MUSIC REVIEW: Punk Goes Pop – Volume 5

Punk Goes Pop
Volume 5
Fearless Records
By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:
[The Breakdown]

I was somewhat disappointed with Volume 4, so I didn’t have such high expectations this time around for Volume 5 even though the lineup and covers looked like a vast improvement. When you think of Pop in 2012, artists such as Bruno Mars, Carly Rae Jepsen, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and The Wanted are a must. So to see them all included in this version gave me hope.

Fearless Records Announces Punk Goes Pop 5!

Finally! Fearless Records has announced the details of the fifth installment of the Punk Goes Pop series which is set to be released on November 6th. It was well worth the wait since the lineup of covers seems to be one of the best yet. With covers from The Wanted, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Gotye, Michael Jackson and performed by bands like Breathe Carolina, Mayday Parade, Forever The Sickest Kids, The Maine, and We Came As Romans.

Check out the full track listing below and visit PunkGoes.com for the premiere and free download of Upon This Dawning‘s rendition of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”. Also featured is Memphis May Fire‘s interpretation of “Grenade”, originally performed by Bruno Mars.

Track list for Punk Goes Pop 5:

1. Memphis May Fire – Grenade (Originally recorded by Bruno Mars)

2. Upon This Dawning – Call Me Maybe (Originally recorded by Carly Rae Jepsen)

3. Mayday Parade – Somebody That I Used To Know (Feat. Vic Fuentes) (originally recorded by Gotye)

4. We Came As Romans – Glad You Came (Originally recorded by The Wanted)

5. Like Moths To Flames – Some Nights (Originally recorded by Fun.)

6. Breathe Carolina – Billie Jean (Originally recorded by Michael Jackson)

7. Forever The Sickest Kids – We Found Love (Originally recorded by Rihanna)

8. Issues – Boyfriend (Originally recorded by Justin Bieber)

9. The Maine – Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Feat. Adam Lazzara) (Originally recorded by Cyndi Lauper)

10. Crown The Empire – Payphone (Originally recorded by Maroon 5)

11. Craig Owens – Paradise (Originally recorded by Coldplay)

12. The Word Alive – Mercy (Originally recorded by Kanye West)

13. SECRETS – Ass Back Home (Originally recorded by Gym Class Heroes)

MUSIC VIDEO: Danny Fernandes ft. Josh Ramsay & Belly – Hit Me Up

Danny Fernandes is a Canadian singer and songwriter. His song, “Hit Me Up” was released in 2011, but being in the US means we don’t always get to hear all those awesome songs from other countries. Thank goodness, Josh Ramsay was featured in this song (along with Belly) otherwise I probably would never have come across it. As you know (or should), Josh Ramsay is the frontman for the pop-punk band, Marianas Trench who we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing (check it out here). He’s also the mastermind behind Carly Rae Jepsen‘s hit, “Call Me Maybe”. “Hit Me Up” is a great pop track and Josh gives it that extra punch to take it over the edge. Maybe even channeling a lil’ MJ. Take a listen above.

CONCERT REVIEW: Carly Rae Jepsen with Midnight Red

Carly Rae Jepsen
Opening Act: Midnight Red
April 14, 2012
Universal CityWalk
Universal City, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

So originally I was just going to see this show for Carly Rae Jepsen to hear her hit song, “Call Me Maybe”. I found out Midnight Red would be opening, so I went directly to YouTube to see what they were all about and after seeing video after video after video, I was sold. I’ve always been a boy band fan and I embrace that. With them currently making a comeback I am ready to see what they’ve got to offer. One Direction is making headlines and my personal favorite, The Wanted are garnering a lot of success here in the U.S. as well. But with two British boy bands, we were in need of an American one and that’s where Midnight Red fills that void.

The videos on YouTube only prepared me for so much. The actual experience is one you have to be there for and no video will get you ready for it. All five guys, Eric, Colton, Thomas, Joey and Anthony got on stage and City Walk automatically became electrified. They came out performing “Rockstar Lover”, “Body Talks”, a cover of NKOTB’s “Step by Step, a snippet of Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” as well as performing their unreleased first single, “Hell Yeah” for the first time. The songs are pure pop goodness. They get you hyped, easy to sing along to and they are fun. Now the extra special thing about Midnight Red is their insane dancing. I mean you can’t stop watching and they just keep going and going and they are all on point. It’s incredibly awesome to watch on top of the catchy hits and of course, well, the guys are obviously not bad to look at either. If you love pop music and boy bands then you should do yourself the favor of seeing Midnight Red live if you get the chance.

Carly Rae Jepsen was next and she came out in a cute indie outfit and just looked so care-free on stage. She talked a bit in between songs with the audience and was all smiles. She sang her songs, “Bucket”, “Tug of War”, “Both Sides Now”, “Curiosity” and ended with her hit, “Call Me Maybe”. When she sang “Call Me Maybe” everyone in attendance was singing along. If you’ve seen her video you’ll know her band is in it and a particular guitarist has a humorous role at the end of the video. Seeing them all onstage reminded me of that and I wasn’t the only one. He seemed to have gained a lot of his own fans because of that.

Overall, Carly Rae Jepsen’s short performance at CityWalk LA was a refreshing night out. Her charisma shows on stage and her songs have a charming quality to them. I can’t wait to see more from her. Midnight Red was an added bonus. They’ve already made a name for themselves while opening up for the NKOTBSB tour, so they will have plenty of upcoming gigs in the future. I lucked out seeing these two acts on a small stage because there’s no question that they are both going to be huge in the near future.