Jason Walker • Quicksand

I can say it loud and proud, I am a huge fan of the music of Jason Walker. His vocals reminds me of some of the great voices who have recorded before him, like Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor. His voice can inspiring, energizing, and enthralling, sometimes all at once. And when he changes things up, and moves from Modern to Classic, he can take on Etta James and bring me to tears. I am telling you, I just can't get enough of his music.

Recetnly, I was doing some chores around the farm, and put my iPod on shuffle. Up came a tune I instantly recognized, and found to be perfect in every way. I thought it was great to keep me going as I mucked the stalls, and even brought a smile to my face. In fact, I started to feebly sing along. That is just the type of song when I listen to "Quicksand", a track off the album 'Leave It All Behind'. The song begins simply enough, with a catchy electronic beat, when Jason's voice cuts through it all to demand your attention. While he makes it sound so effortless, so easy, I can't resist falling in love every time. This is Jason Walker singing "Quicksand".

"Quicksand" can be fournd on the album 'Leave It All Behind'. You can purchase the album from iTunes or Amazon. To learn more about Jason Walker, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. For more about Bimbo Jones, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

Mika • Boum Boum Boum

I have been a fan of Mika's music since first hearing his first album, the 2007 release 'Life in Cartoon Motion', which also featured the wonderful hit, "Grace Kelly". It is hard to believe it has been seven years since that album was out! But right away, I had to learn more about the artist. It seems Mika was born in Beirut, the son of a Lebanese mother and an American father. While still an infant, his family moved to Paris, France, to escape the war-torn Lebanon, and soon relocated again, this time to London, England. Both in schools and privately, Mika studied music since he was young, and wrote his first song at age seven. He has spoken about his experience as a bullied child, and how that effected him. His music was free and joyous, and soon grabbed the attention of record labels. By the age of twenty-four, Mika released his first album.

Fast-forward seven years, and Mika has had much success, and began his first season as a coach on 'The Voice: la plus belle voix', spinning in a chair as part of 'The Voice' team in France. Perhaps that is at least part of what inspired his latest single. "Boum Boum Boum" was written by Mika and Doriand and produced by Mika, Klas Åhlund and Greg Wells. The song takes a look at love, life, and sex, in a humorous and flirty way. Or it might just seem flirty because he is singing in French. There is also a music video, which has the Pop star looking seriously handsome, if I do say so myself. Is seems inspired by some old movies, from film noire to spaghetti westerns, from 'Dangerous Liaisons' to 'James Bond' to 'Lawrence of Arabia', we see the singer in costumes from a variety of periods, mimicking the storylines of the original films. And he is looking darned hot doing it. This is the music video for Mika's "Boum Boum Boum".

I really like the song, and was happy to make it part of my Summer playlist. If you'd like to do the same, "Boum Boum Boum" is available for purchase from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Mika, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Theo • When You're Not Around

You wanna know what can make me crazy? Yes, I know that is a long list, but at this moment, it is finding a great song and not being able to buy it yet! And such is the case when I first heard "When You're Not Around" by Theo, the Canadian singer/songwriter who simply made me drive to Toronto to hear him performing live a couple of years ago. I was excited when Theo alerted fans to tune into 104.5 CHUM FM, and that is when I first heard the song, and had me cursing at iTunes and Amazon. Well, allow me to introduce the song to you. This is the Pop confection that is Theo singing "When You're Not Around".

No you understand what I mean, right? It is fun, upbeat, sweet and also so very clever. It is the fine songwriting I have come to expect from Theo when I first fell in love with his music when I first heard "Lazy Lovers" back in 2009. That song inspired me to order imported copies of the album, wait for each and every music video, and eventually to drive to Toronto in 2010 and catch his 'Taking It All Back' tour, and see him live three times while I was there! It is not often a handsome boy has enticed me to use my passport, and this is one guy who did. You can find the charming Theo on social media, where you can 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. And maybe, if you have a friend in Canada, you might be able to convince someone to purchase it and email it to you. This is a must-have song for my musical collection, and should be for your iPod as well! You can also see if you can catch it on Chum FM, which you can hear here. You can also request the song on the website, as well as via Twitter.

Kenyth Mogan • Fall Apart

As much as I love finding new music, it can be even more exciting when new music finds me! When I opened my email, and found a note of introduction from Kenyth Mogan, I was intrigued. I wasn't really familiar with this work, so I had to do a bit of research. Mogan was born and raised in Montana, but now calls Los Angeles, California, home. There, he has been in the movies, with such wonderful stars as Peter Coyote and James Woods. He has also been an author, using his imagination and talent on the graphic novel, 'The Phoenix Chronicles: Awakenings'. This novel can be found on Amazon. And now he was ready to showcase another talent, with the release of his debut EP, 'Fall Apart'.

