Holidays

Folks I’m off to Portugal for the Bank Holiday weekend for some much needed sun! ~ This means my next blog will be at some point on Tuesday, have a fantastic weekend everyone!

John Lennon / The Beatles

A sheet of paper which has John Lennon’s hand-written song lyrics is expected to sell for up to $700,000 (£450,000).
The double-sided sheet features Lennon's lyrics to the Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’. It also contains other notes penned in red ink.
‘A Day in the Life’ is the final track on the Beatles 1967 massive hit album ‘Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’.

It has been said that the sheet could break the record for Beatles lyrics, set by ‘All You Need Is Love’, which was sold for $1m (£600,000) in 2005.

British Music Industry

Good news for the British music industry!, new statistics compiled by the British Phonographic Industry have suggested that the British music industry is growing thanks to legal downloads.
The figures revealed a 1.4% annual increase in overall income in 2009.
A huge rise in online streaming and legal music downloads has led to total revenue for digital services increasing from £127.8m in 2008 to £188.9m last year - a 47.8% rise in profit for digital income.
Digital revenue now accounts for 20.3 percent of the industry's total annual income. Meanwhile, physical music format sales continued their year-on-year decline by 6.1%
BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor said “It's encouraging to see industry revenues stabilize and even show modest growth in 2009,”... “This is testament to continuing investment by UK labels in talented artists despite challenging economic conditions, and the innovation labels have shown in licensing new digital services.”
However, Taylor conceded that there is still some way to go before the music industry returns to the level of prosperity enjoyed prior to the boom of illegal downloading around the turn of the century.
"Let’s put it in broader perspective," he added. “2009's modest result follows a five-year drop in annual income, and total industry income has not exceeded £1bn since 2006.”

JLS

JLS have today confirmed that their new single will be called ‘The Club Is Alive’.
The song was revealed on Manchester's ‘In Demand’ radio show, with its release date also being announced as 4th July.
The JLS lads took to Twitter to confirm the news, posting: “New single confirmed as 'The Club Is Alive' - out July 4th - eeeeeeeeeeeek!!! xx.”
Yesterday a radio station posted the lyric "The club is alive with the sound of music" from the song on Twitter, suggesting that it samples the title track from the 1965 film The Sound Of Music.
JLS also confirmed that they are shooting the video while they finish recording their second LP in the US.

Kelly Clarkson

I have to agree with Kelly Clarkson on this one...
Kelly took to her Twitter account yesterday to express her anger after one of her recordings leaked on to the internet.
Kelly had recorded a rough demo of a song called ‘Cleopatra’ for another artist, She posted on her Twitter page: “Cleopatra is NOT a song on my next record! It was written for another artist! I have no idea how it leaked, it's a rough demo, unfinished! “I'm so tired of disrespecting, lying, sneaky little trolls that pretend to be human.”

As a fan of hers it beats me why someone would want to put something out there that’s unfinished of hers, (even if she says it’s not), i prefer waiting for the finished product!

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland’s new single is called ‘Commander’ The record was produced by David Guetta, who worked with her on last year's global No.1 smash ‘When Love Takes Over’
‘Commander’ was written by Rico Love, known for his work with Beyoncé and Usher.
Speaking to a music magazine about the song, Rico Love said: “It's just such an aggressive record, it's a club record, it's a worldwide international record.
“She's stretching her legs out and she's showing her true vocal ability. She's like the queen of the night on this record.”

Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias has announced details of his new single called ‘I Like It’.
It’s been 3 years since Enrique released his last album ‘Insomniac’ (which was fantastic! – most tracks are still on my i-pod!)
Enrique posted a message on his official website stating that the song will hit radio stations next week, when he will also shoot the music video. He wrote: “Hey guys... I'm on the way to do the photoshoot for the new album. I will also be shooting the music video for the new English single ‘I Like It’.
“You may have heard, we just shot the Latin video, and the song will be hitting radio next week. I'm very excited about it! Can't wait for you all to hear.”
A 30-second clip of the song has leaked on to the internet, and reveals the track's sampling of Lionel Ritchie's ‘All Night Long’.

