Electroqueer

No It's Not Victoria Beckham - It's RuPaul - Say Her Name.

RuPaul is one bitch that keeps going and going and going. She's the energizer tranny with bucketloads of ambition and I just love her.

Little miss independent just released a new single with the Discobrothers called "Say My Name" which is pure 70's disco drama. Remixed by Damien J. Carter and Raul Rincon, "Say My Name" will totally time warp you back to the glorious and euphoric days of club nights at Studio 54. I'm totally in bliss listening to this on the pod.

Apparently RuPaul also has a new TV show in the works - "RuPaul's Drag Race" - which promises to be loads of fun and shock some families in the square states of America - I think they need it...there is nothing like a few drag queens on TV that gets the kiddies talking and asking mommy and daddy all those uncomfortable questions - love it.

RuPaul jokes, "Tell Tyra that the Queen has returned, and while you’re at it have Heidi clear the runway. I’m going to pump some "realness" into reality. To be a winner on this show the contestants need to be a fashion designer, an American Idol, and a top model all rolled up into one. And they definitely have to be smarter than a fifth grader." - via Perez Hilton

September Pix From Recent G-A-Y Performance

Our buddy Mark Cavill of MAC Photography took some gorgeous shots of September recently at her performance at G-A-Y where she was quite energetic and obviously enjoying the success of her recent UK Top Ten "Cry For You".  We love Mark's photography and he's quite skilled at capturing the pop magic for many performers.  Getting a good live shot is hard work, EQ sucks at it.  Thanks to Mark for sharing his photos with us.  Make sure you check out his website and you can see some more lovely shots of September after the jump...

Madonna's "Sticky And Sweet" Tour Dates

As much as I don't prefer Madonna's new album to her other works, that is hardly a reason to ignore her live shows.  There really isn't another performer on this planet that I would pay hundreds of pounds to see live, that is except for Madonna...and Darren Hayes...but Darren isn't that big of a diva yet to charge more than 150 pounds for a performance - although he's come close.  Love you big D ;)

Luckily for me this time, I managed to be generous enough to buy my friend a ticket for the last "Confessions Tour" and he has graciously agreed to buy me a ticket this year to the "Sticky and Sweet" Tour and that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  See it pays to be generous every once in awhile to your friends people - I'll happily take my good karma in the form of a Madonna concert ticket.  Preferably in the first 15 rows (hint hint Ross).

Here are the tour dates and the dates the tickets go on sale - I haven't seen these posted on a lot of blogs yet either...so thus I am posting them here.  I think it's great that the nice people of Wales get to see Madonna first.  I'm sure she's practicing her Welsh as we speak...

23-Aug - Cardiff Millennium Stadium - Fri. May 16
26-Aug - Nice Stade Charles Ehrmann - Fri. May 16
28-Aug - Berlin Olympic Stadium - Wed. May 21
02-Sept - Amsterdam Arena - Sat. May 17
04-Sept - Dusseldorf LTU Arena - Wed. May 21
06-Sept - Rome Olympic Stadium - Fri. May 23

(Oooh, Geri let's go pretty please.  Have I told you lately that I love you and you're the best boyfriend in the world?  Remember those two times I bought you tickets to see Ligabue...You see EQ's that's called sucking up in an attempt to get your Italian boyfriend to buy you tickets priced with the Euro rather than the almighty British Pound.  Ooh come on, it's not like Madonna never takes advantage of the exchange rate).

09-Sept - Frankfurt Commerzbank Arena - Wed. May 21
11-Sept - London Wembley Stadium - Fri. May 16 

(Only one show, yeah right, expect at least five more shows to be added in which I will turn into a crazed eBayer in trying to secure the perfect tickets for a bargain price from the poor sods who either got overzealous in hitting the purchase button or for some strange reason, their grandma dies and the funeral just happens to be on the date Madonna does a show at Wembley - Oh the humanity, thank god my grandma has already kicked it.)

20-Sept - Paris Stade de France - Fri. May 16
03-Oct - E. Rutherford Izod Center - Mon. May 19
06-Oct - New York City Madison Square Garden - Mon. May 19
07-Oct - New York City Madison Square Garden - Mon. May 19
15-Oct - Boston TD BankNorth Garden - Sat. May 17
18-Oct - Toronto Air Canada Centre - Sat. May 24
22-Oct - Montreal Bell Centre - Sat. May 24
26-Oct - Chicago United Center - Sat. May 17
30-Oct - Vancouver BC Place Stadium - Sat. May 24
01-Nov - Oakland Oracle Arena - Sun. June 1
04-Nov - San Diego Petco Park - Sun. June 1
06-Nov - Los Angeles Dodger Stadium - Sun. June 1
08-Nov - Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena - Sat. May 31
11-Nov - Denver Pepsi Center - Sat. May 31
16-Nov - Houston Minute Maid Park - Sat. May 31
19-Nov - Philadelphia Wachovia Center - Mon. June 2
22-Nov - Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall - Mon. June 2
24-Nov - Atlanta Philips Arena - Sat. May 31
26-Nov - Miami Dolphin Stadium - Sat. May 31

Check out her performance of "Candy Shop" and entrance at Radio One's Big Weekend on Saturday from sunny Maidstone, Kent.  Make sure you check out the related video to "Music" as well as see Madonna dawning some Ugly Betty glasses, making orgasm noises, and doing NKOTB "The Right Stuff" dance moves all to a Fedde Le Grand mashup as the soundtrack.  That's kinda hot.

