Flashback Friday: Mike + Mechanics "The Living Years"

One of the most widely covered and well known lyrical songs, The Living Years tells the heart wrenching relationship of Mike Rutherford of Mike & The Mechanics and his father.  You may recall that Rutherford was one of the founding members of the very successful Genesis.  Recorded in 1988, it quickly became a top ten chart hit around the world, including a four week stint at #1 in the US.  It's been recently covered by the Cast of Glee, Straight No Chaser, and second season Australian X Factor winner Altiyan Childs.  This is a must for everyone's music library, no matter the age.

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Download: Adam Tyler "Operation"

I can't remember where I first encountered Adam Tyler, I wanna say Twitter, but I wanna say a lot of things: "make me a sandwich". I wanna say that to people all the time, but it's just not nice. I can just go get my own.  So, Adam, we love your music, particularly Operation.

It's got a nice classy/sexy feeling with a nice modern balance of electronic to support this addictive song. Oh, you want this song? YOU WANT THIS SONG? Well you can download it below, for free ninety-nine! Which is just a varient of REGULAR free. We know what makes you happy, and we intend to give it to you.

So download this now, follow him on Twitter, tell your friend(s), listen to it everyday, you know the drill.

Get your download here.

Adam Tyler - Operation


Posted by Database.

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Ólafur Arnalds is the most.

In a world where gibberish is an acceptable form of lyrics, it's satisfying to know that there are some musicians out there that have given up complete hope for them and left it as an instrumental. Maybe that isn't the plan behind Ólafur Arnalds' brilliant compositions, but hey, who knows? Am I right? I'm right.

Anywho, Ólafur Arnalds has really got something going on here. He's from Iceland, so you know he's crazy in a good way. He has a chamber orchestra feel with hints of electronica and some pop-driven elements. It's really like nothing else I've ever heard before, I'm sure you'll feel the same. He gained a larger following when he opened up for Sigur Rós, so hopefully his eery/beautiful music will fill up more ears. He also did a cover of a Death Cab for Cutie song which is unbelievable.

I love his website, because it's so engaging (check out the Myspace too). He has a video log and interactive tour dates (where you can leave your comments and pictures, you know, cool stuff). There are a few music videos up there too, but I only wanted to post one, so I chose one of my favorite song's video "3055". Also below is my MOST favorite song 0040.

So if you are listening Ólafur, just know that you are the most. And please come to NYC.



Ólafur Arnalds - 0040 by Seantc120

P.S. - He released his newest album "...And They Have Escaped the Weight of Darkness" and it's really a testament to his talent.

Posted by Database.

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Richard X, Pop Genius

Richard X started as the mashup genius behind Girls on Top, producing I Wanna Dance With Numbers, Warm Bitch, and Being Scrubbed. One of these mashups, We Don't Give a Damn About Our Friends, was rerecorded with The Sugababes and turned into the #1 hit Freak Like Me. Following that, Richard X worked as a producer, songwriter, etc. etc. etc., turning out amazing pieces of bizarro-pop for Rachel Stevens, Liberty X, Kelis, Annie and that worthless, man-stealing backstabbing bitch Javine Hylton. You should listen to Some Girls because it's probably one of the best pop songs every written.


Rachel Stevens - Some Girls


Richard X ft. Kelis - Finest Dreams


Sugababes - Freak Like Me


Richard X ft. Tiga - You (Better Let Me Love You x4) Tonight


Posted by Weinerbrow.

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New from Lady Gaga? - Nothing But (On the Radio)

Rumors are swirling around the internet as to whether or not this song is actually Lady Gaga singing or if it will be on her upcoming album Born This Way.  It does sound like her but we're awaiting confirmation from our sources.  Nothing On (But the Radio) could just be a demo she recorded for another artist, for all we know.  We're all eager to hear her new stuff... even Sir Elton John is gushing about her new album.

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Just as we predicted: Katy Perry "Firework"

Just as we predicted when Katy Perry's latest album Teenage Dream was released, Firework will be the third single off the album.  I'm sure Peacock wasn't too radio friendly (though a video from Katy would be fun to see).  Though I love the song, it just isn't something Katy can perform vocally.  It's definitely going to stretch this girl's vocal chords to the limit.  Still, an awesome dance-anthem song!


Katy Perry - Firework

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October's Flavor of the Month

Notice anything different today?  Well ya should cause it's October 1st!  I'm sure by now, many of you have seen this cute, headphone wearing guy, making sounds and noises with his mouth, creating covers of some of the hottest songs currently on the radio.  Well, we're so excited to share with all of you that Mike Tompkins, the famous beat boxing, a capella, facial expression goofball, is our Flavor of the Month for October!  Mike is just what's missing from today's pop music - a fresh male sound.  We've been saying for awhile now that the male pop scene is really lacking a solid musician- one who has major passion for their music and talent to boot.  Mike is a huge heaping of passion with an extreme amount of skill.  The guy's definitely got it!

