Album Review: Pink - Funhouse (4.5 / 5)

"So What," the first single from Pink's new album Funhouse may start with a playground rant (na na na na) and continue with her propensity to namecheck celebs she doesn't like (this time its a table-stealing Jessica Simpson), but those antics are a foil for the darker side Pink sometimes unveils throughout this 12-song set that chronicles her recent divorce from Carey Hart. "So What" is fun and upbeat--a typically great pop/rock track from pink in the "U + Ur Hand" vein. It shows Pink trying to cover the pain of the breakup by bolding declaring "so what, i'm still a rock star, i got my rock moves, and i don't need you."

That tune quickly changes through the questioning "Sober," another awesome track, upbeat but with a somber strings arrangement. Following that, the realization of the pain breaks through on the most lovely ballad Pink has ever recorded, "I Don't Believe You." It's a tender, vulnerable piece with a lush backing of guitar and strings. These opening three songs capture perfectly why Pink is such a great and under appreciated pop artist. "So What" has her in "don't mess with me" rock mode, "Sober" is the more reflective Pink, and "I Don't Believe You" reveals her damaged inner self. All three would make great singles ("So What" has already become Pink's first song to top both the US and UK singles charts since her "Lady Marmalade" collaboration.)

"One Foot Wrong" is a dark rocker that explores paranoia from a bad choice (perhaps a bad drug experience?). "Please Don't Leave Me," is a good mid-tempo guitar pop number--like "Since U Been Gone" but with not quite as killer a chorus. Like "So What" and "I Don't Believe You," it's produced by Swedish superproducer Max Martin, who along with Billy Mann and Butch Walker helm most of the songs here. In a Pink first, she's used the same collaborators as she did last time on I'm Not Dead, her "comeback," after the relative flop of her third album Try This!

"Bad Influence" is a stomping track with a party strut that takes a break from the divorce story line to booze it up with friends. The story returns on "Funhouse," another upbeat romp that uses the carnival funhouse as a metaphor for her doomed relationship--"this used to be my funhouse, but now it's full of evil clowns." It's the most uptempo song of the album's second half, which is surprisingly heavy with ballads. Folksy "Crystal Ball" is the first of them, a stripped down "this is your life" kind of song with just acoustic guitar and vocals, including backing vocals by the song's producer, Billy Mann. Then there's "It's All Your Fault," which picks up tempo dramatically about halfway through for a rock out ending. Last track, "Glitter in the Air," is also kind of folksy, a piano ballad providing a bittersweet climax to the album. It tries to be poignant ending, but doesn't quite achieve that.

Countrified "Mean" is probably the highlight of the second half. The piano and guitar swagger of the song suits Pink well. Plus divorce is a subject that fits country well (ask a country fan, they will agree). Beyonce's new album contains a track called "Ave Maria" inspired by the classic aria; no such inspiration for Pink's "Ave Mary A," a curious track that starts out with a dark guitar and piano melody and then pumps up the rock guitars for the chorus.

I didn't buy Funhouse the week it came out, thinking I'd prefer the Snow Patrol and Girls Aloud albums more. Boy was I wrong, and I'm glad my partner surprised me with it last weekend. Funhouse is probably Pink's best album to date; it's certainly her most consistent--there isn't a bad track here, and several should serve adequately to continue her current streak of hit singles.

Best: So What, Sober, I Don't Believe You, Mean, Bad Influence, Please Don't Leave Me

Essential Albums of the Decade: 61 to 80

61. Natalie Imbruglia - Counting Down the Days (2005). Australian pop singer Natalie Imbruglia's third album wasn't a big hit, which really surprised me, since it's such an expertly produced pop album that sounds, to my ears, full of potential hits. Best: Shiver.

62. Keane - Under the Iron Sea (2006). On their second album, British band Keane continued to demonstrate their skill at crafting lovely, guitarless rock, while stretching their creativity on songs like the mostly instrumental, mult-movement opening track "Atlantic" and giddily upbeat hit single "Is It Any Wonder?" Best: A Bad Dream.

63. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown (2009). Green Day's 8th album was a sequel to their 2004 album, American Idiot. Like that landmark album, 21st Century Breakdown is a concept album telling the story of a young couple, Christian and Gloria, making their way in post-9/11 America. Best: 21st Century Breakdown.

64. Whitney Houston - I Look to You (2009). After years of disaster, Whitney Houston pulled herself together, kicked Bobby to the curb, and went back to the studio to record a satisfying comeback of contemporary R&B and pop. Although her voice was a little ragged, she still managed to deliver an invested vocal performance through mid-tempo pop, emotional balladry and uptempo corkers. Best: Million Dollar Bill.

65. Alicia Keys - The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Although she's become a bit bland of late, Alicia Keys proved with her second album that she can craft a fine set of soulful, retro R&B when she wants to. I still love the girl-meets-boy sweetness of "You Don't Know My Name." Best: You Don't Know My Name.

66. Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007). Arctic Monkeys broke out big with their debut, but I prefer their second album, which broadened their sound to include not only their typical bursts of high-energy rock, but also pop ("Fluorescent Adolescent") and balladry ("Only One Who Knows"). Best: Fluorescent Adolescent.

67. Take That - The Circus (2008). I wasn't taken with the group's 2006 comeback, Beautiful World, but I thought on The Circus Gary Barlow & company offered altogether a much stronger set of songs, ranging from the bubbly "Up All Night" to the genteel title track. Best: The Circus.

68. Delta Goodrem - Innocent Eyes (2003). Although my favorite Delta Goodrem songs came later--"Out of the Blue" and "Believe Again"--her first album is overall the most solid, showing her strengths as a piano pop vocalist. She well could have become the new Celine Dion, although she seems to have lost her momentum of late, with her third album, Delta, still not seeing a European release. Best: Lost Without You.

69. Robbie Williams - Swing When You're Winning (2001). Self-indulgent for sure, but still quite enjoyable. Robbie Williams followed his hit album Sing When You're Winning with the cleverly titled Swing When You're Winning, a collection of remakes of standards from the '50s and '60s popularized by artists like Frank Sinatra (who shows up magically to duet with dear Robbie). Best: Somethin' Stupid.

70. Sugababes - Three (2003). Angels with Dirty Faces is generally considered the 'Babes best album, but their third album was also quite solid, from the rocking guitar tempo of "Hole in the Head" to the stomping new wave beat of "Whatever Makes You Happy" and the Middle Eastern influence of "Million Different Ways." Best: Hole in the Head.

71. Robyn (2007). Robyn proved that Max Martin isn't the only Swede making quality up-tempo pop music with this eponymous release that took several years to reach a market beyond her homeland. With crisp beats and strong hooks, Robyn restarted the career of the singer, best known for her 1997 hits "Do You Know (What It Takes)" and "Show Me Love." Best: With Every Heartbeat.

72. Pink - Funhouse (2008). Showing remarkable longevity, Pink's fifth album was her best yet, continuing the show the singer's skill at crafting cheeky yet imminently marketable pop, while also exploring some darker themes. Funhouse was probably the most fun divorce album ever. Best: I Don't Believe You.

73. Estelle - Shine (2008). Teaming up with big names like John Legend, Kanye West, Wyclef Jean and Mark Ronson meant Estelle's second album was a much bigger hit than her first, a soulful set of summery pop/R&B. Best: American Boy.

74. Muse - The Resistance (2009). Delivering their weirdest set yet, on their fifth album, Muse incorporated classical elements into their already established mix of progressive, sci-fi, Queen-loving epic rock. Best: Exogenesis.

75. David Gray - A New Day at Midnight (2002). David Gray is best known for his single "Babylon," but I've always preferred the darker album that followed, recorded in the wake of his father's death. Best: Dead in the Water.

76. Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob (2007). Kaiser Chiefs got serious on their second album, delivering a tighter, more focused set of guitar-based rock, and even some interesting surprises, like "The Angry Mob's" transition to a rant during its last third and the softer side of "Love's Not a Competition (But I'm Winning)." Best: Rudy.

78. Kylie Minogue - X (2007). Emerging from her battle with breast cancer, Kylie Minogue returned in 2007 with this triumphant electro-pop set four years after her uneven Body Language. While she vaguely acknowledges her health battle on "No More Rain," she's generally got the party on her mind with typically good dance pop like "The One," "Wow" and "In My Arms." Best: 2 Hearts.

77. Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin (2004). Avril Lavigne's second album was moodier and darker than her 2002 debut, eschewing the "skater punk/pop" that made her famous to focus on edgier material. The piano trills that open "Together" is my favorite musical moment here. Sad, but lovely. Best: Together.

79. Hard-Fi - Stars of CCTV (2005). Hard-Fi's first album typified the '80s synth pop-loving alternative rock that was the counterpoint to the "Coldplay" sound during the middle part of this decade, with songs like "Hard to Beat," which sounds like it borrowed part of its beat from Madonna's "Into the Groove." Best: Hard to Beat.

80. Pink - Missundaztood (2001). While technically her second album, Missundaztood is really the first album from the artist we've come to know as Pink, establishing her "lite-punk" blend of rock, pop, R&B and attitude. Best: Get the Party Started.

Billboard Hot 100, February 20, 2010

The effects of last week's post Grammy Award sales continue to be felt on the Hot 100, perhaps moreso, since last week there was only Sunday night and Monday to factor in.

1. Tik Tok - Ke$ha

Ke$ha's "Tik Tok" spends an 8th week at #1. That's the longest a single from a solo female artist has been at #1 since Beyonce spent 10 weeks at #1 with "Irreplaceable" 3 years ago.

2. Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas

"Imma Be" is up two notches to #2. The song's fast rise is quite impressive, considering this is the album's fourth single, and has been available digitally for many months now.

3. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum

The country threesome rises 5 spots to #3, finally besting the single's first peak when it charted as a country hit in November. "Need You Now" is this week's digital gainer.

7. Hey, Soul Sister - Train

Train climbs two spots to #7, matching the peak they achieved 3 weeks ago. I'm still a little amazed to see this in the top 10, which I believe is mostly a sales-based phenomenon at this point. Why the sudden interest in Train? They haven't had a major hit since 2001 when "Drops of Jupiter" hit #5.

9. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas

You know you have a massive, massive hit on your hands when it can manage to appear in the top 10 almost 8 months after its first appearance there ("I Gotta Feeling" debuted at #2 in late June 2009). It's been on the chart now for 35 weeks, and it's never appeared outside the top 20.

11. In My Head - Jason DeRulo

Jason DeRulo is on the brink of scoring his second top 10 hit, as "In My Head" rises 3 spots this week.

16. Telephone - Lady GaGa feat. Beyonce

New high-water mark for "Telephone," up 3 this week. It's one of three Lady GaGa singles in the top 40 this week, with "Bad Romance" still in the top 10 and "Paparazzi" holding on at #33.

18. Glitter in the Air - Pink

Her Grammy performance may have been the oddest of the night, but that didn't stop fans from gobbling up "Glitter in the Air," the song Pink performed in a next-to-nothing outfit while hanging from a spinning ribbon secured to the ceiling. The track debuts at #18 this week, one notch below the #17 peak of her last top 40 hit, "Please Don't Leave Me." This is the fourth top 40 hit from Pink's fifth album, Funhouse. Only her second album, Missundaztood, produced as many top 40 hits. "Funhouse," another Funhouse single, peaked outside the top 40 at #44.

20. According to You - Orianthi

Australian singer Orianthi rises a notch to #20, scoring her first top 20 hit. I'm sure this will be top 10 soon.

28. Use Somebody - Kings of Leon

At 54 weeks, "Use Somebody" is the oldest single in the top 40. It's up 3 this week, surely still benefiting from last week's Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

30. Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Buble

Did you see Michael Buble on SNL 2 weeks ago? He was great, and the appearance helped "Haven't Met You Yet," which climbs 6 spots to #30.

36. Say Something - Timbaland feat. Drake

Timbaland and Drake climb 10 spots to enter the top 40 at #36, becoming Timbaland's fifth top 40 hit (as a performer) and Drake's 8th.

37. Naturally - Selena Gomez and The Scene

Disney's latest star scores her first top 40 hit. Selena Gomez stars on the Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place. Along with her band, The Scene, she climbs 18 spots back into the top 40 this week (the single initially peaked at #29 three weeks ago). It's a frothy pop song with a touch of dance and rock (think Miley Cyrus's "See You Again").

40. Breakeven - The Script

In 2008, Irish pop/rock band The Script had a fairly impressive European launch. Their biggest hit, "The Man Who Can't Be Moved," hit #2 in Ireland and the UK. Now the group finally scores their first US top 40 with "Breakeven," which was their third single, peaking at #10 in Ireland and #21 in Britain.

Best Albums of 2008

I reviewed an even 50 new albums this year. Here are my 25 favorites, plus other recommendations, others I reviewed, and the 5 worst. Click on the title to read my original review; click on the album cover to link to an on-line store where you can buy the album.

1. Duffy - Rockferry
Once again, my favorite album of the year is by a female British singer. Rockferry came out early in the year, and I loved it all year long. Duffy's soulful, '60s-tinged pop was like the tonic to Amy Winehouse's gin. "Mercy" was the standout track, but her affecting ballads like "Warwick Avenue" and "Stepping Stone" were almost as unforgettable. What I said: "a gorgeous and swinging piece of retro pop." Essential track: Mercy

2. Madonna - Hard Candy
Madonna and Timbaland and Pharrell could have been a disaster, or at least just a retread of Nelly Furtado's Loose. Thankfully, it turned out to be a lot of fun, imbuing Madonna's sound with a contemporary freshness missing from Confessions on a Dancefloor. It's the year's best dance pop album. What I said: "double entendres, naughty lyrics, and delicious hooks permeate throughout." Essential track: 4 Minutes

3. Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
The new class of alternative/indie/'80s-worshiping pop/rock acts churned out a lot of great moments this year. Taking the cake are this Floridian band's upbeat, fun-loving debut. There were a lot of '80s-aping discs released this year, and none were better than this. Like Duffy's Rockferry, this was produced by Bernard Butler, two very different but both brilliant albums. What I said: "this is joyful, upbeat modern pop music, perfectly timed for summer." Essential track: Hurricane Jane

4. Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
Coldplay continued to prove why they are the world's greatest rock band this decade. Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends saw the band stretch their safety zone more than on previous albums, most notably in restraining their stadium rock pretensions. What I said: "Coldplay delivers the sort of lovely pop/rock we've come to expect from them tweaked with little surprises here and there." Essential track: Viva la Vida

5. Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul
I know I'm late to the party, but this was the year I finally became an Oasis fan. While not a popular choice, I loved Dig Out Your Soul. It's the kind of (at this point) old school rock album that's hard to hate from rockers like "The Shock of the Lightning" to gentle piano ballad "I'm Outta Time." What I said: "There are a few ballads here, but most of the songs are charging rock numbers that retain a mostly standard simple formula." Essential track: I'm Outta Time

6. Will Young - Let It Go
Breaking up is hard to do, but it makes great music. Will's breakup album--and Pink's divorce album further down my list--finds the young artist doing his most personal work yet, ever much as tuneful as everything he's given us before. What I said: "a brilliant exercise in retro soul-drenched modern pop that is at times uplifting, at time sad, and genuinely affecting." Essential track: You Don't Know

7. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak
This was the year's biggest surprise. The decade's biggest hip-hop artist, who just last year released the acclaimed Graduation, abandoned rap and started singing the blues (the breakup blues yet again), albeit blues drenched in electronic synths and manufactured Roland 808 beats. What I said: "The sad songs are quite lovely and feel genuine; the few upbeat numbers, especially 'Paranoid,' are a lot of fun." Essential track: Paranoid

8. Beyoncé - I Am ... Sasha Fierce
The world's biggest female pop artist released her third hit album. Look past the silly alternate identity and double-album marketing ploys and you'll find Beyoncé's best collection yet, a remarkable blend of high-class ballads and upbeat fluff. What I said: "She sounds as good belting out 'If I Were a Boy' as she does on the lightly breathy 'Disappear,' the soaring 'Ave Maria,' and the restrained 'Satellites.'" Essential track: If I Were a Boy

9. Kaiser Chiefs - Off with Their Heads
The British rock band brought in big-name Amy Winehouse producer Mark Ronson for their third album, who helped steer this upbeat set in a less serious direction than last year's, Yours Truly Angry Mob. What I said: "There's a pleasing amount of warmth to this album, particularly from the rich strings arrangement of 'Like It Too Much' and the acoustic guitar melody of 'Remember You're a Girl.'" Essential track: Never Miss a Beat

10. Glasvegas
This Glaswegian band's debut was a good counterpoint to the Mancunian party scene overworked by Arctic Monkeys. They exude a similarly raw and youthful sound, but use their music to tell meaningful stories about social problems. What I said: "The band's earnestness sets it apart from the popular pack of current indie rockers (as does having a female drummer, Caroline McKay)." Essential track: Daddy's Gone

11. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement
Speaking of Arctic Monkeys, lead singer Alex Turner's side project (with Rascals member Alex Kane) blended the gritty rock of the 'Monkeys with '60s pop influences. A nice stopgap before the band's next album. What I said: "'Like taking the Arctic Monkeys and parading them through Amy Winehouse and Duffy's recording studios, with a little dose of John Barry for inspiration." Essential track: Standing Next to Me

12. Estelle - Shine
With guidance from John Legend and a turn in American recording studios, Estelle's second album was an upbeat, soulful mix of old and new sounds that snagged her a Mercury Prize nomination. And it's big single--the Kanye West collaboration "American Boy" made her an international star. What I said: "Old school-flavored modern soul is what a lot of this album has on its mind." Essential track: American Boy

13. Take That - The Circus
While the sea of recent pop group reunions have seen many acts appear past their prime, Take That have proved they're still at the top of their game. This surprisingly good second album from the Take That reboot (their fifth overall) showed more range and better songs than their last, Beautiful World; a great mix of pop songs from the understated title track to the top-tapping "How Did It Come to This?" What I said: "The Circus proves that Take That's reunion isn't a novelty or quick cash grab, but the real deal." Essential Track: The Circus

14. Pink - Funhouse
After a commercial misstep with her third album, Pink has made a remarkable comeback that started with "U + Ur Hand" and continued this year with the international #1 hit "So What." The album is no less disappointing than that great single--a biting yet also vulnerable mix of emotions in the wake of her recent divorce. What I said: "(the 'So What') antics are a foil for the darker side Pink sometimes unveils throughout this 12-song set that chronicles her recent divorce from Carey Hart." Essential track: So What

15. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Just a few of years ago Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden were cocky college kids playing gigs at Wesleyan University. Then they had an EP and toured with Of Montreal. Now they are have NME's best album of 2008. That's quite a rise, but with a confident debut album as good as this, the best may be yet to come. What I said: "a modern, poppy set that shows its '70s and '80s influences on its sleeve." Essential track: Kids

16. The Killers - Day & Age
After the Springsteen-esque Americana of last album Sam's Town, The Killers returned to the less serious new wave sound that made them a hit with Hot Fuss, even expanding their musical palette to include world music-type sounds. This time with dance producer Stuart Price on board, the band delivered a third solid album. What I said: "The first three songs are instantly likeable--the rest of the album had to grow on me, but thankfully it has." Essential track: Spaceman

