album in the UK in 2006, produced an even bigger international smash, "Chasing Cars." The album's first single, "Take Back the City," gets its UK radio premiere next week.

Kaiser Chiefs - Off with Their Heads (10/13) Another band that had a bit of a sophomore slump (although they did hit #1 with "Ruby") is back for album number three. This time they've enlisted hot retro soul producer Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse) to steer their sound in a new direction. First single "Never Miss a Beat" is a great start.

Pink - Funhouse (10/27) Pink is back with her fifth album. It's first single "So What" finds the singer in her usual punkish pop/rock vein, and already it's a massive hit, debuting in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and the Australian ARIA chart this week. Max Martin, who helmed her last album's two major hits "U + UR Hand" and "Who Knew" produces the track.

Chris Cornell - Scream (10/14) Timbaland produced--no joke. First single "Long Gone" is, as expected, a bit reminiscent of OneRepublic's "Apologize" from last year. From Nelly Furtado, to Justin Timberlake, to Madonna, Timbaland is positively the hottest producer in popular music right now, if not this whole decade. Struggling has-beens everywhere are selling their souls to have him produce their next hit, although he doesn't seem to be as good at launching new artists (see Nicole Scherzinger).

Bloc Party - Intimacy (10/27) The British indie band offers their third album. Already available as a download, the CD gets its release in late October with a few bonus tracks. First track "Mercury" sounds a lot like their previous stuff.

High School Musical 3 Soundtrack (10/20) With the Disney gang hitting the big screen for outing #3, this is sure to be one of the best-sellers of the year, considering that HSM1 was the best-selling album in the US for 2006 and HSM2 was #2 for 2007.

Sugababes - TBD (10/20) The 'babes stumbled a bit with their fifth album Change, which scored only one major hit (the #1 "About You Now") and became their first album not to have a fourth single. The jury's still out on first single "Girls," which features a lot of horns.

John Legend - Evolver (10/28) Soulful R&B singer John Legend puts out his third album. First single "Green Light" finds him teamed with Outkast's Andre 3000, exploring a more modern sound than we've heard from him before. Then there's the more traditional "If You're Out There," which he performed at the Democratic National Convention.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - TBD (10/27) Her fourth album, with songs produced by Calvin Harris (including the Cathy Dennis-penned first single "Off and On," which is on her myspace page) and Freemasons. After the underwhelming performance of her third album, Sophie needs a hit.

Peter Bjorn & John - Seaside Rock (10/6) Swedish Indie band that had a hit last year with "Young Folks" offers their fourth album.

Razorlight - TBD (10/27) Not much info on this yet, other than it's possibly coming in October.

Other:

Anastacia - Heavy Rotation (10/27)
Ludacris - Theater of the Mind (10/21)
Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping (10/6)
Hoobastank - Untitled (10/14)
Boyzone - Greatest Hits (10/13)
Jennifer Lopez - Greatest Hits (10/27)
Sarah McLachlan - Closer (greatest hits) (10/7)
Katie Melua - The Collection (10/27)

Fall Music Preview - November/December

November:

Release of the Month: Dido - Safe Trip Home (11/3) Finally, after 5 years, Dido is finally ready to release the follow-up to Life for Rent, Britain's biggest album of 2003. Her downbeat-influenced pop made her one of the world's most successful female artists early this decade. First single "Don't Believe in Love" debuts at radio next week, and her Web site is currently offering a free download of the track "Look No Further."

Beyoncé - Virtuoso Intellect (11/11) Timbaland produces, but not much else is known about Beyoncé's upcoming third solo album, other than it will surely be a massive success once it's out.

The Killers - Day and Age (No date). Produced by Stuart Price, the man behind Madonna's clubby Confessions on a Dance Floor, so expect this to be more along the lines of their first album, Hot Fuss.

