Imogen Heap
“Ellipse”
3.5 out of 5

Some of you know Imogen Heap as the singer of Frou Frou, some know her from her prolific solo career (which, unconventionally, was established before she sang for a band) and some just know her from her auto-tuned sample in that new Jason DeRulo song “Whatcha Say.”

Imogen Heap is a huge creative talent though, always just a few steps ahead of everyone else. She’s constantly likened to Bjork, with her unique vocals and ethereal production. Heap could have simply stuck to her formula for balancing production and emotion as her breakout (and recently sampled) single, “Hide and Seek” off her last album did. But instead, she broadens her horizons yet again, both musically and literally.

On Ellipse, her 3rd solo album in 10 years, we see her recording in places as far flung as Fiji to as close to home as you can get, her home studio. Fun fact: Heap used the everyday sounds from her new home, like her sink dripping or her boiler starting, in the background of many of these songs.

Key Tracks: “First Train Home”
-Melissa Virzi
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David Guetta “One Love”
3 out of 5

How do you make a track featuring two rappers from the Black Eyed Peas not suck? Have David Guetta produce it.
The French DJ is perhaps the world’s most famous, having crafted a number of international dance hits and producing for countless dance/pop stars. Behind smash single “When Love Takes Over” and soon-to-be hit “Sexy Bitch” his fourth proper album is turning into his US breakthrough.

Using his endless connections, Guetta has put together a guest roster that’s a virtual who’s who of “2009 Pop/Dance Stars”: Akon, Kelly Rowland, Estelle, Kid Cudi and yes, several members of the Black Eyed Peas. Unsurprisingly, this record sounds incredibly contemporary, with a little bit of everything that’s dominating the clubs right now. In other words, an album that sounds like a collection of singles with very little continuity from track to track.

Typically, this all wouldn’t be such a good thing. But considering it’s coming from the DJ- a guy who knew Daft Punk when they were nobodies- even the most pretentious of indie kids should give this a listen.

Key Tracks: “Getting’ Over” (Feat. Chris Willis), “When Love Takes Over (Feat. Kelly Rowland)
-Chris Payne

Wed September 9 – Randy Now Interviews by Phone live HUGH CORNWELL from The UK band THE STRANGLERS. Hugh Cornwell is now in America performing with his new band to promote his new CD & LP release, Hooverdam. Randy will have cd copies plus tickets to see Hugh Cornwell live on Friday September 11 at The Record Collector Store in Bordentown NJ. The live interview starts at 7 PM.

Wed September 23 – Randy Now Interviews by phone live 1960′s one-hit wonders, The Murmaids – whose only hit was “Popsicles & Icicles” which peaked at # 3 in America in 1963. This is The Murmaids first East Coast radio interview in over 20 years ! 7 PM for the interview.

SEPT. 8: The Tuesday, September 8th edition of WTSR’s electronic alternative program will include a special feature on RUPESH CARTEL. The limited edition of the new CD from this Swedish duo, “Anchor Baby”, will be highlighted via several tracks and interview questions. In addition, all of the band’s other releases will be represented, including an exclusive premiere of their upcoming single! Tune in 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the show: a preview track for the feature will kick off the show at 6 p.m., and the feature itself will run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. amidst TC’s usual mix of electronic alternative music. So if you want to expand your synthpop/electropop knowledge and hear a generous sampling of one of the top-notch groups in the scene today, tune into Transmission Control on September 8!