17. Mariah Carey - E=MC²
As its title implies, Mariah Carey's 10th album adheres closely to the formula of her last album, The Emancipation of Mimi, which brought her back to the spotlight after two albums that found her career in decline. E=MC² didn't land the singer as many hits as Mimi, but I actually prefer this album's more modern and upbeat sound. What I said: "E=MC² is a soundtrack for driving in the sun and going out with friends, despite some of its surprisingly personal more serious moments." Essential track: Migrate

18. Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman
Over the last few years, singer/songwriter/producer Ne-Yo has been steadily securing his status as one of the most influential rising stars of pop and R&B. This year he released his most accomplished album yet and landed a Grammy Album of the Year nomination for it. His winning mix of pop, R&B, and dance sounds, as well as his message about treating women as equals rather than sex objects, made him stand out. What I said: "he's the whole package." Essential track: Miss Independent

19. Adele - 19
British singer Adele Adkins got about as good a launch this year as a singer could hope for, being named the BBC Sounds of 2008 top new artist, getting strong promotion in both the UK and the US, and starting off with an amazing hit single, "Chasing Pavements." What I said: "19 is a soulful creation, showcasing Adele's powerful voice. It's not a magnum opus--most of the songs are about a young woman pining after boys--but why should it be?" Essential track: Chasing Pavements

20. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
Jack White sound best when he's jamming with ex-wife/sometimes sister Meg in The White Stripes, but this second album with his other band wasn't bad. It actually sounds a lot like a White Stripes album but with more instruments and a greater classic rock influence. What I said: "It's strength is its simplicity, built on great rhythms, guitar riffs and rock strut." Essential track: Consoler of the Lonely

21. Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp's fourth album toned down the sexy electro-pop of their last two albums. As such, it has more in common with atmospheric Felt Mountain than stompers Black Cherry or Supernature. It's also a step down from those fantastic two albums, but still pretty good. What I said: "First track 'Clowns' and first single 'A&E' are perhaps the two loveliest songs Goldfrapp has ever crafted." Essential track: Clowns

22. Keane - Perfect Symmetry
Also taking a step down from their previous albums but still good enough to land in my top 25 is the third album from Keane. Credit the band for breaking out of their piano-based rock comfort zone to incorporate guitar and new wave. Just too bad the melodies weren't as strong this time. What I said: "Despite their experimentation, which I applaud, much of this feels very familiar without being as interesting as what they've done before." Essential track: Spiralling

23. The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
There's nothing wrong with making upbeat fluffy pop/rock as long as it's done well. Not everyone's cut out to be U2, but just because an album may lack substance doesn't mean it can't exude melody, charm and fun, which The Ting Tings did quite successfully on their debut disc. What I said: "This isn't a serious work and it's not meant to be. The Ting Tings are clearly having a good time and so are we." Essential track: Shut Up and Let Me Go

24. Foxboro Hottubs - Stop Drop and Roll!!!
Green Day took a break from being Green Day, masquerading as the Foxboro Hottubs to deliver a quick and dirty set of fun jams far away from the social commentary of their epic 2004 award-winning album American Idiot. Like many of the year's best albums, the '60s and '70s were strong influences. What I said: "None of this is very substantive, but that's the point. It's just short, enjoyable bursts of '60s-flavored rock." Essential track: Mother Mary

25. Sheryl Crow - Detours
I associate this rather impressive and personal set from Sheryl Crow with a day last February when one weekend day I walked the two miles home from downtown through a cold but sunny DC winter's day. It was the perfect backdrop. What I said: "Sheryl draws on these life-changing events (her divorce, cancer and son's adoption) to give Detours a particularly personal depth, but she turns to the outside world too to give it political depth as well, touching on the war, the environment and our thirst for oil." Essential track: Shine Over Babylon


Also Recommended:
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
Girls Aloud - Out of Control
Delta Goodrem - Delta
Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
The Script
Sugababes - Catfights and Spotlights

Also Reviewed:
Dido - Safe Trip Home
Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
Ladytron - Velocifero
Mêlée - Devils & Angels
Moby - Last Night
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Neon Neon - Stainless Style
R.E.M. - Accelerate
Sia - Some People Have Real Problems
Solange - Sol-Angel & the Hadley St. Dreams
Sam Sparro
Britney Spears - Circus
TV on the Radio - Dear Science,


Five worst of the year:

Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns Snow Patrol released a sleepy retread of their fantastic 2006 album Eyes Open. A real disappointment.

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Sunday at Dirt Devil This dark and too folksy follow-up didn't hold a candle to the duo's 2006 Mercury Prize nominee, Ballad of the Broken Seas.

Vampire Weekend This has shown up on every music magazine's year-end best list. Yet, I'm not changing my opinion that I thought it was pretentious, meaningless and boring.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus, Dig!!! Here's another critics favorite--"storyteller" rock that just doesn't appeal to me.

The Verve - Forth Not necessarily the year's worst album, but the biggest disappointment for me. After an 11-year break, The Verve re-formed to deliver this somber set of overly long, listless songs. "Bittersweet Symphony," "The Drugs Don't Work," and "Sonnet" were such magic moments on their 1997 album Urban Hymns. I was really hoping for a repeat and didn't get it--not even close.

