Song of the Day - Dracula's Wedding

She makes good peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Outkast ft. Kelis - Dracula's Wedding

Album: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)

I should really be saving up all these horror themed songs for next month. Whatever, I felt like I had to share this with you after it came on my iPod last night. It wasn't the first time I had heard the song, but it felt like the first time I had actually paid any attention to the lyrics which are riiiidiculous. Intentionally I'm sure. While you're listening to the song, remember that OutKast won Album of the Year at the Grammys for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.

Here's Kelis' vocal line. It looks even better in writing.

Give me a chance to dance romance

Don't run, I'm not the sun

So much at stake... oh, bad choice of words

But I'm not the gun SHOT, with silver bullets

And I can count (1, 2, 3), plus I make great peanut butter

And jelly sandwiches Van Helsing

Outstanding.

Around the World: United States of America

We've been all over the (developed) world over the last couple of weeks. We've been flying from as far away as Australia to most recently Denmark, meeting the teams that will be representing each country at the biggest (imaginary) music battle of them all. Now, we've landed in the country that will arguably be frontrunners to win. America. Home of the brave, land of the free... and all that jazz. I loves me some USA and all the good things it has blessed my daily life with. McDonald's and KFC. Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Baywatch, Grey's Anatomy, Glee, Buffy the Vampire Slayer... if I list all the American TV shows I love we'll be here for quite some time. There's also the people. I love Americans, so don't be haters y'all. All this and we haven't even touched on why we're here; American music. With such a huge array of stars, you just know that America will be putting some big names forward to compete with the rest of the world. That's who I'll be introducing you to very shortly; one male artist, one female artist and one group. Make yourselves comfortable in one of the finest American lay-z-boy chairs, help yourselves to the soda pop, chilli dogs and donuts and enjoy the show.

Male Artist - Jay-Z

If anyone's to choose a rap artist, it's going to be America. And who better to represent them than Jay-Z? Sure you could go with Eminem, but he's not as classy or likeable as Mr Beyonce. Utilizing respected and likeable stars will be the key to America garnering votes. If they pick people that are kind of jerks it will only give people more reasons not to vote for the most powerful country on the planet.

Female Artist - Beyonce Knowles

You thought I was going to pick Gaga. HA! Not so predictable now, am I? Moving along... why Beyonce? Superstars don't come more likeable (or sexier) than the Queen B. Because it's a 2-for-1 deal, I'm also saving America some money because they can share the same hotel room. You've got to be economically smarter these days.

Group - Dixie Chicks

Before you move to the bottom of the page to leave some sort of snarky comment (trolls) hear me out. They've got a lot of respect from the music community and general population for Natalie Maines speaking her mind on Dubya before it was the cool thing to do. While Americans (in the South) were burning their CDs to keep their shanties warm, the rest of the world was starting to like them more and more. Instead of laying low until the heat died down, the Chicks went to work creating their best album yet, Taking The Long Way, which won them Grammys for Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Record of the Year. Country music is always huge in America, so it would be nice to put forward an act to represent that. As an alternative though, we could put forward the Kings of Leon. You'd just want to hope that it isn't an open air theatre and no birds are in the area. Just watch the video above, start to finish, then you can leave whatever comments you like.

Well... that's America done. Where should we go next? "When will this madness stop," is probably what you're really asking yourselves. The answer... never. See you next time kids!

Song of the Day: Blue

Joni Mitchell - Blue

Album: Blue (1971)

Nothing beats a song performed by a vocalist with nothing but piano accompaniment. Well, in my opinion anyway (for what little that counts for). Piano supports the voice, it doesn't detract from it. When the voice is as good as Joni Mitchell's you won't want to be focusing on anything else. 'Blue' is the perfect vehicle for Mitchell's talents; well written, full of emotion, beautifully performed.

Enjoy the song... and this moment. It's rare that you'll find me putting up a song that's pre-1990. Maybe I'll have to do something about that. Do a 'classics' post or something. Maybe. Maybe not.

Song of the Day - Mysteries

Have you ever turned on the TV and been too lazy to change the channel from the first thing that pops onto the screen? No? It used to happen to me a lot. Maybe there was (is) something wrong with me, I dunno. So one day I'm sitting at the TV right and some random movie comes on. Luckily whoever was watching it last left it on a movie channel. If it had been the food channel I might have started crying. In a manly way of course. So this movie seems to be in a million different languages (French, Russian, English, Spanish and Italian) and I'm like, le sigh, do I have to read now? Then Amelie aka Audrey Tautou comes on the screen, which is a massive win in my book, so I watch it. How was the movie? Kind of lame. At some stage though an awesome song came on with a familiar voice... so I decided to sit through the entire credits to find out who the song was by. Turns out it was Beth Gibbons, the legendary voice of Portishead. 'Mysteries' was the name of the song and it's pretty much breathtaking. FYI, the film is called The Russian Dolls.

