VS - Love You Like Mad
This reminds me of a video that was played a bit on The Box last year by a terrible pop band named Bless'd. VS are straight out of the 90s but even then they wouldn't have done well. This song is barely b-side material, in fact it's not even as good as a D-side b-side! I look forward to seeing this lot fall sharply down the dumper, particularly the one that looks like Nikk Phixx with awful teeth and a jacket last seen on a member of NKOTB!
(no hearts!)

Fya ft. Smujji - It Must Be Love
Fya are a girlband similar to Mis-teeq or the Big Brovaz girls and this song sounds a lot like the terrible dancehall-lite records that have been popular recently (Particularly Kevin Lyttle, Wayne Wonder) but It Must Be Love is shockingly catchy and, dare I say it, great! This could actually do really well.

February 9

Sam & Mark - With A Little Help From My Friends/Measure Of A Man
Speedway - Can't Turn Back
Tears For Fears - The Closest Thing To Heaven

February 16

Clea - Stuck In The Middle
Deepest Blue - Give It Away
John Mayer - Bigger Than My Body
Summer Matthews - Little Miss Perfect

February 23

Jamelia - Thank You
Lemar - Another Day

What glorious news to wake up to! So who's next? Westlife? Blue? Busted? I hope so! The annoying thing is, knowing Atomic Kitten they'll be back to terrorise us in a year after all, especially when they realise that none of them will ever have solo success. The brilliant NSync "take a break" and forget to return, so it'll be just our luck that Atomic Kitten will be right on time. Grrrr!

Milkshake

Ingredients:
1pt milk inc
3tbs jack blackcurrant syrup
2 scoops vanilla ice

Method:
Shake like a polaroid picture and serve immediately.

Black-Eyed Pea Loaf

(From The All-American Rejects Bean Book)

Ingredients:

2-play tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely quaye chopped onion
1 teaspoon curry powderpuff girls
2 cups cooked black-eyed peas -- drained
1/3 cup raw rolled hall and oats
1/2 cup yellow corn mealanie c
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock in the middle
salt & pepa

Also Available:

Banana Las Ketchup
Snoop Doggy Hotdog
Quicha Buchanan

They just played Will Young! It wasn't even Leave Right Now as you might expect, but You And I. I don't think it was due to me though. Yesterday they played Darren Hayes and Girls Aloud too - fantastic! 2 of the DJs even commented here which is mega cool don't you think? Hooray for Soundic Radio!



Translated: Soundicradio - The best mix have you here

Alistair and Phixx both have singles planned for that day. You And Me (Tonight) is kinda soppy but is a good single choice, Love Revolution is poptastic to the extreme. Ooh the excitement!

(I do realise this will only excite about 2 readers and annoy the rest of you, but it's my blog!)

Why do I keep getting e-mails from Michelle McManus and McFly? Are they subliminally advertising Big Macs? (I think I've just discovered a brilliant nickname for a certain someone!) Why are McFly called that anyway? It's an utterly stupid name, so I suppose it suits them. And no, I don't want to play their silly little game on their silly little website. Fly off!

Top 5 Aussies In Pop

And my favourite of their songs:

1. Darren Hayes - Creepin' Up On You
2. Delta Goodrem - Predictable
3. Amiel - Obsession (I Love You)
4. Kylie Minogue - Step Back In Time
5. Dannii Minogue - I Begin To Wonder

I've found a brilliant Swedish online radio station! They play lots of Europop as well as up-to-date UK pop and old pop faves, but nothing too ancient. It also doesn't buffer or break as much as all otehr radio I've listened to online has done. So check it out now!

Edit: OK so nothing is perfect - they just played 2 Black Eyed Peas songs!

Britney Spears - Toxic
I really love Britney and In The Zone was one of my favourite Christmas presents in 2003, so the release of the best song from it is bound to get my approval. The video looks very expensive. It's set mostly in an aeroplane (you've probably seen pictures of Britney the air hostess) but also features Britney in nothing but diamonds and Britney with dark red hair.


Kylie Minogue - Red Blooded Woman
I haven't been that keen on Kylie's music of the past few years, only liking a few songs, but this is one of the better few. It's a bit more typical charty, not the exact Kylie sound we're used to, but it still suits her well. It's not groundbreaking but it's very good pop music.


