REVIEW: THE LITTLE WILLIES-FOR THE GOOD TIMES

4/5

Nelson's gotta be proud of these good times rollin'

She's a little bit country. She's a little bit rock and roll and she's also the women that does everything. The multi-platinum, multi-Grammy garnering Norah Jones has released classic after classic. From her diamond debut ('Come Away With Me') to her last electric release ('The Fall') Miss Jones has worked away at sublime solo set after solo set. Last year she and current rock and roll leader Jack White teamed up with prolific producer Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi on the epic album 'Rome'. A collaboration so good it has inspired Norah to request the services of Danger Mouse on manning the boards of her upcoming fifth studio album 'Little Broken Hearts', due May (which we can't wait for).

From all sorts of rappers (from Andre 3000 to Wyclef Jean) and artists ranging from rock and roll royalty Ryan Adams (after their 'Dear John' Jones appeared on three tracks of Adams' 'Ashes & Fire' album last year) to hilarious joke group The Lonely Island, the best female singer in the world has sung with them all. So much in fact she's even released her own formidable duet greatest hits style compilation called 'Featuring...'. Still with all that her true side-project will always remain with her first love. Her country band The Little Willies are back in the States and around the world. After their self-titled super debut this group have got together again 'For The Good Times'. Richard Julian, Jim Campilongo, Lee Alexander and Dan Rieser join Norah out of love for country music in this group who's name is surely inspired by country legend Willie Nelson and not an unfortunate appendage.

Channeling everyone from Johnny Cash ('Wide Open Road' follows Norah's incredible live take on Cash's 'Cry, Cry, Cry' off the deluxe 'Fall' package previously released) to Loretta Lynn (on the funny 'Fist City' that really packs a lyrical punch) this album covers all the country tracks all whilst paving its own original road. One that's proven and tested, built on hard times but by no means worn. From the perfect vocal, praised beginnings of 'I Worship You' to beautiful bonuses of 'Pennies on the Floor' and 'Delia's Gone' this group show their unconditional love for the classic genre of country with all their heart and soul.

Kris Kristofferson's album title track is the perfect homage, whilst the Willie's latest tribute to Willie 'Permanently Lonely' is a true honour to Mr. Nelson. Cal Martin's 'Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves' is a smooth, atmospheric number ready for the radio airwaves of cars driving through an electric nigh. Whilst 'Tommy Rockwood' makes for the perfect company especially with the lead 'Lovesick Blues'. Quincy Jones 'Foul Owl On The Prowl' shows just how much range this legendary producer has and just how much recognition this country act can give. Things get real thrilling here. A feeling that is resonated through 'Remember Me' and the affordable 'If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time'.

Still the best really is saved for the last trip through this country with a real American classic. Norah Jones sweet, soothing, sultry, smouldering vocals beautifully haunt as she channels Dolly Parton's trademark classic 'Jolene'. As Norah begs Jolene not to take her muse over this record she owns this cover version of a Dolly classic like it was her own. She hones this just as effectively as her 'Rome' travel companion Jack White did on The White Stripes heralded cover classic and Parton portrayal. Like the leading man of rock Norah shows she is the finest female in modern music today and her group show they are bringing back all the good country music back to life in these same modern times. Norah and her group rewrite some of the country's best stories and tell them so well and it all sounds so good. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

ALBUM SELECT OF THE WEEK: GINUWINE-THE LIFE

The huge album 'The Life' really kept this then braided haired singer going through the seasons of his change. From the epic, rhythmic blues number of 'Why Not Me' to the massive single 'Just Because' there was no reason why this album wouldn't be great. Ginuwine showed shades of his old self with Timbaland on the Ludacris assisted 'That's How I Get Down' and also kept it funky fresh on the now title-dated only '2 Way'. Even the filler of 'Why Did You Go', 'How Deep Is Your Love', 'Open Arms' and 'Superhuman' was anything but, a set of formidable tracks rounding out a hit album. Still it was Ginuwine's move into more mature territory that won everyone over with his beautiful ballads. 'Tribute To A Woman' is a deep dedication and 'Differences' is just a decedent all-round classic. G even gave all those 'Heard It All Before' ladies a run for their money with the brilliant, irreplaceable, break-up track 'There You Go'. Nothing however held more meaning, then the movingly beautiful, brave and honest, 'Two Reasons Why I Cry' tribute to the tragic loss of his parents (rest peacefully). Genuine emotion from this real talent. Overall this album was a complete classic. Before 'The Senior' matured he really lived on this one. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TAPE DECK SHUFFLE

The playlist of our favourite songs this week. 'Side A' features some latest cuts, while the classics make the 'B Side'.

