The Urban Recluse » music

Somebody To Love

PJ — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:29:52 +0000

Video: Somebody To Love by Leighton Meester feat. Robin Thicke

This is the first single from Leighton Meester, who’s best known for playing snobby socialite Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl. It’s an average pop song, but I would have liked to hear her vocals more. Robin Thicke always sounds good, and his contribution definitely elevates the track.

Relator

PJ — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:38:54 +0000

I came across this song recently and really liked it. I’d never heard of Peter Yorn before, and I wasn’t a fan of ScarJo’s previous musical outing, but this was a pleasant surprise. Their voices blend nicely and this song is like a bittersweet slice of summer.

I listened to some more tracks from their Breakup album on Spotify and there are some very nice songs on there. Scarlett’s voice sounds quite processed on Relator, but sounds more natural in some of the other songs.

I like the video too, with its sepia cast and interesting focussing (e.g. I liked the bit when the camera focussed on his beard).

RIP Michael Jackson

PJ — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:13:47 +0000

I’ve just heard the news that Michael Jackson has died of a cardiac arrest. I really can’t believe it. He was such an incredible entertainer and musical talent.

His personal life was troubled, but there’s no doubt that for many years he was an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

Rest in Peace

Baby Baby Baby

PJ — Sat, 23 May 2009 23:16:24 +0000

I like the concept of this music video, but I didn’t find it sexy at all. I wouldn’t want to meet the blonde one down a dark alley either…

Video: Baby Baby Baby by Make The Girl Dance

Cold Outside

PJ — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:48:49 +0000

It’s so cold here at the moment, it’s really not encouraging me to leave the house unless absolutely necessary. It snowed on Monday, my first day back at work after Christmas. On Friday I was silly enough to put on some boots I hadn’t worn in ages, but had to turn back when I started to slide around on the icy roads near home. Even when I wear gloves my hands are still cold, and leaving the house without my scarf is not an option.

I’m cold right now too, so I guess the only thing to do now is jump into bed and keep warm.

Video: Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews

Reluctant Sale

PJ — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:06:34 +0000

My flaky cousin has flaked out on me, so I’m left with a spare ticket for the sold-out New Kids on The Block concert at the London O2 next month. They’re very good tickets (in block B2), so I could easily sell them, but I would still prefer to go if possible. The problem is that most people I know either aren’t fans, or wouldn’t pay £51 to attend.

It’s easier to sell two or more tickets, as most people will go with at least one friend. I guess I’m asking if anyone out there is interesting in buying my spare ticket. I’d be happy to let it go for the original price I paid for it (£45 + £6 booking fee). Leave a comment below or email me asap if you’re interested.

Check out Walmart Soundcheck for a taster of the guys’ performance; there’s a preview clip below.

NKOTB are back!
Uploaded by soundcheck2008

Night Shift

PJ — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:37:55 +0000

I’d always wondered what went on in those 24-hour stores in the early hours.

Video: Day ‘N’ Nite by Kid Cudi vs Crookers

(via)

Lady GaGa

PJ — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:45:52 +0000

I first discovered Lady GaGa a few months ago when I got the latest New Kids on The Block album. I wondered who the female vocalist on the track Big Girl Now was (sounded a bit like Christina Aguilera), but I discovered that it was actually Lady GaGa.

Although her stage name sounds like a ragga or hiphop mc, Lady GaGa’s music is actually more of an ecletic mix of electronica, pop and rock. Her sexy performance style pays homage to burlesque, and she lists Madonna, Queen and David Bowie among her influences. Her current look reminds me of a young Donnatella Versace, with that harsh platinum blonde hairstyle, but she carries it well.

I think that this 22 year old is going to be really big next year as she’s got a great voice, a cute face, a hot body (which she shows off constantly in underwear, bikinis or latex catsuits), and catchy songs. She also seems quite eccentric, which is always a bonus in the performing arts.

Here’s a short film released by the artist which features several songs from her debut album, The Fame. It’s rather risque, so don’t press play if you don’t want to see a brief flash of naked breasts or a very brief noose-related dance sequence.

I also really liked this video for her recent single, Poker Face.

Beyoncé

PJ — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:42:21 +0000

Just a couple of recent Beyoncé videos for fun.

Single Ladies reminds me of those energetic 60s dance clips, and it’s simple but effective. Not sure about the Robocop glove thing though.

She makes a cute cop in If I Were a Boy.

The Script

PJ — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:45:09 +0000

I discovered this soulful Irish band through a free Itunes download, and have subsequently enjoyed several tracks from their debut album.

The following song, Breakeven, is so beautiful and I can’t stop listening to it at the moment.