US Charts

B.o.B remain at the No.1 spot in the singles chart for a second week, While in the album charts ‘Glee’s mini EP of Madonna covers enters in the No.1 spot on the albums.

Top 5 U.S Albums:
5: Usher – ‘Raymond Vs Raymond’
4: AC/DC – ‘Ironman 2 OST’
3: Justin Bieber – ‘My World 2.0’
2: Lady Antebellum - ‘Need you now
1: ‘Glee’ – ‘The Power of Madonna’

Top 5 U.S Singles:
5: Train – ‘Hey, Soul Sister’
4: Lady Antebellum – ‘Need you now’
3: Tiao Cruz feat... Ludacris – ‘Break your heart’
2: Rihanna – ‘Rudeboy’
1: B.o.B. – ‘Nothin’ on you’

Overall album sales in this past chart week totalled 5.54 million up 3% compared to the sum last week (5.46 million) and down 10% compared to the comparable sales week of 2009 (6.17 million).

Russell Brand

Oh dear ... What is it with people wanting to screw the music scene up latly! Now Russell Brand will reportedly release an album (yeah you read that correctly ... Russell Brand!) as his character: Aldous Snow from his new film ‘Get Him To The Greek’
According to a national newspaper Russell Brand’s vocals (which he recorded for the upcoming film), have impressed Universal records... (There standards have obviosly slipped!)
“Universal pictures and the music arm of the company are very excited about the prospect of cashing in on the film and the music,” said thier source... “Russell was a natural as a rock 'n' roll front man and there's a lot of scope for clever marketing campaigns around his role.” Russell ... PLEASE DON’T!!

Republica

Republica have announced that they will reform for a number of gigs and reissue their fantastic 1996 hit ‘Ready To Go’.
Republica split back in 2003, but will now release a new version of the song complete with all the original band members, including frontwoman Saffron Sprackling.
According to a music magazine Republica will also play a string of gigs and UK festivals this summer.
Originally released in 2006, ‘Ready To Go’ eventually peaked at No.13 in the UK singles chart in 1997. The band's follow-up ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’ reached No.7.
Saffron Sprackling worked as a guest vocalist with a number of acts including The Cure and The Prodigy since Republica split.

Click to listen to the original track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqmwbVSTGlg

Stereophonics

Listen up! The Stereophonics have launched a competition to find a support band for their special homecoming gig this summer.
The band are looking for an unsigned act to open for them at Cardiff City Stadium on 5th June... Kelly Jones said “It's going to be a Welsh summer celebration, giving something back to the people of the valleys, towns and cities”
To enter, bands must submit a video performance of one song. The deadline for all entries is May 26 and the winner will be announced on May 28.
Information is available on the group's official website.

Sonique

Good news! Sonique was told yesterday that shes has been given the all-clear after fighting breast cancer.
Sonique was diagnosed just under a year ago and had to undergo three operations, intensive chemotherapy and preventative radiotherapy.
She said: “Rather than thinking I'm on the road to recovery now, I've recovered and it's time to pick up the pieces and move on and forget about that place. You just have to think positive” ... Congratulations Sonique!!

Click to hear her massive No.1 hit ‘It feels so good’ (Never i true word spoken...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVzvdCKuu4w

UK Charts

A year and a half after coming fourth on The X-Factor, Blackburn born Diana Vickers debut single ‘Once’ goes straight into the singles charts at No.1 in the UK (and No.3 in Ireland).
AC/DC, who have sold over a massive 200 MILLION albums has scored yet another No.1 album this week in the UK (Their third in their carrier).