Random Thoughts: ARIA Award Nominations

The nominations for the 2010 ARIA Awards have been announced and are they interesting. The five acts nominated for Album of the Year are all new entrants to the category, guaranteeing us a first-time winner. Established, heavyweight acts like Kylie Minogue and Powderfinger were kept out of the running for the two biggest awards (Album and Song of the Year) which is a surprising but welcome move on the part of the ARIAs committee. Angus & Julia Stone, Sia, Birds of Tokyo, Washington and Guy Sebastian (Qua?) lead the pack, each scoring six nominations for the night. Here's who's up for the major awards, with my two cents thrown in... for free!



Album of the Year:

Angus & Julia Stone - Down the Way
Birds of Tokyo - Birds of Tokyo
Sia - We Are Born
Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
Washington - I Believe You Liar


---> All worthy nominees for sure. It's nice to see Sia finally gain some recognition after over a decade of hard work. Her only previous nomination (and win) came last year for a DVD release. Washington is having a hell of a year, comfortably filling the role Lisa Mitchell had last year. While I see Tame Impala as the dark horse of the category we all know that this is Angus & Julia Stone's to lose. They've got the highest selling Australian album of the year and that does play a lot into who will get the win.


Who Will Win: Angus & Julia Stone
Who Should Win: Angus & Julia Stone

Single of the Year:

Angus & Julia Stone - 'Big Jet Plane'
Birds of Tokyo - 'Plans'
Sia - 'Clap Your Hands'
The Temper Trap - 'Love Lost'
Washington - 'How To Tame Lions'


---> I see this as Angus & Julia Stone vs The Temper Trap and since the ARIAs usually like to spread the love (aka give everyone an award) than I'll give it to The Temper Trap. Still, an Angus & Julia Stone sweep could be on the cards.

Who Will Win: The Temper Trap
Who Should Win: Sia

Best Group:

Angus & Julia Stone
Birds of Tokyo
Powderfinger
Tame Impala
The Temper Trap

---> It's the last time that Powderfinger's going to be nominated. If I were a betting man, I'd put money on them to walk away with something on the night and what better award to send them off than Best Group.

Who Will Win: Powderfinger
Who Should Win: Powderfinger

Best Dance Release:

Art vs Science - 'Magic Fountain'
Miami Horror - 'Sometimes'
Midnight Juggernauts - The Crystal Axis
Pendulum - Immersion
Yolanda Be Cool + D Cup - 'We No Speak Americano'

---> Will the ARIAs go for the commerical success of 'We No Speak Americano,' or the critically acclaimed releases from the other four entrants. Tough call.

Who Will Win: Yolanda Be Cool + D Cup
Who Should Win: Midnight Juggernauts

Best Female Artist:

Clare Bowditch
Kylie Minogue
Lisa Mitchell
Sia
Washington

---> Bowditch and Minogue are previous winners but unlikely to walk away with the ARIA this year. If Mitchell was going to win it she had a much better chance last year when she was nominated. So that leaves Sia and Washington. Two very talented and deserving women. I'd be happy for either to win but I see the award going to...

Who Will Win: Sia
Who Should Win: Sia

Best Male Artist:

Dan Kelly
Dan Sultan
Guy Sebastian
John Butler
Paul Dempsey

---> What a... nice... year for male artists in Australia.

Who Will Win: John Butler
Who Should Win: Anyone who isn't Guy Sebastian

So, what are your thoughts/predictions for the 2010 ARIA Awards? Anyone you think got overlooked? Now we've got to wait until November 7 to actually find out who wins!

Random Thoughts - Big Day Out

The first lineup announcement for next year's Big Day Out festival has finally dropped. Big names like Tool, Iggy & The Stooges, Rammstein (DU HAST), M.I.A, Grinderman, LCD Soundsystem and John Butler Trio will take to the blue and orange stages with support from phenomenal talent like The Black Keys, Operator Please, Angus & Julia Stone, Crystal Castles, Pnau, CSS, Ratatat and Bliss N Eso. Yeah, I'm not overly enthused about Tool or Iggy & The Stooges, but that's only because they were headliners the two years I attended BDO (back in my youth).

