TONI PEAREN'S NEW SONG

We're certainly glad we had a packet of super-absorbent Chux Super-Wipes standing by for this one, but former E-Streeter, now Dancing With The Stars contestant Toni Pearen has posted a brand new song on her brand new OFFICIAL MYSPACE PAGE. Called 'This Is Love' (an unreleased demo), the track sees Toni take on a Natalie Imbruglia-esque pOp vibe. We're secretly hoping that this points to a resurrection of Toni's music career as we believe it's been too long coming. And the same can be said for another little pOp star who's about to take to the floor in the British version of 'Dancing With The Stars' (the unfortunately named 'Strictly Come Dancing'). Former S-Clubber Rachel Stevens has been confirmed as one of the celebrities taking to the floor in the BBC1 series, beginning on September 20. So come on - Toni, Rachel.... More music please - you've both been gone far too long.

CHART WATCH

SINGLES: After Kid Rock's three place jump to the number one position with 'All Summer Long' last week, he maintains the top spot for a second week, but for how much longer? Lady Gaga is now breathing down his neck after moving up from No.6 to No.2. Pink is up one spot to No.3, while Katy Perry moves down three to No.5 (with next single 'Hot 'N' Cold' debuting at No.29 on digital downloads). Miley Cyrus is up nine spots to No.11 (she now occupies both No.11 and No.12). Rockers Metallica come in at No.18... and No.38.
DIGITAL TRACK: US singer Pink looks like she's not going to be going moving from the top spot on the digital track chart any time soon, notching up her second week at No.1, while further down the chart, Lady Gaga moves up to No.2, Metallica come in at Nos. 13 and 32, Flo Rider's in at No.24 and Katy Perry's in at No.25 with 'Hot 'N' Cold'.
PHYSICAL: Delta Goodrem falls from No.1 this week, predictable given she signed copies at three massive instores the week before. She's down 13 spots and Kid Rock jumps into the No,1 position. Elsewhere, some people were suckered into buying Miley Cyrus's pitiful ONE TRACK CD single (it debuts at No.7), 3 Doors Down is selling at No.18 and there are other debuts at No.25 (Damaged), No.26 (Ladyhawke), No.36 (Pete Murray), No.41 (Calling All Cars) and No.49 (Jord Allen).
ALBUMS: On the albums chart, Sneaky Sound System's new album '2' continues to sell by the bucketload, but it surrenders the No.1 position this week to Slipknot. The Mamma Mia soundtrack retains the No.2 position and will continue to sell well in the face of the new 'sing-a-long' version of the movie, showing at selected cinemas from this Friday. Elsewhere, there are big movements from the touring Andrea Bocelli and John Williamson and a worrying debut for The Verve, with their brand new album 'Forth' coming in at a disappointing No.20. There are other debuts this week from Diesel, Dragonforce, The Game and Johnny O'Keefe. For full chart information, head to the OFFICIAL ARIA CHART WEBSITE.

THE 2008 pOp RELEASE POLL!

So hot on the heels of the Great CD Singles Debate comes this new one... A little poll to find out which forthcoming pOp album has you most excited. We've given you ten possible forthcoming albums to choose from, including this one by Will Young (left). But if the one that's getting you moist with excitement is not on the list, simply type it into the box below the poll! That simple! You'll find the new poll over in the right hand column, just underneath the list of posts. We could call it a 'poll'o'pOp', but given that sounds like some kind of sea creature that's yet to be discovered, let's not...

THE GREAT CD SINGLES DEBATE : Results

The results are in - and we have them in hand right now! With 138 votes counted, here they are;

33% of respondents (46 votes) buy CD singles constantly.
29% of respondents (40 votes) would buy more CD singles if they were better value.
16% of respondents (22 votes) import their CD singles 'cause they can't get what they want locally.
14% of respondents (20 votes) buy CD singles occasionally.
04% of respondents (06 votes) wouldn't buy two track CD singles.
03% of respondents (04 votes) never buy CD singles.

So there you go... Seems the majority of pOp buyers who visit auspOp are still buying CD singles - but only if they're a) good value and b) available when and where they want them!!

ETERNAL : Stay

There was something about Eternal's name (and the name of their first single) that kinda gave you the impression that they were going to be around forever. This, their first single, was a big hit for the band in 1993, but the fairytale portrayed in this video was not to last - and the girls were destined not to live happily ever after. Louise (Fairy Godmother) left in 1995 to pursue a solo career and Kelle (Cinderella) was sacked by Easther & Vernie (Ugly Stepsisters) three years later so they could continue triumphantly down the pOp track to success on their own. But it wasn't to be. Without the wholesome goodness of the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella, the record buying public would not buy the Ugly Stepsisters' r&b-esque rubbish and they were subsequently dropped by the Lords of EMI in 2000. Still, there's rumour of a comeback tour in the not-too-distant-future, but without Kelle and Louise. There's the suggestion that Aussie singer Merril Bainbridge might be in the running to join the line-up!? WHAT THE!?

THE pOp RADAR

NEW ALBUMS COMING SOON:

LILY ALLEN : STUCK ON THE NAUGHTY STEP
ANNIE : DON'T STOP
TINA ARENA : SONGS OF LOVE AND LOSS II
AQUA : GREATEST HITS
MELANIE B : REIMAGINED
CHICANE : BEST OF
CRAIG DAVID : BEST OF
JASON DONOVAN : LET IT BE ME
WHITNEY HOUSTON : UNDEFEATED
LEON JACKSON : RIGHT NOW
MELINDA JACKSON : DESPERATE DOLLY
JEM : DOWN TO EARTH
KILLERS : DAY AND AGE
SOLANGE KNOWLES : SOL-ANGEL AND THE HADLEY ST. DREAMS
ROBYN LOAU : ONLY HUMAN
LINDSAY LOHAN : SPIRIT IN THE DARK
JENNIFER LOPEZ : GREATEST HITS
JESSICA MAUBOY : BEEN WAITING
SARAH MCLACHLAN : CLOSER (BEST OF)
DANIEL MERRIWEATHER : LOVE & WAR
POTBELLEEZ : POTBELLEEZ
SAINT ETIENNE : LONDON CONVERSATIONS
SHAPESHIFTERS : DO NOT DISTURB
TRAVIS : ODE TO J SMITH
TINA TURNER : TINA! (BEST OF)
WEST END GIRLS : SHOPLIFTING
WILL YOUNG : LET IT GO

