New Music Monday! Everything Old Is New Again, So Bring On That 80s Synth!

Alison Goldfrapp

A few weeks ago it seemed I had accidentally stumbled into the mid-80s when all the big music news was about Sade and the remake of “We Are the World.” Well, I don’t think I’ve found my way back just yet…

That 80’s sound just keeps coming back, and it’s never been more evident than with the new Goldfrapp single, "Rocket." The track is pure synth-pop fun and while it’s definitely got me eagerly anticipating their new album, Head First, I kind of think I can get by on old Pointer Sisters classics like “Jump” or “I’m So Excited” until the album drops on March 23rd.

Head First will be Goldfrapp’s fifth album and if the lead single is any indication, it looks to be one of their best. If you’re looking for even more Goldfrapp in 2010, don’t worry; band mates Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory plan to take Head First on tour in later this year.

And if you’re looking for a trip even further back in time, check out the new album from dance legend Paul Parker, Take It From Me. Paul was an early success in the Hi NRG scene having worked with such notables as Patrick Cowley and Sylvester and reached the top spot on the Billboard Disco/Dance chart in 1982 with his song, “Right On Target.” Nearly 30 years later Paul sounds just as strong as ever on his new album, effortlessly blending contemporary dance tracks with his trademark Hi NRG sound.

On a sidenote, Paul’s new album is produced by Jeff Crerie, who just happened to also produce Matt Alber’s debut album, Hide Nothing. How’s that for being in good company?

Now moving on to something a little more modern, we have news from out singer/songwriter Dan Manjovi. Haven’t heard of him? Well I’m sure you’ve heard of his work! He was recently recruited by Lee Daniels, director of the movie Precious, to “create a song of hope” for the movie’s soundtrack.

Dan Manjovi

The result was the inspiring, gospel-tinged R&B anthem, “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way.” The songs aim is to musically portray Precious’ journey throughout the film. In his press release, Manjovi goes into further detail:

After reading the screenplay, I thought about how Precious Jones admires these strong iconic African-American women such as Harriet Tubman, and the first line – ‘on my mind Tina Turner’ came into my head. After that, I knew I had the song.

Originally included as a demo for the film’s premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” was re-recorded for both the film and the soundtrack once Precious took the festival’s Grand Jury Prize. The current version was arranged and produced by Manjovi, with Grace Hightower leading on vocals. is by is the only artist to appear on the soundtrack and in the film.

Dan Manjovi’s newest project is a musical titled I Am, I Will, I Do. The musical is all about marriage, which is a subject close to his heart, as he recently married his partner in 2009.