Jenifer Bartoli from France – excellent “Tourner Ma Page” single + video

Jenifer

Jenifer from France (Full name: Jenifer Yael Dadouche-Bartoli). Her music consists of fat synth and cranked up bass, with lots of vocal harmonies and at times her voice reminds me of Gwen Stefani …

Jenifer

Jenifer from France (Full name: Jenifer Yael Dadouche-Bartoli).

Her music consists of fat synth and cranked up bass, with lots of vocal harmonies and at times her voice reminds me of Gwen Stefani.

Very modern – and all in French, nonetheless. If you don’t know who she is and you like pop – check her out!! Especially her single, “Tourner Ma Page” off of her album ‘Lunatique’.

I would think that her music is filling out the Dance clubs in France, and it should be here in the UK too. Even without understanding the lyrics.

This is the second French artist that I’ve come across within the last few days that I can’t help but rave about. Sinik (featuring James Blunt) was my last discovery. What’s going on over there? Cool stuff.

Check out Jenifer – “Tourner Ma Page” video

Jenifer – ‘Lunatique’ on amazon.co.uk

Jenifer Bartoli on Wikipedia

Jenifer Official Website (French)

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Justin Timberlake FutureSex/LoveShow review

Justin Timberlake

For some, it’s not cool to like Justin Timberlake. For others, he’s the one. The Prince of Pop. The ‘it’ guy. The more singles that Justin Timberlake releases, the more he’s growing on me. His voice, the harmonies, the feel of the mix and the production on his songs are quality …

Justin Timberlake

For some, it’s not cool to like Justin Timberlake. For others, he’s the one. The Prince of Pop. The ‘it’ guy.

The more singles that Justin Timberlake releases, the more he’s growing on me. His voice, the harmonies, the feel of the mix and the production on his songs are quality. When I first heard “Cry Me A River” I thought, “What is this?” It’s got to be one of the best pop songs that I’ve heard so far in the 21st century.

Also, people want to work with him. His collaborations with other singers, producers and musicians confirms to me that there is ‘something there’ when it comes to not only his music, but his character as well. Established names in the music industry like 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, Beyonce, Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, Rick Rubin, Reba McEntire, Duran Duran and Snoop Dog are just a few of the names that he’s already worked with.

On November 25th, 2007 Channel 4 in England aired FutureSex/LoveShow, Justin Timberlake’s August 2007 concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. I just happened to turn on the TV just a few minutes into the 2-hour show. I didn’t plan on watching the whole thing, but that’s what I ended up doing.

I can’t recall ever seeing live footage of a Justin Timberlake concert like the FutureSex/LoveShow before. I was impressed. The concert came across as a great party atmosphere that included a spectacular light show with songs from the ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’ album and more. The dancers were fun to watch – dressed in casual clothes most of the time – with the exception of the strippers/dancers for one of the songs!

At times Justin would dance on his own, which takes some nerve and a lot of confidence. The backup singers sounded and looked good. Timbaland made a guest appearance and for some songs, Justin played the piano/keyboard. His voice sounded great when he was dancing and he seems to be at the top of his game.

The word Future in both the title of his show and his album seems appropriate. With all that he’s done so far, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Justin Timberlake. It seems for him, the sky is the limit.

The FutureSex/LoveShow that aired on TV didn’t include all that is available on the DVD that has just been released. It mainly showed the live performances with just some backstage footage.

Here’s a track listing that I found for the Australian DVD release…not sure if this is the same track listing for the US and UK release:

(Unconfirmed Track Listing)

Disk 1
1. DVD1: Opening Conversation
2. FutureSex/LoveSounds
3. Like I Love You
4. My Love
5. Senorita
6. Sexy Ladies
7. Until The End Of Time
8. What Goes Around…/…COMES Around
9. Chop Me Up
10. Intermission – Jt & Timbaland
11. Rock Your Body
12. Gone
13. Take It From Here
14. Last Night
15. Damn Girl
16. Summer Love
17. Losing My Way
18. Cry Me A River
19. Lovestoned / I Think She Knows
20. Sexyback
21. (Another Song) All Over Again
22. Goodnights & Credits

Disk 2
1. DVD2: 1 On 1 With Jt
2. The Making Of FutureSex/LoveShow
3. Open Mic
4. Under The Stage
5. Lovestoned/I Think She Knows (Justice Remix)

Futuresex/Loveshow – Live from Madison Square Garden DVD on amazon.com

FutureSex/LoveShow DVD on amazon.co.uk

For more information go to:

Justin Timberlake Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Sergey Lazarev exclusive interview

Sergey Lazarev

Sergey Lazarev is without a doubt one of the most successful singers in Russia today. Before going solo, Sergey, a multi-talented singer, dancer and actor, started out in a band called Neposedi which also included Julia and Lena who later formed Tatu…Read the exclusive interview!

