HOT AND FRESH OUT THE KITCHEN

LILY ALLEN - "SHEEZUS"

The teenage Lily Allen was considered just cheeky when she released her debut, "Alright, Still" back in 2006 but now with her third album, "Sheezus",  Allen has become a full-grown bad-ass. This witty Brit has always had a strong opinion on a variety of issues and never been afraid to give it voice. The title track (which is a nod to the title of Kanye West's last album) not only takes aim at the current pop princesses but the state of popular music in general while "Hard Out Here" focuses on the pressures of being a female in the male-dominated entertainment industry. Allen has once again teamed-up with Greg Kurstin, one of the main producer/co-writer of her previous works and together bring to life her quirky version of pop music.

"Air Balloon" - Lily Allen (2014)

The video for "Hard Out Here"  has some controversy surrounding  it due to the use of scantily-clad black dancers. There were accusations of exploitation and racism but Allen remained defiant and unapologetic as this clip was intended as a statement on the images of women in entertainment:




LYKKE LI - "I NEVER LEARN"

The busy Greg Kurstin also lent a helping hand to the latest from Lykke Li.  "I Never Learn" is the third album from the Swedish artist and Li has stated that this is the final chapter of a musical trilogy.  The writing of this record was inspired by the demise of a relationship with the spare songs feeling like raw, deeply emotional confessionals. With each album, Li has grown more confident in her quiet yet dramatic voice to surround it with minimal accompaniment.

"Gunshot" - Lykke Li (2014)

CHROMEO - 'WHITE WOMEN"

Dave 1 (David Macklovitch) and P-Thugg (Patrick Gemayel) make up the Canadian electrofunk duo, Chromeo and they are back with their fourth release, "White Women". The title was inspired by photographer, Helmut Newton and they describe this album's sound as "Larry David funk" because all the songs have a kind of neurotic funky groove to them. Beyoncé's baby sister, Solange, Toro y Moi and Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig all add their voices to a few tracks.

"Jealous (I Ain't With It)" - Chromeo (2014)

After providing songs for the films, "The Great Gatsby" and the upcoming, "Maleficent", Lana Del Rey is finally preparing to release the follow-up to her debut, "Born To Die". Due out in June, "Ultraviolence" is produced by The Black Keys', Dan Auerbach and the first single, "West Coast" is a sleepy ballad with a surf-rock feel. The music video adds an eerie energy to the song as Del Rey is seen frolicking on a sunny beach with an assumed lover but later rides around at night in a convertible with an older man:

MICHAEL JACKSON IS BACK?

I didn't know what to make of the news that the late, great Michael Jackson has a new album coming out. This release, "Xscape" was cobbled together using discarded demos the singer made over the years with several producers taking this material and reworking them in to new songs. My first thoughts were that the idea seemed unnecessary, monetarily motivated and slightly ghoulish. However, after listening to a few tracks, I feel more reassured that this project was truly designed to honor the lasting legacy of the King of Pop and give his deeply devoted fans a fresh opportunity to hear that thrilling voice once again.

The eight-track album, overseen by Epic Records chief executive, "L.A." Reid, features impressive production work from many of the top producers of the day, some of whom previously recorded with Jackson including Timbaland, Dr. Freeze, Stargate, Rodney Jerkins and Babyface. There will also be a deluxe edition available that will feature all the original demo versions of the tracks as well as another take of "Love Never Felt So Good" (co-written by pop legend, Paul Anka) that is a duet with Justin Timberlake.

Listen to a couple of songs and let me know what you think:

"Xscape" - Michael Jackson (2014)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Today is the day we celebrate that special lady in our lives; our mother. I lost my mother last year so this holiday is going to be a little difficult.  I'm not going to dwell on any sadness and only remember what a warm, beautiful and caring person she was. My mom had my back no matter what (and I know I made it hard for her sometimes) and she always made me feel I could do absolutely anything. I miss her and will love her always. If you're able, spend some time with your mother, enjoy her company and remember what she means to you.

"Mama Said" - The Shirelles (1961)

"Dear Mama" - 2Pac (1995)

THE RELUCTANT POP STAR

New York Times Magazine profiled the woman who is the secret weapon behind many of the songs topping the pop charts these days. Most people would be basking in the glory but not Sia Furler.  The Australian singer/songwriter began in music seeking her own career but after getting a little taste of success, it made Furler uncomfortable and backed away. She began working behind the scenes and wrote songs for some of the biggest female names in music such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue, Celine Dion and Shakira. Sia has even made it to the U.S. top-ten on her own by providing vocals for songs by Flo Rida ("The Wild Ones") and David Guetta ("Titanium").

