Nicki Minaj plays the king of her own fairy tale in her new video for "Moment 4 Life" Nicki's solo videos have been sleek, brightly colored affairs with thin but pretty plots. Her samurai warrior in "Your Love" and the angry girlfriend in "Right Thru Me" showed the soft side of Nicki but "Moment 4 Life" allows Nicki to play both her girly Barbie role and that of her Fairy Godmother.
It's a delight. Watch:
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Ke$ha + Andre 3000 + A Beat So Fat Gonna Make Me Come... Over To Your Place = Rediculously Awesome
K-Dolla's latest EP Cannibal is pretty much an extensi
on of her trashy debut. But possible second single "Sleazy" has a really hard beat and finds Ke$ha rapping. It's fine as-is, but once you add Andre 3000's verse it's really hardcore hotness. Listen:
on of her trashy debut. But possible second single "Sleazy" has a really hard beat and finds Ke$ha rapping. It's fine as-is, but once you add Andre 3000's verse it's really hardcore hotness. Listen:Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Greatest Britney Spears Covers!
While we're waiting around for Britney to finish the new video for "Hold It Against Me" (and release the second single from her upcoming album) let's enjoy some hot covers of her greatest hits, mkay?
Lily Allen - "Womanizer"
All-American Rejects - "Womanizer"
Yael Naim - "Toxic"
Marty Casey - "...Baby, One More Time"
Boyce Avenue - "Circus/Just Dance"
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Trashy Thursdays: Daniel Bedingfield - "If You're Not The One"
Trashy Thursdays will be happening every Thursday and will feature the trashy pop songs I kinda love. Don't get it twisted, I think pop music is an art form. But like all art, there are brilliant artistic works that are fresh and dynamic and new as well as less inspired pieces of art. Sometimes those less inspired bits are as much fun as the "good" stuff, that's why we're getting trashy!
Remember the days when Natasha Bedingfield was "Daniel's little sister"? Now the tables have flipped and Natasha has had more hits in the US than her brother. But those heady days in 2003 when he was a sexy little Brit-popper with a lovely falsetto and a ballad so earnest it goes right past cheesy, past trashy and right into amazing. "If You're Not The One" pulls all the right heartstrings, is there any lyric more inspirational/stalkery than "and I pray you're the one I build my home with"?
He wants you to be the one he dies with! Gah, it's so cute I wanna vomit up tears. Or get a restraining order.
Remember the days when Natasha Bedingfield was "Daniel's little sister"? Now the tables have flipped and Natasha has had more hits in the US than her brother. But those heady days in 2003 when he was a sexy little Brit-popper with a lovely falsetto and a ballad so earnest it goes right past cheesy, past trashy and right into amazing. "If You're Not The One" pulls all the right heartstrings, is there any lyric more inspirational/stalkery than "and I pray you're the one I build my home with"?
He wants you to be the one he dies with! Gah, it's so cute I wanna vomit up tears. Or get a restraining order.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
How Do You Burlesque?
I finally got around to seeing the much-discussed movie musical Burlesque the other afternoon. The film is a delightful romp, if you don't look too close at the weak and overplayed plot.
Christina Aguilera is perfectly serviceable as Ali, a young girl from Ohio who drops her job as a waitress and buys a ticket to LA to find fame and fortune. It's a tale as old as film, but director Steve Antin does manage to obscure the frequently used plot under a layer of glitz and feathers. When Ali doesn't find a singing job during her first day in LA, she is intrigued by a glimpse of dancer Coco lounging on a balcony outside Cher's club.
The plot goes into overdrive, Ali forces her way into a waitress job and then her rented room is burglarized, leading her to stay with the bartender. When she realizes he isn't gay, a flirtatious friendship emerges. She lucks into an audition for a dancing position, then a singing job and a romance with Grey's Anatomy's Eric Dane. Dane's Marcus wants to buy out the club, but Cher isn't selling. Even as her ex-husband and business partner (played Peter Gallager's Eyebrows) tries to talk her into it, because (plot point!) the business isn't making any money.
