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A high brow look at pop music foolery.

Category: Leak Report

12 February 2012

Leak Report: Sneaky Sound System ‘Really Wanna See You Again’ Remixes

I haven’t stopped prancing to ‘Really Wanna See You Again’, y’guys. Every single time the album version comes on, I literally leap to my feet and attempt something like this for the chorus.

Sneaky Sound System really deserve to be shutting down discotheques from here to everywhere with a smash like this. For them to be coming out with something as stunning as ‘Really Wanna See You Again’ for their third single is truly a testament to the kind of wonder they have stashed in that amazing album of theirs.

Aussie purveyor of stylish dance pop have enjoyed ARIA Top 40 success on the club chart with their last two singles ‘We Love’ and ‘Big’ so naturally, we can expect for ‘Really Wanna See You Again’ to follow suit.

Here we have three new remixes courtesy of Azari & III, Funkagenda and KiNK.

My only wish now is for Matt Pop to do one of his famous 80s Tribute remixes for ‘Really Wanna See You Again’. For those unaware of Matt Pop‘s amazing work – please do your homework and inspect his take on RuPaul‘s ‘Main Event’.

‘Really Wanna See You Again (Azari & III Remix)’

Azari & III - the Sneaky‘s label mates on Modular and remixer for the likes of Cut Copy and Robyn – are working their blend of moody electronica and analogue rhythms like a boss. There are elements here that dutifully recall the snap of 80s dance records.


 
‘Really Wanna See You Again (Funkagenda Remix)’

Funkagenda – who has remixed for artists like Nero and Feist – crafts a generously instrumental affair with a sly bass line and claps. There’s potential for this cut to be dirtier and grittier, I reckon.


 
‘Really Wanna See You Again (KiNK Remix)’

Bulgarian DJ KiNK keeps it jumpin’ with an all synths and shakers affair. It’s easily the most energetic cut of the pack but not necessarily the most stylish or interesting to listen to.


 
Footnotes:

According to this week’s update, ‘Really Wanna See You Again’ has risen to #23 on the ARIA club chart in its second week. Stomp it out, bitches.

Sneaky Sound System shot the video for ‘Really Wanna See You Again’ in London last week. Here’s a behind-the-scenes snap from the shoot.

The pair had rushed back to play a gig in Geelong yesterday but unfortunately had to cancel their St Kilda Festival show tonight due to Connie’s illness.

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9 February 2012

Leak Report: Brandy and Monica ‘It All Belongs To Me’

Don’t nobody call this the sequel to the career-defining ‘Boy Is Mine’ because we’re not dealing with girls fighting over some scrub no more. This is some grown ass women business right here.

Brandy and Monica have finally reunited for their first duet in 14 years and naturally what we’re all looking for is another massive, radio-ready smash to recapture some commercial grounds.

Unfortunately, this sassy semi-dated soul ballad screams more “track nine” than headlining single. ‘It All Belongs To Me’ is not here to deliver the same soap opera stuff that made ’Boy Is Mine’ so addictive and fun to lip synch to with your gay best friend.

This feels more like a recitation from the same chapter and verse of Beyoncé‘s ‘Irreplaceable’ with both Brandy and Monica dismissing their men and insisting that he leaves behind all the luxuries he’s been provided with.

“I know you’re mad, can’t take no more. But put that back, that ain’t yours. Have a fit, slam the door. But leave the bags on the floor, that sh*t belongs to me!”

Producer Rico Love – who has hemmed some proper hits for the likes of Kelly Rowland and Usher – really didn’t bother with an adequate and modern backdrop for this eagerly awaited comeback duet. 

You shouldn’t have to play this after ‘Boy Is Mine’ and find that Darkchild‘s production some 14 years ago still sounds more cutting edge than ‘It All Belongs To Me’. 

Having said that, there’s undeniable delight in my loins to hear these two fabulous 90s R&B divas sharing a warble once again. It’s clear to the ears that these two women have simply gotten better with age as vocalists and emotive artists whose selling points are music from the heart. [Editor's note: gagging at that cheesy description, Limoncé.]