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)

UK Singles Chart, 10/11/2008

1. So What - Pink

Fall, the season of great chart battles, has definitely arrived. This was a very competitive week, seeing the release of new singles from Pink, Oasis and the return of Boyzone. In the end, Pink is triumphant, scoring her third UK #1, first since "Just Like a Pill," the third single from her second album Missundaztood, hit #1 in September 2002. "So What" is quickly proving to be another career high water mark for the 29 year-old singer, having hit #1 recently also in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It's from her forthcoming fifth album Funhouse, out at the end of the month.

3. The Shock of the Lightning - Oasis

Trailing behind at #3 is British rock band Oasis. During the '90s, they ruled Britain, more or less as heir-apparent to the Beatles, being heavily influenced by the Fab Four, while also honing their own modern sound as head of the Britpop pack. Tomorrow they put out their seventh album, Dig Out Your Soul, which is already garnering positive reviews about them maintaining their "comeback" momentum from 2005's Don't Believe the Truth. "The Shock of the Lightning" delivers a chart shock this week by not hitting #1, and in doing so, becomes the first time that a first single from an Oasis album (other than their very first before they made it big) is not a #1 hit. "Some Might Say," "D'You What I Mean," "Go Let It Out," "The Hindu Times," and "Lyla" all made it to the top.

4. Girls - Sugababes

The Sugababes climb four spots to #4, still selling on downloads in advance of this single's physical release tomorrow. It's a strong contender for #1 next week.

5. Love You Anyway - Boyzone

Following in the footsteps of the tremendously successful comeback of Take That from 2 years ago, Irish boyband Boyzone have now also reunited to give it a go. Theirs is modeled more off the Spice Girls comeback attempt of last year, the reunion being centered around a tour and greatest hits collection. Didn't Boyzone already release a greatest hits collection? Of course, and this collection offers very little new besides this new single recorded for the ocasion. The boys have certainly fared a lot better than the Spice Girls on the singles chart, landing at #5 to maintain their perfect striking record of having every one of their now 17 singles land in the top 5 (Spice Girls saw their perfect record of top 2 hits shattered when "Headlines" peaked at an embarassing #11). While they never quite achieved the level of success of Take That, or their own successors Westlife, they did score a respectable six #1 hits between 1996 and 1999.

14. Angel in the Night - Basshunter

Despite hovering in the 20s on pre-release downloads, the fully released "Angel in the Night" fails to catapult Basshunter into the top 10, making his third single to miss out on the honor.

20. Love Shy (Thinking About You) - Platnum

Dance act Platnum made a name for themselves earlier this year, when they were featured on H Two O's "What's It Gonna Be," which spent 3 weeks at #2 in March. Now they're back with their own single, selling this week on downloads, out in full next week.

39. Kids - MGMT

Finally, a quick mention of MGMT, who score their third UK top 40 with "Kids."

Next week Sugababes will challenge Pink for the top spot, while new singles from Kaiser Chiefs and Platnum hope to land in the top 10.

UK Singles Chart, 10/25/2008

1. So What - Pink

Pink rules the UK singles chart for the third week with "So What." American acts have now ruled the top spot in the UK singles chart for 12 weeks--almost a quarter of 2008. That beats the 11-week run for Americans in 2006 when Orson, Ne-Yo and Gnarls Barkley spent 11 weeks in a row at #1 (9 of which were from Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," Britain's #1 single of 2006). As far as I can tell, this is the longest stretch of Americans ruling the #1 spot in the UK in over 20 years. Girls Aloud look set to end that reign next week, returning Brits to the top of the UK chart with their latest, "The Promise." Pink's album Funhouse is out next week.

2. The Winner's Song - Geraldine
3. Don't Call This Love - Leon Jackson

Now for some fun. British comedian Peter Kay is no stranger to the singles chart. His 2005 collaboration with Tony Christie, "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo" was the year's #1 hit, and his 2007 remake/collaboration with the Proclaimers on "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was a major #1 last year. Now he's gone and teamed up with Gary Barlow to create a parody of UK reality TV show pop singers, "The Winner's Song," from "Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor... and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice," which aired last week on Channel 4. "The Winner's Song" is the victory lap so to speak of that show's "winner" Geraldine McQueen. And it hits all the pop cliches we've come to know and love from songs like "A Moment Like This," "That's My Goal," or "All This Time" like the plodding opening piano chords, self-actualizing lyrics and the last chorus key change (of which this song actually has two).

What's most fun perhaps is that this "parody" of reality TV-produced pop stars has actually trumped a genuine one. Last year's X Factor winner Leon Jackson released his first proper single last week, "Don't Call This Love." Surely he hoped this would be his "Bleeding Love," the similarly positioned record that Leona Lewis has carried to #1 all over the world. Sadly for Mr. Jackson his new single has underperformed, landing at a mere #3. Even Shayne Ward managed better when he hit #2 with "No Promises," his first single after his #1 victory lap. This confirms what I had suspected--while Leona Lewis has gone on to be a international pop superstar, Leon Jackson is going to have to settle for regional (and less substantial) success. I see birthday parties in his future (really great parties though).

