Radio Express Notes For
Radioplay Euro Express Edition #748 of 2007 Nov 16
1. AMY WINEHOUSE - Monkey Man
Amy Winehouse is releasing "Monkey Man" as her new single. The track originally appeared
on the Japanese version of Winehouse's "Back To Black" album. Now, it is being made
available as part of the Deluxe Edition release of the set, which features the original studio
album, as well as a bonus disc including various B-sides, rare and live tracks. So far, the new
version is only available in the UK. Amy Winehouse has performances scheduled in the UK
through mid-December. Visit www.amywinehouse.co.uk for more.
2. THE CHARLATANS UK - You Cross My Path
UK band The Charlatans is returning to the scene with a new single, namely "You Cross My
Path". In conjunction with the single's release, The Charlatans announced that they would also
release their as-yet-unnamed forthcoming album as a free download. Band manager Alan
McGee said: "Nobody buys CDs anyway. Why don't we just give it away for nothing?" The
album will be released through London radio station XFM's website in early 2008. The band
is planning a UK tour in 2008. Visit www.thecharlatans.net for upcoming dates.
3. DURAN DURAN - Falling Down
After a three-year layoff, legendary '80s group Duran Duran returned to the music scene on
13 November 2007 when they released their new album, "Red Carpet Massacre". The group
employed the services of none other than Justin Timberlake and Timbaland for the effort and
the first single from the album, "Falling Down", was co-written by Timberlake and also
features him on backing vocals. In talking about working with Timberlake and Timbaland,
singer Simon Lebon said: "We tend to look at other artists who are happening now and
making great records, of which Timbaland and Justin Timberlake have been at the forefront
over the past few years. So as soon as we got the opportunity to work with them, it was like
'Yeah, who wouldn't?'" The band has several North American dates scheduled, along with a
one-off in Argentina on 24 November 2007. Get all the details at www.duranduran.com.
4. ELLIOTT YAMIN - One Word
"American Idol" finalist Elliott Yamin is releasing "One Word" as the next single from his
self-titled debut effort. Asked if he thinks it was a good thing that he didn't win the
competition, Yamin said: "Yes, I do. I’ve been able to do my own thing on my own terms. If I
had won, I don’t think I would have been able to do the things I’m doing now. I’m a business
guy now. I’ve gotten the chance to do some real hands-on stuff and learn about how this stuff
works, and I’m a partner in every sense of the word of my whole project." Yamin also
recently released a holiday album called, "The 5th Annual NBC Sounds Of The Season - The
Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection", a CD filled with Yamin's renditions of holiday classics.
For more on Elliott Yamin, visit www.myspace.com/elliottyamin.
5. GIRLS ALOUD - Call The Shots
UK publication The Daily Star has branded Girls Aloud's new single as "classy electronic
Euro-pop with real edge". That's also what fans of the British girl group will find on their new
album, "Tangled Up", which is set for release on 19 November 2007. In September, it was
announced that Girls Aloud had made it into the 2008 Guinness Book Of World Records for
the Most Consecutive Top Entries In The UK By A Female Group. Their record of 15 Top 10
singles beat Destiny's Child's previous record of 11 and the Spice Girls record of 10. For more
on Girls Aloud, check out www.girlsaloud.co.uk.
6. GORILLAZ - Rock It
Just when people thought they wouldn't be heard of again, Gorillaz is returning with the 19
November 2007 release of a new album titled, "D-Sides". "D-Sides" is an assortment of Bsides from Gorillaz' "Demon Days" album, early demos and previously unreleased tracks. The
first single from the set is "Rock It". A special edition of "D-Sides" will include two exclusive
Jamie Hewlett prints, a collection of Gorillaz badges, stickers and a "Choose Pazuzu" patch.
Gorillaz will also be releasing the documentary, "Bananaz". It will be the first film to capture
the reality behind the band. A release date has yet to be confirmed. Go to www.gorillaz.com
for more details.
7. GROOVE ARMADA - The Girls Say
UK dance duo Groove Armada has released "The Girls Say" as the next single from their
successful album, "Soundboy Rock". The pair also recently released a new greatest hits
compilation to celebrate 10 years of making music. "GA10" is a double CD and includes
some of Groove Armada’s best music spanning their 10-year career. Asked if the new
collection is different from their 2004 compilation, member Tom Findlay said: "Basically
there are two different products coming out at the moment. There's the greatest hits, which is
kind of a revamped version of what we put out a few years ago. Then there's "GA10". That's
essentially the final document of 10 years of Groove Armada. It's got some of those big tracks
on it, but also some of our personal favorites, some remixes and some stuff that's never
featured on anything we've released before." For upcoming dates from Groove Armada, go to
www.groovearmada.com.
