Track of the week - Timbaland and Timberlake

Take out diner = sex... who knew?

The latest release from Timbaland's brilliant 'Shock Value II', Carry Out, is SubLow's favourite track this week. And it is possibly the most brilliant metaphor ever invented, all the way through. (apart from the line 'i can touch you in all the right areas', where I think they momentarily lost the plot)

The saucy metaphor alone is enough to make this track an instant hit, particularly with both this golden duo at the reins once more. More than that though, 'Carry Out''s brilliantly catchy melody and fast-paced rhythm are sure to make is an instant dance floor classic, encouraged by more of JT's moves in the sexy, fluorescent video.

The Blind Side

I’ve yet to see Crazy Heart, but I’d say Sandra Bullock is the most deserving award winner of the year. And, no, I don’t mean for her shock Razzie (though, well done on that one, Sandy) I mean for her Oscar winning performance in The Blind Side. It’s a close call as to who really owns this movie though, between the two main actors, Bullock and Quinton Aaron, who plays main character, Michael ‘Big Mike’ Oher. Other than having a small part in Be Kind Rewind, 25-year-old Aaron hasn’t starred in anything of note before The Blind Side, which should be to him as Titanic was to Kate and Leo, as An Education has been to Carey Mulligan. A quiet and reserved boy for the most part, Aaron manages to capture the innocence and sadness of his character with barely a word coming from his lips. The upcoming actor then manages to convey a subtle character change as Big Mike becomes talented, intelligent and loving young adult.

Blonde Bullock, on the other hand, perfectly switches between two personalities for the duration of the movie. Seemingly a hard business woman with a sharp wit to boot, the audience is quickly invited to see her character Leigh Anne’s more touching, maternal nature. This flawless balance is what earned Bullock the Best Actress gong. And look out for little Jae Head (S.J.) too... He's got big things ahead of him.

The execution of the film itself could be better. Though the plot, being based on a touching and emotional true story, keeps the audience entranced throughout, and the constant humour makes the trauma more bearable, there are flaws from the start. The opening scene is a little off putting, with Sandra Bullock providing a somewhat confusing voice over to an American Football game. Though it may be stereotypical of me, given the genre of the film, I find it hard to believe that, there will be many fans of the sport in the audience. That being the case, you may find yourself wondering what you’ve let yourself in for as you glaze over the initial scene. In sticking with it, though, the roller coaster of emotion proves for an exciting watch, including an unexpected twist before the end. Flashbacks (and flash forwards) throughout also keep you at the edge of your seat and, some being a little misleading, make the ending even more poignant.

****

Jason Derulo - Jason Derulo

I’m worried about Jason Derulo – it would seem love has given him an overactive imagination. The young crooner’s debut is a rollercoaster ride of emotion, even resulting in Derulo inventing women with his mind, or so we can deduce from Strobelight.


Seriously, though, the JR produced record is pretty much faultless is you’re already a fan. The first few listens may suggest that the best have already been released, a faux pas in anyone’s book. However, once the brilliance of Ridin’ Solo has been realised, a summery, upbeat realisation that single really is more fun, the other tracks fall into place. After the heartbreak in the likes of Whatcha Say and Blind has been overcome ahead of Ridin’ Solo, other tracks like Fallen and What If are slightly more optimistic both lyrically and musically (the vocals and harmonies in What If are particularly worth listening out for) Come Strobelight though, and you can be forgiven or thinking that the reason behind Derulo’s recovery is, in fact, imaginary – but we’ll gloss over that one.

Other tracks of note include the rather slutty Love Hangover and, from iTunes, a stunning acoustic version of Whatcha Say, with the one and only Jonathan Rotem behind the keys.

Though, as said, it takes a few listens to get used to, the self-titled record is a near perfect debut for all moods and ticks oh-so-many boxes.

Track of the week 4 - McLean

McLean's fantastic single, 'My Name', came out and the beginning of the week and i currently sitting at a worthy number 7 on the iTunes chart...... Lets get it higher people... Tinie's still at number 1 and we love him, but he's had his time at the top!
Having been labelled as a current Marvin Gaye, and that's one hell of a review, the London crooner puts his "velvety" voice to it's best use in My Name, giving every girl in the country a cold sweat and a racing heartbeat. McLean's second single, after equally stunning, independantly released 'Broken', has already shocked the airwaves and music channels, frequently spotted on MTV base and Kiss in particular.
What's more, the track comes in a wide variety of options on iTunes, so if you fancy something with a little more pace or even an entirely different genre, there's something for you. The Attaca Pesante remix sounds almost latino, completely shaking up the sound of original track, and Skepta's Boy Better Know remix is far more suited to the dancefloors than the slower paced version.

McLean plays London tonight (March 11th) www.myspace.com/mcleanofficial http://www.mcleanofficial.com/

PASS OUT #1

Happy Sunday... And that's exactly what it is for the one and only Tinie Tempah! The AMAZING Pass Out has shot straight to number one today (of course) and it's totally deserved. Cutting up clubs for a while now, Pass Out has been set for the top since it was glimmer in TT's eye. If you haven't got it, shame on you, but get out and keep it at the top spot for a second week.

JLS

So, JLS are playing at the Brighton Centre tomorrow night and SubLow is going to be there! I'm totally excited, it should be a pretty hot show followed by an aftershow party at Kuku... I'll be putting a review of the night up here ASAP so look out.

Track of The Week 3 - Gucci Mane

So many people have thought that Usher left it a little too long to return to music.... And that his style may be a little too old. Now, I confess I haven't heard any of this new solo trax, but Spotlight is on constant repeat for me at the moment.

Gucci and Usher make a great team and, for me, their vocals sound perfect together.

So there it is, this week's track is Spotlight.... But Teach Me How To Jerk is up there too...

Broken Record

In fear of sounding like one, I just want to reiterate how stunning the acoustic version of Jason Derulo's 'Whatcha Say' is. The second the piano drops I get a shiver down my spine. I sincerly reccomend checking it out....

X x X

SubLow Twitter!

So today I set up a twitter account for SubLow....... www.twitter.com/SubLowMagazine

Following all SubLow's favourite artists....

Tweeting and retweeting all the latest news and reviews.

Check.