Gabriella Cilmi is a 'Woman On A Mission' - listen to the new single now!

18 year-old Gabriella Cilmi, the Australian Amy Winehouse - Taylor Dayne hybrid (Amor Daynhouse just doesn't work does it :( ), burst onto the scene last year with her slow burning jam 'Sweet About Me.'  While the follow up singles didn't really light the charts on fire, the album was a decent hit, peaking at 8 in the UK and scraping the lower reaches of the US top 20.  But now, judging from the reaction in the 'blogosphere' (ugh), her new album is poised to propel her into the realm of full-on superstardom.  Let's look at the evidence:

1.  She's working with Xenomania
2.  She's working with Xenomania
3.  She's working with Xenomania

Yes, things are looking very good indeed.

The album is said to have a 70's/80's feel, influenced by Blondie.  With production help from the likes of Greg Kurstin (of Kylie and Little Boots fame), this record is shaping up to be a corker.  Here's the debut single 'Woman on a Mission,' remixed by the ever-dependable Wideboys. 



The single is in buzz mode now, to hit radio soon, and the album will follow in early 2010

New artwork for Rihanna's 'Rude Boy' single and Goldfrapp's 'Headfirst' album

Rihanna is in about the same place now as Goldfrapp was on their last album. Both did something unexpected and met with tepid sales. After the successes of their previous packages, however, it was unrealistic to expect that level of success to continue straight through. Sometimes it's a good idea for an artist or band to take a step back, have a lower profile, and then they can stage an epic comeback as the underdog. It's what Kelly Clarkson just did with the whole 'My December' thing. While Rihanna is in the midst of her rebuilding album, about to release a third single 'Rude Boy,' Goldfrapp are ready to emerge bigger and better with their next project 'Headfirst.'
The artwork for each just premiered, and they're both interesting in their own way.

Yes.  Very interesting.

No let's hope after this single Rihanna gets back in the studio for her big triumphant comeback.  Because we're still waiting for 'SOS' Mk II.

Marina and the Diamonds strip down 'Hollywood' for new video - watch now!

A while ago (on December first, actually) we posted this, a Marina and the Diamonds video for sort-of-but-not-really-single 'Hollywood.' Well that clearly went SUPER because now a new video has been made of Marina standing in a room and singing to a stripped down version of the song. That's really about all there is to say about it. Here it is.

Alphabeat make a 'Hole In My Heart' - watch the video now!

Alphabeat's BIG COMEBACK SONG 'The Spell' didn't really set the charts afire, despite being very very good, so prior to the launch of the full album (also called 'The Spell') they are releasing another single.  It is just as 90's-pop but less accessible and at first listen far less commercial than 'The Spell,' and truth be told screams "BAD SINGLE CHOICE" at a very loud volume.  But still, the guy is quite hot in the video and there are some pretty colors to keep us busy. 



The single is out the 22nd of February while the album hits on March 1

Who wants to see Mariah Carey giving a speech WASTED? (video)

Mimi's been having a pretty alright year, all things considered - showing all the popstar-to-actor wannabes how it's done with a role in Precious, and....well ok, that's about the only thing that's gone right this year for her, but still - so who can blame her for celebrating a little.  Well here she is celebrating a LOT at an awards show while receiving a best supporting actress award for her work.  




Mess.  Now let's watch again.

Toni Braxton's "Yesterday" and rehearsal interview @ SoundCheck - watch now!

So Toni hasn't been the luckiest artist  -  she was famously bankrupt a while back and has had some health problems - but she's making another run at it with a whole new album and promo tour.  To kick things off here's Toni talking about the project and wearing some sexy outfits at Wal-Mart's SoundCheck.   



My, that's a husky voice isn't it...

Lets all watch the brand new Lady Gaga "Don't Give Up" video no one wanted us to see

Ages ago, presumably before Gaga ruled the world, her record company farmed her out to appear on this remake of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush's 'Don't Give Up' with something called The Midway State.  I'm sure they were all trying for some sort of hipster-lightning-in-a-bottle but instead they got.......this.  The label subsequently killed the whole thing but thanks to the magic of the interwebs here it is in all its 'glory.' 



...and that's why it was never released.

New Roisin Murphy - Come to 'Momma's Place', it's LITERALLY AMAZING

Roisin (of Moloko and solo incredibleness fame, if you don't know) has been off living her life and having babies and such, which we suppose is fine but it really is about time she got back to thinking about US.  Apparently she has, because this new single was just announced by her people and it is very very good in a way that only Roisin can be very very good.

Here is 'Momma's Place' (or Mamma's Place, depending on who you believe):


Amazing.

Out January 18.  Buy it.