Please excuse the title, as it is a bit of a misnomer. We understand the words shit and Frankmusik should, under no circumstances, be used in the same HTML line! On point, below is a review of the latest edition’s to 2009’s (surely to be) biggest success story’s Myspace player.

Pinch Myself
For, arguably, the most talented, upcoming electronic-pop producer of the times, boy sure knows how to create an epic pop ballad. “Pinch Myself” follows a bit in the footsteps of “Done Done”, a bit of a lesser version without having any relation other than the tempo, in other words. We’ll keep this one in mind when the album comes around in all its Island Records glory.
CONCLUSION: 8.75/10

My Mind
Easily the best of the newer tracks. Clever arrangements, pop production accessible as a Rachel Stevens record, and quick-witted lyrics make this an obvious favorite. I’m looking forward to that inevitable, late night, British talkshow performance of this one. Talk about hit written all over it.
CONCLUSION: 10+/10

Shoot The Breeze
This one has some serious mastering in store, hopefully.
CONCLUSION: 7/10

As a side note, we highly encourage you to sign up at Frankmusik’s BOMB ASS (yes, BOMB ASS!) official site by clicking the (second) link below. Just for joining, you receive a rather spectacular (and free) mixtape - how sweet is that? Even better, there’s an ADDITIONAL SIX MP3 DOWNLOADS on the ‘Musik’ section of the website…when you register, of course.

P.S. Expect another Frankmusik ‘review and download session’ tomorrow; he is putting up yet another EP titled ‘Fully Fledged’ for our mere, listening pleasure.

LISTEN & LEARN: Frankmusik’s Myspace, Official Site

- Fresh from mtvU’s premiere box, Sia’s “Soon We’ll Be Found” (the latest release from the masterpiece that is ‘Some People Have Real Problems’) has gotten the full video treatment by the fabulous Claire Carre:

Likes: impeccable single choice, PAINT!, shadows, hands, outfits, the neon/inverted color scene; Dislikes: no footage of Sia with a nylon over her head, therefore pressing/mutilating her face into rather hilarious poses (see: “Buttons” video).

- Two years ago I’d never imagine writing ANYTHING about the following artist…nonetheless, Goldfrapp are performing at New York’s very own Radio City Music Hall…tomorrow night! Exciting. Even better, Martha Wainwright is the opener. This is something we’d all love to see, I’m sure. Below is a wonderful flyer, further American tour dates, and more exciting Goldfrapp news.

9/12: Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
9/14: Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
9/16: Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
9/17: Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
9/20: Treasure Island Festival. San Francisco, CA
9/21: Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

In addition to all this, I’ve also received news that on September 30th, Goldfrapp will be releasing an exclusive, iTunes Originals SessionsEP to…well, iTunes. The release sounds very promising, shockingly! It’s set to include newly recorded versions of “Strict Machine”, “Ooh La La”, “Paper Bag”, “Eat Yourself”, “Road To Somewhere”, and “Little Bird” - all recorded at New York’s famous Electric Lady Studios. Look forward to some old album tracks and in-depth band commentary being chucked on at the end as well.

- The wonderfully talented Florence And The Machine has just signed with the equally wonderful people of IAMSOUNDin America (see: just signed Little Boots in America as well). Although, it looks like Florence has taken the whole American thing a bit too seriously. Nothing says America like stars and stripes with some fine ice cream! See the enlarged version of the picture to the right.

Furthermore, be sure to take a look at Florence And The Machine’s big-ol’ American competition by clicking here. We may enter ourselves. The prize in question is a personalized, live performance from the aforementioned.

LISTEN & LEARN: Florence & The Machine’s Official Myspace

- And last, but CERTAINLY not least, Justice have announced the final release date of their highly anticipated CD/DVD documentary extravaganza, ‘A Cross The Universe’. The package will be released November 10th and features footage from the band’s US tour last March. The whole thing’s directed by Romain Gavras (Simian Mobile Disco, “Stress” video, etc.) and So-me (”DVNO” video). Check the official trailer below, playa’.

In an attempt to save possible Google-related stress for our readers, we tried to find a direct link on how to order the set online…results were negative. We will get back to you on that!