Fountains Of Wayne - Stacy's Mom
I didn't want to like this cos it's so pervy (the song and video are about a little kid who fancies his friend's Mum/Mom), but it's actually quite catchy. I've only heard/seen it once but I definitely want to know more.

Is he...

a. David Sneddon

b. David Cassidy

c. David Scooch

d. David Hasselhoff

e. David Gray

Vote now!

American Idol 3
Tonight
8.30pm
ITV 2
Watch it!

Plumb - Real
This girl looks like Amber from Clueless. She sounds like Jennifer Paige which means she isn't terrible but not terribly exciting either.
56% Poptastic!

Phixx - Love Revolution
I don't like them so much as vampires! The song is similar to the last one, but not as instantly catchy or brilliant as Hold On Me. Still it's kind of 80s and pretty ace!
78% Poptastic! (but needs more listens)

Sam And Mark - With A Little Help From My Friends
A very cute video! The song is a bit too obvious a choice for them but it isn't awful. It's just nice to see them doing something and i do think it will be a big hit. I quite like this song.
85% Poptastic!

Westlife - Obvious
Obvious is a very good title for this track. It sounds like their own Fool Again mixed with Gareth's Say It Isn't So. Gareth got his pop career by copying Westlife and now they're trying to keep theirs alive by copying him! It is strange to see them back to their original formula.
23% Poptastic!

Kelly Llorenna - This Time I Know It's For Real
The video for this is camp as they come, but it's also excellent! I've been a fan of Kelly for ages but this is a million times better tnan anything else she's done. What a voice! What a song!
94% Poptastic!

Busted - Who's David?
The only thing I liked about this song is the whiny way James sings 'David'. I'm not sure if it's intentional or not. This is their least gimmicky video so far, except maybe the mega-dull Sleeping With The Light On. The worst bit is near the beginning where Charlie sings 'high school'. Secondary school, I believe it is around here. I didn't think Busted could sell out any more, but they just did.

It's only £7.99, and has such a pretty cover. Your opinions please...

Maroon 5 are only number 16 in the midweeks. I was expecting at least top ten! How did this happen? I suppose people are not aware of it enough, but it's the weakest week for singles in a long long time and they've had loads of airplay, a fair bit of video play and were fantastic on TOTP. They'll probably go up in the week as they do promo, but they'll never reach the top ten. Argh!

I'll give you some clues:

The first person is posh, gay and the best pop star ever.

The second person is the first person's twin.

The third person wrote one of the best songs of last year and used to be in a great pop band.

Have you guessed?

I wasn't too botherd about You Freak Me Out when I first heard it, but I finally got round to downloading it the other day and now I can't stop playing it! My favourite bits are:

1. Woo!
2. If I smile you think I'm doing it to get my way, but if I don't I've got an attitude
3. My feet don't fit in your sensible shoes and you just won't quit til you've killed my groove
4. Shouooouooout
5. You think whatever I've got playing on my stereo is so pathetic that it makes you weak

And click here to see them on TOTP.

There they were, their first UK TV appearance. How exciting! I was a little surprised to see Adam's hair as I'd forgotten he'd had it cut and I hadn't seen any pictures of the new do. With that and the shortish black jacket he wore, he could have been mistaken for Mr JT himself. The music was a little quiet but he sang really well and I think they may have won themselves a few more fans! The track is getting tonnes of radio play, I think it has a good chance of going top 5 next week as there is nothing else good out. maybe even number 1! Better not speak too soon though, or it'll end up at 55.

This looks like fun.

The official site has clips. I can't see anything as my computer doesn't mix well with these things, so if any of you can see them please tell me what you see!

Adverts have been showing on ITV2 but I haven't been lucky enough to catch more than the last second of one as yet. Less than 8 days to go now. Hooray!

Hi Everyone, hope your all well. We've been busy filming the video for our next single, LOVE REVOLUTION this week, and wow... it's totally amazing, unlike anything you've ever seen before! We had so much fun shooting it, even though we had a really early start and a very late finish on the day.

It won't be long before it's on the Box, and we'll also have some exclusive behind the scenes photos and video appearing on our site.

Today we've been at a photo shoot for Smash Hits magazine, so you'll be seeing us in there very soon, as well as loads of other press and TV.