Already the online cool kids are calling it the lamest lineup like ever totally lolz! But that's just normal now right? The "cool" kids complain, even though they would have bought a ticket without knowing a single band that was playing. Attending a festival for them is nothing more than showing off. A festival ticket is the perfect accessory *giggles.* Yeah, I'm done... but are you getting my point? Indie kids, get over the fact that Tool and Rammstein are headliners (they'll be awesome by the way). While Tool are on, an amazing group will be in the dance tent. A little duo called the Presets were in the dance tent while Tool played in 2007 and, for me, they were the highlight of the whole day. And do I really need to remind you that this was just the first announcement? There will be a couple more big names thrown into the mix yet.

P.S. Nick Cave and Iggy Pop at the same festival in 2011... awesome. Oh, and if I manage to get a ticket, come dance to 'Du Hast' with me. It'll be heaps of fun! Here's Rammstein performing it at the 2001 Big Day Out. How could you not want to be a part of this?

Song of the Day - Walk Like A Zombie

HorrorPops - Walk Like A Zombie

Zombies are cool. I'm a big fan of their work. Ok, I'm not really down with the whole, "arRgH Braaaains," thing they've got going on, but I do love me some zombie in popular culture. In film you've got classics like George A. Romero's 'Living Dead' series (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead etc.), four Resident Evil films (admittedly with varying degrees of goodness) and more recent entries to the genre like the excellent Zombieland. At the moment I'm reading an insanely cool book by Max Brooks called World War Z. It details the accounts of people who survived a worldwide zombie pandemic and is set to be made into a film, with Brad Pitt attached to star. You can always find a good zombie video game; Resident Evil, House of the Dead and Castlevania are just a couple of franchises that have built themselves up by scaring the crap out of you.

What about music? Why yes, zombies HAVE been featured in music gentle readers. Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' ended up being a homage to zombie films (and drunk people are still doing the zombie dance today) and The Cranberries used the theme as a form of protest on 'Zombie.' You've also got pretty much anything and everything that Rob Zombie has produced over his musical career. And then you've your song of the day, 'Walk Like A Zombie,' which in my opinion rates as the coolest zombie song of them all. Brought to you by Danish psychobilly rockers, The HorrorPops, the song is pretty much a lyrical goldmine complete with references to The Addams Family. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Top 20 - 26 September, 2010

1. The Verses - Want Everything
2. Eddie Vedder - Better Days (NEW)
3. Mark Ronson & The Business Intl ft. Boy George & Miike Snow - Somebody To Love Me (NEW)

4. Pete Yorn - Velcro Shoes
5. The Heavy - How You Like Me Now?
6. Kanye West ft. Pusha T - Runaway

7. Grinderman - Heathen Child
8. Blaqstarr ft. M.I.A - Lemme Hump You (NEW)
9. The Good Natured - Your Body Is A Machine (NEW)
10. Selebrities - Time (NEW)
11. Belle & Sebastian - Write About Love
12. Belle & Sebastian ft. Norah Jones - Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John (NEW)
13. Matt Walters ft. Washington - I Would Die For You
14. Robyn - Indestructable
15. Ting Tings - Hands
16. Sara Radle - Song For Adam
17. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - Dance The Way I Feel
18. Egyptian Hip Hop - Rad Pitt
19. Hoodie Allen ft. VV Brown - Swimming With Sharks (NEW)

20. Ray Lamontagne & The Pariah Dogs - For The Summer

Song of the Day - From The Sea

Wearing all black and looking apathetic does NOT make us emo!

Eskimo Joe - From The Sea

Eskimo Joe. A band that showed such promise before being seduced into emo commerciality. I kid, I kid... don't go self-harm or anything rich kids. It was nice to see the Western Australian three-piece gain a larger audience, even if the song 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine' made me cringe more than just a little bit. Don't even get me started on 'Sarah' which had the classic line, "Sarah, won't you tell me your name." Uh, you just addressed her by it. The boys dropped the emo-esque act by their next album, Inshalla, so everything was right in the universe once more.

'From The Sea' was the first single lifted from Eskimo Joe's second (and best) album A Song Is A City. If you're not too familiar with Eskimo Joe, it's a worthwhile listen and comes highly recommended from the fictitious It's My Kind of Scene hall of fame. If that's not good enough for you, it placed at #3 on the 2004 edition of JJJs Hottest 100. And if that's not good enough for you... I've got nothing.

