Markus Feehily • Love Is a Drug

I must admit I've been a fan of Markus Feehily since I first heard his gorgeous voice raised as a part of the Irish boy band, Westlife. I became a fan when, back in 1999, I first heard their single "Swear It Again". I loved them all, but soon came to really admire the voice of the dark haired Irishman. He seemed to grow and bloom as part of the band. I was buying the Westlife albums, and the DVDs, enjoying his vocals. Then, in 2005, Markus announced he was a gay man in a relationship. I was proud of him, even if that feeling was being transmitted across the Atlantic.

Fast forward a few years, and Westlife called it a day, the four remaining members going their separate ways. Soon Shane released his solo album, and then Kian had his turn in the spotlight. Now, finally, we have the first single from Markus, "Love Is A Drug", hitting the airwaves. I just love the song, and can't stop listening to it. The song starts out with a startling growl, and soon builds to an emotionally charged crescendo. The official music video showcases the sentiment behind the song, showing how without the proper care, love can become an addiction that can bring us down to our knees. This is the official music video for "Love Is A Drug" from Markus Feehily.

"Love Is A Drug" will be available in the US on April 21st, and in the UK on April 19th. You can pre-order "Love Is A Drug" from iTunes and Amazon. I know I couldn't wait, and I placed my pre-order now! To learn more about Markus Feehily, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Westlife • Catch My Breath

Last night, I brought you a group of songs sung by popular boybands of another time. It reminded me of my all-time favorite boyband, which I did not include in that post. So now, Westlife will get a post of their own. Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, and Kian Eganmade some beautiful music together, and I love to listen to it. Even though the Irish boys are no longer together, listening to them just makes be so happy. This is the boys of Westlife singing "Catch My Breath" at their live show at Croke Park, a fantastic stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

"Catch My Breath" can be found on the album 'Back Home', the 2007 release with several great songs. I love "Something Right", "Home". "I'm Already There", and "Us Against the World", there is something about "Catch My Breath" that I cannot deny. It just charms me to the core. You can purchase 'Back Home' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Westlife, visit the official website.

Westlife • Allow Us...

Left to right: Nicky Byrne; Mark Feehily; Kian Egan; and Shane Filan.

Almost nine years ago, way back in 2004, Irish boyband Westlife were still riding high on a wave of popularity, with an amazing string of #1 songs and albums in the UK charts. They seemed nigh on unstoppable, keeping manager Louis Walsh and record exec Simon Cowell in the center of the music industry. The two industry insiders decided to jump on board the nostalgia craze, and set to work on music Mark, Kian, Shane and Nicky would record next. They picked the music of 'The Rat Pack', and the boys managed to add amazing harmonies to the songs. This is the boys singing the gorgeous song by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, "The Way You Look Tonight".

We also have a stunning song written by Edward Heyman and Victor Young that was first a hit when sung by Doris Day in 1952. This is "When I Fall In Love".

As I have admitted on this blog time and time again, I was a big fan of Westlife for a long time. So I was sad to hear they had broken up in 2012. I had never had the opportunity to see them performing live, except for the concert DVDs I purchased. They sounded great on them all, so I really do wish I had that chance. You can purchase 'Allow Us To Be Frank' or any of the individual songs on iTunes or Amazon.

Westlife • "Thank You"

Left to right: Kian Egan, Brian McFadden, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, and Mark Feehily.

To celebrate Thanksgiving, here is Westlife singing "Thank You."



Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Donna Summer Works Hard For Her Money

This is Labor Day Weekend, a national holiday in the United States that looks to appreciate the working men and women. As it is a holiday, I will be just featuring some light posting over the weekend, and taking some time to recharge the batteries. I thought it might be great to start the celebration with Donna Summer's 1983 classic She Works Hard For The Money. Actually, it celebrates the workers of the fairer sex, at a time when equal pay for equal work was certainly not the order of the day. Here is Donna making a statement of her own, and singing it live.