5. Up - The Saturdays

Pop girl group The Saturdays prove they weren't a one-hit wonder with "If This Is Love," beating that single to become their first top 5 hit. It comes a week after Sugababes, the reigning queens of British girl group pop hit #3 with "Girls" and a week before Girls Aloud come out with their latest, "The Promise." This is another great track, further piquing my interest. It's got quite an '80s groove, with a deep synth bass line akin to something Michael Jackson would have done. Their debut album Chasing Lights has already garnered a 5-star review from Britain's gay newspaper, Pink Paper, saying "Stop! You might want to remember where you were when you heard that The Saturdays were actually very good indeed."

6. Take Back the City - Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol jump up nine spots to #6 this week with "Take Back the City," the first single from their new album A Hundred Million Suns, out next week. As such, it becomes the group's fifth top 10 single, besting by one place the #7 peak of the first single from their last album, "You're All I Have" from Eyes Open. While last year's "Signal Fire" is their highest charting single (#4), they are best remembered by their 2006 #6 hit "Chasing Cars."

9. Raindrops (Encore Une Fois) - Sash! Featuring Stunt

I'm kicking myself for not having bought this in London last week, for it is not available on US iTunes nor any other download store I know of. Sash! became popular in the UK in 1997, scoring top 3 hits with all of their first four singles, all in different languages. Their very first single, Encore Une Fois hit #2 in March of 1997. They followed with seven other top 10 hits, my favorites of which were "Stay" (#2 in 1997) and "Mysterious Times" (#2 in 1998). It's been 7 years now since they've had a major hit, and "Raindrops" comes from their latest greatest hits collection (they've already had a couple of other ones). It's a mashup with Stunt's, "Raindrops," and frankly I fail to see how it's different from that song other than a woman announcing "Encore Une Fois" before the chorus. Still, it's a fun dance track, giving the German dance artist his 9th UK top 10 hit.

11. Love Lockdown - Kanye West

It's a "grower not a shower" as Reggie keeps reminding us annoying during the Radio 1 UK top 40 chart show. Kanye West is up another three spots to #11 this week and should crack the top 10 next week. This is slated to get a physical release in 2 weeks.

23. Spiralling - Keane

The release of Keane's new album Perfect Symmetry, which tops the UK albums chart this week (their third to do so), send that album's first single "Spiralling" back up the chart 11 spots to the #23 peak position it reached 6 weeks ago.

25. Kids - MGMT

MGMT's "Kids" is proving to be another hit for them, jumping 10 spots to #25. Their last single, "Electric Feel," peaked at #22.

28. Be the One - The Ting Tings

The Ting Tings see diminishing returns from their fourth single, which falls well short of the #1 and #6 placings of their last two singles, "That's Not My Name" and "Shut Up and Let Me Go."

Grammy Eligibility Period to End Soon

Because the Grammy Awards are going to be in January this year instead of February, the nominations will be announced in November (instead of December). Consequently, this year's eligibility period has been shortened a month, from October 1, 2008 to August 31, 2009. I imagine this irks record companies who planned major releases for September and weren't able to move them up in time. Whitney Houston managed to do it though, since it just meant bumping it up 1 day.

While it is a wee bit early to start speculating about this year's nominees for album of the year, well, what better thing to think about on this hot late summer evening?

Unlike last year, there isn't a really obvious frontrunner at the moment, but there are some definite contenders:

Frontrunners:

Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D. For it: It's landed the year's two biggest international pop hits. Against it: "Where Is The Love" aside, no one is taking them very seriously these days.

Beyonce - I Am...Sasha Fierce. For it: It's Beyonce's most consistent album yet, and its managed to deliver quite a few hits. Against it: She's never been nominated for AOTY, although perhaps it's time then.

Whitney Houston - I Look to You. For it: An old Grammy favorite stages a massive comeback--soemthing the Grammy Awards live for. And the early reviews have been quite positive. Against it: So far, it's yet to produce a single that really connects with the public, although it's got a couple months to pull that off.

Taylor Swift - Fearless. For it: Massive country as well as pop crossover hit, which Grammy has a history of rewarding, especially for women (Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Carrie Underwood). Against it: Is it too pop, and thus will it be passed over by country voters in favor of something they view as more "pure?"

Bob Dylan - Together Through Life. For it: Grammy has shown it loves Bob Dylan, who awarded him AOTY in 1997 and nominated him in 2001. Plus, it's not a very strong year for rock, so he might edge out some of the other perennial favorites. Against it: The Modern Life was snubbed in 2007, and that was a more popular work (although snubs can sometimes work in your favor).

