CHRISTINA PERRI: LOVESTRONG. - REVIEW

One of 2011’s most promising newcomers hails from Philadelphia, her profile increasing significantly after some exposure she received via CBS’ So You Think You Can Dance late 2010. 24 year-old Singer/Songwriter Christina Perri is Warner Music’s newest secret weapon, who could only have benefitted from impressions left upon James Blunt’s fan base with an opening gig on his current Some Kind of Trouble Tour.

The slight bit of raspiness heard in Perri’s voice is telling of someone who despite her young age, really has lived. She perhaps is this generation’s answer to the void of substance left by many of her female contemporaries who have opted for exposed legs, cleavage and Dance-Pop – not that there is anything wrong with that, mind you. Christina Perri perhaps is a noir-Sheryl Crow or a now-Fiona Apple for the mid 20s to 30s Lilith Fair-going set?

Perri’s debut Disc Lovestrong. is an album inspired by Heartbreak, tinged with many moments of Lily Allen-like wit and metaphorical brilliance. It never veers from sounding raw and organic, remaining cohesively in one chilly, blue moment.

Opening track Bluebird is beautiful, setting the tone for the Disc by asking “How the hell does a broken heart/get back together when it’s torn apart?”. Arms gives us some more of Perri’s vulnerability, needing the arms of her Lover to keep her “whole”. Musically, it is Coldplay-esque in its Piano-Rock. Of course, no Female Singer/Songwriter’s repertoire is complete without a bit of angst, often coming at the expense of having been done wrong by an ex-Boyfriend. “Bang she shot you down/Karma is so sweet”, she revels in the splendour of Fate on Bang Bang Bang. Distance is reminiscent of Folk-Rock Duo The Swell Season, given a bit more dimension with the perspective that comes with a male Backing Vocalist.

SINGER/SONGWRITER AMANDA GHOST STEPS DOWN AS PRESIDENT OF EPIC RECORDS

Amanda Ghost

There seems to be quite a bit of controversy over at Epic Records these days and The Hollywood Reporter just published a juicy story on Amanda Ghost, who was hired aboard less than two years ago to replace that label's former President Charlie Walk.  After having an angry outburst at an Artist Showcase in New York City, it was announced that Ghost will be stepping down from her position at year's end to focus more on mentoring Artists and making Music again.

Epic Records, as we know is the label which oversaw much of Michael Jackson's success and is the current home of majorly successful acts like Shakira and Sara Bareilles; it was the home of Jennifer Lopez until she announced earlier this year that she would be parting ways and joining Island/Def Jam (Universal Music).

Ghost is a British songwriter who in the early 2000s found some moderate success. It was only after she championed triple Grammy nominee James Blunt, getting him signed to Elektra Records (Warner Music) and playing a pivotal role in the success of his largely successful debut Back to Bedlam, that Industry executives took note of her. She co-wrote Blunt's You're Beautiful and also four tracks off of Beyoncé's latest, I Am.... Sasha Fierce.