PLUS: ACE OF BASE, ALL SAINTS, BANANARAMA, BASEMENT JAXX, DANIEL BEDINGFIELD, ANTHONY CALLEA, KELLY CLARKSON, SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR, GIRLS ALOUD, NATALIE IMBRUGLIA (2009), INFUSION, MIKA, NO DOUBT (2009), HAYDEN PANETTIERE (2009), PET SHOP BOYS (2009), ROYKSOPP, SAME DIFFERENCE, BRITNEY SPEARS, SUGABABES, TAKE THAT, AMY WINEHOUSE

NEW SINGLES COMING SOON:

LILY ALLEN : EVERYONE'S AT IT
ANNIE : MY LOVE IS BETTER
BRANDY : RIGHT HERE (DEPARTED)
CHICANE FTG. NATASHA BEDINGFIELD : BRUISED WATER
DIDO : DON’T BELIEVE IN LOVE
GABRIELLA CILMI : SAVE THE LIES
SARAH CONNOR : UNDER MY SKIN
ALESHA DIXON : THE BOY DOES NOTHING
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR : OFF AND ON
ESTELLE : PRETTY PLEASE
LEON JACKSON : DON’T CALL THIS LOVE
JONAS BROTHERS : PUSHIN’ ME AWAY
KILLERS : SPACEMAN
SOLANGE KNOWLES : I DECIDED
LADY GAGA : BEAUTIFUL DIRTY RICH
LADYHAWKE : DUSK ‘TIL DAWN
JESSICA MAUBOY : RUNNING BACK
JESSE MCCARTNEY : IT’S OVER
BRIAN MCFADDEN : ROOM TO BREATHE
KYLIE MINOGUE : THE ONE
MISSY ELLIOT : BEST BEST
MOBY : OOH YEAH
JASON MRAZ : MAKE IT MINE
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK : SINGLE
OASIS : THE SHOCK OF THE LIGHTNING
KATY PERRY : HOT ‘N’ COLD
POTBELLEEZ : TROUBLE
PUSSYCAT DOLLS : WHATCHA THINK ABOUT THAT
KELLY ROWLAND : BROKEN
SAINT ETIENNE : THIS IS TOMORROW
SAME DIFFERENCE : TURN IT INTO LOVE
ASHLEE SIMPSON : LITTLE MISS OBSESSIVE
SHARLEEN SPITERI : IT WAS YOU
SUGABABES : GIRLS
ROBIN THICKE : MAGIC
TRAVIS : SOMETHING ANYTHING
AXLE WHITEHEAD : SATELLITE
WILL YOUNG : CHANGES

NB - all releases subject to change & list is updated bi-monthly

BASSHUNTER : Angel In The Night

Credit where it's due, Swedish DJ Basshunter (AKA Jonas Altberg) carved out a bit of a niche for himself earlier in the year with his breakout smash hit 'Now You're Gone'. He enjoyed Europe-wide success with the track, possibly on the back of pornographic images of the singer making their way onto the net, but after his reported follow-up (a cover of KC & The Sunshine Band's 'Please Don't Go') was panned by critics, he instead released 'All I Ever Wanted'. It subsequently hit No.2 on the UK charts. So this, 'Angel In The Night' is UK single No.3 - and lyrically... well we'll let you make up your own mind with these three gems;

1. "I don't know what I'm gonna do, but I'm so crazy about you"
2. "You are my light in the dark, you are the beating in my heart"
and our personal favourite;
3. "You're leaving burnmarks on the ground, thank you God for what I've found".

TINA COUSINS UPDATE

It's been a while since we heard anything from pOp princess Tina Cousins, but she's most certainly not been idle. Clocking up the frequent flyer miles, Tina's most recently been back in the studio putting the finishing touches on a new album project, working both in the UK and Finland. She spoke to auspOp telling us that she was back with some old mates, "I'm in recording with Topham and Twigg, the guys that wrote Killing Time etc". Tina still plans to release her Foo Fighters cover 'Everlong' in the not-too-distant future as part of the rumoured Greatest Hits project, which is due to be released before the end of the year.

GLOBAL GATHERING VENUES REVEALED

Just under two weeks ago, we revealed that Global Gathering was making it's way down under in late November this year and that it would be visiting Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Now comes confirmation of not only the venues but yet more acts for the tour. In addition to those already announced (Mark Ronson, Fischerspooner, Kraftwerk, Above & Beyond, Felix Da Housecat, Sasha and Larry Tee), today's news sees Gorillaz Sound System, DJ Sneak, The Orb Live, Dirty South, The Potbelleez, Stafford Brothers and ATB added to the line-up. And if they weren't enough for you to be creaming your disco-biscuits, according to the official press release, there are even more acts yet to be announced. Tickets for the Sydney event are now on sale, while the other dates go on sale first thing Monday morning.

