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[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

Go and look at Freaky Trigger which has a gorgeous new interface and which will also - and soon - have more POP content again.

I am working now on the Pop World Cup final post - watch this etc.

Russian BOSH

[blue-russian.livejournal.com]

...sort of. Most of the time it's difficult to get a handle on the fractured Russian pop scene: there really isn't a single recognized chart, either for airplay or sales. But B-2 (Би-2) are certainly one of the biggest rock bands from the post-Soviet period, if not THE biggest. A pair of Belorussians who emigrated first to Israel, then Australia, and then -- so the story goes -- were pulled back to Moscow when the radio began playing tracks from a demo that no record company seemed to want. (Same stories, all around the world.) They produced what was undoubtedly the hit of 2000, when one of their songs was included in the movie of the year, a song apparently inspired by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, of all things.


(Yes, of course, the scary-looking one is lead guitarist, not the singer.)

Almost ten years out, and their sound is getting stale -- the hooks are fewer and farther between, but they've still got rock star charisma in spades. What to do for the new album? How about some daring remixes for the lead-off single? (So many pages out of the Anglo-European pop story to crib from...) Well, of course, the band isn't quite satisfied with the results, not enough for a commercial release, but the word is out, so the song is leaked officially. And I quite like it. Easily the best thing the band have done in 5 years, synth noises swirling around over that thump-thump-thump-thump. It's been months since I heard that white label remix of "Talk," but the principle I think is the same.

The song is called "Дурочка" ("Durochka" = "Dummy"), and you've got seven days to download it here, and if you're really curious, you download a video of the original version here, directly from their website.

I'm not as convinced it's poptimist material as I was when I first heard it, but maybe I'm wrong.

"Didn't bring any, mate"

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

The night before last I spent some time creating new volumes in the "Wow 00s" series of compilation CDs that have formed the backbone of our Poptimism DJ sets. But I need more inspiration - what would get you out on the floor when Poptimism makes its triumphant return? (Answers such as "a crate of Blossom Hill" not applicable). A feasibility study may take place in the comments box but the details of your request will remain between you, me and your conscience.

[Poll #762401]

In other words - get those requests in now and spare later DISAPPOINTMENT.

Top 40 Singles Of 2006 Pol #6: June

[chezghost.livejournal.com]

Halfway through the year, it's time to rate the chart hits of sunny June. But as World Cup fever hits, there are more (rubbish) songs than ever in the list. Fairly warned be thee, says I...

[Poll #762410]

The Pop World Cup: THE FINAL

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

Portugal vs Czech Republic

After FIVE MONTHS of poptastic polltastic play, the Pop World Cup final has finally arrived. And what an occasion it promises to be. We've seen shocks, clashes and some titanic performances, including two magnificent semi-finals. Can Portugal and the Czech Republic give us a final worthy of the name? Find out by going to http://www.freakytrigger.co.uk/popworldcup, downloading their tracks and voting in the poll below. No team talks this time, so let's look to our expert summarisers to find out what's at stake...

PORTUGAL: Loto - "Back To Discos"

( Road to the final )

CZECH REPUBLIC: Sarka Vankova - "Lasku Davej"

( Road to the final )

( The rules...and THE POLL )

For more pop world cup action, check out the third place match, taking place today at the SukratArena.

Deadline on votes is noon on Monday. This is also your last chance to publicise the pop world cup elsewhere!