JFF - Rebecca Ferguson, "Glitter & Gold" (Cahill Remix)

Wow. Just wow. This is the kind of magic that made Ellie Goulding's album so heavenly.

According to our sources Rebecca Ferguson is the next British export to the States.  Bring. It On.  We really hope this remix makes it onto the US release of her debut album, Heaven. All bow to the Liverpudlian dance remix of Glitter & Gold, below.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Cover Drive, Sparks

I didn't really know what to make of Cover Drive when I first heard Twilight, but now that I've heard their next single, Sparks, I'm prepared to predict a successful road for these newcomers.  On a dancefloor dominated by Rihanna & Pitbull, the way is paved for this N-Dubz-y, R&B-meets-electroPOP foursome.  They'd sound absolutely great working with RedOne... either way, bring on that Bajan Style.  POP approval is no longer pending: it's granted.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Blondfire, Hide & Seek

Introducing one of my new favorite indie POP acts: brother-and-sister duo Blondfire.  On my radar for a little while, Bruce & Erica Driscoll have officially blown me away with their latest single, Hide & Seek, a melodic POP song that brings me back to the earlier days (daze) of shoegaze. It's definitely an addition to my May playlist.  Listen to the dreamy track below. 

Hide & Seek by Blondfire 

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - The Young Professionals, "Video Games" Cover

Just when you thought you may have tired of Video Games, along comes some sort of unearthly POP concoction to remind you why the song is completely brilliant...

ElectroPOP duo The Young Professionals caught the attention of popular music bloggers like our friend The ElectroQueer since 2011, when they released their super catchy, tongue-in-cheek single D.I.S.C.O.. The duo is a little bit Pet Shop Boys, a little bit Chromeo, with a dash of Robyn. Listen to the Young Professionals' cover of Lana Del Rey's Video Games below & SOAK IT IN:

During his sensational solo career Ivri Lider always had the ability to cover feminine POP ballads in a way that added a twist, but did the original justice.  Now, teaming up with Yonatan Goldstein, he creates pure techno-POP glory that is totally unlike his earlier work.  I am so excited about what this group will do next!

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Offer Nissim & Mr. Black Remix The Young Professionals, "D.I.S.C.O."

You're going to be hearing a lot more about The Young Professionals soon... but for now, Offer.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that none other than Offer Nissim (as well as another one of my favorites, Yuksek) was pulled aboard to remix TYP's D.I.S.C.O.  For those of you who don't know Offer quite yet, he is basically the Israeli equivalent of a gender-bending David Guetta. A tenured performer in the Tel Aviv club scene, Offer's remix of Madonna's Girl Gone Wild recently got a mention on the popular blog Muumuse & made it into the commercial for Madge's new fragrance.  He has done remixes for international stars like  Christina Aguilera & is a steadfast supporter of the LGBTQ community.

Check out Offer's remix of The Young Professionals' D.I.S.C.O. with Mr. Black below: 

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Lectro Lips, Free Download, "Resurrection"

Little known fact: About half of our readers live in the UK (holla Google statistics!)  This means, lovely readers, chances are you have probably heard Lectro Lips before... & didn't even know it!  Their tracks have been featured on Hollyaoks, Channel 5, as well as on BBC 6.  So where did these dudes appear from?  Actually, Leo & Anthony have been making tunes together for a while now (since 2009, to be exact) & carry a strong, supportive fanbase through social networking.  However, it was only recently that their newest track, Resurrection, caught my attention & really hooked me in.  Coincidentally, it is also a free download! Listen below:

Resurrection *free download by LectroLips

In case you couldn't tell, this shit is legit.  Resurrection does not sound like your everyday made-in-my-bedroom electroPOP - it is darker & much richer. Surprisingly, this is actually the first song I have heard that reminds me of GaGa's Born This Way (an album which, I contend, was ahead of its time) - if not a bit more POP-friendly without the noisy electric guitars.  If Lectro Lips continue to produce textured, club-friendly electroPOP tracks like Resurrection, they stand a good chance of setting themselves apart from other internet-savvy POP duos.  

For more Lectro Lipssssss (we love that name), check out their Soundcloud page & this awesome interview with So So Gay Magazine.  As always, we encourage our readers to spread the word if they really dig the music.  It's up to you guys, as much as us, to promote & support emerging artists!


I have another brilliant independent artist coming your way today, so stay tuned.

Unapologetically,

Minna

PS - Lectro Lips has a BLOG, holla!

JFF - Amy Correia, "Coney Island USA"

Who here is a fan of Cat Power, Fiona Apple, or Carole King?  Because I have an underexposed artist to introduce to you: the lovely Amy Correia.