November 22 : Melbourne (Sidney Myer Music Bowl)
November 23 : Perth (The Esplanade)
November 29 : Brisbane (Brisbane Turf Club - Doomben Racecourse)
November 30 : Sydney (Hordern Pavillion)

MOTOWN TURNS 50

One of the oldest and most respected record labels in the world, a label responsible for launching the careers of many of music's biggest stars, Motown, is about to turn 50. To celebrate the milestone, Universal Music worldwide is set to follow in the footsteps of SonyBMG in letting Motown fans the world over have their say on their favourite classics from the iconic label. The albums, entitled 'Motown 50 - Yesterday, Today, Forever', will be released into stores just before Christmas (around one month before Motown's official 50th birthday on January 12, 2009). As with MJ's 'King Of Pop' releases, the 50th birthday CDs will be available in different versions representing different countries, including Australia. Fans wishing to vote for their favourite Motown classics can do so by clicking the link below;

VOTE HERE

Released Saturday August 30, 2008:

Chemical Brothers – Brotherhood : Greatest Hits
Miley Cyrus – Breakout
Keri Hilson – Energy (CD single)
Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight (CD single) : already on sale
Michael Jackson – King Of Pop
Alicia Keys - Superwoman (CD single) : already on sale
Shapeshifters - Defected In The House
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Progression
Various – Parklife 2008

MICHAEL JACKSON : Happy 50th Birthday

He's one of the most discussed celebrities in the world today. A man forced to grow up in the public, sharing the spotlight with his four siblings until branching out on his own to release his debut album 'Got To Be There'. Since that album's release almost 37 years ago, Michael has gone on to sell more than 200 million albums worldwide, as well as more than 37 million singles, becoming one of the biggest selling artists in the history of recorded music. Often maligned and easily misunderstood, a dancer, performer, writer, singer, creative genius - and one never afraid to push boundaries. Today our King of Pop celebrates his 50th birthday.

BIMBO JONES : And I Try

UK pOpsters Bimbo Jones have thrown down the gauntlet to their fellow remix gods, Freemasons with this, their brand new single 'And I Try'. And with Bimbo Jones' diva-esque vocalist Katherine Ellis recently lending her vocals to Freemasons' 'When You Touch Me', the songs couldn't sound more alike. They're both massive dance/club anthems, both with massive choruses and both ready to rip the dancefloor to shreds. But whereas the Freemasons had a clever, stylish video to go with their track, unfortunately the Bimbo team look like they've spent about $10 on theirs. But what the hey! It's a bloody awesome track, but no news yet on a local release.

SING-A-LONG-A-MAMMA-MIA

Here's one that'll no doubt get the Abba purists up in arms... Universal Pictures Australia has this morning announced that due to the overwhelming pOpularity of the movie 'Mamma Mia' in Australia, selected cinemas throughout the country will begin screening 'sing-a-long' editions from September 05. With the soundtrack selling more than 75,000 copies in Australia since it's release just under two months ago, these new screenings will no doubt cement the movie's position as the No.1 feel-good movie hit of 2008.
Cinemas screening the 'sing-along' version;

NEW SOUTH WALES
Greater Union: George Street, Castle Hill, Macquarie, Bondi, Campbelltown
Hoyts: Penrith, Warringah, Erina

VICTORIA
Village: Jam Factory, Southland, Knox, Geelong
Hoyts: Highpoint, Eastland, Northland

QUEENSLAND
BCC: Indooroopilly, Garden City, Chermside
IMC: Stafford 10
Cineplex: Balmoral

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ACE Midland, Grand Warwick, Greater Union Innaloo, Hoyts Carousel

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Wallis Mt.Barker, Hoyts Norwood, Greater Union Marion.

KYLIEX2008 OZ DATES CONFIRMED

Gosh, but it's been a big week on auspOp for Kylie fans, what with release plans and your say on 'The One', but now comes word from Frontier Touring Company that the first dates have been confirmed for Kylie's December tour. Before heading to Australian shores, she'll be making a stop in Auckland, on December 08 for the first in what's anticipated will be a series of concerts in New Zealand. She then heads to Sydney, before concluding the tour in her home town of Melbourne just prior to Christmas. It's believed there will only be a limited number of concerts in each centre and pre-sale tickets for Frontier Touring members go on sale on September 04, with remaining tickets going on sale on Monday September 08.

December 14 : Sydney (Acer Arena)
December 19 : Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena)

THE AUSTRALIAN pOp CD NEW RELEASE SCHEDULE:

September 08
Dukes Of Windsor – Minus
Grafton Primary – Eon
Lady Gaga – The Fame
Avril Lavigne – The Best Damn Tour (DVD)
Leona Lewis – Spirit (Australian Edition)
New Kids On The Block – The Block
OST – Camp Rock (CD/DVD)
Jordin Sparks – One Step At A Time (CD single)
Sam Sparro – 21st Century Life (CD single)

September 15
Dizzie Rascal ftg. Calvin Harris – Dance Wiv Me (CD single)
Kaz James – We Hold On (CD single)
Jonas Brothers - Burnin' Up (CD single)
Mission Control – Innerspace EP
Shannon Noll - Summertime (CD single)
Ricki-Lee – Wiggle It (CD single)
Shaggy – The Boombastic Collection : Best Of
Jessica Simpson – Do You Know
Usher – What’s Your Name (CD single)
Various – Video Hits : First (CD/DVD)

September 22
Vanessa Amorosi – The Simple Things (Something Emotional) (CD single)
Colbie Caillat – Colbie Caillat (Tour Edition)
Mariah Carey – I’ll Be Lovin’ You Long Time (CD single)
DJ Teddy Z – You Should Be Dancing (CD single)
DJ Teddy Z – You Should Be Dancing
Dukes Of Windsor – Get It (CD single)
Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke
Bette Midler – Jackpot : Best Bette
James Morrison – You Make It Real (CD single)
Nelly – Body On Me (CD single)
Ne-Yo – Year Of The Gentleman
Pussycat Dolls – Doll Domination
Various - Godskitchen

September 29
Andy Bull – Smalltown Girl (CD single)
Enigma – Seven Lies Many Faces
Jennifer Hudson – Jennifer Hudson
James Morrison – Songs For You, Truths For Me
Shannon Noll – No Turning Back : The Story So Far
The Presets – Talk Like That (CD single)
Robin Thicke – Somethin’ Else
U2 – Live At Red Rocks (DVD)

October 06
Cascada – Because The Night (CD single)
Faker – Be The Twilight (Special Edition)
Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World
Jade Macrae – Get Me Home
The Presets – Apocalypto (Collector’s Edition)
Sia – Some People Have Real Problems
Various Artists – Chillout Sessions XI
Various Artists – Joy 94.9 Volume 6
Various – Skitz Mix 30

