April 2010 ~ Wonky Pop - The Original Brand

Apr 29, 2010

Thursdays Album You Can't Live Without

4/29/2010

Wonky Pop

Those that really know me may even be surprised by the fact that Yellowcard is one of my favorite bands to date. I saw these guys 3 times in 2008, during their Paper Walls tour. I couldn't get enough of their energy, their odd group of followers or their music. By no means are they the most talented band out there but I have not been to a concert to date that has possessed the pure energy that was pouring off of a stage. They've always had it. After a 10 year run, they are currently on a "hiatus" and we all know what that usually means- 'we're done.' If they are, so be it. They ended their great career on top of the world. If they come back, I'll be right there with them, cheering them along, every step of the way.

Ryan Key, the bleached blond lead singer has joined up with another fellow and formed the band "Big If." I've heard some of their stuff on myspace and YouTube and it's really great- still has that Yellowcard fan appeal. Not sure when they will tour or release an EP or full album... not much news on their myspace. Let's hope something soon!

Paper Walls is definitely an album, from beginning to end, is outstanding and NEEDS to be a part of your music collection. Though "Only One" was the mark of Yellowcard on the radio charts, this album takes the cake. Give it a chance, won't you? Listen to "Date Line (I Am Gone)", "Light Up the Sky," and "Shadows & Regrets" (one of my ultimate favorites).

4/29/2010

Wonky Pop

Though Gotye has been featured on Wonky Pop before, I have to feature him again... because this Aussie-raised, Belgium born good looking fella has a great voice and this video is eerily awesome! Be sure to check out the song "Learnalilgivinanlovin"

4/29/2010

Wonky Pop

Alright kiddies... though I will be bringing my laptop with me to the East Coast, I won't be doing too many postings. I have a jam-packed schedule but will do what I can to post on here. Don't fret, I'll be back! The honest truth is, it's supposed to be in the 80's in NYC this weekend... who the hell wants to be on the internet?! I'm sure I will throw some stuff on here during the weeeeee hours of the morning. Til then!

Chunk's Daily Truffle Shuffle

4/28/2010

Wonky Pop

Was it Pete Wentz or Smashley Simpson that broke up Fallout Boy? I guess we will never know (though we do know it was both of them allegedly). Peter Peter pumpkin eater wrote on his blog back in February that the break may be indefinite with FOB and he may never play with them again (that's fo' sho!). Founded in 2001 and going double-platinum in the US, FOB is no more and had a great 9 year run. Chunk has chosen "This Ain't A Scene It's An Arms Race" as his shuffle for today.

4/28/2010

Wonky Pop

Courtney Love makes headlines for her music rather than her Tweets. - Modern Tonic

Marky Mark listens to his priest to decide where and when to drop his pants. - Towleroad

Commander of dance and beating up the DJs... Kelly Rowland needs David Guetta to survive. - Pop Justice

Xtina borrows Larry King's latex body shoot to lap milk out of a bowl. - Dlisted

M.I.A.'s "violent" video pulled from youtube. -MTV

Jessica Simpson can't stop chewing on her gum. -JustJared

"Congratulations" debuts at #2 in the US (MGMT). -MusicByDay

A-Ha! Last tour ever. -LimeWire

4/28/2010

Wonky Pop

One of our FAVORITE Brits is back! Kate Nash has released her latest album "My Best Friend Is You" and I'm LOVING her single "Doo Wah Doo." Still waiting for the entire album to drop on Legalsounds, but hopefully it will in a few days... this is a summery sizzle song and the video is hella cute!

4/28/2010

Wonky Pop

Oh Clay, what can I say? The double-platinum selling artist debuted his first original material since 2003 on the QVC network on Monday, April 28th. After singing five original songs from his latest CD "On My Gay Here" (Oh sorry, typo... 'On My Way Here'), he sold a lame 15,000 CDs. The ex-American Idol runner up told reporters that doing QVC was a natural and perfect transition and such an amazing opportunity to reach its "93 million households." Uh, Clay, you sold 15,000 CDs. Congratulations on reaching 0.00016% of QVC's viewers. You must be so proud. Coming out really did you well.

I've never been a fan of his music or his voice (nor his looks for that matter). I dont' even have it in me to post his music on Wonky Pop - I don't want to taint this site. So, if you really want to check out his new original material, google it: "QVC Gay".

