Brit Music Scene

Calvin Harris – ‘Flashback’ Music Video Review

Posted: 10 Nov 2009 02:39 PM PST

Calvin Harris is rapidly becoming the premier dance artist in the U.K. if not the whole world. He started with his debut album I Created Disco, with hit singles such as Acceptable In The 80s and The Girls, and released his second album Ready For The Weekend in August of this year.

His new single is Flashback, and it’s a brilliant slice of electro-pop and dance music. It was released on Nov. 2 and has so far peaked at number 18 in the U.K. charts. And even though dance isn’t my favorite genre this is a gem of a song. Embedded video and review below.

The track consists of a new retro bassline with Calvin Harris’ booming voice over the top singing lyrics evocative of club days in Ibiza. I cannot listen to the song without at least tapping my foot, and it makes me want to go clubbing – surely the whole point of a commercially-released dance record.

As well as Harris, there are also vocals from Ayah Marar, whose high-pitched tone is the perfect accompaniment to Harris. The whole fits together so well it’s like the song has a life of its own.

Fittingly, the video was shot in Ibiza, with Harris in a penthouse, on a boat, and DJing in the Pacha night club. In essence, it tells the story of the night before, with Calvin Harris trying to remember what happened to him while he was drunk, working, and doing whatever else he fancied doing.

It’s one of those rare dance tracks which manages to stay true to its club roots while also managing to cross over into the mainstream – which is where I’d place myself. Flashback is a brilliant record and it has a great video to accompany it.

[Photo Source: Amazon.co.uk]

Post from: Brit Music Scene

The Ting Tings Take On America With Roc Nation And Jay-Z

Posted: 10 Nov 2009 07:38 AM PST

The Tings Tings took the U.K. by storm with their debut album, We Started Nothing, released in May 2008. Some of the singles, especially Shut Up and Let Me Go, also hit big in the States. The Salford duo are currently working on their second album, and Jay-Z is to be involved.

According to the Daily Star, The Ting Tings have signed to the rapper’s record label Roc Nation. And as is his way, Jay-Z is keen to take an active interest in the group’s output. A source (if you believe there is such a thing in stories such as these) said:

"Jay is hoping to lend his production skills to some new material. The staccato rhythmic style of The Ting Tings sits well with what he does best so that was the attraction. Jay can make them one of the biggest bands across the pond."

I hope that turns out to be the case because The Ting Tings deserve as big an audience as possible. I have a sneaking suspicion that their second album will be even better than their first, with more memorable hits being released from it. And Jay-Z’s involvement is only going to aid that effort.

[Photo Source: Amazon.co.uk]

Post from: Brit Music Scene