October 13
CDB – The Funk Sessions
Vanessa Hudgens - Identified
Kaz James – If They Knew
Jonas Brothers – A Little Bit Longer
Keane – Perfect Symmetry
Snow Patrol – Take Back The City (CD single)
Various - Ku De Ta 3

October 20
Hilary Duff – Best Of
September - September
Various - Homesexual

October 27
Anastacia – Heavy Rotation
John Legend - Evolver
Oasis – Lord Don’t Slow Me Down
Pink – Funhouse
Snow Patrol – A Hundred Millions Suns

November 03
Dido – Safe Trip Home
OST – High School Musical 3
Various – Ministry Of Sound : The Annual 2009
Various – Wild Summer 2009

November 10
Brandy - Human

NB - all release dates subject to change & list is updated weekly

TOURING : Jordin Sparks

Seems as if we've been repeating ourselves a little this week with touring news from major artists - and this one is no exception. Former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is making the trip down under mid-way through next month, but in what seems to be a worrying trend, she too is only visiting Sydney and Melbourne. The singer, whose hits include 'Tattoo' and the recent No.1 'No Air' will be supported in Sydney by expat Brit Amy Pearson and by Aussie r&b star Jade Macrae for her Melbourne concert. Tickets for both shows go on sale on September 03.

September 17 : Sydney (The Factory)
September 18 : Melbourne (Trak Showroom)

TOURING : Paulini

Former Young Diva Miss Paulini Curuenavuli has today announced three intimate and very exclusive acoustic performances in Sydney and Melbourne in November. Featuring two sets, this will be a great opportunity for fans to hear Paulini's most recent work, before her new single and album are released early in 2009. Of the shows, Paulini says, "I'm looking forward to getting out there and playing live again, especially having the opportunity to perform my favourite songs in an acoustic way - I'm getting my family up to help with the singing on the Sydney shows - it's going to be a lot of fun and a good night for people who love those "big" songs". Tickets are already on sale for the Sydney dates, while the Melbourne show goes on sale on September 03.

November 15 : Melbourne (The Palms at Crown)
November 21 : Sydney (The Vanguard)
November 22 : Sydney (The Vanguard)

KYLIE FANS... YOU GET (HALF) YOUR WISH...

And on the second day, God created 'The One'... The sentence that follows was music to our ears when it arrived in our inbox not ten short minutes ago; "The new Kylie single will now be The One, two versions, original and Freemasons Remix". But according to our sources, no decision has yet been made on a CD single release and probably won't be 'til next week. SO... Tell everyone - have your say on what you'd like to see on a Kylie 'The One' CD single - as it seems that the powers that be at Warner Music Australia may JUST be paying attention to what you have to say. Here's the link;

http://auspop.blogspot.com/2008/08/would-you-buy-kylie-one.html

We'll give you 'til Sunday 9am Monday morning (AEST) (12midnight Monday morning GMT) to have your say. Let all Kylie fans know the world over - have your say! IF they decided to release a CD single, what would you like to see on it!?

GIRLS ALOUD LOOKING FOR #6?

UK newspaper THE SUN reports today that Girls Aloud may be looking to recruit a sixth member to the million-selling girl group. They report that the band will look for another member through an X-Factor style reality TV show and that the sixth member would be utilized as an understudy when one of the girls is unavailable (or when Cheryl leaves to concentrate on her TV career!?). Girls Aloud's new album is due for release in the UK before the end of the year.

UPDATE (AUGUST 28): The girls have now vehemently denied these claims on their official website.

FREE SEPTEMBER WALLPAPER!

How lovely is the gang at Central Station Records? They've just given auspOp this delightful September wallpaper to pass on to your good self absolutely FREE!!! YAY! And while we know it looks tiny (just up there ^), as you're probably aware - from tiny acorns grow great oaks. And all you need to do to get it is either a) click on the image and watch it magically grow or b) click on this very Sendspace link and it'll be winging it's way through the ether to your very computer; http://www.sendspace.com/file/9tz1n2
Thanks Central Station!!!

WOULD YOU BUY KYLIE 'THE ONE'?

Okay then - it seems that enough of you are voicing your opinions on what should happen with 'The One' in Australia - we thought we'd straight out ask you what you think. So... would you buy a CD single for 'The One' if Warner Australia was to release it? And if so, what would you like on it?


What we reckon for an Aussie exclusive 'The One' CD single tracklist;

1. The One (Freemasons radio edit)
2. Previously unreleased b-side
3. The One (album version)
4. The One (Freemasons 12" club mix)
5. Enhanced video

Would you buy it?
Simply have your say by hitting the 'comments' button below and tell us;

A) YOUR COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE (for export potential)
B) WHETHER YOU'D BUY IT (YES OR NO)
C) WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE ON IT (WITHIN REASON) IF NOT THE TRACKLIST ABOVE

That simple! If enough people respond, we'll pass the result straight over to our contacts at Warner Music Australia and see what happens! So tell your friends, tell everyone and let your voice be heard - 'cause every voice will ultimately count!

UPDATE (SEPTEMBER 21, 2008): There's still been no response from Warner Music re: a physical release of 'The One' despite our repeated requests. We know that Aussie record companies usually won't press a physical single these days unless they can guarantee single sales of 1000 copies. On speaking with Central Station Records re: Dannii's single releases, we were told that her singles usually sell around 5000 copies. Given that Kylie has a larger fan base and that 'The One' is (physically) unreleased anywhere else in the world, we maintain 'The One' should be a shoo-in for an Australian exclusive physical release. Meanwhile, the Freemasons remixes (both edit and full mix) are now available at iTunes in Australia.

