we7 News

New on we7 - 29.06.09

We lost a music legend this week and tributes have been pouring in for Michael Jackson.  Fans have been flocking out to buy his albums and download individual tracks, resulting in 43 of the top 200 singles featuring Michael and a total of 11 Michael Jackson or Jackson 5 albums featured in the top 200.  The legacy he leaves behind is his music, which will continue to live on.

Elsewhere on we7 we have some more exclusive content for you, including Discovery's debut album LP.  Discovery is a side project for Vampire Weekend keyboardist and producer Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot lead singer Wes Miles.  Plus we have Dressed To Digress - a single preview from alternative New York band Boy Crisis.

Let's Wrestle release their debut album In The Court Of The Wrestling Let's and Tinariwen bring out Imidiwan: Companions.  The band who formed in 1982 by people who had been conscripted Muammar al-Gaddafi's army, mostly sing in French and Tamashek languages about the subject of independence for their people from the government of Mali. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Chris Martin cited Tinariwen as having a great influence on Coldplay's 2008 album, Viva la Vida.

It's the 10th Anniversary of British DJ and artist Mr Scruff's Keep It Unreal and we have the Analogue Remaster Edition available to listen to in full.

This week's singles see pop girl group The Saturdays bringing out their fifth single Work which serves as the final single from the group's debut album Chasing Lights. It has been a fan favourite and paves the way for the group's first headline tour The Work Tour, which took its name from the song.

The Big Pink bring out Stop The World, Bombay Bicycle Club release Dust On The Ground and Jamie T delivers his Sticks N Stones EP.

Finally don't forget to check out our homepage for all the latest music and see our top selection of playlists.  This week includes Michael Jackson, Glastonbury 2009 and the Top 40 singles and albums.

Happy listening

The we7 Team

New Releases 09.03.09

This week on We7 we have an abundance of new music for you to get your free listening fix!

There is a takeover from the girls this week with the release of new albums from American pop princesses Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift.  All I Ever Wanted is Kelly Clarkson's fourth album and is a return to the rock chick style of Kelly's early career and features her first UK No 1 single My Life Would Suck Without You. 

Three times platinum in the US, Fearless is Taylor Swift's second studio album and is already deemed to be one of the fastest selling country albums of all time!  Barely out of her teens, Taylor solely wrote 7 out of the 13 tracks on the album, including her smash hit Love Story and co-wrote the rest.  Love Story has been downloaded more than 2.64 million times, making it the most downloaded country song in history.

The latest superhero movie out is Zack Snyder's Watchmen, which is based on the 80's comic book classic. We7 has the Official Soundtrack to the film featuring an all star line up, including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Simon and Garfunkel.  We also have the Original Film Score, so you can have the full movie listening experience!

It wouldn't be right if we didn't mention the King of Pop himself, Mr Michael Jackson - after the very exciting announcement last week that he will take to the stage once again, the whole world has gone Jacko mad!  We7 has been given the special privilege of being the official Michael Jackson UK streaming partner and are featured on his official website.  You can listen to all of Michael's hits and delve into the classic albums right here - so who's Bad?!

Finally don't forget to don your red nose and do your bit for Comic Relief.  We have The Saturdays Comic Relief single Just Can't Get Enough, a Depeche Mode cover, and Islands In The Stream covered by Rob Brydon and Ruth Jones, playing their Gavin and Stacey characters Bryn and Nessa. With Robin Gibb (who co-wrote the track) and Sir Tom Jones as backing singers!  You can purchase these tracks on We7 and with proceeds going to charity, feel good that you are making a difference!

Have a great week!

The We7 Team

New Releases 02.03.09

This week on We7 the highly anticipated 12th studio album from rock legends U2 is out and available to listen to for free right now!  No Line On The Horizon is the band's first album since 2004's How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, making the five year gap between releases the longest in the band's career.  Partly recorded in Fez, Morocco, it has everything you expect of a U2 album - sonic experimentation plus stadium-sized anthems.  So Get On Your Boots and check it out!