Folk-POP can be a little too sparse for my tastes, but Amy's songs are bolstered by her bluesy vocals and uncommon mastery of the string quartet.  Both NPR & The New Yorker have reviewed Amy's rhythmic folk-POP, & today it is Unapologetically POP's turn, starting with Coney Island USA. I simply adore this song because it sounds just like its title.  Listening to Coney Island is like picking up a dusty old photograph or exploring a cluttered old attic.  I would call it "vintage POP" for modern nostalgics.

To listen to Coney Island USA, click here & press play.

Recently, Amy has been nominated for 3 Independent Music Awards, including "Singer-Songwriter of a Folk Album" (vote here to support her).  Congratulations Amy!

Be sure to to check out amycorreia.com for a free download & tour information.

Stay tuned for another independent artist pick-o'-the-day.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Calvin Harris & Ne-Yo, "Let's Go"

My obsession with Calvin Harris bordered on mania during my college years (my roommates would probably have a few words here).  I have been meaning to write a comprehensive piece on Calvin for weeks... but, unlike all y'all fancy bloggers (pros), I have a day job.  It's exhausting to buckle down & write a long, detailed work on someone so massive after working 9-5.  Where do we begin? Perhaps with a song?

Today, in the middle of structuring a future article on Calvin I heard, to my ears' delight, Let's Go, a breezy dance smash with POP-R&B artist Ne-Yo.  Once again, Calvin proves himself to be the King of "good decision" collaborations, & Let's Go it clearly another one under his belt.

I'm really waiting for Calvin to make a bad song. So far it seems implausible.  This man even made Rihanna sound good...

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Grouplove, "Naked Kids"

Last week I saw Grouplove open for Young the Giant at Center Stage in Atlanta. I've blogged about Grouplove before, but as this song was particularly good live I thought it warranted its own JFF.  Gregory is always describing songs as "summery" & I think this is the perfect way to introduce you to Naked Kids.  Bring on the beach.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Zowie, "My Calculator"

Zowie is an act I've had my eye on for a little while now & frankly, I couldn't be more impressed.  The punky & spunky Kiwi starlet is back with an all new track hyper-energetic electroPOP banger called My Calculator. It's totally Zowie - futuristic, fashionable, & ULTRA modern. I'm basically waiting for the Big [Blogger] Fish ArjanWrites & Popjustice to feature this immediately... because if you can't rock out to My Calculator, well... to use Zowie's words: "it could be a digital mistake / & such a big one to make."  Listen below.

Unapologetically,

Minna

PS - Our friend The Electrocutie loves Zowie too! Read more here.

JFF - Rizzle Kicks, "Traveller's Chant"

I've had a really rough week for a number of reasons, one being the fact that I was forced to cancel my vacation to Florida due to schedule changes at work.  Let's face it, all of us working our day jobs desperately need a change of scenery, especially in the dreary month of March.  Thankfully, while we wait for our next vacation, Rizzle Kicks have hooked us up with an awesome music video that transports viewers from Times Square to Thailand, all in a 3 minute track. The song is called Traveller's Chant, their next release off of Stereo Typical.

Rizzle Kicks is such a high-quality hip-hop act that I often feel ashamed of the vulgar garbage my birth-country shoots up the Hot 100 (I mean please, have you heard Rack City? atrocious). Traveller's Chant features relaxed, seemingly effortless rap verses evocative of early Example over a solid POP chorus. All in all, its a good single & a refreshing video, especially for those of us who are craving some sand, beach, & sunshine.  Watch below.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF- More Goodies by Britt Love: "Playing the Game"

Our favorite rising Euro-dance-diva, Miss Britt Love, has finally released the full version of Playing the Game, originally teased in 2010.  Let's just say, it was worth the wait- it's full on, unbridled disco-deeelight. If Britt Love keeps it up, it looks like we will have new EuroPOP royalty on our hands!

Click on the banner below to view Britt Love's Facebook Page & to hear the whole track.  Don't forget to "Like" her page for more updates.

Keep it up, girl, & have a great gig in Florida!

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - The Ghosts, "Ghosts"

I was a huge fan of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, so when I heard that their former keyboard-player, Alex Starling, had formed his own band - I nearly tripped over myself running to hear their music. To my joy what I found turned out to be absolutely superb synthPOP act: The Ghosts.

Featured by The Guardian and NME, The Ghosts began when Alex Starling met drummer Ian Palmer following the tragic death of Charles Haddon in 2010.  The two bonded musically & personally; The Ghosts were born (eh... can ghosts be born?)

Considering the loss & misfortune that plagued the inception of this band, The Ghosts are anything but self-important or histrionic. My favorite aspect of their music is the easy balance struck within each song. In Ghosts, their second single, Ian's drumming carries Alex's singing which carries Dan's guitar, and so on. Not one band-mate overpowers the other; it's a sonic harmony rarely found in POP acts these days.