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: Scouting for Girls – ‘This ain’t a love song’
4: Plan B – ‘She Said’
3: Chipmunk & Esmée Denters – ‘Until you were gone’
2: Usher & Will.i.am – ‘OMG’
1: Diana Vickers – ‘Once’

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: Scouting for Girls – ‘Everybody wants to be on TV’
4: Meatloaf – ‘Hand colder teddy bear’
3: Plan B – ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’
2: Paul Weller – ‘Wake up the nation’
1: AC/DC – ‘Ironman 2 OST’

Girls Aloud

Here’s either an article to inspire or depress you (depending on how you look at it!)... Girls Aloud have amassed a £30 million fortune between them, figures from the ‘Sunday Times’ have revealed.
Cheryl Cole was the largest contributor to the group's fortune, with her stints on ‘The X Factor’, product endorsements and solo career seeing her wealth rocket 150% in the past year to £10 million.
The boost takes her to fourth place in the list of British music millionaires under 30, which she jointly holds with singer Kaite Melua.
Her bandmates Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Kimberly Walsh and Nicola Roberts have each made around £5 million from record sales.
The figures have been released ahead of this weekend's ‘Sunday Times Rich List’. Leona Lewis, Charlotte Church and Katherine Jenkins share the top spot, each worth £11 million. Craig David is the wealthiest man in seventh place at £8 million, with Paolo Nutini at ninth with £5 million

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder has just confirmed that he will play The O2, Dublin on the 24th June! For your chance to buy Priority ticketing for this gig check out: http://www.o2blueroom.ie/ at 9am on Tuesday 27th April,
Can't wait! this should be a fantastic concert as he'll be playing all his Greatest Hits...!

La Roux

Another artist hit by volcanic issues ... This time it’s La Roux, They have been forced to postpone the start of their UK tour. The band confirmed that their first two gigs - in Southampton on April 25 and Reading on April 26 have had to be pushed back due to flight disruptions...
They also announced that they are rescheduling the Reading date for May 4 and the Southampton show for June 13 ~ Tickets for both original dates will remain valid.

Whitney Houston, Status Quo and Michael Bublè were all forced to either make alternative travel arrangements or make other plans.

The Fratellis

Awe this is a shame ... The Fratellis have confirmed that they have split via a message on their official website.
The message, posted by (front man) Jon Lawler, said that the band's members are all working on individual music projects. “We have no plans to work together right now,” he said.
“Sometimes things just work out that way. Mince, Baz and I are working on music but not with each other. Your passion is appreciated more than we will ever be able to say. We'll forever give our hearts and souls to music and to you guys who want to hear what we do.”
One Fan posted a message: “You guys changed my life. Thank you for the wonderful music, memories and everything else.”

Click to hear their fantastic track ‘Chelsea Dagger’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlMfV7A3V00

Jason Derulo

Jason Derulo has revealed that he is recording a duet with the fantastic Pixie Lott.
Jason posted a message via his Twitter page, (which also included a picture of the pair working together in the studio)... “The UK's very own... The lovely Pixie Lott and I, in the studio.. Such a crazy CAT! Lol.. Look out for the duet...”
Can’t wait to her it!

Taio Cruz

Taio Cruz has revealed that he submitted two tracks for Kylie Minogue's new album... (he’s left it a little late considering it’ll be out in two minths!)
Apparently Taio was recently asked to submit songs for Kylie’s new album ‘Aphrodite’.
Taio says: “Her team asked me to write for her, and they played me some music in the direction they wanted to go in, so I went off and tried to create music in that vein... “I ended up submitting a couple of songs for her, one of which was on hold the last time I heard. I don't know if anything else is going to make the cut on her album yet.”
Taio Cruz has also revealed that he’s been working with Rihanna, McFly and The Saturdays on their upcoming musical projects.

US Charts

B.o.B climbs one place in America to end Rihanna’s stint at No.1,
Justin Bieber remains at the No.1 spot in the album chart for a second week!

Top 5 U.S Albums:
5: Coheed and Cambria – ‘Year of the Black Rainbow’
4: Usher – ‘Raymond Vs Raymond’
3: Lady Antebellum - ‘Need you now’
2: MGMT – ‘Congratulations’
1: Justin Bieber – ‘My World 2.0’

Top 5 U.S Singles:
5: Lady Antebellum – ‘Need you now’
4: Tiao Cruz feat... Ludacris – ‘Break your heart’
3: Train – ‘Hey, Soul Sister’
2: Rihanna – ‘Rudeboy’
1: B.o.B. – ‘Nothin’ on you’

Overall album sales in this past chart week totalled 5.46 million up 3% compared to the sum last week (5.27 million) and down 14% compared to the comparable sales week of 2009 (6.36 million).
92.69 MILLION Albums have so far been sold in the U.S this year! Yet this is still down 10% compared with 103.22 million of this time last year.

