Artist: Chiddy Bang
Single: Opposite of Adults
Label: EMI UK
Released: Out Now
Reviewed By: Nicole Tiernan
For Fans of: Kanye West, MGMT, Timberland

‘Chiddy Bang’ are a duo from Philly with the aim of changing traditional hip hop forever. Chiddy (Real name Chidera) and Xaphoon Jones (Real name Noah) are currently challenging the norm of hip hop by pursuing a different approach to the music genre. Instead of Chiddy ‘spitting’ over a constant thumping beat, ‘Chiddy Bang’ with the help of DJ and producer Xaphoon are taking some of the current music of today and sampling it with their own lyrics.

Their new single ‘Opposite of Adults’ taken from the forthcoming ‘Opposite of Adults EP’ with its clever title hinting towards the backing track used on this record (MGMT – ‘Kids’). Rather than rapping about stereotypical topics of this genre ‘Chiddy Bang’ further challenges the genre by rapping about their personal lives and specifically childhood in this track. The lyrics further match the subject of the song with the use of immature language such as ‘mummy ‘when used in the chorus ‘Tell mummy I’m sorry This life is a party, I’m never growing up’

With the addictive jittery sample and Chiddy’s smooth vocals this track is refreshing, impressive and borderline amazing. Giving even ‘MGMT’ a run for their money ‘Chiddy Bang’ are sure to be turning heads with this record and I don’t mean in curiosity, I mean turning heads to find the nearest place selling this record! Cannot wait to hear the follow up to this track.

(10/10)

Download the album now from iTunes

Listen to more from Chiddy Bang on Myspace

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Reviewers: We are being contacted by Promoters to feature live reviews and albums on the site, if you would like to get involoved with attending shows for us all over the UK and/or reviewing albums/ singles for us, Please get in touch via gettothefront@gmail.com

Glee: The Music: Volume 1

Glee has fast become the phenomenon of 2010– with the TV show bursting onto UK screens in spectacular form

We have been given 10 copies of the album Glee: The Music: Volume 1 to giveaway to you lucky readers, To be in with a chance of winning, simply fill in your details in the form below with ‘Glee’ as your answer

The success story is now continuing with 9 Glee cast tracks already tackling the UK top 100

Tracklisting

1. Don’t Stop Believin’.
2. Can’t Fight the Feeling.
3. Gold Digger.
4. Take A Bow.
5. Bust Your Windows.
6. Taking Chances.
7. Alone.
8. Maybe This Time.
9. Somebody To Love.
10. Hate On Me.
11. No Air.
12. You Keep Me Hanging On.
13. Keep Holding On.
14. Bust A Move.
15. Sweet Caroline.
16. Dancing With Myself.
17. Defying Gravity.

Competition closes at midnight on Thursday 11th March 2010, the winners of the CDs will be chosen at random and emailed the following day, UK Residents only please…… Good Luck!

John Barrowman, the familiar face from British television and the West End stage releases his third solo album, the self-titled John Barrowman on March 1st 2010.

We have been given 3 copies to giveaway to you lucky readers, To be in with a chance of winning, simply fill in your details in the form below with ‘John Barrowman’ as your subject

Tracklisting:

1. When I Get My Name In Lights (from The Boy from Oz)
2. One Night Only (from Dreamgirls)
3. Copacabana (from Copacabana)
4. I Won’t Send Roses (from Mack and Mabel)
5. Memory (from Cats)
6. The Kid Inside (from Is There Life After High School?)
7. My Eyes Adored You (from Jersey Boys)
8. Don’t Cry Out Loud (from The Boy From Oz)
9. So Close (from Enchanted) duet with Jodie Prenger
10. Unusual Way (from Nine)
11. You’ll Never Walk Alone (from Carousel)
12. The Winner Takes It All (from Mamma Mia!)
13. Oh What A Night (from Jersey Boys)

More information on current projects available from johnbarrowman, Pre order the album from Amazon

Competition closes at midnight on Monday 8th March 2010, the winners of the CDs will be chosen at random and emailed the following day, UK Residents only please…… Good Luck!