8. IAN BROWN - Sister Rose
Former Stone Roses' singer Ian Brown has unveiled "Sister Rose" as the next single from his
latest solo album, "The World Is Yours". In a surprising twist, Brown will also release the
single in Japanese on 3 December 2007. The single will be available in seven-inch vinyl
picture-disc format, with the English version of the track as the B-side. The track will also be
available on CD, with remixes from Steve Fitzmaurice and DJ Mek. It will feature music
videos for the song, plus the previous single, "Illegal Attacks". To check out Ian Brown in a
live setting, go to www.ianbrown.co.uk for dates.
9. J. HOLIDAY - Bed
With male singers like R. Kelly and Ne-Yo clamoring to stake their claim on the R&B genre,
aspiring singers may think it's too difficult to break into the business. However, that's not the
case for J. Holiday. The Washington D.C., USA native has struck a chord with music lovers,
thanks to his single, "Bed", which is taken off the artist's debut album, "Back Of My Lac".
The Ultimix Remix of "Bed" is featured on our Euro Express CD this week. J. Holiday
admitted that his discovery of Marvin Gaye was one of the moments in his youth that led him
to pursue a singing career. Holiday recalls: "I was just listening to songs that I loved. Then I
found out that all the songs were by the same guy. Marvin led me to Donny Hathaway and Al
Green. Then I got into Jodeci and OutKast. That's what gave me my flavor." Holiday is
currently getting the chance to exhibit his flavor to new fans as part of a North American tour
that also includes R. Kelly, Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole. To find all the dates and the latest on J.
Holiday, visit www.jholiday.com.
10. KYLIE MINOGUE - 2 Hearts
With the release of the single, "Two Hearts", Kylie Minogue's comeback from a cancer scare
is official! The track is the first single from her upcoming studio album, "X", which is being
released on 26 November 2007. In the meantime, Minogue's management recently denied the
singer had cancelled her world tour next year. Britain's Daily Mail newspaper reported that
concerns she may be pushing herself too hard, had forced her to cancel the tour, but the
statements were false. The tour is scheduled to begin in May 2008, just days after Minogue's
40th birthday. For the latest on the Australian superstar, visit www.kylie.com.
11. PARAMORE - CrushCrushCrush
"CrushCrushCrush" is the latest single to be released from American band Paramore's album,
"Riot!". The band decided to give their album that title because they liked the definition,
which states: "A sudden outburst of uncontrolled emotion". The band is currently on a North
American tour, which wraps up on 25 November 2007 in New York City, USA. The tour also
features special guests The Almost and Set Your Goals. Visit www.paramore.net for more.
12. SKINDRED - Ratrace
Known for their "ragga-metal" sound, which combines reggae with heavy metal, Skindred is
giving fans the latest example of their musical style with "Ratrace", the new single from their
sophomore album, "Roots Rock Riot". The band will join forces with Bullet For My
Valentine for a UK and European tour that will begin in January 2008. For more on Skindred,
visit www.skindred.com.
13. SONS AND DAUGHTERS - Gilt Complex
Scottish group Sons And Daughters has released "Gilt Complex" as the first single from their
upcoming album, "The Gift", which is due to be released in early 2008. The single is being
made available for download and seven-inch vinyl, which will only be available in the UK.
Sons And Daughters began a tour in October and have dates lined up through December.
Once the album is released, they will embark on a tour of the USA. Get the latest on Sons
And Daughters at www.sonsanddaughtersloveyou.com.
14. SWIZZ BEATZ - Take A Picture
Because of his in-demand production skills, producer and artist Swizz Beatz has already sold
over 100 million records! His latest single, "Take A Picture", is taken from the New Jersey,
USA native's sophomore set, "One Man Band Man". Currently, Swizz Beatz is working on
upcoming albums from Madonna, Mariah Carey and DMX. He also recently contributed to
Britney Spears' comeback album, "Blackout". For tour dates and the latest on Swizz Beatz,
visit www.swizzbeatzonline.com.
15. THE TWANG - Push The Ghosts
British group The Twang has released "Push The Ghosts" as the new single from their debut
album, "Love It When It Feels Like This". The track features a sample of the bassline from
the Salt 'N Pepa classic, "Push It". Congratulations to the band, whose album has made the
shortlist for British radio station XFM's very first New Music Award, which celebrates the
best debut releases of 2007. Visit www.thetwang.co.uk for more.
16. UNITING NATIONS - Do It Yourself
British dance duo Uniting Nations consists of Paul Keenan and Daz Sampson. Sampson said
that he got the inspiration for the pair's new single, "Do It Yourself", when he stumbled across
some '70s footage of Gloria Gaynor performing the song. He sampled the Gloria Gaynor
chorus, wrote a new verse, and "Do It Yourself" was born. It has since become their biggest
club hit to date. The track will be featured on Uniting Nations' new album, which is set for a
2008 release.