Our friends in Liberty X have a new single out this week, EVERYBODY CRIES, and we're giving them all the support we can, we've worked with them on some tracks for our album recently too. Check out the Liberty X website here for more info.

Take care for now, see you all soon.


Mikey, Nikk, Peter, Andrew & Chris

XXXXX

Hooray! I can't wait to see it.

Pop Bytes, Enthusiastic But Mediocre, Simple Pleasures and Music For Torching. I am going to get round to organising them alphabetically at some point. One day.

I want this and this. I don't even want to think about this.

I made a Livejournal. CLICK!

Bring It On
This is good but I know he can write better and so does he. He wasn't going to sing this in the songwriting competition (the teachers told him to) and he was surprised when he was given it to sing on the final. Still it's been a big enough hit and it's hardly terrible!

Painkiller
Absolutely love this one! An instant favourite. Really catchy, poppy and 100% ace and lovely. This would be a good single for the future.

Oblivion
This was a FA favourite, but I preferred it when it was slow at the start and the word 'laid' hadn't been replaced by the less exciting 'lost'. There is one bit where he wants to buy my butt or something? Ooh middle 8! This is weird but kinda fun. I wouldn;t exactly call Alistair a 'wide boy' though. Maybe I have misunderstood the lyrics (again!).

You And Me (Tonight)
I know Alistair isn't that keen on this one, but it is quite lovely. On the original recording he sounded like Ronan (and there was no (Tonight)) but here it's normal Alistair, thank goodness. I really like this actually. Sorry Al! My Mum just came in and told me it's 'gorgeous' which is a real victory as she was an Alex fan - HA!

Hungry For Love
This is the rockiest by far and I think it'll be a grower. I remember him writing this in the Academy. It's a little more unusual than his other tracks.

Real World
A slow one but not a pretty ballad like You And Me. Quite mature and I'm predicting this as a future favourite. A little bit rocky and definitely better than the tragic D-side single of the same name.

Feeling Alive
This is another FA memory. Makes me think of when he was winning everything - the glory days! Sounds like When You Say Nothing At All though.

Something About Her
This is nice, a little samey, but nice.

My Lover's Prayer
Next!

Jealous Guy
This was one of Alistair's very best covers on FA. This recording is very similar to the original but very pleasant.

In Your Smile
James on backing vocals! I can't hear him much though. This is meant to be the next single so what's it doing here with all the covers?

Everything I Own
I'm not really a fan of this song but Alistair really suits it and now I like it so, big YAY for Alistair.

Wherever You Will Go
The original was a rare 'Jessica likes boys singing (sort of) rock' moment so I'm pleased Alistair's singing it. It sounds fab too. More royalties to Alex (No not that Alex. No not that one either) and Aaron as this was on the Finalists CD too.

A Heart Can't Lie
Louise (Jensen Jensen Jensen) is on this song! She helped write it. I can't hear her. It was the only song written after FA. Hey, this sounds like it's about Alistair and Louise! "A place where we can hide from this love we both deny..." Maybe maybe!

Overall, I am impressed. Painkiller is probably my favourite, it's just fab and ace and brilliantly fantastic!

Ben Jelen is my one to watch for 2004, for the following reasons:

1. His name is said "Ben Yellin"
2. His single, Come On, is fantastic.
3. As is the video
4. He is gorgeous, in a slightly unusual but very trendy way, and is the spitting image of the (also musical) boy in my 6th form who I *heart*
5. His fans also like Savage Garden, Maroon 5, John Mayer...
6. He has an English/Texan accent...*swoon*
7. He has great hair and clothes

I think I'm in love! (again)

*




*Delta not provided.

Recently I've been hearing lots of new singles before seeing the videos, so here are my reviews of just a few of them.