In the end, Cher [SPOILER ALERT] doesn't have to sell the Burlesque club and Christina is a stripping/dancing/singing triple threat and Stanley Tucci is funny as hell. So all is well, but the real reason to see Burlesque is for the amazing musical numbers. Cher and Christina each have a show stopping ballad and there are several jazzy stripteases. Plus, Cam Gigandent's naked with just a box of Famous Amos covering his cookies.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Does Anybody Else Remember Fefe Dobson?
OK, back in 2003 when I was huminahumina years old I was a TRL junkie. A little old for Carson Daly and boy band mania, but I wasn't allowed to watch MTV as a kid so I had to make up for lost time.
Anyhoo, I remember this Canadian pop/rock singer (kinda like Avril with a darker complexion) named Fefe Dobson and single "Take Me Away" which peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at a dismal 87. I loved it. I had the album. Her career never really took off, and attaching her single to the Scarlett Johansson/Chris Evans bomb The Perfect Score didn't help.
She managed to get a few songs from a scrapped second album recorded by teen-pop stars like Jordin Sparks, Hannah Montana and Selene Gomez & The Scene before recording a new album. Her newest release, Joy, came out in November and the lead single "Stutterin'" goes in a more poppy style like The Veronicas or Aly & AJ. I'm kinda digging it. Thoughts?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Trashy Thursday: Chris Crocker - "Freak Of Nature"
Trashy Thursdays will be happening every Thursday and will feature the trashy pop songs I kinda love. Don't get it twisted, I think pop music is an art form. But like all art, there are brilliant artistic works that are fresh and dynamic and new as well as less inspired pieces of art. Sometimes those less inspired bits are as much fun as the "good" stuff, that's why we're getting trashy!
Remember when a extremely distraught teenage twink told us all to "LEEEEEEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!"? I do. Chris Crocker was an web superstar, even before then, and he's released a few singles along the way. Like all interweb personalities tend to do (see also Tila Tequila.) He has a new single called "Freak Of Nature" and the video is freaky. Probably not safe for work, but worth watching at home...
Remember when a extremely distraught teenage twink told us all to "LEEEEEEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!"? I do. Chris Crocker was an web superstar, even before then, and he's released a few singles along the way. Like all interweb personalities tend to do (see also Tila Tequila.) He has a new single called "Freak Of Nature" and the video is freaky. Probably not safe for work, but worth watching at home...
Chris Crocker - Freak of Nature OFFICIAL (uncensored) MUSIC VIDEO!! from chris crocker on Vimeo.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Which Albums Are You Looking Forward To In 2011?
There are lots of superstars and indie faves slated to release new albums this year!
The one I'm most ex
cited for is Lady Gaga's Born This Way, due May 23. Elton John says the title track will be a gay anthem like no other, that single releases on the eve of Valentines Day and rumor has it Gaga will be performing it at the Grammy's that night. Her last two albums have been nothing short of perfect, and I expect good thing!
Another Pictures & Conversations fave, the legendary Ms. Britney Spears, has just released a lead single from her as-yet-untitled seventh studio album. "Hold It Against Me" leaves a good taste in my mouth for the rest of the album, especially if her producers continue in this dub-step vein. Rumored to release March 15.
No Doubt are set to release a new one this year as well. Details are skimpy, and I can't help but wonder if Gwen Stefani's solo work will be an influence on the bands sound.
Other pop stars rumored to be releasing new shizzle in 2011 are Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson. Let's hope there are no "Already Gone"/"Halo" issues this go round! Also, new discs from Avril Lavigne, Gorrillaz and comedy music troupe The Lonely Island. Amy Winehouse in performing again, which may lead to a new album.
From a less glossy pop world, I'm very excited for new music from Adele. Her sophomore disc 21 comes out in less than two weeks. "Rolling In The Deep" landed on my top songs of last year, it's a departure from "Hometown Glory" and "Chasing Pavements" but feels like it comes from the same headspace.