SIDE A

DRAKE-LORD KNOWS Featuring RICK ROSS: Drake's latest classic really is taking care of the competition and charts especially with this Boss assisted track which addresses the hate as Drake rhymes "I'm hearing all of the jokes, I know that they tryna push me/I know that showin' emotion don't ever mean I'm a p****/Know that I don't make music for n***** who don't get p****/So those are the ones I count on to diss me or overlook me."

TYRESE-NOTHING ON YOU: Meanwhile the R&B reign man continues his 'Open Invitation' and stronghold with this TLC Chili red-hot latest single.

LANA DEL REY-NATIONAL ANTHEM: Let the fireworks set off for the best new artist and new album of 2012. "Kiss, kiss".

THE KILLS-HEART IS A BEATING DRUM: Easily the best album of last year had another foot-tapping jam full of blood pressure.

COMMON-THE BELIEVER Featuring JOHN LEGEND: The most inspirational rapper drops one of his most inspiring jams yet with fellow 'G.O.O.D. Music' maker John Legend.

SIDE B

BIRDMAN Featuring DRAKE & LIL' WAYNE-4 MY TOWN: Cash Money's most expensive artists 'Play Ball' over a hard-hitting classic track thanks to Drake's out of the park chorus. A home-run.

LUPE FIASCO Featuring TREY SONGZ-OUT OF MY HEAD: More great Fiasco's thanks to Trey's great chorus and Lupe's matching rhymes. What a 'songz'.

TREY SONGZ-SAY AHH feat FABOLOUS: Trey is about to take Madison Square Garden by storm with Big Sean and it's tracks like this with 'Loso' that shows just how fabulous he really is.

WHITNEY HOUSTON-MY LOVE: Paying respects to one of the best. It's love.

MICHAEL JACKSON-WHO IS IT?: And we can't forget the King Of Pop. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

ALBUM SELECT OF THE WEEK: KANYE WEST-MY BEAUTIFUL, DARK, TWISTED FANTASY

Just when everyone thought he was done, he did it again. Mr. West was back in the building, and he really shook it this time. The dark and twisted beauty of this album may just make it the best thing Yeezy's done after dropping out of college. 'My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy' is the album all Kanye fans dreamed about, that he made a reality. After giving away some of his best work for free via 'G.O.O.D Friday's' Kanye showed he had even more classics at his disposal. From a real 'Monster' collaboration (we see you Nicki Minaj, thank you) to 'All Of The Light's' (and apparently all of the industry) shining, Kanye had the hot hand on every track. From the sick, 'So Appalled' to the 'Power' and grand design of 'Devil In A New Dress', West fashioned some more envelope pushing hip-hop for the ages. Channeling Wu-Tang and Pusha T influences into tracks, Kanye scalled every element of the genre. From crack addictive rap ('Runaway') to sharp, deep cuts of the lyrical sword ('Gorgeous') Kanye made his declartion as hip-hop's best loud and clear for all of us to hear. He showed us a 'Hell Of A Life' with an education in higher power music. Even Chris Rock knows that Yeezy taught us well. Now he didn't have to speak up at the next Grammy's, his trophy cabinet will do the talking.

Full Review:

5/5

Kanye's most dark and twisted fantasy really is beautiful.

The windy city of Chicago really has had it's fair share of stars blowing a gale in the music industry over the last few decades, from R. Kelly to Common. Still it's Kanye West who seems to had the most universal influence. From his refreshingly hip-hop groundbreaking, classic debut 'The College Dropout' to his sophomore swagger 'Late Registration' and from his coming of age 'Graduation' to his beautiful '808's & Heartbreaks' (thanks for the inspiration K).