Listen to Brandy and Monica‘s ‘It Belongs To Me’:


 
Footnotes:

‘It Belongs To Me’ will be released digitally on 13 February in the States and will impact rhythmic and urban contemporary stations on 21 February.

The song will appear on Monica‘s forthcoming album New Life, which arrives in April, and Brandy‘s as-yet-untitled comeback album, which has been pushed back to later this year.

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3 February 2012

Leak Report: Rebecca Ferguson ‘On and On’

Rebecca Ferguson‘s dulcet tones are a gift that keeps giving. In an era where so many pop artists have abandoned the concept of singles b-sides, I’m thoroughly thrilled to see mama deliver on a few fronts with ‘On and On’.

This brand new country-inflected track will be launched as a b-side on Becca‘s forthcoming single ‘Too Good To Lose’.

There’s a distinctly American, slightly Louisiana taste to ‘On and On’ and given that, at the time of my writing, it is currently 5:40am in Melbourne – I wanna say that it’s perfect for sitting on the porch and watching the sun rise over the corn fields.

I can totally see why this was tucked in as a b-side, though. It doesn’t quite fit the flow of her Heaven-ly album tracks but it does present country as a very viable option for Godbecca, should she ever want to sashay in that direction.

There is literally so many opportunities for this woman to crack the American music market and country didn’t even cross my mind.

Listen to ‘On and On’:


 
Footnotes:

Rebecca Ferguson will release ‘Too Good To Lose’ the single on 4 March in the UK. While there’s no Aussie drop date set yet for ‘TGTL’, fans can now grab her first single ‘Nothing’s Real But Love’ on our iTunes.

Godbecca‘s stunning album Heaven arrives in Australia on 10 February. Valentine’s Day pressie for real, for real.

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17 January 2012

Leak Report: Kimbra ‘Two Way Street’ Remixes

Indie pop’s it girl Kimbra may be on the road to State-side fame but she’s giving away some free ‘Two Way Street’ action for her home crowd first. [Editor's note: terrible pun, please don't quit your day job.]

‘Two Way Street’ – produced by Francois Tetaz, the man behind Gotye’s records – has been announced as the fourth single from Kimbra‘s flawless album Vows. In true Kimbra style, this single is once again on a whole different wave length from its predecessors, showcasing a different side to the budding artiste’s music.

‘Two Way Street’ is definitely one of the more subtle highlights on the album. Fans of her diverse-sounding singles ‘Settle Down’, ‘Cameo Lover’ and ‘Good Intent’ would appreciate the more graceful and cinematic air this song brings to the mix.

While her smash with Gotye - ’Somebody That I Used To Know’ – start making waves in the US and UK charts, those looking ahead can enjoy a sensible follow up in ‘Two Way Street’, complete with two free killer remixes.

Listen to ‘Two Way Streeet (PatrickReza Dubstep Remix):


 
Listen to ‘Two Way Street (Beni Remix):


 
Read my interview with Kimbra where she talks about working with Gotye on that surprise hit and producer Francois Tetaz, who helped her achieve the lush, cinematic sound on tracks like ‘Two Way Street’.

Footnotes:

Grab your free download of ‘Two Way Street’ – PatrickReza Dubstep Remix and Beni Remix.

Hat tip to my friend Matt at SameSame for the heads up.

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12 January 2012

Leak Report: Rebecca Ferguson ‘Too Good To Lose’ Remixes

Britain’s beloved debutantess of soul – Rebecca Ferguson – may not be on any DJ’s priority list right now but that could well change with her second single ‘Too Good To Lose’.

I’m optimistic that this new chapter in Rebecca‘s career’s going to be a revelation for a few of us. First up, ‘Too Good To Lose’ – being the album closer – didn’t even cross my mind as a single potential but I quickly warmed to it after a few spins, appreciating the vaguely 90s chic soul/pop productions.

