So here we are, almost two-thirds of the way through the summer, but in some ways, it just hasn’t felt like summer to me, with a full-time course load in school and a pretty stressful work situation. But the elements wait for no man, so I might as well embrace it, even if it is belated. Everyone seems hell-bent to identify the song of the summer, and I’m just as guilty of that practice, so without further delay, here are a few of the songs that have been keeping me jamming in the car, at the gym, and at my desk this summer.
– Jordin Sparks/”S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)” – On paper, it looks like a trainwreck just waiting to happen, but on my iPod, it’s pretty brilliant. Single #2 on Jordin’s first CD was the superstar duet, but this time around, it’s a cover of a dancefloor classic. We all know the base song from Shannon that Sparks is paying tribute to, but there’s an extra somethin’ somethin’ going on here to keep you coming back for more.
– Mini Viva/”I Left My Heart In Tokyo” – Thanks to Paul at Fizzy Pop for bringing this one to my attention. It only took one listen for me to embrace this Xenomania-produced duo’s contribution to the summer soundtrack, but it was the Mike Waterman remix that sounds like a dead ringer for Mel and Kim that brought it home. Is there ANY chance they will see an American release? Methinks not.
– The Gossip/”Pop Goes the World” – Duane over at duanemoody.com and I have been singing this song’s praises since Music for Men was released, and while I was initially disappointed that it was not chosen as single #2 (see “Love Long Distance”), I am encouraged by the fact that it could be used as the song to break the band wide open here in the States.
– Pitbull/”Hotel Room Service” – It has been my experience the past few months that I am pretty much on my own when it comes to Mr 305, but he keeps coming out with these kickin’ jams that sample some great ’90s dance music, so I will keep on flying the flag for him. This one finds him picking up on the Bucketheads jam “The Bomb”, and while I don’t need some of the more crude lyrics, it’s really all about the choruses, and they are awesome.
Stumble It!
Pop Music Notes 
Um, I was trying to think of something nice to say but I hate all of these except The Gossip. If I had to choose a song of the winter (down here in the southern hemisphere) I would probably go for BEP’s “I Gotta Feeling”. I hear it every time I leave the house!
I’m a bit burned out on BEP, but fortunately my list doesn’t have to follow my local radio station overplaying songs every 2 hours.
Hmm, well i think Jordin honestly could’ve done better and I do like Mini Viva but i’m sadly not sure they will become household names 😦 The Gossip though – what an incredible album! The only reason they are not on my singles chart is because i can’t pull one track out without listening to the whole thing!
I’m sure the Gossip appreciate your full support in any way you can provide it. And I agree on Mini Viva, but it’s still fun.
I love “S.O.S.”!! I just wish her album was more of that instead of the down-tempo numbers. This should do for Jordin’s career what “S.O.S.” did for Rihanna.
Oh, I had no idea Mini Viva was Xenomania. Interesting!
Fingers crossed on this breaking the new CD wide open. If this is as big as you say it may be, I think it would be safe to say that the next record will be a bit more upbeat.
Yay — someone who gets how I feel about “SOS”. I really thought it was a bad idea on paper, and yet I keep listening to it…
I need to listen to the full Gossip album. I adore the first single…
You definitely need to check out the full CD. It’s one of the funkiest rock records I’ve heard in a LONG time.
Team Mini Viva FTW!
Yup yup! They may be a flash in the pan, but I am enjoying them the same way others are enjoying Dolly Rockers.
I want to say that I am happy for you that you are seeing the Gossip, but I am too bitter that I am not to do so. HMPF! 😉
Fly out! I’ve got extra tickets, and can find you a place to stay!
I heard the Mini Viva on Radio 2 (UK) yesterday, it sounded great, love the video too, that’s the pop that should be in the chart now instead of the same songs for months,
love Gossip too,
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No argument on MV, David. There’s no chance they will get airplay over here, so enjoy it. I’ll settle for hearing it on Radio 1 if it ever gets added. And give Jordin a chance…I think it will grow on you.