Chunk's Daily Truffle Shuffle

4/27/2010

Wonky Pop

Like a moth to a flame... or a flame to a joint.... um.... Chunk's wild dial landed on the great mary-jane-u-wanna's Sublime's "Great Stone." Formed in 1988 in Long Beach, California, the original members were together until 1996 when the lead singer Bradley Nowell overdosed on heroin. Immediately the members separated until 2009, adding a new singer Rome Ramirez. Today they perform under the name "Sublime with Rome." Though Sublime only had one #1 hit (What I Got), they went on to sell more than 17 million records worldwide.

4/27/2010

Wonky Pop

Six Grammy Award winning singer and 40 million records sold worldwide, Toni Braxton is back on the scene with the single "Make My Heart." It actually has a fresh beat and is pretty catchy. I don't think it will make the top 10, but if she releases "Yesterday" that's got a better chance. "Hands Tied" (also below) is a nice ballad but also not for the Top 10... maybe not even Top 40. Take a listen and hear more on her website. Her new album "Pulse" is set to release May 4th. Mind your step with the crazy-photoshopped photos... umm...

4/27/2010

Wonky Pop

FRIDAY is the day Xtina's "Not Myself Tonight" will premiere on Vevo (aka Youtube). Are you excited? I am going to piddle. From now until Friday she will be posting photos of her new video on her website, just to tease the shit outta us! I don't care what anyone says about comparing her to Lady Gaga. There's a very big difference... Xtina can sing effortlessly. And from what I can see in the photos, Xtina is nothing like Lady Gaga. First off, in the superficial side of things, Xtina is hot (sorry Gaga, I love ya but you're just not as hot). Secondly, the outfits are classic Xtina style. Thirdly, Xtina has been doing this for more than a decade- let's not forget Gaga just came on the scene the past couple of years. Xtina= 29 years old, Gaga= 23. Lastly, she ain't Gaga! So shut the eff up about it. People need to wake up and realize that it's not about the clothes, the outfits or the makeup. It's about the music. Realize, Gaga has got some serious competition.

Here's a 3 second preview of her video. I've said it before, the voice is back!

Bitty Bits

4/26/2010

Wonky Pop

This is why crack is so wack. Whitney struggles to appease her fans. - Dlisted

American Idol's Kara channels Paula. -Idolator

Adam Glamber goes even queerer. -Just Jared

Did Melissa Etheridge lie about her recent split? -PopEater

Kylie Minogue about to release her best album to date. -Pop Justice

M.I.A. gets violet and samples Suicide on latest single. -Pitchfork

Promo pics from Xtina's new music video. -Too Fab

Justin Baby Bieber causes a stampede. -MTV

4/26/2010

Wonky Pop

It's happened. The world has come to an end. I've seen clips on Bravo for the Real Housewives of NYC and just tried denying it... but Countless LuAnn has recorded her own song titled "Money Can't Buy You Class." This is so ridiculous. Who in their right mind would allow this nut-job to record a single? She lacks every sort of singing ability. The producers have even auto-tuned the shit out of this song, and she still sounds awful! It was bad enough that the big-wigged Kim Zolciak had to record a single... now Luann? If crazy-eyed, robotic Alien Ramona records a song, I'm packing my bags and moving overseas.

Dare to listen to the song here. WARNING: Your ears may bleed.

4/26/2010

Wonky Pop

Founded in 1995 in Waco, Texas, the David Crowder Band has always stayed true to their style and the heart of their music. They are by default a Worship Band but they are so much more. I had the privilege of meeting David Crowder at a concert at Bethel College in Minnesota back in 1997 and he is one of the kindest and most humble individuals I have ever met. Christian or not, he is one of the most talented writers and singers of this generation. In 2006, I ran into him again while living in southern Connecticut. He hadn't changed in those 9 years at all. Still the same humble, kind hearted and goofy guy out there. I remember when I met him again, my friend Jenny said to him "I can't get over just how awesome you guys are!" She was like a kid in a candy store- extremely excited. David turned to her and replied with the simple statement of "we're just doing what we were made to do. It's fans like you that keep us going." Singer-songwriter bands/artists are still my favorite and it's comments such as that, that keeps us coming back for more. DCB's latest album "Church Music" was released in September of last year and it's an incredible record. Don't let the name fool you. This ain't your typical "church music."

Here's Chunk's shuffle of the day, with a fan-created video of their song "Intoxicating" from their Sunsets & Sushi album.

Chunk's Daily Truffle Shuffle

4/23/2010

Wonky Pop

It's Friday and only 25 minutes til' 5 (for your West Coasters)... not that I'm counting (but I totally am). There must be something in the air (perhaps cigarette smoke, hair and dirty underwear) because Chunk has chosen Britney Spears' "Everybody" from her Blackout album. I swear, just because I recently put up a Britney posting has nothing to do with Chunk's choice. I can't control him- I mean, look at that! He can't be stopped. Yes, she's overly-auto-tuned and it was during her 'darker days' (right after she shaved her head) but this album was great (I think better than Circus). She does (her producers actually) pay homage to the great Annie Lennox during her Eurythmics days (Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)) and for that, I cannot get myself to delete this song from my iTunes library. TGIMFF!