Whitney Houston

Well, i went to see Whitney Houston last night in concert for her final night at The O2, Dublin, and ... i was pleasantly surprised! (Constant clearing of the throat & forgetting the words to a song aside) i had seen several video of her performances on YouTube, so i wasn’t expecting too much, although she certainly wasn’t 80s Whitney she can certainly still sing and hold a note or two (granted not the high ones, which are the ones everyone has been viewing), if you get a chance to catch her in concert I’d say defiantly go, just don’t be expecting 80s Whitney!

Lady GaGa

Lady GaGa is hard at work on her next album and has already recorded some “crazy” tracks, according to Akon.
Lady Gaga is currently travelling with a mini recording studio on her ‘Monster Ball’ tour and has reportedly written the majority of the LP while on tour.
Akon told a music magazine: “She records while she's on the road. I'm flying out to Europe to work on some new records with her... “GaGa's just like me. She has a tour bus with a studio in it. Some of the songs I've heard are going to be crazy. She's getting bigger and better.”
Akon also said that he finds it easy to work with her because she is extremely focused... “All I'm doing at the end of the day is listening to the tracks GaGa has written and approving them for her album. She has producers that she works with outside of myself and they are coming up with some incredible records. “But the beauty of it is she knows exactly what she wants. So it just makes it easier for me.”
Lady GaGa recently posted a message on her official website claiming her next album will be “the greatest of my career”.

Bon Jovi

Mmm ... Not quite sure i see the point in this (other than for cashing in ...) but Bon Jovi have announced that they will re-release ten of their studio albums as part of their 25th anniversary.
The albums, starting with their self-titled debut LP released in 1984, will be re-packaged as ‘special editions’ that will each feature rare recordings, bonus tracks and new artwork from each period.
Bon Jovi will also launch a new website in conjunction with the re-released albums, called The Bon Jovi Vaults, which will offer new pictures, tracks and other exclusive content.

The full list of albums to be re-released is:
Bon Jovi (1984)
7800° Fahrenheit (1985)
Slippery When Wet (1986)
New Jersey (1988)
Keep the Faith (1992)
These Days (1995)
Crush (2000)
Bounce (2002)
Have a Nice Day (2005)
Lost Highway (2007)

Kylie Minogue

Here it is folks!
Kylie Minogue has announced the titles and release dates of her upcoming single and album.
The album is called: ‘Aphrodite’ and is Kylie’s 11th studio album and will be released on 5th July. It will be preceded by the single ‘All The Lovers’ on 28th June.
As promised yesterday, Kylie made the announcement at 12pm today on her official website, where a 30-second teaser clip of ‘All The Lovers’ is now streaming.
She also unveiled the album's cover art, which appears above.
Kylie Minogue, 41, logged on to Twitter while fans were awaiting the news, telling followers: “I am so happy to share this little *snippet* of the first single with you all.”

DJ Talent

You just knew it was gonna happen sooner or later! All the crap come records come out for the World Cup and guess what, here's another! 2009s Britain's Got Talent 2009 ‘star’ DJ Talent is releasing an England World Cup track...
The singer and DJ, has written the track titled: ‘Just For You England FC’ ~ And it will be released on iTunes later this year.
“I sent it to Sony BMG and I'm waiting for them to get back to me,” he told a national newspaper. "I hope to get Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard in the video, but at the moment it's just talks.
“I've tried to make it the official England song, but there are a lot of celebrities doing them, including John Barnes and Chico. But I think that mine is better.”
DJ Talent, (real name Anthony Ghosh), released his debut single ‘I Say Britain’ last year, which surprisingly bombed! As i suspect this track will ...