Jason Castro Will Be Missed

Although it was pretty obvious that he was slipping a bit these last few weeks on American Idol, I still really liked watching Jason Castro sing his little heart away week after week.  I'm not a huge American Idol follower at all but because television can be so boring at times, watching Jason perform this year brought a little joy to the emptiness that surrounds my usual Saturday morning television experience.  Jason will truly be missed (by myself at least) over the next couple of weeks while America decides who to crown the next Idol.

I don't know what it is about Jason Castro that I connect with really.  It's probably that he reminds me a little bit of one of my favorite singers Jason Downs.  It's that little bit of non-conformity that he possesses that I identify with too - like being a white guy with dreads who picks strange songs to sing that most people in his position wouldn't even dare try to perform.  Maybe it was the fact that he was like "whatever" with Andrew Lloyd Webber's advice that made me smile.  He's just himself and I like that.  And it doesn't hurt at all that he has a voice that makes me swoon.

Who knows what the future holds musically for Jason Castro once the American Idol frenzy wears off.  But I do know this - if he decides to stick with music, I would most certainly by his album and talk about it endlessly here on EQ.

Thanks for entertaining me Jason!

Summertime Rants

It's Wednesday.  It's definitley the most beautiful day of the year outside in London today.  I felt the sunshine on my cheeks and felt inspired.  I felt the cool summer breeze through my hair and felt uplifted.  I saw all the boys and girls prancing around Old Compton Street today in shorts and t-shirts and it made me say, "I Love London".  You see it doesn't take much to make this little music blogger just a little bit happier...on with the rants.

• Thanks to EQ reader "Bully" there seems to be some news on the release of Blake Lewis' EP for "How Many Words" - and it's chuck full of some good remixes too!  Check out this link on Amazon!  Yes please.
  
  
• In Imogen Heap's latest vblog she brings up the subject of her so-called "green" neighbors who cut down a tree so they could see their car better, thus the inspiration for a new song called "A-ha!" on her upcoming album - click here for the story and some sound clips!
  
  
• I had no idea that S'Express were releasing a new song and by golly, it's already on iTunes and it's called "Stupid Little Girls".  EQ approved!
  
  
• Adele sounds pretty good when you remix her.  I love the Out Of Office remix of "Cold Shoulder" that's out now.  Still haven't bought her album yet.
  
  
• Are you sick of Sam Sparro yet?  There is an advert on TV promoting his new album like every five minutes or so it seems.  Lucky for him, I'm still diggin the album.
  
  
• No matter how much you tell me I'm stupid for not liking Madonna's new album, I stand by my word.  Just because she's Madonna doesn't mean everything she does is amazing.  Yes, 95% of what she does is amazing, but there is a 5% of her work that I just don't get.  And most of that 5% is on "Hard Candy".
  
  
• More Alannah Currie (formerly of The Thompson Twins) news in The London Paper last night about her upholstery exhibit in London.  Aside from being the toast of the design world at the moment, she apparently divorced Tom Bailey and re-married some dude from The KLF.
  
  
• And finally, I have to admit, I kinda like NKOTB's new song "Summertime" that is all over YouTube now.  Yeah it's not the end-all-be-all song of the summer, but it's poppy and danceable enough.  I am sorely disappointed though that the boys won't be bringing their hangin toughs to the UK though.  Check out this little vid-e-o of the boys getting attacked by Ryan Seacrest.  Yeah Ryan - I know you were a New Kid fan too...don't hide, come out.

Ukrainians Gone Wild: The Power Lords

This is definitely the most bonkers music video you'll see this weekend from two dudes hailing from Odessa, Ukraine. It's The Power Lords and their new thong-tastic guilty pleasure video to "Lords Of The String".

You kinda feel guilty for watching really, but it's actually hilarious. If this went viral, it wouldn't surprise me one bit.

To see if their weiners fire your hummer, check out the cheekage on their Official MySpazz.

The Ones Get Naked And Oily With Their Friends in "When We Get Together"

The Ones have really impressed me this time. Check out their new video to "When We Get Together" which features some really cool cameos by The Scissor Sisters, Debbie Harry, Jody Watley and a host of other uber cool peeps all getting nekkid and oily to help out their friends.

They have lifted into pure sparkle motion in this sexy video and I'm rushing out now to download this track from their new album "NYC Jungle" which is available now!

Also check out this cool video slideshow from Karl Giant which has some gorgeous hi-res photos from the shoot.

Discover "Break It All" by Valeriya

Meet Valeriya EQ's. She's a Russian sensation and is adorned quite regularly by the Russian tabloids who follow her every move. Surprisingly I've never heard of here in the UK. In reading her bio I discovered that this exceptional singer has had quite the career in Russian music. She threw a big strop once and left her manager/husband to go and live the quiet life with her children but has since come back into the music scene.  And judging by the sounds of the haunting and gripping ballad "Break It All" I would say she's onto something good EQs - she's got crossover success written all over this song.

Take a lookski on the YouTubage below and especially pay attention to the track at 2:35 when the song goes from good to REALLY GOOD.

Are You Excited? I Am - It's The Trailer For Darren Hayes New Live DVD!

