Jen's Music Review

Jenness Mitchell • Published 18 Aug 2010 09:00 0 Comments

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Katy Perry:

Teenage Dream

After debuting onto the scene in 2001 as Katy Hudson with a self-titled Christian music record, it would not be until 2008 that the now named Katy Perry would find worldwide success after the release of the tracks I Kissed A Girl, Hot n Cold, Waking Up In Vegas and Thinking Of You from her Platinum selling second studio album, One Of The Boys. Pure pop fluff, Teenage Dream carries on from where the last album left off with Perry's California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg) a fun-loving West Coast reply to Jay-Z's Empire State Of Mind. While the title track, Last Friday Night and Firework stand out as the album's clear smash hits, there might be some slight controversy surrounding Circle The Drain in which Perry may or may not be trashing her ex-boyfriend Travis McCoy. I liked this album a lot and I was very happy to see that one of my favourite bands (Passion Pit) has managed to get a remix included on the playlist. Teenage Dream will definitely make for one hell of a party soundtrack.

I Am Arrows:

Sun Comes Up Again

Sun Comes Up Again is the debut studio album of indie rock band I Am Arrows, fronted by ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows. Although a dream job within a successful band, last year Burrows sensationally quit Razorlight amidst rumours of in-house fighting with front-man Johnny Borrell. Eleven days after announcing the split it was revealed that Burrows had signed with Universal Records (the same label as Razorlight) and I Am Arrows was born. Having co-written several of Razorlight's chart hits Burrows easily steps into the role of singer-songwriter, and produced by Eliot James (Noah And The Whale/Bloc Party) Sun Comes Up Again makes for a likeable listen with a '70's-esque bubblegum feel that actually sounds better than the more recent output of his former band. Burrows may indeed be the new lighter Grohl.

Mogwai:

Special Moves

Mogwai (named after the infamous Gremlins) are a Glasgow post-rock band that formed in 1995. Special Moves is actually a release of live material, with their rumoured seventh studio album expected February 2011. Mogwai are a tad too heavy for my taste, but they have a dedicated fan following that will snap this record up along with the accompanying concert documentary, Burning. Special Moves is a first-rate introductory to the band's music as it features several corkers in the sound of I'm Jim Morrison I'm Dead, Friend Of The Night, Cody and I Love You I'm Going To Blow Up Your School.

iTunes Download Recommendation

Leddra Chapman: Story

I first came across British singer-songwriter Leddra Chapman late last year after she released Story as a single for the charts.

It's a cute little track that you cannot help but love with its airy instrumental and soulful lyrics.

After catching Leddra's set at this year's Belladrum Festival, this is a great taster to an artist who is on the brink of creating a musical storm along with the sounds of Rachel Sermanni and Kitty The lion.

Classic Collection

Ultimate 80s Movie Hits

Available to download via iTunes this compilation is packed with 80's gems such as The Psychedelic Furs' title track from Pretty In Pink, Echo And The Bunnymen's People Are Strange from The Lost Boys and Michael Sembello's Maniac from Elivra Mistress Of The Dark, ahem I mean Flashdance.

Along with the mandatory appearance of Dirty Dancing's I've Had The Time Of My Life and She's Like The Wind, film fans will go crazy for The Karate Kid's You're The Best, The Jewel In The Nile's When The Going Gets Tough and the title tracks from Footloose, Electric Dreams, The Never Ending Story, Ghostbusters and 9 to 5. This is a really sweet collection of show tunes that will whisk you back to an era of neon prints, shoulder-pads and leg warmers. Awesome!

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