And while it might not be about working, I thought I would post another performance my the late, great diva. Only this time, she is making the dreams of one gay boy come true. You see, she sings "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" and Mark Feehily lives a dream, and sings harmony with the great singer. Of course, Mark is joined on the stage by his brothers in song, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne. This is actually a pretty good version of the song. Enjoy.



You can purchase Donna Summer's Greatest Hits on iTunes and Amazon.

Westlife • Thank You

Westlife, Left to right: Brian McFadden, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily.

My Irish favorites, Westlife, singing Thank You from the Turnaround album in 2003. This was back when Westlife were five-strong, before Brian McFadden left to pursue a solo career.



Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Westlife Gives Notice

Top: Shane, Kian, Mark and Nicky.

You must excuse me if, over the course of the next few days, I am found weeping uncontrollably. Or slumped over in my chair, following each heavy sigh with another. But I just heard the news, following the December release of a greatest hits collection, and a subsequent tour, Westlife will be ending their collaboration. It seems Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne have decided that 14 years together was enough for them. While it might be popular to make fun of the Irish boyband, I have never been anything but out of the closet in my love for them. So, in the thought of asking the question "How am I supposed to live without you," I offer the video for When You're Looking Like That.



That was a live performance, for I have to now believe that my dream of seeing the lads performing live is now dashed. For years I have wanted Westlife to come to the US, so I could hear them with my own ears, to see them with my own eyes. Alas, I sincerely doubt that the US will be included in their final tour, so I must let that dream go. But I can't help but think that I have wanted to see them since the first time I heard Swear It Again back in 2000. I have been a fan since.



Yes, I stood by them when Brian left, and cheered when my favorite, Mark, came out as a proud gay man. I bought the CDs, and I purchased the DVDs. And while I might have watched every live clip I could, I never got the chance to see them myself. Oh, how I would have loved to see them sing World Of Our Own.



I love it when Mark takes his part of the song and really owns it, like he did in the clip above. And most certainly he did it again in the final clip, with another of the trademark songs for the band. In this particular live performance, the lads were strapped in and flying above the audience in Dublin, Ireland. They sing a beautiful version of Flying Without Wings.

However, I suppose I should be grateful that another tour will mean tons more clips on YouTube, and possibly a new DVD. And many more years with the music they have made.

Westlife • You Raise Me Up

Sometimes on a Sunday morning, I just need my Irish boys to sing to me. So here are Mark, Kian, Shane and Nicky to make my morning better with You Raise Me Up.

Happy Birthday Mark Feehily!

Salutations on the day to Westlife hottie Mark Feehily. I will admit I was a fan of his tall, dark and handsome self before he came out publicly in 2005 and announced his relationship with the adorable Kevin McDaid. Check him out singing first on this version of I Don't Wanna Fight from the 1999 debut album, Westlife.



While I admit to liking the way he looks, it is also about the way he sounds. He has a great tone, and really nice control of his voice. He often sings the more soulful parts of the songs, for that just sits well with him. To further celebrate, we're gonna listen to Moon River, a bonus track form the UK release of the Allow Us To Be Frank album in 2004. There was no video shot for it, but I think his vocal is beautiful.



So, Mr. Feehily, I wish you a very happy birthday, and many more to come.

Celebrate With Some Irish Boys!

Here are those handsome Irish boys from Westlife, singing a live version of their song, You Raise Me Up. For their 10th Anniversary concert, they use a lovely Celtic sound for it.

Friday Night Party Mix - Boybands

Clockwise: Westlife, Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, & Take That

If variety is the spice of life, than my iTunes is a veritable cabinet filled with a shipment from the islands. The spice might add some heat, while others might zip a little bit of savory flavor, and others might just leave a cool taste in your mouth. Sometimes I choose my music for flavor, while other times I just let it go, and randomly spice my experience. But no matter what, I just hope I have the music that can make an impact on me, one way or another. Certainly, there are some boybands that do just that. They stroke a memory of hearing a song, or of being with certain people, be them friends or lovers. Sometimes, there are groups like Westlife, and much of their music just reminds me of good times. When I hear a song like When You're Looking Like That, I think about getting back to my apartment, and playing it while I get ready to go out to meet friends.