MGMT UPSIZING

New York duo MGMT must be deliriously happy with how things are panning out for them in Australia this week. First, their current single 'Electric Feel' moves up the ARIA single charts to No.22 and now comes news that their forthcoming December tour dates are selling like hotcakes! So much so, that after selling out the Sydney and Melbourne venues in just three minutes (Brisbane and Perth have also sold out), Frontier Touring has decided to move venues in an effort to satisfy more punters. This means there's some extra tickets available for both Melbourne and Sydney shows - and the remaining tix go on sale from 9am on September 05. The event calendar for the band's Aussie visit now looks like this;

December 06 : Perth (Belvoir Ampitheatre) SOLD OUT
December 09 : Sydney (Horden Pavillion)
December 10 : Brisbane (The Tivoli) SOLD OUT
December 11 : Melbourne (Festival Hall)

BEYONCE, MARIAH, FERGIE, RIHANNA, LEONA TEAM UP FOR CHARITY

Some of today's pOp royalty are teaming up for a brand new charity single, aimed at finding a cure for cancer. Singers Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Rihanna and Leona Lewis will be joined by Mary J Blige, Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood and Sheryl Crow on the digital-only single 'Just Stand Up', produced by Babyface and LA Reid. auspOp can now confirm that the track will also be available digitally in Australia on the same day as it's released in the United States - September 02 and all proceeds from the sales of 'Just Stand Up' will go directly to the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, more details of which are available HERE.

NAOMMON : Allnighter

We've just got our hands on this album from French expat now New York local Naommon, and even though the LP's been available for almost two years in the United States, we've got to say we're a bit taken with it. It's the kind of cool pOp that's beginning to take the world by storm at the moment and was obviously way ahead of it's time. The video for the title track is below - and features the singer in a limousine, heading out for a night on the town in the Big Apple, dancing on the stage, and heading home. The on-site shots are interspersed with shots of Naommon singing the track into his dictaphone. It's so yesterday, but it's oh so now and pOp doesn't get much better. For more guff, check out his OFFICIAL WEBSITE or grab the album digitally on iTunes Australia.

AND THE NEW AUSSIE KYLIE 'SINGLE' IS...

Erm... right. So this is being taken to radio next week, presumably to co-incide with Kylie's tour announcement. The decision is a little baffling, we must say, particularly given the amazing Freemasons reworking of 'The One' (in both edit and full length versions) is STILL not available domestically, physically OR digitally. 'All I See' will only be available as a digital download and we kinda assume that it's not going to trouble the charts at all. What we're secretly hoping is that they're using this single to give 'brand Kylie' a push for the tour announcement and will follow it up with a full CD single release for 'The One' (complete with album version, Freemasons edit and full-length mix and the video) around the tour in December. Would you buy 'The One'? Let us know your thoughts!

FREE CHEMICAL BROTHERS!

Okay, so Coldplay started the trend, Keane followed, earlier this week it was Dido's turn and now comes news that The Chemical Brothers are also giving a track away abso-jolly-lutely free of charge! It's the Soulwax 2ManyDJs version of their previous single 'Hey Boy Hey Girl' and you can score it free simply by heading to the link HERE. The CB best of is in the shops this weekend.

SHANNON NOLL : Calling All Extras!

Hot on the heels of pOp princess Ricki-Lee calling for extras for her clip two weeks ago, comes news that Mister Shannon Noll is looking for extras for HIS new video clip, filming in Sydney this Thursday! If you want to a) get up close to make sure that little 'tickler' is gone once and for all, b) scream 'SHANNON' at the top of your lungs, c) have a nice day out with the family or d) appear in the video for Shannon's forthcoming single 'Summertime', all you need to do is send the team at SonyBMG an email! Click HERE to find out more.

BOYZONE : Best Of

It seems there's some good news and some bad news for Aussie Boyzone fans, with Universal Music today confirming that they'll be releasing Boyzone's latest 'best of' compilation locally on October 13. They're even releasing the Irish five piece's new single 'I Love You Anyway' on September 29 and both of these release dates co-incide with the UK in-store dates. Okay, now we've got you excited, we'll give you the bad news... Sadly, at this stage, both the single and best of album are only going to be released digitally.

UPDATE : September 01, 2008. Universal Music has confirmed today that there will indeed be a physical album release for the Boyzone Greatest Hits. Called "Back Again : No Matter What", the best of features the new recording 'I Love You Anyway' and will be released in two version, a single CD and a CD/DVD set. Both are out in Australian stores on October 13.

ANASTACIA : Heavy Rotation

Anastacia's new home, Universal Music, has today announced that her new album 'Heavy Rotation' will be released in Australia on October 25. It's the fourth studio album for the US singer and her first for Universal Music, following three successful studio albums and a greatest hits with SonyBMG. And after selling more than 16 million albums throughout the world, we still can't work out for the life of us why in the world SonyBMG would want to let her go! The first single from the new album, 'I Can Feel You' (pictured left) went to Australian radio today, but there's no word on a CD single release.

TOURING : Metro Station

LA-based pOp/rockers Metro Station (left, with their somewhat unique helium balloons) have been enjoying great success down under of late, with their single 'Shake It' inhabiting the top five during the past few weeks. And, with their self-titled album also in the top 30, the band has announced they'll be heading to our shores in early October to play three shows only. Tickets for the Metro Station gigs go on sale on September 02 and unfortunately for those living outside Sydney and Melbourne you'll have to travel to see them perform live. Support will be provided by Aussie band Missing Hours.

OCTOBER 04 : Sydney (UNSW Roundhouse)
OCTOBER 05 : Melbourne (The HiFi) - Under Age Gig (afternoon)
OCTOBER 05 : Melbourne (The HiFi) - Over 18 Gig (evening)

A*TEENS : Upside Down

A group that started as the 'Abba Teens' in 1998 went on to become pOp sensations A*Teens, and over the course of the next eight years went on to sell more than six million albums throughout the world. This was arguably their best and biggest hit (even reaching the No.6 spot in the United States)! 'Upside Down' was released in 2000 as the first single from the group's second album 'Teen Spirit' and the video for it was as fresh and colourful as the band's members themselves! With bright pastel colours in spades, the four members of the Swedish act (Marie, Amit, Dhani and Sara) are quite literally 'bouncing off the ceiling' (and the walls and the floor) as they sing about being way behind in their schoolwork all because of a schoolyard crush! Then they drive flashy cars (they were all 16 or 17 at the time and it's illegal to drive in Sweden without someone at least 24 years of age by your side), they have dance routines (obligatory for all good pOp videos) and they all look great on camera.
Sadly, the band officially disbanded in 2006 and all members have since gone onto solo careers with varying degrees of success.