Sergey Lazarev

Sergey Lazarev is without a doubt one of the most successful singers in Russia today. Before going solo, Sergey, a multi-talented singer, dancer and actor, started out in a band called Neposedi which also included Julia and Lena who later formed Tatu.

He then went on to form pop duo, Smash!! with childhood friend Vlad Topalov. They were signed by Universal Music Russia, had five Number 1 hits, airplay on MTV Russia, numerous awards and millions of copies were sold in Russia, CIS and South East Asia.

Sergey’s debut solo album ‘Don’t Be Fake’, released in Russia, instantly sold more than 300,000 copies which led to the prestigious Russian National Music TV Channel’s MUZ TV Award as “Best New Act” in 2006.

After having recent success in the UK club charts, Sergey is now set to release his latest single, “Everytime” on December 3rd, 2007 in the UK.

Sergey was gracious enough to take some time out for this exclusive interview with me for BandWeblogs.com.

Jenny May: Can you tell us about your latest single, “Everytime”? How it came to be your next UK release?

Sergey: “Everytime” is the second single from my new album. The first single “Shattered Dreams” is very dynamic, so I wanted the next one to be kind of sad, and especially the fall is the time of the year that has something melancholic about it in the air. But the remixes of “Everytime” will make everyone jump up.

Do you write your songs? If so, what is your song writing process like? Or if not – how do you select your songs?

I have lots of ideas about music, the ways it should sound, its concepts and creativity, but as for writing music it’s kind of difficult for me so far…that’s why the songs for me are written by professionals. But I always take an active part in the process.

Who are your musical influences?

There are many artists whose work I respect and I listen to their songs a lot. I have over 100 cds of different artists and music styles in my car. What I really like are the artists who make an incredible and bright show out of their performance on stage. I respect and admire artists who have a lot to say by their work, real leaders, artists who are not afraid of experiments and radical changes…

What are your views on western music?

I think that Russian music and show business in general have a lot to learn and to look up at…I think there’s such a massive stream of new music coming and it’s very hard for young artists to make their ways without the support of a serious big label. And the audience is becoming very picky – it’s very hard to surprise it with something.

Have you toured the UK and/or the US? Do you have any plans for a large scale tour?

I have this idea in my future plans. But there’s so much to be done before I go on a big tour. So far I have a lot of concerts around Russia and other neighboring countries. I have a perfect team of dancers and musicians from Britain with me. And of course my dream is to perform with my new show in Britain.

Do you keep in touch with your old Neposedi band mates, Julia and Lena (who went on to form Tatu)?

Of course we do. We are good old friends. Julia and I are very close…always supporting and helping each other. She is like a sister to me.

What is your favorite style of music?

As for me, the right style of music is the one which is best to your mood and situation at a specific moment…

Do you have plans to act in more projects in the future? If so, what?

I have taken part in many projects in my life – different TV projects as well as contests. The last two of them were Dancing on Ice, where I took the 2nd prize and Circus with the Stars, where I was the winner. I used to spend lots of time training and as you can see the results speak for themselves. But at the moment I am 100% in music.

Do you prefer to act or sing?

I just love being on stage…I feel totally comfortable there. I remember myself singing since childhood and I can’t imagine my life without music at all. Music under my skin…by the way, the song with the same title is in my new album.

How and/or why did you start singing and performing?

Since childhood I was a very energetic kid: was doing something, jumping, running around all the time – and never had a minute of rest. When I turned 6 years old my parents took me to a sports school, but because of the injury I got, I had to leave professional sport at the age of 8. But except for being a very sportive child I was good at singing, that’s why after I had to quit gymnastics, I started taking vocal classes…and since then I have been singing…

Since you started in the music business at a young age, what are your feelings about child stars and do you think you’ve coped well in the business?

It is obvious that it is very hard to be in the centre of everybody’s attention since a very young age. At a certain point you are getting used to being very successful and it’s hard to surprise you with anything, and you start to want more and more, which you don’t get all the time, as success is a very unsteady thing, so sooner or later you start lacking it. Then the panic starts, sometimes you get depressed, you don’t know what to do and which way to go. I have been through that. At a moment like that, it is very important that your close friends and your family are with you – they can always help you to go through hard times.