I think the trailer pretty much speaks for itself. Available in the Australia, UK and USA on July 21st.

Darren is also offering a deluxe DVD package limited to 2000 copies which is only available from www.darrenhayes.com.

Go pre-order yours now.

Kylie Spends 10 Million To Stage The X2008 Tour

Yes you read that correctly.  That's how much she's spending on her new European tour.

Some other things about the tour from the press release...

• The tour goes through Greece, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Luxembourg, Russia, Latvia and Spain.
• It's the biggest and most expensive show that Kylie has produced to date.
• Jean Paul Gaultier is designing over 7 outfits for her.
• 14 dancers, including 4 acrobats.
• Kylie promises some unheard songs and at least one surprising cover.

Damn girlfriend.  Do we get some green tea thrown in too?

"Underneath" by Alanis Morissette - So Lovely

Isn't she pretty EQs.  Sigh. 

Alanis Morisette's new song "Underneath" is so lovely, I can't stop listening to it.  I am told too that her new album "Flavors Of Entanglement" will be dropping on June 10th too and I'll definitely be picking up my copy.

When it comes to angsty yet delicate thought-provoking female artisans, I always turn to Alanis and Sarah McLachlan to fulfill my needs in that department.  Sigh.   

Listen to "Underneath" on this linkage here.

Overheard : Alannah Currie On The Thompson Twins Reunion...

"We've been offered loads of money to re-form, but I'd rather vomit on my boots" - Alannah Currie of the former Thompson Twins.

Apparently, she's really happy and quite successful in her new venture as a furniture upholsterer in which she's been taking some dead animals and stapling them onto chairs.  How very Bjork.

I'd still pay for a Thompson Twins reunion Alannah.  I'd even wipe the pukeage off your boots for you.  Come on, pretty please!

Mattafix Unveils "Things Have Changed"

Those socially conscious boys from Mattafix have unleashed their luscious new pop vid-e-o to "Things Have Changed" which I am totally diggin on.  I really like these guys and you should check out their album "Rhythm and Hymns" if you get a chance.  It's good stuff and they somewhat remind me of The Fine Young Cannibals for some strange reason.

The Quite Great EQ Rant Roundup

Hey EQs!  It's been one heck of a week so far here at EQ!  I just wanted to say thanks for all the kind emails sent in about the Blake Lewis and Róisín Muphy interviews.  I'm really glad you enjoyed them.  I've been listening to all the feedback too about the slow load times and I'm working on it.  I've changed the layout a bit and removed EQ TV which was weighing down the site, but EQ TV will return shortly in a clever way that isn't so load-time heavy - I promise.  Also it's been really cool chatting to all the Facebookers in the EQ group too - wow, 160+ members now...it's uber cool to see some of your faces and commentary!  So with all that - on with the rants...

• In a cool product tie-in, Tiësto has teamed up with Armani Exchange in North America and are putting together some exclusive apparel and limited edition CDs for Tiësto's "In Search Of Sunrise Tour" which spans across American on a rigorous party schedule during May and June.  I really liked Tiësto's remix/collaboration with Imogen Heap on "Hide And Seek" last year and became a little fan of his based on that piece of work alone.  Get your glad rags on North American EQs as superstar DJ Tiësto is coming to town.
• I'm off to see Italy's most famous male solo star on Monday night - Ligabue.  He's like the Italian Robbie Williams.  Geri is a huge fan of his and in turn, I have grown to appreciate him a bit.  Ligabue is doing a sold out run at London's Koko and quite honestly, being in a sold out crowd of hot Italians doesn't sound like a bad night out for me.
• The Pet Shop Boys will play a special one-off set during an event at London’s Heaven on May 2nd.  Very exciting.  Word on the street is that this performance could be the last one for awhile.  I might just have to book tickets then - you can do so too on this linkage here.
• The buzz around retrotastic Rick Astley is in overdrive again due to the recent Rickmob at Liverpool Street Station and his video for "Never Gonna Give You Up" going viral on YouTube.  Rick is headlining the "Here and Now" Tour in May alongside Bananarama and we are even treated to a new greatest hits album entitled "The Ultimate Collection" featuring the track "Full Of You" never before released in the UK.  Can you believe he's sold over 19 million albums?  Tre-cool.
• José González has digitally released the "In Our Nature Remixes EP" via Mute Records.  I'm really quite curious to hear this.  A long time ago, I suggested that it would be a good idea to hear José's soothing voice over a synthy dance beat and now, that sounds like it actually happened!  Maybe this strategic move will bring the already successful José González into a bigger pop audience demographic.
• New Artist Alert: You may remember Ian Brearley from the rather good, but defunct boy band Digital.  Well he's moved on and is in the process of putting together some mighty-fine electro-pop.  Ian posted a rough demo to "Goodbye To Yesterday" on his MySpace page and for a rough demo, it's sounding rather good.  EQ is definitely keeping an eye on Ian.  Go show him support EQs.
• EQ was quoted alongside Time Out, The Evening Standard and QX magazine in a press release for Paleday's new album "Love The Groove" - which can I say, is pop-fucking-tastic. They are truly "melodic pop gods" and "creamier than a gay cow". Expect a full album review coming soon.
• And finally we leave you with Boogaloo Stu's new song and vid-e-o for "Magnetic Heart" that premiered on Arjan's site yesterday. It's so 80's and retro-tastic that it would be a crime not to post it here for you EQs as well, in case you missed it. Enjoy!

