Frankie Goes to Hollywood • Relax

It seems hard for me to believe, but it was 30 years ago when a little known British band released a single that would slowly work it's way up the charts to become a big hit. Frankie Goes to Hollywood released "Relax" in 1984, after the song was a hit in the UK. Of course, the song was first released there in 1983, but it took the scenic route up the charts there as well, for it topped the charts in January of 1984. The song made another run in June of 1984, when it went to #2 on the UK charts, behind another single by the band, "Two Tribes". The band was made up by vocalist Holly Johnson, with Paul Rutherford on keyboards, Peter Gill on drums, Mark O'Toole on bass, and Brian Nash on guitar. The song had sexually suggestive lyrics, which the band played with whenever they could.

Relax most likely gained sales in 1984 when the BBC refused to play the song, giving it added publicity and scandal. The sexually nature of the song bothered the BBC, as I am sure the fact that two of the band members, Holly Johnson and Paul Rutherford, were gay men. After all, this was 1984... In fact, the song might have been suggestive, but was nothing compared to some of the songs out there by groups like Duran Duran. But the controversy helped build up the song, and made it a hit. It made it to #10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This is the music video for "Relax".

As mentioned before, another single from Frankie Goes to Hollywood also topped the charts in the UK. "Two Tribes" went to #1, and was also released in the US. Unfortunately, it only made it to #43 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It is surprising, for the song was catchy, with a big and bold sound, yet it still failed to catch on to the public or get any notable radio play. This is the official music video for "Two Tribes".

Both songs can be found on their first album, 'Welcome to the Pleasure Dome'. You can purchase the album from iTunes and Amazon. After the somewhat fast success of the band, things came to a screeching halt in 1987, when Johnson left Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and the group disbanded. For more about the band, you can visit the official website, and 'like' them on Facebook.

Timpermanent • Joy To The World

Since I was featuring some great seasonal music as of late, I thought I would also remind everyone Timpermanent released his very special version of "Joy To The World" last year, and you can still download it for FREE! I love what Timpermanent has done with the Christmas classic, adding his distinctive Electronic sound in all the right places to make some Christmas magic. Give a listen to "Joy To The World" by Timpermanent.

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You can get your FREE DOWNLOAD of the song from Tim's page on ReverbNation! Visit there, and click for the free download. For more about TimPermanent, you can find him on the official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. If you enjoy his music, you can purchase his latest EP, 'Resident', from iTunes and Amazon.

SIRPAUL • Seventh Star

I first discovered the music of SIRPAUL, being immediately enchanted by what I heard. Listening to 'Dismantle', I put it it on 'Repeat', settle in and allow the music to wash over me, cleansing my soul better than a river ceremony in the Confederate South. Several of the songs remain favorites of mine, including "Addicted". The music echoed some of the great 'dark' songs of Depeche Mode, yet always sounded fresh and new. Soon I was buying his next release, the industrial 'Objectified', the 'Do You Remixes', 'Music & Me', and, well, you get the point. I have them all, the albums, the EPs, and the remixes, eagerly digesting each stop along the SIRPAUL musical journey that takes me places I couldn't predict, but love to revisit time and time again. I was incredibly excited when I heard SIRPAUL was back in the studio, working on a new album. I was even more excited when I got to download it, and give 'Seventh Star' a listen.

Now, I will admit I was already familiar with the first cut, for I purchased "Every Single Moment" as soon as it was available as s single in September. From the first strains of the song, you hear the way it is just vibrating with life, and erupting with love. Thankfully, SIRPAUL has made the track available for streaming, so you can get a treat a week after Halloween. This is "Every Single Moment".

From the outset, I thought "Typical Blue" gave me a little Blondie feel, but as is often the case, SIRPAUL had me forgetting about Debbie Harry, and focusing on the amazing artist he is. It is a wonderful Pop song with an edge, and you soon recall there is nothing typical about his music. There is a lush feel to "Be Mine", with a great melody wraps me up all warm and cozy, giving me the opportunity to feel it and believe it. While we might find a nod to the great Cyndi Lauper in "He's So Unusual", blooms into a great song, and delightful confection of SIRPAUL's making. "Feelin' Free" has a buoyancy that is light and fresh, like an effervescent dream. The song is just makes me float with it, light and airy. The percussive start to "Turn Me On" is driven and sensual, the warm sensation of blood and hormones rushing to my skin, making me flush. From the start of "Black Leather", there is a edginess, a rawness that cannot be denied. Give a listen and judge for yourself.

There is something slightly dark with the opening of "Your Bedroom", the next track that also features a rap break by Baron. The song captures new love, when love, hope, lust and desire cloud the mind, when we believe we are acting with clarity. The edge continues with "Love Sick", club tune that radiates heat and explodes with danger. With the first listen, I could feel my dark side being drawn out to play. "Give Me More" looks for something beyond that momentary distraction, but not that far away. When the mind kicks into overdrive, sometimes you are looking for than a quick roll in the hay - like an amazing weekend locked in an apartment. There is a jubilant feeling to "Side by Side", a defiant anthem extolling the joys of sharing your love with the world. It is interesting, for "X-Rated" starts a bit coy, flirting with the listener, before heating things up. Things get a bit steamy, tasting and sharing with your lover. It is the moment when sultry and sexy meld into a wonderful time. We come to the last cut of the album, "The Centenary Diamond". We are all hunks of carbon, waiting for life to compress us into the large and flawless diamonds that shines inside. This is SIRPAUL's "Centenary Diamond".