Ghosts is a breezy, fresh gem of a synthPOP song & a very good selection for a second single. I must be in a really spooky mood this week (see my post on the amazing Kyla La Grange), but the music video is as catchy as the track itself. It reminds me a bit of Ladyhawke's Dusk Till Dawn... Watch below.

Check out The Ghosts on Facebook & keep an eye on these guys: they are a band worth watching & are already off to a very strong start!  At Unapologetically POP we are looking forward to the release of their first album, cleverly entitled The End, this year.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Tanlines, "Real Life"

GET READY for some JUNGLE JAMS! I'm talking about power POP for fans of Ke$ha, Major Lazer, El Guincho, & Delorean.  Welcome to Real Life- this track is BANGING  (on those bongos, baby).

I've adored Tanlines since I heard Bejan on the Kitsuné Maison compilation back in 2009 (& Professor Murder before that... wow, I feel old). After blasting Real Life on repeat, I'm officially super excited for the release of their album Mixed Emotions.

While we all wait, check out Tanlines' web page & try to catch them on tour.  Also, get out your drums & DANCE TO THE BEAT.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Grouplove, "Love Will Save Your Soul"

2012 just began but indie pop band Grouplove are having a pretty good year already! This March they begin touring with Young the Giant - they're scheduled for America's monster music festival Coachella - AND they were recently named MTV Artist of the Week!  Though best known for their songs Colours & Tongue Tied, my favorite song from their debut album is the upbeat & rhythmic Love Will Save Your Soul.

Check out it out below:

I hope you are humming along by the end... like me.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Britt Love, "Come With Me"

Britt Love has surely found her musical match in production team Youth Kills, who sprinkle a magical disco/futuristic flavor to all the tracks they touch (how, we do not know, but we're guessing fairy dust).  By now hopefully you have read 7 Reasons Britt Love Needs a Solo Career & have familiarized yourself with the POP starlet.  Need another Britt hit?  Thankfully, last year she released an amazing full song entitled Come With Me that is available for free download.  It's a little bit Kylie, a little bit Robyn, a little bit 90s Scandinavian POP, & a ton of energy.  And talk about a chorus!  I've been chanting "come with me / come with me / let's go where only love goes" for hours.

Come With Me by iambrittlove

Do you like what you hear?  Download the full track in high quality from her Facebook Page (LIKE the page then click on FREE DOWNLOAD under the default picture).  Then hit the lights, & dance the night away!

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - The Dirty Tees Remix of Beyonce's "End of Time"

The Dirty Tees have remixed Beyonce's "End of Time" for the DIVA's remix competition. They did a gorgeous job. The fusion of piano and synths is absolutely energizing.  Make sure to vote for their remix HERE.

Unapologetically,

Gregory

JFF - Stream fun.'s new album!

It's here: fun.'s new album Some Nights is online for streaming!  Jeff Bhasker's beats are all over it & Nate Reuss's voice has never sounded better.  So far, this is my happy album of 2012.  It's indie POP worth waiting for.

Stream the album below.  And, of course, we're curious to hear what you think!

Unapologetically,

Minna

Link: CLICK HERE.

The Good Natured Help Make Valentine's Day Tolerable

Happy Valentine's Day dear readers!

This day gets a bad rap, & I understand fully.  Thankfully, there are a million & one great reasons to ENJOY Valentine's Day- regardless of your relationship status.  Reason #1 is here: POP Noir punks The Good Natured are releasing a free download, Raindrops, for their fans today!  Check them out on their Facebook page (Update: click here for the free download).

To our friends in the UK, make sure to check out The Good Natured on tour.

Now go grab your chocolate & enjoy!

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Katy Perry, "Part of Me"

Katy Perry's new song, Part of Me, hits iTunes today (Katy-cats rejoice!).  Here are our thoughts on her new single:

Gregory: I'm a bit tired of Katy's candy-coated iteration, but I love this song. It's beautiful and emotional, yet strong and empowering. Most importantly, it's oh so catchy! Here's my breakdown: okay bridge, good verses, GREAT chorus. I just love it.

Minna: I'm not emotionally prepared for the Complete Confection radio onslaught.  I think the Katy-character should take a break & honor her first divorce in other ways than an illustrious chart-topper.  That aside, Part of Me is not terrible.  Its message is positivity.  The chorus is catchy & endearing.  But the line "you're never gonna break my soul" has me wishing Perry would write more & collaborate less.  Also, Dr. Luke, we're sick of the obligatory guitar riff.  It's not fun anymore.  It's distressing.

Unapologetically,

Gregory & Minna