Urban Junkies | Music | Pop isn't all Pop Idol

...if you know where to look...

Looking at the charts, trying to avoid the likes of Akon, it's hard to believe that there is pop music out there that isn't bland and doesn't sound as insipid as the sound of an electric footbath. Know where to look and you can uncover some satisfying morsels of pop that are as interesting as they are fun...

The Pierces

The Pierces are two sisters from Alabama who have a knack for creating devious little pop songs with a dark, almost gothic, twist. 'Thirteen Tales Of Love & Revenge' deserves to be a cult favourite with tracks like 'Boring' worming their way into your cranium. One of these girls has dated Albert Hammond of The Strokes which is surely why there are songs with titles like 'Boy In A Rock & Roll Band', but it's tracks like 'Sticks & Stones' which make this highly recommended.

http://www.myspace.com/thepierces

Robyn

Next up is Robyn. You remember 'Show Me Love' from 1995? The same girl is back but with a far more contemporary sound on her self-titled new album. You might already know the irrepressible single 'Konichiwa Bitches' in which case you'll understand why her new material can be described as Britney doing electro Prince covers.

http://www.myspace.com/robynmyspace

The Bird And The Bee

The Bird And The Bee are a far more softer proposition. Not that you'd guess it from songs like 'F-cking Boyfriend'. But the witty jaded-heart lyrics are matched by sun and jazz-kissed electronic pop tunes such as the sweet 'Again & Again'.

http://www.myspace.com/thebirdandthebee

Mark Ronson

Not content with producing albums for Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse, Brit hip hop DJ Mark Ronson serves up an album of cover versions which he recently described as pop songs "with added bounce". Hence he funks up 'Toxic' and most pleasingly Morrissey's 'The Only One I Know' using Robbie Williams no less. It's pop but not as we know it.

http://www.myspace.com/markronson

Urban Junkies' new music channel will highlight top tracks, hot new artists and the latest music services from across the globe. Some big, some small, some new, some old, but all intriguing enough to be musically hunted and gathered. If you have anything that you would like to be considered for the music channel, please email music @ urbanjunkies.com.