THEGAYUK

Category: Music

  • 10 of the best pop songs to come out to for #NationalComingOutDay

    In the olden days (I’m talking about G-A-Y at the Astoria), when I used to go out as an excitable newbie gay and was able to wear stomach revealing tees, Pop music was my haven.

    Pop music of the late 90s and early 2000s seemed to know my man loving ways and was only to happy to deliver thumping after thumping hit for me to perform my little camp heart out on the sticky floors of that old, fondly missed haunt.

    1) Geri, the official gift to gay men delivered ‘Lift Me Up’ / ‘Look At Me’ / ‘Bag It Up’. No list of coming out songs is complete without one Ginger song and she’s given us at least 3. Geri’s debut solo album Schizo-Phonic offered up a plethora of camptastic tunes. I still put on ‘Bag It Up’ from time to time and it still makes me jig. Yes I said ‘jig’ and I’m owning it.


    2) ‘Get This Party Started‘, When Pink slammed onto the scene with this song it almost became a homo chant. “I’m coming out, so you better get this party started’. Its place in the annals of gay culture was cemented when the Dame of Bassey made her almost definitive version of the classic for that M&S advert.


    3) ‘One Day In Your Life’, at the height of Anastacia’s greatness the ab’d goddess with the huge voice was churning out stompers like nobody’s business. ‘One Day In Your Life’ has such a seriously strong chorus that it has become one of my all time club classics.


    4) ‘I Am What I Am’, The Dame of Bassey (Shirley Bassey). Ok, this isn’t one that featured much in the clubs – but sexuality affirmed men (and some who are yet to discover their true selves) with feather boas across the nation kick out their legs in unison whenever this track is played. It is against the law not to do some kind of jazz hand whilst this is playing – fact.


    5) ‘Can’t Take That Away’, just before the true madness of Mariah Carey was unleashed upon the world, the stratospheric octaved diva delivered probably her most camp, dramatic and butterfly filled song ever – with a ‘love and respect’ yourself theme, what self-respecting gay can’t listen to this with a tear in his eye and a knowing in his heart?


    6) Britney was on fire (and had a full head of hair) at the beginning of the noughties and ‘Stronger’ was a killer track. Pre ‘Madonna kiss’ post ‘I’m a naughty school girl’ – Brit knew the way forward was her gays.

     


    7) ‘It’s Raining Men’ is a track, which just needs to feature on this list. It’s a floor filler. Geri’s is okay, but you can’t beat the original Weather Girls’ version, it only counts if you clap in the right place – those who miss the double clap HANG YOUR HEAD IN SHAME.


    8) Remember Holly Valance, that Neighbours star turned pop princess? Vaguely? Well, she burst onto the scene with a seriously sexy number ‘Kiss Kiss’, which I remember making an impact – in my bedroom, but that’s not for here!


    9) ‘Beautiful’, by XTina featured a rather hot gay couple in the video – which gets my vote and the song, has a gooey, lovey vibe, which makes me feel my most beautiful.


    10) ‘I’m Coming Out’, Diana Ross sang this song either with full knowledge of the gay anthem she was about to create or in complete naivety. It features one of the longest introductions in the world, but lyrically this song has to come in at number 1. It says what it does on the tin (if it had a tin).

    What are your TOP coming out songs?

  • Nadine Coyle has released a new single (and we’re living for it)

    Girls Aloud may be but a distant memory (weep) but Nadine Coyle has released this banger…

    &nbspNadine Coyle has released a new single (and we're living for it);

    Go To Work is a true banger. We’re living for it!

    Now Nadine returns with ‘Go To Work’, a sleek, dance-lead future classic that sounds simultaneously retro and forward-thinking. Recorded and produced by experimental pop alchemist Brian Higgins (Xenomania), the track is a high-energy, deliciously vampy ode to making your man work for your affections and features powerhouse vocals that are instantly recognisable as Nadine.

    Nadine says of the track, “When you’re constantly writing you write a lot about relationships and so it was like ‘what else annoys you about being in relationships?’ and they came up with this idea of writing about them being lazy and not getting up in the mornings.”