4/23/2010

Wonky Pop

Could this rumor be true? Internet blogs are alive with the the rumors that after a much successful Madonna-d-Glee episode that the show will feature an entire dedication to Britney Spears. In all honesty, I think this could be an even bigger episode than that of the great Madge and a more talked about one. Britney would be very smart to make this move and allow Glee to use her music on the show- talk about impressive PR. She needs a boost such as this. Do it Britney!

4/23/2010

Wonky Pop

TGIFF (Thank God It's Flashback Friday!) - the weekend is almost here and then we can let go and let loose. Until then, I'll just sit back and float thru this work day, listening to some of the best hits from 1984. Today's Flashback Friday is Erasure's "Star." Happy Friday!

4/23/2010

Wonky Pop

I've said it before and I will continue to keep saying it... Good things come out of Sweden. At the age of 19, the Moroccan born Red One headed to Sweden to pursue a music career because he felt inspired by the bands that were coming out of there (Europe and Roxette to name a few). He originally planned on singing and playing guitar in various rock groups but in 1995, he switched gears and began his role of Producer.

He first reached success with the #1 Swedish hit "Step Up" by Darin (whom has been featured on Wonky Pop in the past). In 2007, Red One relocated to New York City with a "now or never" attitude to break into the US market. He did so successfully with latino sensation Kat DeLuna's "Whine Up" featuring Elephant Man. He has produced for artists such as New Kids On the Block, Akon, Brandy, Lionel Richie, and even Lady Gaga (you may recall hearing in "Poker Face" a shout-out to Red One from LaGaga herself.) He has worked, written and produced alongside of other Producers for Christina Milian, Alexandra Burke, Michael Jackson, Mika and said to work on Kylie Minogue's forthcoming album this year.

In honor of Red One (no, he's not dead, sick or dying-- just love his work and want to showcase him on here), here are several hits from Red One.

9 Year Hiatus: And now she's back!

4/22/2010

Wonky Pop

Jennifer Knapp, I APPLAUD YOU! You disappeared over 9 years ago, while your record label Gotee Records continued to release B-side material and live cuts of your amazing songs. There has been so much talk that perhaps you went into "hiding" because you were struggling with being a lesbian and a Christian and last week, you broke your silence and came out. I applaud you for breaking thru the stereotypes and coming forward as a gay Christian. But more than that, I applaud you for just being true to yourself and not trying to be some advocate for homosexuality but to share with the world your talent and gift- your music. So excited for your new CD to be released May10th! Wonky Pop has your back!

In a recent interview with USA Today, Jennifer speaks about her struggles and the pressure of choosing between her Faith and being gay. Read more ....

Jennifer Knapp and Clay Aiken are both to appear on Larry King Live tomorrow night on CNN. And she is already touring! She will be in San Francisco THIS SUNDAY and I am gonna see her! Nine years in the making!

Visit her site to download two free songs from her new album. Her voice has not changed!

4/22/2010

Wonky Pop

Chunk has shuffled again and this time has chosen The White Tie Affair's "Enemy" as the daily shuffle. The White Tie Affair is an electronica/rock/dance group hailing from Chicago and released their first album in 2008. According to the band's site, the two founding members both agreed they wanted to bring some fun back to a music scene that largely has negative lyrics and sound.

4/22/2010

Wonky Pop

Rihanna's "Rude Boy" has been bumped by some unknown rapper/R&B/smoothvocalslikeneyo butstraighterthanhim named "B.o.B." There is SO much I could say here... your name is an acronym and one is lowercased... WTF would have been a much better acronym for you BoB. How dare you rudely bump Rihanna to #2 on the charts? All kidding aside, B.o.B. is aka Bobby Ray aka Brandy's little brother aka onlyknownbecauseoflameassVH1show.... Rihanna, take it back girl, you deserve #1. Take a listen to this shiteous song here if you dare. Honestly, not a #1...