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?

I really enjoy recording songs at the studio. But there’s nothing compared to a live concert. I love touring. And now when I have an incredible team of dancers and musicians that I work together with – it is even more exciting!!!

For music, news, tour dates and more, go to Sergey Lazarev Official Website and Sergey on Myspace.

Celine Dion Taking Chances album + DVD review

Celine Dion - Taking Chances

Sometimes it can be difficult having an open ear for all genres of music. Especially when it comes to explaining to my hardcore rock, metal or indie friends that I do indeed like Celine Dion … Read the ‘Taking Chances’ album review!

Celine Dion - Taking Chances

Sometimes it can be difficult having an open ear for all genres of music. Especially when it comes to explaining to my hardcore rock, metal or indie friends that I do indeed like Celine Dion. It’s even more difficult for me to keep my feelings to myself about how great an entertainer and singer she is. Luckily there are some people in my life who do appreciate her as well, and considering she’s sold over 180 million albums, I suppose there are some others out there who understand her talent as much as I do if not more.

I was really hoping that one day I would be able see her show in Vegas during her five year stint at Caesars Palace. She’s at her best when performing live and is such a character. Unfortunately I won’t be able to see her in Las Vegas since her last show will be this December, and then she’s off on a world tour which starts February 14th, 2008 in South Africa, to the delight of her fans around the world I’m sure.

‘Taking Chances’ is Celine Dion’s latest album, set for release November 12th, 2007 in the UK. I’ve got my hands on it and have been enjoying it. Let’s just get this out of the way: ‘Taking Chances’ is full of pop with elements of modern country, soul and power ballads and if that’s what you’re after, then this full 16 track Deluxe Edition CD + exclusive sneak peak DVD (with Vegas footage!) is for you.

Recently I reviewed opening track “Taking Chances”, written by Kara DioGuardi and Dave Stewart and I still feel that it could be the best pop ballad I’ve heard all year.

When “Alone” came on it took me by surprise and I was singing so loud along with the track I had to play it again to hear Celine’s singing – which of course her “punchier” version of Heart’s pop ballad hit from ’87, produced by Ben Moody, sounds great. I especially like the intro – it’s gorgeous the way the bass comes in and then the cello and Celine’s voice.

“Surprise Surprise” also written by Kara DioGuardi, is a stand out track with a contemporary/country/pop feel. I wouldn’t be surprised (no pun intended) if it gets released sometime around Christmas and reached #1, but I’m just not sure if the lyrics would suit for Christmas, though. I am sure that when Celine performs “Surprise Surprise” live during her tour, it will be one of the big crowd pleasers of the night.

There’s a Barbara Streisand “No More Tears” feel to Celine’s vocal performance on the emotionally driven and atmospheric “This Time”, with the determined lyrics about being “another victim of poison love”.

It’s good to hear two Linda Perry (4 Non Blondes) songs included on the ‘Taking Chances’ album. The piano-lead “My Love” and the superb gospel number “New Dawn”. Linda Perry not only wrote the songs, but she also plays electric and acoustic guitars, organ, mellotron and piano on “My Love” and she plays piano, acoustic, sings background vocals on “New Dawn” and engineered and produced on both tracks.

“A World To Believe In” could have been a Faith Hill song, but it’s good to hear Celine Dion singing on such a beautiful and modern-country tinged song. There’s quite a change of pace when the upbeat and big production of “Can’t Fight The Feeling” starts up and I can’t believe that Shaffer Smith aka Ne-Yo co-wrote, co-produced and sings background vocals on the ballad “I Got Nothing Left”, another great vocal performance by Celine. It’s easy to forget that it’s Celine Dion singing to the waltz beat of “Right Next To The Right One”. It sounds quite different from what I’m used to hearing her sing – and I like it.

I’m not so sure about “Just Fade Away”. It has a Kelly Clarkson/Eurovision feel to it, which isn’t the best combination in the world. Then again, Celine Dion did win the Eurovision Song Contest when she represented Switzerland in 1988. There’s obviously a market for “Just Fade Away”, but not for me.

Blues number “That’s Just The Woman In Me” makes up for it, though. It has a Sam Cooke “Bring It On Home To Me”/Aretha Franklin feel with Celine Dion’s soulful vocals – and a Janis Joplin like scream at the end.