Santigold and Patrick Wolf have albums in the works, and REM is slated to release Collapse Into Now this spring.
From the rap scene, Jay-Z and Kanye West have teamed for a EP called Watch The Throne. I'm not sure I can handle any more Yeezy. But what about Wheezy? The prolific Lil Wayne is also working on a possible new album.
So, what albums have you marking your calendars?
The one I'm most ex
cited for is Lady Gaga's Born This Way, due May 23. Elton John says the title track will be a gay anthem like no other, that single releases on the eve of Valentines Day and rumor has it Gaga will be performing it at the Grammy's that night. Her last two albums have been nothing short of perfect, and I expect good thing!Another Pictures & Conversations fave, the legendary Ms. Britney Spears, has just released a lead single from her as-yet-untitled seventh studio album. "Hold It Against Me" leaves a good taste in my mouth for the rest of the album, especially if her producers continue in this dub-step vein. Rumored to release March 15.
No Doubt are set to release a new one this year as well. Details are skimpy, and I can't help but wonder if Gwen Stefani's solo work will be an influence on the bands sound.
Other pop stars rumored to be releasing new shizzle in 2011 are Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson. Let's hope there are no "Already Gone"/"Halo" issues this go round! Also, new discs from Avril Lavigne, Gorrillaz and comedy music troupe The Lonely Island. Amy Winehouse in performing again, which may lead to a new album.
From a less glossy pop world, I'm very excited for new music from Adele. Her sophomore disc 21 comes out in less than two weeks. "Rolling In The Deep" landed on my top songs of last year, it's a departure from "Hometown Glory" and "Chasing Pavements" but feels like it comes from the same headspace.
Santigold and Patrick Wolf have albums in the works, and REM is slated to release Collapse Into Now this spring.
From the rap scene, Jay-Z and Kanye West have teamed for a EP called Watch The Throne. I'm not sure I can handle any more Yeezy. But what about Wheezy? The prolific Lil Wayne is also working on a possible new album.
So, what albums have you marking your calendars?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Line Fillers: Drake on "What's My Name?"
Did you ever get the feeling a rapper is just filling a couple bars with idiotic nonsense for C.R.E.A.M.? What, they all do it? Well, let's explore:
"I heard you good with them soft lips"
Aww, thanks. I pride myself on my ability to... kiss. Wink, nudge.
"Yeah, you know word of mouth"
Word of mouth? Ah! It's a pun. You're so funny. Or should I say punny.
"The square root of 69 is 8 something"
You're a math whiz, it's actually 8.30662386. I had to Google that. I'm not sure what point you're trying to make?
"Cuz I've been tryina work it out, Aaaah"
Really? Couldn't finish that line, so you went with throat exam sound effects? Unless maybe you bruise your esophagus 69ing. Yeah, I got your dirty joke, Drakey poo.
"Good weed, white wine"
You know what? I thought you said Good Weave. I thought it was tip on a hair salon.
"I come alive in the night time, okay, away we go"
Where we going? Where we going?
"Only thing we have on is the radio"
Way to steal a double entendre from country star Gary Allan. Jeez, Drake.
"ooooh, let it play, say you gotta leave
but I know you wanna stay"
Yes, cuz this pick up line contest is just getting me all hot and bothered.
"You just waiting on the traffic jam to finish, girl"
Wait, I thought it was nighttime? Is there a Penn State game?
"The things we could do in twenty minutes, girl"
Really? Twenty minutes? Some kind of stud you are. And did you just rhyme "girl" with "girl?" I am disappoint.
"Say my name, say my name"
When no one is around you, say "baby I love you"... wait, this isn't Finish The Lyric? My bad.
"Wear it out, its getting hot, crack a window, air it out"
Aww, what did I tell you about queefing in bed? You're gross, Drake.
"I can get you through a mighty long day"
Why, you got a mighty long... cup of coffee?