    Under the watchful eye of Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud racked up an incredible twenty-one UK Top Ten singles, twenty of those consecutively. If each member of the band – who sashayed their way through a ten-year, five album career – had a role, then Nadine’s was The Voice. Often demoing the songs with Brian ahead of the other girls during the band’s tenure, it’s always been any discerning pop fan’s dream for the pair to collaborate again on Coyle’s solo material.

    After a false start with Coyle’s Xenomania-free 2010 solo debut, Insatiable, that dream is now a reality, This isn’t Girls Aloud 2.0, or even Nadine Coyle 2.0, this, finally, is Nadine Coyle: The Solo Artist. Going into the sessions with a completely open mind, Brian and Nadine slotted back into their respective comfort zones, Nadine belting out majestic pop songs while Brian and his coterie of production geeks weaved various lyrics and melodies together to make chart gold.

    As Nadine says, “We weren’t trying to make it sound like Girls Aloud, we weren’t trying to make it sound the opposite, it was just a blank canvas. It’s exciting.”

    ‘Go To Work’ is released today, Friday 8th September on Virgin EMI.

     

  • REVIEW | George Michael Fantasy

    When the announcement that there would be new George Michael music… I was terrified, disappointed, excited and desperate in equal measure.

    You see, usually the release of the previously unheard of material or remixed material never does the memories of a dearly departed icon, such as George Michael, justice.

    I was, I’m loathed to admit, disappointed with Michael’s latest work –  2012’s “White Light” was, to me, terrible. He launched it during the closing ceremony of the UK Olympics – and well, it didn’t quite hit the spot. Even after the massive exposure, the song limped to number 20 in the iTunes chart.

    It was a far cry from his works on Older, Patience or Faith albums. And maybe that’s the problem with George Michael (or us, his fans) – he’ll always be revered for his 80s and 90s output and that’s why today’s release is genius.

    Nile Rodger’s reworking of “Fantasy” restores the vision and with a contemporary sensibility. It’s sexual, edgy and unmistakably George’s work.

    The song’s choppy, edgy production sits well along with current hits – but it’s unmistakable in its George Michealness – the Faith era rips right through it, which will be sure to please hardcore GM fans whilst opening up his music to an entirely new generation of fans.

    Nile Rodgers proves, once again, that he is the producer, not only of the 70s, 80s and 90s but is – without a doubt giving this generation of producers a run for their money.

     

  • Where can I buy or stream George Michael’s new song Fantasy?

    The brand new recording by the late George Michael will be available to stream and download – here’s where you can buy it.

    The estate of the late George Michael has released a brand new recording from the iconic singer. The track is song which has already been released but given a brand new production by Chic king, Nile Rodgers.

    Listen on YouTube

    The song, which is called “Fantasy” was played by the BBC on Radio 2 during the Chris Evan’s show this morning, (7th Sept). The song is a previously-released track but it has been remixed, by hit maker, Nile Rodgers. It was originally released on the 1987 album, Faith.

    It was, however, originally meant to be on the Listen With Out Prejudice.

    The songs will be available to download and stream from the following services

    iTunes

    Amazon

    (links will be live once they appear)

    You can listen via the BBC website and the song will be available to buy from 9 AM.

    The track has been produced by Nile Rodgers, who had been working with Michael shortly before he died. He said that he hope the track would make fans proud.

    The late singer’s publicist confirmed the release, saying Sony Music was “proudly” presenting the new single.

    News of the single came as his sisters Melanie and Yioda posted an update on his official website, saying they will carry on his musical legacy “exactly as Yog would have wanted”.

     

     

  • Listen to the new track by George Michael

    The estate of the late George Michael has released a brand new recording from the iconic singer.

    Listen to the new track by George Michael

    The song was played by the BBC on Radio 2 during the Chris Evan’s show this morning, (7th Sept). The song is a previously-released track but it has been remixed, by hit maker, Nile Rodgers. It was originally released on the 1987 album, Faith.

    It was, however, originally meant to be on the Listen With Out Prejudice album.

    The track has been produced by Nile Rodgers, who had been working with Michael shortly before he died. He said that he hope the track would make fans proud.

    The late singer’s publicist confirmed the release, saying Sony Music was “proudly” presenting the new single.

    Listen to the track now

    You can listen via the BBC website and the song will be available to buy from 9 AM.