Artist: Glee
Album: The Music, Volume 1
Label: Columbia
Released: Out Now
Reviewed By: Leighanne Sykes

The television series Glee has shot up in popularity ever since its premiere in 2009 and it seems everyone is talking about it especially when considering the massive array of musical covers the cast have created. It’s safe to say that if you are a fan of glee then you’re going to love and live your life by this album and it is definitely worth the purchase.

The show is significantly music driven. The music tells the story, adds emotion to the show and gives Glee that special ingredient that has made it such a success. But what if you don’t watch the show, will that make the music irrelevant too? Possibly.

With the amateur west end sounding quality to the album nobody would have taken the tracks seriously. It just wouldn’t have been so mainstream having being released in its own entity. This is only because the tracks are so innovative and experimental that maybe no one would have given them a chance.

The album really catches the essence of the show’s sprit and the majority of the songs on the album are well known classics in their own right. This makes for easy listening, although covering such well know material, always has the daunting task of living up to the original version. But with the inventive and clever arrangements of the songs like ‘Gold Digger’ and ‘Take a Bow’ and the way in which they totally change direction of the original tracks it is not an issue.

The fact that the cast have taken RnB and Hip Hop Tracks like these and turned them into pop and show tunes which have the Glee stamp seeping though the centre like a piece of rock makes you less likely to make direct comparisons to its original and thus have you enjoying the tracks for what they are. Ultimately the Glee Cast’s versions won’t displace their well-known originals, but the songs are catchy, are good to sing along too and effortlessly gives you that feel good factor.

By far the best song on the album is ‘Dont stop Beliven’ followed by ’Somebody to Love’ and ‘Bust Your Windows’ each giving solid vocals from the cast and an inventive twist to its composition. One thing’s for sure with this album love it or hate it, it will inevitably have you singing along within seconds and it seems like the Glee phenomenon is set to continue.

Track list:
1 Dont Stop Belevin’
2 Cant Fight This Feeling
3 Gold Digger
4 Take a Bow
5 Bust Your Windows
6 Taking Chances
7 Alone
8 Maybe this Time
9 Somebody To Love
10 Hate on Me
11 No Air
12 You Keep Me Hangin’ On
13 Keep Holding On
14 Bust A Move
15 Sweet Caroline
16 Dancing With Myself
17 Defying Gravity

Download the album now from Amazon

Listen to more from Glee on Myspace

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Reviewers: We are being contacted by Promoters to feature live reviews and albums on the site, if you would like to get involoved with attending shows for us all over the UK and/or reviewing albums/ singles for us, Please get in touch via gettothefront@gmail.com

WEEKEND UPDATES…..

UPDATE 1: Dara O’Briain adds a 2nd show for Live At The Marquee, Cork for Thu 1st July 2010, onsale from Ticketmaster

Britains Got Talent tours the UK in the summer, more shows just onsale….

Manchester Evening News Arena SAT 19/06/2010 14.30
Manchester Evening News Arena SAT 19/06/2010 18.30
Brighton Centre Brighton SUN 20/06/2010 14.30
Brighton Centre Brighton SUN 20/06/2010 18:30
Odyssey Arena, Belfast Northern Ireland TUE 22/06/2010 19:30
Cardiff International Arena Cardiff FRI 25/06/2010 19:30
LG Arena, The NEC Birmingham SAT 26/06/2010 14:30
LG Arena, The NEC Birmingham SAT 26/06/2010 19:30
Liverpool Echo Arena Liverpool SUN 27/06/2010 13:30
Liverpool Echo Arena Liverpool SUN 27/06/2010 18:30
Newcastle Metro Radio Arena Newcastle MON 28/06/2010 19:30
Trent FM Arena Nottingham FRI 02/07/2010 19.30
Bournemouth Int’nl Centre Bournemouth SAT 03/07/2010 14:30
Bournemouth Int’nl Centre Bournemouth SAT 03/07/2010 19:30
Wembley Arena London SUN 04/07/2010 13:30
Wembley Arena London SUN 04/07/2010 18:30