Click below to read the article:

Sia - The Socially Phobic Pop Star

Sia has reluctantly return to making her own music and has her sixth solo album, "1000 Forms of Fear" due out in June. Have a listen to the first single, "Chandelier":

"Chandelier" - Sia (2014)

NEW SOUNDS

GEORGE MICHAEL

In 2011, George Michael embarked on a tour that traveled throughout Europe with an symphonic orchestra. Those performances were captured on his newest CD, "Symphonica" which is his first live recording and only the sixth solo album released over his thirty years in music. Co-produced by the late Phil Ramone, the songs are mostly from his last two studio albums, "Songs From the Last Century" and "Patience" and they are given a lush makeover with Mr Michael sounding better than ever.

Here is one of the new songs written by George Michael for the tour:

"Through" - George Michael (2014)


KYLIE MINOGUE

Kylie Minogue has never gotten much love here in the U.S. during her twenty-five year music career but the rest of the world is still crazy for Kylie. Now under new management with Jay-Z's Roc Nation, Kylie is trying once again to win America over with her twelfth musical offering, "Kiss Me Once". She's opening up her more funky side and received some help from current hit-makers, Sia and Pharrell Williams. If you already dig the pop styling of Ms Minogue, then you will most certainly be in heaven as the record offers plenty of the great dance beats she is known for however it may not be enough to convert over any new fans. Be on the lookout for Kylie's world tour beginning later this year.

Listen to the first official single, "Into The Blue" which has managed to reach the top of the U.S. dance chart:

"Into The Blue" - Kylie Minogue (2014)

Take a look at the video for another tune from the album, "Sexercise" (co-written by Sia) and it should be no surprise, considering the title, that it is overtly sexual:



The latest song from Lady Gaga, "G.U.Y." is nothing special but it does have a music video that's a wild, over-the-top extravaganza that only she can pull off:



"I Luh Ya Papi" is another mediocore song from Jennifer Lopez but it's enhanced greatly by a hot video. This very sexy clip puts a female spin on those 90's hip-hop music videos that featured cars, boats and flowing champagne but instead of ladies in tiny bikinis we now have scantily-clad gentlemen:

MY TUNE OF THE DAY

Out of over 5000 songs on my Ipod, the song that has been played the most is . . . "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" by Jean Carne at nineteen times. Although my pod is played on shuffle mode most of the times, I really love this tune as Ms Carne's soaring vocals makes it extra special.

The Atlanta-raised singer (born Sarah Jean Perkins) was a gifted child prodigy with a five-octave range who sang in her church's choir at the age of four. She went on to learn the piano and clarinet. Perkins attended Julliard in New York where she met her future husband, Doug Carn, a jazz musician. Carne (who later added an "e" to her name due to the advice by a numerologist) performed as a vocalist with her husband's band and recorded three albums together. After separating from Carn, she went on to collaborate with musician/producer, Norman Connors which lead to background vocal work with George Duke and Earth, Wind & Fire.

By 1976, she signed with Philadelphia International Records and went on to record four solo albums on the label. Carne made many appearances on the disco and r&b charts over the years with her song, "Closer Than Close" reaching the top spot on the r&b chart in 1986. Jean Carne currently resides in Atlanta and still occasionally performs.

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NEW YORK POP MUSIC

For their annual "Yesteryear Issue",  New York Magazine has decided to focus on the influential musical artists who made their start in this magical city. The story traces back to near the beginning of the last century right up to present day. While some of these performers may have been born elsewhere, they all used the city to seek out fellow kindred spirits, hone their craft and eventually find their creative voice. Many of these musicians will be quite familiar while others have been, sadly, long forgotten. It's a fascinating profile that you should definitely check out.

Click below to read the article:

The Encyclopedia of New York Pop Music

Here are some songs from a few of the artists who made their breakthrough in the Big Apple:

"Lady Sings The Blues" - Billie Holiday (1956)

"Don't Rain On My Parade" - Barbra Streisand (1968)

"Gloria" - Patti Smith (1975)

"Holiday" - Madonna (1983)

"Shake Your Rump" - Beastie Boys (1989)

"Big Poppa" - The Notorious B.I.G. (1995)

"South Side" - Moby (1999)

"Family Affair" - Mary J. Blige (2001)