Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

AMP is back shining its lazer-like attention on the most vibrant new dance music. Annie Mac Presents 2010 collects the biggest tunes she’s been championing on Radio 1 this year into one sub woofer-busting package. From Joy Orbison’s ‘Hyph Mngo’ to Swedish House Mafia’s ‘One’ this mix is going to bring back memories for the Mac faithful that pack out her bleeding edge Presents club nights (responsible for 2010’s sell out parties everywhere from London’s KOKO to Miami’s WMC, Austin’s SXSW, Manchester’s Warehouse Project and all other self respecting international hot spots). The mix flows to some new currents too. The Berlin influenced nocturnal disco-bacchanal of Scissor Sisters ‘Invisible Light’. The resurgent hardcore feel represented by her exclusive Digital Soundboy remix of Magnetic Man’s ‘I Need Air’ or Tensnake’s one man 90s revival with ‘Coma Cat’. As with Annie’s 2009 compilation the mix peaks at the end of CD1 with CD2 drifting down through some softer textures. The Balaeric g

Kylie Minogue has announced dates for ‘Aphrodite – Les Folies Tour 2011’ Tickets will go on sale for Glasgow SECC, Manchester Evening News Arena, and London O2 Arena on 13th September . More territories will be announced shortly. This tour promises to be an absolute landmark in the career of Kylie Minogue as she intends to create a live spectacular that will surpass even her own previous groundbreaking shows. Kylie has already been working on concepts for the tour and says “ The reaction to ‘Aphrodite’ has been absolutely incredible and has inspired me and my creative team to develop a new show that will take all of us on a euphoric journey of joy, excitement and glamour. I can’t wait to get on the road and see all my fans in 2011 ” As a special thank you to her UK fans, Kylie will ensure that no booking fees will be charged on tickets bought for Aphrodite - Les Folies 2011 UK shows, if purchased from official outlets (see list on Kylie.com ). There will be a one-off transaction fee, c

The dust has barely had time to settle since the arrival of Body Talk Pt 1, the first instalment of Robyn's ambitious three-part album release plan for this year. Lead single Dancing On My Own, the heartbreaking heir to With Every Heartbeat, went top ten in the UK, while everyone from Pitchfork to the BBC, the Guardian to Stereogum, bestowed effusive praise (and numerous stars) on the album. It's fair to say many are waiting eagerly for part two, and they will not be disappointed. Body Talk Pt 2 offers the clearest example yet of Robyn's pop prowess; 8 songs that crystallize her preoccupation with hypnotic repetition, propulsive beats and infectious hooks, and lyrics which display the kind of unabashed emotional vulnerability that only comes with true self-confidence. Body Talk 2 is further proof that Robyn's understanding and love of pop music is as intrinsic as it is accomplished. Body Talk 2 will be released Sept 13 on Island Records