The Retrospective

Just as you’re finished eating the last of your holiday leftovers and and trying to get the sound of Auld Lang Syne out of your ears, you realize that we have indeed come to the beginning of a brand new year and darn it, a new decade! Greetings 2010! To start the year off right, I have for you a sampling of some non-U.S. acts of various genres who I predict will be winning lots of praise and new fans over the next twelve months. Let’s take a look, shall we?

ELLIE GOULDING – UK, “Under The Sheets” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVAy87yJcBY
This gal is getting more buzz than a beehive, and it’s very well deserved. This December, she was awarded the Critic’s Choice prize by The Brit Awards. That’s a lot of pressure for any young person but as her debut single “Under The Sheets” indicates she will more than likely deliver. Ellie Goulding Myspace

MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS – UK, “Mowgli’s Road” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwfCjYv7gVQ
A half Greek half Welsh singer-songwriter with a voice that’s not afraid to get low and a little rough. I would describe the video to her single “Mowgli’s Road” as Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” on acid. Thankfully, this brilliant creativity comes across equally in her music. Marina and the Diamonds Myspace

CASSETTE KIDS – Australia, “Lying Around” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4GmGA32_8o
From down under we have a top-notch band that are preparing to release their debut LP in 2010. Their songs are infectious pop-rock that make you get up and dance (I know because I have on more than one occasion). Cassette Kids Myspace

DELPHIC – UK, “Doubt” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vl2tZV6XV4
I became a fan of this Manchester based band after I watched a great performance by them on BBC’s “Later with Jools Holland.” Being as 2009 was dominated by female electropop (think GaGa, La Roux, Little Boots) I believe these guys could really represent for the fellas in the new year. Delphic Myspace

DAISY DARES YOU – UK, “Daisy Dares You” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia6YLTP4ZY8
When she’s not busy studying for her school exams, this 16-year-old is putting the finishing touches on her debut album that has an appeal that will transcend the Hannah Montana demographic to chic adults. She’s slated to tour the UK this winter with chart-topping rapper, Chipmunk, who cameos on her debut single. Daisy Dares You

EVA SIMONS – Netherlands, “Silly Boy” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFTUXtr7TGU
Her debut single was leaked on the web last spring and wrongly credited as Lady GaGa/Rihanna’s hot new track. This didn’t deter Simons; instead, she used it as a platform and created a hit across much of Europe and Oceania. She’s also featured on Chris Brown’s new album after only releasing one song to the public. Eva Simons Myspace

TINIE TEMPAH – UK, “Pass Out” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzvGKas5RsU
This talented rapper was just signed with a major record label after slinging it underground and catching the attention of some of Britain’s most established artists. He easily mentions The Hill’s Heidi and Audrina in his official debut single and gets to dubsteppin’ towards the end. It’s definitely a party jam as the title “Pass Out” would imply. Tinie Tempah Myspace

OU EST LE SWIMMING POOL – UK, “Dance The Way I Feel” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_M3Txktt8w
Their name conjures up memories of poor language skills in my high school French class, but their sound brings electronic music to fun and strange new places. The guys recently supported La Roux on tour and claim that the crowds were more fired up for them than they were for the red haired one. OU EST LE SWIMMING POOL Myspace

PLASTISCINES – France, “Bitch” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSeZr3AvzHA
Even though they already released an album in 2007, this quartet are expected to increase their fan base with their sophomore effort, About Love, which is out next summer. The single “Bitch” is a girl-rock anthem with just enough attitude and a lot of fun. I expect to see it featured on a number of American TV shows in the near future. Plastiscines Myspace

MINI VIVA – UK, “Left My Heart In Tokyo” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvjML3-66SA
NME Magazine called this 19 & 20 year old duo “the next biggest girl band in the universe” and they’re definitely trying to live up to that title. With the leadership of Xenomania, Britain’s hottest pop production house, the girls have already secured a top ten hit with the glittery “Left My Heart In Tokyo.” Mini Viva Myspace

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