Around the World - Denmark

Welcome to Denmark, the land of chocolate! No wait... that's Belgium. Welcome to Denmark, the second happiest, safest and least corrupt place on earth! It's where Metallica's Lars Ulrich was born and more importantly, it gave us one of the most critically lauded, groundbreaking groups of our time... Aqua! What are we doing here? Well kids we're back on our world tour, finding one male artist, female artist and group to represent different countries in an ultimate battle for musical supremacy. So far we've made stops in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden and Germany. Today, it's all about the Danish, so grab some delicious pastries and enjoy the show...

Male Artist - Claus Hempler

This dude's pretty cool. When he goes for high notes he looks like David Bowie. That's good enough to get him a spot on the team and will likely earn him points from judges too. Everyone loves Bowie.

Female Artist - Tina Dico

Tina Dico seems like Denmark's answer to Laura Marling. A beautiful, folky singer with catchy tunes. 'No Time To Sleep' is an incredible song and was featured on Grey's Anatomy.

Group - The Raveonettes

Unfortunately, Aqua was unavailable, so we decided to settle for The Raveonettes. They've been busy making a name for themselves since 2002 and the alternative duo dropped their last album, In and Out of Control, last year.

You've met the contenders, so, how do you think Denmark will do when the eyes of the world are watching them perform? Do they stand a chance against the countries we've already covered? And, do they stand a chance against our next team... the USA?! See you next time gentle viewers...

Song of the Day - This Woman's Work

"It's not important to me that people understand me."

Kate Bush - This Woman's Work

Is there a voice more haunting than Kate Bush's? If there is, I don't want to know about it. 'This Woman's Work' was released in 1989 to critical acclaim and can be found on Bush's sixth album, The Sensual World. Like pretty much everything she's released throughout her illustrious career, 'This Woman's Work' is amazing. Enjoy!

Plz Xplain - MTV... Music Television?

The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards are all but a lingering memory of Lady Gaga's domination (and bovine inspired clothing) but, as is the case each year, the question of MTV's relevance has once again been raised. It's become something of a tradition to bash MTV for moving away from music to its current trash-TV format and you know what... it's getting kind of old. This years host, the usually hilarious Chelsea Handler, got in a fun gibe pointing out the Jersey Shore cast to the music folk in the audience when she quipped, "don't applaud... they're the reason MTV doesn't play your videos." It was of course true, but at this point it seems highly redundant. My favourite host was Sarah Silverman, who scored points by telling the audience in 2007 that Britney Spears' kids were, "the two cutest mistakes ever... as cute as the bald vagina they came out of." Now that's funny... and also highly off topic.

What I want you to take from this piece is that MTV is never going back to what made it one of the most groundbreaking music sources the world has ever seen. After all, this is the channel that really launched the careers of Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince. This is the channel that took music videos from Nirvana and Pearl Jam and helped form the rise of grunge. And, this is the channel that in the late 90s brought attention back to pop music (Britney Spears, N'Sync) and made rap the highest selling genre of music (Eminem, Jay-Z). Since its inception, MTV has been a true representation of what the youth of the past, present and future wants. As a music channel they represented the changes in what defined popular music. The superstars of the 80s were replaced by grunge, that was replaced by new punk and alternative and that was replaced by trash pop, R&B and rap. All of this was before the internet became the global phenomenon it is today. Why watch MTV when you can find the latest music online, download it for illegally for free and then watch the music video on YouTube when you want to.

To combat falling ratings, MTV only did what they had so successfully done in the past... they gave the people what they wanted. Reality TV. Yeah, it's true that it both sucks and blows (which I didn't think was possible), but shows like The Real World, The Osbournes, Jackass, Newlyweds, Laguna Beach and now Jersey Shore have kept the channel alive, while also decreasing the average intelligence of a generation. MTV even acknowledges that they have moved away from their original purpose, with their new rebranding removing the tagline "music television" from all logos. For all its failings, MTV does still try though. They're making a big deal out of music video debuts again, trumpeting the latest videos from Lady Gaga like they used to with Michael Jackson. Florence + The Machine's album, Lungs, which has so far struggled in the USA soared into the top 20 after her performance at this years VMAs. There's still some influence there.

Like I said, MTVs not going back to the way things were. Instead of people complaining about it, go and find new music yourself! It's really not that hard. Try The Hype Machine, it's pretty much MTV for the digital age and on it you'll find all the latest new hits that are making people go crazy.

Song of the Day - Funeral Dress

Ke$ha says: I like your beard.