"Soon as you go the text that I write is gonna say..."
Say what? SAY WHAT? Finish your thoughts before you drift off in post-coital slumber.
PS: Does anyone else wonder why Rihanna keeps asking her Nana what her name is? Can't she just look on her album cover? Does she have memory loss as a result of dating Chris Brown? Someone help her!
"I heard you good with them soft lips"
Aww, thanks. I pride myself on my ability to... kiss. Wink, nudge.
"Yeah, you know word of mouth"
Word of mouth? Ah! It's a pun. You're so funny. Or should I say punny.
"The square root of 69 is 8 something"
You're a math whiz, it's actually 8.30662386. I had to Google that. I'm not sure what point you're trying to make?
"Cuz I've been tryina work it out, Aaaah"
Really? Couldn't finish that line, so you went with throat exam sound effects? Unless maybe you bruise your esophagus 69ing. Yeah, I got your dirty joke, Drakey poo.
"Good weed, white wine"
You know what? I thought you said Good Weave. I thought it was tip on a hair salon.
"I come alive in the night time, okay, away we go"
Where we going? Where we going?
"Only thing we have on is the radio"
Way to steal a double entendre from country star Gary Allan. Jeez, Drake.
"ooooh, let it play, say you gotta leave
but I know you wanna stay"
Yes, cuz this pick up line contest is just getting me all hot and bothered.
"You just waiting on the traffic jam to finish, girl"
Wait, I thought it was nighttime? Is there a Penn State game?
"The things we could do in twenty minutes, girl"
Really? Twenty minutes? Some kind of stud you are. And did you just rhyme "girl" with "girl?" I am disappoint.
"Say my name, say my name"
When no one is around you, say "baby I love you"... wait, this isn't Finish The Lyric? My bad.
"Wear it out, its getting hot, crack a window, air it out"
Aww, what did I tell you about queefing in bed? You're gross, Drake.
"I can get you through a mighty long day"
Why, you got a mighty long... cup of coffee?
"Soon as you go the text that I write is gonna say..."
Say what? SAY WHAT? Finish your thoughts before you drift off in post-coital slumber.
PS: Does anyone else wonder why Rihanna keeps asking her Nana what her name is? Can't she just look on her album cover? Does she have memory loss as a result of dating Chris Brown? Someone help her!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sooooo... Do We Like The New Britney Single?
Britney Spears' new single has arrived!
The lyrics are classic Britney: tarty, flirty and bouncy. Yeah, the chorus is a repeat of a classic pick up line, but who cares? I'm kinda digging it. And she looks so pretty in the single cover.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Top 30 Songs of 2010!
OK people! I have been writer's blocked (pick a reason: too happy in love to write/semi-stupefied with depression/kidnapped by vampires that sparkle/all of the above) for too long! So here goes my favorite blog exercise: list-making!
30. "Sticky With Champagne" - Semi-Precious Weapons You Love You
Glam rock upstarts who toured with Lady Gaga (bisexual lead singer Justin Tranter is a friend) released their second album, which featured this ode to debauchery that is so rock n roll.
29. "Do It Like A Dude" - Jessie J Who You Are
Girls going off over gender-based double standards is nothing new. Remember Xtina and Lil' Kim's "Can't Hold Us Down"? But no one has made it sound so dirty and raw as Jessie J. Her first single, a hit in the UK, comes on the heels of songwriting credits for songs like "Party In The USA."
28. "Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum Need You Now
Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme. Breaking up is hard to do, but staying broken up when you're drunk and horny? Impossible. Making all that sounds sweet and beautiful? Lady A's job. Not mine.
27. "Sex & Violence" - Scissor Sisters Night Work
The 80s are calling, they are telling the Scissor Sisters to keep their sound. They do it better, anyway.
26. "Radioactive" - Kings Of Leon Come Around Sundown
That buzzing bass, that joyful chorus, that beat. "Radioactive" is just power, man.