This year Kanye has received criticism from some questionable media outlets but he has answered to these Inquisitions with a barrage of classics that return him to his more edgier hip-hop side. A smooth but strong, spitting side which made him so renowned amongst backpacking, hip-hop heads in the first place. Kanye began removing his curse by gifting his fans with an incredible free track at the tail end of each week and after these 'G.O.O.D Fridays' (http://ampsand808s.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-kanye-west-good-fridays.html) Mr. West comes back with a great album to start the next 7 days.

If you've been keeping up with Kanye's 'G.O.O.D Fridays' than you will be familiar with some tracks off 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'. The potent lead single 'Power' (which gave strength to 'The Social Network' movies TV Spot trailer) set off a group of hard hitting musical moves by Kanye, accompanied by some serious power players.

'Monster', 'So Appalled' and 'Devil In A New Dress' are three tracks which will go down amongst the best in K. West's catalogue solo or otherwise. The first two feature guest spots from everyone from Swizz Beatz to Bon Iver. Everyone steps their game up, especially Nicki Minaji on 'Monster', proving she's even hotter than forecasted this year. Still however West still holds his own on two crowded cuts beyond the production values, proving these tracks really are his.

The latter, 'Devil In A New Dress' has been adapted from the 'G.O.O.D Friday' version as Rick Ross adds a verse. A verse which Ross said was nerve wracking to do, but one which in this writers opinion is the best he's ever done. Plus with Kanye's versatile verses and hand tapping hook this track is fashioned into a hip-hop, catwalk, show stopper.

Since the recording of this album started Kanye seems to have been making frequent collaborators of old and new friends alike. From Jay-Z to Pusha T and John Legend to Raekwon this results in a regular frequency of familiarising favourites. West's hanging with the Wu-Tang Clan seems to have rubbed off on him (The RZA also appeared on 'So Appalled'). The beats on this album are at times dark but still with a twist of commercially viable Kanye beauty. The music in the opener 'Dark Fantasy' twists around so much it feels like vintage, disjointed Wu updated for the modern day. Kanye really has entered the realms of classic hip-hop via the '36 Chambers', or just spent a lot of time in the studio with The RZA. What results is one of the freshest, rawest things you've heard in hip-hop and on the contry to the contradiction. This is straightforward beautiful, g.o.o.d music.

Speaking of the collabos Raekwon assists Kanye on 'Gorgeous' which starts as a two man effort with Kid Cudi that is a good look. Cudi picks up where '808's & Heartbreaks', 'Welcome To Heartbreak' left off as both him and Kanye both lend a hand and some studio time to each other on their separate projects that are coming out round about the same time. Over sinister but cool guitar licks the Kid births yet another fitting chorus for West's introspective, back against the wall, down south, heading north lyrics. Cudi who is building himself a rapping/singing Mos Def reputation sings "I'm on the edge, so I aint playing, I'm saying, I will never, ever let you live this down, down, down." as West talks real, "Penitentiary chances, the devil dances and eventually answers, to the call of Autumn, all them falling, for the love of balling, got caught with 30 rocks, the cop looked like Alec Baldwin". Kanye really is live after all the Saturday Night disses, I guess their really feeling the 'Power' now.

With all the familiar collaborations it's one half of The Clipse that makes himself part of Kanye's G.O.O.D Family such a great thing. Pusha T pushes his alliance with Kanye so hard, the pair could form a group of their own or crown themselves on their own collabo album. After many incredible G.O.O.D feature spots Pusha makes himself the feature presentation to a T on 'Runaway', the song that accompanies the magical movie of the same name, which accompanies this album. Even on a basic sounding chorus "Let's have a toast to the d***** bags" this 9 minute classic has depth from the very first piano stroke.

The rest of the album doesn't get away from itself with a great reunion with John Legend on 'Blame Game'. You can start pointing your fingers at another timeless classic from Chi-towns finest and 'Hell Of A Life' is hip-hop heaven sent. Whereas the 'All Of The Lights' interlude and song duo give the album more deep themes and 'Lost In The World' and the Gil Scott-Heron 'Who Will Survive America' are a perfect, poetic pairing to finish this piece strong with meaning while the weaker critics are left reeling.

