By Claudine Paul

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By Claudine Paul

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By Claudine Paul

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By Claudine Paul

Depeche Mode's Tour Of The Universe:  Barcelona 20/21.11.09 release showcases how the band, aside from being synth pioneers, have become savvy performance artists.  

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By Claudine Paul

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By Claudine Paul

(Musical reminiscence by our music guru Claudine)

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By Claudine Paul

Clearly, from the ominous tones that commences the current music release, by rock band Thirty Seconds To Mars, it is understood what is on this band's mind.  This Is War is a cohesive culmination of cinematic rock melodies all backdropped against the desperate vocal pleas of lead singer Jared Leto.  Lyrical interjections, marching rhythms, and grand choral choruses are employed hinting always a sense of unity and hope.  This Is War, it seems, was worth the battle for Thirty Seconds To Mars.

Images courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Claudine Paul

Dance queen, Kylie Minogue, conjures familiarity with new music release Aphrodite.  The fun commences with single "All The Lovers," which sets the pace of the whole release and keeps toes tapping. Named after the mythical goddess of love, the main theme pronounced throughout is the subject of love. Minogue's Aphrodite is sure to keep dancing worshippers on the dance floor.

Images courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Claudine Paul

Singer/Songwriter Seal's new release, Commitment, relinquishes the reflective tone of his 2008 studio release Soul, and is driven by more of a pop flair.  Given that it is produced by master producer David Foster (Josh Groban, Michael Jackson, Michael Buble, etc.), prominent and outlandish orchestral arrangements with light late 70's and 80's pop harmonizations are referenced here that perfectly complements the rich texture of Seal's vocals.  Standout tracks like "Weight of My Mistakes," "All For Love," "I Know What You Did" makes Seal's Commitment a 2010 adult contemporary gem.

By Claudine Paul

The debut release by British newcomer Lolene, The Electrick Hotel, is one that won't leave any listening guest that is checking in feeling short changed.  Generously offering fifteen electro tracks of music, the singer's music is a combination of catchy animated high octave dance tracks and a few ballads to show the variety found in her hotel.  Lolene, who probably won't have to "fake it to make it," will have no problem finding room for one more in today's new Lady Gaga genre world of Pop Dance.

 Images courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Claudine Paul

British music mixers The Chemical Brothers - while many of their Electronica peers have disappeared into oblivion - prove that they are still doing what they do best with the release of their seventh studio title Further.   The pair's latest is a cohesive dance mix of varied tempos, melodic ambient sounds, and occasional vocals.  It's an easy listen, as a whole, without any mindless fillers.

Image courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Claudine Paul

Like all her other female music contemporaries on the U.K. music scene, up and coming singer VV Brown carves her own niche on her first international release Travelling Like The Light.  Brown travels back in time - particularly the 50's - for her brand of sound.  No heaviness can be found from beginning to end on this release.  Brown's output is just all around good feeling, and listening music.

Image courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Claudine Paul

Singer Corinne Bailey Rae follows her first international success, Corinne Bailey Rae (2006), with new music title The Sea.  On her latest recording three years later, Rae aims again for the intimate, simplistic, and placid style of folk/soul/pop/funk sound that brought her world-wide fame.  Uplifting 60's inspired tracks this time, however, such as "Paris Nights/New York Mornings," "Paper Dolls," and "The Blackest Lily " are welcome anchors.

Image courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Claudine Paul

Sade, Soldier Of Love (Sony)

It's been more than a decade since we've heard any new music from songstress Sade, but her new release Soldier Of Love picks up right where she left off.  Besides her seemingly eternal beauty, judging from the cover of her new release, the singer delivers the smoky sounds that she has long become known for.  The opening track, "Soldier Of Love," sets an easy mood that is found throughout the rest of her new album.