Hits: Radio Is Dangerous 2/09

Sweet bliss! I finally got a new computer, switching to a new MacBook after years of disappointing results with my Dell. Not only is it actually functional (as opposed to teetering dangerously close to death), but the Blogger interface is much more user-friendly for Macs. To celebrate, here is the first installment of Radio Is Dangerous, a new monthly playlist feature including tracks from my personal "radio" playlist. Of course, you may never hear some of these singles on an actual radio station (especially not in America, unless you're lucky enough to have independent or satellite radio access), but it's fun to pretend. As with actual radio playlists, each month's selections won't be a totally new set of songs, but a mix of lingering hits and fresh tracks that have come out over the past month. With each new installment, I'll make a new post to debrief some of the new additions to the playlist. This doesn't spell the end of the "Hits" pages, as I'll keep having updates on new tracks and videos as they come out.

Saint Etienne, "Method Of Modern Love": Featured on the long-delayed hits set London Conversations: The Best Of Saint Etienne (see my preview here), "Method Of Modern Love" is the most dancefloor-friendly Saint Etienne single since "Action." With streamlined modern production assistance courtesy of Richard X, no fan should miss this new gem.
Lily Allen, "Not Fair": Though just announced as her sophomore album's second single, "Not Fair" is already lodging itself in my regular rotation. With a unique twang and bouncy hook, it should keep up her undeniable momentum.
Deadmau5, "Ghosts N Stuff": While not quite as epic as "The Reward Is Cheese" or "Arguru," "Ghosts N Stuff" keeps up Deadmau5's profile as a rising leader in gritty electro-house.
Coldplay, "Life In Technicolor II": Far surpassing the instrumental teaser version that opened Viva La Vida, the full vocal recording of "Life In Technicolor" is one of the era's standouts and a classic Coldplay track.
Britney Spears, "If U Seek Amy": Relying heavily on the title's obvious pun, "If U Seek Amy" doesn't make a whole lot of lyrical sense, but it does succeed as an insanely catchy throwaway pop song. It's a relief to hear that Britney is even capable of still making them!
Kelly Clarkson, "My Life Would Suck Without You": Roaring back to the top of the charts thanks to hit factories Max Martin and Dr. Luke, Kelly gave up some of her last album's rough edges and revitalized her pop side on one of her catchiest singles yet.

Dear Ibiza: Comeback Calvin

Though I've admittedly been a bit slow to post about it, Calvin Harris's just-leaked new single blows away all expectations. Catching the ear of countless electro freaks with his huge retro synths and uber-cheesy lyrics, his sound exploded with hits "Acceptable In The 80s" and "The Girls" in 2007. His debut disc, I Created Disco, contained some modern electronic gems, but was largely repetitive and a bit lacking in innovation. Producing some of my favorite tracks of the last two years (Kylie Minogue's "In My Arms" and Róisín Murphy's unreleased "Off & On"), his sound nevertheless failed to progress much, including his production and featured role on the great Dizzee Rascal comeback "Dance Wiv Me" from last year. After working on his sophomore effort for some time now, he's set to make a return from the sidelines this spring. Although not the album's official first single (instead, it's aimed as a forget-me-not stopgap release), "I'm Not Alone" is truly epic. Ditching all his now-overplayed trademarks, "I'm Not Alone" is half acoustic build and half rave monster. After a solid minute of MOR contemplation, the song switches into club overdrive and becomes something else completely. Many cheers to Calvin for completely remaking his style, proving all cynics wrong with an excellent dance track that I for one cannot wait to get in high quality. Preview the radio rip of the track, along with a selection of his older tracks and productions, in the playlist below.

Shameless/Mixtape: Girls Aloud Party!

Finally, I'm a bit more settled for the semester, but somehow struggling to find new stuff to blog about. In addition (and I'm all about apologies apparently), my computer has been utterly disastrous for a while now, delaying pretty much everything in my life (this blog included). Not to worry, though, I've got a new laptop on the way, with much more storage space for new music. On an equally optimistic note, for the past week I've been on a bit of a Girls Aloud bender. Their latest single, "The Loving Kind," is a nice enough ballad that features pop masters Pet Shop Boys as co-writers (along with the girl group's career production team Xenomania). While lacking the punch of their best tracks, it's miles better than most of their other ballads (don't even bother with "I'll Stand By You" or "See The Day" if you ever hope to get into the band). While most of the criticisms levied against the fivesome are entirely valid (e.g. they don't write their own music, they're totally manufactured, etc.), they have recorded some truly great pop songs over their short but prolific career. Rising from the constraints of a big reality show start, they've maintained their golden record of only top 10 hits (now celebrating their 20th in a row) and, bucking the trend of most mainstream pop and girl groups, now tend to sell more albums than singles. Their latest, the more subdued, refined Out Of Control, was their first studio album to hit the top spot on the UK charts, and has already gone double platinum. Following on from the unexpected number one success of lead single "The Promise," "The Loving Kind" has barely scraped into the top tier at number 10 (thanks to frenzied fan purchasing), but their longevity has already surpassed all expectations. To celebrate their successes, here's a playlist I've been listening to of my favorite Girls Aloud tracks. It's a basic rundown of their best singles, with some essential album tracks thrown in (including the epic, seven-minute power pop ballad "Untouchable" from their latest). Congrats to the girls on 20 hits, and here's hoping for another 20 of such consistent fun and quality. Take that Sugababes!