    News of the single came as his sisters Melanie and Yioda posted an update on his official website, saying they will carry on his musical legacy “exactly as Yog would have wanted”.

    The singer who passed away on Christmas day died after suffering a dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver. His body was found by his partner, hairdresser Fadi Fawaz, at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Authorities said there would not be an inquest as the cause of death was “natural”.

    At the time of his death, police said his death was not suspicious, but unexplained. An initial autopsy completed on the body of the singer proved to be “inconclusive”.

  • Spotify has removed tracks from known White Supremacists

    Music giant Spotify has removed music from artists known as white supremacists.

    In a statement, a spokeswoman for the world’s biggest streaming service explained that “illegal content or material that favours hatred or incites violence against race, religion, sexuality or the like is not tolerated by us.”

    BRAVO.

    The removal comes on the back of a post by  Digital Music News titled “I Just Found 37 White Supremacist Hate Bands on Spotify.”

    “Spotify takes immediate action to remove any such material as soon as it has been brought to our attention,

    “We are glad to have been alerted to this content — and have already removed many of the bands identified today, whilst urgently reviewing the remainder.” Per Billboard, Spotify is “also reviewing the possibility of blocking this type of content from future music recommendations.”

     

  • LISTEN | Grenfell Tower single released by Simon Cowell

    Simon Cowell’s Grenfell Tower single has been released.

    Simon Cowell has released a version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, with a number of artists, with every penny going to the London Community Foundation.

    The single features vocals from Geri Halliwell, Nathan Sykes and Emeli Sandé, One Direction band mates Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson, and former X Factor stars Leona Lewis and Fleur East.

    Here’s everyone who appears: 5 After Midnight
    Angel
    Anne-Marie
    Bastille
    Brian May – Queen
    Carl Barât – The Libertines
    Craig David
    Deno
    Donae’o
    Dua Lipa
    Ella Eyre
    Ella Henderson
    Emeli Sandé
    Fleur East
    Gareth Malone & The Choir for Grenfell
    Geri Halliwell
    Gregory Porter
    James Arthur
    James Blunt
    Jessie J
    Jessie Ware
    John Newman
    Jon McClure – Reverend and the Makers
    Jorja Smith
    Kelly Jones – Stereophonics
    Labrinth
    Leona Lewis
    Liam Payne
    London Community Gospel Choir
    Louis Tomlinson
    Louisa Johnson
    Matt Goss
    Matt Terry
    Mr Eazi
    Nathan Sykes
    Nile Rodgers
    Omar
    Paloma Faith
    Pixie Lott
    Ray BLK
    RAYE
    Rita Ora
    Robbie Williams
    Shakka
    Shane Filan
    Stormzy
    The Who (Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend)
    Tokio Myers
    Tom Grennan
    Tony Hadley
    Tulisa
    WSTRN

    All proceeds collected from the single are to be distributed via The London Community Foundation. To make further donations to Artists for Grenfell, go to the dedicated website http://www.artistsforgrenfell.com.

  • Simon Cowell to release charity single for Grenfell Tower victims

    X Factor boss, Simon Cowell, says he’s going to release a charity single to raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.

    Yesterday Simon Cowell said that he was set to release a charity single in aid of the victims and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire. A fire engulfed the Grenfell Tower block in London on Wednesday morning.

    After watching footage of the burning tower on TV, Simon tweeted his heartbreak,

    Previously many of Simon Cowell’s charity singles from the X Factor have achieved number 1 status and raised money for a number of ventures, including Help For Heroes and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

    The song choice and release date have yet to be confirmed.

    What are the charity single released by Simon Cowell?

    2008, Hero

    Originally a Mariah Carey song, Hero was released in 2008 in aid of Help for Heroes.

    2009, You Are Not Alone

    This Michael Jackson hit became an instant number 1 when the X Factor finalists sang You Are Not Alone in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital and is said to have raised over £1 million.

    2010, Heroes,

    This David Bowie track was released by the X Factor finalists and like the previous two finalists’ singles reached number 1, which the original released failed to achieve. Money raised went to Help For Heroes.

    2011, Wishing On A Star

    Wishing On A Star was released

    2012, Impossible

    This James Arthur single was released in aid of Together For Short Lives. It reached number 1 and sold nearly 500,000 copies in its first week.