Mike was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to chat with Wonky Pop a couple weeks ago.  Watch for our Q&A (aka Diva Dish) with Mike to be posted next week!  You'll learn a lot about this talented rising pop star.  We've also got a Free Download coming at ya soon!  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook so you don't miss out!

We got a special gift for you big MT lovers - two free wallpaper downloads.  Check them out below!

 Download it Here!

Download it Here!

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Download: Remix! Christina Aguilera "You Lost Me"

Though even Christina Aguilera herself has put Bionic behind her, we still love this album.  Recently, a new remix of the Sia penned You Lost Me surfaced on Sound Cloud.  It's available for download below. (click on the down arrow on the side of the Sound Cloud gadget)
Christina Aguilera / You Lost Me (Yinon Yahel Remix) by hardcandymusic

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Download/Introducing Alex Kemp!

How can it be bad if we both feel good? That's right sir, you tell it. I love a good constant beat that drives a great song. Alex Kemp keeps the beat going with the his new EP Rat D'hotel - Part II - Rat Hears Love Through Thin Walls.  Kemp moved from New York to Rhode Island to for the band Small Factory back in '91, then later on in his career formed the bands Godrays and Assassins.

It's really refreshing to see such thoughtful lyrics that come from the heart. Don't close your eyes, don't hide within..... don't build the bomb that blows us away (Song: Better Yet). All I'm saying is that radioactive-acid-fueled-garbage-pop songs can be catchy as SHIT, but it's hard to appreciate them when you randomly sing/blurt out In the morning buy me eggs completely out of any sort of breakfast context. And I don't mess around with breakfast.

I always manage to get off topic. I never seem to be able to focus. My two favorite songs are Better Yet and Heart Goes Boom. They both have similar key elements that keep it interesting, yet they present different characteristics that display Kemp's diversity and range, while simultaneously distinguishing and defining his own unique sound.

Kemp plans to release a total of 4 EP's. The first one is available on iTunes now (Rat d'hôtel, Pt. 1 - Rat Walks Into a Bar), and the SECOND RELEASE CAME OUT TODAY! Get your $3.96 out of your piggy bank and spoil yourself rotten! ROTTEN! You won't regret it. Out of all the weird things you spend your money on, you won't regret this.

Listen below to Better Yet, watch the Heart Goes Boom official video, and/or download Heart Goes Boom FOR FREE! So many choices!

Word. Don't you just love free sound?

DOWNLOAD: Alex Kemp - Heart Goes Boom

Better Yet by Seantc120


Alex Kemp "Heart Goes Boom" from VVUSIC on Vimeo.

Posted by Database.

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Diva Dish: Carmen Reece

By now, you should all be familiar with this 22 year old beauty from London, Carmen Reece.  She's been Wonk Pop's Flavor of the Month for September and her first album Love In Stereo just dropped on iTunes last Thursday.  The Indie artist (who's album was produced by the legendary Mark Feist) is not only beautiful, but she's a one of a kind singer-songwriter about to explode on the Pop scene.  With a voice that is unlike any other and songs that blend pop, dance & adult contemporary sounds, this is the birth of a superstar.

To be speaking to Carmen the day her album was released, made me feel like a giddy school girl who just got asked to the prom.  My heart started to race as Mark connected Carmen and I over my cell phone.  I had to remind myself to breath.  Immediately, Carmen's mature demeanor and thoughtful question of "Are you feeling better?" made me feel as though I was talking to an old friend, someone I had known for years.  This woman knows just how important it is to connect with her fans on a personal level, (nearly 28,000 on Facebook & growing) as it is to connect to her own music.  Read on (after the jump) to learn more about this rising pop star.
Carmen Reece - Love In Stereo by Wonky Pop

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Hot Weekend Jam! Taio Cruz & Ke$ha

Taio Cruz's Rokstarr is one of Wonky Pop's best albums of 2010 and this song is definitely a great addition to the airwaves.  Taio includes Ke$ha on his new single, Dirty Picture. The dance-driven hit is featured on his second studio album, which was released in the US in June. Taio admitted that he wrote the song with Lady Gaga in mind, but producer Dr. Luke encouraged him to collaborate with Ke$ha. "She hadn't done TiK ToK or anything like that at that point," Cruz states. "But I just thought she sounded really cool. A very unique-sounding voice." 

For the UK release of Ke$ha's Animal, an alternate version of the song, entitled Dirty Picture Pt. 2 is included, where Ke$ha replaces Cruz on the first verse (see below). The official remix features Fabolous and will be on the American version Rokstarr as a bonus track. A clean version of the song also exists where references to Send a dirty picture is replaced with Won't you take a picture and Ke$ha's line Take a dirty picture is replaced with Take a, take a p-picture. It was physically released on May 3, 2010 in the UK. The song will be released to U.S. mainstream radio next Tuesday. DigitalSpy gave the song 3 out of 5 stars, saying that Ke$ha had "enough gusto for the pair of them."