Kelly Clarkson - TBD (11/18) Kelly Clarkson made headlines last year for her publicized spat with record exec Clive Davis. A very bad move, and her career suffered for it. My December, while not a bad album, was a commercial disaster, scoring only one somewhat major hit in "Never Again," damaging the momentum created by her amazing second album, Breakaway. Consequently, Kelly repented, vowing to improve on her fourth album. Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic is on board as producer.

Timbaland - Shock Value II (11/4). As if he isn't busy enough producing for others, Timbaland has another one of hits own star-filled collections coming out. This time he'll be featuring Madonna, Linkin Park, Gwen Stefani, Jordin Sparks, the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, T-Pain, Kelly Rowland and Akon. Nobody you've heard of.

U2 - No Line on the Horizon (11/18) Perhaps the biggest band in the world for the last 20 years, U2 are on a roll. Last album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb won the Album of the Year Grammy in 2006. The band has hinted at a more experimental direction for this, their 12th studio album.

Also:

Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux (11/4)
David Archuleta - TBD (11/4)
Brandy - Human (11/11)

December:

Ciara - Fantasy Ride
Britney Spears - 6th Album

Hopefully sometime this lifetime:

Whitney Houston - 6th studio album.

Kaiser Chiefs "Never Miss a Beat"

Kaiser Chiefs return in October with their third album, Off with Their Heads, produced by Mark Ronson. He may seem like an unusual choice, but remember Lily Allen covered the Kaisers' "Oh My God" for Ronson's album Version. The first single is "Never Miss a Beat." Check it out:

Personal Chart, 8/30/2008

The full top 40 this week, by request:

1 .... 3 .... Forever - Chris Brown (1 wk @ #1)
2 .... 2 .... Viva la Vida - Coldplay (4 wks @ #1)
3 .... 5 .... Disturbia - Rihanna
4 .... 1 .... I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry (1 wk @ #1)
5 .... 4 .... All Summer Long - Kid Rock
6 .... 8 .... Closer - Ne-Yo
7 .... 9 .... Love Is Noise - The Verve
8 .... 7 .... When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls
9 ... 14 ... I Decided - Solange
10 ... 6 ... Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
11 ... 15 ... Changes - Will Young
12 ... 18 ... The Man Who Can't Be Moved - The Script
13 ... 10 ... 5 Years Time - Noah & the Whale
14 ... 24 ... Stepping Stone - Duffy
15 ... 17 ... The World Should Revolve Around Me - Little Jackie
16 ... 16 ... One Step at a Time - Jordin Sparks
17 ... 19 ... Spiralling - Keane
18 ... 12 ... Burnin' Up - Jonas Brothers
19 ... 13 ... Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
20 ... 35 ... Pjanoo - Eric Prydz
21 ... 11 ... Believe Again - Delta Goodrem (2 wks @ #1)
22 ... 26 ... American Boy - Estelle Featuring Kanye West
23 ... 21 ... Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal Featuring Calvin Harris & Chrome
24 ... 30 ... Better in Time - Leona Lewis
25 ... 29 ... I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time - Mariah Carey
26 ... 25 ... In This Life - Delta Goodrem
27 ... 23 ... Take a Bow - Rihanna (1 wk @ #1)
28 ... 31 ... Save the Lies (Good to Me) - Gabriella Cilmi
29 ... 22 ... Give It 2 Me - Madonna
30 ... 32 ... Spotlight - Jennifer Hudson
31 NEW> So What - Pink
32 ... 28 .... Warwick Avenue - Duffy (2 wks @ #1)
33 ... 33 ... 7 Things - Miley Cyrus
34 ... 37 ... Cry for You - September
35 NEW> Pretty Please (Love Me) - Estelle Featuring Cee-Lo
36 NEW> The Shock of the Lightning - Oasis
37 ... 27 ... Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield
38 ... 20 ... If This Is Love - The Saturdays
39 NEW> Girls - Sugababes
40 ... 36 ... Summertime - New Kids on the Block

Album Review: Solange - Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (3/5)

Here's an album I was really hoping to love that let me down. Sure there are some great songs here--particularly the hit single "I Decided," which is what drove my expectations up in the first place. But unfortunately there just isn't enough similarly good moments and there's some pretty disappointing filler too that wasn't needed, making Sol-Angel a lesson in knowing when to quit.