    2013, Skyscraper

    Sam Bailey’s version of the Demi Lovato hit raised money for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together For Short Lives. It was Christmas number 1.

    This was the winners’ single and proceeds went to Together For Short Lives.

    2014, Something I Need

    Ben Haenow’s Something I Need raised money for Together For Short Lives and sold over 300,000 copies in its first week.

     

  • Hey guys… Geri H is BACK!

    Geri (formerly Halliwell, now Horner) is back with a new single, her first in 12 years.

    Geri Horner (née Halliwell) is back with a brand new single, ‘Angels in Chains’, which she wrote in loving memory of her late friend George Michael who sadly passed away in December last year.  Having signed an exclusive agreement with East West Records UK (Warner), the single will be released worldwide on Friday 23 June, two days before George’s 54th birthday. Geri is donating her profits from the sale of this single to one of George Michael’s favourite charities: Child Line.

    ‘Angels in Chains’ is produced by Chris Porter, who has worked with George Michael for over 30 years (from Wham through to ‘Jesus to a Child’), and also with Elton John and David Bowie. The single also features the wonderful contribution of George’s ‘music family’ who has performed alongside the music legend for many years: Chris Cameron (George Michael’s music director), guitarist Phil Palmer (who has played with George for 30 years), Shirley Lewis (backing singer, who has worked with George throughout his solo career), Lucy Jules and Jay Henry (who have performed with George since 25 Live).

    The heartfelt ballad, written by Geri, is coloured with lyrical references to George’s most cherished songs, which will not go unnoticed by his biggest fans. Sonically, ‘Angels in Chains’ shows a more vulnerable and soulful side to Geri’s pop songwriting repertoire, carrying a beautiful, healing message for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

    Geri said,

    “When I first heard the sad news of his passing, I was nine-months pregnant with my son Monty and I was full of emotions. I didn’t know quite what to do with my feelings so I put it in a song, which became ‘Angels in Chains’. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work on this record with Chris Porter and the same team George had hand picked for his own projects.

    “I am first and foremost a George Michael fan, so to be in the same studio with these amazingly gifted artists who have put their stamp of so many of my favourite records was a real privilege for me.

    “In the process, I found how healing making this record had been not only for me but also for everyone involved. This is our way of saying goodbye to our friend and music idol, and I hope George’s fans enjoy this as much as we have making it.”

    Dan Chalmers, President, Rhino, East West, ADA UK said,

    “Geri has written a brilliant and poignant track in memory of her friend George. It’s great to be working with her on new music and I look forward to fans’ reaction to ‘Angels in Chains’.”

    ‘Angels in Chains’ is Geri’s first global music release in 12 years. Geri has to date sold over 85 million records worldwide with the Spice Girls and notched up 11 UK #1 hits (four of which were her own solo singles: ‘Mi Chico Latino’, ‘Lift Me Up’, ‘Bag It Up’ and ‘It’s Raining Men’). Geri has released three solo albums to date – Schizophonic (1999), Scream If You Wanna Go Faster (2001), and Passion (2005) – that have collectively sold over four million copies worldwide.

     

  • Yep… there’s now porn in music videos

    Today Pornhub, announced the premier of Flint, Michigan’s KING 810’s music video for “La Petite Mort” that will be debuted exclusively on the adult entertainment site.

    The popular American band is the first to ever incorporate on-screen sex in an 8-minute long music video. The video, which was shot in Los Angeles and directed by the band’s own David Gunn, is a provocative piece of erotica featuring adult film stars Jenna Foxx, Jasmine Summers, Amber Ivy, Lily Jordan, Alex Legend and Jake Jace. “La Petite Mort,” which refers to ‘The Little Death’ (the sensation of orgasm as likened to death), is matched with explicit visuals in the official video conjuring the darkness and desperation of sexuality.

    “We’re excited to debut the music video for KING 810’s, ‘La Petite Mort’ which features explicit depictions of arousal in its purest form – during sexual intercourse,” said Corey Price, VP, Pornhub. “KING 810’s music is often laced with social commentary and artistic expression, something that has definitely gotten a lot of people talking about them. We urge all of our fans to check out ‘Le Petite Mort’ on Pornhub today and to grab tickets for the band’s upcoming tour while tickets last!”