But when I hear the music of Backstreet Boys, I am often transported to a couple of clubs in Rhodes Island. It seems one of the songs I would constantly hear back then was I Want It That Way, and when I hear it again, it makes me smile.



Could there be anything that makes me smile quite as strongly as when I see some Irish boys getting all break-dancing, bringing the hood with them to a video? Well, So Good does all that, and more. When the guys from Boyzone look about as cute as can be, they also get their dancing on, and do it with style.



Now when I hear Back For Good by Take That, I think about time traveling, most of the time on a plane with my iPod in place. I loved to get on the plane, put on the headphones, take out a book, and disappear for a few hours. It was like heaven.



I have long had admiration for the boys of Westlife, and it continues to this day. I hold no delusion about getting to see them play live - I buy DVDs for that. And I certainly have a warm spot for those songs I first heard them sing, like Swear It Again, and the beautiful Flying Without Wings.

Westlife - New Single 'Safe'

Top: Westlife on stage. Middle: Kian Egan & Nicky Byrne. Bottom: Mark Feehily & Shane Filan.

Four of my favorite Irish boys appeared on X-Factor in the UK over the weekend to perform the first single from their soon-to-be-released album, Gravity. The new single, Safe, is a power ballad written by album producer John Shanks and James Grunder, of the rock group Golden State.



I ordered my import copy of the album from Amazon here. It is supposed to be in my possession before Thanksgiving, so I am excited! For more on the band, you can check out their official website here.

Westlife - Something Right

I really love this song - although I actually love many of their songs, so it isn't all that unusual. But this does seem like a great song for a Saturday morning - a beautiful video, with a great song and a fantastic message. So enjoy the stylings of Shane, Mark, Kian and Nicky.



Enjoy the online experience at their website here.

Six New Followers

Top: Sizzlyn & Kathy. Middle: Melony [with Theo Tams] & Miss Holly Housewife. Bottom: Gabrielle & Bjorn.

OK, it has been a buys couple of weeks, and I have been derelict in my duties. Since last reported, there are six new members of the Soundtrack family, and it is way past time I have welcomed them. So, Sizzlyn, Kathy, Melony, Holly, Gabrielle and Bjorn.

Sizzlyn is someone I am familiar with on Twitter and on the blog The Chris Dallman Connection, where she is a host. She is from Singapore, and from what I can tell, is very smart and sweet. Kathy and Melony are two of my Tams-manian devils, sharing my love for the music of Theo Tams. Kathy is an online buddy, as I did not get a chance to meet her on my sojourn in Toronto. Melony, on the other hand, kept me company for all three shows I went to, including the one with the unfortunate view in Oshawa.

I might be mistaken, but I don't think that picture really is Miss Holly Housewife, but I would say the picture captures her thoughts well, as she has a bit of a retro feel, a fondness for the 40s, 50s and 60s. She has two blogs, Being Bree Hodge and Through the Looking Glass... Into Never, Neverland. BBH celebrates housewifery in the style of a Desperate Housewife, while TTLGINN talks about and celebrates vintage Pop culture. Gabrielle does not have a blog of her own, but describes herself as I'm a silly, vegan, gluten free, cancer survivor, 22 year old college student that is addicted to Facebook, Twitter... oh yeah & my Blackberry! so I am sure many can identify! And, finally, there is Bjorn, a blogger in charge of Bjorn's Brutzelbude. Bjorn is German [I believe] and his blog covers anything from cute boys, pop culture, to tidbits of Bjorn's personal life. The blog is written in German, but there is a translate button just below some pictures of Bjorn, so you can read it easily.

And for the traditional greeting, I feel the need to offer a couple of videos, as I was a naughty boy who is a bit tardy, so I have figured out I would go with three videos. First up will be Theo Tams singing Weak In The Knees, because when I check in to find additional followers, I feel just that. This clip of the Serena Ryder song is from the show in Etobicoke I attended last month.



