Fridae

Video Premiere: Sophie Ellis-Bextor "Catch You"

Bloggers are going ga ga over this new video by British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. I must say that it is quite good. I like the video for the Cathy Dennis-penned "Catch You" more than the song itself, which might grow old faster than you think.

There is something slightly surreal about Sophie running frantically as a Spanish flamenca across the smelly canals of Venice. If Sophie was dressed in white it would have been Madonna's "Like A Virgin" all over again. And I must admit that Sophie is quite a stunning beauty in that sort of elusive Coco Chanel kind of way.

Watch Sophie Ellis Bextor - Catch You [YouTube]

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Free Download: Alice Smith "Woodstock"
Meet Alice Smith, one of the most talented singers to emerge in 2006. This Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter has a remarkable, four-octave vocal range that perfectly fits her infectious blend of soul, pop and and blues.

Growing up in both Washington D.C. and her grandmother's farm in Augusta, GA, Smith combines a heavy dose of urban grit with the warm soul vibe of the South. For the last eleven years, she lived in New York City to pursue a career in music.

Her debut album "For Lovers, Dreamers & Me" was released last year and invokes musical memories ranging from the young Diana Ross to the mature Billie Holiday. It is an accomplished record that deserves a lot more attention. Smith's is one of those rare artists who can solely rely on her raw talent as opposed to being dependent on Timabland-inspired big beat productions that are ruling the U.S. charts.

Listen to the wonderful and mellow track "Woodstock" that will start your Monday on a high note. If you want to know more about Alice Smith, you watch an EPK interview with this hot new talent on YouTube.) Many thanks to Worlds Fair Records for making this track available to Arjanwrites.com readers.)



Download Alice Smith "Woodstock" [MP3]

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Free Download: Prestige "Sexual Prophecy" (The Defense RMX)
Here is another hot one for your Disco Friday. Keith Kerr and Drew Cosgrove of The Defence DJ and production team have put together an excellent remix of Prestige's free-spirited underground hit "Sexual Prophecy." Some of you might know The Defence from their song "Frank Sinatra" that was featured on Popjustice's second podcast and legendary Chart Of Truth.

"Sexual Prophecy" was initially recorded by the now-defunct Kubukidolls that was formed by singer and drag personality Prestige (aka Kurt Trendelenberg). Kurt writes me that he might return with a new line up of the Kubukidolls in the future.

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Trendelenberg is quite the eclectic multi-tasker. He writes, makes music, does drag, models, DJs and moved to London to make it as a pop star. He's well on his way after working with Sid Solanski (Busted, Sugababes) and releasing the "Golden Boy" EP.

The Defence remix of "Sexual Prophecy" is a frivolous slice of '80s inspired dance pop that should please fans of Human League, Dead Or Alive, Erasure and other greats from the British synth pop past. (Many thanks to Prestige and The Defence for allowing me to share this track on Arjanwrites.com.)

Download Prestige "Sexual Prophecy" (The Defence RMX) [MP3]

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Disco Friday: Mason vs Princess Superstar "Perfect"
I love it when you turn on the radio in Europe and all you get is dance music. One of the tracks that struck my interest is a mash up of Mason's "Exceeder" with Princess Superstar's "Perfect." Just like Bodyrox' "Yeah Yeah" it is one of those songs that combines a hard-hitting electro beat with raw, spunky vocals. It is like rock 'n roll for the dance generation. The song will formally be released as a single in Europe on January 22.

Mason is a young and upcoming DJ/producer from The Netherlands who was trained in classical music. He got his big break when Tiesto asked him to play the electronic violin during a series of his mega shows around the world. After his stint with the superstar DJ, Mason started to spin at Amerdam's underground parties and word about his distinct turntable style spread quickly. His fame in the club scene quickly led to a partnership with Ministry Of Sound that released his EP "Exceeder" in 2006.

The crafty folks at Data Records mashed up the raging "Exceeder" with parts of 2005's "Perfect" by Princess Superstar. It is a really fun track full of attitude from the frisky Princess Superstar with lyrics like, "Push it, push it. Watch me work it. I'm perfect."

Watch Mason Vs Princess Superstar Perfect [YouTube]