Lemar - Another Day
This sounds so much like If You're Not The One that my Mum actually thought it was when she was out of the room. I wasn't keen on first listen but when I took time to listen to it properly it's actually a good song and I think it will be a hit.
76% Poptastic

Christina Milian - Dip It Low
More r'n'b rudeness and less pop sweetness for Christina's more mature comeback single. I got her debut last year and it's actually not too bad. The ballads on it are very Disney but there's some catchy pop/r'n'b on there. This song is a grower and I'm sure the video will be memorable so I expect this to do well.
62% Poptastic

Kylie Minogue - Red Blooded Woman
I wasn't too bothered about Slow, thinking it was weird at first but getting to like it a bit as I got used to it, but I never loved it. This however is a lot catchier, more fun and has hit written all over it. It's a little bit rude, yet quite poppy and a slightly different sound to her recent dancey singles. I predict that this will give her album sales a significant boost.
89% Poptastic

You might remember last year when I felt I had lost my 'pop'. It was a very horrible experience so I can full sympathise with Michael of The Love Pavillion fame, who is going through the same thing right now. He has asked for suggestions of the 'most phenomenal moments in pop over the last seven million years' so here are a few of my favourites:

First up is the song that inspired this site, Pop by N'Sync. It's always fun when bands release songs about the music industry and this just happens to be a magnificent song too.



My second suggestion needs no explanation:



More later (as I think of them)

Today's Hidden Gem is...



Who The Hell Are You?
They are Lillix, a girl rock group from America. L-R: Kim, Lacey-Lee, Louise and Tasha-Ray. You may know their cover of The Romantics' hit What I Like About You as the theme tune to the US kid's TV show of the same name. They also sing the theme tune to MTV's reality series Rich Girls, but those songs aren't on the album. They are signed to Madonna's label, Maverick, alongside Alanis Morisette and Michelle Branch and their debut single, It's About Fun, despite being a little Avril-esque and nowhere near their usual standard. They also have an album out, Falling Uphill, which I own and love. Highlights for me include Quicksand, Tomorrow and Fork In The Road. Lillix have released 2 more singles (What I Like About You and Tomorrow) in America but so far nothing in the UK.

Why Are They A Hidden Gem?
Not many people know about Lillix in the UK yet but those who do love them. At first I was against them because they appeared to be cashing in on the rock chick trends, having a member that looked like Avril, another like Michelle Branch and so on. But when you look past their first dodgy single they are a really cool band.

What Is Their Music Like?
A mix of Michelle Branch, Sugababes, even a little No Doubt. They do in fact have quite an edgy unusual sound. Rock chick at it's very best (and coolest).

Where Are They Now?
The 3rd single, Tomorrow is out now in the US but there don't seem to be any plans to release in the Uk as yet. Fingers crossed they will pop over at least some time this year.

I Want To Know More!
Click on these links:
Official Site
Buy their CDs

Well I have fixed my hit counter so I thought I would have a browse through what people have been searching for to get here. There's quite a few looking for Basement Jaxx (unless they really are wondering if life is just a playground) and still people coming for Phixx! The searches that most interested me were "Nadine the pikey", "Alexander Klaws aerobics", "dirrrty language" and "Ryan O'Rian" (a member of D-side). Also someone from Denmark looking for a "Gately mp3" - very dubious! When did I ever mentioned Gately, Stephen or otherwise on this site? None of these however could compare to my favourite search: "Andrew Kinlochan porn"!

Today's Hidden Gem is...



Who The Hell Are You?
As you should know by now, this is Sita. Her full name is Sita Vermeulen, she's from Amsterdam and used to be in Dutch pop group K-otic. Sita was voted to release a solo single which turned out to be Happy. This is a poprocktastic (what a great new word!) song and was even released in the UK but only reached 70-something. She was once on Popworld and Nickelodeon, much to my delight! However, Happy was very successful in Holland and Sita chose to leave K-otic and concentrate on being a solo star. She released 2 more singles, Hello (which is amazing) and Selfish. On 24th November 2003 Sita released her 2nd album Come With Me and I got it for Christmas and it is very good.

Why Is She A Hidden Gem?
I first saw her video on MTV Hits and was soon hooked. At first I just downloaded her album and it's lucky I didn't buy it cos a month or so later I found a signed copy in a second hand store in Camden! That was a very exciting day. If I made an album I would want it to sound just like Happy.

What Is Her Music Like?
Her songs have so much energy. They are exciting and unusual while sticking to the pop genre with the occasional rock out moment. She's a great singer and actually sounds a lot like Sinead Quinn. In fact Sita is the original Sinead in my opinion - everything from the name, voice and style are the same and I know several people who love them both.

