Holiday's

Just to let you all know, i'm currently away on hoilday's ... next blog up date will be on Monday 3rd August.... talk to ye all then

UK Charts

JLS held on to the No.1 spot on the singles chart in the U.K. with their debut single “Beat again” for a second week.
'Beat Again' sold over 100,000 copies last week giving it the biggest-selling first week sales for a debut single so far this year (ahead of Lady GaGa's 'Just Dance' and Pixie Lott's 'Mama Do'). Only Dizzee Rascal’s 'Bonkers' has had higher weekly sales so far this year

In the album charts Michael Jackson spends his 4th week at No1 with “The Essential Collection”.
Top 5 UK Singles:
5: La Roux – “Bullet proof”
4: Cascada – “Evacuate the dance floor”
3: Black Eyed Peas – “I gotta feeling”
2: Mr Hudson Feat... Kanye West – “Supernova”
1: JLS – “Beat Again”

TOP 5 UK ALBUMS:
5: La Roux – “La Roux”
4: Paolo Nutini – “Sunny side up”
3: Lady Gaga – “The Fame”
2: Florence + The Machine – “Lungs”
1: Michael Jackson – “The Essential Collection”

U2

I went to see U2 last night (the 2nd of 3 concerts U2 are playing at Croke Park, Dublin), and to be honest i thought the boy’s weren’t in good form at all, this is my 4th U2 tour to see live and it was by far the worst.
Maybe it’s because their current album “No line on the horizon” is by no means there best work, or that Bono didn’t seem into it...? By the end of the 2 hour set his voice had certainly taken a bettering.
Luckily though the old hits were performed to: “Where the streets have no name”, “Desire”, “With or without you” and “One” definitely were the highlights of the night - (and are always crowd pleasers).
A massive 240,000 people will see the band by tomorrow night, which is definitely something to boast about!

Kaiser Chiefs & Republic of Loose provided the support to get the crowd warmed up.

SET LIST:
“Breathe”
“No Line On The Horizon”
“Get On Your Boots”
“Magnificent”
“Beautiful Day / Here Comes The Sun” (snippet)
“Mysterious Ways”
“I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / Stand By Me” (snippet),
“Angel Of Harlem / Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough” (snippet),
“In A Little While”
“Unknown Caller”
“The Unforgettable Fire”
“City Of Blinding Lights / Rain” (snippet)
“Vertigo / Thunderstruck” (snippet)
“I'll Go Crazy”
“If I Don't Go Crazy”
“Tonight / O Come All Ye Faithful” (snippet)
“Sunday Bloody Sunday / Rock The Casbah” (snippet)
“Pride (In The Name Of Love)”
“MLK”
“Walk On / You'll Never Walk Alone” (snippet)
“Where The Streets Have No Name”
“One”

Encore:
“Ultra Violet (Light My Way)”
“With Or Without You”
“Moment of Surrender”

Shontelle

Is Shontelle just a one hit wonder? ... She’s certainly shaping up to be that way if her new single “Battle cry” doesn’t make an impression on both sides of the Atlantic...
Shontelle was born in Barbados, and went to school with Rihanna! (The highest ranked University in Barbados)
Shontelle’s debut single “T-Shirt” was a huge international hit on both sides of the Atlantic reaching the Top 40 in the U.S., No: 26 in Ireland & No: 6 in the U.K.
The follow up was “Stuck with each other” (featuring Akon) only got to No: 63 in the U.S., No: 23 in the U.K. & No: 46 in the Irish single’s chart.
Shontelle’s debut album “Shontelligence” even failed to make the Top 100 in both the U.S. & U.K. (selling only 6,140 copies in it’s first week in the U.S.) – Note to Shontelle: This could be down to bad marketing, releasing your debut album on the same day as Beyoncé releases her 3rd album is never a good idea!
Shontelle’s new single is called “Battle cry” and is scheduled for release on August 7th.
Verdict on the single.... Mmm, It actually sounds like she’s trying to be a Jordan Sparks, let’s just say ... Poor! (and she's certainly no where near as good as Jordan Sparks)

Sean Paul

After a 4 year absence Sean Paul returns with the release of his first single “So fine” on July 31st. This is a fresher sound for Sean and is extremely catchy, (I suppose it has to be being only 3 minutes and 15 seconds long. Is it just me or does Sean Paul have a knack of releasing good summer tunes (“Breathe” with Blue Cantrell & “Get busy”)
Having said that his return hasn’t been well received in the U.S. where the single only reached No: 59 on Billboard Top 100 and a dismal No: 90 on the U.S. R&B charts
Sean Paul’s fourth studio album “Imperial Blaze” is released on 14th August.