The five-song release is a combination of sparkling covers of 1980s confection, and some new material, including one song co-written by Mogan. But the EP opens with a song I so totally remember from the 1981 release of the charming Toni Basil. "Mickey" was written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, and went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. There is something delightful about the cheerleader-inspired tune given an new sheen, sounding fresh yet still recognizable. Kenyth's vocals are strong and fun, and you can hear in this sample of the song.

So fun! I could just eat it with a spoon. That leads to "(Let Me) Unlock Your Heart", a song written by Paul Harris and Matthew Hayes. The Pop tune starts out with an acoustic rhythm guitar, but soon shows it's hand, adding some Electronica that only adds more charm. There is a wonderful warmth to this love song, I thought I lost my heart. Next up, there is the title cut, "Fall Apart". The song was written by Tony Rodini and Mogan. Rodini also produced the album. This wonderful song is the first single off the EP, and will be featured in the first music video coming soon. Until then, here is the lyric video, giving you the chance to hear the song, and truly get to know the lyrics. This is Kenyth Mogan singing "Fall Apart".

"One Worth Losing" is up next, and the energetic song is the most energetic off the collection. Written by Todd Michael Schultz, there is something very 80s-inspired by the track, part Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark with a dash of Giorgio Moroder. But there is also something very fresh, very 'today' about it. I must admit, I wanted to play this one several times on repeat, making me happy. Way back in 1984, some music was coming from interesting places. On of those was California comedy clubs, from artists like Julie Brown. Comedian Brown, not to be confused with the MTV VJ of the same name, was playing clubs and establishing herself since 1981, and finally released 'Goddess In Progress' in 1984. The five-song collection was an independent release, but still brought us the music video for "The Homecoming Queen's Got A Gun", as well as the final song off Mogan's EP, "I Like 'Em Big and Stupid". Both songs were written by Julie Brown, Charlie Coffey, Terrence McNally, and Ray Colcord, and had a delicious look at the culture. Kenyth's cover remains true to the humorous nature of the song, but adds just a bit more edge to the song, sounding less like 1980s Pop, and more like the the Punky work of Oingo Boingo. You can check out the preview below.

'Fall Apart' is a delicious appetizer, a plate with yummy bites that leave you wanting more. I can tell you it makes me want to order whatever is coming next, and come back to listen to 'Fall Apart' a few more times. There is a wonderful sense of life in the recording. You can just hear and feel the love Kenyth has for the material, making it all the more appealing. You can purchase 'Fall Apart' on iTunes and Amazon, both for less than $5.00. And you can also find 'The Phoenix Chronicles: Awakenings' on Amazon. To learn more about Kenyth Mogan, 'like' him on Facebook, and leave a message to say hello! You can also visit him on Myspace, where you can also sample some music.

Daniel Sobrino • The Power of Us

How excited was I after being introduced to the music of the handsome Daniel Sobrino? Very excited, I must admit! I soon learned the talented young man was born and raised in Mexico City, where he discovered his love for music, and was singing all the time. Finally, when he was just 19 years old, the out and proud artist took the courageous step to pack his bags and move to Los Angeles to pursue his first love, music. That music is contagious Pop, written with a great connection to the heart. The songs offer a wonderfully uplifting message of strength, hope, and love.

That is certainly the case with "The Power of Us", the latest single from Sobrino. Written by Daniel, the song has a wonderful anthemic quality, allowing the song to soar when it must, and glide softly on the breeze when it can. The song is powered by love, and can light up the continent with the electricity. And it is Daniel's voice that fuels the power, and gives life to the song. Don't take it from me, check it out for yourself, with the official music video for "The Power of Us".

Daniel is currently finishing up work on his upcoming EP, 'Born Again'. For more about Daniel Sobrino, you can visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. The single "The Power of Us" can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon. The single can also be found on BandCamp, where you can name your own price.

Jeffery Straker • Landslide (Cover)

Canadian singer/songwriter Jeffery Straker has a new video on YouTube, and it is really quite good. He offers up a cover of "Landslide", the beautiful song written by Stevie Nicks and first recorded by Fleetwood Mac in 1975 for their self-titled album. There was also the recent cover by The Dixie Chicks that stormed up the charts and played everywhere. While both were gorgeous, I have to say I just love Jeffrey's take on it, a beautiful piano-driven version that allows Jeffrey's vocals to connect to the song, and to take wing and soar.