So Kanye comes back even harder, faster and stronger than ever and the results are amazing, so amazing. Even if he hasn't released other albums that were on the cards yet it doesn't matter Kanye is doing more than 'A Good A** Job' and the throne is his. Now all the hating critics can do is watch as the leader of G.O.O.D music shows the world he still loves h.e.r. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TAPE DECK SHUFFLE-KANYE WEST: G.O.O.D. FRIDAY SPECIAL

It was a G.O.O.D. few months a few years ago when Kanye West released a free track every Friday for the fall of 2010. This weeks 'Tape Deck Shuffle' looks at them all.

POWER (REMIX) Feat Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz: If you thought the original was a bravado piece than you aint heard nothing yet. Kanye's really 'got the power' as the brilliant SNAP! change in the middle of this remix proves. Kanye & Jay-Z trade verses as good as they did on 'Never Let Me Down' and 'Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix)' on their way to a throning. The two kings go hard with plenty of big production, plenty of autotune and plenty of Swizz Beatz 'ish' talking. There's no beautiful death on this remix as the power stays on. 4/5.

MONSTER Feat Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaji & Bon Iver: Kanye gets his swagger on a track that also features Jay-Z and Rick Ross, two guys who's swagger is always on a hundred, million. 'Ye takes it to a thousand, million however with his beat, bravado and flow. He even has the audacity to rename Malibu. Of course Ross and Jay keep this monster track roaring on with Mr. Carter practically name dropping ever monster. It's Young Money's Nicki Minaji however that is the monster that stands the tallest amongst the hip-hop skyscrapers with a verse so inhumanly brilliant that it's got to be heard to be believed. Oh and Bon Iver, (a guy who may not be used to keeping it crisp and clean with that beard) also blesses the track. The folk star rocks out with these fellas and looks the part. 5/5.

RUNAWAY LOVE Feat Justin Bieber & Raekwon: Who else in this game could put Justin Bieber and Raekwon on the same track but 'Ye. This Bieber fever is getting crazy, either West and Rae where on something or this kid really is on to something. This track proves it's the latter, despite the fact that Justin will never be street no matter how many times West calls him JB. Still ODB once said Wu-Tang was 'for the children' and mixing Bieber's hit with Raekwon's ‘Wu Tang Clan Aint Nuthing Ta F*** Wit’. is his 'Who would of thought it' genius. It somehow works. Even hardcore heads can't turn their nose up at new Rae verses over classic Wu, complete with singing that hits the right note. 4/5.

DEVIL IN A NEW DRESS: The Prada wearing rapper channels the dark side and fashions a great run of verses over a beat that sounds vintage, pre-Dropout Ye. Hit the books and check his history if you don't know. Mr. West even warns over losing your hot streak like one of his favourite rappers pastor Ma$e. Holy moly. 4/5.

GOOD FRIDAY Feat Common, Pusha T, Charlie Wilson, Big Sean & Kid Cudi: This is the celebration track for the G.O.O.D. label and Friday theme. Now almost everyone is on this track, complete with an end of the week feeling. Kid Cudi sounds grown on this track and Charlie Wilson and Pusha T feel at home. It's even more celebratory to see Common and Kanye reunited yet again for more classic material. In fact this is vintage uplifting music from Chi-towns finest. Light but hardly breezy, this is strong like the Windy city air. 4/5.

LORD, LORD, LORD Feat Mos Def, Raekwon, Swizz Beatz & Charlie Wilson: Forget 'Devil In A New Dress', Lord have mercy this may be the smoothest track Kanye has ever cut. At almost 6 minutes this track is no snippet. Each MC is given plenty of breathing space for lyrical exercise. 'Ye is 'Ye and as for Rae he sounds just as comfortable on something smoother as he does menacingly on his usual harder stuff. Even Swizz Beatz gets down on some lines, going in against bloggers...uh, hum. The usual energetic producer also sounds laid back and soulful, thank you Miss Keys. Wests label mate Charlie Wilson provides his trademark syrupy sound on the catchy hook but it's Mos Def that owns this track. His opening verse is his best in years and breathes for the longest. His intro is so damn good you almost want him to rap the whole song. Mos' real talk is the rap equivalent of his 'Umi Says'. 5/5.