For those liking the mid-century style, I offer you Fly Me To The Moon by one of my favorite groups, Westlife. Yes, they aren't mid-century themselves, but they do a fantastic job with the song, and the Allow Me To Be Frank album is a winner for sure! I used the song in a slide show for my parents 50th anniversary.




And, finally, for those who like their music in the singer/songwriter vein, there is the amazing Christopher Dallman singing Subterranean, a glorious song . The clip is from a show in Los Angeles earlier this year. I love the song, and was going to say it is a favorite from his recent stuff, but all his songs are so good, I can't pick a favorite.



So, here is hoping everyone feels welcome and at home here at Soundtrack to my Day, and we get to know you a bit more and we get a chance to chat!

Westlife Duets

Westlife Got Milk - Kian, Mark, Nicky and Shane.

Yes, I am a fan of the Irish boys of Westlife. Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne have made some great pop music in the last decade, and have done some interesting duets. The first I am going to feature was not an actual duet, but was made in an edit room working with released singles. From their latest album Where We Are, Westlife sang a song first released by the American group Daughtry, What About Now. When the songs are put together with a creative editor, this is what you get.



The next song was sung live on a television program in the UK, An Audience With Lionel Ritchie. While doing a retrospective of his career, Ritchie bring out the boys to sing the Commodores hit Easy.



The boys have never shied away from being a bit adventurous, even if it is on British television. I am crazy about the beginning with Mark singing with Donna. You know he is excited, cause what gay man hasn't wanted to sing with Summer? Here is No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), and Donna looks great!



They joined Boyzone for a poignant No Matter What on a British program that honored the life of Stephen Gately earlier this year.

Westlife - Swear It Again

Left to right: Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne.

I can tell you when I first fell for Westlife, and it was a long time ago, 10 years in fact. I remember hearing one song, and knowing it was over for me. They are purveyors of Pop, pure and simple. And I love me some Pop music! It is the only Westlife song I remember being played on the radio in the US, but it was enough to hook me. This is Swear It Again.



While they started with five, in 2004 they became four with the departure of Brian McFadden. Despite being a few decades removed from their target demographic, I buy all the albums and the DVDs, with a strong desire to see them live at some point. In 2005, Mark Feehily came out, announcing his relationship with Kevin McDaid, which continues today. He had the full support of Shane, Kian and Nicky, as well as the fans, which is fantastic. I continue to enjoy the music, including this song from 2009, Something Right.



Enjoy the online experience at their website here.

When Old Favorites Become Medleys - Westlife

Top & bottom, left to right: Shane, Kian, Nicky & Mark

I come right out and admit I have an addiction to this band, one that I once thought would pass with time, yet that has not been the case at all. Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne, four Irish lads, as well as former member Brian McFadden, managed to captivate much of the world market, save the US, as well as my affections. I fully own up to having all their albums, as well as their concert DVDs, and I revel in the sheer Pop of their sound. One of the men responsible for their career is Simon Cowell, who signed them for the label, and has been instrumental in many of the decisions since. For the first 10 years of their careers, they were constantly working, either on tour or working on the next album. Having seen the DVDs, I can tell you Cowell doesn't stray far outside that box, for a formula quickly set in. That included taking up about 10 minutes of the concert with a medley of classic hit songs, easily warming the hearts of the parents and grandparents bringing their children to see the immensely popular group. And today is Mark's birthday!



Take, for instance, the 2008 Back Home Tour, which concluded with a fantastic two-night stand in Croke Park outside of Dublin, after which the boys took a well-deserved year off. The medley ran just under 10 minutes, and included the songs Sexy Back, Blame It On The Boogie, Get Down On It, I'm Your Man, and Let Me Entertain You by original artists Justin Timberlake, The Jackson 5, Kool & The Gang, Wham! and Robbie Williams. The selections span the generations, are all up-beat, fun songs, and are rather fun to watch. It also gives Kian and Nicky a chance to take the lead vocal role, something rarely done in the studio.