You can find my review of Jeffery's album 'Vagabond' here. If you are pressed for time, I can give you a quick overview - I loved it! You can purchase 'Vagabond' from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Jeffery Straker, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

The New Seekers • I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (in Perfect Harmony)

Top: a shot from the Coca-Cola advertizement. Bottom: The New Seekers.

In truth, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)" was written by Roger Cook, Roger Greenaway, Bill Backer and Billy Davis for a commercial for Coca-Cola. Well, the first time out, the song was titled "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke", but I digress. I remember seeing it on television all the time. It had a wonderful message of peace, love, and togetherness, a true post-Woodstock happening. A bunch of people gathered on a hill to hold hands and sing about peace, love, and Coca-Cola. A wonderful mosaic of people from around the world just wanted to buy one another a Coke. If you don't remember it, check it out here.

It became so popular so quickly, the writers adapted the one minute soda ad to a full-length song, and soon it was being sung by The New Seekers, a British band formed in 1969. Keith Potgerput together the group, Eve Graham, Lyn Paul, Marty Kristian, Peter Doyle and Paul Layton. Potgerput also played with them at times. The group planned to use Rock and Folk influences to make music that was relevant for the day. And what would be more relevant than a soda jingle? In 1971, they recorded the expanded version of "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)", and soon had a big hit on their resume. Here are The New SEekers performing the song.

The song went to #1 on the British Pop charts, and #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It had sold nearly 100 copies in a single day, and went on to sell over 12 million copies. And it started with a simple little commercial for a soda, promoting World peace and beverage consumption. Who knew?

Brett Gleason & Jana Fisher

I thought this was the perfect opportunity to give you all a taste of what I was happy to have had the chance to partake and enjoy, and evening of music with the wonderful Brett Gleason and the lovely Jana Fisher. It is the right time, as tonight I am so pleased to be at a special show in Washington, DC, featuring Eric Himan and Tom Goss! So one live treat deserves another. While I am still working on getting by pictures and videos together, I thought offering you an overview of the performances of the performances at MilkBoy Coffee would be in order. And I will start with the performance of Brett Gleason, whose music has fascinated me since I found his first EP, 'The Dissonance'. I love who he structures his music, with layers that fold together much like origami. Brett makes Rock music that is built like Classical, with elements of Jazz and Pop. I was just so excited to finally see him play live, and I was certainly not disappointed. Here is my take on the show, or 'Brett Gleason Live In Concert In Less Than 4 Minutes'.

I was introduced to the music of Jana Fisher by Gleason. He often referred to her as his bestie, and the one who made the booking to bring Brett to my neck of the woods. I would describe her music as more traditional Folk/Pop, personal songs written from the heart that describe this human journey we are all on. Take this opportunity to enjoy one man's view of "Jana Fisher Live In Under 4 Minutes".

For more about Brett, you can find him on his official website, on Tumblr, 'like' him on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter. For more about Jana, you can find her on her official website, 'like' her on Facebook, or 'follow' her on Twitter. I hope you enjoyed this abbreviated look the night, which was great fun. And as a reminder, support live music when you can!

A Valentine From The 1980s

Clockwise: Alison Moyet; New Order; Sade, and Sigue Sigue Sputnik.

So kick off your St. Valentine's Day with a bit of spicy love, I decided to go back into the vaults and haul out some great songs from the 1980s with the word 'love' in the title. Now, there were many, and some I have even used before, so I thought I'd go for a different mix this time out. I will begin with the gorgeous voice of a women first known as the voice of a New Wave group before she flew on her own to be a Pop Princess. I am of course speaking about Alison Moyet, who partnered with Vince Clarke as Yazoo, or Yaz in the United States. After the success of the band with the album 'Upstairs at Eric's', which spawned several solo hits, Clarke and Moyet parted ways, and soon Alison was making solo albums. In 1984, Alison Moyet had a hit with "Love Resurrection", off her stunning solo debut,  'Alf'.

After the break up of the wildly popular Joy Division, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris, were looking to continue to make music together. In 1980 they, along with Gillian Gilbert, formed the brilliant band New Order, who made some great music in the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1986, New Order had a massive hit with the song "Bizarre Love Triangle", a song that played everywhere, from the radio to the clubs. This is "Bizarre Love Triangle".