William Fitzsimmons - Funeral Dress

#7 - Song of the Year 2009

'Funeral Dress' was released in 2005 on singer-songwriter Fitzsimmons' debut, Until When We Are Ghosts. As you can tell from what's printed above, we here at It's My Kind Of Scene didn't hear it until 2009, but we were so impressed by the track it managed to finish in the top 10 songs of the year. Even though it was released in 2005. Is your head hurting yet? Good. Listening to 'Funeral Dress' should take care of that problem.

Song of the Day: Want Everything

The Verses - Want Everything

I know, I've already pimped 'Want Everything' out in a couple of other posts, but I just can't get enough of it. There have been some amazing releases from Australian artists this year (Washington, Angus & Julia Stone) but I've got a feeling that The Verses debut album, Seasons, will be one of my favourites of the year when I finally manage to get my hands on it. Ella and Jesse Hooper have grown up and moved on from the sounds they brought us with Killing Heidi. Even though that makes me a sad panda, The Verses offer us a more mature outlook on life in the vein of Fleetwood Mac. Enjoy!

New Music - Eddie Vedder, Mark Ronson, Belle & Sebastian + More

Eddie Vedder - Better Days

Like there weren't enough reasons to like the Pearl Jam front man already. 'Better Days' is his latest solo release and it's for Julia Roberts' latest movie, Eat, Pray, Love. Vedder has contributed some amazing music to films in the past, including the entire soundtrack for Into The Wild and a cover of The Beatles' 'You've Got To Hide Your Love Away' for I Am Sam. He keeps his track record of amazing movie music going strong, as 'Better Days' is simply one of the best songs you'll hear this year. It's the voice... his voice is incredible. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

The Good Natured - Your Body Is A Machine

Your new favourite band. Topshop was playing this track earlier in the year and I finally stumbled upon it! If 'Your Body Is A Machine' is anything to go by than we can expect big things from this UK based electro/rock outfit (add goth in too... they do). Think of them as a punkish La Roux.

Rating: 4/5

Selebrities - Time

Your even newer favourite band! Uh, this is a good week for music. 'Time' is a banging tune and will hopefully get New York's Selebrities a whole lot of attention. If you know of any fine establishments that sell alcoholic beverages that will play this kind of music and possibly have an area to move rhythmically to then please let me know and I'm there! New Order would be proud.

Rating: 4/5

Belle & Sebastian ft. Norah Jones - Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John

Don't let the name put you off, this song is brilliant. Belle & Sebastian have built a career on living up to and exceeding the expectations of their fans and they more than do that here. Bringing some needed attention back to Ms Jones and her vocal talents is also very much appreciated. If this doesn't get you excited about B&S's new album, Write About Love, nothing will. Oh, and... you're messed up.

Rating: 4.5/5

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl ft. Boy George & Miike Snow - Somebody To Love Me

And the good keeps coming. We're 5 for 5 so far. Mark Ronson continues to put out quality track after quality track as his star only rises higher. His choice of collaborators would seem questionable on paper, but somehow he makes it work. Miike Snow you can understand. Boy George? Who knew he could still sing so well. I thought he was just into chaining up rent boys and beating them or something. 'Somebody To Love Me' could be the best release (leak) yet from new album, Record Collection, which is released this week in the UK.

Rating: 4/5

Blaqstarr ft. M.I.A - Lemme Hump You

Either I'm drunk or this is just a really good week for new music. I'm fairly certain I'm not drunk, let's say 72%, so it's a good week. Blaqstarr and regular co-conspirator M.I.A deliver yet again with 'Lemme Hump You.' Unnecessary title aside, it's a track Diplo is hopefully proud of, as both M.I.A and Blaqstarr deliver some terrific vocals over futuristic beats.

Rating: 4/5

Vs - Cheryl Cole vs Nadine Coyle

Caaaatifight! Nah, not really...

Cheryl Cole - Promise This

Nadine Coyle - Insatiable

It's the battle that dozens and dozens of twelve year old girls have been waiting for... Girls Aloud's Cheryl Cole will be competing for UK chart dominance with fellow group member, Nadine Coyle. Last week Chezza dropped her new single ',Promise This,' which is the lead track for her soon to be released second album, Messy Little Raindrops. Not to be outdone, Nadine has released her first solo single, 'Insatiable,' which just so happens to be the name of her debut album. I'm not going to lie, I'm practically paralysed with not caring very much about either song. Thankfully 'Promise This' doesn't have a hook like 'Fight For This Love,' so we hopefully won't have to hear it played four times a night in every dodgey club and pub in London. Thanks Cheryl. As for Nadine, history has taught us that songs named 'Insatiable' are doomed to fail. Just ask Prince and Darren Hayes (of Savage Garden fame). That is, of course, if you can find them.