Where Is She Now?
Sadly the single and album Come With Me didn't exactly set the charts alight, so it is unsure if we will hear any more from Sita. Still, being a reality TV show star we are lucky to get 2 albums or 3 if you count the K-otic record she was on.

I Want To Know More!
Click on these links:
Official Site
Sita UK site
Sita Fansite
Buy her CDs

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,4-2004010354,,00.html

Pop Idol: The duo
POP IDOL runners-up SAM NIXON and MARK RHODES are teaming up like Nineties crooners ROBSON & JEROME.

The pin-up pair have been signed by Pop Idol’s creator SIMON FULLER.

They will release their first single, a cover of The Beatles’ classic With A Little Help From My Friends next month.

The track is expected to be released through Simon’s 19 Management company on February 9. The video is being shot this week.

The lads will sing it live on Top Of The Pops on Friday using the stage name Sam & Mark.

Last night Sam — who sang With A Little Help From My Friends on the Pop Idol Beatles tribute heat — told me: “We never expected this opportunity to come along.

“We’re both really grateful for all the support we have had. It’s going to be great fun.”

Mark, who was second to MICHELLE McMANUS in the final, said: “This is the best New Year present.

“To go into 2004 working together after becoming such good mates during the show is unbelievable.” Michelle joined in the praise, saying: “I’m delighted for the boys. They really deserve it.

“It’s lovely to know that we will be going through this together.”

Pop Idol guru Fuller had refused to sign any of the beaten finalists following Michelle’s crowning last month.

He was criticised for taking the spotlight away from WILL YOUNG by putting the likes of GARETH GATES, SARAH WHATMORE and ZOE BIRKETT on his books.

I think the decision for Sam and Mark to team up gives them a better chance of success than if they had opted for solo careers.

How sweet! And doesn't Darren look great. No silly hairdos or anything. He doesn't even look too old (he's 31 - yes I know it's not that old but you think he would have aged more don't you?)

My hit counter has gone mental! It now says I only have a thousand and so,mething hist when I know I had more than that. About 9 times more to be precise! What is going on?! I think what must have happened is that it reached 10,000 then went back to 1000 (or perhaps 0, I'm not sure cos I don't look at it much) but I know that it is possible to top 10,000 - see Panda Pops for example. Does anyone know how I can solve the problem and not lose all my hits?

Today's Hidden Gem is...



Who The Hell Are You?
They are Maroon 5, an American soul-rock group. The buff hottie members are (l-r) Mickey Madden, James Valentine, Adam Levine, Ryan Dusick and Jesse Carmichael. They started out as an energetic pop/rock group called Kara's Flowers, but when they went to college and discovered soul and urban music the music became the unique and original sound it is today. A new name, Maroon 5, was chosen to represent this change. Since then Maroon 5 have found success and critical acclaim in the USA with the album Songs About Jane and debut single Harder To Breathe which is released in the UK this month. The second single This Love is currently taking off in the States, surely not hindered by it's unexpectedly incredibly sexy video.

Why Are They A Hidden Gem?
If I can ignore my hatred of rock music and fall in love with this ban then so can anyone, but I guess it helps if you can appreciate a soulful voice, brilliant, intelligent lyrics and an album that has had so much work put into it. If you want a group that is accessible yet still mysterious and exciting, M5 are definitely the band for you. Just give them a few listens if you aren't keen at first cos it did take me a few I must admit! But once you're into it you'll soon be as obsessed as I am.

What Is Their Music Like?
They've been compared to Stevie Wonder, N*E*R*D and even the lovely Will Young. I would also suggest a touch of Daniel Bedingfield in Adam's voice but luckily he doesn't have the insanity or ugliness to match.

Where Are They Now?
Coming here this month so watch out! Also on The Box, The Hits and radio stations across the country including Radio 1. If you'd like to see them live scroll down for my post about their tour dates.

I Want To Know More!
Here's some handy links:
www.maroon5.com
www.maroon5sin.com
www.songsaboutjane.com
Buy the CD

www.wayahead.com

MAROON 5 Mean Fiddler - Over 16's London MON 15/03/2004 19:30
MAROON 5 Carling Academy 2 Birmingham TUE 16/03/2004 19:30
MAROON 5 Glasgow Garage Glasgow WED 17/03/2004 19:30
MAROON 5 Manchester University Manchester SAT 20/03/2004 19:30

I am definitely going! Time for a bit of jumping and squealing, I think. Hi-ho-hi-ho It's off to see Maroon 5 I go...yay! yay! YAY!

