Pop International

In memory of George Michael. While his detractors are many and he was not immune to criticism, George Michael remains a first class musical performer and an entertainer of rare ability whose place in the great cannon of popular music was assured soon after he split up Wham. This documentary celebrates the startling longevity and consummate professionalism of George Michael. Record Label: Laser Media Style: Pop

On October 7th, Blaudzun released the first of his three-part album cycle Jupiter: Jupiter Part I. According to Rolling Stone Germany, Part I was “...a genuinely powerful musical statement.” Blaudzun has now announced the second installment. Jupiter Part II contains brisk new songs exemplar to Blaudzun’s knack for stunning arrangements and large-scale sonic inquiry. This time, sounds testimonial to the German kraut rock movement, 80s Bowie, Bruce Springsteen and contemporary indie pop have shaped the Dutch songwriter’s (real name Johannes Sigmond) unique songwriting acumen. Jupiter II is slated for release on March 3rd. Over the breadth of nine tracks, Blaudzun’s unmistakably rich timbre and shrewd pop melodies permeate more than ever. If there’s one consistent thing throughout Blaudzun’s prolific career, it’s is his devout work ethic: whether he’s occupying himself with touring, writing or media-appearances, his art is always spearheaded by strong self-determination. Making an album comprised of three different parts deviates from the traditional game plan. This fresh approach dovetails with new creative challenges as well. “I started writing songs for Jupiter Part II almost immediately after the last shows supporting Part I. It’s been very stimulating, especially the pace in which I’m producing a record. There’s always a sense of risk involved, and I really enjoy that. Think of it as a fresh bottle of wine: the grapes that have been picked are immediately processed, with no time to ripe properly. At the moment, that’s exactly how I’m approaching my songs. The transition between fledging ideas and finished compositions happens relatively quick.” Tear GunOne of the cuts on Part II, ‘Tear Gun’, is an exception to this rule. Blaudzun came up with the basic idea of the track more than seven years ago. “Prior to the sessions for Seadrift Soundmachine, Heavy Flowers and Promises of No Man's Land, I kept fiddling with ‘Tear Gun’. In a way, the song served as a launchpad for all the work I’ve done on my previous albums. But I was never quite pleased with it, and I never got around to actually finishing it. However, the concept and overall vibe of ‘Tear Gun’ inspired me to write a lot of other stuff. I reckon there are about sixty versions of ‘Tear Gun’ in total. This time, nevertheless, I kind of felt obligated to include the track on Jupiter II. Perhaps the time was simply right, or perhaps I had to warm up to the song myself, maybe that’s the case.” One of the more remarkable features of Jupiter II are the piercing drums and especially the baritone sax, giving Blaudzun’s commanding live performances a vivid sense of romanticism and mystique. Deft analogue synths are featured more pervasively within the overall production, without upending the sheer gravitas of Blaudzun’s creative vernacular. “Melody and drums are the ones in charge. The inflections of the bass and drums shift and alternate repeatedly, a bit like an ebb and flow-effect. Also, Jupiter Part II features more traditional song structures than on Part I.” Record Label: Glitterhouse Style: Pop

Artist: PARLOR WALLS Label: Northern Spy Records

Artist: LAETITIA SADIER SOURCE ENSEMBLE Label: Drag City

Artist: UNICORN Label: Esoteric

Artist: Buddy Holly Label: Analogue Productions

Artist: Stone Foundation Label: 100%

Artist: Luigi Tenco Label: EU Import

Artist: Kelly Lee Owens Label: SMALLTOWN SUPERSOUND

Artist: Miramode Orchestra Label: Agogo Records

Artist: BRETT ANDERSON Label: Demon Records

Artist: Miramode Orchestra Label: Agogo Records

Artist: Justin Hayward Label: Greyscale

Artist: METHYL ETHEL Label: 4ad

Artist: Wayne Snow Label: Republic of Music

Artist: LAETITIA SADIER SOURCE ENSEMBLE Label: Drag City

Record Label: Cougouyou Style: Pop

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra , Sir Andrew Davis

Party people want to escalate on hard techno! Hardtechno Trax will satisfy their need! Get down to partially unreleased tracks by MINUPREN, BRACHIALE MUSIKGESTALTER, PETDUO, ZAHNI, DIE GEBRÜDER BRETT, PAPPENHEIMER and more ! Record Label: Zyx Style: Techno

56 immortal Big Band classics from the 20s and 30s on 3 CDs at a real nice price! With Hazy Osterwald Sextet, The Firehouse Charleston Band, Gus Brendel Orchestra and many more! Record Label: Zyx Style: Big Band