1. BLOC PARTY - Flux
Bloc Party has released "Flux" as the latest single from their album, "A Weekend In The
City". The single is being made available in a few different versions. The CD version features
the single, along with a live performance of the track and an additional track. The seven-inch
vinyl includes the single and an additional track. The 12-inch clear vinyl features an extended
version of "Flux", an instrumental version and a remix of the song, "Where is Home". Bloc
Party is currently on a European tour that runs through mid-December. Find dates and more at
www.blocparty.com.
2. BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY - Wind Blow
In May 2007, Ohio, USA rappers Bone Thugs-N-Harmony released their latest album,
"Strength & Loyalty". It was the first major set from the group after an absence of nearly five
years. Their latest single is "Wind Blow". Bone Thugs N-Harmony will also be featured in the
20th anniversary expanded edition of N.W.A.'s classic album, "Straight Outta Compton", as
well as a collection of late member Eazy-E's collaborations and solo tracks. Both sets will hit
stores on 4 December 2007. For more on Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, visit
www.bonethugsnharmony.com.
3. EDITORS - The Racing Rats
Popular British outfit Editors has unveiled "The Racing Rats" as the next single from their
album, "An End Has A Start". The single is being released in both CD and vinyl versions,
including a very cool transparent red vinyl. Editors is currently touring throughout Europe
and they have already announced dates for their UK trek in 2008. Find all the dates and more
at www.editorsofficial.com.
4. ELLIOT MINOR - The White One Is Evil
The members of UK band Elliot Minor may look familiar. They are formerly known as The
Academy and cite Jack's Mannequin, The All-American Rejects, Queen and The Beach Boys
as their influences. The group is classically trained and their music is said to be a fusion
between classical and rock. The latest example of their style comes in the form of "The White
One Is Evil". Elliot Minor has yet to release an album, but their debut set is currently in the
works and should be released sometime in 2008. In talking about the band's style, singer Alex
Davies said: "A lot of the harmonies are classically based, so that whole side of my
background is represented. Then there's the whole band performances backed by an orchestra
that really emphasizes those instruments and the chord progressions." Learn more at
www.elliotminor.org.
5. FELIX DA HOUSECAT - Radio
American DJ and record producer Felix Da Housecat is regarded as one of the leading
members of the second wave of Chicago house music. In October 2007, the DJ released his
strangely-titled CD, "Virgo Blaktro And The Movie Disco". The latest single from the set is
"Radio". The album was recorded in Barcelona and Antwerp and is a concept album centering on the revival of '70s and '80s black music. Felix Da Housecat explained the
inspiration for the set. He said: "This is the first record I've done with black folks, but to me
it's not a color thing, it's more like a roots thing. This record has a black, soulful groove - it's
more like Sly & The Family Stone. With this album, I wanted to go Parliament, I wanted to
go Prince, and at the same time I wanted to go George Michael and Pet Shop Boys, only with
them being black." For more on Felix Da Housecat, visit www.myspace.com/felixdahousecat.
6. FOO FIGHTERS - Long Road To Ruin
"Long Road To Ruin" is the next single from Foo Fighters' critically- acclaimed set, "Echoes,
Silence, Patience & Grace". The video for the track is a throwback to the band's classic "Big
Me" and "Learn To Fly" clips and has already received praise for its visual artistry. The band
recently destroyed their reputation as rock stars by admitting they regularly play board games
backstage! Bassist Nate Mendel revealed that the band had to be dragged away from Scrabble
games to perform. He said: "It actually got kind of ridiculous. We'd be in the middle of these
heated matches and our tour manager would poke his head into the dressing room and tell us
to wrap it up and put on our rock faces." For the latest on Foo Fighters, visit
www.foofighters.com.
7. FRANK SINATRA - This Town
Frank Sinatra is getting the remix treatment with the Mint Royale Remix of his 1967 classic,
"This Town". The song is featured on the soundtrack to the 2007 film, "Ocean's Thirteen".
Recently, Mint Royale hit a snag in trying to release the video for the track. A statement read:
"Unfortunately, plans for a video for our Frank Sinatra remix have fallen by the wayside due
to problems with approval from the Sinatra estate. However, that didn’t stop it from briefly
appearing on YouTube for all to see, and then getting taken down again. It’s a shame, but we
did get to see it before the copyright police noticed it and it’s really good, we never knew
Frank had so many moves!"
8. KATIE MELUA - Mary Pickford
Katie Melua pays tribute to old-time Hollywood with her latest single, "Mary Pickford",
which is taken from Melua's current studio album, "Pictures". The tune is about film actress
Mary Pickford and her relationship with other artists, including Douglas Fairbanks and
Charlie Chaplin. Melua is slowly becoming one of the most successful artists in the UK. In
2004 and 2005, she was the best-selling female artist in Britain. In 2006, she became the bestselling British female artist in the world. Visit www.katiemelua.com for more.