Let’s not forget about the additional exclusive sneak peak DVD! It includes the trailer for Celine Dion’s “A New Day Live In Las Vegas” with interview clips. There are also four exclusive songs, including one of my favorite Celine cover songs, “I Drove All Night” originally recorded by Roy Orbison and then Cyndi Lauper.

I highly recommend this Deluxe Edition CD/DVD for Celine Dion fans everywhere!

Celine Dion ‘Taking Chances’ album track listing:

1. Taking Chances
2. Alone
3. Eyes On Me
4. My Love
5. Shadow Of Love
6. Surprise Surprise
7. This Time
8. New Dawn
9. A Song For You
10. A World To Believe In
11. Can’t Fight The Feeling
12. I Got Nothing Left
13. Right Next To The Right One
14. Just Fade Away
15. That’s Just The Woman In Me
16. Skies Of L.A.

DVD track listing:

1. Trailer for the DVD “Live In Las Vegas – A New Day”
2. The Power of Love
3. I Drove All Night
4. I Surrender
5. I Wish

Celine Dion – Taking Chances album on amazon.com

Celine Dion Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Celine Dion “Taking Chances” review + watch video

Celine Dion

Celine Dion is finally back in the spotlight for the world to see and hear. As her five year stint at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas comes to a close, she’s set to release her latest album, ‘Taking Chances’, and her new single by the same name, along with a world tour scheduled to begin on February 14th, 2008. Read the review + watch video!

Celine Dion

Celine Dion is finally back in the spotlight for the world to see and hear. As her five year stint at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas comes to a close, she’s set to release her latest album, ‘Taking Chances’ and her new single by the same name, along with a world tour scheduled to begin on February 14th, 2008.

(Read the Celine Dion ‘Taking Chances’ album + DVD review.)

“Taking Chances” was written by BMI’s 2007 Pop Songwriter of The Year Kara Dioguardi, one of the most sought after songwriters in pop music today and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). They’ve come up with what could be for me, the best pop ballad of the year – with Celine Dion on vocals.

There are quite a few mixed feelings about Celine Dion, maybe for some, her music is a bit too glossy. I think she has a beautiful voice and is a class act entertainer. I remember the first time I saw her perform live on TV. At the time I think I was just making my mind up about her. After her performance I thought she was the most unique, quirky, fun and talented singer that I had seen in a long time. There is simply no one like her. Celine Dion is her own woman.

The new single “Taking Chances” sends a message and Celine Dion is able to convey that message perfectly. There’s so much passion within her vocal performance, it would be difficult not to hear the lyrics and understand what the song is about – taking a chance, living life on the edge with someone that you don’t know very well, not worrying about the consequences of your actions.

With the gradual build up of the song, it’s wonderful to hear Celine’s delicate intro and then later the crescendo, with the anxious and passionate question, “What do you say to taking chances? What do you say to jumping off the edge, never knowing if there’s solid ground below, or hand to hold, or hell to pay. What do you say, What do you say?”

Watch Celine Dion “Taking Chances” video:

Celine Dion – Taking Chances on amazon.com

“Taking Chances” video link

Celine Dion Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Related: Celine Dion debuts new single “Taking Chances” + world tour

United State Of Electronica interview

United State Of Electronica

Seattle based “party rock super group” United State Of Electronica (or U.S.E.) has been creating quite a buzz around their live shows – and on the dance floor. Read their interview with Band Weblogs […]

United State Of Electronica

Seattle based “party rock super group” United State Of Electronica (or U.S.E.) has been creating quite a buzz around their live shows – and on the dance floor. They’ve toured the US and internationally including shows at clubs and festivals in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. Now U.S.E. is releasing their latest single, “Open Your Eyes” on Concept Music in the UK. With electronica pulses and disco beats, their infamous vocoder and party attitude, U.S.E. is sure to continue to win over the hearts of pop music fans from around the world.

United State Of Electronica (U.S.E.) interview with BandWeblogs.com
Compiled by Dave Tommo

Dave Tommo: How many people are in your band and who does what?

U.S.E.: There are anywhere from 7 (core musicians) to about 100 people on stage. The other 89 are dancing robots w/ healthy, human hearts. Jon e. “Blades” Rock – drums, Lightweight Luva, rice pilaf Derek “Shadowz” Chan – bass, death stare, vice grip Carly “Skullz” Nicklaus – Diva vocals, Mexi-fresh-seeker-outer Amanda “Eaglez” Khanjian – Diva vocals, tempo adjusta, Make-it-in-the-Big-Apple-well-wisher Peter “Danger Zone” Sali – Guitar, bloody murder screams Jason “Snake” Holstrom – Guitar, fist pumper, gun slinga Noah “Legendz” Weaver – Keys, robots, world hugger.

