something in you makes me want to try

Clare & the Reasons - Ooh You Hurt Me So
I love a jaunty song anytime. Expressive vocals by Clare Manchon is underlied by a subtle vulnerability which she seems more than happy to conceal from us. Melodious whistling and slow taps on the guitar complete this absolutely lovely song.

Fyfe Dangerfield - She's Always A Woman
Fyfe Dangerfield covers this original by Billy Joel so brilliantly. Such a woman seems more than a handful, yielding that emotional bedlam that Mr Dangerfield struggles to contain. Inevitably, it brings comparison to the legend that is Billy Joel. While his cover certainly cannot match the grandiosity of BJ, he evokes a certain rawness, that could largely be attributed by his scruffy look, and brings about a contemporary twist.

Fanfarlo - Ghosts
When you listen to their brand of chamber pop, you get a feeling of uniqueness they try to make their own as they marry pop sensibilities with grand orchestral proceedings. Effervescence spills through as a myriad of instruments used by this 5 man band strive to make themselves heard, and everything dovetails nicely as Bathalzar leads the way with mellow vocals that swoon and bears an uncanny resemblance to David Bryne.

these things are fathomlessly out of our hands

Fyfe Dangerfield - When You Walk in the Room
I think the whole thing about him, is his unpolished voice. It lends a sort of rawness and sincerity, a bit like Jamie Archer from X Factor UK. It's unique and certainly grew on me.

i want youuuu endlessly/i love youuuu endlessly

Kings of Convenience - Misread
Don't you find their lyrics always ring so true, surely striking a chord within you? Such earnestness, he's literally pouring his heart out, even laying it bare, as seen in

All throughout history
The loneliest people
Were the ones who always spoke the truth
The ones who made a difference
By withstanding the indifference
I guess it's up to me now
Should I take that risk or just smile?

no accoutrements, no whim wham, nothing. just the guitar and their voices.

Monarchy - Gold in the Fire
The moment I clicked |>, the solid 8 beat (I think) just hit me in the face. And when lyrics started rolling, I wasn't expecting it. It's a bit balladic, plus some house thrown into the mix, that awesome falsetto. Now, who's Monarchy really? I can't find anything on their myspace nor last.fm !!!!!!

Monarchy - Black, The Colour Of My Heart
The lyrics could prolly stand on it's own, being sung just as it is. Adding the deep bass and electronic is a dash of freshness which goes down well with me. These guys are really good, and I need to know more about them.

when my memories ring like telephones

As of Sunday, X Factor UK (Season 6) actually ended, with Joe McElderry clinching top spot, while Olly edged Stacey out for second. In the final face off, they had to sing their favourite song and the winner's song The Climb originally by Miley Cyrus. Olly Murs had his Twist and Shout pitted against Joe's Don't Stop Believing. The results reflected Joe's overwhelming support and fan base, garnering a massive 61.3%. This however, by no means, reflects Olly's mediocrity. Olly was outstanding as well, the usual slick dance moves, awesome stage presence and pretty good voice. He put in his all, which was evident. And so, at 18, Joe's become UK's next singing sensation. Will he be like Leona Lewis, breaking out into a mega star, or fade into oblivion ala Steve Brookstein? Only time will tell. I still hate it that Lucie was booted so early - still a little bitter about Simon ending her dreams so prematurely.


Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Music In My Mind
Just listen and lay back to chill.

Maria Mena - Just Hold Me

Fyfe Dangerfield - She Needs Me
Nice and polished pop song. However, at some points when he wants to go pretty high, it seems like his voice is about to break.