La Roux

For as much as i like some of their music, the more articles i read about La Roux the more i think their getting a little to big for their boots...
La Roux have revealed that their next album will have a completely different sound, a guitar-driven concept album!
Elly Jackson told a music magazine: “If I made a record like the last one again I'd be there for the dumping pile... “We're contemplating a concept album on the subject of monogamy and I've gone back to playing the guitar.”
She also revealed that the group had turned down collaborations with Rihanna, Nelly Furtado and N*E*R*D, explaining: “Do I want to work with Rihanna? Not really. I'm more interested in what the phone call would be.”
Now they’ve also been nominated today for an Ivor Novello Award for ‘Best Contemporary Song’ for their hit ‘In For The Kill’ it may give them a bigger ego!

M.I.A

M.I.A. has (Maybe) confirmed the release date of her new album.
She made the announcement via a tickertape attached to a blimp flying above this year's Coachella festival... (so it could actually of been anyone ...)
The blimp was advertising M.I.A.’s upcoming appearances at the Hard Fest event that takes place in Los Angeles and New York, However, the message ended with the words: “New Album 6.29.10.” ... If correct, the singer's third album is likely to be released in the UK on June 28.

I loved her last album, 'Jimmy' is a class track! Click to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgYtkCySen8

Grace Jones

The gloves are off in the Grace Jones camp ... She has claimed that she turned down the opportunity to play live with Lady Gaga because she is not original enough for her!
Grace confirmed to a national newspaper that Lady Gaga made enquiries about the of them collaborating.
Grace Jones said: “Yes, she did, but I said no. I'd just prefer to work with someone who is more original and someone who is not copying me, actually... “I've seen some things she's worn that I've worn, and that does kind of p*ss me off... I wouldn't go to see her.”
She added: “I really don't think of her at all. I go about my business... I just don't play with other acts as a rule.”
Lady Gaga had previously admitted that she is a fan of Grace Jones and described the star as her “Jesus”.

M.I.A and ex-Moloko front woman Roisin Murphy both previously suggested that GaGa mimics their past style... the word ‘jealousy’ springs to mind...

Kylie Minogue

Mmm what could it be...? Kylie Minogue has braced her fans for an “extra special announcement” at noon today!
An email sent to her fans earlier yesterday afternoon reads: “Please stay tuned... Tune in on Kylie.com from tomorrow, Tuesday 20th April at 12pm (GMT) for an extra special announcement.”
A similar message also appeared on her Twitter page...

Lady Gaga

That’s it i’m deffo going to this concert! I missed out last month when she did her Dublin dates but i won’t let it happen again! (Even if the prices have tripled to €91.50)
Lady Gaga play’s The O2, Dublin on Tuesday 26th October. Tickets go on Sale this Friday ... (after i get mine of course!)

Vengaboys

Woooo Whooooo .... The Vengaboys have announced via thier website that the title of their new single is ‘Rocket To Uranus’.
The statement describes ‘Rocket To Uranus’ as “space age disco bliss, addictive lyrics and big Venga-sounds you can't resist” ... It adds: “It's about personal freedom and interplanetary travel. Take our work for it, accept no other explanations. It's our song, so we know.”
The four-piece will return with founding members Kim Sasabone, Denice van Rijswijk and Robin Pors and a new member, known as Ma'Donny.
They have also revealed that the video for the song will feature a cameo performance by a UK number one and US top ten recording artist.... Mmmm i wonder who that could be ...?

Blue

On the downside it looks like it’ll be either the end of this year or 2011 before we’ll see the Blue reunion! But on the up side Lee Ryan has confirmed that he will return to Blue.
Lee who stars in new film ‘The Heavy’ and is releasing his new solo album later this year, also said that he is pleased with the amount of work he has at present.
“Yes, we will do a few more together. But I'm doing my solo album right now. My single ‘Secret Love’ is out on the radio... he continued: “You know, it's a very crucial time right now. I've been away for about four years and to come back with my first single, have a film in the cinema with this cast, and to have a solo deal with an album coming out is a bit mental right now... “But I feel very, very privileged right now. Hopefully, 2010 is going to be a great year!”
Duncan James recently said that Blue were ready to return later this year.