 

Also out today is Flo Rida's record breaking single Right Round, which samples Dead or Alive's 1985 dance classic You Spin Me Round (Like A Record), which has also been covered by the likes of Jessica Simpson and Marilyn Manson!

This track now holds the record for highest debut on the digital-single sales chart and also the highest digital sales of any single in one week, a record Flo, himself already held for his Grammy-nominated Low.  Check back for our interview with Flo, coming up this Wednesday.

 

In addition we spent some time chatting with Irish born soul singer Laura Izibor.  She's already a rising star in the US after bagging support slots with superstars James Brown, Angie Stone and Al Green!  You can read the full interview to find out more about her music and background and listen to her new single Shine.

 

Happy listening!

 

The We7 Team

X Factor stars are No.1 on the UK Singles Charts!

This year’s X Factor finalists have made it to the No.1 spot on the UK Singles Charts with Hero – and it’s all in aid of a good cause. The single, a cover of an early Mariah Carey song, was recorded and released for "Help for Heroes", a UK Charity set up to help British soldiers who have been wounded in conflicts abroad. You can listen to Hero online, here on We7.

And while the X Factor stars are at No.1 in the UK Singles Charts, P!nk has stormed to the No.1 place on the UK Album Chart with her latest album, Funhouse. P!nk proves she still as angry as ever on this, her fourth album. As with her recent No.1 single So What, most of the lyrics are directed at her ex-husband. It's an angry, but exhilarating record. Listen for free on We7.

As 007 fever grips the nation, Scouting For Girls do their bit with a new single, I Wish I Was James Bond. And, to be fair, who wouldn’t? Think of the activities Bond gets to indulge in: the gadgets, the fast cars and stunning locations. When you think of the high jinks Bond has got up to over the years, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who wasn’t interested in that kind of the lifestyle. Anyway, the London based trio certainly know their stuff when it comes to 007 - listen to I Wish I Was James Bond for free online here.

The Jesus And Mary Chain helped define the sound of alternative music in the 1980s - along with The Smiths, they led the charge on the worst cases of bland and insipid pop music of the day. In their early touring days, they would often incite crowds to riot. After their thrillingly noisy debut album Psycho Candy, they turned down the feedback and pushed the melodies that were lying underneath to the fore. The Power Of Negative Thinking: B-sides and Rarities is a round-up of demos, b-sides and other unreleased recordings that they amassed throughout their 15 year career, compiled with the input of the Reid brothers. The collection shows just how vital the Mary Chain was for music, and how they have been one of the most important British bands of the past 30 years. Early highlights include their Creation Records debut single from 1984 (Upside Down), and Vegetable Man (a Syd Barrett cover). An album of new studio material is expected soon (the brothers Jim and William Reid put their differences behind them to reunite in 2007), but until then you can Listen to The Power Of Negative Thinking... online for free at We7.

For the past 30 years, Larry Jon Wilson has been the outlaw's outlaw: the ultimate outsider. With his music, he never took the easy option - his songs were always too soulful for rednecks, and too down-home for the discos. Now he has returned with a brand new set of songs, on the fearsomely independent-spirited 1965 Records - the perfect home for this maverick renegade. His self-titled new record is a great collection of 12 songs all in Larry Jon Wilson's unique style. Ask any Nashville musician to name their favourite singer/songwriters and his name will always be around the top of the list.

P!nk beats Oasis to the No.1 spot in the UK Singles Chart!

P!nk has made it to No.1 with So What, beating indie-returnees Oasis in the process. The song has now topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, and sets things up nicely for her new album 'Funhouse', coming shortly to these shores. Meanwhile, Kings Of Leon continue their supremacy on the album and singles charts – Only By The Night is still at No.1 in the UK Album Chart, whilst Sex On Fire slips down a place to No.2 in the UK Singles Chart. Their previous album, Because Of The Times, also makes an appearance in the Top 20.