The album opens lightly with "God Given Name," which alludes to Solange's desire not to be compared with her famous sister Beyoncé. Not bad, but things don't really get going until the swaggering '70s soul of "T.O.N.Y," an acronym Solange explains stands for "the other night yeah." Sure the retro soul thing is getting overworked, but it still sounds great, especially with songs like this, which make up the best parts of this album. "Dancing in the Dark" goes for a more '60s vibe, while sweet "Would've Been the One" invokes girl group soul.

The album's high note though is the one-two punch of "Sandcastle Disco" and "I Decided." Both are fantastic songs. "Sandcastle Disco" is sweetly upbeat and melodic, while "I Decided" excels with just a simple backing of hand claps, keyboards and piano. It becomes a real stomper in its Freemasons remix form later on the album. Other retro-flavored highlights are the Mark Ronson-produced "6 O'Clock Blues" and "Ode to Marvin"--Gaye that is.

If she'd just stopped there, this album would be wonderful. Definitely a "4." But unfortunately, it just sinks after that. The second half gets experimental, with a couple of attempts at trip-hop psychedelia. "I Told You So" kicks off this patch. It's not too bad, but not nearly as fun as what preceded it. The real problems are "Cosmic Journey" and "The Bird." Both are over 6 minutes long. The first is mostly synth chords without much melody that morphs into a clubby dance workout near the end. It's an interesting experiment, but it just doesn't work. "The Bird" goes for something more trippy, but ends up quite flat. It spoils what had been such a good time up to now.

Still, the highlights make Sol-Angel worthwhile, infusing Solange with some personality and a chance a real pop career. Hopefully album #3 will do the trick.

Best tracks: I Decided (original and remix), Sandcastle Disco, T.O.N.Y., Would've Been the One

Kara DioGuardi to join American Idol

Pop songwriter Kara DioGuardi has been announced to join Simon, Randy and Paula as the fourth judge on American Idol. This is great news for Kara, surely to raise her profile to the masses. Behind the scenes she's already huge. She's one of the most important pop songwriters of this decade--up there with Chantal Kreviazuk, Max Martin, Cathy Dennis, Ne-Yo and Guy Chambers.

Her songwriting credits include "Spinning Around" by Kylie Minogue (co-written with her new co-star Paula Abdul), "Walk Away," "Gone" and "Where Is Your Heart" by Kelly Clarkson, "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera, "Pieces of Me" and "Boyfriend" by Ashlee Simpson, "Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani, "Beep" by the Pussycat Dolls, "Not Me, Not I" and "Predictable" by Delta Goodrem, "Come Clean," "Without Love" and "Fly" by Hilary Duff, "Starting Today" and "Perfectly" by Natalie Imbruglia (great songs from an underrated album)

Here she is performing her song "Taking Chances," which became a hit last year when Celine Dion recorded it. Recognize the guitarist? It's Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics.

Whitney and Akon

Maybe Whitney Houston will finally get her 6th album out. Fingers crossed...

Annie delayed

The Annie Lennox Collection has been delayed until March 2009. Oh well.

Keane's "Lovers Are Losing"

Here's a YouTube posting of Keane's new single, "Lovers Are Leaving," the first official single from Perfect Symmetry. It's pretty good, yeah? "Spiralling" has grown on me so much though that it's hard to say which I like better. I'm really hopeful this new album will be fantastic.

Dido returns with free track

Dido will (finally) release her third album this November. Safe Trip Home will feature the first single "Don't Believe in Love." Currently, Didomusic.com is offering a free download of the track "Look No Further," a lovely ballad that features a lush full orchestral backing and less downbeat influence than her previous work.