That same year, another British band was coming out with intriguing music, only they both looked and sounded so very different. While there are many theories as to why the band was named Sigue Sigue Sputnik, it was hard not to notice them, with the futuristic look and sound. The six-person group was made up by Tony James, Neal X, Martin Degville, Yana YaYa, Ray Mayhew, and Chris Kavanagh. In 1986, Sigue Sigue Sputnik released the amazing single "Love Missile F1-11".

Just a few years before, another new face and creative force was about to take the world by storm. The the release of her first album, 'Diamond Life', Sade strated with a string of hit songs that showcased her gorgeous looks and amazing voice. But it was in 1988 that she produced one of my favorite songs, "Love Is Stronger Than Pride". It was off her third album, 'Stronger Than Pride'.

Will you be my valentine?

Jeremiah Clark • It's Gonna Be Alright

I first head of Jeremiah Clark through Tom Goss, and I even saw him playing with Tom back in 2009. Since then, Clark has two releases out, and I am proud to say both are in my iTunes. We all know I love a talented out and proud singer/songwriter! The latest release is Born & Raised, a highly personal acoustic journey. On it, the Pittsburgh-based singer/songwriter shares a good bit of his heart on the nine tracks. There is a real purity to Clark's voice, a clarity of tone that is a joy to my ears. The album is filled with some amazing moments, but I think my favorite could be the fifth cut, "My Brightside". There is something wonderfully revealing, and insistent on the song that just made me listen three times in a row, never losing my smile. Give a listen and tell me what you think.

However, it is tough to find a song that could touch my heart more than the third song, "It's Gonna Be Alright". I'd read that Clark wrote the song about the experience of a friend battling cancer. That does hit home for me, a cancer survivor myself. There is a bold honesty, a journey explored here. I remember telling myself on more than one occasion that "It's Gonna Be Alright". Check out this live version of the song.

And there are several more tracks that immediately caught my attention. "4-3-2-1" has a different feel, yet maintains that honesty. And "Ghosts" offers a look those ghosts of memories, of former lovers whose shadows still live in our minds. And the simplicity and beauty of "My Final Hour" is just an acapella treat about a life well-lived. Throughout the album, I never lose the feeling Jeremiah is offering up his journey for us all to take a look, and realize how connected we all are. For more about Jeremiah Clark, visit his official website. You can purchase Born & Raised on Bandcamp.

Happy Birthday, Brian Wilson!

Top: Left, Beach Boy Brian Wilson. Right, Mature Brian Wilson. Bottom: The Beach Boys left to right: Brian Wilson; Mike Love; Al Jardine; Carl Wilson; and Dennis Wilson.

Seventy years ago today, music icon Brian Wilson was born. In 1961, Brian got together with his brothers, Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine to form a band that still can be heard on the radio, The Beach Boys. I remember the music quite well, for it was at the height of it's popularity during my childhood, and my brother loved listening to the surf music of the 1960s. However, to a younger audience, Wilson might be better known as the father of Wendy and Carny, two-thirds of the Pop group Wilson Phillips. When I checked out the music of The Beach Boys, I was surprised to see they only had four #1 hits on the Billboard Pop chart, although they had another 13 songs to make it to the Top 10. The first to top the charts was "I Get Around", released May of 1964, off the All Summer Long album. The B-Side was "Don't Worry, Baby" which made it to #24 on the Billboard chart.



In just about 11 months, The Beach Boys made another journey to the top of the charts. They released "Help Me, Ronda" on April of 1965. While the single was off the album Today!, the single was a rerecorded and renamed version, "Help Me, Rhonda". It was a departure for the band, as Al Jardine was on lead vocal, not Brian or Mike Love. But by December, it was the #1 song in the country.



The next song was first played in the studio during the sessions for the Pet Sounds album, one of the more influential albums of the 1960s. While it wasn't picked for the album, it did make it as a single, a great decision to be sure. "Good Vibrations" was released in October of 1966, and was the #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 before Christmas.



It took a little longer than this to score their fourth chart-topper. A lot longer. In fact, The Beach Boys released "Kokomo" in July of 1988, almost 22 years since the release of "Good Vibrations". It also went to #1 on the charts in Japan and Australia. The song was part of the soundtrack to Cocktail, featuring a young Tom Cruise at the start of his popularity. In fact, it was his first film (of many to come) to bring in over $100 million, reaching over $170 million. The song was written by John Phillips, of the legendary group The Mamas & The Papas, Mike Love of The Beach Boys, Scott McKenzie, who had the 1967 hit "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)", and Terry Melcher, noted Rock music producer and only son of Doris Day.