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin's ‘Stairway To Heaven’ has been named the UK's favorite rock song.
Released way back in 1971, it’s one of three tracks by the band which made the top 10 in a poll by radio station Absolute Classic Rock.

The Top.10 UK Rock songs list is below:
1. Led Zeppelin - 'Stairway To Heaven'

2. The Who - 'Won't Get Fooled Again'

3. Queen - 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

4. Led Zeppelin - 'Whole Lotta Love'

5. Deep Purple - 'Smoke On The Water'

6. The Who - 'Baba O' Reilly'

7. Led Zeppelin - 'Rock 'n' Roll'

8. Free - 'All Right Now'

9. The Beatles - 'Revolution'

10. The Rolling Stones - 'Gimme Shelter'

UK Charts

Professor Greens fantastic track that i told you about a few weeks ago (which samples INXS) has gone in at No.3 in the singles chart, Usher climbs one place and scores his 4th UK No.1 single.
London rapper, director and actor (jack of all trades really) Plan Bs second album goes straight to No.1 in the album charts.

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: Kelis – ‘Acapella’
4: Plan B – ‘She Said’
3: Professor Green – ‘I need you tonight’
2: Scouting for Girls – ‘This ain’t a love song’
1: Usher & Will.i.am – ‘OMG’

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: Justin Bieber – ‘My world’
4: MGMT – ‘Congratulations’
3: Lady Gaga - ‘The Fame’
2: Scouting for Girls – ‘Everybody wants to be on TV’
1: Plan B – ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’

Blur

Now this is VERY good news folks!
Blur are to release their first new song in 7 YEARS as a FREE download!
‘Fool's Day’ was available from today to buy on 7’ vinyl from independent music retailers participating in the UK's first Record Store Day.
However, (as i’d expect) its limited run of 1,000 copies soon sold out, prompting the band to consider a wider release.
Blur’s manager Chris Morrison said: “To avoid fans having to illegally obtain an inferior copy of this track from pirate sites, we have made it freely available through the band's website
The track will be available to download from http://www.blur.co.uk/ from midnight this evening!

Glee

Okay, I have to admit i’ve kept myself out of the ‘Glee’ bubble and never watched a single episode, however the Madonna themed one has caught my attention (and may get me to watch), in addiction Madonna has reportedly offered her support to ‘Glee’ less than a week before the show pays tribute to her.
Fox is to air a Madonna-themed episode of ‘Glee’ next week. The installment will feature Mr Schuester (Matthew Morrison) asking the glee club girls to choose Madonna songs to perform.
“I think Mr Schuester is very cute,” Madonna said in a statement... “I'm glad he's doing such a good job empowering all the girls.”
A seven-song soundtrack featuring the cast performing Madonna tracks will be released the same day that the episode airs.
Apparently though Madonna refused an opportunity to appear on the program.

Click on the link though to watch their take on Madonna’s classic No.1 ‘Vogue’:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dql3qf1FOjQ

Lady GaGa

Lady GaGa has broken a YouTube record! She has now passed the ONE BILLION mark for video views from a single channel.
The success of Lady GaGa’s singles: ‘Just dance’, ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Bad Romance’, as well as ‘Telephone’ (her recent collaboration with Beyoncé), have helped to elevate user views.
In second place with 980 million is ‘The Twilight Saga’ and in third with 850 million views is Soulja Boy channels.

The Game

I thought The Game had disappeared of the planet until i discovered that Dr Dre, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams have all contributed to his new album titled: ‘The R.E.D. Album’.
Justin Timberlake is featured on the first single ‘Ain't No Doubt About It’.
The Game said: “I never thought I would have the chance to work with Justin, but to come up with a smash like we did, it's only fitting,”
The Game had also previously worked with Dre on 2004's ‘The Documentary’... “Dre is a hip-hop legend and one of the reasons I'm making music. To be working so closely with him again... man, I don't even have words to describe it.”
‘The R.E.D. Album’ is scheduled to be release on 15th June.