SO APPALLED Feat The RZA, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz & Cyphi The Prynce: Now this is a heater for the winter ahead. The production is Halloween haunting and the verses are so epic, if they weren't so disgraceful they'd be biblical. It's Jay-Z again that offends the most with yet another classic verse for the rhyme book. Pusha T further shows why he was signed with malicious rhymes (but won't Kanye sign both of The Clipse now?). One of West's darkest beats yet deserves the perfect closer and that comes from the haunting rhymes of The RZA which again shows that Mr. West has been upping his Wu-Tang. This 's*** really is f****** ridiculous' as the hook says. Now listen to this and be really appalled. 5/5.

CHRISTIAN DIOR DENIM FLOW Feat Kid Cudi, Pusha T, John Legend, Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie: This branded song is labelled with great design. From John Legend and Kid Cudi's harmony to classic 'Ye violin and distorted vocals. Just like denim, the song is tough but a good look, you could even rock it with a shirt. The high class rap has more market value with Pusha T and Lloyd Banks's quality material. While just like with Common on 'Good Friday' it's great to see Legend and West reunited. They haven't missed a note. As the guitars come in the tone changes as Ryan Leslie sees how the track fits. With raps as cool as his croons Les' wears it well. What were left with on the rail is a great ensemble posse cut that is tailored in great fashion by Kanye. 4.5/5.

DON'T STOP! (Child Rebel Soldier): Most supergroups come with a lot of hype but often fizzle out and people end up believing in them as much as Public Enemy would in 'A Nation Of Millions'. Still years after 'US Placers', Kanye, Pharrell and Lupe Fiasco put it all in place to reunite as their unit, 'Child Rebel Soldier'. With an album on the front line the hype is back on and with 'Don't Stop' fans will be glad the group is starting back up. The three sound cohesive going verse for verse and Pharrell's raps get even better. With two beat men and two Chicago mic legends, Kanye has done it again. 4/5.

TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM Feat Pusha T, Keri Hilson & Cyphi The Prynce : You might want to replace your speakers in after this one because even those Dre headphones would have trouble taking one for the team with this much bass. Kanye opens with a lines even harder than the bass line. Taking it hard to the rack like Jordan with basketball references. Pusha T features again and is welcome as is Keri Hilson who makes herself feel at home with her flow on this guest spot. Still like every other free track present from Kanye he is the tracks gift. Like all ten tracks Kanye scores a top ten with his rhymes and production. With all these stars at his disposal Kanye still shines like the sun in the west. 3.5/5.

DON'T LOOK DOWN Feat Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco & Big Sean: It's Mos who provides the chorus for this song that also features Lupe Fiasco. The Black Star MC proves he's definitely Def by showing his versatility. Mos' ability to rap and sing seamlessly make him more than just a G.O.O.D. addition. Just like his roster Kanye puts this all together to true magic. Everythings on the up for West. Forget about looking down, Kanye isn't even looking back. 4/5.

THE JOY Feat Pete Rock, Jay-Z, Curtis Mayfield, Charlie Wilson & Kid Cudi: Kanye is the one that keeps giving us joy. With weeks to go before his albums released the fans are kept happy. Happy that Jay-Z's guesting again and happy that Kid Cudi's back on track. Happy that Kanye goes back to the old school with Pete Rock and happy that he goes back even further with some sensuous Curtis Mayfield soul. Speaking of sensuality guys will be happy Miss Brow (Foxy or Jackie), Pam Grier is bareing all on the songs cover artwork. Kanye keeps pushing the boundaries with his stylish and sexually provocative artwork. Mr. West is looking real good right now. Judging from the quality of these freebies, 'My Dark & Twisted Fantasy' is going to sell, sell, sell. 4.5/5.

LOOKING FOR TROUBLE Feat Pusha T, Big Sean, CyHi Da Prynce & J. Cole: The new best tag team in hip-hop, Kanye West and Pusha T once again go line for line battling with the haters and yet again they sound like family. G.O.O.D. family. Kanye uses the same sample that former Rocafella label mate and collaborater Cam'Ron used for 'Purple Haze's' 'Bubble Music'. The 'looking for trouble' sample may be apt here as Cam recentley through rocks his former labelmate and as Kanye sneers on the chorus in response to the sample, "But you found it m***********" , perhaps he is answering Cam'Ron back. Still on this heated banger it's Roc Nation signing J.Cole that goes the hardest, even after this beat and sample cut out. The next in line proves it's going to be a Cole winter with lines like, "I thought that real s*** is what you been fiending ’bout/what you been praying for? What you been screaming ’bout/ironic you been sleeping on the one that you been dreaming ’bout". 4/5.

