Introducing… Swedish Singer Agnes

Call it continental differences, but Americans tend to miss out on a lot of international music. Even our “special relationship” with the UK hasn’t helped us on the global music front, and we’ve in fact rejected some huge British talent (i.e. Kylie, Robbie, Sugababes, Mika).

America’s musical divide from the rest of the world means that this next singer will probably never see any airplay here. Luckily for us, there is the Internet.

I stumbled upon Agnes Carlsson by accident while perusing Digital Spy. Aussie pop duo The Veronicas were doing a review of current UK single releases, and at the mention of Agnes and her debut single “Release Me”, they compared her to Leona Lewis, but “edgy”.

As a Leona fan, I took the challenge and went to imeem to find “Release Me”.

Agnes and Leona do have a bit in common, admittedly. Both are former reality TV contestants (Leona on X Factor and Agnes on Swedish Idol). Both have a similar look (at least on their album covers). Both are great singers (I won’t go further in risk of bias).

The song seems to cease their similarities, though. “Release Me” is as Europop as it gets, while Leona sits on the American side of the pop spectrum. It’s a very glossy dance number, sidestepping sharp, heavy electro beats of current chart toppers for some classically slick disco production. Even though the song doesn’t do much to showcase her winning voice, its quite easy to tell that she has a talent.

While not the most earth-shattering debut in European history, it’s definitely competent in its ability to establish the Scando beauty in the rest of the continent, if not further.

Here is her debut single, released in the UK on May 25th.

Release Me - Agnes Carlsson

Introducing...Filipina Divas Regine Velasquez and Charice Pempengco

It's almost shocking the wide musical divide between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. It's the only reason why this woman is not a worldwide superstar. In fact, she may be the industry's best kept secret.

Regine Velasquez is a Filipino singer who is insanely huge in Asia. It wasn't until I saw (much like my discovery of Leona Lewis) a video of her singing a Celine song on YouTube that I learned who she was. It's easy to see why she's a star, because her voice is out of this world. Vocally, she is a masterclass unto herself. There is not one performance I have seen where she is the least bit out of tune, which is all the more shocking when you realize she's been singing for 22 years. I can't believe I am saying this, but when you compare Regine and Mariah, both the same age, Regine can definitely hold her own, if not outsing her (these days).

Here is, in my opinion, her best performance, performing "I Don't Want A Miss A Thing":

Seriously, someone needs to bring her to America, NOW!!

The next girl you may know of, if you've watched Oprah or Ellen fairly recently. Her name is Charice Pempengco, she is 16 years old, and has a voice that blows her American contemporaries out of the water (she shits on EVERY Disney singer!). I'm not kidding, her voice is absolutely unbelievable. She hits those power notes with so much ease, it's pretty scary, especially considering she's a relatively small girl. Her voice is so distinctive that you almost instantly know its her singing. Then, there is her stage presence. She's been performing since she was four, and it shows because she has the confidence of a 30-year old pop diva. If there is any justice in the industry, she will be.

Here she is performing on Oprah a few months ago:

If there are more singers like these in the Phillipines, than PLEASE come to the US! We need you!

Introducing...Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Remember Ryan's post about anime? Well guess what, I enjoy it too. My favorite right now?

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.

The show surrounds Lelouch Lamperouge, a teenage exiled prince from the kingdom of Britannia. When he was a child, his mother was murdered and his little sister was left paraplegic and blind from trauma. After he confronted his father, the Emperor of Britannia, about his mother's assasination, he and his sister were exiled to Japan, known as Area 11 after it was conquered. Now, Lelouch has formed a group of rebels to fight against Britannia and liberate Area 11. He leads this rebellion disguised as "Zero", a terrorist. His strategic ability isn't the only thing that has made him a formidable threat. He has also been given the power of "Geass", a power that allows him to make others obey his any command without fail.

There is much more to the story than I can begin to describe, which makes it fascinating. Code Geass has created its own timeline, detailing the rise of the great kingdom of Britannia. The show also explicitly details the relationships of the Britannian Imperial Family, which is quite large. Then there are the other nations, like the Chinese Federation and the Euro Universe. The geopolitics discussed in the show nearly rival World Wars 1 and 2 in their complexity. All of these factors leave me waiting for every episode.

Honestly, Code Geass is one of the smartest programs I have ever watched, which is all the more baffling considering it is, for the most part, a cartoon. It is so well-written and amazing that I am glad that anime is the official genre. The term cartoon lessens the intelligence of the show, a mistake that should not be made.

If you live in the United States, you can watch Code Geass on Adult Swim at 1:00 am EST. I definitely recommend it.

Introducing....French First Lady Carla Bruni

For 11 years, the world has been missing a fashion icon with a connection to politics. Since the death of Princess Diana, there hasn't been a woman who embodied style and elegance in the field of diplomacy.

Well, it seems that Diana's designer shoes have finally been filled.

The woman doing so is the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni. The Italian ex-model and singer wowed the UK when she accompanied President Nikolas Sarkozy on her first official state visit. The newspapers went crazy over the woman's beauty and began comparing her to both Diana and First Lady Jackie Kennedy.