25. "Animal" - Neon Trees Habits
Neon Trees are filling that void that The Killers left when they got all Midwestern Realness on us. An ode to animalistic rutting that have lit the pop charts on fire, "Animal" is dancable rock at it's most rocking. Plus, they have a chick drummer. I love that.
24. "A Year Without Rain" - Selena Gomez & The Scene A Year Without Rain
Perfect techno is so hard to do. Either it's too shrill or the beat plods on. Sometimes it sounds just thrown together to get gay guys on the floor at the club. But that's what makes "A Year Without Rain" so perfect. Sure, the lyrical concept is ripped from Everything But The Girl but that just makes it even more awesome. I kinda have a girl crush on Selena. She's so pretty.
23. "Raise Your Glass" - P!nk Greatest Hits... So Far!!
P!nk gives it up for the underdog with a toast to everyone who has ever been "treated like a fool." All too perfect for this moment in time.
22. "Jar Of Hearts" - Christina Perri Album TBA
After being featured on So You Think You Can Dance, this unsigned pop singer/songwriter had a hit on her hands with this stunning piano and violin ballad. Christina pours out the heartbreak in the aftermath of a selfish lover.
21. "U Should Know Better" - Robyn & Snoop Dogg Body Talk Pt 2 and Body Talk
Trading brags like old school trashing talking MCs, Swedish pop sensation and Dee Oh Double Jizzle get more and more ridiculous.
20. "Barbra Streisand" - Duck Sauce Album TBA
A strange twisted instrumental with two lyrics: a melodious "ooh" and "Barbara Streisand." The quintessential New Yorker serves as a springboard for this bouncy house tune that brings out all the hipsters for the video.
19. "Monster" - Kanye West feat Bon Iver, Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
'Ye has an ego bigger than Frankenstein's monster and an appetite for applause that would make Dracula blush. But he has the drive for success and a talent to back it up. But here, Nicki Minaj shines brighter than the blood dripping from the Wolfman's teeth. Every line a threat, every word spoken so eloquently and full of venom, she is Medusa and Lady Gaga rolled in one. "Pink wig, thick ass, give 'em whiplash" Points off for Jay-Z phoning it in and way too much use of the N-word.
18. "All The Lovers" - Kylie Minogue Aphrodite
Sleek Euro-disco from the queen of sleek Euro-Disco.
17. "Only Girl In The World" - Rihanna Loud
I may have been the only person in the world to like the darkness of Rihanna's Rated R, but I was quite pleased with her return to the dancefloor. When I hear this song, I feel like the only girl in the world.
16. "King Of Anything" - Sara Bareilles Kaleidoscope Heart
Some people are asses. Smug, self-righteous know-it-alls who will not shut up. But enough about me. Let's talk about Sara's brilliant and, dare I say, sunny kiss-off to such a prick. Piano pop is so passive agressive.
15. "Fuck You" - Cee Lo Green The Lady Killer
As a child I was so sheltered I thought the "f-word" was "fart." As an adult, I found it a powerful word, used best when you want to nail a point home. Clearly, Cee Lo has a point. Stax horns and Motown background vocals have never created a break up song so angry until now.
14. "Bed Intruder Song" - Antoine Dodson & The Gregory Brothers feat Kelly Dodson iTunes Single
Antoine was my hero after pulling an attempted rapist off his sister and then going off on the idiot on the news. Then came the brilliant remix of said interview that took internet fame to the Billboard charts and my playlists.
13. "Your Love" - Nicki Minaj Pink Friday
Nicki's raps on her debut album may not match the guest verses she's been throwing out all year, but when you rely so heavily on a sample from Annie Lennox and include a chorus that is one part sweet and one part hard you can't help but love it.
12. "Like A G6" - Far*East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev Free Wired
Have you ever felt like you lost a few brain cells listening to a song, but couldn't stop listening? That's the story of "Like A G6" - a beat like a taut rubberband and rap that could be in Chinese for all I care about it. The hook is mere white-girl gang posturing, leaving a song with as much substance as Cool Whip. And I keep coming back for another spoonful.