CHAIN HEAVY Feat. Consequence & Talib Kweli: On this Q-Tip produced gem about necklaces. The renaissance man and the revolutionary rapper take it back to the old school all whilst flossing in all their shine. The track is also laced with clever rhymes from two of Kanye's oldest and most frequent collaboraters. A Tribe Called Quest affiliate Consequence gets the chain letter with great choker references including, "Uh, that old ball and chain had me chained up for weeks/Of course I'm off the chain as soon as I hit the streets/And now when we leak she saying the games over/I drove her crazy and she became a chain smoker". While Talib Kweli who Kanye toured with when he was coming up brings up some lyrical links draped with lines like "Some wear a suit and tie, they dont wanna remain average/Some wear a suit and tie like a chain in a straight jacket". All in all this trap looks right worn with anything. Sure it's flashy but it's got a lot more to say than bragging. It's a concept song and a conscious one at that and with the guys on this track, would you expect anything less. 4/5.

CHRISTMAS IN HARLEM Feat Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Vado, CyHi Da Prynce, Pusha T, Musiq Soulchild, Teyana Taylor & Big Sean: How does a Christmas song still sound hot even when the Winter months are warming up? When Kanye West is on it with an All-Star cast featuring nearly ever Dipset member for a diplomatic, feel-good heater. Everyone brings it on this special day's special track over Marvin Gaye beats and Musiq Soulchild harmonies. This really is one of the best gifts to receive from under Kanye's tree. It's a wrap. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

ALBUM SELECT OF THE WEEK: BEN HARPER-DIAMONDS ON THE INSIDE

Lets take a look back at one of the last and greatest solo-sets from a man who's ran more bands then Paul McCartney. Not only was 'Diamonds On The Inside' the name of a classic song by Ben Harper, it was also the title of one of his best records to date. As vivid, beautiful and innocent as the album cover this gem was a classic as soon as it was popped out the jewel case. From the incredible intro track 'With My Own Two Hands' to the dusk of 'She's Only Happy In The Sun', Ben gave us musical grace leaving fans eating out his palms. The best, beautiful, compassionate songs 'When She Believes' and 'Amen Omen' gave us food for thought. While the uplifting, spiritual 'Blessed To Be A Witness' and the great 'When It's Good' where so complete it left every listener fulfilled. In fact all the tracks on this album where brilliant as this novel piece really had 'Everything', no fiction or filler. The man who likes to jam with Eddie Vedder dropped pearls, from 'Brown Eyed Blues' to 'Bring The Funk'. Harper really saw and brought it all. Outside of this pop heavy and throw-away world this album would have gone diamond, but still platinum will do. Beside it's not about a plaque you can keep that. It's about what's real and Ben Harper gives that with no sign of going anywhere anytime soon. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TAPE DECK SHUFFLE-The Top 10 Workout Songs For February

By Chris Lawhorn

Fort Wayne, IN – Feb 3, 2012 – This month's top 10 is full of little surprises. Jay Sean and Nicki Minaj's "2012" actually came out months ago. But, the new year (and an apt title) have given it a second wind. Also, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera got a hip-hop makeover, courtesy of Mac Miller. Outasight got their first taste of chart success. And, Adele turned in a performance so forceful that most folks didn't seem to mind that the song's more of a ballad than a traditional workout jam.

Here's the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred--the web's most popular workout music site.