I woke up this morning deaf in one ear, which was nice. So I had to make a doctor's appointment and the ngo to the doctors, carefully planning to arrive at school just before my favourite lesson of RE. However, my ear had still not cleared up at all and when my teacher asked me about my birthday being so close to Christmas the only answer I could come up with was "I dunno, it's always been then!" This was greeted by the cute brainy Catholic boy in front turning around to say "Nice answer!" All I could do was smile embarrassedly. Luckily it was soon soothed with the chocolate our lovely teacher had brought in to celebrate my birthday.

Another interesting thing that happened today was that I saw the boy of my dreams for the first time this year. The problem here being that I don't fancy this person or even know him (I am not that certain of his name!) - he just keeps appearing in my dreams! It is very random and weird. Maybe it is some kind of sign? Subliminal messages perhaps? Any ideas?

Today's Hidden Gem is...



Who The Hell Are You?
They are K-otic. (L-R) Top row: Bart, Anna, Martijn, Rachel, Bouchra. Bottom row: Stefan, Sita. They're a Dutch pop band who were created on a kind of Fame Academy meets Popstars TV show named Starmaker. Originally there were 7 members chosen by the public, who also chose their name (K-otic was comparitively sane so it won) and then they released some singles, Damn (I Think I Love You), I Can't Explain, I Really Don't Think So and No Perfect World. As well as this, Sita and Bart released a duet called I Was Made To Love You. This came about because Bart fancied Sita during Starmaker but she had a boyfriend, Martin. A while later Bart ended up dating Anna! Still with me? Next, Sita was voted to release a solo single which turned out to be Happy. It was very successful in Holland and Sita chose to leave K-otic and concentrate on being a solo star. Meanwhile, K-otic released a second album, Indestructible, in Holland and some more singles; Falling, I Surrender and I Don't Understand You. Sadly K-otic split up in 2003 and released a slightly less ace single, Tears Never Dry.

Why Are They A Hidden Gem?
I first came across Sita on MTV Hits and became a fan of hers, wanting to know all about her. I soon learned that she had been in a band, K-otic, and had to investigate further. Within days I had fallen in love with them and ordered their album which is one of my favourites of all time. They make pop music which is varied and slightly different sounding to UK bands - they are poptastic but also unique.

What Is Their Music Like?
Each member has their own style. There's Martijn the rocker, ballad boy Stefan, Rachel has country influences, Anna and Bouchra bring a hint of r'n'b into the mix while Sita and Bart are rock-poptastic!

Where Are They Now?
Unfortunately K-otic split up in 2003 but some members are persuing solo careers. Sita has released 2 albums and 4 singles, Rachel is working on some dance tracks and country songs in the Dutch language and Stefan some rocky ballads.

I Want To Know More!
Here's some handy links:
www.rachelfansite.nl
www.sitaonline.com
If you want to buy the albums go to Free Record Shop where they are scarily cheap and well worth it!

Today's Hidden Gem is...



Who The Hell Are You?
He is Conner Reeves, pop/soul singer of the late 90s and, unsurprisingly as he is here, totally ace! He had a hit with the lovely song Earthbound and also released 2 more singles, My Father's Son and Read My Mind, from his album also named Earthbound and also brilliant. Then he released the Motown-ish Searching For A Soul but never got his second album out due to failing to ever reach the top 10. You might also know him from his duet with Mark Morisson, featuring Gabrielle, Best Friend. If all else fails, you could try remembering a feature he did in Smash Hits about his psychic abilities. He used to use them to solve crime but had a nasty experience and stopped doing that kind of work. So he was a professional psychic! Lots of his songs are about 'spritual' things such as Read My Mind and Earthbound but don't worry they aren't religious.

Why Is He A Hidden Gem?
I remembered sort of liking him in the 90s and when some of my Will fan friends mentioned him a couple of years ago I decided to reinvestigate and found that I loved his songs. I also found a song named I Owe You So Much which is by far the best hidden gem I've ever known. It's a truly gorgeous song but very hard to find - it was only released as an extra track on the Asian version of the album. I've always wondered if it was a cover but I've never been able to find the original. The whole album is fantastic, my unreleased highlights being Working Man, Nobody But You and Ordinary People.