Personal Chart, 8/23/2008

TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry (2 wks @ #1)
2 .... 2 .... Viva La Vida - Coldplay (4 wks @ #1)
3 .... 5 .... Forever - Chris Brown
4 .... 3 .... All Summer Long - Kid Rock
5 ... 10 ... Disturbia - Rihanna
6 .... 6 .... Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
7 .... 8 .... When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls
8 .... 9 .... Closer - Ne-Yo
9 ... 13 ... Love Is Noise - The Verve
10 .. 18 .. 5 Years Time - Noah & The Whale

Sugababes return with "Girls"

The Sugababes new single "Girls" will be out at the end of September. Their sixth album will follow in October. Hear a sample on their Web site: http://www.sugababes.com/

Popjustice has the whole thing in low quality.

New Coldplay video

The video for "Viva la Vida" is finally out. It finds the band merging into the painting used for the Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends album cover. Amazing that despite several reviews of that album declaring it didn't contain any obvious singles, "Viva la Vida" has become Coldplay's biggest hit.

Billboard Hot 100, 8/23/2008

1. Disturbia - Rihanna

Barbadian singer Rihanna climbs two spots this week to score her fourth #1 single with "Disturbia." That puts her in the ranks among five other artists (Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Nelly and Ludacris) that have had four #1 hits this decade. Only one other artist has more--Usher, with seven chart-toppers. Rihanna becomes the first artist to score a second #1 hit this year. It's also the fourth single from a foreigner to top the Hot 100 so far this year.

2. Forever - Chris Brown

Chris Brown holds at #2, retaining his bullet.

5. Paper Planes - M.I.A.

British rapper M.I.A. is highly regarded by music critics--her album, Kala, was one of last year's best-reviewed albums. But until now, she's never had a major hit in the U.S. "Paper Planes" correct that this week, jumping 11 spots to give M.I.A. her first top 10 hit. This is a rather unexpected jump for a single released 6 months ago, and the success is owed in part to the song's appearance in promotional trailers for the new film The Pineapple Express.

9. Burnin' Up - The Jonas Brothers
11. A Little Bit Longer - The Jonas Brothers

iTunes continues its special promotion of The Jonas Brothers, releasing "A Little Bit Longer" as the last track to come out before the release of the album last week. It gives the brothers their 7th top 40 hit. Meanwhile, their official single, "Burnin' Up," rebounds into the top 10.

38. Better in Time - Leona Lewis

"Better in Time" moves up 12 spots, giving Leona Lewis her second top 40 hit. The singer is due to perform at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, in honor of London being the 2012 host. "Better in Time" is one of five singles in the top 40 this week by British female artists, along with Lewis's other single, "Bleeding Love," and tracks by M.I.A., Estelle and Natasha Bedingfield.

Album review: Mêlée - Devils & Angels (3.5/5)

Mêlée is a pop rock band from Orange County, California. Devils & Angels is their second album, released over a year ago in the U.S., although it didn't get my attention until its release and promotion of the single "Built to Last" in the UK this summer.

Devils & Angels is about as straight up a pop/rock album you can get. No indie punk tricks here. The band's upbeat songs exude rich melodies, driven prominently by piano and guitar with sweet singing and an emphasis on the strong choruses. "Built to Last" is a prime example, a great opener, with a strong chorus reminiscent of The New Radicals "You Get What You Give." "Rhythm of Rain" has a stronger guitar emphasis, both electric and acoustic, but retains a similarly strong melody while being more downbeat.

"Frequently Baby (She's a Teenage Maniac)" brings back the piano and ups the tempo to a frenetic California pace. Here they remind me of the The Feeling's more upbeat efforts. Then the band switches gears on "For a Lifetime," infusing a bit of small town angst, but not losing any of the driving tempo. The piano on "For a Lifetime" is particularly impressive, and the song has a strong '80s vibe to it. In general, the sound here is a reminder of that late '80s/early '90s male pop/rock sound--think Bryan Adams, Hall & Oates, Richard Marx, Tom Cochrane, etc.

