Laura Imbruglia Pioneers Werewolf Pop With 'Awoooh!'

I'm convinced that I was related to Laura Imbruglia in a past life - such is our undeniable spiritual connection. We were probably dowdy sisters in Victorian England, spending mind-numbingly grey days doing needle point while secretly hoping to be ravished by a kitchenhand. Who, in turn, only had eyes for the buxom scullery maid. Fuck our (past) lives! So why am I ranting about my soul sister? Well, she's back with the second taste of her third album.

At least I think so. "Why'd You Have To Kiss Me So Hard" turned the music industry upside down way back in 2011 - so I'm not sure if that's part of her latest opus or just a random recording. Not that it matters because her new single is infinitely better. "Awoooh!" is quirkier than Parker Posey's filmography. A lilting rockabilly anthem that establishes werewolf-pop as a bonafide genre, the demented gem is quintessential LI with its deceptively catchy chorus and clever lyrics. I particularly love the line about watching your phone "like Santa's sack".

For the full "Awoooh!" experience, watch the big budget - by Laura's standards - video below. I love the stunning effects lesbian horror angle and elaborate choreography. Natalie who?

10/10

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Iggy Azalea Can Stay

About a year ago I wrote an article for Idolator about rising Australian pop stars. It was actually quite difficult to piece together because, let's be honest, the vast majority of local acts have a better chance of winning lotto than making the slightest ripple in America. Iggy appeared to be the glaring exception. She was already hyped as the next big thing and had a hotly anticipated major label debut album on the way. But it never came.

Instead, Mullumbimby's finest expert began modelling and soon fell into mixtape hell. She basically became Cassie with an Australian accent and lighter tan. That's when I stopped checking for Iggy. It was like she had been exposed as a gimmick and the whole world had finally woken up to it.

But this bitch is a fighter and proved me very wrong. The blond bombshell signed a new deal in the UK and scalped hoes with the sheer quality of her official debut single. Azealia Banks and Angel Haze are now the rap chicks with something to prove. Iggy has already delivered above and beyond expectations.

"Work" is such an impressive achievement. It took a couple of listens to click with me but now I'm completely obsessed and play the hypnotic jam at least 10 times a day. The production (courtesy of The Invisible Men and 1st Down) is spot on and Iggy's flow is slicker than ever but its real greatness lies in its authenticity.

The catchy track basically tells the diva's life story. The catchy track references the red sand of her hometown, the line about scrubbing floors is a nod to her stint as a cleaner, she raps about her move to America, that disastrous first record deal and the judgement she receives as a white, non-American rapper. It's honest and strangely universal. All of a sudden I like Iggy. She's a bad bitch.

And then there's the video (below). Who paid for this glorious extravaganza? Madonna is filming clips on her iPhone while a relative unknown gets a beautiful Jonas & François-directed opus that references Death Proof and, adorably, The Adventures Of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert.

It's audaciously cinematic and reminiscent of old school Missy Elliott with its bright colour palette. Most importantly, Iggy looks like a star. Her body is ridiculous and the styling is fantastic. I don't care how this performs on the charts. It's brilliant. Iggy can stay.

9/10

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Keep On Running With Mike & Andy Bull

Have you ever had an epiphany as brutal as a punch to the face? Been so overwhelmed by a situation that you don't know whether to laugh, cry or just inhale another beer and shrug your shoulders? My weekend was full of such fun moments and while it felt like a rollercoaster ride through the rotten bowels of hell at the time, it turned out to be strangely cathartic. I finally woke up to the fact that I've simply chosen a different path to most of my loved ones. And while they bow out of the race to settle down, have kids and get sensible jobs, I'm not ready to stop running.

So what the fuck does this have to do with Andy Bull? Not a lot, I guess. Apart from the fact that the lyrics to his latest single could have been lifted from my diary. "Keep On Running" is another brilliant indie-pop gem from the Aussie songsmith that basically sums up how I feel about life. It's not the first time we've been on the same wavelength. His joyous, retro-soul debut "Small Town Girl" ruled my iPod with an iron fist in 2008, while "Dog", his 2010 duet with Lisa Mitchell, remains the catchiest song about depression ever recorded.