Tickets just onsale for All shows from Seetickets, Ticketmaster

Kenny Rogers announce shows for June,

Playhouse Edinburgh THU 10/06/2010
Clyde Auditorium ECC Glasgow SAT 12/06/2010

Tickets from 10am from Ticketmaster, Seetickets

Simply Red announce final farewell arena shows for December,

Bel­fast Arena MON 08/11/2010
The O2 arena London WED 08/12/2010
Trent FM Arena Nottingham THU 09/12/2010
S.E.C.C. Glasgow FRI 10/12/2010
Manchester Evening News Arena SUN 12/12/2010
N.I.A. Academy Birmingham TUE 14/12/2010
Sheffield Arena THU 16/12/2010
The O2 arena London SAT 18/12/2010

Update: On PRESALE via Seetickets, [Use password SR2010 when prompted]

Tickets on general sale from Friday 19th March, check back for further PRESALES

X Factor Music night Stacey Soloman & Olly Murs & Jamie Archer & Danyl Johnson at Doncaster Racecourse on Sat 15th May 2010, onsale from Seetickets, Gigantic

The Paddingtons play The Roadhouse, Manchester on Thurs 8th April 2010, onsale from Seetickets

Mark Lanegan plays shows in April, onsale from 9am from Ticketweb, Gigantic

The Quireboys, Halfpenny Dancer Live at O2 Academy2 Bristol on Monday 26th April 2010, on PRESALE from 9am from Ticketweb

Metric announce a date at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire London for Mon 24th May 2010, onsale from 9am from Ticketweb, Gigantic

Courtney Pine announce a date at White Rock Theatre, Hastings for Thu 8th July 2010, onsale from 11am from Ticketmaster

Athlone Music Festival at Athlone Town Stadium for Sat 31st July 2010 - Sun 1st Aug 2010, onsale from 9am from Ticketmaster

Circus, The South Coasts Biggest Gay Night at O2 Academy Bournemouth on Sunday, April 4th 2010, onsale from 9am from Ticketweb

Howard Marks announces a show at O2 Academy2 Liverpool for Sat 15th May 2010, onsale from 9am from Ticketweb, Gigantic

Mavrickz (Sean & Tom from Saving Aimee) announce shows for Sept, onsale from 9am fromTicketweb

Sonic Boom Six announce shows for April, onsale from 9am fromTicketweb

Modeselektor play O2 ABC Glasgow, Friday, April 9th 2010, onsale from 9am from Ticketweb

Lady Gaga, reports from a few of you that tickets are being released for tonights show at the O2 London, if youre still after tickets keep trying Ticketmaster

Stone Temple Pilots announce shows for June following their download show,

Olympia Theater, Dublin on June 14th, 2010
Brixton Academy London on June 16th, 2010

Onsale soon, check back for links

Will Young announces a show at Sandringham Estate, Kings Lynn on Sat 7th August 2010, onsale from Friday 5th March 2010, check back for PRESALES

IF YOU MISSED FRIDAY UPDATES…..

The X Factor, featuring Stacey, Olly, Danyl, Lucie, Jedward and Jamie at Newmarket Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, Suffolk on Friday 18th June 2010, onsale from Seetickets, Gigantic

Michael Bublé 2nd show added for Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Saturday 27th September 2010, onsale from Ticketmaster

Ice Hockey UK, Great Britain V Netherlands at Trent FM Arena Nottingha for Sat 10th April 2010, onsale from Seetickets

Jason Manford adds yet more shows….