However, I have to say my favorite song by The Beach Boys was not one of the four listed above. "God Only Knows" was composed and produced by Brian Wilson, and had lyrics by Tony Asher. It was not Brian on the lead vocals, instead his brother Carl Wilson. Released in July of 1966, here is my favorite, even if it only made it to #39 on the Billboard Hot 100.



For many years, Wilson fought his demon, for the most part in private. First he stopped touring with the band, but played in the studio. In the 1970s, he left the band, becoming the recluse as the drug use seem to trip some mental illness. Since then, his involvement with the band has come and gone. For more about The Beach Boys, you can visit their official website. You can also find Brian Wilson's official website, where he announced that he will rejoin The Beach Boys for a 50th Anniversary Tour. You can purchase all the songs featured in the post on The Beach Boys: 20 Good Vibrations, Their Greatest Hits Vol. 1 on both iTunes and Amazon, both at the great price of $7.99. Starting in 1990, the family was again represented on the charts by Wilson Phillips, made up of Brian's daughters Carny and Wendy Wilson, as well as Chynna Phillips, daughter of John & Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas.

50 Years Ago • Dee Dee Sharp

Fifty years ago, a young singer started lighting up the charts with music inspired by dances, and inspiring some other dances with a flair. As Dee Dee Sharp was turning 17 years old, she was recoding some fantastic songs that were drawing kids out on the dance floor to take part in a new craze, and not just in her native Philadelphia. Dee Dee was introduced to the public when she had a duet with the great Chubby Checkers early in 1962. "Slow Twistin'" made it to #3 on the Billboard Pop chart, a big hit to be sure. I capitalized on the popularity of Checker's big hit based on a dance craze, "The Twist". That was a huge hit for Chubby in 1960.



In the 1960s, many of the dances were based on movement and mimicry, in a joyous way. Take, for example the first hit I'll tell you about, "Mashed Potato Time". As a dance inspired by the Twist, the Mashed Potato looked like you were trying to make mashed potatoes for your dinner. Dee Dee's song went to #2 on the Billboard Pop chart.



Now once you've had some mashed potatoes, you needed a little something else, right? So what would be better than some "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)"? The song went to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was featured in Sister Act, when the sisters were invading the biker bar across the street.



I guess once you have some carbs covered, it was time to take on poultry. Well, it was the plan back in 1962, and one that worked well for Dee Dee. For once again she had a hit, when "Do The Bird" went to #10 on the Billboard Pop chart. So kids were answering her call to come and do the Bird with her!



The following year, Dee Dee continued her winning ways with the single "Wild!" While this was a change up for her, the ballad was quite beautiful, with a nice rhythm section to still keep the kids on their toes. The single went to #33 on the US Billboard chart, keeping Dee Dee as an artist to buy whenever she had a single coming out.



While Dee Dee's music went out of favor at some point, she continued to work in and around Philadelphia. When the Disco era was popular, Dee Dee was working with Philly greats like Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays and Archie Bell, also known as the Philadelphia International All Stars. In the 1970s, she had a minor hit with "Let's Clean Up the Ghetto." And in 1981, she spent four weeks at number one on the Hot Dance Club Play chart with "Breaking and Entering"/"Easy Money". You can find a great collection of her hits on iTunes and Amazon. It includes her hits from 1962-1966, the height of her popularity.

OUTstanding Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop

I thought this would be a would be a good time to mention the award winning entries for Rock, Pop and Hip-Hop for the 7th Annual OUTmusic Awards. The Awards were given in New York City.



The award for OUTstanding Rock Song went to Ariel Aparicio for his cover of the Jim Carroll Band song from 1980, People Who Died. The Punk song is a celebration of the people who had passed before their perceived time. The song is on the Cuban-born rocker's 2010 EP, The Bedroom Tapes.



For more about Ariel Aparicio, check out his official website here. To find the song on iTunes, click here. You can find it on Amazon.com here.



The award for OUTstanding Pop Song went to Masquerade by Matthew David. Matthew is an up-and-coming Pop/Rocker from Vancouver, British Columbia.



For more about Matthew, check out his page on MySpace here. The second track on his EP, Revolution, features out singer/songwriter/Tony Award winner Levi Kreis. You can find his Masquerade EP on iTunes here or on Amazon.com here.