Question One: Where have you been!?
Answer: Having a dance to the sound of Keri Hilson’s “Energy (Wideboys Remix)”. Join in!

Question Two: Anything noteworthy happen since the last update?
Answer: Out of the material we’d normally cover…nothing groundbreaking, to be honest. Let’s just say we’ve been playing ‘Keep On’ (see: All Time Love, Who Am I) in anticipation for the new Will Young album. We also hear Mandy Moore has something new up her sleve.

Question Three: Did you see Lady Gaga on The Hills last night?
Answer: Yes. Those three seconds portrayed her as a horrible fierce bitch, unfortunately.

This is all you need to know. The rest is mere commentary.

This brings us to our (albeit, delayed) song of the week, Annie featuring Datarock’s Fredrik Soroea “I Can’t Let Go”. Songs as good as the featured are a dime a dozen on the album, both frankly and thankfully! As if we ever had any doubts…? The following would have been enough for us, extra tracks are fantastic bonuses:

01. Songs Remind Me Of You
02. Songs Remind Me Of You
03. Songs Remind Me Of You
04. Songs Remind Me Of You
05. Songs Remind Me Of You
06. Songs Remind Me Of You
07. Songs Remind Me Of You
08. Songs Remind Me Of You
09. Songs Remind Me Of You
10. Songs Remind Me Of You
11. Bad Times
12. Loco

Smack dab between two of the album’s strongest tracks, “Bad Times” and “Marie Cherie”, “I Can’t Let Go” stands out as Annie’s first studio/vocal collaboration. Not to mention it has some fine, slick, near-Datarock sounding production, imagine that? It’s a standout on the megamix, it’s a stand-out for the album, generally, it’s amazing.

Annie Featuring Fredrik Soroea ”I Can’t Let Go”

CONCLUSION: 9/10
FOR MORE ANNIE: Myspace, iTunes

A decidedly different post…but what’s life without a little teen drama? Not to mention today was a bit shit until it hit 90210 o’clock (aka 8:00 PM)! Shenae Grimes is the shit. Two thumbs up for Aunt Becky Lori Loughlin as well. 90210 AND America’s Next Top Model…IN THE SAME WEEK? Looks like the CW can actually bank on ratings out of the 80-120 ranges.

Loved the MGMT, Adele, and Ting Tings…by the way. And I’m sure this post makes us totally uncool, etc.

…alright, so the video above has nothing to do with the topic…but it’s neccessary nonetheless! Enter, horrible jheri curl. Right then.

See, I’m no BIG fan of Shwayze or anything…but AC Slater’s done a mind-blowing remix of “Buzzin”. A huge improvement on the original if I may say so myself, which I do enjoy.

Shwayze “Buzzin (AC Slater Remix)”

Last time we featured AC Slater was on our MTMU Volume #1 - the song was “Touch” by Trash Yourself. Looks like more good stuff is on the way…AC’s remixing for major artists now? Impressive! We’ll keep you updated. Until then, check the following:

AC SLATER ELSEWHERE: Myspace
DOWNLOAD: AC Slater Kiss 100 Guest Mix (Div Share Link, Tracklisting @ AC’s Myspace)

TEPR? Kissy Sell Out? Bitch, please. Punks Jump Up continuously deliver (see: Yelle, Robyn, etc.), lacking a single dull/uninspired mix throughout their entire back catalog. The latest example of their fine craftsmenship is posted below:

I know, right?! We mentioned Man Like Me the other day, they’ve actually done a remix of “Carny” - which for some reason we didn’t mention - that you can listen to at their official Myspace (it’s in the flash player above the giant Man Like Me single cover).

And, as a sidenote, I’m dying to get my hands on one of these. Heads up to anyone who wants to send $60+ dollars my way! The second one’s only $40 something. No offers…Christmas…maybe?

Neon Sleep

Country Of Origin: Germany
Official Sites: Myspace, Homepage
Releases: Make Me Move On (June, 2007): iTunes

Following Neon Sleep(which started off as a duo, later evolving into a project involving front man Henning Sommer and his drummer) and his music has opened my eyes to the fact that one can possess all of the following qualities, inclusively: be amazing, be pop, and be German. Neon Sleepis the only German electro-pop artists, to my knowledge at least, that creates melodies and synth-filled productions as good as what’s demonstrated in “Commercial Eyes” and “Guilt Party”. To be frank, everything up on his profile (link above) is absolutely brilliant - there’s no denying it. Expect the debut album in January, 2009…personally, I can’t wait that long.