11. "Rolling In The Deep" - Adele 21
If you ever looked at my music collection, you know I love a slow-burning torch song. The lead single from Adele's 2011 album is torchy and sung with a confidence not found on 19. Perhaps she's grown up? Add a great beat and piano and I am hooked.
10. "Alejandro" - Lady Gaga The Fame Monster
Lady G may never make a single as fabulous as "Bad Romance" but stealing from Swedish pop masters ABBA for a title and Ace Of Base for a melody isn't a shabby way to create magic. The video may have been too crazy by half, but the song grabs you by the hair and will not let go.
9. "Whip My Hair" - Willow Album TBA
Oh, Scientology! You do create some adorable moppets. See also: Suri Cruise. Who knew a 9-year-old would force us all to risk whiplash just to get our groove on? I don't condone child labor, but I cannot resist!
8. "Shark In the Water" - V.V. Brown Travelling Like The Light
The Fauxtown boom led by Amy Winehouse may be winding down, but that doesn't mean we should retire our tambourines just yet. This light and airy pop-soul single from the British Ms. Brown is a gem.
7. "We R Who We R" - Ke$ha Cannibal
Even though the trashiest pop singer since Paris Hilton (oh snap!) can't spell to save her life, and never met a glitter-based make-up product she didn't love, I find her blend of party-hearty techno and love-everybody neo-hippie message refreshing. "We R Who We R" stands in solidarity with bullied youths, and the videos image of K-Dolla falling from a building but being caught by her fans is beautiful. In a totally trashy way.
6. "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" - Alicia Keys The Element Of Freedom
Alicia has always has a brilliant knack for pop sounds that don't bury the soul in her voice and lyrics. This smooth-as-glass production is full of mood and a quietly dark beauty.
5. "Heavy In Your Arms" - Florence + The Machine The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack
Taylor Lautner's well-honed abs are not the only good thing to come from the filmed version of Stephanie Meyer's bestselling novels. This cut from the soundtrack to the third film is cinematic in scope, and it's little wonder Flo's debut album was called Lungs, the girl has plenty of power residing there.
4. "If I Die Young" - The Band Perry The Band Perry
Country music has always depended on melancholic songs that reflect a belief in the hereafter, but none did it in such an emo way as The Band Perry on their debut single. After the recent trend of teen suicides, the song takes on an even sadder tone.
3. "Naturally" - Selena Gomez & The Scene Kiss & Tell
Produced by the same outfit as fellow Disney star Miley Cyrus's "See You Again," "Naturally" is teen dance pop at its catchiest! The pulsing beat, Selena's sweet vocals and that chorus that just won't stop ringing in your brain are a deadly combo.
2. "Invisible Light" - Scissor Sisters Night Work
If adding Ian McKellen to your Stuart Price-helmed epic story-song of debauched clubbing isn't gay enough for you, then you're too demanding. The sleek dance sound is the Sisters' at the best.
1. "Dancing On My Own" - Robyn Body Talk Pt. 1 and Body Talk
From the first of her three EPs this year come this tribute to the "sad gay disco songs" Robyn loves. Sheer pop beauty, sad yet dancable at the same time, "Dancing On My Own" secedes her prior UK smashes "With Every Heartbeat" and "Be Mine!" as the soundtrack for heartbreak.
30. "Sticky With Champagne" - Semi-Precious Weapons You Love You
Glam rock upstarts who toured with Lady Gaga (bisexual lead singer Justin Tranter is a friend) released their second album, which featured this ode to debauchery that is so rock n roll.
29. "Do It Like A Dude" - Jessie J Who You Are
Girls going off over gender-based double standards is nothing new. Remember Xtina and Lil' Kim's "Can't Hold Us Down"? But no one has made it sound so dirty and raw as Jessie J. Her first single, a hit in the UK, comes on the heels of songwriting credits for songs like "Party In The USA."