US Charts

Rihanna holds onto the No.1 spot for a fifth week in the singles chart.
Justin Bieber goes back to the No.1 spot in the album chart after selling a further 102,000 copies!

Top 5 U.S Albums:
5: Various – ‘Now 33 – Now that’s what i call music’
4: Lady Antebellum - ‘Need you now’
3: Slash – ‘Slash’
2: Usher – ‘Raymond Vs Raymond’
1: Justin Bieber – ‘My World 2.0’

Top 5 U.S Singles:
5: Jason Delrulo – ‘In my head’
4: Tiao Cruz feat... Ludacris – ‘Break your heart’
3: Train – ‘Hey, Soul Sister’
2: B.o.B. – ‘Nothin’ on you’
1: Rihanna – ‘Rudeboy’

Overall album sales in this past chart week totalled 5.27 million up 23% compared to the sum last week (6.84 million) and down 33% compared to the comparable sales week of 2009 (7.83 million).

Mark Ronson

Mark Ronson has confirmed that he is working on a new project with Amy Winehouse dispite thier last failed plans to record the Bong theme back in 2008.
According to a national newspaper Mark has now returned to the studio with Amy after spotting how she has ‘cleaned up her act’ in recent months.
Speaking to the newspaper, Mark said: “There'll be something to hear quite soon. That's all I can say. There's something good coming.”
Can't wait! Thier take on 'Valerie' was just a classic...

Blur

The head record label Parlophone has urged Blur to make another album after they successfully completed their first new song in over seven years.
Blur split back in 2002 after guitarist Graham Coxon quit during recording sessions for their album ‘Think Tank’, However Blur recently got back together for a few shows last year, before heading back into the studio to record a new single, which will be released as a limited edition for ‘Record Store Day’ on Saturday (17th)April.
Speaking about Blur’s future, Parlophone president Miles Leonard said that he is keen to see them make a new record. He told BBC 6 Music: “They sound as competent and as strong as they've ever sounded before. I just hope that from hearing a song like this that the band feel there's more in them. We certainly do as a label and I'm sure when fans hear this they'll think the same.”

Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters have announced the name and release date of their third studio album!
‘Night Work’, (It’s hard to believe its 4 YEARS since their last album ‘Ta Dah’.

The new single titled ‘Fire with Fire’ will be released on 20th June.
“Night Work is really us boiled down to who we are. It feels quintessentially us,” Jake Shears said in a press release.
The album's closing track, ‘Invisible Light’, is currently streaming in full on the group's official website.
Both of the Scissor Sisters previous albums, 2004's ‘Scissor Sisters’ and 2006's ‘Ta Dah’, reached No.1 on the UK albums chart.

Here's the track listing in full:
'Night Work'
'Whole New Way'
'Fire With Fire'
'Any Which Way'
'Harder You Get'
'Running Out'
'Something Like This'
'Skin This Cat'
'Skin Tight'
'Sex and Violence'
'Night Life'
'Invisible Light'

Britney Spears

Britney Spears is set to release a new album by the end of spring according to internet rumours! She’s also rumoured to be working with hit producers such as Danja. (She may get a move on though, it's middle of April)
“Lots of producers have been mouthing off about it and now her label have put an ad on an industry site asking for new material submission.”... “It’s release date is listed as Spring 2010... “the new Britney track is called “dirty girl” and its gonna be realllllyyyyy dirty”
Really... Britney Spears ‘ditry’ ... i can’t believe that for a second!

Dannii Minogue

Dannii Minogue has revealed that she had no plans to return to music following the release of her 2007 single “Touch me like that”.
Dannii has been concentrating on her TV career over the past few years after proving a hit on ‘Australia's Got Talent’ and ‘The X Factor’ in the UK, but she is now working on new material.
Discussing her studio return, Dannii Minogue said “I've been keeping it quiet as there is no record deal. But yeah, I've done a little bit already over the past couple of months... “It's all very new. But I have some songs I've co-written and friends have written that ignited my energy to go back to music because I wasn't going to. I was like, ‘Nah, music is over for me’. “But we'll see. I don't want to put any pressure on myself. I've just run into the studio and done a few hours of work. I still haven't got the demos back yet.”

