Archive for the ‘CD | Music News & Reviews’ Category

Lily Allen: It’s Not Me, It’s You…

Cover of Lily Allen's CD "It's Not Me, It's You"

Although this review is somewhat late, the CD was released on Feb. 10th, earlier this year, I didn’t know much about this artist and am very glad I did some research.

I’ve been spinning the first hit single “The Fear” and have been watching my dance floor with keen interest. It was one of the patrons in the club that asked me for a different Lily Allen song, and I had to politely tell him I didn’t have what he asked for. The song he requested was “Fuck You“, which is now officially the second single to be released. “Not Fair” appears to be the third single as it is charting on the UK top 75 chart.

Let me start off by saying how blown away I was when I heard this CD. The music is fresh, innovative and most importantly POP. Kicking off this set is the elctro groove track “Everyone’s At It“, how could you not like a song that talks “about people puttin shit up their noses.” Absolutely brilliant.

Next up is the infectious “The Fear”, already cracking my top 5 on my dance

Lily Allen's First Single "The Fear"

chart, this song is sure to stay with you when it’s quite and you start humming the melody and not even realize it. The third track and single “Not Fair” is a bouncy little number that reminds me of songs from Johnny Cash. Tracks “I Could Say“, “Back To The Start“, and “Never Gonna Happen” are all good songs in their own right, but I find myself skipping to the big gem on this set, and that is “Fuck You“.

The second single is explicit sure, but it’s honest. Lyrics like “so you say, it’s not okay to be gay, well I think your just evil.” sends a positive message that rings true in todays culture. Topped off with a bouncy piano riff the sounds like the beginning of The Carpenter’s “Close To You”. I’m hoping they will release a dance remix of this very soon. The video for this song is just as clever. “Who’d Of Known” is a nice chiller song, with some cool organ synth and harpsichords planted in the background.

Sharp Witted Singer/Songwriter Lily Allen

The rest of the CD is not strong enough in my personal opinion. However I got the CD with the 2 bonus tracks and another gem similar to “Fuck You” is the very electronic “Fag Hag”. This song should get a formal release as it’s too good to just be a bonus track. Lyrics “I could be your fag hag, and you can be my gay”. Just made me have to hit the rewind button.

This CD will not disappoint, whether your working out at the Gym, or going on that long drive make sure you bring this one with you.

~Nitrogen-E

Visit Nitrogen-E’s Top 100 Dance Chart

Follow Me On Twitter

Alcazar is back with Disco Defenders..

Alcazar Disco Defenders CD Cover Click the picture to buy this great CD!

Since 1999 Alcazar has been tearing up Dance Music Charts all over the globe. Their latest outing “Disco Defenders” appears to do just that. This album will cater to anyone who enjoys Euro Pop. The “Disco” flare is obvious from the start with “We Keep On Rockin”.

The lead single from the album is “Stay The Night” and is one of Alcazar’s best songs to date. Using samples from “Knock On Wood”, and lush harmonies and catchy synth hooks, upon one listen, you will be putting your hands in the air like you just don’t care.

Performing at Melodifestivalen 2009

Other stand out tracks on the CD include a great cover of Lipps, Inc. “Funkytown”, to the best of my knowledge this song hasn’t been covered as well as Alcazar’s version since Pusedo Echo back in 1987.  Another great track is “Baby” and in my personal opinion should be the second single. On the slower side is “Put The Stop Down” a tropical summer sounding tune.

All in all this may not measure up to the success of “Crying At The Discoteque” but it will come in a close second. ~Nitrogen-E  Follow me on Twitter

BWO's second single from "Big Science"

BWO’s second single from “Big Science” is “Right Here Right Now”.

After the success of this springs lead single “You’re Not Alone” BWO release “Right Here Right Now”.  ”Right Here Right Now” is the lead track of the swedish hit album “Big Science” and it’s message is all about love, right here right now.

The track starts off sounding like a ballad with BWO’s signature synth strings and ambient chord progression. As Martin’s soothing vocals start “Where did your love aspire,” we soon get the feeling that this is going to be a ballad. As the pace picks up at the 45 second mark, we start to get the signature BWO dance beat, and lush backing vocals. The song swells with Alexander Bard’s keyboard riff, and the song starts to lift you up.

This song is so catchy by the second time we here the chorus, then get’s a bit dark with Marina Schiptjenko’s chant, “time is the clock of the heart”. By the song’s  end you feel like you have been to church with it’s Gospel outro. To not like a song like this, you would surely not have a heart, because as simple as this song is, it actually puts a smile in your heart.

BWO (then known as Bodies Without Organs) Performing in 2007.

The video for this single takes us on a strange journey. Mostly done in a grain like quality, with color scattered throughout, it’s interesting images and Martin’s good looks carry it into new territory. This video is very different from the previous one.

This remixes for this song are superb as usual with the standout mix being the soundfactory mix. I had originally decided to remix this video with the soundfactory mix, but for a different touch went with the Myon and Shane 54 remix.

Lyrics for Right Here Right Now:

Where did your love aspire
The dream was sold and you bought the bouquet
Where did your love aspire a power to behold
Caught by a sweet desire
The night was cold but love what's saved the day
Caught by a sweet desire, the torments of your soul

Loving ain't easy
You know I feel your pain
Loving ain't easy
We've been crying in the rain

I'm talking 'bout love right here
Talking 'bout love right now
Talking 'bout love right here
I'm talking 'bout love

Now when the love backfired
The dream was gold, the things have gone astray
Now when the love backfired you need to lose control

Loving ain't easy
You know I feel your pain
Loving ain't easy
We've been crying in the rain

I'm talking 'bout love right here
Talking 'bout love right now
Talking 'bout love right here
I'm talking 'bout love

Time is the clock of the heart
Time is the clock of the heart
Time is the clock of the heart

Time is the clock of the heart
Time is the clock of the heart
Time is the clock of the heart

Loving ain't easy
You know I feel your pain
Loving ain't easy
We've been crying in the rain

I'm talking 'bout love right here
Talking 'bout love right now
Talking 'bout love right here
I'm talking 'bout love

Loving ain't easy
You know I feel your pain
Loving ain't easy
We've been crying in the rain

I'm talking 'bout love right here
Talking 'bout love right now
Talking 'bout love right here
I'm talking 'bout love

Love right here, give me love right now
Give me love right here, give me love right now
Give me love right here, give me love right now
Give me love right here, give me love right now

I'm talking 'bout love right here
Talking 'bout love right now
Talking 'bout love right here
I'm talking 'bout love

This single should get a lot of attention, as it seems to me to be the perfect blend of pop and dance.

Lovin’ ain’t easy…~Nitrogen-E

Follow me on Twitter

Madonna Sticky & Sweet Tour Cover

Looks like fans of Madonna will have to wait until November to get their hands on the live DVD tour of Sticky &  Sweet. While Madonna has always been prompt in releasing any tour to DVD, one has to wonder if the fact that this tour went into overtime had anything to with it.

Seeing the concert myself last year at Chicago’s United Center, it had all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from a Madonna concert; accept one thing…Personality.

One thing I’ve noticed about Madonna in the past few tours is that she is all business, she comes on stage (usually late) then busts out the hits and then poof the concert is over. Madonna what gives? have you gotten to big to address your audience the way you did on the Blonde Ambition tour or the Like A Virgin tour?

Either way the Sticky and Sweet tour on DVD will be a treat to own, below are some of the sneak peaks at the Queen in action.

Thanks for reading! Your dragqueendiaries.com DJ Nitrogen-E

Follow Nitrogen-E on Twitter

Read Nitrogen-E’s Profile here

25 years ago, a band from England emerged onto the scene. The boys scored their first international hit “West End Girls” in 1984 and never looked back.

Yes is the boys 10th studio release of brand new material, and this one will surely delight all hard core fans as well as gain new listeners.

From the title track and first single “Love ect.” you get the feeling that you may have heard this before, yet it has todays contempory feel. Every track on this CD is brilliantly produced with Tennants lush vocals and Neils usual flare.

Drag Queen Diaries personal stand out track is “King of Rome” which reminds us of “Kings Cross” from the album “Actually” which was released 22 years ago.

One thing is clear with “Yes” you won’t find yourself saying no.

~Gina Clark

Buy CD Now

25 Years of Pet Shop Boys on Itunes

Our favorite American Idol runner-up has officially inked a deal with 19 Recordings and RCA Records!!

Licensed to RCA Records, Lambert’s debut album is highly anticipated for a fall release.  This would coincide with the debut albums of fellow American Idol Ulumni, fourth-place finisher Allison Iraheta and American Idol winner Kris Allen, both signing with 19/Jive.

Currently,  Lambert has 4 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100, with his cover of  “Mad World”  currently sitting at #4.  His other singles on the Hot 100 include, “No Boundaries”, “A Change is Gonna Come”, and “One”.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve come to a creative and collaborative partnership and look forward to developing a really exciting album,” Lambert said in a release. “We are 100 percent on the same page and are all anxiously awaiting the start of the recordings. It’s going to be ridiculous! Get Ready!”

It’s going to be ridiculous, Adam!!  Ridiculously Awesome!!  We are ready!!!  Bring it on!!!

Until Next Time!!

Michael Queenstown

Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MQueenstown

Buy CD Now

BWO – Big Science (2009)

Hell Yes!

Now this is what pop music should be. BWO (Bodies Without Organs) are back with a bang! We haven’t taken this CD out of our player since we got it.

What makes this CD so great is the lush vocals provided by Martin Rolinski, and the usual atmospheric sounds of Alexander Bard.

Starting off with track 1 “Right Here Right Now” we are reminded that “love is right here and right now”. The Vocals on this song absolutely soar.

Stand out tracks include The first single “You’re Not Alone” a very different release for BWO a Ballad

The pulse pounding “Thunderbolt”, The enchanting “Shoot From the Heart”.

If your a fan of euro pop and dance then this will most likely be your favorite CD of the Summer!

Reviewed by: Nitrogen-E

Follow Nitrogen-E on Twitter