28. "Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum Need You Now
Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme. Breaking up is hard to do, but staying broken up when you're drunk and horny? Impossible. Making all that sounds sweet and beautiful? Lady A's job. Not mine.
27. "Sex & Violence" - Scissor Sisters Night Work
The 80s are calling, they are telling the Scissor Sisters to keep their sound. They do it better, anyway.
26. "Radioactive" - Kings Of Leon Come Around Sundown
That buzzing bass, that joyful chorus, that beat. "Radioactive" is just power, man.
25. "Animal" - Neon Trees Habits
Neon Trees are filling that void that The Killers left when they got all Midwestern Realness on us. An ode to animalistic rutting that have lit the pop charts on fire, "Animal" is dancable rock at it's most rocking. Plus, they have a chick drummer. I love that.
24. "A Year Without Rain" - Selena Gomez & The Scene A Year Without Rain
Perfect techno is so hard to do. Either it's too shrill or the beat plods on. Sometimes it sounds just thrown together to get gay guys on the floor at the club. But that's what makes "A Year Without Rain" so perfect. Sure, the lyrical concept is ripped from Everything But The Girl but that just makes it even more awesome. I kinda have a girl crush on Selena. She's so pretty.
23. "Raise Your Glass" - P!nk Greatest Hits... So Far!!
P!nk gives it up for the underdog with a toast to everyone who has ever been "treated like a fool." All too perfect for this moment in time.
22. "Jar Of Hearts" - Christina Perri Album TBA
After being featured on So You Think You Can Dance, this unsigned pop singer/songwriter had a hit on her hands with this stunning piano and violin ballad. Christina pours out the heartbreak in the aftermath of a selfish lover.
21. "U Should Know Better" - Robyn & Snoop Dogg Body Talk Pt 2 and Body Talk
Trading brags like old school trashing talking MCs, Swedish pop sensation and Dee Oh Double Jizzle get more and more ridiculous.
20. "Barbra Streisand" - Duck Sauce Album TBA
A strange twisted instrumental with two lyrics: a melodious "ooh" and "Barbara Streisand." The quintessential New Yorker serves as a springboard for this bouncy house tune that brings out all the hipsters for the video.
19. "Monster" - Kanye West feat Bon Iver, Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
'Ye has an ego bigger than Frankenstein's monster and an appetite for applause that would make Dracula blush. But he has the drive for success and a talent to back it up. But here, Nicki Minaj shines brighter than the blood dripping from the Wolfman's teeth. Every line a threat, every word spoken so eloquently and full of venom, she is Medusa and Lady Gaga rolled in one. "Pink wig, thick ass, give 'em whiplash" Points off for Jay-Z phoning it in and way too much use of the N-word.
18. "All The Lovers" - Kylie Minogue Aphrodite
Sleek Euro-disco from the queen of sleek Euro-Disco.
17. "Only Girl In The World" - Rihanna Loud
I may have been the only person in the world to like the darkness of Rihanna's Rated R, but I was quite pleased with her return to the dancefloor. When I hear this song, I feel like the only girl in the world.
16. "King Of Anything" - Sara Bareilles Kaleidoscope Heart
Some people are asses. Smug, self-righteous know-it-alls who will not shut up. But enough about me. Let's talk about Sara's brilliant and, dare I say, sunny kiss-off to such a prick. Piano pop is so passive agressive.
15. "Fuck You" - Cee Lo Green The Lady Killer
As a child I was so sheltered I thought the "f-word" was "fart." As an adult, I found it a powerful word, used best when you want to nail a point home. Clearly, Cee Lo has a point. Stax horns and Motown background vocals have never created a break up song so angry until now.
14. "Bed Intruder Song" - Antoine Dodson & The Gregory Brothers feat Kelly Dodson iTunes Single
Antoine was my hero after pulling an attempted rapist off his sister and then going off on the idiot on the news. Then came the brilliant remix of said interview that took internet fame to the Billboard charts and my playlists.