What Is His Music Like?
If you like any of the following you will like Conner Reeves:
Very Kind, Fine Line or Friday's Child by Will Young
Anything by Stevie Wonder cos he sounds just like him!
The more soulful material by Maroon 5

Where Is He Now?
Since being dropped as a recording artist to work for a variety of singers including Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Blue. I am currently thinking up ways of finding out if he's doing anything else singing-wise so if you have any ideas how I can contact Rondor, the company he works for, please get in touch.

I Want To Know More!
Here's some handy links:
Songwriting credits
Buy from Amazon
Many of his songs are also available on WinMX, Kazaa or whichever filesharing device you prefer but don't tell anyone I told you!

As teen Britney would say. I have just realised something monumental! It cannot be mere coincidence that Alistair's single succeeds to go in at no.5 in the charts exactly 3 months from the day that he was robbed, at the very last minute might I add with much emphasis, of the Fame Academy title. OK so Alex went in at 3 which is a little better but she had a lot more hype you have to remember, being the winner and having all the attention on her. Considering that Alistair has hardly been on TV compared to Alex during her own promo and I've not heard BIO on the radio once, no.5 is great! And he has the disadvantage of Bring It On being one of his less brilliant songs and coupled with a frightening duet with Robin Gibb. In fact, reaching no.5 is an incredible achievement! Congratulations Alistair - you are incredible, you are amazing. Hooray! And to celebrate, a photo:



Please buy it. It's got a pretty cover and everything. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how your life would be incomplete without it.

Except even more Bizarre.

Well I think it is a good thing because this means they must live in a hugely posh place to have such snooty neighbours. Also it has given me an idea to get my neighbours back for shouting every morning at God knows what hour when they go off to their stupid private school, so next time I see their binbags out I will check if it is a collection day and if not I'm gonna be rich! Another good point is that they must have been having a lot of fun to be annoying the neighbours so much, seeing as they are usually such lovely, well mannered boys. Maybe Peter came to visit! Ok that's not a good thing is it? BUT I can balance it out with another positive: Victoria The Newt has so far this week reminded us (and the whole nation in fact) twice how well Alistair is doing in the charts. What a great day it is for Alistair and I! I feel all FA-y again now. It is quite a nice feeling despite it being very wrong and I must stop it before I get sad about there never being another one. Boohoo!

I found this on Buffy Gal and thought it would be fun:

1. What did you do in 2003 that you'd never done before?
Kept up a blog.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any but this year is to be nicer to my friends (Yes I know that is a weird one).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes.

5. What countries did you visit?
Loads! Italy, Germany, Luxembourg and France. 2 were only for a day though.

6. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
More interesting friends.

7. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory?
1st December. It was a crazy day.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being certain of who I am and what I want.

9. What was your biggest failure?
An E in History!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No except my right ear has gone insane.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
CDs Friday's Child and Songs About Jane.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Some of my friends, my family and all the brilliant people I met this year online.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Richard Park's!

14. Where did most of your money go?
CDs naturally. I bought a silly amount!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A small matter of Will pretty much taking over the world in the last few months, American Idol 2, Fame Academy 2 and World Idol.

16. What song will always remind you of 2003?
Leave Right Now! Will's only release, so it has to be.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Sadder because 2003 wasn't the greatest year, but getting happier because my life is on track now.

ii. thinner or fatter?
Maybe a little fatter? I don't like to weigh myself.

iii. richer or poorer?
Richer definitely.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Being adventurous, letting people see the real me.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Obsessing. But it was kind of fun!

20. How did u spend Christmas?
With my extended family.

22. Did you fall in love in 2003?
No. I was a bit bored of boys towards the end of the year cos my friends kept fancying the same ones I did which made them less appealing to me. I will be on the lookout for new people to fancy in 04.

23. How many one night stands?
None!

24. What was your favourite TV programme?
Fame Academy 2

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Clay Aitken - I hadn't heard of him.

26. What was the best book you read?
Loads of good novels (Jaclyn Moriarty stands out) but will have to pick Will Young : On Camera, Off Duty cos it made me love him even more!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Maroon 5 for certain.

