Marcus Collins – Seven Nation Army

It’s been less than 3 months since X Factor 2011 finished, and now runner-up Marcus Collins is already ready to release his debt single; a cover of White Stripe’s single (originally by Ben L’Oncle Soul) Seven Nation Army.

Taken from Marcus’ self titled debut studio album which is due for release this week, Marcus sings in his distinctive soul-pop tones over sparkly brass band sounds and boppy beats.

Seven Nation Army is currently available for digital download, and was officially released this week.

Photo credit: ALEXANDRA GLEN / FEATUREFLASH

Hot Gossip

Rihanna’s partying ‘worries’ Bishop

Pop sensation Rihanna is being ‘prayed for’ because she parties too hard, says her former pastor.

The singer used to attend services officiated by Bishop Vibert Lowe when she lived in her native Barbados, but has since become engulfed in the life of fame.

She regularly uses Twitter to update her fans about her antics and, according to UK newspaper The Sun, she is thought to have reunited with her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, who once violently abused her.

The Bishop revealed: ‘A lot of people have been praying for her and we are hoping that she will change her ways. Young people look to her as a mentor; they regard her as an idol and copy her lifestyle.’

Rihanna, who shot to fame in 2005 with her debut single “Pon de Replay” split from Chris Brown in 2008 after the assault, and although neither have confirmed a reconciliation, they have been working in the studio together and communication frequently; and the pastor is worried Rihanna is not thinking about the long term when it comes to her love life.

Bishop Vibert added: ‘After all he did, I’d tell her to steer clear of him. He’s not the correct influence on her life.

I don’t see her much when she comes back – she seems too busy – but she should spend more time in church.’

Music News

Bob Dylan working on new album

Bob Dylan is reportedly recording a new studio album. The singer has been working on new material at a studio in Los Angeles, musician David Hidalgo confirmed.Hidalgo has contributed to two previous Dylan albums and revealed that his latest collection will have a Mexican influence.

According to the Aspen Times, David said: “It was a great experience. And different.

Each one has been different, all completely different approaches. It’s an amazing thing, how he keeps creativity. I don’t see how he does it,”

It is unclear when Dylan, who has released 34 studio albums in his career, plans to release his latest record.

Taylor Swift is music’s top earner

The singer is joined by U2, Lady GaGa, Sade and Adele in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Money Makers 2012, which aims to calculate the net earnings of an artist in the US alone.

Taylor Swift leads the chart with earnings of $35.7 million following the success of her album Speak Now and her North American tour.

U2 are at number two with $32.1m, while last year’s top earner, eccentric Lady GaGa, slips to four with $25.3m after having most of the year off from touring.

Adele is on the outskirts at number 10 with earnings of $13m, which is nearly entirely down to sales of her second album 21 after throat surgery forced her to cancel a string of US tour dates. 

The numbers do not include money earned from sponsorships, merchandise or synchronisation deals, meaning the final figure could be significantly higher.

Official UK Top 10
1. Gotye – Somebody that I used to know
2. EmeliSande – Next to me
3. Nicki Minaj – Starships
4. Flo Rida – Wild ones
5. Stooshe – Love me
6. DJ Fresh – Hot right now
7. TinchyStryder – Bright lights
8. David Guetta – Titanium
9. Marcus Collins – Seven Nation Army
10. David Guetta – Turn me on
Official Spanish Top 10
1. Gym Class Heroes – Stereo hearts
2. Adele – Someone like you
3. La Oreja de Van Gogh – Cometas por el cielo
4. Taio Cruz – Hangover 
5. Katy Perry – The one that got away 
6. Michel Teló – Ai se eu te pego 
7. Britney Spears – Criminal 
8. Madonna – Give me all your luvin’ 
9. Flo Rida – Good feeling 
10. Coldplay – Paradise

Official UK Top 10 Downloads
1. Gotye – Somebody that I used to know
2. Nicki Minaj – Starships
3. EmeliSande – Next to me
4. Flo Rida – Wild ones
5. David Guetta – Titanium
6. Alexandra Burke – Elephant
7. DJ Fresh – Hot right now
8. David Guetta – Turn me on
9. Stooshe – Love me
10. TinchyStryder – Bright lights

The Vibe by Melissa Jayne