Neon Sleep “Make Me Move On”

Electrovamp

Country Of Origin: Wales, United Kingdom
Official Sites: Myspace
Releases: I Don’t Like The Vibe In The VIP (December, 2007), Drinks Taste Better When They’re Free (October, 2007)

Where to begin? Electrovamp, being fierce-as-fuck sisters of a mere 17 and 18 years old, have had quite the journey to get where they are today. I remember having a chat with them as an unsigned supporting act on Girls Aloud’s first tour…they’ve come quite a ways since then…as you can see! With a can of attitude ready to explode, insanely catchy hooks, and anthemic, floor filling beats - Electrovamp have carved out a name for themselves as one of the hottest, upcoming electro-pop acts in the world. “Drinks Taste Better When They’re Free” is the second installment from the duo and the first to, in my opinion, really establish their unique sound. Look for the single in mid-October…we’ll keep you posted!

Electrovamp “I Don’t Like The Vibe In The VIP”

Like what you hear? Questions? Suggestions? Anything you feel you need to say, leave it in a comment.

Solange

Sol-Angel And The Hadley St. Dreams
Released, August 26, 2008

“I’M NOT HER AND NEVER WILL BE” - a theme that opens the album, taken from the overtly Beyonce inspired God Given Name. Solange’s desire to break out of her sister’s inescapable shadow hardly overwhelms the lyrical content of the album, but it’s an ever present and understandable theme from an artist who has a true desire to make genuinely crafted music.

Strangely enough, Sol-Angel And The Hadley St. Dreams accomplishes exactly what Christina Aguilera fell short of on Back To Basics- a shocking enough statement. The unforced, smooth, Ronson-fied production methods and instrumental arrangements throughout the album are pre-60’s inspired, no doubt. Taking in the aforementioned, cupped with the obvious abandonment of daddy’s (that’s Matthew Knowles) media training evident in various interviews and press releases for the songstress, gives Solange a completely refreshing image that flawlessly transfers to the sound of the album - Lady Gaga, take notes!

The album’s second single is, without question, the most radio friendly on the entire effort. Written and produced by Soulshock & Karlin (Solange takes the backseat for the lyrics on this one, only co-writing as apposed to being lead lyricist as on the majority of the album), Sandcastle Disco’s summers-ending groove tempo is exactly what 2008 neo-soul should sound like. Valentines Day and 6 O’Clock Bluesare of similar nature, but take a more personal spin on Solange’s experiences - or at least her individual mindset.

Dancing In The Dark is a product, I’m sure, of Solange’s concert life; the girl loves some Justice, imagine that! The song keeps her story-telling songwriting style and spreads it over a beat you and your seventy year old grandma could simultaneously shimmy and shake to: thank you Square & Mr. Familiar - the producers of the track. Listeners looking for some dancing, unfortunately, won’t be graced with the urge for a second time until the end of the album, enter the epic explosion that is I Decided (Part II). The final song on the standard 13-track edition is better known as the Freemasons remix which, honestly, completely overshadows the original Neptunes production. Note, playing a continuous down-tempo loop under vocals begging for floor filling production does not make for an impressive first single.

Impressively, the filler content on the album is near non-existent, totaling to a single track. I Told You So is a bit of a sleeper, the droning chorus and rather uninspired beats are the only residues of your typical R&B formula on the entire album.

Final conclusion, Solange has created an album to be proud of. Living up to expectations, underground buzz, and other hoo-ha of the Internet music circuit, I can’t see why anyone would be disappointed by such an honest effort.

Playlist: T.O.N.Y., Dancing In The Dark, Sandcastle Disco, Valentines Day, 6 O’clock Blues, Cosmic Journey, This Bird, I Decided (Part II), ChampagneChronicNightcap (Bonus Track)
Skip: I Decided (Part I), I Told You So

B+