Cascada's Two Big Hits

Isn't it funny how a really big hit can sometimes backfire and sabotage an album? "Evacuate The Dancefloor" was absolutely huge for Cascada. So big, in fact, that it completely overshadowed all the singles that followed and basically killed the whole project. Take the UK. Natalie's line by line re-make of "Just Dance" spent 4 weeks at #1, while "Dangerous" stalled at a shameful #67. In the digital age pop stars need a string of hits to keep their albums afloat - see Lady GaGa and Beyoncé - or fans will just download the song and move on. Which is exactly what happened to Germany's favourite big boned Fräulein. It's interesting then that Australia appears to have bucked the trend and embraced Cascada's latest flop. "Fever" didn't even chart in the UK but it debuted at #48 over here a couple of weeks ago (before falling off) but looks set to climb again given its current top 40 position on iTunes and across the board radio adds. I swear, we're the new Japan. Any old shit can chart in this country! And that's exactly what "Fever" is. Shit. The only redeeming thing about it is the tragic video, which finds a corset clad Natalie crawling over a boardroom table. However, it's not all doom and gloom for pop's premiere Hi-NRG hooker.

Cascada recently unveiled a brand new track. "Pyromania" was originally rumoured to be a Timbaland production but I think that's about as likely as Janet donating her sex toys to charity. Not that it matters because this is the German dance outfit's finest moment. A lot of people have accused the band of further pillaging Lady GaGa's back catalogue but I don't hear it. The song is squarely aimed at the American market (much like "Evacuate The Dancefloor") but this time around they have refrained from reverse engineering their favourite track from "The Fame". To me, "Pyromania" is a classy attempt at capturing the RedOne sound while staying true to their Eurotrash roots. GaGa could never come up with lyrics as inspired as "pyro pyro-mania ma ma ma mania". They already have next year's Ivor Novello award in the bag! I'm not sure if this is from a completely new album or simply the latest single from a scheduled re-release of "Evacute The Dancefloor" (my guess) but I think team Cascada has another winner on its hands. Make sure you check out the typically ridiculous video (below). Natalie proves once again why her child bearing hips are worshipped the world over!

The End Of An Era

The pop world has lost one of its brightest stars with the passing of Hannelore Jacob, best known to fans of trash culture as the youngest of the legendary poodle loving Jacob Sisters. I'm devastated by the news and I'd like to pass on my condolences to all of Hannelore's friends, fans and family. The Jacob Sisters are (I still can't bring myself to use the past tense) my favourite "girlband". Their stunning glamour is undeniable and their fabulous 50 year career has covered every musical genre in the book. Which other group of ravishing 70 year olds could possibly cover Kylie's "Your Disco Needs You" with the same passion and brilliant mastery of the English language?

I have my fingers crossed that Johanna, Rosi and Eva will continue to inspire fans around the globe with their wonderful music after they have mourned the loss of their sister. The group wont be the same as a threesome but I think Hannelore would want them to carry on doing what they do best. I just hope someone is looking after Hanni's poodles. Take a moment to grieve for Hannelore by watching the Jacob Sisters perform their smash hit "The Hampster Dance". The humourless trolls in Girls Aloud and Sugababes wish they had an ounce of this breathtaking talent! Hannelore, you will be sorely missed.

Rest In Peace

German Kylie Cover - Aus Meinem Kopf

One of my favourite albums of the year comes from Germany's Erdmoebel. I've been a huge fan of the band since hearing their German language rendition of Wham's "Last Christmas" on the now sadly defunct "Germans Under Cover". Their new album continues the trend of translating English language hits into German. In fact, "No. 1 Hits" is comprised exclusively of German versions of international chart toppers and the first single is a gorgeous interpretation of Kylie's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" or "Aus Meinem Kopf"!

Erdmoebel might look like a group of German engineers but there is nothing clinical or cold about their music. The band specialise in a rich, organic sound that seems positively out of place on the current music scene. Unlike most of the fabulous shit I usually listen to, Erdmoebel display some real musicianship and subtlety - without being pretentious or dull. The precise song translations are a delight for German speakers, as is the complete mood transformation that each "hit" receives. The variety of the artists covered is also staggering - Which other act can claim to have covered The Vengaboys, Kylie, Nirvana, Tom Jones, Kraftwerk and Robbie Williams on the one album?

It speaks volumes for the quality of song that it still sounds amazing in a different language, pared right back, without any of the studio wizardry that made it so spectacular in the first place. Erdmoebel achieve just that by turning "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" into a dark and moody, atmospheric groove. The concept sounds awful but it works spectacularly well. "Aus Meinem Kopf" wont drag you to the dance floor but it makes for perfect late night listening. Think of it as a special treat for those rare moments when your ears demand just a little bit of quality. Check out the video clip, which takes place in the not so classy surrounds of someone's crappy office.

I have to thank Magical Froggy for Bierfrau Kylie. From her green face, I'd say she's either had one too many glasses of German goodness or is auditioning for the next Exorcist re-make. "No. 1 Hits" is highly recommended and can be purchased from German Amazon. Check out Erdmoebel's website for more information about the band.