FALLOUT BOY “Save Rock and Roll” After declaring they were ‘‘going on hiatus” back in 2007, usually the code for “we’re breaking up,” it is a pleasure to have new music and a tour. Fallout Boy has come a long way since the early pop punk days, but in this case industry success is a very good thing. Best Cut: “Phoenix” Location: Race on the Great Highway
COLTON DIXON “A Messenger” Over-produced like only an American Idol winner can attain, this release by Dixon continues the legacy worthy of any Disneyland light parade. Religiosity aside, this guy needs to get his hands dirty before we can believe he’s got the guts to stay in the biz. Best Cut: “This is Who I Am” Location: Church-lite
DJ JOE GAUTHREAUX “Party Groove: White Party Vol. 13” Every spring the new DJ mix CDs roll out for the Pride season and this one...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: March 21, 2013
DEPECHE MODE “Delta Machine” For its 13th major release, Depeche Mode takes a fatalistic approach toward the future. Performing this new collection at SXSW last week, the band dispelled any doubt that it is the ultimate electro group in the world. David Gahan demands and maintains complete control over the...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: February 21, 2013
BLUEMOR BLAZE “Free to Live” Sweet acoustic pop from this duo from Holland found its way to our Facebook page last week. The guitar work is exceptional, the vocal harmonies satisfying and the songs refreshing and frank. Yes, it does have that European feel, but it keeps this album from...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: February 7, 2013
KATIE MULLINS “Wedding”Minimal, folk, alternative; all failed descriptions of the small, intimate world of Katie Mullins. This new release, reminding us of our own Penelope Houston, is best kept in a secret place where the sonic wonder of it can wash over you. You will feel better about it all....
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: January 10, 2013
THE CARRY NATION feat. Viva Ruiz “This Bit-h is Alive” The Carry Nation (aka DJ Will Automagic and Nita Aviance) released this totally gay and glorious deep dance single featuring the dirty peak hours banger scene in London. Simple, repetitious and infectious, this captures those glorious nights South of Market....
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: December 20, 2012
ARIEL APARICIO“The Bedroom Tapes”
OutMusic Award – Best Rock Song 2012. Low Fi cuts from “The Bedroom Tapes” have put this artist from the Hedwick & The Angry Inch vein on the stage at this year’s OutMusic Awards in Las Vegas for best rock album. His covers are stark...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: November 29, 2012
JOHN GILLIN “Changes”This is a young man from England and, frankly, I don’t know much about him other than some live photos and free website links from FB. But once the music started, I sat back and said, “Well now this IS sweet.” A clear, sweet tenor with heartfelt lyrics...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: October 4, 2012
NELLY FURTADO “The Spirit Indestructible”Looking back on her early history, Nelly submits this simple and easily digestible pop nibblet as a follow up to her last Spanish-language release. No barriers shattered here, but for creating a smooth review of where we’ve been for the past five years and integrating rap...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: September 6, 2012
OLLY MURS “IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW” Sometimes reality shows really can find talent, but it’s really pretty easy to find talent on any street corner in this world. So when one boy gets a break, well, we can cheer for him representing all the unanswered dreams. Olly has put...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: August 9, 2012
Cyndi Lauper “Sex is in the Heel”Cyndi is having too much fun! Harvey Fierstein and Lauper have joined forces to create the new musical “Kinky Boots,” and this remix collection is uber-fabulosa. This is Cyndi’s theatrical debut, and if this is an indication of her musical score’s flashability, then bring...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: July 26, 2012
OLLY MURS “Heart Skips A Beat”I started singing Dead or Alive’s “Spin Me Round” to this one right off – it’s definitely got that kind of catchability and kudos to Murs for making the most of his X-Factor UK appearance and translating it into solid sales. Appearanes on Leno and...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: July 12, 2012
MAROON 5 “Overexposed”
This is over-hooked, over-manipulated, and definitely over-exposed. With the wardrobe stylist, grooming and hair credits on a purple page, not to mention the obligatory tough boy rap segments, the happy major chorus repeating and repeating, I really don’t want to like this release from the manufactured...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: May 31, 2012
GOSSIP “A Joyful Noise” This long awaited release from the Gossip is polished and pop - and that has some people pretty darn mad. Is this a blatant attempt to crash into the gay dance scene, or truly an inevitable evolution? I’m more likely to think the latter. If I...
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POP ROX
By K. Cole Published: May 17, 2012
Adam Lambert “Trespassing” Missing Michael Jackson? Look no further. Adam is stepping into the shoes of the showman and yes, he CAN fill them. This is a retro-esque, yet new, way to hit the dance floor this summer. Lambert hits on all four cylinders here and shows he will be...
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Pop Rox
By K. Cole Published: May 3, 2012
MARTINE LOCKE “Live” I first met this bouncing crazy Australian years ago on stage, and by the sounds of this release, she’s still providing fresh entertainment for a too-oft boring womyn’s acoustic scene. Like a breath of fresh air, Martine pulls out all the stops, literally stomping on multiple pedals,...