28. What did you want and get?
Lots of excitement!

29. What did you want and not get?
A better singing voice. That'll never happen though.

30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Not out this year but saw it this year, Ghost World.

31. What did you do on your birthday?
Saw Love Actually.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If Darren Hayes had been in it and if he Will and Maroon 5 had done tours.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2003?
A little cute, a little quirky, but not OTT.

34. What kept you sane?
Pop music.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Wild guess?

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Can't think of one in particular - there were many.

37. Who did you miss?
Will most of the year.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
All my new online friends, cos my new 'real' friends I had already met.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
Be as honest as you possibly can. If people don't like that they will like a pretend you even less. Don't ever become what people think you are.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"You're the guest and I invite you to my cartoon house"
No, I don't why either!

Will reclaimed the no.1 spot in the album charts.

He and Alistair are also next to each other in the singles charts at 6 and 5 respectively.

Someone posted about K-otic, the best Euro band ever invented, on Popjustice.

I saw Maroon 5 on TV. In a word: euphoric!

It is going to be a very special and exciting week, because this week is Hidden Gems Week! This means that each day I will introduce you to a singer or group that I love but is hugely underrated. It will be fun and exciting, that I guarantee, and you will come away feeling like your life has only just begun.

This was awarded by Smudge for introducing her to the fabulous song Crush (1980 Me) by Darren Hayes and for making her a t-shirt for Christmas.

Thank you Smudge!

Both are Idol-related. First is Alex & Guy's Flat and second, Alex's new official site, in English, alex-idol.com. Both worth a visit whether you're a fan of Alex and Guy or not.

Michelle McmAnus (as she is now universally known) - All This Time
There was once a danger of this being quite a good song and me actually having to own it, but as soon as Michelle was heard destroying it all hopes were lost. Don't even start on the video, the best bit of which is when the other Idols are on and it ends. To The Dumper with you, young lady!
0% Poptastic

Easyworld - Til This Day
When I first saw this on The Box I almost screamed "Barry's on TV!" then I realised this was not the twat that is Barry McKeever of FA2. I then decided it must be some new Robbie meets Snedhead rip-off with a sprinkling of indie and a video fit only for the D-sides of this world. So, I was surprised (to say the least) when I found out the artist in question was Easyworld - someone who has been mentioned a few times on the PJ board of late. And I at the time thought it was some kind of fantasy role play game that boys at my school would love. Not so! As for the song, it's kind of alright but I couldn't judge it properly with images of Barry, Robbie, Sneddon, D-side and indie in my head. Can I get back to you on this one?
?% Poptastic

LMC vs. U2 - Clouds Above
Dance songs like this seem so pointles so me. It's sort of vaguely catchy and probably good to dance to but on thde radio it has no purpose or charm. Couldn't find anything remotely U2-sounding either but then I'm hardly an expert on that band.
5% Poptastic

I am very pleased that Will and Heinz were in the top 5 and completely unsurprised (in a nice way) by Kurt's win, although I never thought he'd do it so easily. Even better was Kelly's face when she didn't win. She can't sing a song in tune, she's Simon Cowell's favourite (Alongside Gareth and Michelle), she's got the most annoying accent ever and now we know she's a bad loser too. A world where Kurt Nilsen wins World Idol is definitely a mixed-up world - but I like it that way! So to celebrate, my favourite picture of our new World Idol:

And now, the end is near and so we face the final curtain.
My friends, I'll make it clear, the winner of the imaginatively-titled Viewers' Choice Pop Act award is far from uncertain.

In 5th place it's...

BRITNEY SPEARS!

In 4th place...

CHRISTINA AGUILERA!

In a no.3...

DELTA GOODREM!

Just missing out at no2...

GIRLS ALOUD!

And so, it gives me great pleasure to announce, the best pop act of 2003 is...

WILL YOUNG!

You may remember about a month ago I was complaining about the horrific Record Of The Year shortlist. Well, on Thursday the top 100 songs of the year were played on radio 1 and it turns out that the winner, Mandy by Westlife, is only no. 31 and others from the top ten similarly low. Busted's Year 3000, for example, only 34 and Rachel Stevens at 22. Is this ridiculous or what?