Electronica artist and producer William Orbit will be releasing his new album "Hello Waveforms" on Sanctuary Records on February 21. Orbit is mostly known for his work on Madonna's groundbreaking "Ray of Light" record on which he produced, co-wrote and performed. This new CD is Orbit's first solo release since 2000's ambient "Pieces In Modern Style" that featured his avant-garde interpretation of works by classical composers.
"Hello Waveform" is a collection of eleven songs that lets listeneners float away to gorgeous, dreamy sonic landscapes. Stand out track is the pop-oriented "Spiral" that includes the Sugababes and Kenna on vocals. I find this by far one of the best songs that Sugababes have recorded with their melodic harmonies wrapped around Orbit's soothing synth intrumentation. I was a fan of Kenna's much-overlooked "New Sacred Cow" and I'm glad he's performing the chorus of the song
Orbit enables his fans to mix up the song to their own taste with the so-called Orbitmixer. On his web site you can download a small Flash file that launches a virtual soundboard that allows you to stream the song as is or to modify the production to your liking. It is a really neat idea that will surely generate more interest in the record. Download it and play around with it.
Stream and mix William Orbit ft. Sugababes and Kenna "Spiral" [mac] 
Ever since Duncan Sheik released his self-titled solo debut in 1996, the South Carolina singer/songwriter has entertained audiences with his melodic pop balladry. Some of you might remember the huge hit he had in 1996 with the catchy "Barely Breathing." This year, he returns with his fourth fifth album "White Limousine" that features more of his gifted songwriting with some strong political undertones.
As a Nichiren Buddhist, Sheik has put his fame to good use and initiated humanitarian projects in Albania and Cuba, performed in benefits for hurricane relief, women's issues and the homeless. The ironic title song from his new album has a deep philosophical meaning that the crooner writes about on his blog. "It seems like many of us in this country find powerful ways to either not look into what's going on in the rest of the world, or to rationalize the state of the world by means of some messianic fantasy," he claims.
"It is Bush that I'm poking fun at in the second verse of the song and his 'mission accomplished' speech that I'm referencing at the end, but I'm not really villainizing him," Sheik adds. You can read the lyrics of the song here.
Muscially, this song reminds me of a classic Trevor Horn production for Seal. It offers substance in a smooth pop composition with Sheik's pleasant crooning that serves up some food for thought.
Download Duncan Sheik "White Limousine" [mp3] 
Last year, Tommy Boy Records launched Silver Label, the world's first GLBT Lifestyle and Culture imprint. Conceived and co-founded by Rosie Lopez & Victor Lee, Silver Label's goal is to find and develop artists and products that give voice and face to the gay aesthetic in music. The first album that is put out on Silver Label is The L Word: Season 3 soundtrack. The double-disc set was co-produced by Rosie Lopez who has put together a hot collection of indie gems by lesbian and gay-friendly artists that echo the compelling storylines of the popular Showtime series.
She started the L Word project with more than 50 songs, and together with the show's producer Ilene Chaiken she narrowed it down to 24 tracks. For Arjan Writes, she shares her personal faves from the album with some brief personal comments.
Tegan And Sara "Love Type Thing"
Short and sweet with beautiful, haunting melodies. This was the song that felt like the center of the soundtrack for me. I imagined the other songs pulling up (towards the brain) or down (towards the feet)... but this one hit me straight in the gut.
Telepopmusik "Don't Look Back"
Angela McCluskey has one of the sexiest voices in contemporary music and the dreamy feel of the production only adds to the vibe.
Eldorado "Jaded Julie"
Fun song, makes me wanna toss sawdust on the floor and kick it!
D'Angelo "Feel Like Makin' Love"
This song is used in the sexiest L Word scene ever! "Tina and Helena in the pool" (Season 2) has just been moved to 2nd. place. Tune in and you'll see.
Sleater-Kinney "Jumpers"
Great performance by Sleater-Kinney on the show. This is a pretty intense song, feels aggressive but not angry. I love it because it starts in chaos but ends with liberation.
Maggie Moore & Yvette Narlock "Lady Loves Me"
Two great voices, as good as Elvis and Ann-Margret, depending on how many cocktails you've had before the show.
Thanks for sharing, Rosie!
The latest band to take its inspiration from early '80s new wave are newcomers Clear Static. Riding on the coattails of the success of The Killers and The Bravery, this Hollywood, CA band might have a shot at fame with their punk-infused '80s pop. Their gimmicky first single "Make Up Sex" is the introduction to their full-length album that is scheduled to be released early March.
Maverick Records' p.r. flacks know that perception is everything. In their press materials they dramatize the band's '80s influences with descriptions that seem a little over the top with descriptions like "[Clear Static] evokes images of mascara, frilly shirts, flamboyance, and hedonism. Yet today their gigs draw throngs of eye-lined, glammed-out kids into places like the Viper Room and Key Club and onto the teeming sidewalks outside when not even one more fashion casualty can squeeze into the venue."
Such overload of adjectives creates the impression that Clear Static is just another pop fabrication. But that's far from the truth. They might have glammed up their act a little, but band has been working hard for the past few years to get a record deal. Early last year, they were signed to indie Brit label Lizard King Records (where The Killers got their start). Then the band toured with their heroes Duran Duran and showcased their music at the SXSW music festival. Then, the quintet was scooped up by Maverick's Guy Oseary who earlier brought Alanis Morissette and Michele Branch to the label.
Check out Clear Static's single "Make Up Sex," a catchy slice of fashionable '80s pop. The handsome band takes its cues from great tunes from the '80s music vault, but on "Make Up Sex" the group compensates its lack of originality with pure, infectious energy. (Click here to purchase the single at Amazon.)
Watch Clear Static "Make Up Sex" video Stream Clear Static "Make Up Sex" [Radio Edit] Stream Clear Static "Make Up Sex" [Extended Mix] Stream Clear Static "Make up Sex" [Claude Mix] Stream Clear Static "Make Up Sex" [Mount Sims Mix]