Will Young's fourth album, Let It Go, has gone straight into the charts at No.2 this week. With every new album, Will develops his craft and expands his range, and Let It Go continues this trend. The album sees him reunite with Eg White, his songwriting partner on previous efforts Keep On and Friday's Child. Will Young is a rare talent – the reality TV tag has stuck to many of his contemporaries and hindered their chances of success, but his abilities as a singer and songwriter have enabled him to be taken seriously as a musician and performer. Let It Go is Young's break-up album, a reflective work that was written in the midst of the ending of a long-term relationship. It's an accomplished effort that sees him moving into the mature-pop territory of George Michael. Listen to Let It Go now, for free on We7.

Bluesman Seasick Steve's third album is I Started Out With Nothin And I Still Got Most Of It Left, and is the follow-up to Dog House Music. It sees him moving from cult-following to mainstream success – the record is a new entry in the UK Album Chart this week, at No.9. Interest in Seasick Steve (real name Steve Wold) has grown since his first performance on 'Jools Holland' in 2006, and his MOJO Award for Best Breakthrough Act in 2007. The album itself features collaborations with Nick Cave (co-writer on Just Like A King) and KT Tunstall. Blues aficionados will be pleased to know that, despite his new found popularity, he is staying true to his roots and keeping the music of legendary bluesmen such as Mississippi Fred McDowell alive. Listen now for free on We7.

There's a flurry of Clash-related activity this week, with a new book, DVD and live album all being released. Long thought of as being at the more intelligent end of the punk movement, The Clash formed in 1976. Whilst many of their fellow punks have almost become cartoon characters (John Lydon now advertises butter, would you believe), The Clash have endured. Along the way they experimented with rockabilly, dub and ska, uniting the raw energy of punk with West Indian rhythms coming out of West London in the late 1970s. All this at a time when racial tensions in Britain were rising – The Clash made a stand for unity, not just through their musical experimentation, but through their politicised lyrics. London Calling is the masterpiece. The double-album is thought of as one of the most iconic albums in popular music, right down to the cover artwork (a pointed reference to Elvis Presley's debut album). Sandinista, the follow up, was a bold experiment, a triple-album that marked the first forays into rap music by a rock act. Since their split, there have been many collections of their works – hits packages, rarities etc. If you're looking for round-up of their work to start you out, we recommend you listen to The Singles. As you would expect from the title, it rounds up all their singles, and is a suitable first taste of the band, for the first time listener.

Kings Of Leon top the album and singles charts in the UK!

Kings Of Leon have made it a third week at No.1 on the UK Singles Chart with Sex On Fire. What's more, they also have the No.1 album. Only By The Night has become the fastest selling album of 2008. First week sales of the album have passed those of Coldplay's 'Viva La Diva, Or Death And All His Friends'. And there’s more – Kings Of Leon's previous album, Because Of The Times, is at No.12 in the UK Albums Chart. Find out what everyone’s talking about – check out the album here.

If you’re not a fan of King Of Leon, there is more happening in the world of music this week to keep you happy. The much anticipated theme song to the latest Bond film, 'Quantum Of Solace', gets a full release today. It's a duet (the first ever for a James Bond theme) from White Stripes front man Jack White and soul sensation Alicia Keys, and you can listen to it now on We7. Another Way To Die is the latest in a long line of James Bond theme songs, and recalls some of the classics from the past (particularly those composed by John Barry). It carries all the marks of a distinctive Jack White production, with Alicia riffing perfectly off his distinctive voice and crunching guitar lines. It takes a couple of plays to get into, but you’ll grow to love this one.

P!nk is back with So What, her first single from her new album, due to be released later this year. So What is the first P!nk single to top the American singles charts. So What is another of P!nk's attacks on Hollywood’s celebrity culture and - as with her earlier hit Stupid Girls - is rumoured to be about arch-nemesis Jessica Simpson. Whatever the subject matter, it’s a P!nk classic – anthemic chorus lines and loud pop-rock guitars. Watch out for the album, 'Funhouse', coming to the UK later this year.