For all I know, "Keep On Running" could be an ode to upping your cardio at the gym but I interpret the surprisingly synth-heavy track as a mantra to help keep the self-doubt at bay while pursuing your own personal happiness - whatever that may be. Ironically, Andy might be a lot closer to his destination than he thought. "Keep On Running" is a hit on alternative radio and rapidly approaching the top 100 on iTunes. With any luck, Australia's most underrated musician could be on the brink of a major commercial break through.

Rant over. I think the people in my life know how much I love them and respect their choices. I just ask them to pull up a chair and cheer me on as I stumble towards the finish line.

Listen to "Keep On Running" here and download it from iTunes today.

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Samantha Jade Wins X Factor, Gets A Second Chance To Shine

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about Samantha Jade's utterly fabulous but completely unsuccessful pre-X Factor career and mused: "I'd be surprised if Sam wins - her stunning beauty and flawless vocals will no doubt alienate the frumpy girls who have nothing better to do than vote!" I'm happy to say I was wrong. The 25-year-old beauty won the competition last night and now has a second chance at the pop stardom she deserved the first time around.

Sammi's victory is notable for several reasons:

1. The budding diva breaks the pretty girl curse becoming the first attractive talent show winner - possibly ever
2. She is the only winning act that had a legitimate pop career before the show. Flops like Mahalia Barnes and Prinnie tried out for The Voice but were sent packing.
3. SJ actually has a chance of lasting longer than one album. Unlike previous winners, she is the total package - good looks, good voice and sweet personality.

I guess that takes us to her winner's single. "That's What You've Done To Me" is another excellent DNA production - this time with a bit of help from Swedish songwriter Jörgen Elofsson (he wrote Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger") and former Bachelor Girl vocalist Tania Doko. It's a brilliant pop song with an atomic-powered chorus and always popular angry girl lyrics. This version of the track sounds a little Eurovision to me but I  mean that as a compliment. It's very catchy and could work internationally!

Watch Samantha perform "That's What You've Done To Me" live on X Factor below and download the song from iTunes now. It's already number one by a giant margin. 

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The Second Coming Of Samantha Jade

Samantha Jade is the only reason I watch X Factor. At first I was kind of depressed that the former next big thing had been reduced to appearing on a shitty TV show to kickstart her career but I guess that's just life for bitches on the grind circa 2012. If you can't beat them, join them. I'd be surprised if Sam wins - her stunning beauty and flawless vocals will no doubt alienate the frumpy girls who have nothing better to do than vote - but the Perth-born diva has already proved her point. She is still pop star material. In case you're unfamiliar with the 25-year-old's plethora of defining achievements, here is step-by-step guide to Samantha Jade.

1. Sammy moves to LA with her family in 2003. She's 16. The following year the teenager signs a record deal with Jive.

2. JoJo records a Samantha Jade original called "Secret Love" for the Shark Tale soundtrack.

3. The world is stunned and amazed by the teen diva's Wyclef Jean-produced 2006 debut single "Step Up" from the similarly-titled movie (above).

4. With a mountain of buzz building, the next big thing releases "Turn Around" (below) and snatches more wigs than she can carry. Unfortunately it does not chart.

5. Unperturbed, Sam begins recording her ominously-titled debut My Name Is Samantha Jade. Didn't Her Name Is Nicole teach pop divas anything about naming albums?

6. Sam works with industry heavyweights like Timbaland, Stargate, Darkchild and Max Martin on the never-to-be-released recording.

 7. In 2007 the frustrated songstress throws in the towel and records backing vocals on Ashley Tisdale's "Positivity".

8. Samantha leaves Jive and returns to Australia in 2009 to star in a flop movie. She records a new song called "Secret", which fails to chart but rocks the Pop Panel with its stunning gay-themed video (below).

9. With nothing better to do, the sexy brunette decides to conquer dance music in 2010 and somehow gets "I Need You Now" on David Guetta's One Love album.

10. Sam takes a job in her father's factory until X Factor comes along and gives her a second chance.

I know that at least one record company is in talks with the Jade clan to record a post-X Factor album. Is it too much to ask that we finally get the Max Martin and Stargate tracks she did in 2007 as a bonus disc? I don't give a shit if they're 5 years old. They have to be better than the trash they give Rihanna.