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Pop Rox
By K. Cole Published: April 19, 2012
BLAME SALLY “Live at KVIE Studios” Teetering on the brink of national awareness, our own Blame Sally releases this live recording in support of Public Television and might have finally captured their allure on record for the first time. Showing off the guitar work of Jeri Jones, smashing up a...
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Pop Rox
By K. Cole Published: March 22, 2012
Jessie and the Toy Boys “Let’s Get Naughty”What the F*$#k? Now that I have your attention, you know what Jessie craves. Another multiple remix from an artist still without a debut album (slated for release this Summer). By now you’ve heard all the drum samples in the world, so what...
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Pop Rox
By K. Cole Published: March 8, 2012
POLLO DEL MAR “How Embarrassing” (Single)
Just when you thought you were the only one, Pollo del Mar comes out with the confessional “How Embarrassing”, graphically detailing that gauntlet of Castro Street the morning of the night after. Clever and funny and even though you know where all this...
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Pop Rox
By K. Cole Published: February 9, 2012
MADONNA “Give Me All Your Luvin’”
Madge made one of the few touchdowns of the Super Bowl with this sparse and retro-mixed pop single. The queen of pop media has spent every dime on this launch of her 12th studio album “MDNA,” creating a stir with M.I.A.’s visual...
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Pop Rox
By K. Cole Published: January 26, 2012
B. C. Cliver “Don’t Let Them Tell You Who You Are!”B. C. hones her guitar licks behind closed doors, but the body of work she’s built is Gold’s Gym all the way. This melodic hard-to-the-metal cut proclaims the rights of diversity while giving out the big anthem sounds of a...
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Pop Rox
Published: January 12, 2012
By K. ColeMADONNA “Give Me All Your Love” Madge would have me arrested! In fact, she called the cops on an unnamed fan that allegedly leaked this anticipated cut from her next album (coming in March, along with a tour). If you dare mess with the goddess of pop, she...
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Pop Rox
Published: December 29, 2011
By K. ColeJessica LowndesI Wish I Was Gay (Single)90210 star's way too obvious attempt at controversy in this way too hetero single release. The video even tries to flaunt Burlesque’s visuals as its own, but in the end it’s just another exploitation of the gay community we can do without....
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Pop Rox
Published: December 15, 2011
By K.D. Cole Penguin Prison Penguin Prison Created, in part, using a 7-inch Bee Gees rhythm machine, Penguin Prison, aka Chris Glover, serves up a strangely satisfying collection featuring his absolutely pristine pop vocals expertly mixed in a soup of disco-flavored tracks. Best Cut: “Golden Train” Location:...
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Pop Rox
Published: December 1, 2011
Kate Bush 50 Words for Snow Yes, Kate Bush has returned after over seven years with an amazing ground-breaking album. I rate it up there with Blue from Joni Mitchell for deep thoughts and sonic retrospection.
Best Cut: “Snowflake”
Location: On the couch staring at a...
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Pop Rox
Published: November 17, 2011
By K ColeGlee Season Three Last Friday Night So the Glee sitcom has spun off over a dozen CD releases but if you want to hear some great songs done most-times better than the originals, this string of sugar pop tunes will wet your whistle.
Best Cut: Waiting...
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Pop Rox
Published: November 3, 2011
By K.ColeCyndi Lauper To Memphis With Love This is a DVD/CD combo offers live performances of songs Lauper released in 2010 on the album called Memphis Blues. Fans will enjoy seeing a great entertainer do what she does best, but for lifelong blues fans, this one might grade on the...
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Pop Rox
Published: October 6, 2011
By K. ColeBrunswick Lost Soul Vol. 1 (Compilation) Oh my gawd! Okay, so it’s like finding out there are a whole lotta great soul tunes from the 60’s and 70’s hidden under a rock and you find them, and it is a retro dang good thing. This release is like...
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Pop Rox
Published: September 22, 2011
By K. ColeNicki Minaj Top of the World (Single) Nicki is getting ready to release a new album, but like many artists these days to keep on top of the heap, she’s released this sneak peak. In line with the woman-power themed songs of Beyoncé, this is an anthem...
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Pop Rox
By Ann Rostow Published: September 8, 2011
By K. ColeNatalia Kills Perfectionist The Black Gaga, Kills brings the dark side of dance in an intoxicating mix of familiar pop vocals, slightly sinister lyrics, and solid beats, care of Kanye West production. Already opening for Katy Perry on tour, this album will definitely fill the gap for...
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POP ROX
Published: August 25, 2011
By K. ColeBarbra Streisand What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings Lyrics of Alan & Marilyn Bergman What matters most about this new release is just that – it is a new release, not a rehash of old material. Although these are classic songs, Streisand is still at the top of...