'Seventh Star' is a bit more driven than the last two albums, but it still maintains an Electro-Pop feel, taking a journey over the emotional landscape of relationships, when Lovers Lane sometimes crosses over Sexy Boulevard, testing both our patience and out own self-awareness. At times we get on the emotional roller coaster, barely able to control ourselves, screaming with hands in the air. For other moments, there is nothing like the feeling as you ride with your hand in the hand of another, keeping contact. It is all part of the human journey, keeping our lives exciting. You can purchase 'Seventh Star' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about SIRPAUL, visit his official website. You can also find him in the social medias, 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Howard Jones • Things Can Only Get Better Live

There was a time back in the 1980s that I could not conceive of Howard Jones on tour in the United States and not seeing him in at least one city. I was lucky enough to see him in New York City (including a great show in Radio City Music Hall), in New Jersey, and in Philadelphia. I was totally lost in his music, eating up every track on every album. I would often be joined by my sister Kim, who was just as crazy about the music. We'd get our tickets and buy the tour t-shirts, the tour booklet, and be happy as clams. It was fantastic to see him, and I think 1985 was a great year, with Howard sporting his very bright and shiny suit, the background singers, and mime Jed Hoile. I was reminded of all of this when I found this video from a show in 1985, and it look remarkably familiar. This is Howard Jones singing "Things Can Only Get Better" off the album 'Dream Into Action', released that same year.

As a bonus, I thought I would include a video of Howard singing "No One Is To Blame", also off the 'Dream Into Action' album. In truth, it is one of my favorite HoJo songs, just so beautifully written. The song went to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was a stunning fit for Howard's voice, not surprising since he had written it. But it was also a song that sounded even better live, and always warmed my heart. This is a clip of Howard singing 'No One Is to Blame' on 'The Kenny Everett Show' on the BBC in the mid-1980s.

It is interesting to note, not only do I still love Howard's music, but I do think he and a few other British musicians opened me up to the appreciation of Electropop music, which I still love today. You can still purchase 'Dream Into Action' on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Howard Jones, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter or 'like' him on Facebook.

Daniel Robinson • Not Your Boy

Daniel Robinson, the Buffalo-based ElectorPop singer/songwriter, has released a new single off his latest EP, 'Guesswork'. "Not Your Boy", which has been a favorite among DJs since the release of the EP, is now officially out and wanting to be on your iPod. Daniel, and out and proud guy with a busy schedule, took a moment to talk to us about the new single.

Well, I guess we now know the handsome artist also has a sense of humor. Of course, I thought that must be the case, for I swear I hear C3PO in the opening of the song! The uptempo song has a charm, Robinson's voice making a strong connection over the industrial groove of the music. It is not surprising, as Robinson finds inspiration in a wide range of artists, from Debbie Harry to Bruce Springsteen, to Bjork. Hit play on the lyric video, and check it out for yourself.

"Not Your Boy" can be found on Daniel's sophomore effort, 'Guesswork'. You can purchase 'Guesswork' from iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp. For more information about Daniel Robinson, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. And, like he said in the video, in real life, too. Of course, I think the young man might be tough to keep up with, as I think he will accomplish much to come.

SIRPAUL • "Every Single Moment" Available

SIRPAUL has released a great new single, and "Every Single Moment" is now available to be added to the your playlist! The ElectroPop singer/songwriter has been a busy man, currently in Europe shooting a music video and making the most of the trip. But back to the song, it is the first released off SIRPAUL's highly anticipated new album, 'Seventh Star'. Bright and bold, the high octane power of love harnessed in the song, jump starting even my jaded old heart! I can't stop playing it, for I really can hear his heartbeat, beating like an earthquake.

Now that you've heard it, I know you can understand what I was saying. The song is just so damned positive, so uplifting, I want to eat is for a snack! You can purchase "Every Single Moment" from iTunes and Amazon. To get the latest information about SIRPAUL, you can visit his official website, 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

SIRPAUL • "Every Single Moment" Preview

Next month, SIRPAUL will once again be sharing exciting new music, and I couldn't be happier! On September 24th, "Every Single Moment" will be out, and I am sure will be put on replay tso I can hear it again and again. How do I know that? Because I did the same with the exclusive single preview, which I am thrilled to share with you now!