    “A lot of the ideas for our videos came together in the song writing process. This one was no exception,” said David Gunn, Director and Lead Singer of KING 810. “The record touches on sex in a lot of ways. It used to be that sex and rock and roll went hand in hand, but that archetype has been reconstructed over the years to make way for a safe/tame/boring/politically correct culture, which we have never belonged to. It’s sad that something so inherent and necessary has become taboo, but we have done what we always do and that is to follow the art wherever it must go regardless of how uncharted the territory may be.”

    In addition, KING 810 will embark on a series of limited engagement live events next month for their latest album, LA PETITE MORT OR A CONVERSATION WITH GOD, which will include a unique performance each night that will captivate its audiences in their intensely personal and often contentious world. The tour is slated to kick off on June 9 at Park Street in Columbus, Ohio and KING 810 will be joined by special guest Host on select dates. The band also recently launched Part 1 of ‘THIS IS KING,’ an episodic documentary piece which gives fans an unfiltered look into their lives and performances.

    Watch it here (NSFW)

  • Top 10 albums which are total sex albums

    It’s the age old move to set the mood set for a bit of hot love making. The smooth movers amongst us, will already have a playlist on standby as soon as the bottle top has been popped and the lights have been set for the evening’s entertainment. Here are our TOP 10 albums to SEX to.

    10. One of the sexiest albums around has to be JANET JACKSON’S VELVET ROPE:

    Queen of sexy music takes us through a bump and grind of an album and at times it almost feels as though she’s in the room with you… Key tracks: ROPE BURN / TOGETHER AGAIN

    9.  SUFJAN STEVEN’S – ILLINOISE:

    Make a welcome bed buddy, with a gentle vibey 70 minutes of music. Doesn’t have any major beats within the music, but it’s soft, lyrical and Sufjan’s voice is sexy – you almost wish he was singing to you.

    8. ADELE 21:

    Certainly makes an impact and sets the tone. Soft and easy on the ear – 21 certainly doesn’t distract from the mission at hand. KEY TRACK: SOMEONE LIKE YOU

    7. QUEER AS FOLK – SEASON FOUR – VARIOUS ARTISTS:

    Ever see the US version of QAF. If not you’ve missed out. The music from the series is outstanding and the compilation is flawless for a bit of pawness! (plus you can act out your favourite sex scene from QAF – are you into rimming???)

    6. DAMIEN RICE – 0:

    Is always a favourite artist choice. His music gently adds atmosphere without taking away from the moment. Like candles and incense. The man has a seriously sexy voice and the music drips emotion, perfect for a softly, softly love making session.

    5. Can I hear you get DIRRTY? Oh yes, no Sexy Album List would be complete without our Dirrty mistress Christina’s STRIPPED.

    This landmark album entered our CD collection in 2002 and is probably the most played. It superbly fits a sexy session, anytime, any day with enough beats and slow downs to keep you both going for the 70 minute length of the CD. (Oo er, a 70-minute session – we’re tired just at the thought!)

    4. AIR – MOON SAFARI.

    This is some seriously sexy music. The French duo takes the listener to a place that’s smooth, sexy and sublime. KEY TRACK: SEXY BOY (Obvs!)

    3. ALICIA KEYS – AS I AM.

    Turn the lights now and let this smooth voice take you away. This voice is like getting high on dope (not that we know) but we imagine that’s what it’s like. KEY TRACKS: LESSON LEARNED, LIKE YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN.

    2. WEEDS SOUNDTRACK VOLUME 2 – VARIOUS ARTISTS:

    This is an eclectic mix of songs from artists like Fern Jones (Strange Things Are Happening) To Regina Spektor (Ghost of Corporate Future) All together this album packs a nice, sexy smooth pace. KEY TRACKS: HOLLAND – SUFJAN STEVENS, JENNY OWENS YOUNGS: ***K, WAS I.

    1. JAKE HOOK – SXY.


    Believe it or not, this EP was written about sex and believe it or not it was written by our very own Editor and Chief, Jake Hook in 2007. It’s 31 minutes long and takes you on a journey from “Crave” (when you really want it) to masturbation (Satisfied?).  All good stuff TBH and it’s free to listen to on Spotify.