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Johnny Ruffo's New Song Is Actually Quite Good

Johnny Ruffo's debut single was memorable - albeit for all the wrong reasons. I'm man enough to admit that I liked "On Top" in a so-crap-it's-amazing kind of way but the song gave Vanessa Amorosi's "Gossip" a run for its money in the cringeworthy lyrics stakes with clangers like "I'm on top of the world when I'm on top of you girl". Subtle. It's a testament to Johnny's popularity with teenage girls that the unusually dodgy DNA production still went top 20 and sold platinum. Imagine what the 2011 X Factor third-place getter could do with a song not about the missionary position? I guess we're about to find out.

The DNA boys redeem themselves by writing Johnny a great little pop song called "Take It Home". To be honest, it's quite similar to "On Top" - only better in every way. The subject matter is fun and sexy without being crude. There's a cute chorus with lots of "woahs" (always a bonus in my book) and even a non-embarrassing rap that name-checks Keira Knightly. All in all, a massive step forward. It looks like there will be plenty of promo to support it too. The teen heartthrob is joining Home & Away - it worked for Dannii - and he's slated to perform the song on X Factor. Check out the club-themed clip below. Good on him for throwing in some choreography!

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Elen Levon's Dancing To The Same Song Video

I don't have anything nice to say about this video, so for once in my life I'm going to shut my big mouth. This is a brilliant pop song and deserves to be a huge hit. I'm very happy to see it surging up iTunes. Go and download it if you haven't already. That is all.

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Cosima's Back - Right Here, Right Now

The first season of Australian Idol was such a hotbed for talent. Guy Sebastian continues to churn out number one hits, Shannon Noll still rules the RSL circuit and Paulini is somewhere hanging her head in shame, hoping you'll forget "Fireman" ever happened. And then there's Cosima "nodules" De Vito. The diva disappeared for a while after the release of her underrated sophomore album but she's back with a new single called "Right Here, Right Now". It's a different sound for her. I like that she decided against releasing another ballad and avoided the indignity of chasing the pink dollar with a gay dance anthem. Instead, Cosima has opted for a pop/rock track that showcase her powerful pipes. "Right Here, Right Now" isn't quite instant enough to make an impact on radio but it's a step in the right direction and her faithful fans will lap it up. You can download the track from iTunes now!

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Lisa Mitchell Goes Pop, Slays Your Fave Etc

I've had a soft spot for Lisa Mitchell since she first appeared on Australian Idol and spent every episode looking bored as fuck. Gems like "Coin Laundry" and "Neopolitan Dreams" should have been bigger hits but they were just a bit too quirky for non-indie radio. Her last single "Spiritus" was even weirder but I loved it and dragged the haters on Pop Panel. It's time for the second taste of her soon-to-be-released sophomore album and "Bless This Mess" raises the bar even higher. This demented ditty is the best thing Lisa has ever released.

As usual, the track is a bit nutty but it has a glorious pop sensibility that we haven't heard before. That chorus is undeniable and the whole thing reminds me of Jane Wiedlin's "Rush Hour". I'm not sure why because it's not very '80s and there are no dolphins to be seen in the classy black and white video (below). Speaking of which, how refreshing to see an Australian made clip that doesn't look like it was thrown together by an intern. More importantly - when did she become so gorgeous? If the rest of the album sounds like this the other ethereal indie-pop bitches will need to find a new genre because Lisa has a lock on this shit.

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Dr. Luke Makes Cody Simpson Even More Awesome

Australia's most relevant pop star has done it again! Cody Simpson continues to raise the bar for quality teen pop with his (relatively) new single "Wish U Were Here". The slick Dr. Luke production almost passed me by until I heard it in a club last night and suddenly realised it's the 15-year-old's finest contribution to the modern art. Yet. In all seriousness, this is one hell of a song. The perky synths lift the Gold Coast expat's voice to new heights and that chorus is a monster.

Then there's the unexpectedly awesome rap from Becky G. Who is this bitch? She's really good! I have a feeling the song was originally intended for Taio Cruz (he has a writing credit) but the bubblegum lyrics suit Cody better. The video (below) is a fairly low budget affair consisting of live footage and awkward emoting in front of fireworks but I've seen a lot worse. The thinking man's Justin Bieber is becoming a surprisingly good pop star. Fingers crossed the rest of Paradise meets this lofty standard.

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A Visual Representation Of Ricki-Lee's 'Fear & Freedom' Chart Run

Shame. I really like "Never Let Go" and "Raining Diamonds".