PAULINI QUITS YOUNG DIVAS

We've been predicting it for ages... Back in early July, auspOp suggested that Young Divas member Paulini Curuenavuli may no longer be signed to SonyBMG, given her official website was no longer online, speculating at the time that the Young Divas may have lost a member. Then earlier this week, we suggested that the Young Divas may have lost TWO members. Reports today have confirmed that Paulini has indeed quit the Young Divas and now joins Jessica Mauboy in the exodus. But according to Fiona Byrne from Melbourne's Sunday Herald Sun, it's now rumoured that the remaining cast of Young Divas will be dumped and a new line-up sought for a third album. Meanwhile, Paulini's third solo album is expected to be released early in the new year and auspOp predicts that EMI will be the company to release it.

CHART WATCH

In a chart move that's really taken us by surprise, Kid Rock has jumped up four places into the ARIA Singles No.1 spot tonight. It ends Katy Perry's six week reign in the peak position as she moves down one spot to number two. Pink's brilliant new single 'So What' has debuted at No.4 on downloads alone, also clinching top spot on the digital tracks chart. Elsewhere, The Veronicas move up to No.7 with their digital-only release 'Take Me On The Floor', Delta debuts at 13, disappointing given her massive instores throughout the country in the past week, but she will be happy with her No.1 spot over on the physical singles chart. Aussie dance outfit Hook 'n' Sling come in at No.27 and Jordin Sparks pOps in at No.43.
Over on the albums chart, the champagne will be flowing for Aussie dance act Sneaky Sound System tonight, as they score the prime spot with their new album '2'. They bump the Mamma Mia soundtrack down to No.2, well Xavier Rudd hit the No.5 spot. Alicia Keys moves up on the back of her tour announcement and Delta also re-emerges on the back of the aforementioned instores.

KYLIEX2008 AUSSIE TOUR CONFIRMED

As predicted by auspOp only ten days ago, Kylie has now confirmed that she will bring her KylieX2008 tour home in early December. The only bad news comes for those living outside New South Wales and Victoria, as they're the only two states Kylie plans to visit as part of the tour's Australian leg. A week-long series of both Melbourne and Sydney dates are expected to be announced later this week, but fans in other parts of the country unfortunately miss out. In announcing the limited dates, Kylie said, "I can't wait to bring it home".

JOHN LEGEND : Green Light

Hey John! Big Brother called and he wants his logo back (surely there must be a legal challenge over this...?) The thing about John Legend is that he seems to be one extra-ordinarily switched-on operator, cleverly criss-crossing between pure soul and soul pOp - and this single falls into the latter category. The video opens with JL belting out previous hit 'Ordinary People' at a crowded bash. Sadly (and somewhat criminally) they're not paying him an ounce of attention, so he slams the piano lid shut and starts belting out his new tune. Magically, out of nowhere, Andre 3000 appears and does a guest vocal - and by this time the place is jumpin'! Andre finds himself in a martini glass, surrounded by synchronised swimmers and starts sprouting some traditional bad-grammar soaked rap. Back at the party, John's getting closer to the girl he's been eyeing off all night over some must've-been-paid-for shots of bottles of vodka, before the clip concludes the morning with John and Andre leaving the venue, seemingly oblivious to the dead guy on the front step.
Three people step OVER the body and no-one checks him for a pulse!? Perhaps they should ring 911 and emergency page Dr.Beat..?

EMILIA DE PORET : Pick Me Up

Brace yourselves - if the promotional packaging is anything to go by, then you're going to be hearing a hell of a lot more about blonde bombshell Swedish artist Emilia De Poret in the coming months.
'Pick Me Up' is the name of the track they feel will take Australian audiences by storm by the time it arrives in-stores on October 04. And when it's produced in Max Martin's studio and co-written by Arnthor Birgisson (who's penned for Janet, J-Lo, Enrique etc etc), you know it's got a good pedigree (erm, did we just make a dog reference!?). And while we can't hunt down a video for the track, we can show you the clip for previous single, 'I Can'. The single itself is strong, catchy and given enough of a push, could certainly work in Australia. Now... if only they'd import her label mate Ola Svensson too 'cause we secretly loved his single 'Love In Stereo'...
"I Can"

KING OF POP TRACKLIST REVEALED

Australia, you have voted (gosh, that sounded all very 'Idol', didn't it?)... And the tracklisting for the Australian edition of 'The King Of pOp' is listed below. Details of tracklisting for the UK version has also surfaced and it differs in that it will feature 'Bad', 'Ghost', 'Heal The World', 'Jam', 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You', 'Come Together', 'Dangerous', 'Earth Song', 'She's Out Of My Life', 'The Girl Is Mine', 'Blood On The Dancefloor' and 'Billie Jean 2008'. To further empty the wallets of fans the world over, there's also to be at least a US version, a Flemish version, a Dutch version, a French version, a German version, a Japanese version, a Filipino version, a Hong Kong version.... Need we go on? It'll be interesting to see which version MJ purists believe is the best.