13. "Your Love" - Nicki Minaj Pink Friday
Nicki's raps on her debut album may not match the guest verses she's been throwing out all year, but when you rely so heavily on a sample from Annie Lennox and include a chorus that is one part sweet and one part hard you can't help but love it.
12. "Like A G6" - Far*East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev Free Wired
Have you ever felt like you lost a few brain cells listening to a song, but couldn't stop listening? That's the story of "Like A G6" - a beat like a taut rubberband and rap that could be in Chinese for all I care about it. The hook is mere white-girl gang posturing, leaving a song with as much substance as Cool Whip. And I keep coming back for another spoonful.
11. "Rolling In The Deep" - Adele 21
If you ever looked at my music collection, you know I love a slow-burning torch song. The lead single from Adele's 2011 album is torchy and sung with a confidence not found on 19. Perhaps she's grown up? Add a great beat and piano and I am hooked.
10. "Alejandro" - Lady Gaga The Fame Monster
Lady G may never make a single as fabulous as "Bad Romance" but stealing from Swedish pop masters ABBA for a title and Ace Of Base for a melody isn't a shabby way to create magic. The video may have been too crazy by half, but the song grabs you by the hair and will not let go.
9. "Whip My Hair" - Willow Album TBA
Oh, Scientology! You do create some adorable moppets. See also: Suri Cruise. Who knew a 9-year-old would force us all to risk whiplash just to get our groove on? I don't condone child labor, but I cannot resist!
8. "Shark In the Water" - V.V. Brown Travelling Like The Light
The Fauxtown boom led by Amy Winehouse may be winding down, but that doesn't mean we should retire our tambourines just yet. This light and airy pop-soul single from the British Ms. Brown is a gem.
7. "We R Who We R" - Ke$ha Cannibal
Even though the trashiest pop singer since Paris Hilton (oh snap!) can't spell to save her life, and never met a glitter-based make-up product she didn't love, I find her blend of party-hearty techno and love-everybody neo-hippie message refreshing. "We R Who We R" stands in solidarity with bullied youths, and the videos image of K-Dolla falling from a building but being caught by her fans is beautiful. In a totally trashy way.
6. "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" - Alicia Keys The Element Of Freedom
Alicia has always has a brilliant knack for pop sounds that don't bury the soul in her voice and lyrics. This smooth-as-glass production is full of mood and a quietly dark beauty.
5. "Heavy In Your Arms" - Florence + The Machine The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack
Taylor Lautner's well-honed abs are not the only good thing to come from the filmed version of Stephanie Meyer's bestselling novels. This cut from the soundtrack to the third film is cinematic in scope, and it's little wonder Flo's debut album was called Lungs, the girl has plenty of power residing there.
4. "If I Die Young" - The Band Perry The Band Perry
Country music has always depended on melancholic songs that reflect a belief in the hereafter, but none did it in such an emo way as The Band Perry on their debut single. After the recent trend of teen suicides, the song takes on an even sadder tone.
3. "Naturally" - Selena Gomez & The Scene Kiss & Tell
Produced by the same outfit as fellow Disney star Miley Cyrus's "See You Again," "Naturally" is teen dance pop at its catchiest! The pulsing beat, Selena's sweet vocals and that chorus that just won't stop ringing in your brain are a deadly combo.
2. "Invisible Light" - Scissor Sisters Night Work
If adding Ian McKellen to your Stuart Price-helmed epic story-song of debauched clubbing isn't gay enough for you, then you're too demanding. The sleek dance sound is the Sisters' at the best.
1. "Dancing On My Own" - Robyn Body Talk Pt. 1 and Body Talk
From the first of her three EPs this year come this tribute to the "sad gay disco songs" Robyn loves. Sheer pop beauty, sad yet dancable at the same time, "Dancing On My Own" secedes her prior UK smashes "With Every Heartbeat" and "Be Mine!" as the soundtrack for heartbreak.
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