The Chemical Brothers have been providing us with Block Rockin' Beats for over 15 years now – and now some of their biggest tunes are gathered here, on Brotherhood, especially for you. From the My Bloody Valentine-inspired Star Guitar to the Beatles-esque Setting Sun, the Brothers have created a series of beats worthy of any dance floor. The latter song features Oasis main man Noel Gallagher on vocals, and is just one of many singers Tom and Ed Chemical have recorded with over the years. Also present is Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and New Order's Bernard Sumner. Not that The Chemical Brothers need outside help – tracks such as Hey Boy Hey Girl are anthems for the clubbing generation. Disc two contains Electronic Battle Weapon 1-10, a series of Chemical cuts for DJs to play in clubs. Check out Brotherhood now on We7.

Billy Henshall has had a fascinating journey in music. His early years growing up in Manchester inspired him to embark on a career that has seen him write several huge hit records, in the UK and abroad. But that doesn't begin to give you a picture of the man's creative talents. As well as having a high-profile career in comedy (under the name Buzz Hawkins), he also has a solo career in his own right. Attic Tracks is a collection of 35 rock and roll tracks, originally penned for other artists. He has recorded new versions of them for this release. In addition to this, he was also one of the creative forces behind 'Dark Opus', a score for a multi-media artwork installation. It later formed the concept for a contemporary ballet, entitled 'Touch'. Read our interview with Billy here.

Kings Of Leon are No.1 for a second week!

Last week Kings Of Leon scored their first UK No.1 single - and yesterday they made it two weeks in a row at the top with Sex On Fire. Now the Nashville-based quartet have released their fourth album, Only By The Night. And if you loved their previous effort, Because Of The Times, then you'll love this latest album. From the crunching, Zeppelinesque stomp of Crawl, to the stadium rock of Use Somebody and the melancholy I Want You, Kings Of Leon have made an album that has something for everyone. Having broken through five years ago with a host of other guitar-focused bands, many of their contemporaries have largely faded from view - bands such as The Strokes, The Vines and The Hives. Kings Of Leon have proved they have staying power and the ability to go the distance. Listen to the superb Only By The Night now on We7.

The Coral have released five studio albums to date, beginning with their self-titled debut in 2002. Now they have released Singles Collection, which rounds up their biggest singles. Their songs are a mix of old-fashioned country combined with modern rock and psychedelic stylings. Breakthrough single Dreaming Of You best demonstrates their abilities to make innocent, carefree pop. Later singles, In The Morning (produced by Portishead's Adrian Utley and Geoff Barrow) and Who's Gonna Find Me, show a maturity in their sound. Also included is a new track, Being Somebody Else, recorded specially for the collection, and a bonus set of rarities, outtakes and other previously unreleased nuggets.

As well as scoring their first UK No.1 hit, Kings Of Leon also won Best Live International Act at the Vodafone Live Music Awards. The Ting Tings rounded off a busy summer that saw them play a number of festivals, by winning the XFM Live Breakthrough Act. Their debut album - We Started Nothing - has stayed on the charts all summer and will surely be a contender for album of the year. Mark Ronson walked away with Best Live Male. Version, Mark's second album, remains a firm favourite and his live sets show he and his band, The Version Players, have the ability to inject new life into songs such as Valerie, Stop Me and Pretty Green. But the biggest winners on the night were indie veterans Primal Scream. The band picked up two awards - Best UK Live Act and Outstanding Contribution to Music - and closed the show with a typically blistering live set that culminated in an explosive version of Rocks.

An accomplished vocalist and lyricist, Louise Le Gry's passion for the music she produces shows through each carefully-crafted phrase. Her partnership with talented songwriter/producer Chris Sutton has sparked this extraordinary series of new tracks from her debut album Shadows that both surprise and delight. From the hauntingly beautiful title track, to the rocking upbeat of Aeroplanes, Louise's captivating and distinctive voice permeates each track with a rich and emotive sound that's all her own. Louise is one of many unsigned artists participating in 'Orange unsigned Act', a competition to find the best new music talent in the UK.