DISC ONE
Billie Jean
Man In The Mirror
Smooth Criminal (Radio Edit)
Beat It
Thriller
They Don't Care About Us (Lp Edit)
Who Is It (7 Edit)
Black Or White
You Rock My World (With Intro)
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
The Way You Make Me Feel
Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough (Edited Single)
Dirty Diana
Blood On The Dance Floor
Rock With You
Stranger In Moscow
Remember The Time

DISC TWO
Will You Be There
Give In To Me
You Are Not Alone
Say Say Say
Scream
State Of Shock
Got The Hots (Thriller 25th Anniversary, Previously Unreleased)
You Can't Win
Fall Again (Demo)
Sunset Driver (Demo)
Someone Put Your Hand Out
In The Back
We Are The World (Demo)
One More Chance
Thriller Megamix

P!NK : So What

Well the video for Pink's new single 'So What' may get it's debut Australian television airing on Video Hits on Sunday morning, but we traverse the world to dig things up for you, such is our dedication to bringing you quality pop. So here 'tis - the official video. She's getting a tattoo, she's driving a lawnmower through the streets whilst drinking, she's breaking guitars, she's chopping down trees, she's accosting some poor newlyweds, she's stripping bare on the red carpet, she's setting her hair on fire, she's feeding kids urine, having pillow fights and blowing raspberries to top it all off. We can't help but think Amy Winehouse may look at this clip and find some inspiration and/or enlightenment.

JADE MACRAE : I Wanna Be In Love

HOORAH! Finally, someone's put Jade Macrae's new clip up online - and now we can share it with you! The clip for 'I Wanna Be In Love' was filmed in the US earlier this year and features Jade in various guises, hair up, hair down, hair frizzy, hair flat. Doesn't matter how she wears it, she always looks effortlessly amazing and having seen her performing live, we also know what an extraordinary vocal talent she is. Looking very much forward to the album 'Get Me Home', due for release on October 04. (And a big tick for being one of those rare pOpstars who actually wears a seatbelt when she drives).

VANESSA AMOROSI : The Simple Things

Here 'tis - the brand new video for the third single to be lifted from Vanessa's awesome new album 'Somewhere In The Real World'. Like Goldilocks, she breaks into someone's house (they're probably away in New Zealand visiting relatives) and she decides to make herself right at home, lounging all over the place, trying out every seat in the house ('this one's too small', 'this one's too lumpy' etc etc). She tries on three outfits, then decides that given the white one makes her blend into the rest of the house too much and that she needs to stand out a bit more, she hops into the bath FULLY CLOTHED! Madness! But if that wasn't a big enough slap in the face for this poor, unsuspecting holidaying family, she starts reading their ruddy mail!!! Sheesh! Lock your doors, kids - this could happen to you! Someone should really teach this girl some manners. All we can say is thank goodness they seem to have run out of porridge... Seriously though, watching it we can't help but feel sad that the wait has been so long for Vanessa's most welcome return to planet pOp.

FREE DIDO

As we've been predicting for the last month, British chanteuse Dido has confirmed that her forthcoming third album is to be named 'Safe Trip Home'. Details of the new release have just pOpped up on Dido's OFFICIAL WEBSITE where, until September 07, you can download a free MP3 of new song 'Look No Further'. It's sonically very familiar and VERY Dido, with lush instrumentation and her trademark soft, wispy vocals. The perfect pre-cursor to the new album, due instores worldwide on November 03.

WHY BOTHER?

auspOp urges all pOp music fans this week to boycott the new Miley Cyrus Australian 'CD single' (if you can call it that) after it was confirmed tonight by keen pOp shopper and auspOp reader Aaron that the release is a ONE TRACK CD single. Seriously, can it get any worse for CD singles buyers!? So we encourage all and sundry - tell your friends, tell your neighbours if you have to... DON'T buy into a one track CD single. It's completely ridiculous and we hope the track fails miserably because of it.

Released Saturday August 23, 2008:

Miley Cyrus - 7 Things (CD single)
Danity Kane - Damaged (CD single)
Estelle - No Substitute Love (CD single)
Kaskade – Strobelight Seduction
Ladyhawke – Paris Is Burning (CD single)
Lovers Electric - Whatever You Want
Ultra Nate - Alchemy : Grime Silk Thunder Reloaded (2CD)
Verve - Forth
Axle Whitehead – Losing Sleep

THE GREAT CD SINGLES DEBATE - ENDS AUGUST 30!

At the end of July, we launched the Great CD Singles Debate to find out about your views when it comes to CD singles, given that record companies seem hell-bent on getting rid of them. And we've had some great response from you in the voting process. Just a friendly reminder that if you've only just discovered auspOp by stroke of luck etc etc, we'd love to have YOUR input on the CD singles debate too. Do you buy CD singles? Do you import them 'cause Aussie record companies take too bloody long to release them? Would you buy more of them if they were better value? Are you a fan of two track singles? Or do you think they're just a complete waste of time and space? We would love to hear from you! We'll post the results on Monday week and we'll also be sending the findings to the record companies so they can judge the results for themselves! Get crackin'! Just over one week to go before we end the auspOp Great CD Singles Debate! Voting in the right hand column, a little further down. Further... Little further...

REVIEW : 2

Got to admit, we secretly wanted to loathe the second Sneaky Sound System album, just so we could be the ones to buck the trend of everyone who's already said it's so bloody good. Got to admit though, we're just ending up joining the chorus of applause. There are moments on the new LP ('Kansas City' and 'I Want Everything') that are so familiar in their sound, they could've been ripped straight from the covers of the Sneaky's self-titled debut. But they are few and far between, as the band seeks to etch out new sounds and find their unique place in the ever populated world of Aussie dance/pOp. After the first single 'Kansas City' comes the shoe-in for single No.2, but it's called '16' (which will confuse your average punter). It's a pure-pOp stomper that will find it's way onto any and every radio station throughout the nation. 'When We Were Young' is more anthemic pOp, Connie's vocals shine on 'It's Not My Problem' which musically almost sounds like a noughties homage to Paul McCartney's 'Let 'Em In', while 'Don't Get You' tips it's hat to the driving pOp bassline of Madonna's 'Jump'.
Perhaps the only gripe that we could muster from this new album is the fact that it only contains ten tracks and runs for little more than 40 minutes and in that respect we feel a little short-changed. But then again, leaving the audience wanting more might just be a big part of the overall Sneaky plan!!