At the end of the day, Cheryl will continue to churn out hit after hit, while Nadine will enjoy moderate success before turning her attention to getting Girls Aloud back together. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em... again. Cheryl's got the exposure (X-Factor) and the sympathy of a nation (cheating douchebag husband) behind her so I don't see how she could lose. Cheryl is the Beyonce. Nadine is Michelle Williams. Cheryl is Justin Timberlake. Nadine is JC Chasez. But, hey... that's just my opinion. What do you guys think? Are you team Cheryl or team Nadine (or alternatively, team neither)?

Song of the Day - Easy Tonight

Five For Fighting - Easy Tonight

He had a huge international hit with debut single 'Superman (It's Not Easy)' (can't say I was a fan), but it was John Ondrasik's second song that was his best. As is generally the case, because the song was better, it was a bit of a commercial failure. If you're a fan of Scrubs, you might remember hearing 'Easy Tonight' during the first season and it's also on the Scrubs soundtrack. The original video is worth a watch if you're willing to track it down on YouTube.

Report Card #2 - Sia

School is back in session kids! Lady Gaga was the featured artist during the last lecture and we're going to be looking at another interesting female artist today too; Australian songstress, Sia. We're only going to be looking at Sia's solo works, so sorry Zero 7 fans, you'll just have to wait for another day. For those of you who slept through the first class (or got caught up in crazy daydreams involving the Gaga and Beyonce... perverts), Report Card takes a look back on every single an artist has released over their career and grades them based on the song and accompanying music video. At the end an overall grade will be assigned. In the last edition Lady Gaga received a solid B+ for her efforts so far. Will Sia join her, passing with flying colours? Or is she doomed to fail? Let the lesson begin...

Taken For Granted

It works as a nice introduction to Sia's unique voice and the video is pretty much Paranormal Activity, but... it's not the most exciting song to make a big debut with. Still, it's better than 98.9% of the other music released in 2000.

Song: B

Video: C+ (Paranormal Activity sucked)

Little Man

Again, nice vocals, BUT... the video is very generic and offers the viewer nothing of note and the same can pretty much be said of the song. The Wookie remix is very, very good though.

Song: C+

Video: F

Drink To Get Drunk

I think that having no video for 'Drink To Get Drunk' works in Ms Furler's favour as you're left with her voice as the main focus. And it's on fine form here.

Song: A-

Breathe Me

Sia - Breathe Me

Perfect. In every single way. 'Breathe Me' was instantly immortalized when it was used as the final song in Six Feet Under. If there's some sort of list of songs you NEED to listen to during your life then I hope this is on it.

Song: A+

Video: A+

Don't Bring Me Down

Sia really found herself as a songwriter on her second studio album. 'Don't Bring Me Down' works perfectly as the follow up to 'Breathe Me.' It's a huge shame that there's no official music video for this one.

Song: A

Numb

Animated music videos are generally awesome and 'Numb' proves it. Ok, no it doesn't, but it's a beautiful piece of work. The song is more experimental than many of the other tracks on Sia's sophomore set which really helps it stand out.

Song: B+

Video: A

Where I Belong

I can't help but feel a bit 'meh' when listening to 'Where I Belong.' When compared to the three songs that preceded it, it comes across as a bit average really. Again, no video.

Song: C

Pictures

Sia - Pictures

Sia's happiest sounding single to date. I say sounding because the lyrics are still pretty depressing. The video is a nice change of pace and works pretty well as a comedy clip.

Song: B

Video: B-

Day Too Soon

Great song with an even better video. The video's simplicity makes it so effective and Sia's never looked better.

Song: A-

Video: A-

The Girl You Lost To Cocaine

Sia shows off her impressive costume collection in the video! 'The Girl You Lost To Cocaine' is the perfect pop song that you were never going to hear on commercial radio and only because of the use of the word cocaine. Sucks. There's a ton of good remixes to this track too, but I'll leave those for you to discover.

Song: A

Video: A

Soon We'll Be Found

Her writing on tracks like this are the reason why she's in demand to write for superstars (?) like Christina Aguilera. And the video... well, it doesn't get much better than that. Creative, inspiring, thought-provoking. Everything music should be and then some. Why did we not hear this on the radio and why weren't music channels playing the video?