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Zoë Badwi Returns With 'Shoot Me Down'

Hot on the heels of her top 10 club hit "A Million Lights", comes the first taste of Zoë Badwi's sophomore album. I'm biased when it comes to my fellow cheesy nugget connoisseur but Australia's reigning dance diva has outdone herself with "Shoot Me Down". The glamorous pop star first talked about the track way back in April when she graced the Pop Panel with her presence. Almost six months have passed but it was worth the wait. American hitmakers Heather Bright and Frank E have crafted a sleek and current dance anthem with a darker edge than we're used to hearing from Zoë. The chorus is electric and the former Sirens starlet slays your fave with her sexy vocal. The video is an equally saucy affair. Sally's favourite daughter spends most of the clip writhing around on the floor with a bunch of questionable looking men. It's basically Kylie's "All The Lovers" in a warehouse - ie. a triumph by Australian standards. Zoë looks amazing and the brothel-inspired lighting concept works for me. "Shoot Me Down" will melt iTunes on September 28. You can pre-order it now!

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Use This Pistol On My Heart

I'm in a weird mood. With the exception of Alicia Keys' new single and Rita Ora's surprisingly good album (review coming soon), pop music isn't really doing it for me at the moment. So I'm broadening my horizons. One of my new obsessions is Mia Dyson. She's been around for the best part of a decade but her latest album has transformed me from casual listener to loyal fan. So who is this stunning chanteuse? I guess Mia is best-described as Australia's answer to Melissa Etheridge because of her soaring, whiskey-soaked voice and popularity with lesbians. The former quality is beautifully showcased on "Pistol", the brilliant second single from The Moment. This is a timeless blues anthem that inexplicably reminds me of Elan's "Midnight". Does anyone else remember that Mexican diva? Mia's lyrics hit home like a sucker punch and I'm in awe of her voice. The video (below) is astoundingly awful, so just close your eyes and wait for the chorus. It's worth it.

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Elen Levon's Viral Video

Elen Levon (AKA Australia's next big thing) has just dropped a cute viral video for her new single "Dancing To The Same Song". The official video will be filmed in Japan in late September but this is a definitely worth checking out in the meantime. Sydney's hottest 18-year-old takes it easy in the clip - surfing and playing with her manager's kids. It's nice to see India's adorable children on screen and Elen's bikini body is insane. Most importantly, the soundtrack is brilliant. "Dancing To The Same Song" has been added across the board on Austereo and is slowly creeping up iTunes. I have a great feeling about the teenage diva's party anthem. That chorus is irresistible and she has some amazing people in her corner. Fingers crossed it's third time lucky for Elen.

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My Current Obsession: The Rubens - My Gun

Yeah, I know this isn't the kind of shit I usually post but I've been playing "My Gun" on repeat since hearing it on the radio - so, hopefully, one of you might like it. The Rubens hail from Menangle in Sydney's South West, which makes them my second favourite thing to come from the greater Campbelltown area. Sam Margin and his buddies broke through last year with JJJ staple "Lay It Down" and have slowly been building their profile with an endless stream of gigs around the country. It's paid off. "My Gun" is shooting up iTunes and is already making major inroads on radio. There's just something hypnotising about this soulful jam. I love Sam's emotive voice and feel every word he sings. The video (below) is a little undercooked but I've seen a lot worse. Is it just me or does this sound like it should be on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack? Anyway, I now officially stan for this band now and will see you at their next Sydney gig.

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Third Time Lucky For Elen Levon?

How amazing are those abs? I haven't seen a washboard stomach like that since Janet Jackson was thin (ie. in the '90s). It's odd then that this flawless cover was ditched in favour of the lackluster effort below. But more about that later. If you haven't guessed, Elen Levon is gearing up for the release of her third single and it's easily her best yet. "Dancing To The Same Song" was co-written and produced by 3OH!3 and the boys have delivered something special. Waves of heavy synths wash over cute party anthem lyrics before the catchiest chorus of 2012 kicks in. The track is undeniable. I loved "Naughty" and "Like A Girl In Love" but this is more current and radio friendly. Elen is scarily talented and has the tools to be an international star. Sometimes I just think her label has no idea what to do with her. Hence making a gorgeous 18-year-old look like a 45-year-old extra from Desperate Housewives on the official cover (below). Whatever. "Dancing To The Same Song" is pop perfection and cream always rises to the top eventually.