Flo Rida - Good Feeling (Jaywalker Remix) - 127 BPM

Jay Sean & Nicki Minaj - 2012 (It Ain't The End) - 126 BPM

Cobra Starship & Sabi - You Make Me Feel... (Felix Leiter Remix) - 127 BPM

Beatfreakz - Somebody's Watching Me - 129 BPM

Katy Perry - The One That Got Away (R3hab Club Remix) - 128

Train - Drive By - 123 BPM

Adele - Set Fire To The Rain - 109 BPM

Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera & Mac Miller - Moves Like Jagger (Remix) - 128 BPM

Outasight - Tonight Is The Night - 120 BPM

Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like a Love Song (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Club Remix) - 130 BPM

To find more songs--and hear next month's contenders—folks can check out Run Hundred's database of workout songs. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

http://www.RunHundred.com

SONG FOR THE MOMENT (FEBRUARY): JACK WHITE-LOVE INTERRUPTION

From the look of this picture, it appears that even Jack White is having post White Stripes breakup blues. DON'T DO IT JACK! Thankfully for our and the Sweeney Todd lookalikes sake today's modern rock and roll music master returns to the studio after working with everyone from Wanda Jackson to Jay-Z to lay his own vocals down. Yes that's right, if you haven't heard (where have your ears been?) the man that brought us three super epic rock groups (we needn't tell you, but let's just do it for a victory run; The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather) is back with his own solo album. Can you believe that? Music's wildest dreams have woken up as 'Blunderbuss' will be here sometime in April. Until then lend your ears to hear the sensational first single 'Love Interruption'. It may sound like the name of a Kanye West track (not necessarily a bad thing) but it's actually a beautiful slow burner of a number, with some formidable female assistance (sorry it's not Meg, but its still great). What results is the sublime start of what should be a classic album to start a year of music that's looking a lot better than originally protected thanks to this great surprise. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

ALBUM SELECT OF THE WEEK: SAM COOKE-LIVE AT THE HARLEM SQUARE CLUB 1963

Sam Cooke isn't just one of the greatest soul singers ever, he's also one of the greatest artists of all-time...period. As one of the best showmen to ever grace the microphone this 'Live At The Harlem Square Club 1963' concert album is not only one of the best live performances and C.D.'s but one of music's greatest albums, making all the top and must-hear lists. Displaying his sex appeal, charisma, charm, spirit and all-round good guy nature Cooke takes us everywhere the heart beats in just over a half-hour. With a distorted mic and a sense of how cramped this club was, this raw sound is renowned as one of the best performances ever from everyone from live favourite Rod Stewart to Hollywood director Michael Mann, who used singer David Elliott to portray the cinematic feel of this concert to give an epic intro to his classic, Will Smith picture 'Ali'. The bold and beautiful performance of 'Bring It On Home' was used here as was the interlude before it, as Cooke seamlessly went from song to song singing interludes and stories about his baby in melody, making them feel and be sought after as and like individual songs. With all due respect to the soul of James Brown (rest peacefully) this recording is even more alive, emphatic and energetic from the 'Soul Twist' introduction to the 'Having A Party' continuing outro. Designed to make you feel good and stirring the soul this legend cemented his legacy from start to finish on record. Just listen, ever harmony, hum and bar is note perfect. Oh yeah! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TAPE DECK SHUFFLE-LANA DEL REY SPECIAL

As 'IT' girl Lana Del Rey is our 'Artist For January' if not the year this weeks 'TAPE DECK SHUFFLE' is dedicated to her. 'Side A' features the singles and potential hits, while the album favourites of her release 'Born To Die' make the 'B Side'.

SIDE A

BORN TO DIE-The sensational single which gave life to this artist.

VIDEO GAMES-From Youtube to iPhone's, iPad's and pods; whatever the console this song is still playing.

SUMMERTIME SADNESS-The ultimate, illuminating seasonal jam to cure those Winter blues.

DARK PARADISE-Deep and cinematic, Lana's given us a treasured jam.

RADIO-Bound to garner airplay and spins worldwide. How do you like her now?

SIDE B

OFF THE RACES-Puts her in pole position as the most charismatic, confident female singer in competition.

BLUE JEANS-A tight, well-fitting piece Sexy to the core like apple bottoms.

NATIONAL ANTHEM-The new soundtrack to modern, nostalgia invoking young America.

MILLION DOLLAR MAN-Worth platinum. Bound to be sold and played in six zero figures.

WITHOUT YOU-A deep, decedent ballad. Hallmark Del Rey in all her devotion. TIM DAVID HARVEY.