Song: A+

Video: A+

Buttons

This song you should definitely know. It's one of the few Sia tracks that actually got a substantial amount of radio play and with good reason! I'm not so sure about the video which is kind of a what not to wear on your face guide. I guess it gets some points for creativity.

Song: A

Video: B

You've Changed

So, we arrive at the singles taken from Sia's latest release, We Are Born. More fun than her previous releases and, unsurprisingly, her best commercial showing in international markets (#2 - Australian ARIA charts). 'You've Changed' was also Sia's best showing on the singles charts in AUS, peaking at #31. It should have gone to #1.

Song: A-

Video: B

Under The Milky Way

Sia's done some great covers in her time ('Paranoid Android' and 'Gimme More'), but I didn't really get into 'Under The Milky Way.' Maybe you'll like it.

Song: C+

Clap Your Hands

See, do you get what I mean about Sia bringing the fun in these days? Another winning track and possibly her weirdest video yet. Still, it all works.

Song: B+

Video: B

After a rocky start, Sia rebounded beautifully with her sophomore album and hasn't looked back since, going from strength to strength with each subsequent release. At the moment it's been reported that she's suffering from Grave's Disease and It's My Kind of Scene wishes her a speedy recovery so she can get back to what she does best (and what she clearly loves doing) - creating music for her devoted fans. Get well soon Sia!

Overall Grade: A-

- Sia takes the lead.... sorry LG.

Song of the Day - L.E.S. Artistes

Long before Ke$ha could vomit glitter there was.... Santigold!

Santigold - L.E.S Artistes

Santigold, please come back to us soon. I miss you and your cooler than cool backup dancers. Every now and then you tease some sort of return by guesting on tracks (recently with Basement Jaxx, Jay-Z and N.A.S.A.) and I've got to say, enough is enough. Come back!

'L.E.S. Artistes' is taken from the former SantOgold's debut album, Santogold, released in 2008. That album was delicious and I'd strongly recommend it to anyone looking for some fun and innovative music. Enjoy!

Around the World: Sweden & Germany

Sounds like... The Sounds!

We're making two stops today, so it's double the fun! Or something. First up is Sweden, home of Abba, followed by Germany, home of Nena. That's right, it's 'Dancing Queen' vs '99 Luftballons.' But it's not. Sorry for getting you all excited there. To make it up to you, let me introduce you to the male artist, female artist and group who will be introducing our two countries of the moment.

TEAM SWEDEN

Male Artist - The Tallest Man On Earth

Aka Kristian Matsson, who's been getting a lot of good coverage lately for his progressive folky tunes. He released his second album, The Wild Hunt, earlier in the year to positive reviews and there's plenty more to come. There definitely would be if he ended up playing at the world's biggest imaginary music competition and I'm sure Sweden would be proud to have him representing them.

Female Artist - Robyn

Was there ever any doubt? She's arguably the coolest pop star in the world who just isn't popular enough. MTV had the perfect opportunity to introduce her to a wider audience at the VMAs and blew it by having her play during an Ad break. Seriously? You give Justin Bieber air-time and not one of the most critically acclaimed (AND COOLEST) acts of the year. Seriously? Ms Carlsson can find solace in the fact that she'll be performing to her largest audience ever, even if this whole competition is only in my mind.

Group - The Sounds

Yes, I could have gone with Royksopp or The Knife. But I didn't. For one, The Knife probably wouldn't even do it, and two, The Sounds should be huge, but it seems like they get less attention every time they release something new. At least David Letterman's a fan.

TEAM GERMANY

Group - Rammstein

I think it's good to showcase talent from a wide array of musical genres. Germany can have metal. And there's just something about Rammstein playing 'Du Hast' to a billion people that tickles me.

Female Artist - Lena

As the 2010 Eurovision winner, Lena already has experience winning music competitions that pit countries against each other. She's not bad and her song 'Satellite' is awfully catchy.

Male Artist - Alexander Klaws

DSDS Alexander - Maniac - MyVideo

Hahahahahahahaha...... I'm sorry Germany. But seriously, the guy deserves a chance to make up for how bad he was on World Idol. Second chances blah blah blah. Yeah, I admit it. I struggled with Germany. But it gave me an excuse to post his amazing rendition of 'Maniac.'

Germany fans, you must forgive me. But, I suggest you help me out... who would be better than these guys to rep Germany? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. That's another two countries down. We've covered Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden and Germany now. Where should we head to next? OH! And posted below is a special treat for reading through to the end.