Madonna

A “Celebration” of Madonna Music - The Definitive Greatest Hits Collection September 28/29 Release

"Madonna, has given her fans yet another opportunity to “celebrate” her musical achievements.
Today, Warner Bros. Records officially confirmed the September 29th release in the U.S. (September 28 outside U.S.) of “CELEBRATION” – the ultimate compilation of Madonna songs.

The songs on “Celebration” have all been re-mastered and selected by Madonna and her fans. They cover the expanse of the Material Girl’s extraordinary career of hits including “Everybody,” “Express Yourself,” “Vogue” and “4 Minutes.” “Celebration” will be available in a two-CD set as well as a single CD.

There will also be a “Celebration” DVD released simultaneously which include the best videos, including several that have never before been available on DVD.“Celebration,” the CD will also include two new songs that were recently recorded in New York City.

The first single, also titled, “Celebration,” will be released August 3rd.

A video for the single, which will be included on the “Celebration” DVD was just filmed in Milan, Italy.

The song will also be available on CD and vinyl maxi.

Radio will receive the “Celebration” single on August 3rd.

The cover for “Celebration” was created by artist “Mr. Brainwash” who is best known for “throwing modern cultural icons into a blender and turning it up to eleven.” (A copy of the cover image of the “Celebration” CD & DVD is above)

Thriller Live

"Thriller Live" come's to "The O2" Dublin on 28th November 2009.
The show celerbrates the sussess / tells the story of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 through song.
The almost 3 hour show contains 28 songs including massive hits: "I Want You Back," "I'll Be There," "Show You The Way To Go," "Can You Feel It," "Rock With You," "She's Out Of My Life," "Thriller," "Beat It," "Ben," "ABC," "Man in the Mirror," "Dirty Diana," "Billie Jean" and "Earth Song" and many many more ...
Tickets are priced between €42.50 - €45.00 (fully seated) and should be a fantastic night out for all. Snap the tickets up quick folks!

US Charts

The Black Eyed Peas continue their domination of the US charts by holding onto the top spot for a third week with their new single "I gotta feeling" (which is currently Number 3 in the UK on downloads alone).

On the album front former American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry and his band "Daughtry" go straight to number one with their second album "Leave this town"

Top 5 US Singles:
5: Sean Kingston – “Fire burning”
4: Keri Hilson, Kanye West & Ne*Yo – “Knock you down”
3: Taylor Swift – “You belong with me”
2: Drake – “Best i ever had”
1: Black Eyed Peas – “I gotta feeling”

Top 5 US Albums:
5: Black Eyed Peas – "The E.N.D"
4: Various Artists - "Now 31"
3: OST - "Hannah Montana 3"
2: Maxwell - "BLACKsummers'night"
1: Daughtry - "Leave This Town"

John Legend

I know this album is six months old (Release in the UK / Ireland on 26th October 2008) but this album has to be in the Top 5 of 2008 (if not for 2009) and having only peaked at number 21 in the UK charts (and Number 51 in the Irish charts) the chances are you'll not of heard of many of the brilliant songs on the album.

John Legend has returned with his 3rd album and it's a true master piece! to date it's sold over 600,000 copies of "Evolver" in the US. The album features collaborations with a who's who in the R&B / Rap world including: Estelle, Kanye West, Andre 3000 & Brandy.

Even if you don't buy the album, you must at least download the song: "This time" (track 8) it's an all time slow classic

Currently John is touring the US if you get a chance to see he perform snap up a ticket and go!