After a strong opening, the album sags a bit in the middle. It kind of feels like they pulled out all their best tricks on the first four tracks, and then the rest sounds about the same. "Drive Away" follows in that charging '80s pop/rock vein. "Can't Hold On" is the first slow song. It's quite earnest, as you'd expect, with piano chord combos building with acoustic guitar and strings for the big chorus. It's the kind of song a band likes to have in their pockets in case they become famous enough to fill stadiums. I'm quite impressed with the band's lead singer, Chris Cron. He's got a great voice and plays piano very well too. I wonder he does both at once when they play live?

The only other song that really stands out for me is "She's Gonna Find Me Here." Every song but this one is a huge production. This song is mostly just Chris on vocal and piano, with a few production tweaks. It's more understated, and it's quite lovely.

Overall, I appreciate what the band is doing. I like the strong emphasis on melody and well-crafted pop songs. I'm just not sure it's something I see myself listening to long term. A little more experimentation would have been nice. Still, I can't complain about any of these songs, it's just that after the opening salvo, they lost their distinctiveness.

Best: Built to Last, For a Lifetime, She's Gonna Find Me Here, Frequently Baby, Rhythm of Rain

Happy 50th Madonna!

Today Madonna looks at her 40s and says "This Used to Be My Playground," as the world's biggest pop star turns 50. What was Madonna doing at my age? Enjoying the success of Like a Prayer, which makes me more than a wee bit jealous. To help Madonna celebrate, here's my 10 favorite Madonna vids:

Vogue

You can't top "Vogue." Fantastic song, beautiful video. I used to do the dance--it was a "thing." I got a lot of mileage out of it over the years.

Express Yourself

Visually a very cool video. Very expensive. Madonna looks fantastic.

Frozen

That Madonna launched her 1998 comeback with this understated masterpiece was an inspired move. Fantastic.

Music

I love the look, the animation, the '70s-style split screen cutting.

Ray of Light

A day in the life, with a disproportionate visit to a dance club.

Get Together

Cool animated video.

Open Your Heart

Stripper befriends a child. Pushing the envelope as usual.

Oh Father

Madonna's most beautiful "story" video. The Like a Prayer videos in general are my favorite.

Deeper and Deeper

There's something sort of tacky and dirty about this video, which I used to not like, but I find it more appealing now.

Cherish

Hot mermen--yum.

Personal Chart, 8/16/2008

TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 2 .... I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry (1 wk @ #1)
2 .... 3 .... Viva La Vida - Coldplay (4 wks @ #1)
3 .... 5 .... All Summer Long - Kid Rock
4 .... 1 .... Believe Again - Delta Goodrem (2 wks @ #1)
5 .... 6 .... Forever - Chris Brown
6 .... 4 .... Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
7 .... 9 .... Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
8 ... 10 ... When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls
9 ... 11 .... Closer - Ne-Yo
10 .. 12 .. Disturbia - Rihanna

Personal Chart, 8/9/2008

TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... Believe Again - Delta Goodrem (2 wks @ #1)
2 .... 5 .... I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
3 .... 2 .... Viva La Vida - Coldplay (4 wks @ #1)
4 .... 3 .... Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
5 .... 8 .... All Summer Long - Kid Rock
6 ... 10 ... Forever - Chris Brown
7 .... 7 .... Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield
8 .... 6 .... Give It 2 Me - Madonna
9 ... 12 ... Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
10 .. 17 ... When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls

Album review: Estelle - Shine (4/5)

I'd hardly given Estelle much thought until this year. Her first album hadn't produced any singles that interested me, and her guest spot on a Natasha Bedingfield song didn't do much for me either. Then along came "American Boy," the fantastic single from earlier this year that dominated the UK charts last spring. It's upbeat yet cool, retro yet modern, features Kanye West, and was produced by Black Eyed Peas member Will.I.Am--in short, it had all the ingredients of a major hit, and its finally caught on in the U.S. too.