'99 Luftballons' owns 'Dancing Queen.'

Song of the Day - These Things

She Wants Revenge - These Things

Released in 2006, 'These Things' is the finest release from California-based group She Wants Revenge. I only checkout out the video because I heard Shirley Manson (lead-singer of Garbage/my future wife) was making an appearance. It's true that she is looking mighty fine, but the song's pretty damn good too. Hopefully She Wants Revenge is back in the studio working on the follow up to their sophomore album, This Is Forever. If you haven't heard them before they're well worth checking out.

Song of the Day - Freak Like Me

I've been thinking a lot about the lack of depth when it comes to pop groups that are active in 2010. JLS, The Saturdays, Girls Can't Catch. Um, who? What? Outside of the UK, very few groups manage to obtain the superstar status that they could have achieved only five years ago when say, Destiny's Child were tearing up the charts. You could go back another ten years and find the Backstreet Boys, All Saints, N'Sync, the Spice Girls, Steps, S Club 7 etc. Does no one care about manufactured trashy groups anymore?

I had thought about doing a girl group countdown, but I think I'm going to go crazy and eventually do a countdown covering all pop groups. Because that's how I roll. One group of ladies that would definitely be included are the Sugababes, version 2.0... Mutya, Keisha and Heidi. They stood out from the wealth of trash that came out during the peak of their popularity through smart, catchy, genre-breaking songs. Example, 'Freak Like Me.' A song worthy of the highest selling UK girl group of the 2000s. Sugababes version 4.0 just kinda suck. Sorry girls.

Top 20 - 19 September, 2010

Can Kanye make it to #1?

1. Pete Yorn - Velcro Shoes (#1 for 2 weeks)
2. Sara Radle - Song For Adam (NEW)

3. Kanye West ft. Pusha T - Runaway (NEW)

4. Robyn - Indestructable
5. The Verses - Want Everything

6. The Heavy - How You Like Me Now? (NEW)
7. Grinderman - Heathen Child (NEW)
8. Matt Walters ft. Washington - I Would Die For You
9. Ray Lamontagne & The Pariah Dogs - For The Summer
10. Ting Tings - Hands
11. Belle & Sebastian - Write About Love (NEW)
12. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - Dance The Way I Feel
13. The Black Angels - Telephone
14. A Perfect Circle - The Outsider (Renholder Apocalypse Mix) (NEW)
15. Darwin Deez - Up In The Clouds
16. Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World)
17. Egyptian Hip Hop - Rad Pitt (NEW)

18. Kings of Leon - Radioactive
19. Emma Hill - Doctor (NEW)
20. Sara Bareilles - Hold My Heart (NEW)

Who's This Rihanna?

So... I guess we're just going to pretend that whole Rated R album didn't happen then? Rihanna's definitely doing her best to make us forget. She's announced that her new album, Loud, will be dropping November 2nd and first single 'Only Girl (In The World)' is expected to rocket from #75 to #1 when US Billboard's charts are released this week. Another track, 'Who's That Chick?' has been unleashed on the world and, much like its predecessor, marks a return to club friendly Rihanna. Think 'Don't Stop the Music' but not as good.

Expect the Barbadian beauty to reclaim her position at the top of the R&B heap as audiences tune back in after abandoning her during the less commercially viable Rated R era (US and Australian #1 single 'Rude Boy' would be the exception of course). You can check out 'Who's That Chick?' below, but don't expect it to be part of Loud when it's released. Apparently it's being used to promote Doritos. Riiight.

Song of the Day: Chasing Pavements

It looks like we're waiting until 2011 for some new material from Adele, which apparently will be more influenced by country music than her award winning debut, 19. Can't say I'm particularly enthused with her going for a country sound, but I guess it's one of those wait and see deals. I don't know how you could have missed her, but if you're unfamiliar with Adele's sound give 'Chasing Pavements' a listen. You'll understand why she won the Grammy for Best New Artist last year.

Song of the Day: Heavy In Your Arms

Florence + The Machine - Heavy In Your Arms

FloMo's back and she's released a video for 'Heavy In Your Arms.' The track was featured on the latest Twilight soundtrack and stood out amongst the leftovers that Metric and Muse contributed. Florence's concept for the video is something Nick Cave would be proud of. I'm definitely feeling some 'Where the Wild Roses Grow' vibes. Regular readers will remember the song peaking at number one on It's My Kind of Scene's weekly top 20 at the end of June. Is the video good enough to warrant a re-entry?