Mercury Music Prize 2009

Florence + The Machine, Kasabian, Glasvegas and La Roux are some of this years acts making up the 12 nominees for this year's Mercury Music Prize that were announced today.
The award (now in its 17th year) is to recognise the best albums released over the past year by British and Irish artists.
The winner will be announced on September 8th, taking home the £20,000 prize money, as well as a guaranteed up take in their album sales.
Elbow won the award last year with their fourth album “Seldom Seen Kid”, which before the win had sold 150K, but up to April ’09 had shifted a massive 500K+
The nominees are judged by an independent panel of industry figures and music journalists
Previous winners of the prize have included Pulp, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys and Klaxons

The early bookies favourite is Kasabian, however my money would be on either the fantastic Florence + the Machine, Glasvegas or La Roux

The full shortlist:

Bat For Lashes – “Two Suns”
Florence + The Machine – “Lungs”
Friendly Fires – “Friendly Fires”

Glasvegas – “Glasvegas”
Kasabian – “West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum”

La Roux – “La Roux”
Led Bib – “Sensible Shoes”

Lisa Hannigan – “Sea Sew”
The Horrors – “Primary Colours”
The Invisible – “the Invisible”

Sweet Billy Pilgrim – “Twice Born Men”

Speech Debelle – “Speech Therapy”

UK Charts

Congratulations to JLS who’s debut single “Beat again” has gone straight in at number 1 in the UK singles chart.
In the album charts Michael Jackson spends his 3rd week at No1 with “The Essential Collection”.

Top 5 UK Singles:
5: Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi”
4: La Roux – “Bullet proof”
3: Black Eyed Peas – “I gotta feeling”
2: Cascada – “Evacuate the dance floor”
1: JLS – “Beat Again”

TOP 5 UK ALBUMS:
5: Lady Gaga – The Fame
4: Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 – 50 Best Songs: The Motown years
3: Michael Jackson - Thriller
2: Florence + The Machine - Lungs
1: Michael Jackson - The Essential Collection

Maxwell

Most people probably don’t remember (or haven’t heard of) Maxwell, but Maxwell is a 36 year old R&B artist from New York.
After a 7 year break from recording he went straight to Number 1 this week in America with his 4th studio album “BLACKsummers’night” (This is the first in a set of 3 to be released, The second album: “blackSUMMERS'night” will be coming out in 2010 and the third album: Blacksummers'NIGHT in 2011)
I went into town yesterday to purchase the album and after giving it a few spins this is definitely a must have album for 2009, listening to the sexy soul vibe throughout you can just imagine yourself hearing this live, in the old style venues (with the lamps on the tables and smoke filled rooms) getting seduced by the sound of the trumpets.
Track 2 “Cold” is probably the best track. The down side to this album is that it’s €13.99 for only 9 tracks...

Michael Jackson

“Saturday 18th July, Today is the day I was to see a true genius & legend perform on stage... and live at “The O2” in London...
I saw Madonna on Saturday (7th July) at the MEN Arena (in Manchester) and her homage to Michael was the true highlight of her show ... Michael’s music will live on forever!
Michael changed the way musicians make music, Michael changed how they make their videos, Show artists how to promote what they had to say - Michael made everyone want to shout out to the world ... “it makes no difference if your black or white”... but more important... Michael knew how to make a connection with the man on the street - I hope Michael is looking down and is proud of what he achieved and the impact he had on everyone!"

Once i receive my ticket for the show i’ll post a photo, However AEG say it will be the end of August before they start distributing them.

JLS

JLS have had a few issues this week as they released thier debut single "Beat again" / "Umbrella" on Monday.

Last years "X-factor" runners up (to Alexandra Burke) were due to make UK chart history on Sunday by having both their A and B-side singles in the UK top 10. However officials at the UK Official Charts Company said: "the track should never have been counted as a standalone release as it is sold as part of a single bundle". A technical error was blamed for the blunder ("Umbrella" was at No 8 in the midweek chart but has since disappeared)

JLS were also re-united with a demo CD of thier debut album and a memory stick containing 8 tracks after it was mislaid on a train from London.

On the up side JLS single "Beat again" is a dead cert to enter at No1 on Sunday with "Beat again".

JLS are rumoured to of signed a multi-million pound record deal with Sony-BMG that will should see them be as successful as Westlife.