9. LAURA PAUSINI - Destinazione Paradiso
International star Laura Pausini's next single is "Destinazione Paradiso". The track appears on
her globally-successful offering, "Io Canto". The tune also appears on Pausini's new live set,
which chronicles her amazing concert this past June, at Milan's Stadio San Siro. The album is
scheduled for release sometime in December 2007. Visit www.laurapausini.com for more.
10. LENNY KRAVITZ - I'll Be Waiting
It's been over three years since Lenny Kravitz released his last album. Next year will be a
busy year for Kravitz, who will release his latest studio set, "It Is Time For A Love
Revolution", on 5 February 2008. The new single from the set is "I'll Be Waiting". The new
album was written and recorded last year in various locations including New York, Miami,
Paris, the Bahamas and Brazil. It features 14 tracks - all of which were written, produced and
arranged by Kravitz.
11. MATTAFIX - Living Darfur
"Living Darfur" is a thought-provoking single from British duo Mattafix. It's the new track
from their sophomore album, "Rhythms And Hymns", which was released in November
2007. For the song's video, Mattafix got help from some Hollywood heavyweights - Mick
Jagger, Elle MacPherson, Scarlett Johansson and Matt Damon all appear in the clip. Mattafix,
made up of Preetesh Hirji and Marlon Roudette, traveled to Eastern Chad to film the video, to
raise awareness of the on-going terror. It was the first single ever to have been recorded in a
war zone by an international artist. Hirji said: "When we got approached to use our song for
such an amazing cause, we couldn’t refuse. Music has always been a great force for pulling
people together. We wanted to try and help bring light to the devastating situation in Darfur. I
hope the song goes some way to underline how much spirit and determination they have to
rise above the terror. This song can help enable people around the world to join the voices of
those that are suffering and demand an immediate ceasefire." Check out www.mattafix.com
for more.
12. MINA CON TIZIANO FERRO - Cuestión De Feeling
Known as the "Tiger Of Cremona", Italian singer Mina was a fixture on popular Italian
television variety shows from the early '60s to the mid '80s. Although she gave up public
appearances in 1978, she has continued to release popular double albums on a yearly basis
and 2007 is no different. Mina has teamed up with countrymate Tiziano Ferro on "Cuestión
De Feeling", the latest single from her album, "Todavía". To learn more about Mina, visit
www.minamazzini.com.
13. NO ANGELS - Amaze Me
No Angels has been branded as the best-selling German female band to date. Now, they are
out to prove they are worthy of the recognition with their new single, "Amaze Me". The track
is taken from the band's successful album, "Destiny". No Angels is best remembered as the
group that was formed from the popular international television show, "Popstars". No Angels
consists of Nadja Benaissa, Lucy Diakovska, Sandy Mölling and Jessica Wahls. To check out
a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the video for "Amaze Me", visit www.noangelsmusic.de.
14. RADIOHEAD - Jigsaw Falling Into Place
"Jigsaw Falling Into Place" is the new single taken from Radiohead's new album, "In
Rainbows". The band made headlines recently, when they announced they would be selling
the album on the Internet, and they would be letting their fans choose how much they wanted
to pay for the set! According to a study by a research firm, some 62 percent of the people who
downloaded "In Rainbows" in a four-week period, chose not to pay the band a cent. But the
remaining 38 percent voluntarily paid an average of $6. One has to wonder if they're
regretting their decision… only time will tell! Check out www.radiohead.com for the latest on
the British band.
15. TILA TEQUILA - Stripper Friends
Tila Nguyen is better known as model, entertainer and singer Tila Tequila. She has appeared
in publications such as Stuff, Maxim and Time. As of April 2006, she held the position as the
most popular person on MySpace. Tequila was raised in Houston, Texas, USA, but was born
in Singapore. Recently, Tequila debuted on MTV with her own show called, "A Shot At Love
With Tila Tequila", which is the first-ever bisexual dating show! "Stripper Friends" is the new
single from Tila Tequila, who is scheduled to release her debut album in the next few months.
To learn more, check out www.myspace.com/tilatequila.
16. TONY PARKER FEAT. RICKWELL - Premier Love
Yes, he's a professional basketball player, but can Tony Parker do music? Apparently, he can!
The French native and three-time NBA champion for the San Antonio Spurs is an avid fan of
hip-hop. In March 2007, he released his debut album, "Top Of The Game", which is
highlighted by the current single, "Premier Love". The track also features lyricist, Rickwell.
The track addresses his love for his new wife, actress Eva Longoria. For more on Tony
Parker, visit www.tp9music.fr.
by Martin Wagmaister