Other contenders:

U2 - No Line on The Horizon. For it: U2 has been nominated for AOTY four times--more than any other artist in the last 25 years--and won twice. Grammy has lots of love for U2. Against it: Mixed reviews and a lack of major hits could hurt its chances, despite my personal opinion that it is quite good.

Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown. For it: Another magnum opus from the punk band who continues to prove its musical chops. Against it: It may be deemed to similar to its more popular predecessor American Idiot, whom Grammy was quite kind to in 2004 and 2005.

Kanye West - 808s and Heartbreak. For it: Kanye West's other three albums were all nominated. Against it: Unlike those three, this didn't get universal acclaim, and his decision to sing instead of rap caused quite a bit of division.

Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream. For it: Another Grammy favorite, and the album got generally good reviews. Against it: It wasn't as well received as Magic, which was 2007's most significant snub in AOTY.

The Dream - Love vs. Money. For it: In a weak year for hip-hop, this may be the R&B album that segment of voters finds most appealing. Against it: It wasn't a major mainstream hit, so it could have trouble finding broad support.

AC/DC - Black Ice. For it: Definitely has that veteran comeback factor that Grammy likes. Against it: The Eagles' veteran comeback album didn't get nominated last year. And something tells me Whitney Houston will be this year's Grammy comeback love story.

Long shots

Guns N Roses - Chinese Democracy. For it: Again, the veteran comeback thing, this time a long, long time in the making. Against it: The album, once it arrived, didn't make very many waves (and generated no major hits).

Pink - Funhouse. For it: Pink has proven herself to be a consistent pop hitmaker over the last 10 years, and this is as good as any of her other albums. Against it: It's not significantly better than her other albums, and thus doesn't stand out as being a nomination-worthy. Like Madonna, she may have to wait for something truly huge to push her into the field.

Diana Krall - Quiet Nights. For it: Diana Krall, a 1999 nominee, makes another lovely jazz album. Against it: She's been making lovely jazz albums for years, and this one, while great, doesn't stand out from the others.

Eminem - Relapse. For it: Again, it's a weak rap year, and Eminem used to be a Grammy favorite, snagging AOTY nominations in 2000 and 2002. Against it: His cache has worn off, and this album received mixed reviews (and I didn't like it at all).

Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack. For it: A popular and critically acclaimed movie delivered an interesting soundtrack with "Jai Ho" and other A.R. Rahman and M.I.A. tracks. Against it: Soundtracks haven't shown up in AOTY nearly as often this decade as they did in the '90s.

Ineligible

Lady GaGa - The Fame. There seems to be some debate as to whether this counts as a September or October release, but most sources say it was released in September, which makes it ineligible.

Kings of Leon - Only By the Night. This was definitely released in September, however I expect "Use Somebody" to be a strong Record of the Year contender.

October New Releases

October is a very promising month of new releases--perhaps the best of the year. Lots of albums coming out that I'm excited about.

October 6
Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul. 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."








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

Sarah McLachlan – Closer: The Best Of. Sarah McLachlan isn't a major star, but she did have her moment with her 1997 album Surfacing, which included "Adia" and "Angel," both of which are here in a sequentially sequenced album.

Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping.


October 13/14
Keane - Perfect Symmetry. 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.






Chris Cornell - Scream. 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).







Boyzone – Back Again... No Matter What: The Greatest Hits. Boyzone haven't had a hit in years, but since Backstreet Boys, Take That, and New Kids on the Block have reformed, it seems they didn't want to be left out. Sure, this includes new single "Love Me Anyway," but it excludes "So Good" and "Key to My Life." 1999's By Request did the job, and without more new material, this seems unnecessary.


October 20

Kaiser Chiefs - Off with Their Heads. 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. This just got pushed back a week.









Sugababes - Catfights and Spotlights. 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. First single "Girls" is currently #2 on the UK airplay chart, and looks set to enter the top 10 on downloads this week. Buzz is that they turned things around after the disappointment of Change.


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.













October 27/28

Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns. 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.









Pink - Funhouse. 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.










John Legend - Evolver. Soulful R&B singer John Legend puts out his third album. Excellent first single "Green Light" finds him teamed with Outkast's Andre 3000, exploring a more modern sound than we've heard from him before. John Legend has been a critics' favorite, but not a mainstream success. "Green Light" could turn that around.










Bloc Party - Intimacy. 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. Reviews are good, but not great.












Celine Dion - My Love: Essential Collection. Celine Dion releases her greatest hits collection, featuring first single "My Love," a slight reworking of the Taking Chances track. North America and Europe get different tracklists--The North American version is mostly chronologically sequenced, which is nice and includes "Where Does My Heart Beat Now," which wasn't on her 1999 hits release. 2 CD versions appear to be pretty comprehensive.

Anastacia - Heavy Rotation. Anastacia had great singles "Left Outside Alone" and "Sick and Tired" in 2004, so it's a bit puzzling why she's waited so long to release a follow-up. First single is "I Can Feel You," which I haven't heard yet.