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Melissa Tkautz - Greatest Hits Launch

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about the impending release of Melissa Tkautz's hugely anticipated Greatest Hits collection. That must-have opus brought iTunes to its knees on Friday and is still selling like 21 at Overeaters' Anonymous. To celebrate more than two decades of hits, E Street's most successful diva performed a showcase at Rock Lily nightclub in Sydney's Star Casino and showed why she is still as relevant as the day she started. The blonde bombshell appeared on the stage in a sexy black cocktail dress and proceeded to belt out her stunning top 40 cover of "The Glamorous Life". That was followed by her seminal debut single "Read My Lips". Melissa had the entire crowd reaching for her detonator as she high-fived fans and posed for photos mid-song. It was nice to hear "I Want Your Love" live again - the last time I had the pleasure was at its release party in 2008 - and I'll never get enough of "Easily Affected", which remains one of the most underrated Australian pop songs of all time.

Sexy is still the word

The face of Australian lamb then brought things back to the present by belting out her recent Nick Jay collaboration "Something About You" and new single "Take Me Away". Mel described the latter as a nod to her '90s hey day and it does sound like something they might have played at the Albury in 1997. Not that I'm old enough to know. After a bit of banter, the perennially youthful diva followed that up with 1992's raunchy "Skin To Skin" before bringing her army of fans into a frenzy with a remix of "Sexy Is The Word". It's always a treat seeing Melissa strut her stuff. She sounded great and always looks like she's having a blast. Earlier that day, I sat down with Sydney's yummiest mummy for a chat (see below) and will be posting that clip in the next couple of weeks.

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STOP PRESS - Pop Legend Dannii Minogue On The Comeback Trail?

In news that will no doubt make Jesus weep and iTunes run out of stock, Dannii Minogue is said to be gearing up for an all-conquering return to music. Hallelujah! But before Nathan rush releases another compilation of unreleased demos and we all start sobbing, I know you bitches want receipts. I was at an industry event on Friday night (see my twitter) and spoke with one of the A&R guys from Sony Australia. He told me Dannii's manager had approached them about relaunching her pop career on one of their imprints and that they were keen to see where it all goes. That's all I know.

But the fact that the younger Minogue is finally shopping around for a record deal - after telling anyone who would listen that she was done with music forever - fills me with hope and joy. We all know Dannii has increased $ucce$$ when Kylie flops (hello, "Time  Bomb") and her profile is huge with Australia's Got Talent. I think the time is right for a Jennifer Lopez-sized comeback, preferably with a stunning club anthem like the flawless "Come And Get It". What a fucking tune! I wanted to post the clip until I remembered that there wasn't one. Fail. Happily, a "top model" from The Netherlands called Nadine took it upon herself to make one for us (below).

It goes without saying that Nadine is my new icon.

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Israel Cruz Behind Bars

I heard some disturbing news yesterday. Australian urban-pop star Israel Cruz has allegedly been convicted of a very serious crime and, according to my sources, will be in prison for the next 1 - 4 years. There are two sides to every story and the extremely talented writer/producer has always been very nice to me. I hope this all gets sorted out, so Israel can get back to making killer jams like "Body" (below). What a shitty situation.

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Delta Goodrem Ruins Dance Music

If you thought Dulta's Arcade Fire rip-off "Sitting On Top Of The World" was terrible, wait until you hear her desperate attempt to jump on the dance bandwagon. "Dancing With A Broken Heart" sounds like a Celine Dion remix from the late '90s gone wrong. Because we all know that the stunning Canadian's remixes were flawless. It's hard to pinpoint where the second single from the famed plastic surgery addict goes wrong. To be honest, I always thought dance would be a good genre for the a-dulta-ress. Any gay will tell you that the Tommy Trash remix of "Believe Again" is the best thing she's ever released. I think the problem lies with annoyingly understated production. You typically want a dance track to build and build until it explodes during the chorus. This shit stays in first gear the whole time. What's the point of selling out and then trying to be all classy? Cunt, please. You're not fooling anyone. "Dancing With A Broken Heart" isn't high quality electronica. It's just a sad attempt to make the prettiest pony in pop more relevant to people under 30. At least be real about it and make the song fun.

0/10

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