19th Jan2012

Adam Lambert performs “Better Than I Know Myself” on Ellen

by KC Claveria | Filthy Pop | Vancouver Music Blog

Adam Lambert  - Better than I know myself - Ellen performance

Adam Lambert‘s “Better Than I Know Myself” is set to impact radio later this month, and so he’s busy promoting the heck out of the song. Following an appearance on Jay Leno, Adam Lambert dropped by Ellen for an interview and a performance this week.

Initially I was worried that the live version of this song won’t live up to the studio version, but I’m happy to report that Lambert nailed this performance. The band was louder and the beat was more prominent, but Lambert’s vocals handled it well. Although the first few verses were shaky, Lambert eventually found his groove and the signature high notes were there.

Also, Lambert looked great; he kept his looks simple, which kept the focus on the performance instead of his outfit.

“Better Than I Know Myself” has so far debuted and peaked at the lower half of the Hot 100 Billboard Charts, but I still think it has a shot at becoming a big hit. The song leaked during the worst time of the year (just when all the radio stations are doing their year-end countdowns), so hopefully a few performances will help this song take off this time.

08th Jan2012

Video: Lana Del Rey on the Jonathan Ross Show

by KC Claveria | Filthy Pop | Vancouver Music Blog

Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

Less than a week before her Saturday Night Live appearance, Lana Del Rey delivers a stunning performance on the Jonathan Ross Show.

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11th Dec2011

Robyn is fearless, fierce and flawless on SNL

by KC Claveria | Filthy Pop | Vancouver Music Blog

Robyn - Saturday Night Love - promo pic

This week’s Saturday Night Live featured Katy Perry as the host (you read that right) and the highly underrated Robyn as musical guest.

Katy Perry was hit and miss, but I guess I can forgive her. I mean, she’s an actress by trade, and the writers made it easier for her by incorporating more music stuff into the skits.

Robyn, on the other hand, simply brought the house down. Her performances of “Call Your Girlfriend” and “Dancing on my own” were fearless, fierce, and simply flawless.

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26th Nov2011

Listen: Florence + the Machine cover Drake & Rihanna’s “Take Care”

by KC Claveria | Filthy Pop | Vancouver Music Blog

Florence Welch - Flick photo

Florence + the Machine recently dropped by BBC Radio 1 to promote their fantastic new album Ceremonials. During the visit, Florence Welch and her band performed some of their old and current hits plus some covers, which include their own rendition of Drake and Rihanna’s “Take Care”.

As usual, the band brought their own flavour to the table, injecting the song with some gospel love.

Everyone pretty much knows that I love Florence Welch, but I have to say that I can’t really get into this rendition. It may be because I’ve listened the original version so many times, I don’t know. I love the subtlety of the original version — Rihanna’s parts had good restraint in the original version — so I’m not loving Florence’s vocal calisthenics here.

In “Take Care”, Drake also does what he does best: rapping, then transitioning to singing, then back to rapping. Obviously, this version is missing that.

It usually takes me a few listens to eventually love songs from Florence + the Machine though, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this one grows on me.

Photo: NRK P3