Opera House Buxton THU 02/09/2010
Cheltenham Town Hall Cheltenham SAT 04/09/2010
Alexandra Theatre Birmingham WED 22/09/2010
Colston Hall Bristol SAT 09/10/2010
Warwick Arts Centre Coventry WED 01/12/2010
Liverpool Empire Liverpool TUE 01/02/2011
Spa theatre Bridlington THU 03/03/2011
The Anvil Basingstoke WED 13/04/2011
Venue Cymru Llandudno SAT 16/04/2011

Tickets onsale from Seetickets, Ticketmaster

Unkle announce a date at Koko, London on 25th May 2010, on PRESALE from Seetickets

Primal Scream are to play their album ‘Screamadelica’ live at Olympia London, 2nd show added for Fri 26th Nov 2010 and Sat 27th Nov, onsale from Ticketmaster, Seetickets, Ticketline

Lily Allen to support Jay Z at his Wireless show in Hyde Park, London for Sun 4th July 2010, onsale from Ticketmaster, Gigantic, Ticketline, Seetickets

What: Manic Street Preachers
Where: King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
When: Feb 18th 2010
Reviewed by: Gareth Fraser

Much has been written over the years about both the Manic Street Preachers, and Glasgow’s King Tut’s venue. Tonight saw the two UK legends come together for the first time since 1991 to celebrate the latter’s 20th Birthday.

This was very much a hot ticket event, and though some may argue the Manics are past their peak, internet prices were commanding upwards of £400 for one of the 150 pairs of tickets for this show. Only the three remaining original members were present tonight, no additional guitarists or keyboard players were there which led to the Manics trademark grandiose sounds being stripped back, giving way to the original angry venom, raw guitars, and more screaming lyrics of a band which once threatened to release singles in sandpaper sleeves to scratch the records they were placed beside. Rather aptly, the three-piece started the set with ‘Strip It Down’.

The set list was very varied, showcasing songs from every album (excepting Lifeblood) and whilst some of the big singles were there, there was also a welcome littering of lost gems. The aforementioned ‘Strip It Down’ and b-side ‘Donkeys’ made rare appearances, as did full band versions of ‘This is Yesterday’ and ‘Little Baby Nothing’; two songs which usually only appear in James’ solo acoustic section. Slightly surprising was the rapturous welcome recent single, ‘Jackie Collins Existential Question Time” received. In reality a testament to a band which, despite continuing media disregard, is still producing songs of a standard which equals their previous best. The band seemed to love playing in such a small, sweaty venue once again, and the adrenaline from the crowd was rubbing off on the band, or perhaps it was the other way around…

Either way, as the show went on, song after song seemed to get rockier, the crowd a little wilder, the vocals a little more raw than before. This culminated in a very raw, distortion heavy version of ‘A Design for Life’ played without its trademark strings. It was almost impossible to hear the band over the crowd singing word for word, a true moment of euphoria for the 303 people in that sweaty room.

The Manics famously have only ever played an encore once - for Cuba’s Fidel Castro. 20th Birthday of the venue or not, the show was over. The band left the crowd baying for more; with ‘Faster’ being the song title shouted the most after the band’s departure. Given the heavy sound of tonight’s set it would have been phenomenal. Perhaps it will be played in the December tour promised from the stage tonight? Certainly the demand for the tour should remain, and hopefully the re-invigorated stripped down sound will be there too.

Set List
Strip It Down
Your Love Alone Is Not Enough
Motorcycle Emptiness
From Despair To Where
Peeled Apples
This Is Yesterday
Kevin Carter
Tsunami
Found That Soul
Little Baby Nothing
Jackie Collins Existential Question Time
If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
Donkeys (acoustic)
The Everlasting (acoustic)
You Love Us
No Surface All Feeling
The Masses Against the Classes
All or Nothing / Motown Junk
A Design For Life

Download the album ‘Journal For Plague Lovers’ now from Amazon

Listen to more from the Manic Street Preachers on Myspace

< Back to Reviews

Reviewers: We are being contacted by Promoters to feature live reviews and albums on the site, if you would like to get involoved with attending shows for us all over the UK and/or reviewing albums/ singles for us, Please get in touch via gettothefront@gmail.com

Jean Michel Jarre announces UK shows for October as part of a world tour in 2010,

National Indoor Arena FRI 08/10/2010
Manchester Evening News Arena SAT 09/10/2010
The O2 arena London SUN 10/10/2010

Tickets onsale from 9am from Ticketmaster, Seetickets, Ticketline, Gigantic