So today I’m posting acouple of songs that I’ve always meant to talk about and just never got around to them so apologies for these not being the most new songs around.

As we’ve already established in the past, there is no artist who knows better the power of tweaking his releases to appeal to the territory where he’s releasing his music.  From different single choices for different countries to having different females sing duets on the same song depending on the country the music is being released in.  He’s recorded versions of singles with Alsou and Nadya in the past.

This was Enriques second single from his Greatest Hits album which was originally recorded with Ciara.  Of coarse some countries were served this version featuring German star Sarah Connor.

Enrique Iglesias Feat. Sarah Connor – Takin’ Back My Love

Now onto a Dutch (or is it German?) schlager song!  I can’t really find anything out about this artist because everything about him is written in Dutch, but here’s what I can figure out.  He’s been around since the late 80’s and has released more than 15 albums and more than 35 singles!  This song was his comeback single in 2008 and is just good fun; has a great beat and is fun to sing along to even if you have no idea what he’s talking about.   My only criticism is that it’s a bit long at just over 5 minutes, if anyone has the radio edit that would be fantastic!

I’m not going to post his photo because I think people will judge him based on his looks and you really should give the song a chance!  I just looked up this song on youtube and he gives a hilarious performance full of funny faces and awkward moves on stage, but the song is still worth listening to.

Andreas Martin – Ich Fang Dir Den Mond

What do ya think?

Isn’t it disappointing when acts you love release songs that you just don’t connect with?  Today we have new music from 2 acts that just don’t live up to expectations.

1. Alexander Rybak captured the attention of the entire world last month with his overwhelming victory at Eurovision 2009 and has finally released his debut album – Faiytales.  I just listened to the entire album very briefly and was pretty dissapointed.  I was left with one thought – YAWN.  The songs are good but they’re not the kinds of songs I’d ever want to sit down and specifically play.  Most of the tracks are extremely slow and “folky,”  Now before you all send me hate mail the album isn’t crap, I just don’t feel like it lives up to the expectations I had for it.  Alexander is clearly talented, the songs are written really nice and there are a lot of beautiful songs on the album.  But the word ‘fun’ could never be used to describe the album.

The best song on the album, besides Fairytale of coarse, would have to be a cover of The Proclaimers – 500 Miles.  Alexander puts his own spin on this classic and I’ll be playing this for awhile.

Alexander Rybak – 500 Miles

2.  I think I may finally give up on Magnus Carlsson forever!  I used to be a huge fan of Magnus and my love for him peaked back at ‘Live Forever – The Album.’  Since then I’ve been consistently dissapointed by him.  First of all the new tracks on his Greatest Hits album last year were mediocre, but that wasn’t the worst of it.  In March I was lucky enough to see him live in Sweden!  He performed a small set at a club in Stockholm over Melodifestivalen weekend.  I don’t know how to explain it but I really didn’t like him at all.  It was something about his attitude while singing, the songs he chose to sing and the entire way he carried himself during the performance.  It was really disturbing actually!  I had been so excited to get a chance to see what I thought was one of my favorite acts and I left with my image of him completely shattered!

Maybe I’m being a bit dramatic but Magnus has just released his new single – This Is Disco and once again I’m feeling disappointed.  I like that the entire song is made of of references to classic disco tunes and the song is definitely a grower… I’ve just played it for the third time and I do like it a lot more.  I just feel like we’ve heard this glam disco stuff before from him.  It’s the same song being recycled over and over again and the track belongs as an album track on his last album rather than the lead single from a new album.  It’s time to leave the disco Magnus and give us something new – leave the disco to Alcazar!

Magnus Carlsson – In The Disco

<——– Me and Magnus

*Update – Ok after the 5th play I sorta love the Magnus song now   I suggest listening to it 5 times before you judge it!

For the most part taking a ballad and remixing it spells disaster, although there are definitely exceptions to that rule!  It seems the opposite is true though.  An upbeat song can be re-done beautifully as a ballad.  Perfect examples exist from Sugababes – About You Now, Magnus Carlsson – Live Forever and Robyn – With Every Heartbeat.

Today I’ll introduce you to some fantastic ballad versions that you may not have heard before.

Sylver – Forgiven (Acoustic Version)

This trance/vocal club group has been around since 2001 and are still releasing top ten singles across Europe.  Their new album will be released this summer.

The Rasmus – Livin’ In A World Without You (Acoustic Version)

Sometimes the best songs are found in unlikely places and that’s true with ‘Livin’ In A World Without You’ which I love.  The acoustic version just takes this song to another level completely.

Spice Girls – Viva Forever (Acoustic Version)

After years of waiting the Spice Girls returned in 2008 to say their final goodbye with a final tour and Greatest Hits album.  This version of Viva Forever is even better than the original and breathes new life into a classic track that I hadn’t heard in a long time.

Bosson – You (Soft Version)

The Swedes know how to slow things down for a great acoustic version so I can’t leave some of these gems off the list.  Bosson released an upbeat radio friendly version of this song and then paired it with a soft version.

Girls Aloud – Whole Lotta History (Acoustic Version)

The most successful Uk girl group of all time and there is no end in sight for Girls Aloud.  Their music continues to evolve with every album.  While almost ever single they’ve released has been a slam dunk there are a few blemishes along the way which most fans would agree includes ‘Whole Lotta History.’  While I was underwhelmed by the single release I find the acoustic version charming especially as they head into the chorus.

Sonja Alden – For Att Du Finns (Acoustic Version)

Next up is Melodifestivalen star – Sonja Alden.  I’d bet that we’ll be seeing Sonja at M’fest 2010!

Sanna Nielsen – Empty Room (Acoustic Version)

Should we start taking bets on who else will show up in 2010?  Sanna should be considered M’fest royalty with the number of times she’s entered the competition.  Is it too soon for her to enter again?

Mans Zelmerlow – Hope And Glory (Acoustic Version)

Mans performed this version of Hope and Glory all over Sweden earlier this year and the cd quality version of the song is just as good.  Again this version takes the song in a whole different direction.  I’d love to hear a song like ‘Hero’ done as an acoustic version, I don’t count what they did on stage this year as a proper acoustic version!