The award for OUTstanding Hop-Hop Song was given to Why U Hatin' by Infinite. The song features a performance by Baron. Infinite is an out and proud lesbian rapper who was born and raised in Harlem, New York.



To find out more about Infinite, check her out on MySpace here. To get a FREE DOWNLOAD of the song, click here or on the above widget. Just join the mailing list, and you have a free song!

NExt up, I will have the OUTstanding songs in R&B, Dance and Folk/Country. Two of the three performers have been featured on the blog, for their winning songs. How great it that?

SIRPAUL "Give It Up" On Video

The latest video from SIRPAUL has hit the internet, with the official premiere on Wednesday, May 18, on the ElectroQueer site here. The song is Give It Up, the latest single from SIRPAUL's Music & ME album. At EQ, they speak to director Andreas Anastasis to get to the root of his imagery for the video, which is fraught with images that combine the futuristic with more classic visuals. Why don't you check them out for yourself?



The hands of Michelangelo, the crowns of crucifixion, medicine's syringe, the duality of good and evil perched on your shoulder, they are but a few of the visual intrigues I found in the video. There are more - I find something new each time I watch it. There are ties the singer, SIRPAUL, looks other-worldly, yet throughout most of the video, he is enticingly of the world of the flesh. Where might all this be coming from, you might ask? What is at the core for most music, the need for humans to connect, to forge a bond with another human. What makes it more interesting is how the imagery relates to the world in which we live, and the one we are about to live in. In this world of electronic connectivity, how do we reach out and touch another when all we have between us are some bouncing electrons?



To put this song in your own collection, check it out here on iTunes. If you'd like an alternative, check out the Music & Me Remix album here. While you are at it, check out his other work, including a personal favorite of mine, Dismantle, here on iTunes. To learn more about the singer/songwriter, check out his official website here.

Live Music - Westlife @ Croke Park

On June 1, 2008, Westlife put on a 10th Anniversary concert, and I desperately wanted to be there. I actually thought about flying to Ireland to attend. I came to grips with the fact that it would be utterly insane for me to do that, and instead I eventually purchased the DVD, which I just love. So much so, in fact, I rue the day I decided not to go. The show was huge, a real extravaganza. It seemed like pure, unadulterated fun! Kian, Nicky, Shane and Mark looked like they were loving every moment, the Irish boys celebrating a milestone in Dublin. There were big numbers, most of their greatest hits, costume changes, fireworks, and everything else needed to make a great experience.



So, for my Saturday night party and to celebrate the upcoming release of their album Where We Are, I figured I offer a mini-concert by Westlife, with clips from the 10th Anniversary Concert. I'll start with the first song, Hit You With The Real Thing, move on to a medley of songs, something they do with each tour. Then there is a really beautiful version of Catch My Breath, a song from their last album, Back Home. And to end this particular version of the concert would be Flying Without Wings, with the dancers on silk swags and Mark hitting the ending so damn well.









Indeed, it would not be unlike me to spend a Saturday night watching a Westlife DVD. Welcome to my world. To get into the world of Westlife, you can find their official website here.

Worth Another Listen - Prefab Sprout

I was such a fan of Prefab Sprout way back when, and was snagged by the pure pop magic they made. When Love Breaks Down came out in 1985, and I was so there and bought the Steve McQueen album. It was produced by Thomas Dolby, featured earlier on the blog. I have to admit, however, that I lost track of the band in the early 90s, and assumed they were history. In writing this post, I discovered they released music in the 2000s, and are working on some new stuff.



The following is The King of Rock 'N Roll, from the 1988 album, From Langley Park to Memphis.



The 'unofficial' web home for Prefab Sprout can be found here. Their MySpace page can be found here.

New Music - Mika

Mika, the floppy-haired singer who rose to fame in 2007 behind the success of the wonderful single Grace Kelly, is about to release his second full-length studio CD, We Are Golden, in September. So, they have released a video for the first single, also called We Are Golden. In the video, the singer bounds around his room in boxers, singing along with his track.

The singer was born in Beirut, Lebanon, after I had completed college and made the move to NYC, making me feel very old. OK, so he is just 25, soon to be 26. But he is adorable and fun, although somewhat reticent to speak of his own sexuality, preferring not to be labeled and instead to focus on his work. That said, he has not shied away from employing gay themes in his music.

He has certainly enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic, and is a talented man. He has amazing use of his falsetto, and plays with it willingly. For pure pop fun, Mika is hard to beat.

Mika grace kelly
Uploaded by BopiZ230. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

For more on Mika, click to find his bright and imaginative website.