The French First Lady has caused an international frenzy after her diplomatic success in the UK. Thousands of requests for interviews and visits have come for Carla after seeing how she handled her first taste of foreign success. Magazines have seen sale increases after they put her on the cover. Even auction house Christie's is getting on the Carla train. A naked photo of her taken during her supermodel days is up for sale, to benefit charity. The fashion house Christian Dior, who provided all of her outfits for the UK tour, has circulated her pictures as advertisements.

If the UK visit is any indication, the world better prepare for Carla Bruni!

For more pictures of her UK visit, look below:

 

NOTE: All pictures are courtesy of The Daily Telegraph, UK

Introducing....UK Girl Groups (Part 2)

The Sugababes have been together since 1998, if you can believe it. Actually, only Keisha Buchanan has been there since 1998, since the Sugababes are the UK Destiny's Child in terms of member changes.

Compared to their contemporaries Girls Aloud, Sugababes are funkier, dirtier, even a bit kinkier. Their biggest hit is "Push The Button" which has more sexual connotations than can be listed. Despite the sharper edge, the Ssugababes are still a pop group at heart, an exceptional pop group.

The Sugababes are more R&B influenced than anything else, which relly sets them apart. There is also their gorgeous harmonies that help break the mold. Evidence of their seamless voices can be heard in songs like "Ugly", "Change" and "Denial".

I am far more familiar with their latest stuff from their album "Change" than their old stuff, like when Mutya Buena was in the group. I think "Change" was horribly underrated. To me, it was a wonderful ballad, better than most these days. "Denial" is also one of my favorites on the album. However, I have also become familiar with their early work, specifically from Taller in More Ways and Three. On a funny note, I realized that "Too Lost In You" was actually on US soap As The World Turns a while back.

The girls have switched things up since their 1998 formation. In 2001, member Siobhan Donaghy left the group, being replaced by Heidi Range. In 2005, another founding member, Mutya Buena, left the group as well. She would be replaced by Amelle Berrabah. Keisha Buchanan is the group's only founding member.

Despite the switches, the Sugababes were able to keep those pitch-perfect harmonies. Vocally, their are in the top tier of all groups in this day and age.

BWU Recommends: Push The Button, Ugly, Hole in the Head, Denial, Change, and About You Now (the last three haven't been released in the US yet)

Introducing...UK Girl Groups (Part 1)

There is a lot of talk that many European charts are filled with American music. I definitely don't think that's true. Yes, there are many American artists who cross over to Europe, but they, especially the UK, have amazing artists who rule the charts as Rihanna, Madonna, or Nickelback. One of the kingdoms in their music scene is Britpop. And who are the queens? Of course, the girl groups.

There are big differences between girl groups here in the US and girl groups in the UK. For one, UK groups are far more commercially viable. The two UK girl groups I'm featuring have lasted over five years!

The first group? Girls Aloud.

For nearly 6 years, these pop princesses have ruled the UK charts. Since their first single, "Sound of the Underground" in 2002, they have had an astonishing 17 Top Ten singles on the chart, making them the most successful girl group in UK Chart history (yes, more successful than the Spice Girls). They are also more innovative than the Spice Girls.

The group was formed on the reality show "Popstars: The Rivals". From then on, they have released 5 albums, including one greatest hits, and 18 singles. As the years went by, their sound evolved from just the simple pop sound. With help from UK super-producers Xenomania, they help change the meaning of the genre, with songs that seemingly encompassed every single corner. From the rock-tinged "Wake Me Up" to the syrupy balladry of "See The Day". From the mid-tempo slice of genius "Call the Shots" (hence the picture) to the hyper-dance craze of "Something Kinda Oooh" and "Sexy! No No No...". With each new single, they try something new and unexpected, setting them apart from the typical pop bands that riddled the late 90's.

On top of their production, the girls can actually sing (GASP!). My personal favorite is Nadine Coyle (the girl on the far right). Her voice is absolutely amazing (and I don't through that around often). Another amazing vocal comes from Nicola Roberts (girl next to Nadine). Her voice is unique; with a versatility and range that is much welcomed. Kimberly has a rich tone that gives her a powerful lower register. Cheryl has a great middle register that is showcased often. Sarah's voice fits perfectly with the girls' dance hits.

With great voices in general and great range in genres, they must put out some great songs, right? Absolutely!

My absolute favorite (and of the most played on my iPod) in "Call the Shots". Its one of the best pop songs I have heard, with one of the most catchy choruses of all time that don't annoy me. The girls sound stunning and the production is top-notch. Its much better than 1/2 the crap thats on the radio today. Their most innovative song has to be "Biology", from the 2005 Chemistry album. The song mixes different melodies, creating something truly different than the pop standard. The song that got me interested was "Something Kinda Oooh". Its a power-dance song with a driving, rock-influenced beat. The lyrics don't make any sense, but the danceability of the track makes up for it! It would get everyone and anyone in the club, or even at home, dancing.

I don't when they'll crack America, but they definitely should. Until then, every album up to their latest (with Call the Shots on it) has been released onto iTunes. I suggest getting yourself acquainted.

BWU Recommends:

Something Kinda Oooh, Biology, Sexy! No No No..., Whole Lotta History, and Call The Shots (when its released in the US)