Fans of the 2008 X Factor contender Diana Vickers will be happy to hear that she is finally getting some material out (it's about time). Once is the first single off her debut album, Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree, and it is quite a proper pop tune. Diana's vocals are easily distinguished and familiar to those who followed through TXF 2008. At first hear it may sound like one of those synthesized pop garb, but Diana pulls it through with her distinctive, odd-yet-enthralling voice.

A press release from Fox Flash stated that the theme for the Top 11 is 'Teen Idols', which, if you ask me, is a bogus idea for a theme (think "Big Mike singing One Time" - @champerez). Or Paige Miles raping The Climb once more. Anyway, the Teen Idols theme spells disaster, and it plays into Tim Urban's hands (who should have been axed btw).

On the official site of Idol, however, another theme is suggested. 'Billboard #1 Hits' (seen below). Billboard #1's is a better theme, but is less challenging. We'll find out which theme the Top 11 will sing when iTunes releases the song list sometime this week.





Credits to MJ's Big Blog.

Sky Ferreira, an American singer/songwriter based in "Fucking LA", and has been described in The Guardian as "the Lolita from LA, the It Girl from Orange County". And truly, Sky Ferreira is quite a character (who apparently made Michael Jackson cry when she sang to him at eleven). She signed with big wig record company EMI in July 2009 and working with Swedish producers Bloodshy & Avant (Britney, JLo) and Paul Epworth (Florence + the Machine, Kate Nash). She is also set to have a collabo with Britney Spears, called Age is Just a Number (looking forward to this).

From the web buzz that Ferreira's been getting, you'd assume her as the naughtierbutlessexplorative little Gaga, but the chops and the ever-popular electrosynths she uses would prove you wrong. Nonetheless, Ferreira exhibits great vocals, proving that this "It Girl" should be taken seriously. She describes her music as "getting hit in the solar plexus..." and also appeared in Paris-based Uffie's Pop the Glock video. 2010 is looking to be a great year in music for the electro-pop culture, and Sky Ferreira definitely has something to add to that.

Sky Ferreira on Twitter.
on MySpace.
on Facebook.


Here is an amazing cover of Miike Snow's Animal:

One of the nominated acts for the BBC Sound of 2010, Rox proves to be an exciting new prospect with her latest single, My Baby Left Me. The pop-soul tune suggests similarity to other Brit artists like Adele, Duffy, and a hint of Corrine Bailey Rae. My Baby Left Me is pleasing to the ears, and the chorus quite infectious. Her debut album, entitled Memoirs, is due to release in Spring 2010.

Being the Critic's Choice Awardee at the 2010 Brits Awards, Lights, the debut LP of English singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding, faced high expectations even before its release. Goulding, who also topped the BBC Sound of 2010 poll, showed much potential with lead single Under the Sheets, followed by another fantastic single, Starry Eyed, garnering the attentions of many a critic.

The sound of the 36-minute album is consistent, the use of synthesizers appropriate. Lights is a quirky pop compilation molded to fit the mainstream scene. The vocals of Goulding showcases a tone slightly similar to Florence + the Machine, Little Boots, La Roux, and most recently 2008 X Factor contestant Diana Vickers.

Standout tracks in the LP include This Love (Will Be Your Downfall), which could easily be the next single with its beguiling chorus. The Writer is another commendable track, led by piano and quite a heartwrencher. The opener, Guns and Horses, also does not disappoint. The acoustic intro is hypnotizing, and the whole track follows suit.

All in all, a great debut effort from the indie label artist. Though still distant to the fame of artists such as Lady Gaga, Goulding is presenting a new side to pop. By combining synthesizers, acoustics, piano, and gold dust, Ellie Goulding is definitely an artist to watch out for.

The flagship of Australian pop singer Sia's forthcoming album (We Are Born), is today's track of the day. Clap Your Hands is a quirky, catchy, last-song-syndrome sort of tune that us pop enthusiasts would love to have on loop.

Today's featured record is (Woman) On a Mission by ARIA winner Gabriella Cilmi.

On a Mission has a distinctive UK feel to it (which is how it should be, mind you), and I found myself bobbing my head along with the track. Not to mention the très coloré video that comes with this synthy tune.

Voilà!

If you want to get updated on the latest pop tunes from the UK, then Pop Justice is the go-to site. Instead of warbling on and on and gushing about Cheryl Cole, PJ gives us a variety of listenable artists away from the mainstream scene (and certainly away from anything in the Philippines).

Here are a few songs Pop Justice introduced to my finicky ears:


Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed


Marina & the Diamonds - Obsessions


Mini Viva - I Wish