"Saved" Live At Water Rats by Lorraine

Check this out. The ever-mysterious Lorraine released a live vid-e-o of their dreamy electropop track "Saved" which I am totally diggin on. I love this little live peek into their intimate show and it totally makes me want to campaign for these guys to get their next album finished.

With brilliant EPs out for UK hit "I Feel It", "Transatlantic Flight" and "Saved" under their belts - it's high time that a full-length album get completed. EQ readers are anxious and waiting for more from Lorraine, but in the meantime, enjoy "Saved" live at The Water Rats. If you love the band as much as I do, make sure you check out some of the above named EPs that are easily available from iTunes and make sure to revisit their nifty redesigned MySpace to learn more on the band.

Ashlee Simpson's "Outta My Head" - Not Bad...Plus Free Download

You know I have frickin clue how I got added to Ashlee Simpson's mailing list, but today I received an email about her new album "Bittersweet World" which told me to check out her new video to "Outta My Head" and you know what - it's not that bad.  Actually it's pretty amazing.  I totally love the bit where she's all Linda Blair "Exorcist" in the end. 

Ashlee is one of those gals that kinda gets seriously overlooked because of all the bad publicity she receives in celebrityville, much like Lindsay Lohan and Kelly Osbourne.  But when you get down to it, what really matters is the quality of music she's making - and right now, I'd have to say this lead-off single is nothing short of incredible.  It's so EQ - pop, electro and retro all rolled into one perfect song.  I love it.

There's a free download of her album megamix here if you join Ashlee's mailing list.  While your contemplating that, you might just want to check out the vid-e-o.  You know I wouldn't have posted it unless I thought you would like it.  Enjoy.

They Came, They Saw, They Sang Rick Astley

The London Underground was brought to a screeching hault today when it was taken over by hundreds of Rick Astley fans who all started singing "Never Gonna Give You Up" in unison. 

We're not kidding.  They "Rickmobbed" the tube!

Rick Astley - you are officially a cult icon now.

Check out all the madness:

http://london-underground.blogspot.com/2008/04/liverpool-street-station-6pm-rick.html
http://qik.com/video/54002
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7343833.stm
http://whatleydude.vox.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=9590099508

Blake Lewis Promo - Slower Than Molasses...

Y'know, I have been checking every day to see if Blake Lewis has cut a video for his ace new track "How Many Words" and all I get is a big phat nothin.  Well, he did release a little online teaser for the video, but it's not enough - I want the whole enchilada.  I want lights, camera and glossy Blake action.  I want Blake tangled up in audio paraphernalia.  I want Blake body-popping and rocking the hair and little beard thingy.  Blake, dude, it's high time you booked some live shows in the UK too.  We'd eat your shizz up.  If you need a slap on the behind to get the promo going - I'd be more than happy to oblige.

Gimme, gimme more Blake. 

The Great Paolo Nutini Ukulele Incident

Paolo Nutini is such a rock star.  He's right up there with Poison, Iron Maiden and Ozzy Osbourne.

It's been awhile since I've written about him, but clearly this warrants a post on EQ today.   

Don't ask me any details.  I have no words.

An Unlikely Pairing...Tiffany and Meatloaf Star In Cheesy AT&T Commercial

No - I'm not kidding.  It's so bad, it's fucking good.  I still heart you Tiffany.

Listen to "Click Click Click" by New Kids On The Block

A decent 1 minute 30 second clip has gone online of "Click Click Click" by New Kids On The Block.

It's R&B electro goodness all rolled into one. I fucking love it.  You really can't ask for a better comeback single if you ask me. 

Where The Fuck Is Jeffree Star?

Ok we give you the new video to Jeffree Star's "Ice Cream"...

Everyone knows that Jeffree Star is self made MySpace icon who's style and looks rival Marilyn Manson these days.  Appearance is everything to this diva.  So when we were sent the new video to review, we really only had one question...

"Where the fuck is Jeffree Star ?!!!" 

Song overall - ok. 

The fact that Jeffree doesn't appear in his music video - rather terribly disappointing.

More Jeffree.  Less Hello Kitty.

California Dreamin!

Meeting Simon Curtis!

Hey EQs - Apologies that blogging has been a little off-schedule lately.  I've been kept very busy as of late in San Francisco and Los Angeles and I've been having a total blast to say the least.  I absolutely love California and the weather here.  Sometimes I think, "Am I crazy to love London as much as I do?"  But then I think, even though the weather is grim at times in London, I am still a true Londoner at heart.  I am looking forward to the trip back to the UK this weekend, mostly because I miss Gerilicious. 

So with that, on with my California rants...

• One of the highlights of my last week was meeting Simon Curtis !  Simon was gracious enough to play host to me for a few hours in Los Angeles where I got a real insight into a star in the making!  It was a total blast, Simon took me to one of his fave coffee places that had pie to die for!  We even went for a little road trip down Mulholland Drive where I got to listen to some Simon Curtis rarities and some rather exclusive stuff too!  I also got to meet Corey, Simon's best friend, who's a real sweetie and even shared some Mac design tips with me!  All in all, it was really cool to finally meet one of the faces that I love to write about and it was such a treat to hang out with Simon before his 8 week shoot for his new movie "Spectacular" where he will surely become a mega-star.  Thanks to Simon and Corey for rolling out such fab hospitality for me.
  