The Script, Michael Jackson, Dido... Listen for free on We7!

The Script have now had the number one UK album for two weeks in a row. Their self-titled debut album features both of their recent hit singles: We Cry and The Man Who Can't Be Moved (currently in the UK singles chart at number two). Having worked stateside with super producers Dallas Austin, Rodney Jenkins and The Neptunes, the Irish trio have now struck out on their own and are as good live as they are in the studio. Their blend of pop and R&B has sent them to the top of the charts, and you can listen to The Script now on We7!

Michael Jackson has had a long and varied career - going from being a child pop sensation on the legendary Motown label to having one of the biggest-selling solo albums ever, in the shape of Thriller. There is no denying that he has created some of the most celebrated pop songs of all time. Now, to celebrate his 50th birthday later this week, a new compilation - the tracklisting of which has been decided upon by his British fans - has been released. Aptly titled King Of Pop, it contains some of his best-loved songs. You can listen to King Of Pop for free on We7 and watch out for our special Michael Jackson feature coming soon on We7!

Also on We7

A new album from multi-million-selling singer Dido can only be a good thing, so we are looking forward to November when she releases her third album "Look No Further", the follow up to Life For Rent. After a five-year break, the Grammy award winner returns with her new album, which has been produced by brother Rollo Armstrong (of Faithless) and features contributions from Brian Eno. Get ready for the comeback. You can listen to her first two albums, No Angel and Life For Rent now, for free on We7.

One part Bjork, one part New York punks The Strokes, Ida Maria is the latest in a long line of alternative musical talent to come out of Scandinavia (the aforementioned Bjork, The Raveonettes, Sigur Ros, The Sugarcubes...). Her debut album Fortress Around My Heart has finally arrived, following a string of impressive singles and a year of touring the UK. The album bursts with punky three-minute classics of the kind that will have you on your feet and pogoing about like it's 1976 all over again... Listen to Fortress Around My Heart now, on We7.

Singin' In The Rain is still #1! New Music on We7

Singin' In The Rain, as featured on Britain's Got Talent, is still Number One on the Official UK Charts! The 2005 funked up remix by Mint Royale has held on to the No.1 spot for a second week in the face of some pretty stiff competition. The track originally shot to the top spot after teenage wonderkid George Sampson performed a breakdance to it on ITV's Britain's Got Talent. You can listen to Mint Royale's version of "Singin' In The Rain" for free on We7 right here.

New Music on We7

Sara Bareilles is set to takeover the UK Charts this summer with her enchanting debut album, Little Voice. The 12 tracks on the album demonstrate Sara's incredible vocal range, her musical style lying somewhere between KT Tunstall, Fiona Apple and Norah Jones. You've probably heard the debut single -the bittersweet Love Song- already. After a year of touring coast to coast in the States, the time has come for Sara to strike out on her own. To listen to the stunning album "Little Voice" for free on We7, click here.

The multi-award winning Chris Brown releases his fantastic new single Forever, today. An edgy and futuristic dance/R&B record, it shot to the top of the iTunes charts in the US on its first day of release there. On his recent UK tour, Chris wowed fans and critics alike with his impressive vocals, dancing skills and raw energy. Listen now to "Forever", for free on We7 by clicking here. And watch out for a special "Forever Edition" of his second album "Exclusive", coming very soon to We7.

Also on We7

Inspired by the likes of Spacemen 3, Hall & Oates and Suicide, Oracular Spectacular by MGMT provided a much needed antidote to bland and insipid pop music. A colourful exploration of Funk, Rock, Disco and Indie, this record will become the soundtrack to your summer. "Oracular Spectacular" is available to listen for free on We7 here.

