1. Loads Of Cash
We've been thinking about this since the start of the month when we saw the alternative video (except not really a video) for Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream', which was filmed to promote a German TV station.
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2. Rihanna
One of the things we are loving most about Rihanna's new output — from 'Only Girl (In The World)' to that odd Doritos advert (another instance of Loads Of Cash being put to good use) — is how it is a massive two fingers to the legions of Rihanna pseudofans who jumped on the 'Rated R' bandwagon in the belief that she had become one of 'their' artists. To these people 'Umbrella', 'SOS', 'Pon De Replay', 'Take A Bow' and the rest were somehow not good enough, but chuck in some leather and swear words and apparently Rihanna was finally 'an artiste'. Well, 'Only Girl' and 'Who's That Chick?' both conjure the triumphant feel of Rihanna saying, "so you liked the supposed dubstep influence, did you? The monochrome artwork, the 'rock look'? Well I've finished playing with your toys now and you're welcome to them — I'm off". Clearly, flipping back in the direction of (supposedly) Stupid Pop is a far more rebellious act than anything in the 'Rated R' campaign.
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3. Pet Shop Boys
They have a new song on their new Greatest Hits compilation, 'Ultimate'. Hurrah.
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4. The Saturdays
We have basically decided that we are going to pretend the second album and last single did not happen. We will simply refuse to acknowledge that they existed. Hang on — which second album and last single? EXACTLY. So as far as we are concerned, 'Higher' (feat or not feat Flo Rida, he doesn't really bring much to the party apart from a sort of 'school register' vibe at the start) is the first single from The Saturdays' second album. And if you too manage to convince yourselves that 'Higher' really is the first Saturdays single since 'Work', you will find that you instantly feel happier about life, love and the state of pop. Try it.
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5. Tinie Tempah
The album, like most albums, is a little hit and miss, but the hit bits are MASSIVE AND AMAZING.
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666. 'Simply Red'
Wherever we look at the moment we seem to find Mick Hucknall's stupid fucking face. Thanks but no thanks, 'Hucko'.
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