Now comes two mind-blowing remixes that are serving the best of both house and urban/dubstep persuasions. How can you deal?

Seamus Haji – popular remixer who has spun ballads by Utada Hikaru and Mariah Carey into huge club tracks – brought the glitter and strobes out of ‘Too Good To Lose’. This actually works as a stomping, commercial floor filler fit for your resident gay clubs.

The Dukebox Remix oddly pitches Rebecca in a darker, more aggressive dubstep direction – complete with a few rap verses. Not a completely daft idea if you consider how ubiquitous dubstep music is now.

Listen to Rebecca Ferguson‘s ‘Too Good To Lose’ remixes:

 

Footnotes:

Rebecca will launch ‘Too Good To Lose’ in the UK on 27 February.

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24 December 2011

Leak Report: Beyoncé ‘End of Time’ Remixes

Excuse me, when did this happen and why didn’t anyone notify me right away? You’re all now on probation, I hope you know that.

One of the most important songs on Queen Bey‘s tremendous 4 opus has now spawned a remix EP – courtesy of the usual British commercial dance producers Wideboys, WAWA and also some relatively nouveau mainstream names like RedTop and Labor of Love. The results are positively joyous and all club correct in every way.

Priority listening reads:

1) RedTop Club Edit - this is what ‘End of Time’ would sound like if Prince had worked on it in the 80s.

2) WAWA Remix Radio Edit – this one’s totally jumping with a staccatoed trumpet line that pits it in the direction of ‘Mr Saxobeat’ and ‘We Speak No Americano’.

3) Labor of Love Manny Lehman Remix – a thoroughly acceptable extended tribal rompfest.

4) Wideboys Remix Radio Edit – it’s all very hectic and unabashedly electronica here. Welcome to rave o’clock.

Now take a listen and have yourselves a totally sick’ning Christmas eve.

Footnotes:

Bey is expected to drop the video for ‘End of Time’ sometime soon. Pretty sure this was all shot back in August, pre-baby bump like most of her promo material for 4.

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19 November 2011

Guy Sebastian returns with ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’

Right, y’guys. I’ve had a few beers and have kept this on playback for a good two or three times – can we all now discuss the new Guy single?

“Is it really that bad? Really that bad? I don’t think it’s really that bad. Come on, get with it.”

The consistently verbose X Factor judge kinda caught me off guard with this one because I wasn’t expecting for him to unveil any new material this year. Not that he’d have any excuse not to, seeing as he’s had all year to work on an album and he’d be crazy to pass up on another lucrative X Factor cross-promo.

‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ is very much a signature present-day Guy Sebastian radio single. It’s feel good, sun-soaked and universally appealing in a way that you’d expect for an artist of his brand and following to be.

Sonically, it’s very pleasing to hear him stick to a more Bruno Mars-style pop. The warmer musical textures complements Guy‘s voice like you won’t believe, as previously demonstrated in ‘Elevator Love’, ‘Like It Like That’ and ‘All To Myself’.

At this stage, I feel like I’m the only one who’s enjoying ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’. Judging by last night’s Twitter response, it seems like most of y’all are a little put off by the cheesy lyrics. Look, here’s the deal. I actually quite like a good pop song with a message. There aren’t too many singles floating around the Top 40 right now that’s flaunting storytelling of this calibre.

Listen to ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’, which Guy said was inspired after he copped a road rage earbashing:


 
Any pop song game enough to name-check KFC and rhyme it with GFC (global financial crisis), gets my snap of approval. ’Don’t Worry Be Happy’ is very much a guilty pleasure listening but I reckon that’s exactly how it was intended to be.

‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ is not here to snatch wigs, alter pop music trends, or fanfare a bold new direction for Guy. The concept really is as simple as the message behind the song – just a basic reminder to celebrate the simple things in life.

Call me soft but this is actually what I need after a long ass work week. This is the T.G.I.F. anthem for grown ups.

Footnotes:

Guy Sebastian‘s ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ is now out on iTunes.

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