Pretty In Black was third album by Danish noise pop duo The Raveonettes. Moving on from the fuzz and feedback laden sound of their debut, "Chain Gang of Love", "Pretty In Black" sees the band indulge their affections for early rock & roll girl-group bop which blends perfectly with the band's glass sheet harmonies. A ravishing mix of noir and vintage pop echo, the record features a host of musical heroes, including Alan Vega, Mo Tucker (Velvet Underground), and Ronnie Spector (The Ronnettes). Listen to "Pretty In Black" for free, here on We7.

Latest Unsigned Artists...

Time for a look at the best unsigned acts who have made it through the We7 Tastemaker challenge. If you want to review and rate the latest new music submitted by artists to We7, click here.

Skizzo Franick is a German electronic musician who samples and splices his way to musical perfection. A solo musician in his own right, he also collaborates with other like minded artists and is one half of the band Malaxe. His eclectic musical influences lie somewhere with Chopin, Thievery Corporation, UNKLE and J.J Cale. Have a listen to his 2004 album My Definition for free on We7. Also, you can read an exclusive interview with Skiz on We7 here.

Singin' in the Rain is #1 ... Listen now for free on We7

Teenage breakdancing wonderkid George Sampson won the nation's hearts -and votes- last weekend in the final of Britain's Got Talent. George breakdanced to a funked up version of Singin' In the Rain. Originally a Gene Kelly number (he performed it in the 1952 film of the same name) George performed to the 2005 remix from dance heroes Mint Royale. Their re-released version of this timeless classic has shot up the Official UK singles chart to become this week's Number One record! Have a listen here, for free on We7.

New Music on We7

Neptune City is the debut album from New Jersey born Nicole Atkins. For the record, Nicole drew on on the bleakness of Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen, the mysterious girl-group-on-acid musings of Julee Cruise and David Lynch composer Angelo Badalamenti. Add to that is Nicole's overriding sense of hope amongst the emotional wreckage and you have an album that sounds like it came from anywhere but the New Jersey Americana tradition made famous by Bruce Springsteen. This is pop-noir at it's very best - listen to it now, for free on We7.

Also on We7... Father's Day!

We all know Dads like to ROCK, so we've dug deep and found a few albums for Dads to check out on Fathers Day, this 15th June.
World's Best Dad contains dozens of Dad's favourite tunes, including air guitar favourites "The Final Countdown" (Europe), "Rocks" (Primal Scream) and "Eye of The Tiger" (Survivor) plus more classic rock anthems from ELO, Judas Priest and The Byrds. For a full range of rock, check out the Rock Genre page on We7 and create a playlist of your favourite rock classics. For Dads who look for a bit more soul and funk in their music, check out Hall & Oates' brand new Singles Collection, available to listen for free on We7.

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to Ben Glover in our Essential feature. Now you've had a chance to get to know him and sample a few tracks from his album, we thought it would be a good time to bring you the record in full. Ben recorded the album with his band, The Earls, and a vast array of musicians and producers who have played with just about every significant country record there has ever been. Listen, or download, for free, The Week the Clocks Changed, on We7 now.

Latest Unsigned Artists...

Time for a look at the best unsigned acts who have made it through the We7 Tastemaker challenge. If you want to review and rate the latest new music submitted by artists to We7, click here.

Latvian electronic/breakbeat crew Beat Milk Jugs are certainly one act to keep an eye on. The four friends have moved on from their early days, which saw them DJ at  local raves, to record and release their own music. Their first demo, She Likes It Black (released in 2006) immediately brought them to the attention of influential journalists. Check out their music for free on We7.

Daniel Diaz is a multi talented musician who has been involved in music professionally for nearly 30 years. Although he specializes in the Bass Guitar, he has also acted as a producer, arranger and 'Musical Director' in his long career. The Argentinian specialises in Tango, Folk and Pop, and has collaborated with some of his famous countrymen (Horacio Lopez and Lucho Gonzalez, amongst others). Now based in Paris, he has worked extensively has a session musician in recent years and has also moved into composing music for Film and TV. Listen and download the best of his solo work for free on We7.