Guess what time it is… time for some new music suggestions from the weekly five song friday! Let’s get started…
Sugababes – Change
This week, I had a curveball thrown my way… I wasn’t expecting the new Sugababes video for Change to be posted, and as such, I am compelled to switch out one of my previous choices in favor of this clip. I have to admit, the video definitely looks a lot like an America’s Next Top Model shoot, but perhaps that is why it is fun? Either way, I LOVE this song, and I have really been enjoying the Sugababes new CD, also titled Change. Save one song, it is definitely their best to date. They should have just left that bad song off, and put Push the Button on there, and it would have easily been a 6-star CD, but alas, that didn’t happen. Here’s hoping they break through over here in America some time soon… these ladies are too good to be left to the rest of the world! You have fans here too girls!
Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love
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Leona Lewis was the winner of the most recent incarnation of X-Factor, kind of an “Idol” type show in the UK, the same show that brought us the swoon-worthy Shayne Ward. In any show that you have to “win” by showcasing raw live singing talent, you know that the winner is going to be able to at least do one thing, and do that well; sing. And Miss Leona can do just that. Not only can she really sing, I have to say, they really picked a great song for her with Bleeding Love, and after hearing it, I have been compelled to listen to it over and over. It is a really great pop song, and it is no wonder as to why it is the number one selling single in the UK right now. The song is great… I can’t vouch for the rest of the album, but this song is definitely a winner in my book.
Nicole Atkins – Kill the Headlights
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All I have to say, is that it is rare that I go to a concert, and I am wowed by the opening act (I must say though… in the case of some, they can become more of a favorite than the artist I intended to see… as is the case with Sara Bareilles). Last week when we went to see the Pipettes, I had never heard of Nicole Atkins, but that all changed once she took the stage. At first, I was slightly interested, but as she got warmed up, I really fell in love with her sound; a very old soul-sound with an almost child-like/innocent voice. I really enjoyed her at the concert, and got her CD after the show. One of the songs that stood out to me at the show was Kill the Headlights, and has proven to be my favorite from her record by far. If you enjoy Brandi Carlile (especially the more rock-twinged song The Story), I highly recommend Nicole Atkins, because she may have a similar voice, but she definitely takes her music in a different, and more weathered direction… and the result is really great.
Rilo Kiley – Smoke Detector
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I have to say, that the album, Under the Blacklight, by Rilo Kiley really took me by surprise. While I instantly fell in love with the song Silver Lining (which still remains one of my favorite songs from this year), the rest of the record had to slowly grow on me. And grow on me it did… this has turned out to be one of my favorite records of the year, and it really is a great one indeed. Smoke Detector is my one of my other favorite songs from the record; which will, by the way, have a place among my top spots for this year’s albums of the year.
Silversun Pickups – Lazy Eye
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Finally, the song from what I would label as the 2nd CD I most regret not hearing in 2006 (when it was released), because it would have surely have made my year end list of favorites, Lazy Eye is one of my favorites by the Silversun Pickups. I have featured them in a five song Friday of the past, but felt compelled to bring more love for the Silversun Pickups this week, because a dear friend confessed that she had never heard of them when asking if we wanted to go to a concert in which they were one of the featured acts. Well, we got tickets to the show, so I think now is as good a time as any to get acquainted with this fantastic group. The rest of the CD is awesome as well. I really do love this band!
Alright, there you go. Another five song Friday under my belt! I am really getting excited about the upcoming “31 days of CD suggestions” for my year end “best of” countdown… stay tuned!
And as always… have a great weekend, and tell me what YOU are tuning into!

A few days ago that Nintendo movie with Fred Savage called Wizard came up in conversation. I looked up the movie on IMDB to find out whatever happened to that hot chick who starred along side the Wonder Years kid (hey, it’s alright I thought she was hot back then, we were the same age) and I was surprised to find out, she’s the chick in Rilo Kiley. You probably knew that but I just thought I would share.
dave, she also played Shelly Long’s daughter in Troop Beverly Hills!! I won’t lie… that made me love her more.
Edit: I just found out she dated Jake Gyllenhaal too… this girl may be PERFECT.
The Leona Lewis CD is actually good. Not great, but a solid English pop CD. As for the opening act comment, I had the same thing happen recently at the Annie Lennox show, where I fell for Carina Round. Absolutely amazing. The only other time I have fallen that hard for an opening act was the first time I saw eastmountainsouth, a group that’s now broken up, but was opening for Tracy Chapman.
John, I haven’t been “in the mood” for Leona, which is the reason I haven’t really given it a real listen. I bet it is good, because there are some really great producers behind her… and that is what pop is supposed to be, right?!?! Produced!
Also, I will have to check out the other two mentioned. Thanks for the comment and the suggestions!
What I told John about the Sugababes video ::
(2:10:57 PM) justdajoey: this new sugababes video is possibly the gayest thing i have ever seen
(2:11:02 PM) justdajoey: i mean… gayer than bear force 1
(2:12:15 PM) justdajoey: like…w hat super homotastic force of un-nature came up with this floral glittery video of awesomeness
(2:12:49 PM) justdajoey: these bitches must have been picking glitter out of their ass cracks for days
Also… that Leona Lewis song is really good.
That Rilo Kiley song is a good one. The Silversun Pickups song has been a bit overplayed on 99x, but it’s a good song as well. Good picks this week, Duane!
Thanks Garrett! If you like those songs, I highly recommend you check out the albums by each of them; they are both fantastic.