I for one i’m happy to hear she’s back in the studio, she’s released some fantastic dance / club tunes over the years including: ‘All i wanna do’, ‘Put the needle on it’, Who do you love now’ (with ‘Riva’), ‘Don’t wanna loose this groove’ (which sampled Madonna’s ‘into the groove) and ‘Touch me like that’

Keane

Keane have announced details of a small UK and Ireland tour this summer....
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (14th April) – I’ve seen these guy’s perform before and they’re brilliant!

Keane will play the following dates:
London, The Roundhouse – June 15
Birmingham, Academy – June 16
Glasgow, Barrowlands – June 21
Dublin, Olympia – June 23

Jennifer Hudson

Now this i can’t wait for ... Jennifer Hudson has revealed that the album will be released in September! (her last one is just brilliant, if you don’t own it – get it!)
Jennifer says: “I am in the recording process, at least ten songs in. It's between film and music right now, working on the album, but it won't be out until September.” She also revealed that the LP will take a different musical direction to her self-titled 2008 debut.
... “I think it will definitely be a different direction and I'm so excited about that. I want this album to feel good... “Just hearing the feedback from the music being heard…The reaction to it, I love it. So I'm like, wow, I want this album to be good, but I definitely want it to be very much me, and I just hope the fans embrace it.”

Supergrass

Oh no ... Supergrass have announced that they are splitting up after they finish their four summer shows.
The band confirmed in a statement released earlier today that a string of gigs in June will be their final farewell to fans.
“Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years,” said the group. “We still love each other but, cliché notwithstanding, musical differences have led to us moving on and of course we all wish each other well in the future.”
I for one will certainly miss them!

Katy Perry

One Republic’s lead singer Ryan Tedder has revealed that he is responsible for delaying Katy Perry's new album... He’s written three tracks for Katy’s new album but he’s now admitted his own band's success has meant that he is yet to record with Perry in the studio.
He told ‘MTV’: “She and I have actually been trading text messages for, like, the last five months about this album, trying to lock our schedules in.... “I have three songs that I think are dead-on, incredible songs for her that are just started, they're ideas that I want to finish with her. “So, literally, in the next three days, I travel with a microphone and studio stuff, so I'm going to be trading e-mails with her and hopefully get one of them on the album at the last minute.” He continued...: “I'm literally the last guy to come onboard, and I was one of the first people she talked to [about working on the album],”
If i was Katy i’d be telling him to either hurry up or sorry, you’ll have to wait for the third album!

Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis has reportedly recorded a duet with Jennifer Hudson on a song for ‘Sex And The City’
According to a national newspaper, a song from the girls is being considered as a the main theme song for the movie.
A source said: “The pair have recorded the song and it's being discussed as either the main theme or to feature on the soundtrack... “They each have incredible voices and will appeal to both the UK and the US. It's perfect for the next SATC film.”

David Guetta

As if 2009 wasn’t enough of a great year for David Guetta, now 2010 looks set to be even better (if possible) ....He’s now worked with Madonna on some songs for her new album, and he explained that he had been nervous before meeting her... “Madonna really is the sweetest person,” he said in a Sunday newspaper... “I was totally paranoid before I met her because of all the stuff that everyone says but she is really very normal. We spoke about life, love and our children. I was completely seduced.”
David also releaved that he is excited about working with Flo Rida, Celine Dion, Kelis, Kelly Rowland and Rihanna in the next year... “They all come to me, it's crazy,”... “I never tried to be a hip hop producer. 20 years ago I was a hip hop DJ but then I discovered house music. In the past two years I just seem to have come back to urban music again. “The experience I have had with these artists like Akon and Kelly Rowland has been amazing. Every time it takes me in a new direction.”
Fantastic producer if you ask me! and if you haven’t got his latest album .. GET IT!