US Charts

The Black Eyed Peas continue thier domination of the US charts by holding onto the top spot for a second week with their new single "I gotta feeling"

Top 5 US Singles:
5: Sean Kingston – “Fire burning”
4: Keri Hilson, Kanye West & Ne*Yo – “Knock you down”
3: Black Eyed Peas – “Boom boom pow”
2: Drake – “Best i ever had”
1: Black Eyed Peas – “I gotta feeling”

TOP 5 US ALBUMS:
5: Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D
4: All Time Low - Nothing personal
3: Various Artists - Now 31
2: OST - Hannah Montana 3

1: Maxwell - BLACKsummers'night

UK Charts

Michael Jackson made chart history last week by having 13 single’s in the UK Top 40 single’s chart, the highest position being “Man in the mirror” climbing up to number 2. (The previous record holder was Elvis Presley with 6 entries)
Following on from the memorial service on Tuesday 8th July 2009 Michael Jackson still has an impressive 10 solo hits in this weeks UK Top 40 and Michaels albums are also dominating the UK Top 5 albums with 4 out of the 5 being Michael Jackson – in addition thanks to 12 year old “Britain’s Got Talent” finalist Shaheen Jafargholi performance at the memorial “The Jacksons” also re-entered the singles charts at No36 with “Who’s lovin’ you”

Michael Jackson’s single positions:
40: “You are not alone”
39: “Earth song”
36: “Who’s lovin’ who” – (The Jacksons)
32: “Beat it”
31: “Dirty Diana”
29: “Black or white”
28: “They don’t care about us”
25: “Thriller”
21: “Billie Jean”
20: “Smooth Criminal”
3: “Man in the mirror”

Top 5 UK Singles:
5: David Guetta Feat... Kelly Rowland – “When love takes over”
4: Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi”
3: Michael Jackson – “Man in the mirror”
2: La Roux – “Bullet proof”
1: Cascada – “Evacuate the dance floor”

TOP 5 UK ALBUMS:
5: Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 – 50 Best Songs: The Motown years
4: Michael Jackson - Thriller
3: Michael Jackson - Off the wall
2: Florance + The Machine - Lungs
1: Michael Jackson - The Essential Collection

31.3 million Watched Michael Jackson’s memorial in the US, more than 6 million watched in the UK and the global viewing figures are put around 1 Billion, even though 2.5 Billion globally watched Princess Diana’s funeral it was expected that Michael Jackson’s funeral would top this figure due to many watching on live Internet streaming set up by the Jackson family.To put the figure’s into prospective, In the US 28.9 million watched the American Idol final in May, 38 million watched Barack Obama’s inauguration in January and 33.2 million watched Princess Diana’s funeral in September ‘97

Madonna, MEN Arena, Manchester - 7th July 2009

Madonna, MEN Arena July 2009

I went to see Madonna's "Sticky and Sweet" tour at the MEN Arena (in Manchester) on Tuesday 7th July 2009.
This was the 2nd time i saw this show (1st time was in Paris last September) and I'm glad to report she didn't disappoint in any form.
The set list did differ a little from the 1st leg but only by her incorporating more of her hits such as "Frozen" "Holiday" & "Dress you up" and of course one of the high light's of the concert is Madonna paying homage to Michael Jackson by having her dancer dressed as Michael doing the moonwalk across the stage and copying his trade mark break dancing moves to "Billie Jean" and "Wanna be startin' somethin'"

Merchandise to is priced at a reasonable rate: £20 for a programme and £22 per T-Shirt

This is no doubt one of the best concerts in years and if you have the opertunity to go - then you must!

Set list for the 2009 leg:

"The Sweet Machine"
"Candy Shop"
"Beat Goes On"
"Human Nature" (contains excerpts from "Gimme More")
"Vogue" (contains elements of "4 Minutes" and "Give It To Me")
"Die Another Day"
"Into the Groove"
"Holiday" (contains elements of "Everybody", Heartbeat)
Michael Jackson tribute "Billie Jean" with excerpts from "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'")
"Dress You Up" (contains elements of "My Sharona")
"She's Not Me"
"Music" (contains elements of "Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit", with excerpts from "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life")
"Rain" (Remix) (Video Interlude) (contains elements of "Here Comes the Rain Again")
"Devil Wouldn't Recognize You"
"Spanish Lesson"
"Miles Away"
"La Isla Bonita" (contains excerpts from "Lela Pala Tute")
"Doli Doli" (Kolpakov Trio solo) (Dance Interlude)
"You Must Love Me"
"Get Stupid" (contains excerpts from "Beat Goes On", "Give It 2 Me", "4 Minutes" and "Voices")
"4 Minutes"
"Like a Prayer" (contains elements of "Feels Like Home")
"Frozen" (contains elements of "I'm Not Alone" with excerpts from "Open Your Heart")
"Ray of Light"

"Give It 2 Me" (contains elements of "Fired Up!")