  
• So the new Madonna video to "4 Minutes"...I had to laugh really, not because it isn't good, but it really reminds me of the epic DC Comic book novel  "Crisis On Infinite Earths" where the anti-matter wall is destroying everything in it's destructive path.  Leave it to me to compare a music video to a comic book, but seriously folks - that's the first thing I noticed.  I'm such a geekazoid.  I absolutely love Arjan's coverage on the album review too - check it out.
  
  
• I hate American VH1 and MTV.  I want to watch music videos but I am inundated with crazy reality TV Shows like "Flavor Of Love" and "Rock Of Love" instead.  I think I have seen one music video on that channel and it was early in the morning.  Give me my 15 channels of Sky Music any day over this stuff!  It's nice to see Brit Leona Lewis getting some kudos over here too with "Bleeding Love".
  
  
• So Stuart Price is producing the next Killers album.  That is totally fab news.  I sorta turned away from the Killers with "Sams Town" so knowing that Mr. Price is on-board for the next one just might renew my faith in them.
  
  
• I looked everywhere for some Darren Hayes, Temposhark and Robyn CDs to buy for my friend that was visiting from Portland, Oregon but couldn't find any.  Ugh - new cool EQ music really is hard to come by in America isn't it?  I did however buy the Sia album again because I like the American cover of it.  Time to take a trip to Amoeba Records in Ashbury Haight - I can spend all day in there...one of the best record stores on earth. 
  
  
• So the New Kids On The Block appearance on the Today Show...  Despite other bloggers wanting more, I thought the appearance was really kinda cute.  I laughed my ass off when the gal from the Today show asked Jonathan Knight about his real estate secret identity and asked if he could sell anything with his rather famous name and he loosely responded "I can't sell a damn thing".  That was hilarious.  Jonathan still is my favourite New Kid.
  
  
• And finally I leave you with this...you've seen it before on Perez Hilton's blog, but here it is for EQ readers in case you missed it.  It's just the cutest mash up of the Muppets and Rick Astley...enjoy.    

New Kids On The Block - Spiffy.

I was having so much fun putting together little images of New Kids On The Block to see how they would all look all grown up now (Joe is 35 peeps) and the boys went and ruined my fun and posed for their first reunion group photo.

Looking Spiffy Boys.

Behind The Scenes with Róisín Murphy

I just watched this on Facebook and it's brilliant.

Take a look at this little behind the scenes viddy of Róisín Murphy making the video to "You Know Me Better". Her latest tune definitely is my favourite one from "Overpowered" and I'm just loving the concept of this video more and more with every watch.

Head on over to Arjan's site too to hear some great new remixes of the song which is out now and you should have bought your copy already!

New Kids On The Block - New York Appearance

So it looks like New Kids On The Block will be making their first public appearance as a reunited group in New York City this Friday.  This information was sent out to Blockheads today via email:

THE TIME: 7AM EST / FRIDAY APRIL 4th, 2008
THE PLACE: THE TODAY SHOW COURTYARD
ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, 48TH/49TH STREET NYC

Very interesting!  I wish I could be there.  Hopefully a few fans will YouTube it for us!  I feel like I'm 17 again heading back into NKOTB mania!  It also looks like Jonathan Knight will be joining the group as I had doubts about his involvement in the reunion. 

Take a look at these videos released on MSN which features Donnie, Joe and Jonathan all talking about the reunion and what they have been up to all these years!

Funtastic!

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

It's Friday EQs!  That means it's time to start thinking about what you are doing this weekend.  As for EQ, I'll be packing up me things for a two week jont in San Francisco and trying to cram in as much quality time as I can with my Gerilicous in the next 24 hours before getting on the plane.  I don't know how much posting I'll be doing this weekend, so to tide you over here are some Random Rants and diddies that have been floating around in me inbox for you. 

Go get interactive on the EQ Facebook Group while I am away - we have some fun little conversations going on over there and now we are 120+ members strong!

• How massive is "Cry For You" by September blowing up in the UK?!  It's going large.  I'll be putting together some questions for September (aka Petra) very soon, so if you have any questions you'd like me to ask her - just email em on in!
• I'm totally in love with The B-52's album "Funplex".  It is a must-listen.  Go out now and buy it on CD or digitally if you can.  It's like taking a kitsch-rock road-trip around the cosmos!  Seriously people, I haven't had this much fun listening to a rock album in a long time!
• Electro popster Stuart Glover has a new video out to his track "Fatal Attraction".  Go check it out.  Stuart's hair is just too perfect - EQ is jealous.
• REMINDER: Temposhark's "The Invisible Line" CD is out now.  You must go buy it or download it.  If you haven't yet, well you are not worthy of reading this blog!  Just kidding - but seriously, go do it now!  You can even win an iPod and prizes galore over on their MySpace page!
• Check out Mark Picchiotti's new single called "Turn It Up" that just hit #1 on the UK Music Week Upfront Club Chart.  Discover the bouncy fun house track over on his MySpace page now.
• And speaking of some more bouncy fun, check out "John Travolta" by BLOW-UP over on their MySpace page as well.
• EQ reader Ema suggests you take a look at D@ve B. He's a singer/songwriter from Italy and has some great electronic tracks.  You can even download a few of them on his MySpace.
• And finally, of course how great was Sergey's little mini-club tour of the UK?!  I am still on a high about it to tell you the truth.  Hopefully Sergey will return to London in May when his album "TV Show" drops but in the meantime - here's a little video message from him.  You might also find EQ and Gerilicous in this little piccie if you look hard enough...