Taio Cruz Ft. Ke$ha - Dirty Picture
Ke$ha feat. Taio Cruz - Dirty Picture (Part 2)
Taio Cruz "Dirty Picture" (Dave Audé Radio Edit) by DaveAude

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Introducing...Mike Tompkins!

The cute & animated Canadian who covers songs using only his mouth for instruments is back with another incredible cover.  Mike Tompkins has been our video of the week, and looks as though he's gonna steal next week's slot as well!  This time Taio Cruz's Dynamite.  Q&A to follow!  Stay tuned cause he's our upcoming Diva Dish.  We'll be speaking with him Friday afternoon!

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Download: Ed Sheeran's cover of "Last Ones Standing"

One thing the US lacks are male pop stars.  Did you notice the ladies were dominating the VMA's on Sunday?  If we could only get the UK to export some of their male talent here.  Supporting act to Brit rapper Example for his upcoming UK tour, Ed Sheeran has covered Last Ones Standing.  According to Example himself, there wasn't enough room left on his LP to put this on there so he's offered it up to his fans via his website.  I have a feeling this isn't the last we've heard about Ed!  Click on the down arrow to download this incredible cover!

Example - Last Ones Standing (Ed Sheeran Cover) by Ministry of Sound

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Listen: Rihanna "Only Girl (In the World)"

Our Pop Princess is back with this positive single about just wanting to be treated right & loved right by a man.  Only Girl premiered this morning On-Air with Ryan Seacrest and it has received a lot of praise already. And with the Top 40 still sporting dance-beat driven songs, this single will fit right in.  Rihanna is expected to drop her fifth studio album Loud this November.  Cannot wait!

RIHANNA: Only Girl by hardcandymusic

Sidenote:  With a first listen, I was immediately reminded of another popular song from last year.  Beyonce's Sweet Dreams had a fantastic remix by Harlan Pepper & AGIII.  Now I'm not saying they are identical, but I do love them both!  Listen to the similarities below.

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New Kids on the block had a bunch of hits

Remember when these teeny-boppers were big?  Thank God Mandy Moore focused on acting and later changed her style of music.  I remember seeing her for the first time live when she opened for the Backstreet Boys Millenium Tour.  She was so young, she had to have the car pulled by another car for her video "Candy."  Who knew the 16 year old pop star would release one of the highest regarded cover albums later in her life?  Ryan Adams was a great influence on her last album (how could he not be, they're married!) and her voice definitely matured.  Coming from her first & middle real names, "Amanda Leigh" is a beautiful album and I applaud MM for releasing it.

Here's a few pop sensations and summer songs that still add a little fire to the grill (especially if you've put back a few beers).  Happy 4th of July weekend!

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BSB's and NKOTB - for real.

Screaming girls EVERYWHERE.  Even in their late 20's and early 30's, die-hard Backstreet Boys & New Kids On the Block fans were crying out for more.

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Who did it better?

On Sia's latest album "We Are Born," (coming out tomorrow) she does a cover of Madonna's "Oh Father."  And as much as I like the original, I really like Sia's version of the song... in fact, I like it better.  Sia's latest album is pure brilliance!  Songs that really got my goat/chicken/egg are "I'm In Here," "You've Changed," "Clap Your Hands" and "The Fight."  Lurve it Sia!



Sia - Oh Father by Wonky Pop

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Katy Perry's "California Gurls"

Whatdya think?  The song is kinda catchy but still reminds me of Ke$ha's "Tik Tok."  Good tune for the summer but what's with the wigs Katy?  I sure hope it's not a homage to Kim Zolciak!

Katy Perry - New Music - More Music Videos

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Lookout Beiber, here comes Chance

And a chance it was. The 12 year old Greyson Chance has become an overnight celebrity, with his cover of "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga. He's already appeared on Ellen, received a phone call from Ms. Gaga herself and has more than 25million views of his performance. Not only that, with a following of more than 150,000 fans on YouTube, he is one of the top 30 most followed YouTube people! Watch out Justin Beiber- Chance has already hit puberty and he's only 12.  Chance will be Ellen's first artist for her NEW record label, Eleveneleven.

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Happy Hump Day Truffle Shufflers

Though I don't have any "little monsters" like Lady Gaga, I am assuming I do have a few fans out there reading Wonky Pop (hello? are you there?).  It's hard to tell these days- no one seems to comment on the postings or re-tweets them, etc... are you listening, Wonky Poppers?  God that's an awful name for fans.  Sounds like some weird-gay-fetish.  Anyway, Chunk's daily truffle shuffle for this partly cloudy hump day is Delta Goodrem's "Innocent Eyes."  This beautiful Australian singer/actress/songwriter was signed to Sony at the very young age of 15 and has been a hit ever since.  Her third studio album, "Innocent Eyes" became the biggest selling record in Australia of the decade.  She is said to be working on her 4th studio album and soon to release this year.

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