Are you looking for world domination or are you after something bigger?

If by world domination you mean for everyone to like us and to follow our commands, that would be a bit too much responsibility, because the old adage “absolute power corrupts absolutely” kind of scares us; we would just end up ordering people to get us things like macadamia nut ice cream and back massages w/ cloud blossom and cherub b.o. scented lotion. But from an empyreal point of view, we could just get the world together for one big party and leave our negative beliefs outside of the party grounds and perhaps something that changes the course of history for the better might take place. That may be more appropriate than world dominatrix.

Why would it be good if it was the 70’s again?

People would dance in many different ways, there would only be really huge carphones for the super rich, no Bush regime, cheaper cereal, no SUV’s except cool looking range rovers, vista lite drumsets were easier to find, and Led Zeppelin didn’t wear pleated slacks and flowery silk shirts (until 1979).

Is ABBA the best pop band ever? If not who?

ABBA is one of the best of course, but they have plenty of good company. Jamiroquai, Daft Punk, Barry White, George McRea, Autograph, Snake Lion, Al B. Sure, Steely Dan, Jungle Toa Toa and his Rubber band, Weezer, Refreshments, Garrison Starr, Dolour, Oasis, Hurricane Chris, this list is getting too long.

Where would your ideal gig be?

On top of the World on a large oak platform surrounded by marshmallows and lollipops.

Where would you be without your vocoder?

Somewhere in Lichtenstein opening a restaurant called “Delish Lichtenstish”.

What is the best thing about Seattle?

The landscape. Being able to see snow capped mountains, oceans and forests from one vantage point – then deciding to go record music at these landmarks which are all only an hour away in most any direction.

What was it like playing in Japan?

It was as amazing as you can imagine it to be. The people, food, and architecture are truly awe-inspiring.

Did you go to any good parties there?

Yes, but what goes on in Japan stays in Japan. Though it can be said that what their drug culture lacks, they more than make up for in raw food and rice wine.

How do you record in the studio?

As mentioned earlier, we find a cabin on a mountain lake, a barn, in the woods, or in our guitar players basement studio, or even a pro set up, and knock out the riffs after pressing the red record button.

What would you say is the most important tool in your box?

The hi hat. And the floor thomas.

Where do you like to unwind?

Usually in fields, lakes, and/or helicopters or stress factories.

What movies (if any) inspire U.S.E.?

Weekend at Bernie’s part II and Cool Runnings.

What’s on your rider?

Red Bull, water and towels. If you want to know the miscellaneous you can throw us a party.

Will you be at Glastonbury in 2008?

We would love to be at this historic, magnanimous event. Will you be at our barn raising in 2009?

We would love to.

For more information:

United State Of Electronica Official Website
U.S.E. on Myspace

Kylie & Nick Cave – Where The Wild Roses Grow video + X

Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave

For some reason I’ve had the song, “Where The Wild Roses Grow” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Kylie Minogue going around my head today. It’s such a beautiful and haunting song […]

Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave

For some reason I’ve had the song, “Where The Wild Roses Grow” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Kylie Minogue going around my head today. It’s such a beautiful and haunting song.

I hadn’t heard “Where The Wild Roses Grow” until I moved to England and a friend turned me on to the song via the video a couple years ago. I never knew Kylie could sound so good. I’m not a huge Kylie fan, but since I heard this song, I’ve continued to keep an open mind and hope that one day she’ll record something with a similar feel. Of course, Nick Cave sounds good and their voices work well together on the track, which he wrote and was originally released in 1995.

Watch Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds + Kylie Minogue – “Where The Wild Roses Grow” video:

Kylie is set to release her tenth studio album, ‘X’ on November 26, 2007. “Sensitized”, one of the tracks expected to be on the album and apparently written by Guy Chambers, Cathy Dennis and Serge Gainsbourg, sounds pretty good – though I’m hoping that before it’s released “they’ll” remove the woo sounds in the background and “clean up” the muddy bass – but most likely doubtful at this point.

Either way, something tells me that ‘X’ is going to be a BIG album for Kylie.

“Where The Wild Roses Grow” YouTube video link

Kylie Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs