Official Catch-Up + Can't Fight This Feeling performance

Hello Sophie, how are you?
I’m really good thank you. Enjoying my current quiet life.

We noticed that the Daily Mail had a piece about you going to the park with Ray and Kit.
Yeah, that was a bit funny. When I lived around Notting Hill there were photographers just loitering all the time because quite a lot of people live around there. But that’s the first time that’s happened where we live now.

A lot of people probably imagine that famous folks organise those sort of photos with a paparazzi themselves. Were you even aware those ones were happening?
No, I had no idea at all. Sometimes you’ll see pictures and you’ll have to try and work out what day it was. But it’s alright. I wouldn’t like it if one of the kids noticed and felt uncomfortable. But so long as I’m oblivious, I think its pretty harmless.

And they pixelate the children’s faces. Well, unless Kit actually looks like that.
Haha! Exactly. But, yeah, they do seem to do that.

So how’s it all going with little Ray?
Oh, lovely. It’s been a completely different experience this time because it’s the first time I’ve had a full-term baby that I can take straight home from hospital. It’s a different world. And I much prefer it.

The birth went well?
It was all fine. I had to have another C-section because he’s my third one now and they said it’d be too risky to try anything else. So it was quite odd, you go from a standing start really. Make a little playlist of songs and then head to the hospital and off we go. It made the recovery a lot quicker because I could have him with me. I think that makes you feel a bit more focused on the positives rather than just feeling like you’ve just had an operation.

When did you bring him home?
I was in for three days. I think that’s kind of the advised time after you’ve had the operation. But, yeah, then straight home and start settling into life with five of us.

And how’s that been? Does it feel like 33% extra effort having a third child?
At the moment I’d say no, it’s not actually. It’s been fairly OK. We’re fortunate because we’ve got quite a lot of support. My mum’s just down the road and we’ve got Clare our nanny. But then at the weekends when it’s just been the five of us, it’s actually been alright because Ray’s fairly minimal in what he needs. I’m feeding him myself so we’re not taking out loads of bottles and all that kind of stuff. All he needs really is a little change of clothes and a blanket. And I can fit that in my handbag! But I think once he gets a bit bigger, he’ll start taking up more space, both figuratively and literally.

Is he sleeping OK?
Yeah. Newborns don’t do much, really - it’s all eating and sleeping. He’s definitely not sleeping through the night, but I don’t really mind. It’s quite a mellow kind of tiredness that I’ve got. The thing that’s tricky is that sometimes Kit - the one with the pixelated face - wakes up in the night, and then you have to get out of bed and sorting him out. That is knackering. But generally it’s all good. I was a bit apprehensive because we’d heard from some people that having a third is really full-on, but so far so good, I’d say.

So are you finding time to do anything beyond being a mother?
Well so far it’s all been very homely. We’ve been going out and about, but it’s all been nice family things. We went to Kew Gardens at the weekend and had a run about and did the treetop walk and all that. And I’ve been going to the cinema thing where you can take your baby along. So I’ve seen a few films, which has been quite nice, because then you’ve got something to talk about other than just baby stuff!

You’re mainly staying put in London then.
Actually, we did go to visit my dad in Sussex during half-term. But it’s all been quite localised and cosy. It’s been nice.

How have the boys taken to Ray?
They really like him actually. Luckily. Hahaha! They just squabble over who gets to cuddle him usually. But it’s early days. I think newborn babies maybe lull you into a false sense of security because they are fairly low maintenance and their demands are quite straightforward. I think once Ray is crawling about and a bit more active and needs a bit more stimulation, then we might find ourselves a little bit more spread thin.

We saw that Popjustice and various others were suggesting you should be the UK”s Eurovision entry next year. Is that something you’ve ever seriously considered?
No, I don’t think so. I love Eurovision, but I really think it’d be like throwing me to the lions. It has actually been suggested to me in a serious capacity along the way, but no. I think with all these things, anything that has a risk attached, you should go with your first instinct. And if your first reaction was, “God, that could really backfire and be quite humiliating” then you’ve got to go with that, really. The UK is very unpopular in Eurovision. It’s not just about the song. So it’s a no. But I do love watching it.

You said on Twitter that you went to see Coldplay recently. Was that your first night out since Ray was born?
It was indeed.

How was that?
It was a bit strange to be away from him, but it was nice. I was only away for a few hours.

And you took Sonny?
Yes. He was excited for about the first 20 minutes or so and then he got a bit bored. I remember when I was about 8 being taken to see Pink Floyd and I had a similar reaction.

And Sonny booed Chris Martin for swearing?
Yes! Hahaha! He didn’t like that. The flashing wristbands were amazing, though. I absolutely loved those.

Have you been up to anything else?
Not much, really. I’ve had the odd meeting and I’m starting to think a bit about work. And I’m going away to DJ with Richard this weekend. That’s my first job, actually.

Where are you doing that?
We’re going to Serbia. To Belgrade. We’re away for 24 hours, and we’re not taking Ray.

First night without him?
Yeah! I think I’m going to find it a bit traumatic, actually. I know he won’t miss me, but I’ll definitely miss him!






And here is the live performance of Can't Fight This Feeling from the Java Soul Nation gig at Jakarta.

Make a scene: Review

MAKE A SCENE (2011, EBGB RECORDS)

Three albums, four years of recording and delays, and five singles later, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has returned with one of the most anticipated albums of the year - "Make a scene"; collaborating with the cream of pop-dance producers including voted #1 DJ of the world Armin Van Buuren, chart toppers Calvin Harris and Freemasons, that incredibly talented Joe Mount of Metronomy and God himself - Richard X. Of course, there are a few regulars here - Greg Kurstin, Liam Howe of Sneaker Pimps and Dimitri Tikovoi; and a surprise collaboration with Fred Ball... So does this make the album a generic and manufactured one - NO!

The album opens with a bang (literally - "bang, bang, it’s a hold up"). Revolution, the album opener, has Sophie attempting a monotone delivery for the second time in her career (check the middle-8 from "Making Music", Shoot from the Hip). The chorus is simple, repetitive and arresting; the "army" hook is catchy. Cathy Dennis, who worked with Sophie on her last top 10 hit Catch You (which was also a Denis/Kurstin collaboration), co-wrote the song - and in fact, came up with the self-referencing line in the song (the line in the bridge - "face to face its murder on the dancefloor"). Revolution is highly energetic and frenetic, but is very short. It feels like the song is in a hurry to be done and introduce what seems to be Sophie's best album yet. (9/10)

All those cymbal crashes in Revolution lead to this big crash in the very beginning of track two. Bittersweet is a song produced by Freemasons and Biffco. The song was Sophie's second single off the album, but failed to set the charts on fire. Nonetheless, it received an overwhelmingly good response from her fan-base and went on to become the Song of the Day on PopJustice. It even kept Sophie on top of the PJ Almighty for what seemed like an eternity. Bittersweet is enthralling - with flawless production sampling bits from "Fade to Grey" by Visage and "Blue Monday" by New Order; the song even draws influences from "You Spin Me Around (Like a Record)" by Dead or Alive. Sophie effortlessly mews over the production. The meandering melody in the chorus, the cut-up vocals in the middle-8, the whispering bits and that incredible close to the chorus (the heavenly "oh-oh-oh-so here I am" bit) - all these make Bittersweet the ultimate pop/dance song that most solo female acts would kill for. To sum up, the song is a modern classic. (10/10)

Off And On, the planned-to be-sixth single off the album, is the first of the two songs with no lyrical contribution by La Bex. Originally written and demo-ed for Roisin Murphy's 2007 album, 'Overpowered', the song was handed over to Sophie to promote the then-planned Greatest Hits compilation. Fortunately, recording sessions proved fruitful and now we have the 4th album instead. Off And On is a commercial electro-pop number, which has been edited since its original premiere on Sophie's MySpace several years ago. Could this be the first top ten single from the album - I sincerely hope so, but only commercial radio can give this song the exposure it deserves. (9/10)

Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer) was also made to promote the GH compilation. The original demo is significantly different from the final mix that was released as a mutual single by Freemasons and Sophie back in 2009. The song charted just outside the top 10, but stands as the highest charted single from the album (in the UK) and has become one of her most popular songs since Murder on the Dancefloor. Described as electro-dance monster, the song will have you moving along to the loud synths and the big beats. This song, along with Bittersweet, proves that the Bex Monster and Freemasons are a match made in pop heaven. The Freemasons have always had brilliant and glittery production on their songs; their two songs on this album are no different. Their production brings out the emotion and drama in Sophie's voice - something that is absent in your regular commercial dance songs (yes Guetta, I'm talking about you) (9.5/10)

Not Giving Up On Love, the fourth single off the album, is a trance song, with a simple piano loop, great synths, some live drums thrown in here and there and, of course, Sophie's ever-so lush vocals. Miss E.B. is no stranger to melancholic melodies - what some fans consider her forte. The song is a collaboration with Armin Van Buuren, who is the voted #1 DJ of the world. The song was a big success in several countries across Europe but had no impact on the UK Charts. Vocal trance is a new field for Sophie, and I look forward to more trance DJ-collaborations in the future. The full length club edit is so much better than the hurriedly edited radio version, but you simply cannot have a 6+ minute trance track in the middle a pop album - still, it is worth listening to. (10/10)

The next song, Can't Fight This Feeling, is a collaboration with upcoming French DJ Junior Caldera. This is his biggest success across Europe, and in fact the song got a lot of attention from Sophie's fanbase in Russia and some other countries across Europe. On my first listen, both track 5 and 6 stuck out like a sore thumb. The song isn't bad at all. It is very commercial sounding, very 2009-10. Its weird because her songs almost never sound 'current'. Its very hit or miss really. I liked the song a lot when it was released as a single before Bittersweet, but the shine has worn off now. Sophie has recently written another track with Junior Caldera. Lets hope that song sees the light of the day in some form. (7/10)

If I have to sum up the next song in one word, I would only say "heavenly". Starlight, produced by Richard X *screams* is straight out of the 80's. Starlight is released as the 5th (overall) single from the album, the 4th in the UK. You can watch the video, directed by her father, Robin Bextor, right here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDlkxDu06OU

The song has a melancholic feeling, and is slightly ethereal and lush. This is definitely one of the best songs on the album. I'd love for Sophie to work with Richard X *screams* again. Starlight is positioned in the perfect place - and feels refreshing to listen to after 6 dance songs that play back-to-back! You don't know what heaven feels like until you have heard this song. Everything from the slick production and the poetic lyrics to the lush vocals are perfect. One thing that will really grab your attention is the almost-Madonna-esque middle-8; "We are one". (10/10)

Sophie performed Under Your Touch last year on the Album Charts Show and I was really looking forward to listening to the studio version of the song. It is produced by long time collaborator Liam Howe of the Sneaker pimps. The song begins with eeire strings, which brings to mind Madonna's "Sorry". The song has a very busy production, with loads of sounds building up as the song progresses. Sophie sounds fantastic. The mechanised vocals in the song were a nice surprise. It might sound slightly filler-ish on the first listen, but after a couple of listens, the song grows on you, and you tend to put this into a long list of songs that should be singles. (8.5/10)

The title track, Make A Scene, is unlike anything that she has ever done before. The song begins with some clunky notes and a strange beat, and soon builds into this really bouncy jam. The chorus is phenomenal and has Sophie screaming "come on now" as she makes a scene. The almost spoken verses, the saxophone, the really weird drum sequence that sounds a little off-track in the first few seconds, Sophie screaming in some places - in theory this will seem like one of the worst ideas ever. But it all comes together so well - everything feels so disjoint, but at the same time, its all very 'together'. One must give sufficient credit to Joseph Mount, of Metronomy, who helped co-write and co-produce this song. You can definitely hear some 'Nights Out' influences in this song. You might even say that this song sounds like something off Roisin Murphy's 'Ruby Blue' album, crossed with production by Basement Jaxx (now that is a collaboration that should happen!). I'd love to see more Sophie-Metronomy songs in the future.(10/10)

Magic is the second of the two Richard X *screams* songs on the album. The song is, as the title suggests, magical. It begins with simple "ooh ooh"s and builds up into this 80's influenced, scratch that, 80's epic. A simple-but-massive chorus takes centre stage; the production really brings out the best in Sophie's voice. I'm a sucker for anything Richard X *screams*, but this has to be one of his best productions. Lyrically, the song is very poetic, much like Starlight. The middle-8 contains whispers again. Sophie brought whispers back in fashion - I'm not even sure if whispers went out of fashion, but I'd love to give Sophie credit for putting whispers on two (thats right, TWO) songs on the album. Well done Sophie. Well done Hannah. Richard X *screams*, I salute you! (10/10)

The next song is a historic moment in pop music (or so I think, don't burst my bubble). Sophie is probably the only popstar in the world to have used the word "politicise" in a song. And as a fan from PopJustice once said, she is also, probably, the only popstar in the world to have written an electro-pop number about a text stalker. Now THIS is your quirky pop song. The almost story-like lyrics describe Sophie's attitude toward her text stalker. One line in particular - "when you're lost at sea, I'm on land" - is like a slap-in-the-face-get-a-life type of situation. I love the general bitchy-ness about the song. Dial My Number is produced by Liam Howe and co-written with Hannah Robinson. The song, like the other Howe production, is very busy sounding, and quite loud. This was probably the most anticipated song on the album - and it could end up becoming a fan-favourite. (9/10)

Homewrecker is such an amazing-title for a pop song. You'd expect swearing and cursing on this song - but surprisingly, there's no swearing or cursing... or is there? The lyrics of the song are intentionally blunt, but also very witty. The “ho..ho..homewrecker” bit caught everyone by surprise. Its right there, she’s actually swearing, but its so wonderfully hidden beneath the apparent hook. Only Sophie Ellis-Bextor could swear and still sound so posh, take notes Ke$ha. The song is produced by Greg Kurstin, and has some similar production gimmics. The organ in the beginning of the song make this song seem almost-demented in some ways. Well done, Sophie, well done! (8.5/10)

Now is that point in the album when you're pretty much done with dancing and jumping around, and you just want to sit down and listen to some good pop music. And Sophie knows that. Synchronised, is the first of the two ballads on the album; the second song with no lyrical contribution by Sophie, and is truly immense. The song sounds very commercial - kinda like "If You Go"'s moody little sister. The song focuses on Sophie's vocal power, and that is, essentially, what makes this song a masterpiece. Sophie's vocals have never sounded this good and emotive. Here is solid proof against all those people who claim that Sophie cannot breathe life and emotion into a song - IN YOUR FACE, HATERS! (10/10)

Cut Straight To The Heart is the perfect close to a perfect album. The song features lyrical contribution by the infamous Ed Harcourt. Sophie sounds very vulnerable, and the general feeling and production of the song can be compared to one of her older songs from her second album - "I Am Not Good At Not Getting What I Want". The track has beautiful instrumentation, and also samples the drum sequence from Placebo's cover of "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)", which is also, not so surprisingly, produced by Dimitri. The song might be slightly over-shadowed by the amazing-ness of its predecessor, but is no less brilliant. Sophie finishes the album in style. (10/10)

If you haven't heard this album yet, you haven't really heard what good pop music sounds like. Sophie has once again proved that she truly deserves the title "Pop Goddess". Well done.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS:
Bittersweet
Not Giving Up On Love
Starlight
Make A Scene
Magic
Synchronised
Cut Straight To The Heart

OVERALL RATING: 9.3/10. Plus, additional 0.7 for the brilliant artwork and photographs in the album, all the effort that has gone behind getting it finally out there. A solid 10/10 effort overall!


...yes, this is exactly how I feel about the release. Its finally here, and it is flawless. Make sure you legally purchase a copy (or two) of Make a scene.

Link to online sites where you can buy the album:
iTunes UK
Amazon
7Digital

Buy the CD from here:
Amazon
HMV
Play
Tesco

Sophie's performances from Poland

Can't Fight This Feeling - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwUq1kOHtts
Not Giving Up On Love - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dexxKPRx48

Quick notes:
1. Sophie has tanned, and i don't like it.
2. Her bee-hive looks amazing.
3. CFTF performance sounded great, NGUOL not so much.

PS - if you haven't already downloaded the re-mastered version of theaudience's second album, check the previous post. It sounds AMAZING now!

the campaign is a little messed up

I'm not very happy with how Fascination are handling Sophie right now. Someone on PopJustice once posted that there was going to be a strange release strategy for the new album. Back then nothing was revealed. First Fascination decided to include the Freemasons single on the album. Next they made Not Giving Up an Armin Vs. Sophie track. They will also release the Junior Caldera track in UK. Lets add two and two

1st single - Freemasons feat. Sophie - Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer

2nd single - Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Bittersweet

3rd single - Armin Van Buuren Vs. Sophie - Not Giving Up

4th single - Junior Caldera feat. Sophie - Can't Fight This Feeling

album released after this

No wonder they didn't let Roger Sanchez use the Sophie/Nervo track which he made for his album. Fans would be confused if it's a Sophie release for her album or if it's just a Roger Sanchez release.

If it goes this way, we can all say bye-bye to b-sides. I don't think any DJ would want to release a Sophie-only song produced by someone else on their single as a b-side. We'll just get some more boring remixes.

The whole campaign seems like a desperate act to save Sophie's career after Bittersweet's flop. Banking on the DJ's goodwill to release a single so they can get an easy hit. I mean, if all this is just to score hits, why not make a collaboration with David Guetta (as much as i hate the idea myself), cos anything with his name is a hit somewhere in the world. They should also let Roger use the track for his album and stick it at the end of Sophie's album as a bonus track or whatever. Roger is huge. Why aren't they using his name!?

If both Not Giving Up and Can't Fight This Feeling end up in the top 10 and top 20 respectively, then maybe we'll have a Sophie-only single after the album release. Maybe Starlight or Revolution or Off And On.

What are your thoughts about this?

Straight To The Heart out in October

Sophie was on This Morning on the July 7th.
Here's the whole interview - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv53oWsfBi4
Sophie talks about the album being a very positive, up-beat and very dance-y. She had the most pleasurable experience making this 4th album. She says, "I know what I like now, and try to play to my strengths." She has built up a circle of people she loves working with, and keeps going back to them. It's become like a little work-family. "If it's hard work the songs don't sound so good. The best songs have that happiness imbued in them because you enjoy making and singing them." She has become popular in Russia. She has an urge to get back home to her children, so when she did a gig in Vladivostok (13 hours away) she came straight back home the same day.

Fascination (not Sophie) are confused about which single to release next. They are planning to release Can't Fight This Feeling in the UK now. I knew Can't Fight This Feeling would end up becoming a part of the album as a bonus track, but making that the second single just because it's doing better than Bittersweet is some parts is silly because it really seems like they're desperate for a hit. I don't see how releasing a song that is already released elsewhere and is sooo old can go top 10 in the UK. Besides, all SEB fans already have the CD, some may even have Junior's album. Who will care about it!?

Here's what Digital Spy extracted from Hard Candy's site:
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has revealed that she is unsure over which single she is releasing next. The 'Bittersweet' singer has admitted her label are undecided on whether to release her collaboration with DJ Armin Van Buuren 'Not Giving Up', or the song 'Can't Fight This Feeling' featuring Junior Caldera, which has already been released in parts of Europe. She told Hard Candy Music: "There's a song I did with Armin which will definitely be a single called 'Not Giving Up', and then I also wrote a song with French DJ called Junior Caldera which was released in France and some places around Europe." "It has been doing well, so I think they're going to be bringing that out, [but] it's the same label bringing out both tracks so I'm not sure what order we're going to go for yet."
Ellis-Bextor also revealed that the music video for 'Not Giving Up' could be filmed in Ibiza. She said: "I think it's around Armin's schedule a bit because I have to go where he is and he's DJ-ing around the world all the time. I think it might be in Ibiza because he is doing a residency there." Sophie Ellis-Bextor is due to release her fourth studio album Straight To The Heart later this year.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a239827/ellis-bextor-unsure-over-single-plans.html

Sophie tweeted saying, "Tune in to dermot's show, radio 2 this Saturday for first performance of my Armin vs Sophie song, not giving up. Sung acoustically. Nice."
So the track might end up becoming Armin vs. Sophie. I thought it would be a SEB vs. Armin but anyway. It's sad how they're making almost every release a DJ feat. SEB. I'm still okay with it, so long as we actually get the single and the album. I'm kinda hoping for this era to pass by quickly so she can get on with a GH or the next album.

Here's the Fairytale Challenge that Sophie took up -
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JWU97YZ0 (DOWNLOAD)
"We set singer, model and fairytale fan Sophie a Twitter-style challenge.
Can Sophie, a Snow White lookalike, guess the famous fairytale from the Twitter-length 140 character description? It's not as easy as it sounds..."
(thanks to Paul)

I found a nice write up about Sophie on Edgeonthenet:
Sophie who? That might have been the question you asked if you ventured over to the NYC’s 2010 pride pier dance. Sophie Ellis-Bextor was one of the featured performers along with Ultra Nate. You might actually know Sophie and like her if you push your ipod aside and dust off some of those old CDs, Sophie had some mega hits in the early 90s like "Murder on the Dance Floor" and "Groovejet" that kept you dancing to the wee hours of the morning. I was interested to meet Sophie to finally put a face to the songs I have dance the night away to for years. Sophie is a well known pop star in the UK, but suffers a little bit of name recognition in the US even though she has some well charted singles here. Her debut appearance in the US was at this past Gay Pride Pier Dance in New York City. Sophie’s says she "never had a master plan" and is a believer in "serendipity" and always goes where "I am invited." Sophie looks forward to her next album in the US as a chance to break in to the huge US market. For Sophie’s next album she is working with several top DJs including the Freemasons, Armin van Buuren and Calvin Harris. Her singles with these DJ will be compiled on her own album and included in the the DJ’s own projects. Sophie worries that she might get lost behind some of these big names, but is excited to release a new dance pop album. Its no surprise superstar DJs are working with Sophie, she has a tone to her voice that works very well with elector dance beats that is distinct while not being overpowering. Her first release off the upcoming album is "Heartbreak" a song she did in collaboration with the Freemasons. Its quite a catchy upbeat song that will be surly be a contender for the song of the summer. But it seems to be contender for the song of the summer the artist has to have the outrageous factor, like running around at Yankees games in a bra and panties kissing girls ala Lady Gaga. Outrageousness might be a challenge for Sophie, she is 31 yo, happily married to The Feeling guitarist Richard Jones and the mother of two young boys. But don’t count her out when it comes to outrageousness, when she was a teenager she kissed many girls and she felt "it was an absolutely fine experience." Would she try it again? laughingly she said "I never met the right women" and now she is happily married and would considered such dalliances forms of infidelity. According to Sophie her cute husband wouldn’t be into her kissing another women for fidelity reason too. If that is right Spohie might want to give Sandra Bullock tips on finding a man and everyone other women in America. Sophie likes to vamp it up for her videos throwing on a pair of stilettos and a mini skirt. Oddly enough the British tabloids tag her look as being unconventional. Looking at her you would never know why she is unconventional looking I found her to be quite pretty and extremely charming. So I had to ask her why is her look so unconventional? Sophie says "I have been told on many many occasion that I have and odd face and it looks like an alien." Spohie is confident with her look and tells the tabloids to "bring it on." Screw the tabloids, she is on track to be one hot MILF I told her. She was quite familiar with the term and laughingly says "its charming". On a larger note she wants to break the sterotype of having children and being considered "a frumpy and unsexy mother". Well she is far from a frumpy and unsexy mother and I think her sons are going to be very popular during their high school years. Sophie better be prepare for a lot of sleepovers. Sophie is a former poster girl for Peta and feels terribly about what is happening in the Gulf and the effects on marine life. Sophie says "sometimes it feels like a scary time to be alive full stop with all the enormity of the things we are dealing with" Shohie is glad music and other forms of entertainment can provide some sort of escapism. Sophie recalled her NY Gay Club hopping days with her buds, Fred Schneider from the B52s and Jake Shears from the Scissor Sisters. She quite fondly remembers hitting the former Beauty Bar with Jake, and Bunglow 8 and some other nameless bar with half naked men with Fred . She says she might be even hitting some of the hot spots with the Freemason after the Pier Dance. The kids are safe at home and Sophie is ready to party. Shophie is very excited to make her US debut by performing at this year Gay Pride Pier Dance in NYC. From the feedback I heard the boys loved her and want more. So hopefully we will see and here a lot more of Sophie in the US.

Frock Me + Five Minutes + 2 Top Ten Hits and more..

Sophie has had two top ten hits internationally. Even though Bittersweet failed to get inside the top 10 in UK, it's at #10 in Bulgaria (thanks to Victor for the info).
Can't Fight This Feeling is #1 in Russia. It wasn't even released there. But it went #1. Kudos to SEB and Junior.

Also, Sophie is still #1 on MTV Dance. I have lost track of how many weeks it's been. But it's been really long. MTV must be playing her video A LOT.

Sophie was on Frock Me where she was interviewed and she also performed her new single.
You can download the interview and watch the performance now
INTERVIEW - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7Y3PZT2I
PERFORMANCE - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WL5FJRG3
(thanks to Paul)
You can also watch them on youtube instead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHgfLvlyx4U&feature=player_embedded (interview)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUQP_xVy3V4&feature=player_embedded (behind the scenes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHgfLvlyx4U&feature=player_embedded (performance)
(thanks to Renzo)

Sophie was on BBC. Here's Five Minutes with Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh2Aj_ImOYI&feature=player_embedded
(love how she ended the interview. she is so funny!)

Sophie was also on Enjoy The Dance Party where she performed Can't Fight This Feeling live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmI0JedM60c&feature=player_embedded

Video clip of Sophie performing Can't Fight This Feeling live

Sophie performed Can't Fight This Feeling live on Fun Radio, France. They posted the video recording of the performance on their site.
(Thanks to Paul for providing us with the avi file)
CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING (LIVE FROM FUN RADIO STUDIO) - CLICK HERE
Enjoy!
Originally posted here - http://www.funradio.fr/emission/1005988/libre-antenne.html?newsId=5938593050&filtre=video

Sophie on French radios

Sophie was on Fun Radio and FG Radio, France, to promote Junior's single. She was asked about the collaboration with Junior Caldera and they played the song. She performed Can't Fight This Feeling live on Fun Radio.

Listen to both sessions here:
Fun Radio session - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LS2BDD5I
FG Radio session - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=O9E3O3EI
(thanks to Paul for both of these)

Great week for SEB Fans

It has, indeed, been a great week for Sophie fans. No. March has been a great month for Sophie fans. First we heard the Freemasons Extended Club Mix and the Jodie Harsh Mix of Sophie's new single "Bittersweet". Then we were treated to the video. Recently the video for Junior Caldera's single "Can't Fight This Feeling", directed by Jelle Posthuma hit the internet. And it's far from a boring low budget video. Does Junior have plans to release this outside France? - only time will tell.

Meanwhile, the actual Freemasons Radio Edit (run time 3:38 mins) leaked, and i can definitely hear a little difference in the chorus. There's another layer of vocals, almost like Sophie is talking in the background.. "Your love....is bit.....ter sweet". This might be the hook from the middle-8 in the radio edit, cut up and layered properly over the chorus. Nicely done. Also, love the very aloof beginning and the sudden bang in the face. For all those of you who missed the riff on the radio edit, this is the version you want to listen to. But for me, nothing beats the radio edit.

BITTERSWEET CLUB PROMO:
1. Freemasons Extended Club Mix - 8:59 mins
2. Jodie Harsh Club Mix - 6:36 mins
3. Freemasons Club Mix - 5:10 mins
4. Freemasons Dub - 7:56 mins (this is kinda neat with a few changes in the instruments)
5. Jodie Harsh Dub - 6:36 mins
6. Freemasons Radio Mix - 3:38 mins
7. Jodie Harsh Radio Mix - 3:38 mins
8. Radio Edit - 3:28 mins
(no public sharing allowed, readers please don't post or request for download links.)
The single will be up on iTunes for download in May. It has already hit the radio and TV... Let's all hope the single does well on the charts

Can't Fight This Feeling - video

http://www.alloclips.com/video/Junior_Caldera/Video_Clip_Cant_Fight_This_Feeling-(Feat._Sophie_Ellis-Bextor - scroll down for the video
Someone please put the damn thing on youtube. That site takes forever to load.

PLOT:
Sophie arrives in a car to a party where the paparazzi blind her with the lights. She looks around to find her love interest, finds him abd smiles.

Begin Love story - A little girl who poses while her mother takes a picture of her on a polaroid. It's her birthday, and there's this little boy who gifts her a necklace with what i assume is a supposed to be a disco-ball-pendant.

All this is happening while Sophie is sitting on the sofa reminiscing about the past. Then the chorus kicks in, Sophie enters the club, meets Junior, who is at the deck. And the camera focuses on the crowd dancing. There are snippets of Sophie singing on the sofa.

The second verse sees the little girl who is a teenager now. They're at party again, and they're looking into each others eyes. Somewhere towards the end of the verse, its all flash-back again where the little girl hands a vinyl to a little boy who is DJing at the birthday party. And she karaokes along. The scene shifts to the teenager who is now doing the same thing at her party. And then to Sophie who is doing the same thing at Junior's party. More dancing and some scenes with Sophie on the sofa follow.

As the middle 8 kicks in, Sophie begins to cry. The little girl goes away, so does the teenager and Sophie's already in another room. The little boy now goes in search of the little girl, the teenage boy does the same and finally Sophie's love interest in the video does the same.

Finally, the guy finds Sophie and the video ends.

THEME:
I think its supposed to be the story of a girl and guy who have liked each other since they were kids, but it took the guy so many years to finally propose. I like the little girl in the video, she can play Sophie at a young age. But the teenager looks nothing like Sophie.

Overall, its a decent video. So much better than what i expected.

More importantly, i'm just amazed that we've had two Sophie videos in the same week. This is what heaven feels like, i suppose!

Fascination tweet + CFTF video still

Fascination's recent tweet:
welovepop Ooh....first cut of the Sophie Ellis-Bextor 'Bittersweet' video just arrived in our inbox!!

So..erm yeah. That's pretty much what happened. Oh and to your right is what appears to be another video still from Junior Caldera's new video "Can't Fight This Feeling" with Sophie. Sophie seems to be wearing two outfits for the video. Or this may just a picture from an after-party (if there was one).

And thank you readers, PopJustice readers, UKMix readers and Sophie-Online readers for the good response. I'm really happy that you all liked my edit. Looking forward to the radio edit now. *prays it lands safely in the top 5*

Can't Fight This Feeling - video idea, pictures etc.,

First of all, thank you Charlie for the heads-up. All information borrowed from the La Bextor blog. I do not own any pictures and i take no credit for any information.

Apparently, the idea for the video is very simple - partying, retro, love. Junior is featuring DJing, there's a little dancing too. And Sophie is doing what she does best - looking absolutely fantastic!! Watch out for March 26th, that is when the video premeires on the telly. (French fans, are you reading??)

You will find the pictures on the La Bextor blog. Here's the link: http://labextor.blogspot.com/2010/03/mas-fotos-de-cftf.html

The latest catch-up + Tweet confusion

So the latest tweet left us in confusion. Sophie recently confirmed that the album would be called "Make A Scene" but now she wants to change it? Personally, i love the title. I hope it's just some idiot who hacked into her account. Anyway, here are her recent tweets (and one by Sophie HQ)

1. just come out of a shop where 'i like the way you move' was playing...surely the creepiest song ever.
2. Anyone got a question for Sophie? We're doing our latest Q&A for the official site at lunchtime today, so bang 'em over... SophieHQ
   (tweet your questions - http://twitter.com/SophieEB)
3. busy time starting... off to dublin to dj, back for album photos then two videos to film next week. lordy. no rest for wicked etc.
4. the two video are: Can't Fight this Feeling in Paris with dj caldera and Bittersweet in blighty. x
5. Changing the album title. Make A Scene not good enough! Will get back to you...
   

And now for the official catch-up

Hello Sophie, how are you?
Not too bad, thank you.

Are you busy today?
Not really, actually. It's the quiet before the storm, because next week is pretty absurd. It's all good, but it's all coming in one week.

What are you doing?
Well, Richard and I are going off to Ireland on Friday to DJ on Friday and Saturday night. We come back on Sunday and then on Monday I'm doing all the photos for the single and album cover. Then Tuesday I'm doing press photos. Then Wednesday I'm in Paris cos there's this dance record that I've done with a French DJ. It's the fourth single from his album and it's doing quite well, so I'm filming a video there.
Then Thursday, back in London, I've got a dance rehearsal, because on Friday I'm filming my video for Bittersweet. Then I go to Meribel on Saturday for The Feeling's Little World festival.

Blimey. That really is busy.
I know, it's a bit ridiculous. This week has been quite quiet, but I feel like I've got a lot of nervous energy, cos I'm waiting to get started. But I think I'll just need to get my head down, work hard and then get to Meribel and have lots of cheese, red wine and fun.

So, you're making two videos in three days?
That's right! It's good that I've got a day inbetween - they were originally going to be back to back. So I'll probably just go into the dance rehearsal on the Thursday for a couple of hours and take it quite easy. And because I'm just "featuring" in the French track, I don't feel the responsibility is so much on my shoulders.

Are you happy with the album cover photos you've done before?
Actually, with the album covers, I think I've been incredibly spoilt, because I've used the same company for everything I've done. It's a design company called Michael Nash. And I just completely trust them.
They've always managed to pick these photographers that are on their way up. We've been very lucky. The first album was done by these photographers called Mert & Marcus and they've gone on to great things. So, yeah, I feel like I've always landed on my feet with photographers. Next week we're working with a young photographer called Ben Weller whose work is lovely. I have a good feeling about it.

SOURCE: SEB.net

March 10th, PJ Almighty, Music Week Playlist

Junior Caldera posted on his facebook page saying that he will be filming the video for his new single Can't Fight This Feeling on the 10th of March. Sophie will be in Paris to shoot the video with him.

In a previous interview with Digital Spy Sophie said she would be filming the video for her single shortly. Maybe the lack of updates from Sophie is because she is busy with the video, organising the final tracklist and deciding the promo work.

(thanks to Egalite for posting this on the PopJustice forums)
This week's Music Week playlist had this to say about Bittersweet:
Sounding like something straight out of the Stock, Aitken & Waterman songbook, Bittersweet is a classic, synth-charged pop song that puts Ellis-Bextor in her element. It bodes well for the new album.
This could mean that promo CDs are being sent out. We're not too far away from a radio premeire now!! *excited*

Also, not sure if anyone is keeping track, but Sophie has been on top of the PJ Almighty for several weeks now. Maybe even months. That has to mean something right?! Here's wishing Sophie all the success for her new single. Hope it goes #1. Also hoping for Can't Fight This Feeling to chart somewhere inside the top 10.

Sophie MAY be shooting not one, but two videos!

Now, we're already aware that Sophie is going to shoot the video for Bittersweet in London. She might also have another video.....for Can't Fight This Feeling:

"My new single, Can't Fight This Feeling, feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor is now available on iTunes with remixes by Avicii, Soulshakerz etc. The single will be released on March 29 in France! We should shoot the video with Sophie in middle March in Paris, we'll keep you updated... e later, we'll add some pictures on this page." said Junior on his Facebook.

*jumps around with excitement*....
Thanks for the heads-up Eden

EDIT - Sophie and Junior are in the French top 40, sitting at #37. I hope this does well in France. It could cement a foundation for Sophie's fourth album. Afterall, she used to be famous there (thats what i've heard)
SOURCE: http://www.lescharts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=si&year=2010&date=20100220
#1 Tik Tok - Kesha
#3 Bad Romance - Gaga
#4 Rude Boy - Riri
#8 Memories - Guetta & Cudi
#20 Fight For This Love - C. Cole
#23 Rain - Mika
#26 Rock That Body - The Peas
#30 Sweet Dreams - Bey
#32 Fireflies - Owl City
#37 Can't Fight This Feeling - Junior and the Bex-monster

A little bit of inside info from a generous contributor

Thank you hidesebastian for this:

I've heard 3 tracks, the Metronomy one (I absolutely love it, but as I said it is an album track and not a single. Very weird in a very good way. - It's very Sophie at the same time.), one of the Armin van Buuren tracks (AMAZING - an uptempo hands-in-the-air stomper) and a mid-tempo / ballad (don't know who produced it or its name, it was nice but it didn't blow me away, but again I only heard it once). Armin's track was incredible. I still (after almost 3 months) sing the chorus in my head and I'm still bedazzled at it and shocked it wasn't the first single. Bittersweet better be a masterpiece...

Sophie's decision to have 2 (actually 3) singles before the album sparked a tiny bit of unwanted frustration on the PopJustice forums (read here). So far, we know the song will hit the radio early next month, Sophie will be filming the video soon and we will have the release of the single in April. The plan hasn't changed, there is no need to fuss.

To confirm the quote above about Metronomy, an insider also said that the Metronomy track is very weird, a lot like their material. Somehow i never liked any of the Metronomy tracks that i have heard. I hope "Make A Scene" turns out to be amazing.

Right now, keep your eyes peeled for Can't Fight This Feeling. Bittersweet should be on the radio soon. C'mon Soph!

Junior Caldera will release the single, remixes will be out soon

I wrote to Junior Caldera about his single, and this was his response:
Hey Kaushik,
Yes I remember you ;o)
I don't know yet if there will be a video for the moment.
Remixes have been released,I'll put them on myspace soon!!!
All the best.
J/
I really hope we get a video for the song. Looking forward to the remixes. Stay tuned to his MySpace

Can't Fight This Feeling has been mixed by Soundshakerz and Avicii. There's a little quote on Sophie-Online, which i would want to post here as well:

"As DJ, who hasnever played at lease once Groovejet or Murder On The
Dancefloor? - Junior Caldera wonders. 'I adore Sophie because her voice is
singular and she's an important person. She's funny, educated and charismatic,
so British! I was surprised that she immediately accepted to collaborate with me
to tmake Can't Fight This Feeling and it's really a pleasure to have her as a
guest on my album'"

Seems like Sophie may have another single before Bittersweet

Can't Fight This Feeling might be Junior Caldera's next single in France. It's about time that he released the song. It did manage to get a lot of good responses from fans. I hope he makes a new mix and then releases it.


Do i wish Sophie would feature in the video? Hell yeah! But who knows if that will happen.


By the way, i love (what seems to be) the artwork.
Listen here

Sophie Ellis-Bextor ft. Junior Caldera - Can't Fight This Feeling

Thanks to Kaz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v6Q6z2grdY

The original version of CANT FIGHT THIS FEELING is out on youtube. Sophie sounds brilliant. Can't wait for the single to come out, its supposed to come out sometime in March. Sophie's own single is probably out sometime in June/July/Aug. In the meantime, she's got this song and the Freemasons single to hype her.. This is a solid dance song. Junior Caldera has done a really good job on the song!

Here are the lyrics:

Standing in a crowded room
But all I see is you
Like a spotlight follows where you are

Do you know I never want to leave your side
Desire swallows up my pride
I can't say no, I want you,
So I've got to see this through

'Cos I just can't fight this feeling
We should be lovers. We should be lovers
No I just can't fight this feeling
We should be lovers. We should be lovers
Now I just can't fight this feeling
My head is spinning. I think its winning
Now I just can't fight this feeling
And it's beating me down

Falling on you took a moment
Your kiss charged my heart
Just a touch could never be enough

Do you I know I'm overboard and can't be saved?
I pray the night time makes me brave
I have to show I want you
So I've got to get to you

'Cos I just can't fight this feeling
We should be lovers. We should be lovers
No I just can't fight this feeling
We should be lovers. We should be lovers
Now I just can't fight this feeling
My head is spinning. I think its winning
Now I just can't fight this feeling
And it's beating me down

Why don't you, why don't you,
Why don't you come to me?
Why don't you, why don't you
Why don't you come to me?