ELVIS REMIXED

This is one out of left field (and from what we can tell, it's been a heck of a long time in the making), but Elvis Presley has two more 'firsts' up his sleeve, the first of which being this full-length remix album, released in the UK on September 08. The album is remixed by Italian DJ Spankox and features the new Elvis single 'Baby Let's Play House'. Herein lies the second 'first', and we've gotta hand it to SonyBMG for pulling a very big rabbit out of it's hat here... The CD single, to be released in the UK on September 01, will be both a CD single AND a vinyl single all at the same time! WHAT!? So... the little plastic disc will play in your CD player AND on your traditional 'record player'! G.E.T. O.U.T. O.F. T.O.W.N! We wanna get our hands on one just to see! That said, when they do CD single on one side and CASSINGLE on the other, THEN we'll be impressed!!

TOURING : Hollie Smith

We must admit to falling in love with Hollie's debut album 'Long Player' and our glittering review for it was our fourth ever post here on auspOp (you can read it HERE), but now comes news that the soulful New Zealander is heading across the Tasman to play a series of intimate shows for her Australian fans. This tour follows on from her amazing reception at the Byron Bay Blues Festival earlier this year and with this visit taking in four shows in New South Wales, two in Queensland and one in Melbourne, she's sure to further cast her beguiling spell upon Aussie audiences.

September 10 : Cronulla (The Brass Monkey)
September 11 : Manly (The Old Manly Boatshed)
September 12 : Katoomba (Clarendon Guest House)
September 14 : Newtown (The Vanguard)
September 18 : Brisbane (The Troubador)
September 19 : Coolum (Sol Bar)
September 20 : Melbourne (Manchester Lane)

THE AUSTRALIAN pOp CD NEW RELEASE SCHEDULE:

August 29
Michael Jackson – King Of Pop

September 01
Chemical Brothers – Brotherhood : Greatest Hits
Miley Cyrus – Breakout
Keri Hilson – Energy (CD single)
Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight (CD single)
Alicia Keys - Superwoman (CD single)
Shapeshifters - Defected In The House
Various – Ministry Of Sound : Progression
Various – Parklife 2008

September 08
Vanessa Amorosi – The Simple Things (Something Emotional) (CD single)
Dukes Of Windsor – Minus
Grafton Primary – Eon
Lady Gaga – The Fame
Avril Lavigne – The Best Damn Tour (DVD)
Leona Lewis – Spirit (Australian Edition)
New Kids On The Block – The Block
OST – Camp Rock (CD/DVD)
Jordin Sparks – One Step At A Time (CD single)
Sam Sparro – 21st Century Life (CD single)

September 15
Mariah Carey – I’ll Be Lovin’ You Long Time (CD single)
Dizzie Rascal ftg. Calvin Harris – Dance Wiv Me (CD single)
Kaz James – We Hold On (CD single)
Pussycat Dolls – Doll Domination
Ricki-Lee – Wiggle It (CD single)
Shaggy – The Boombastic Collection : Best Of
Jessica Simpson – Do You Know
Usher – What’s Your Name (CD single)
Various – Video Hits : First (CD/DVD)

September 22
Colbie Caillat – Colbie Caillat (Tour Edition)
DJ Teddy Z – You Should Be Dancing (CD single)
DJ Teddy Z – You Should Be Dancing
Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke
Bette Midler – Jackpot : Best Bette
James Morrison – You Make It Real (CD single)
Nelly – Body On Me (CD single)
Ne-Yo – Year Of The Gentleman
Various - Godskitchen

September 29
Enigma – Seven Lies Many Faces
Jennifer Hudson – Jennifer Hudson
James Morrison – Songs For You, Truths For Me
Shannon Noll – No Turning Back : The Story So Far
The Presets – Talk Like That (CD single)
Robin Thicke – Somethin’ Else
U2 – Live At Red Rocks (DVD)

October 06
Cascada – Because The Night (CD single)
Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World
Jade Macrae – Get Me Home
The Presets – Apocalypto (Collector’s Edition)
Sia – Some People Have Real Problems
Various Artists – Chillout Sessions XI
Various Artists – Joy 94.9 Volume 6
Various – Skitz Mix 30

October 13
CDB – The Funk Sessions
Kaz James – If They Knew
Jonas Brothers – A Little Bit Longer
Keane – Perfect Symmetry
Snow Patrol – Take Back The City (CD single)

October 20
Hilary Duff – Greatest Hits
September - September
Various - Homesexual

October 27
John Legend - Evolver
Oasis – Lord Don’t Slow Me Down
Pink – Funhouse
Snow Patrol – A Hundred Millions Suns

November 03
Dido - Safe Trip Home
OST – High School Musical 3
Various – Ministry Of Sound : The Annual 2009
Various – Wild Summer 2009

November 10
Brandy - Human

NB - all release dates subject to change & list is updated weekly

POP RECYCLING

Don't you love hearing pOp songs in other languages? They make no sense to us English speaking ignoramuses, but you still feel the need to sing along despite not knowing a word.

YOUNG DIVAS MINUS TWO?

There continues to be plenty of talk and speculation surrounding the future of Aussie pOp vocal group 'Young Divas' with latest rumours suggesting the group may now have lost TWO members. auspOp believes that one member of the foursome may have signed with another major record label, while the other may have left the band to concentrate on her solo career. Both Paulini and Jessica Mauboy currently have solo albums in the works and there's no word on future solo projects for either Emily or Kate. We continue to watch and wait.

GLOBAL GATHERING

Dance event 'Global Gathering' is coming to Australia in late November and it will bring with it some of the biggest names in world dance. Fans in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne will be dancing their collective tushes off to the sounds of Mark Ronson, Above & Beyond, Fischerspooner, Kraftwerk, Felix Da Housecat, Sasha and even the US's Larry Tee. Tickets for all events go on sale from September 1st from 'all the usual outlets'. No word yet on exact dates and venues, but we'll keep you posted.