In 2005 they embarked on the Number Ones Tour, which included a 10 minute medley of its own. The songs included in this one were Disco Inferno, Pretty Woman, I Feel Fine, Don´t Stop Til You Get Enough and Footlose, by original artists Earth, Wind & Fire, Roy Orbison, Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Kenny Loggins. Again, one could see these songs by these artists more appealing to the custodians of the youngsters wanting to go to the concert, making them very popular segments of the show.



Hey, don't get me wrong, I enjoy the medleys - after all, I fall into the target age range - and think the boys do them well. They have a great deal of fun with them, fueled by their own energy, as well as that of the screaming crowds. I just think there is a laziness to them, and that the boys might be capable of doing a show without them. However, the songs do bring back great memories, and I fall for it every time. And while I have no idea if I will see them live as they don't tour the States, the DVDs does give me a chance to pretend I've had the honor of doing that.

Happy St. Patrick's Day - Westlife

Left to right: Shane Filian, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily.

Indeed, first they were five, then four, boys from Ireland who had a major impact on the British music scene, and were signed by Sony/BMG executive Simon Cowell in 1998. They came together as a boy band, singing pop songs with an R & B flavor, and have gone on to soundly conquered the world, save the US. But they have matured, both as men and as performers, and have placed themselves in more of an adult contemporary feel, prolonging the life of the band for more than most bands of the era. While they have maintained a pop sound, they did record the song You Raise Me Up for the 205 album Face To Face with a strong Celtic feel. That should come as no surprise, considering the boys are from Ireland, and the music was written by Rolf Løvland and the lyrics by Brendan Graham for the movie Secret Garden. The melody is based on a traditional Irish tune (especially the opening phrase of its chorus), the Londonderry Air, which is best known as the usual tune to the 1910 song Danny Boy.

Worth Another Listen - Westlife

In 2004, Westlife released Allow Us To Be Frank, an album of jazz standards, songs inspired by and/or sung by the Rat Pack. I have long ago confessed my affection for Westlife, and especially member Mark Feehily, who came out as a gay man and did so with dignity. Feehily, along with bandmates Shane Filian, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne, prepared a loving tribute to the music and the era itself. I enjoy the album immensely.



The first release from the album was a song written in 1960, music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Sammy Cahn. Ain't That A Kick In The Head was first recorded in 1960 by Dean Martin, and conducted by Nelson Riddle, it became closely identified with the era.



Smile was a song originally used as an instrumental theme in the soundtrack for the 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie Modern Times. Chaplin composed the music. There is some discussion as to who wrote the words, with John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons often mentioned. The sheet music was sold with the lyrics accredited to Chaplin. The song was originally sung by Nat King Cole, charted in 1954.



Fly Me To The Moon was a popular standard song written by Bart Howard in 1954. It was titled originally In Other Words Frank Sinatra recorded the song on his 1964 album It Might as Well Be Swing accompanied by Count Basie. The arrangement by Quincy Jones, and that version went on to be thought of as the gold standard.



Mack the Knife or The Ballad of Mack the Knife, originally Die Moritat von Mackie Messer, is a song composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht for their music drama Die Dreigroschenoper, or, as it is known in English, The Threepenny Opera. It premiered in Berlin in 1928. Mack the Knife was introduced to the United States hit parade by Louis Armstrong in 1956, but the song is most closely associated with Bobby Darin, who recorded his version at Fulton Studios in New York City in 1958. In 1959 Darin's version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number six on the Black Singles chart, and earned him a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

Helping Haiti - Everybody Hurts

Simon Cowell produced the single Everybody Hurts with an all-star roster of UK stars including Leona Lewis, Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Cheryl Cole, Mika, Michael Buble, Joe McElderry, Miley Cyrus, James Blunt, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jon Bon Jovi, James Morrison, Susan Boyle, Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kylie Minogue, and Robbie Williams.



It is scheduled for digital release on February 7th, with physical CD release on February 8th. Not sure if that is UK only, or worldwide.