EQ Royales Naked Highway, Darren Hayes and Matthew Duffy Nominated for Pill Awards!

How exciting - I wish I could go!  Stop by this URL now to cast your free vote for EQ Royales Naked Highway, Darren Hayes and Matthew Duffy as their music videos are all nominated for the quirky and uber-fun Pill Awards taking place on April 13th in NYC. 

EQ should be nominated next year for a Pill Award - don't you agree.  tee-hee.

Ming & Ping New Video For "Legends Of Nothing"

Check out the stunning new video from Ming & Ping called "Legends Of Nothing" that premiered yesterday on the web. Directed by Brian Williams, this little piece of film is a fantastic piece of work that showcases the San Francisco duo's electric stylings quite nicely if you ask me.

On the duo's website, the video is described as being "a loosely constructed narrative following identical twins Ming & Ping as they negotiate the violent boundary between sleep and wake, internal and external struggles".

Uber cool.

OK OK - I Concede...

Hey everyone - it's Raj here. After going back and forth, forwards and backwards and around the block and the bend, I've decided to keep it Electroqueer folks! Thanks to everyone who emailed, myspaced and facebooked me about it. It was your opinions that really made the decision for me a lot easier. You'll still see the EQ logo from time to time, but Electroqueer will be afront so there is no doubt in anyone's mind what EQ really stands for. So thanks everyone for your input - I appreciate the time you took out of your days to let me know what you thought.

So with that said - onto the rants!

• Another reason why I love Tiffany. My favorite red-headed singer of all time has made a special limited edition package available to all her hardcore fans and I received mine yesterday. What was in it? Signed CDs of "Dust Off And Dance", "Just Me" and an exclusive demo CD of ultra rare Tiffany demos called "Mimi's Kitchen". Oh and it didn't stop there...5 (yes 5) signed 8x10 glossy photos, a signed Playboy T-shirt (with Tiff on the cover) and even a free download of "Higher". I almost creamed myself when I opened the package.
• And speaking of Playboy, Dimitri From Paris (ala Deee-Lite) is putting out a great new compilation CD called "Return To The Playboy Mansion" on April 7th which we've been grooving to for a few days now. It has a "Party" disc and a "Sexy" disc and features some sexy great tunage from Jamiroquai, Marvin Gaye and the man himself, Barry White. Can't you just feel the satin sheets?
• Retroqueers, Have you seen the trailer for "The Lost Boys : The Tribe" yet? OMG click here. Corey Feldman is back in the sequel and we even hear Corey Haim is in it too! "The Lost Boys" was such a huge movie in my youth and officially made me very afraid of vampires. I remember it was so controversial that they wouldn't allow it to be played at my junior high school for a youth fun night.
• So I'm not crazy about Madonna's new album cover for "Hard Candy". But "4 Minutes" still continues to work me over. Apparently it's out on Monday for download so expect to be immersed into Madonna media mania all over again. Get ready EQs!
• So Luciana has released a compilation album called "Featuring Luciana". What a bloody good idea! Available on iTunes now, "Featuring Luciana" is kinda of fucking great - a very good electro listen featuring the very distinctive vocals of Luciana herself - I like it.
• I've just finished my interview with The Gadsdens. It's a cool interview and I learned a lot more about them and why they are on the up and up. Expect to read the interview early next week!
• Who the hell is Jeremy Gloff? Well he's a total 80's electro lovechild from the deep south USA and has a fun little electro diddy available for download on his MySpazz page. Anyone who lists Janet Jackson, Tiffany and The Thompson Twins as their influences definitely gets a nod from moi.
• And finally I leave you with this HOT video called "Le Night Dominator" I found over on Palms Out Sounds by the band The Touch. My ass is shakin - is yours?

What Is Darius Danesh Doing?

Pop Quiz EQs!  What is Darius Danesh doing in this photograph?

A - He's starring in Brokeback Mountain 2 : The Cuddly Lovable Grizzly Bears

OR

B - He's starring as Rhett Butler in the West End musical of classic love story "Gone With The Wind".

Darius, despite your current look you're rocking (I'm sure it's for the role your playing), you still will always be THE ONE Popstar who wins the "Had-me-so-transfixed-that-I-followed-you-for-3 blocks-around-Earls Court-at-3am-after-a-night-of-clubbing Award" shortly following the making of your "Rushes" video. 

Geesh, Darren Hayes didn't even win that EQ accolade - you should feel honored! 

Please put out a new album too - I'm waiting! 

Video: September's UK Video for "Cry For You"

She's blonde, she's from Sweden and her name is September.  The dance diva just put out her UK Kylie meets Star Wars-esque video to electronic dance track "Cry For You" which has all the boys and girls going crazy on the dancefloor.  I heard it this weekend as a matter-of-fact!

September has been another artist that I get quite a few emails about which I have glanced over, but this video makes me pay attention and now I just want to jump up and jiggle.  I'm sure you'll feel the same.  And better yet, her use of colour in this video is fantastic - it so EQ!  How's that for a Monday? 