"American Boy" may be the best thing about Shine, Estelle's sophomore set, but it's not the only thing going for this disc, which was executive produced by John Legend and features turns at the wheel from many of today's hottest production hands, including Mark Ronson, Wyclef Jean, and Swizz Beats. They contribute most of the album's best cuts, but the producers don't get all the credit--Estelle really shines here as a formidable music force in her own right. She's got a sweet, soulful voice and raps occasionally too.

Old school-flavored modern soul is what a lot of this album has on its mind. "No Substitute Love," one of the Wyclef-produced tracks, liberally curbs from George Michael's "Faith," delivering a warm, punchy track that sounds great this summer. Sixties-sampling "In the Rain" is similarly upbeat and summery.

Besides "American Boy," my second favorite cut has to be the other Wyclef number, "So Much Out the Way," which is upbeat and funky, gets better during the chorus, and then really punches up the rhythm for the chorus-to-verse bridge. It's great fun. As is the Caribbean-flavored Mark Ronson production, "Magnificent," which features Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall, who is finally making a name for himself in the U.S. this year with his solo work.

The album's strongest moments come at the beginning, middle, and end. First track "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" is a funky, synth-backed opener. The last cuts are great too. "Pretty Please (Love Me)" effectively nods to Motown and features Cee-Lo. The Swizz Beats-produced "Shine" is one of the most modern-sounding songs, featuring a melody of synths and piano.

The upbeat numbers are the album's best. The slower songs like "More than Friends" or "Come Over" are fine, but don't stand out as much. Better is the slow 70s vibe of "Back in Love" and "You Are" which features the man of the hour, John Legend himself.

Estelle snagged herself a Mercury Prize nomination for Shine, a surprise for such a mainstream work. It's nice to hear some really great R&B that, like a lot of the genre's recent best, seamlessly combines elements like modern hip-hop beats and '60s Motown soul. It's also nice to hear a British singer who isn't trying to sound like Amy Winehouse, despite some similar influences.

Best: American Boy, So Much Out the Way, No Substitute Love, Pretty Please (Love Me), Shine, Magnificent

New Keane single

Keane is offering their new single "Spiralling" for free from their Web site this week. Check it out:

I think it's really good and definitely a different sound for them. It's strut reminds me a bit of David Bowie's "Let's Dance." Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so, since I found a "Spiralling"/"Let's Dance" mashup on Youtube, although it wasn't very good, so I won't trouble you with it.

Billboard Hot 100, 8/9/2008

1. I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry

Katy Perry extends her run at the top to 6 weeks, making "I Kissed a Girl" now the second-longest running #1 hit of 2008. She's still got a ways to go if she's going to beat Flo Rida's 10-week run with "Low."

4. Disturbia - Rihanna

"Disturbia," the 7th single from Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad, rockets up 11 spots to give the Barbadian singer her 9th top 10 hit. Counting the original and special editions of Good Girl Gone Bad, this is the fifth top 10 single from that album, making it only the third album this decade after Usher's Confessions (2004) and Fergie's The Dutchess (2006) to score five top 10 hits. The previous four were "Umbrella" (#1), "Hate that I Love You" (#7), "Don't Stop the Music" (#3), and "Take a Bow" (#1). "Take a Bow" is still in the top 10, at #2 in fact, making her one of two artists with two hits in the top 10 this week (along with Lil Wayne, who's at #6 with "A Milli" and #7 with "Lollipop").

16. American Boy - Estelle Featuring Kanye West

Estelle's "American Boy" is finally taking off, up 10 spots this week and earning the sales gainer award. Along with Leona Lewis and Natasha Bedingfield, she's one of three British female singers in the top 10 this week.