4/22/2010

Wonky Pop

There are millions of music videos out on YouTube and other various websites... but truth be told, a lot of them are just "eh." Sometimes you fall in love with a certain song and then you see the video and it just ruins it...or seeing the artist live in concert, can do just the same. Well, that isn't the case for our "Thirsty Thursday" videos. Thirsty Thursday videos will be the Cream of the Crop, my favorite music videos of all time. And to start it all off, I've got Natalie Imbruglia's "Smoke." Though Natalie did release her latest album "Come to Life" in October of 2009 (and I freakin' love it!) it hasn't really made a mark here in the States. Just last month, the UK released "Scars" on the radio and she also filmed the music video in February of this year... no word on when it will be released or hit the internet. Natalie's definitely known for her imfamous "Torn" from 1997 (which was actually a cover song from the band Ednaswap, did you know that?) and her many makeup commercials. Maybe she'll never be a huge pop star, but that's ok by me. She's still got skills.

Chunk's Daily Truffle Shuffle

4/21/2010

Wonky Pop

Chunk's daily shuffle for today is none other than Rascal Flatt's "Bless the Broken Road." Yes, we DO support Country music here at Wonky Pop. Don't let the name fool ya, we do enjoy a good shit-kickin' tune from time to time. Five weeks at Number 1 on the Billboards back in 2004, it's still a great song.

4/21/2010

Wonky Pop

Christina Aguilera is to appear on the Season Finale of American Idol on May 26th. Though Wonky Pop has never been a huge fan of American Idol (since the days of Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwood, whom let us remind you are the only continuing successful winners from the show to date). We were sad to miss Alicia Keys on the show this week, but it's hard for us to watch such a show that we just don't believe in (and if you've watched it at all this season, you'd noticed that Simon Cowell is clearly over it too!). X Factor is a show we can get behind, but not AI. Though, being die-hard Xtina fans, we will be there to watch her sing on May 26th. In other news, Xtina will be debuting her first video from her upcoming "Bionic" album for "Not Myself Tonight" in the UK at 10am on Sunday, May 1st.

4/21/2010

Wonky Pop

Cary Brothers quickly became a favorite of ours when we first heard his "Blue Eyes" on the platinum selling, Grammy-winning Garden State soundtrack. There's something about the Nashville's mixture of New Wave and Folk music that really grabs our attention and forces us to listen. He has a unique voice and sound and we have his current album "Under Control" on constant repeat. On his latest album, he did a cover of World Machine's "Something About You" (which was the band's only single to hit the top 10 in America). It is an excellent rendition of this 1985 classic hit. We expect great things for Cary Brothers. "Under Control" is available on both iTunes and Legalsounds.com (We prefer Legalsounds!).

4/21/2010

Wonky Pop

Although the TV Show "Glee" started last fall, I never allowed myself to start watching the show... to be honest, the idea of a "musical" show really didn't appeal to me. You'd think as someone who is a music fanatic, that I'd be all over it. Well, I caved in and began watching this season and I have to say I am hooked! The characters are well developed and their voices (for most of them) are incredible. Last night they showed the "Sue Sylvester 'Vogue'" video again (premiered it the week before) and it is such a great redone version of Madonna's. The video below shows the compare/contrast of the original and the Glee version. Spot on Glee, spot on! We'll keep watching!

Chunk's Daily Truffle Shuffle

4/20/2010

Wonky Pop

Everyday, Chunk, the famous "Truffle Shuffler" from Goonies will help Wonky Pop choose a random song from its 20,000+ (and growing) iTunes library. Wonky Pop is not embarrassed by its eclectic taste in music, but sometimes we should be. Chunk will not allow us to skip ahead if it's a song we don't really like or wish to share with you, our viewers... he's threatened to sit on us if we do that. You just never know what the Shuffle will bring!

Today's Truffle Shuffle of the day is Sugar Ray's "Girls Were Made to Love (ft. Collie Buddz)"... for those of you who don't even remember this song, it was on their album "Music for Cougars." It wasn't a well received album to say the least.

4/20/2010

Wonky Pop

Tori Amos has transformed herself over the years but she has always been consistent as an incredible lyricist, singer and piano player. I feel in love with her the moment I heard "Pretty Good Year." Though over the years, she has released some incredible stuff, I cannot help but go back to her sophomore release of "Under the Pink." The mixture of Sarah McLachlan's sweetness with Nirvana's grunge makes me want to throw on my flannel shirt from the Sadie Hawkins dance and grow out my hair. 1994 was a pretty damn good year. This is an album you cannot live without!

Still one of our all-time favorites

4/12/2010

Wonky Pop

Matt.Nathanson.Love.'Nough Said.

Macy Gray is Back! "Beauty in the World"

4/09/2010

Wonky Pop

This is a perfect song to lead into the summer months... We are actually digging this song. Macy is still her "odd ball" self with her head bobs and throws, but we love her just the same.