Enjoy EQs!

Blake Lewis Lovin

Although I am not a fan of Blake Lewis' first single "Break Anotha", I completely went ga ga over his performance of "How Many Words" on American Idol which was just shown on UK TV. Wow - just wow.

My view on Blake Lewis is somewhat limited. I didn't watch American Idol last year and normally I am not into these reality talent shows like I was when they first came out seven years ago, but it's kinda hard to not get sucked into American Idol this year. Anyways, before I get going on a rant about these shows and how Jason Castro is the best thing I've seen in years, let me just shut up and post Blake's performance of "How Many Words" for all the non-American readers who haven't seen this yet.

And - I highly recommend giving Blake's album "Audio Daydream" a whirly woo - EQ is bigging upping "End Of The World" now in the EQ Chart which is pure electronic pop pleasure. And tracks "1000 Miles" and "I Got U", well I could just listen to those tracks all day.

"4 Minutes" Video Images - Madonna Looking Great!

Madonna looks great in these leaked photos from her new video to "4 Minutes" which have been circulating on Madonna boards today!  I think she looks stunning.  High gloss = High Fun.  Still can't wait for the HQ version of the song though!

 

Nathan Walters - New Single on iTunes

Nathan Walters fantastic new song "Fall" is available on iTunes USA and UK! 

This is the best news I've heard all day as I've been patiently awaiting something audiolicious from Mr. Walters for quite some time (hint Brad - we need a promo!).  Nathan Walters is one of the brightest talents I've heard in quite awhile and you must run over to his MySpace now to check out his tremendous talent.  "Makes Me Love You" and "Romance You" are just stunning pop pleasers.

Hurry up and release that album Nathan, your fan club impatiently beckons!

If you are interested in learning a little bit more about Nathan too, you can re-visit the EQ Interview with him from awhile back.

Should We Just Be Known As EQ?

So tell me - Would you hate me too much if I rebranded to just be EQ? It's something I've been thinking about for awhile and the blog will still be named "Electroqueer" but since everyone calls me EQ anyways, I think it might be a good opportunity to rebrand myself to just "EQ". What do you think? Send me an email or a comment to let me know your thoughts. Here is a little sneaky-peak at the direction of branding I may go in...nothing final - I'm still stewing over it, call it "Identity Crisis" if you will (get it dorks?) but I'd be uber curious to hear what you had to say about it.

However, one thing that will never change about EQ is the rants! So here's the musical bits of pop nonsense that have been floating around me noggin this week.

• Duffy has been working me. God, why can't Amy Winehouse be more like her. Her album "Rockferry" has had me in a "I-kind-of-like-this-Dusty-Springfield-vibe" all week. It's like a little bit of sunshine on a rainy day.
  

• Madonna's new song "4 Minutes" i'm kinda so-so with now. It's not like I can really have a huge opinion of it based on that French Radio leaky thing, but I remember feeling the same way about "Hung Up" when I first heard it and because it grows on you like a fungus, which I ended up loving of course. I actually was more excited about "4 Minutes" when I heard the Timbaland live bootleg of it a few weeks ago, but the French dude screaming over a low-quality radio rip just kinda ruined it for me...more on that later...
  

• Totally loving the new iTunes widgets. Did ya see em on the page? I personally think they rock and I'm quite picky when it comes to widgets. If you didn't notice, I also added a Retro video section too. If I was a blogger in 80s, that is the shit I would have been shouting from the mountaintops. I'm your Venus.
  

• Oh my god. The dude also known as Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly lives in my building! I totally saw him getting a taxi from my building yesterday and he was talking to a few residents like he's known them for ages. I thought that was totally cool considering I've just bought his album and have been enjoying it.
  

• What's with these American Idol contestants and their saucy stripping antics? Don't you know that to be a successful American heartthrob you need to be squeaky clean? Fucking rubbish. Oh gawd, everyone should just fucking get naked, then maybe it won't be such a big deal.

• Private are (quite possibly) releasing a remix album! It's all a little hush hush now, but I've heard it and it's really fun! More official news on that coming up soon!

• I'm totally fizzing at my robotic gash (not my words, but someone else's words at describing EQ's excitement) about electro lifestyle blog "Electro Plankton". Check out the linkage - it's rather fucking cool. I plan to buy everything they feature on their blog.
  

• Nelson Clemente is on iTunes! Go and download "6th Perception" now bitches! Nelson is saving up for a plane ticket to Boston to shoot his video and the only way he is gonna get there is by selling EPs! So go out and do it now! Our 6th perception also did notice that Nelson is sporting some new sexy skin pix on his Myspace and Facebook pages. Naughty Nelson - but nice biceps dude!
  

• Everytime I see that photo of Swany from Switch22 below, I crack up. Swany you so rock my world. Asian-power. I want to be known as "The Pad Thai Bitch". Don't fuck with me rice noodles. You, me and Chinatown - is it a date?

• And finally I leave you with the new disco vid-e-o from Bob Sinclar featuring Steve Edwards called "Together" which is released digitally 17th March, and in the shops March 24th. I love the happy-feel-good vibe to this song and the first opening scenes feature London and Thailand - my two favourite places. You know, they're isn't anything wrong with smiling these days you sad sods. C'mon forget your troubles and get happy - let's do it "together!" Grab a coke and a smile bitches. The holidays are coming...ok, I'm smoking crackberries again...I think I'll move to Rockferry.

