Whoops, wrong single.


This one is called Shampain, one of the best tracks off The Family Jewels. Marina is known for making quite interesting videos for her singles, and Shampain features a flying burger wrapper that seems to follow Marina everywhere, her signature über bright lipstick, some Thriller moves, and running mascara. I feel like I'm in a Christopher Pike novel when I watch the video.


Release Date: October 11th

A post along these lines is way overdue. so here's a little glimpse of what's currently getting massive plays in the world of Pop from the Block...

Aphrodite. "I'm fierce and I'm feeling mighty!" Fierce and mighty are the two exact words I'd use in describing the title track (besides amazing, brilliant, eargasmic etc etc) to Miss Minogue's eleventh LP. It's THE power song of the album, and every time I hear it I have the urge to strut on my imaginary catwalk.


Sex and Violence. Taken from the Scissor Sister's 3rd longplayer, it's one of the most interesting tracks in Night Work and it's absolutely GENIUS from the captivating lyrics to the throbbing synths.


King of Anything. Ah, Sara Bareilles. After hearing snippets of some of her songs on the upcoming Kaleidoscope Heart LP, I'm buzzing with excitement (especially since there's a potential Gravity 2.0) and the first single is nothing short of a catchy, fun, fuck you pop number.


Misery. I have to admit, I didn't exactly warm to the song at first listen, but it gets better and better, especially when it's accompanied by a sexy, violent video where Adam's girlfriend toys with switchblades and rockets.


Cupid Boy. I am in LOVE with this track (along with erm, a 'couple' more). The guitar streak at the beginning sets the mood for the song, intense and sensual. Mmm...

Prepare yourselves for one orgasmic, colour-oozing, comic book-esque, pop fest in UK pop tart Marina Diamandis' lastest offering Oh No!. Taken off The Family Jewels, Oh No! (along with Shampain) was the single choice I was hoping for, and I couldn't ask for more from the video. There isn't a dull moment and it just screams classic POP madness! Also, Marina is wearing that 'minty' dress Katy Perry once donned in an interview. Don't ask me how I know that.

MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS. Marina Lambrini Diamandis is off to a good start, placing #2 on the BBC Sound of 2010 poll. losing only to Ellie Goulding. An advocate of wonky pop, Marina delivers Regina Spektor/Mika-esque records with twists and quirks of her own. The Family Jewels, her debut LP, is a solid effort with a handful of standouts such as the theatrically glam Shampain, Marina's Stateside obsession Hollywood, and the upcoming quirky fast-paced single Oh No!, among others (Obsessions, I Am Not A Robot, Seventeen, Rootless, Guilty). She's looking to crack the US with The Family Jewels, and if you're up and raring for something different from the generic songs on American radio, I highly recommend Marina.


SCISSOR SISTERS. Jake and the gang haven't exactly been well-received in their native America in terms of chart success, but Europe, particularly the UK, welcomes their sad disco records with open arms (and why shouldn't they?). It pains me to say that I've just found out about the Scissters and I feel like I've missed a lot in music because of it! Nonetheless, Jake Shears and Babydaddy have co-written and produced one of my favorite Kylie Minogue singles back in 2004, I Believe In You (I just love plugging Kylie, don't I?). The first single off their upcoming third album Night Work is mind-blowingly good. I've already said enough about Fire With Fire ("mini-explosion of disco", "brilliance") so just give it a listen.


KELIS. "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, and they're like, it's better than yours!" Sounds familiar? Kelis is definitely back with a bang this 2010. Garnering positive reviews for her Flesh Tone LP, the Milkshake singer raised the standards for electropop dance albums. Kelis is avant garde without being excessive, and it shows in the Acapella music video which totally blew me away. Who knew gray hair could look so attractive? Anyway, have a listen to her upcoming single 4th of July (Fireworks).


NATALIA KILLS. Actor/director/singer/songwriter/puteverythingelsehere Natalia Cappuccini is a total breath of fresh air. Early 2008 she reached #1 unsigned artist on MySpace with just two demo songs, and eventually got discovered by Will.I.Am and signed to Cherrytree Records where she coined her stage name. Both buzz singles off her upcoming debut album Perfectionist emulate a dark, electro pop sound which is more than welcome at my doorstep. The later one, Activate My Heart has a very dramatic feel, slightly robotic yet lush. Aside from her wonderful music, Natalia also has a video series going at the moment called "Love, Kills xx" with a new episode airing on YouTube every Monday. Natalia describes the series as a glimpse of her dark imagination and a visual counterpart to Perfectionist. Amazing.


JANELLE MONÁE. Yet another great artist I've just found out about. American indie pop soul singer, critically-acclaimed and Grammy-nominated Janelle Monáe blew me away with The Archandroid, showing great artistry and setting herself apart from the rest of the R&B scene. Tightrope, the first single released from the LP, is an old school R&B funk number that I found myself loving more than Janelle's bombastic pompadour (which I ADORE). It's fun, it features OutKast's Big Boi, and the verses are slightly tongue-twisting.

Sky Ferreira, my first featured artist, released her video for 17.



Bittersweet (TBR May 3rd) has been circulating around for a while, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor FINALLY gave us a peek at the greyscale but COLOURED (YES.) single sleeve. Amazing.
(via Pop Justice)







Marina & the Diamonds is releasing I Am Not A Robot. YES, it's a re-release, and yes, THERE WILL BE A BRAND NEW VIDEO.

In the world of American Idol, Big Mike got the least amount of votes, but the judges decided to use their save on him! Too bad Bowersox will make a mistake next week and end up getting booted.

In other Idol news, Rihanna "rocked" the stage with upcoming single Rockstar 101. And I say "rocked" because a) quotation marks symbolize sarcasm; b) she would have been better off with an air guitar than fake playing one; c) the backup singers did better than her; d) the song itself sucks.