Fresh Songs: New Meg & Dia, Mat Kearney, and Jessie James

Quick reviews of some fresh pop-rock songs for this week...

Meg & Dia - Black Wedding: I gotta admit that I am not really a fan of Meg & Dia. Of sister-singing duos, I prefer the electropop-rock of The Veronicas and indie rockers Tegan & Sara. That said, I was rather surprised that I reacted very positively to their newest song and latest single off their just released Here, Here, and Here. The song is upbeat pop rock, the kind that will stick after multiple plays. The girly gravel in the half-Korean Frampton sisters works well with the song's sense of urgency. Gotta love the guitar riffs.

Mat Kearney - Closer To Love: I've been waiting for the follow-up to the earnest Nothing Left To Lose, and thankfully this one's a keeper. I love the interesting drumbeat that is consistent throughout the song, intertwined with the same simple piano notes and Mat's wistful and sweet vocal. Love song of 2009 nominee? His album City Of Black & White drops May 19.

Jessie James - Wanted: I see that this girl may be billed to be country's next big thing. However, her debut song is straight-up pop, with hints of rock and a little country twang. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter who co-penned this with Kara DioGuardi powers through this very catchy anthem. If radio embraces this, like it is meant to, Jessie will truly be the second-coming of Shania Twain. Check out her video with Erik Von Detten who attempts to pursue her like the outlaw who shares her similar namesake.

Fresh Video - Kelly Clarkson's "I Do Not Hook Up"

First off, I dig this song. Kelly Clarkson has taken a great demo by Katy Perry (her version was originally titled "Hook Up" and contained the line "Keep your thing in your pants and your heart on your sleeve"), enhanced it with her vocals and the help of the pop-rock production gleen of Howard Benson and made it her own. And for this potentially huge summer hit, Kelly gets to show off her sense of humor for second single off All I Ever Wanted, "I Do Not Hook Up". The video starts at a bougie brunch or function of some sort. A virtuous-looking Kelly eyes the waiter who is serving champagne and in her fantasy, she removes her conservative-looking sweater, revealing a red cocktail dress, agressively throws him onto the table, gets on top of him, and kisses him. The terrifying looks on the guests' faces were LOL-funny. In the second fantasy, Kelly is having a girls night-out at the bar and eyes a guy across the room who is playing pool. In fantasy mode, she gets into heavier drinking, plops on top of the table and at this point the video becomes a scene right out of Coyote Ugly. Another LOL-moment is when she slips off the table and falls into the bar with everyone in shock. In her graceful recovery, she gets on her feet, holding a beer bottle, and acts like nothing happened as she yells out "Woo!". Priceless. Gotta love a drunk Kelly Clarkson.

If I am allowed to nitpick, the only thing I can gripe about it was the fact that as a developed concept, the two fantasies didn't really relate to each other, and the only cohesive piece was infatuated Kelly. I love music videos with plot, but this one just seemed incomplete and left me wanting more than I what I actually saw. I think the first fantasy should have been further utilized because the "wealthy heiress falling in love with the help" storyline has oodles of entertainment potential, rather than the bar scenes. That, or simply just left the video as a "girls night out". Perhaps director Bryan Barber couldn't decide between the two and decided to keep both, and this is the result we see here?

Kelly Clarkson - New Music - More Music Videos

Top 25 Playlist for Monday, April 27, 2009

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 04.27.09

Much deserved first place goes to a band that doesn't seem to get the credit they deserve. Note to radio: go ahead and love this song like you did with "The Reason", por favor!

01. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 1 week)
02. Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 for 1 week)
03. All Time Low - Weightless
04. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
05. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
06. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
07. The Real You - Unwound
08. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
09. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
10. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
11. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding (DEBUT)
12. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
13. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
14. Matt Giraud - You Found Me
15. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
16. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
17. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
18. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
19. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
20. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me
21. David Cook - Come Back To Me
22. Jessie James - Wanted (DEBUT)
23. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
24. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love (DEBUT)
25. Holiday Parade - Getaway

Retired
Lady GaGa - Poker Face

So close, yet so far
Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Top 25 Playlist for Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Tuesday, 04.21.09

After hovering near the top for many weeks and being denied the top spot, Ne-Yo's piano ballad finally gets his keep...although it was a close one. With the judges using their 'save' on would-be eliminated Idol Matt Giraud, I was almost swayed. Major kudos for writing a song that continues to resonate, Shaffer.

01. Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 for 1 week)
02. Matt Giraud - You Found Me
03. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
04. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
05. The Real You - Unwound
06. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
07. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
08. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
09. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down (DEBUT)
10. All Time Low - Weightless
11. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me
12. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
13. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
14. David Cook - Come Back To Me
15. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
16. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
17. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
18. Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
19. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
20. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
21. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
22. Holiday Parade - Getaway
23. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
24. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
25. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For

Retired
None this week!

So close, yet so far
Artist Vs Poet - Runaway

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Cover Art Love: The Real You

Although, I don't like judging the content of a book or album by its cover art, I admit that it certainly does help in confirming the awesomeness that is contained within. Case-in-point: The Real You's Better Now Than Never EP. The vibrant green and blue aesthetic of a boy conductor who is orchestrating around the beautiful urban world surrounding him complements the music by the Pacific Northwest-based unsigned band. I loved it so much that I used it as my background paper for my desktop.

I first heard of them from my friend (a.k.a. my musical counterpart) Maricel who witnessed the band open for Lifehouse back last spring at Pipeline. I never really gave them a second thought until I came across their album art and started giving them a listen. I am such a fan of piano-based rock, so I knew I'd enjoy their music from the moment I listened to their melodies. So if you enjoy Keane and Jack's Mannequin, give them a listen, including their song "Unwound"! They will be coming out with a full length debut record very soon.

The Real You's MySpace Page

Fresh R&B: Quick takes on new Keri Hilson, Paula DeAnda, Akon, and J.Hud

You know I feature a lot of pop, rock, and pop-punk stuff, but seldom do anything on R&B, but you can guess from my Top 20/25 playlists that I do have an open ear for it. Because I am all for equal-opportunity listening, here are a few "reviews" of the freshest releases in the genre...

Keri Hilson featuring Ne-Yo & Kanye West - Knock You Down: Keri Hilson finally released her debut album, which was two way-long years coming, and delivered with a song that is driven by its triumphant, pulsating beat and smooth vocals. I would categorize this song as a R&B epic -- not only for clocking in at a length of five and a half minutes, but because it also features two guest stars: male vocals by Ne-Yo (including a neat reference to his song "Miss Independent") and raps by Kanye.

Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love: I didn't care much for her debut single "Spotlight" so I gave her new single a listen and the Ryan Tedder-like production and piano over R&B hooks caught my attention. This ballad is a grower, so who knows how well it'll do. Her vocal performance of the song on Idol, however, does makes it clear that this year's resident R&B diva-wannabe Lil Rounds truly pales in comparison.

Akon featuring Colby O'Donis & Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful: I liked the original mix which featured only Akon, but this version is definitely better. Colby's smooth vocals and Kardinal's rap added another dimension to the song. Electro-pop FTW!

Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits: A few years ago, an up-and-coming R&B songstress delivered a few noteworthy songs like "Walk Away" and "Doing Too Much". Now she is back with an upcoming sophomore album this summer and this slow jam that was just released a few weeks ago. Paula's sweet croon and unique usage of cinematic metaphor definitely makes this song a keeper. Hoping radio embraces this one.

Top 25 Playlist for Monday, April 13, 2009

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 04.13.09

I just couldn't get "Smack Into You" outta my head this past week. Take a song with wistful, beautiful lyrics, a voice to match, and the piano and you've got a fan in me.

01. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
02. Matt Giraud/The Fray - You Found Me
03. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
04. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
05. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
06. Ne-Yo - Mad
07. David Cook - Come Back To Me
08. Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
09. All Time Low - Weightless
10. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
11. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
12. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
13. Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire
14. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
15. Holiday Parade - Getaway
16. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved (RE-ENTRY)
17. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me (DEBUT)
18. The Real You - Unwound
19. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
20. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
21. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
22. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up (RE-ENTRY)
23. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
24. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For (DEBUT)
25. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor

Retired
Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (2 weeks at #1)
James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (1 week at #1)

So close, yet so far
Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
Craig David - Insomnia
Lights - Ice

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Please Don't Leave P!nk

P!nk's new video for her third single off Funhouse, "Please Don't Leave Me", features actor Eric Lively as her fallen lover whose subsequent attempts to leave her house -- under which he is basically taken hostage in -- have been futile. And P!nk plays a convincing hybrid of desperate housewife and psychotic nurse from hell. The video is guided under the helm of longtime P!nk director Dave Meyers, who continues the tradition of creating memorable images for the artist.

'Cept this one's bizarre, a bit creepy, distrubing, and veiled under a very dark sense of humor. In other words, very P!nk.

Top 25 Playlist for Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Wednesday, 04.08.09

A band is on top once again...this time with The White Tie Affair's "Candle". I blame it on those Rhapsody/Verizon Wireless commercials.

01. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
02. All Time Low - Weightless
03. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
04. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
05. Matt Giraud - You Found Me (DEBUT)
06. David Cook - Come Back To Me (RE-ENTRY)
07. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
08. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (DEBUT)
09. Ne-Yo - Mad
10. Holiday Parade - Getaway
11. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
12. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
13. Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire (DEBUT)
14. Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl (DEBUT)
15. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (#1 for 1 week)
16. The Real You - Unwound
17. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
18. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
19. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits (DEBUT)
20. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
21. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
22. Craig David - Insomnia
23. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
24. Lights - Ice
25. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 2 weeks)

Retired
Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (2 weeks at #1)
Lily Allen - The Fear (1 week at #1)

So close, yet so far
New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
Shinedown - Second Chance
Jesse McCartney feat. Ludacris - How Do You Sleep?
This Providence - That Girl's A Trick

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist

Loves At First Listen: A couple of Idols and Piano Men

"Smack Into You" - Jon McLaughlin: The song was revealed late last summer by Jon as a sort of preview of what to expect on his sophomore album OK Now, but when it was time for it to hit stores, the song was mysteriously left off the record and months later found on Beyonce's I Am... disc re-titled as "Smash Into You". Despite the odd turn for the song, Jon's earnest croon and piano skills make this a signature tune. And Beyonce's version just doesn't compare to the original. ETA: I just found a fan-made duet of a mash-up of both versions and it actually sounds great. And I take back what I said about Beyonce. Both of their voices go so well together that they should actually get together and release an official duet. It would be a huge hit!

"Don't Let Me Stop You" - Kelly Clarkson: Although "I Do Not Hook Up" is slated to be the second official single release off All I Ever Wanted, this catchy pop rock song is a clear standout with mega hit potential. The first introductory chords are very reminscent of "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and the song veers into classic KC Breakaway-era style as she scornfully kisses off a lover who cannot commit. I had this one on repeat.

"Boy Meets Girl - Evan Taubenfeld: I love songs that references big 80s arena rock bands and songs in a modern-day pop song. It is a surefire way to get a hit, and this former Avril Lavigne guitarist-turned-singer-songwriter may very well get his with this anthemic ode to love from a rockers' P.O.V. Minus points for pronouncing Tupac's name as "two-pack", though.

"You Found Me" - Matt Giraud: Okay, so I have not completely abandoned this show. IMHO, Matt and Allison Iraheta (and maybe Adam Lambert) are the only two contestants left who have the greatest potential to have successful post-Idol recording careers. Take Matt's effortless studio cover of The Fray's current hit which previews how fantastic his raspy/soulful vocals sound on a record.

**This is a re-post. I have no idea how or why the original entry was deleted, but it was, and now it's back. Thanks!**

Fresh Video - David Cook's "Come Back To Me"

At long last, David Cook is releasing his second single off his eponymous debut album (which, BTW, recently garnered RIAA Platinum status), "Come Back To Me", to mainstream radio while concurrently releasing "Bar-Ba-Sol" to rock radio later this spring. In anticipation for the former's release, David just premiered the accompanying music video on AT&T's music site, performed tonight on the results show of American Idol (Megan Joy got the boot. Praise Jesus).

The video, directed by Gavin Bowden, starts with David washing his hands and looking into the bathroom mirror of a music venue. He plays with his band, leaves, passes an alley, through the woods at one point, takes a taxi cab and ends up at the airport (baggage claim carousels, escalators, and all) -- all the while walking backwards in an ode to Coldplay's "The Scientist" video in which it borrows its reverse narrative style. It all makes sense at the end, and explains the somber attitude David portrays in the video, when he kisses his girlfriend (played by model Sarah Roemer) and bids a farewell to his lover before she takes her flight.

Anyway, very nice looking video. I was actually impressed by the video's cinematography. And kudos to David for singing the entire song backwards! It is quite a feat.