Swany from Switch22 Clearly In Touch With His Chinese Roots

While SDB of EQ Royale band Switch22 has been galavanting around London being crowned "best groomed male", the other half of Switch22 has been galavanting around Asia and has given himself a, slightly different title...

Swany - I'm ordering sweet pork bitch next time I do Chinatown!

Love ya bro! EQ

JC Chasez - Yeah, Old Song, But Still Quite Good.

You know, for some strange reason, I've never seen this 2006 video by JC Chasez called "All Day Long I Dream About Sex". Sure, I own his "Schizophrenic" album because there are some really good electro stompers on it, like the above mentioned, but I have never seen the video until this evening. How odd. Well it was 2006 wasn't it. I guess I wasn't the avid YouTube user back then as I am today.

So here you go, if you haven't seen or heard it, take a peeky poo here. JC may not be able to score a solo hit these days without N'Sync, but he did an absolute bang-up job on this track if you ask me...this track was a little too far ahead of it's time - he should re-release it.

Rick Astley Would Never...

This is too cute, just had to share.

Free Download : The B-52's "Hot Corner"

The B-52's are back EQs! Head on over to Rolling Stone to read a very good interview with Kate Pierson where she talks about the realisation of becoming famous. And while you are there, you'll even find a free download of "Hot Corner", track number two from their forthcoming album "Funplex" that we SO can't wait to hear!

Their new poptastic new single of the same name "Funplex" is available now to download if you are in the USA...it's not on UK iTunes yet - boo-hoo.

EQ TV: Tilly And the Wall - "Beat Control"

EQ reader Lorne sent in this great video to "Beat Control" by Tilly And The Wall. It's so much fun that we had to post it today for ya. Lorne went onto explain that normally these guys are all indie (with a bit of tapdancing) but have stepped out of their usual music box to put together this fun little electro-pop diddy for the world to adore.  It's EQ approved, thanks Lorne!

EQ Candy : Jim Verraros

You know, I haven't done this in awhile, but here's a little EQ candy for ya.  Remember Jim Verraros, well I stumbled across this picture of him today on MySpace while I was doing a little catch up of artists I dig and seriously...it's on his profile!  So cute and so inappropriate!  LOL. 

Apparently this was a picture taken for a National Underwear Day or something...somehow I missed that holiday in the UK.

Jim - I still like, ahem, your music you naughty boy.

Ranting About The Brit Awards

Mika and Beth Ditto do a medley of
'Love Today' / 'Standing In The Way Of Control' / 'Grace Kelly'

• Mika and Beth Ditto were the best part of the Brit Awards last night which were broadcast live from Earls Court in London. Check out the uber fabulous opening number above.
• I've decided that Rhianna is officially "pretty". Would have liked to see more Klaxons in the "collaborative" performance though...it just seemed like Tina Turner electro Thunderdome performance of 'Umbrella' with the Klaxons playing live behind the vocal...
• Amy Winehouse is still a fucking train wreck.  OMG.
• I don't think the Arctic Monkeys are any indication of what quality British music is.
• Gary Barlow looked rather shagable last night - and I've never been a fan of his. I was so proud of Mark Owen from Take That winning Best British Single for 'Shine' for the group. His vocals are just so great. I still hope he decides to churn out more solo music.
• Adele is a little highly overrated if you ask me. She's alright, I downloaded her single, but isn't it a little too early to be giving her awards?
• Kylie - her outfit didn't really coordinate with her dancers. But oh well. Nice to see her win an award anyways and knocking em all to the floor with 'Wow'.
• I love that they can cram all those awards into a 2 hour telecast and still manage to have the entire Osbourne family host the show, who were great!  Sharon Osbourne is so mental, but I love her.
• Kate Nash really does speak like that!
• Mark Ronson - I still don't get how he can win 'Best Male Artist' when he doesn't even sing his own songs. I know I'm not one for rules, but I think the award should have gone to Mika.

All in all - A decent show this year, and I'm not even a fan of most British mainstream pop.  I tuned off when the Sir Paul McCartney tribute came on. 

Kylie wows with 'Wow' in a performance of
robotic electronic amazingness

Look - It's EQ On A Coffee Mug!!!

One special EQ reader gave us this cute handmade coffee mug at the last Darren Hayes gig and well, it's just too cute that we thought we had to share it with you.  Thanks so much for making our day a little brighter - you know who you are!

The mug sits nicely on our DVD shelf next to classic TV such as Felicity and Queer As Folk. 

It's Totally Electroqueer and we are treasuring it forever!

Róisín Murphy Continues To Turn Heads...

Róisín Murphy continues to turn heads with her new artwork to the brilliant 'You Know Me Better' which is released late March.  We have to hand it to Róisín, we are loving the british trash-tastic vibe she brings to the visual foray of her promotional images.  High fashion mixed with a pint of lager at the local pub.  Flawless.  What's next for Róisín?  A bit of couture on the drunken night bus?  A catwalk on the conveyor belt at Stanstead airport?  A fashion show in Argos?  Loving it.

In terms of the music, 'You Know Me Better' is definitely our favourite song from 'Overpowered' and we can't wait to hear the remixes she has in store for us.