34. One Step at a Time - Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks continues to move up with "One Step at a Time," up 5. Last week the single became her fourth top 40 hit.

38. All Summer Long - Kid Rock

Already a major hit in the UK, Kid Rock's "All Summer Long," which has been showing well at top 40, finally cracks the Hot 100 this week, giving him a third top 40 single.

Another Dance #1 for Madonna

"Give It 2 Me" tops the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart this week, giving Madonna her 39th #1 on this chart. In fact, every Madonna single since "Nothing Really Matters" has topped this chart. BTW, Madonna turns 50 in 2 weeks.

Her U.S. Dance #1s:

1. Holiday/Lucky Star
2. Like a Virgin
3. Material Girl
4. Into the Groove
5. Open Your Heart
6. Causing a Commotion
7. Spotlight
8. Like a Prayer
9. Express Yourself
10. Keep It Together
11. Vogue
12. Justify My Love
13. Erotica
14. Deeper and Deeper
15. Fever
16. Secret
17. Bedtime Story
18. Don't Cry for Me Argentina
19. Frozen
20. Ray of Light
21. Nothing Really Matters
22. Beautiful Stranger
23. American Pie
24. Music
25. Don't Tell Me
26. What It Feels Like for a Girl
27. Impressive Instant
28. Die Another Day
29. American Life
30. Hollywood
31. Me Against the Music (w/Britney Spears)
32. Nothing Fails
33. Love Profusion
34. Hung Up
35. Sorry
36. Get Together
37. Jump
38. 4 Minutes
39. Give It 2 Me

Annie Lennox "Best of" Finally

Annie Lennox has recorded two new tracks for her upcoming greatest hits collection, due for release in mid September. I haven't seen a track list yet, but I read it will have 14 tracks. If I could choose the 12:

1. Why
2. Walking on Broken Glass
3. Little Bird
4. Love Song for a Vampire (From "Bram Stoker's Dracula")
   
5. No More 'I Love You's'
6. A Whiter Shade of Pale
7. Pavement Cracks
8. A Thousand Beautiful Things
9. Wonderful
10. Into the West (From "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King")
11. Dark Road
12. Sing

Snow Patrol

Billboard is reporting that Snow Patrol will release their fifth album in October, titled A Hundred Million Suns. The band is best known in the U.S. for their 2006 hit "Chasing Cars," which was also a major UK hit, along with "You're All I Have" and 2004's "Run."

Mercury Prize 2008

The Mercury Prize nominees were announced last week. I was surprised by how mainstream they are this year. I actually own most of the nominated albums, which is a first. The nominees:

Adele - 19
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
Burial - Untrue
Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
Estelle - Shine
Laura Marling - Alas, I Cannot Swim
Neon Neon - Stainless Style
Portico Quartet - Knee Deep in the North Sea
Rachel Unthank and the Winterset - The Bairns
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raising Sand
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understanding

Click on my links to see what I think of seven of these. Among those, Radiohead is by far my favorite, and I think they would be very deserving of the award this year. The Last Shadow Puppets album is good, but Arctic Monkeys have been nominated for both their albums (and won in 2006). Interesting that Adele was nominated and not Duffy.

Among the five I don't know, I'm most interested in checking out Burial, whose album is supposed to be awesome. Portico Quartet is a modern jazz group, which could be interesting. Estelle's album is supposed to be good, having generated the biggest hit from any of these albums ("American Boy" with Kanye West).

Personal Chart, 8/2/2008

TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 2 .... Believe Again - Delta Goodrem (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 1 .... Viva la Vida - Coldplay (4 wks @ #1)
3 .... 3 .... Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
4 .... 6 .... The One - Kylie Minogue
5 .... 5 .... I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry
6 .... 4 .... Give It 2 Me - Madonna
7 .... 7 .... Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield
8 ... 10 ... All Summer Long - Kid Rock
9 .... 9 .... Hometown Glory - Adele
10 .. 11 ... Forever - Chris Brown