The X Factor Finalists 2010 – ‘Heroes’

25 November 2010 You Irish people of 2010 must have really loved the British Army, since this is the second charity fundraiser for injured British military personnel that you sent all the way to the top of the charts in Ireland—my country—in two years. I had emigrated then, as all true sons and daughters of … Continue reading The X Factor Finalists 2010 – ‘Heroes’ →

Frank Sinatra – ‘Strangers In The Night’

6 June 1966 The modern-era pop charts and pop culture have really done no favours to Frank Sinatra's legacy. He was a star since the '40s, recorded his imperial-phase classics in the '50s... and yet our perception of him today seems to be for dreary late-era kitsch like 'Theme From New York, New York' and … Continue reading Frank Sinatra – ‘Strangers In The Night’ →

Bruno Mars – ‘Just The Way You Are’

7 October 2010 Remember when Bruno Mars was a fresh, exciting new act? Hah! Trick question. Yes, unlike the latter-day Martian retro soul schtick, its faddish-for-2010 mix of beats and piano make 'Just The Way You Are' sound like it was made by people who acknowledge the existence of pop music made after 1975. Otherwise, … Continue reading Bruno Mars – ‘Just The Way You Are’ →