See, I told you it is exciting to hear, didn't I? To get the latest information about SIRPAUL, you can visit his official website, 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Daniel Robinson • Sugar

On the heels of his winning the 2012 John Lennon Songwriting Award, out singer/songwriter Daniel Robinson released 'Guesswork', a wonderful new EP that shows off his skills. Robinson was produced by Mark Zubek, a team that proved quite successful. The first single, "Not Your Boy", proved to be quite successful with DJs, many eagerly offering up their own remixes of the song. It was only a matter of time before another great song was released. "Sugar" hits us with a strong music video, showcasing the battle between light and dark in all our lives. Daniel's ElectroPop reminds me of the wonderful bands like Depeche Mode and Yazoo, both of whom could visit the entire spectrum of their experience, from dark to light. There is a wonderful texture to the mood of the song, with an intimate edge that feels palpable. The song is like a piece of dark chocolate, offering the sweet as well as a little bitter to make for a nice balance with your taste buds. Enough of me already, please watch and enjoy Daniel's music video for "Sugar".

There is no medicine involved, just a spoonful of musical goodness. "Sugar" can be found on Daniel's 2013 EP, 'Guesswork'. You can purchase 'Guesswork' from iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp. To learn more about Daniel Robinson, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Daniel Robinson • Not Your Boy

Daniel Robinson is a talented Electropop singer/songwriter, based out of Buffalo, New York. Robinson is also currently a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Earlier this spring, the out and proud Daniel released his second EP, 'Guesswork'. The music of the first single reminded me of the bold melodies of the 1980s, when bands like Duran Duran ruled the airwaves. After finding success with "Running With The Wolves", the second single is about to take off. "Not Your Boy" offers a more futuristic feel, reminding me of Sigue Sigue Sputnik, with an industrial, almost mechanical feel, one part video game, two parts melody. It seems a natural for your summer playlist, as you can hear for yourself.

After hearing that, you can tell why Daniel was named one of Music Connections Hot 100 Unsigned Artists. You can purchase the single "Not Your Boy" can be found on his EP 'Guesswork'. That is a great collection of Electropop, all little aural treats. In case you missed the first single, "Running With The Wolves", you can check it out now, in all it's Simon-Le-Bon-induced splendor.

Both are just examples of the strong music Daniel Robinson makes. You can find his 'Guesswork' on iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp. For more about Daniel Robinson, visit his official website, or 'like' him on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter.

Armand Deluxe • One Love featuring SIRPAUL

Could there be a better song for this week, with Gay Pride celebrations all over, and the momentous decisions handed down by the Supreme Court, dismantling the bigoted 'Defense of Marriage Act', and tossing out the Proposition 8 case, returning the lower court decision to toss it out, making way for California to be the 13th state and the District of Columbia to have marriage quality? Well, I don't think you can ever go wrong with SIRPAUL singing on a song with his own words and music by Armand Deluxe. "One Love" is a global celebration of the one thing that unites us all, a desire and drive to find love, and make a family unit so that love can flourish. The song looks to celebrate love, something we should all spend more time doing. Hear the song (and watch a colorful picture) for Armand Deluxe's "One Love", featuring SIRPAUL, a great song for this summer!

If you are in the mood to hit the dance floor, or need some serious music for your workout, or just want a perfect song for an afternoon on the beach, look no further than another collaboration of these talented men. Not too long ago, the released "Touch Me", a song that drives a hard beat, with a sexy sound and flirty lyrics. Before you hit play, I should warn you, you might not be able to keep still. My hips don't lie (still) while this song is playing...

To learn more about Armand Deluxe, visit his official website. You can also find Armand Deluxe on Twitter and Facebook. You can learn more about SIRPAUL on his official website. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter. "One Love" is available on iTunes and Amazon. "Touch Me" is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Darren Ockert • You Don't Know Me

Miami-based Indie-ElectroPop artist Darren Ockert has a new single and music video out, and now seems like the right time to share it with you all. The song is brand new, so I am hoping that means a new album might be coming soon. But before that, we certain have this song, with a catchy hook and a music video that is charming and funny, much like what I think Darren might be like should I ever have the opportunity to meet him. I hope you enjoy the music video for "You Don't Know Me" as much as I do.

Wasn't that fun? And weren't you singing along with the chorus by then end? Well, I was! For more about Darren Ockert, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter. You can purchase the single "You Don't Know Me" from iTunes and Amazon.

Kris Searle • Veins

Kris Searle has a brand new single out, and it is another great one, to be sure. "Veins" is an Electro-Pop song that comes straight from the heart, a haunting song that takes a look at love, and how we know much more that we often let on to others. Check out this video which offers a little taste of the song.

You can purchase "Veins" on iTunes. To learn more about Kris Searle, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter. Kris has made a lot of great music over the last several years, and he might be able to tell you where to find some of it.

Candy Apple Blue • Don't Give Up On Me

The Pittsburgh-based siblings Carly and Hoyt Emerick are back at it, and have a new video featuring their latest song, "Don't Give Up On Me". The song is another delicious scoop of Pop confection, offering a nod to 1980s greatness with a decidedly angsty spin that is definitely today. The track is written, performed, and produced by Hoyt and Carly, who also star in the video. They look gorgeous as ever, and their hotness managed to heat up that snowy landscape of Western Pennsylvania.

To learn more about Hoyt and Carly, visit their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, or 'like' them on Facebook! To get your FREE DOWNLOAD of the single "Don't Give Up On Me", Click here. You can also check out their collection of their greatest songs, 'Existential Crisis (Greatest Hits Vol. 1)' on Bandcamp.