Monthly chart - October 2016

1. Kylie Minogue - Bette Davis Eyes
2. Denise Lopez - Don't You Wanna Be Mine
3. Alesha Dixon - Tallest Girl
4. Kiwi & Tess - Give Your Heart
5. Jennifer Lopez - Feel The Light
6. Depeche Mode - A Question Of Time (Remix)
7. Diana Ross - Lovin', Livin' And Givin'
8. Timomatic - Set It Off
9. RuPaul - (Here It Comes) Around Again (Matt Pop 80's UK Edit)
10. ABBA - I'm Still Alive
11. Jaki Graham - Set Me Free
12. Zayn - Like I Would
13. RuPaul - Sissy That Walk
14. Alesha Dixon - The Way We Are
15. Britney Spears - Clumsy
16. Jaki Graham - Breaking Away
17. Donny Montell - Fly
18. Dee D. Jackson - My Sweet Carillon
19. Zayn - Lucozade
20. Donna Allen - Satisfied (Short Version Remix)
21. Madonna - Sorry (PSB Maxi-Mix)
22. RuPaul Feat. La Toya Jackson - Feel Like Dancin'
23. Christina Aguilera - Telepathy (Moto Blanco Radio Mix)
24. Carly Rae Jepsen - Curiosity



This list shows which songs I've listened to the most this month, on my computer and my iPod. A regularly updated list of my all-time favourite songs can be found here.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to see more stuff from my life. You can also find more information about me on DennisAlexis.com.

Karyn White - Karyn White (Re-release)

On December 2, Big Break Records will release a reissue of Karyn White's eponymous 1988 album, remastered and expanded with loads of bonus tracks and remixes. The L.A. Reid produced album includes the singles "Secret Rendezvous", "The Way You Love Me", "Superwoman", "Love Saw It" and "Slow Down". The reissue also includes her collaborations with Babyface, Jeff Lorber and Michael Jeffries.

If you like R&B artists such as Paula Abdul, Pebbles and Nia Peeples, this superb album is perfect for you. Pre-order your copy now from Amazon UK or Cherry Pop.

"Karyn White" tracklist - CD 1:

1. The Way You Love Me
2. Secret Rendezvous
3. Slow Down
4. Superwoman
5. Family Man
6. Love Saw It
7. Don't Mess With Me
8. Tell Me Tomorrow
9. One Wish
10. Love On The Line
11. Language Of Love
12. Facts Of Love
13. True Confessions
14. Back In Love
15. Not Thru Being With You
16. The Way You Love Me (12" Hype Remix)

"Karyn White" tracklist - CD 2:

1. Facts Of Love (Actuality Mix)
2. True Confessions (The Left Bank Mix)
3. The Way You Love Me (12" Club Mix)
4. Secret Rendezvous (Extended Remix)
5. Superwoman (Long Version)
6. Not Thru Being With You (The Club Fire Mix)
7. Facts Of Love (Passion Mix)
8. The Way You Love Me (Paul Simpson Remix)
9. Secret Rendezvous (12" White House Remix)
10. Facts Of Love (Fact #1)
11. The Way You Love Me (New York Groove Edit)
12. Secret Rendezvous (Secret Drive-Time Radio Edit)

The Collection - New TV period drama

I'm a huge fan of period drama series – or period soaps as I like to call them – such as "Downton Abbey", "Mr Selfridge" and "Upstairs, Downstairs". I recently started watching "The Collection" – a TV series set in a Paris fashion house during the nineteen-forties – and I'm already hooked. The series is a must for fans of period dramas or soaps in general.

My favourite character so far is the gay designer Claude, played by the charming Tom Riley. The producers of "Pretty Little Liars" and "Desperate Housewives" are involved, so you can expect a first class drama. I really hope that this amazing series will get a second season.

Season one is available on Amazon Prime, so check it out!

Dead Or Alive's Pete Burns has died

I was in the studio last night when I heard the sad news of Dead Or Alive front figure Pete Burns' passing. He died on October 23 from a massive cardiac arrest, only fifty-seven years old. I still can't believe it. I will always love Pete's iconic look, personality and of course the amazing music of Dead Or Alive, best known for their 1985 hit single "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)". But that song was just one of many masterpieces in their music catalog.

Pete died just a few days before the release of the box set "Sophisticated Boom Box MMXVI" so he won't be able to see his fans enjoy this long-awaited gem. The world has lost a fabulous artist who has done so much for the music industry and the LGBT community. But he will surely live on through his wonderful music.

Rest in peace, Pete. You will always be our "special star".

Lady Gaga's Joanne disappointed me

I have received many questions from people asking me what I think of Lady Gaga's new album "Joanne", so I decided to blog about it. Don't hate me but I'm quite disappointed in it. I'm not saying the songs are bad, there are a couple of growers on it, but her new "mature" sound leaves me cold. I absolutely loved her dance-pop albums "The Fame", "The Fame Monster", "Born This Way" and "Artpop" so my expectations were high. But before you start calling me narrow-minded and accuse me of having "bad taste", please read the entire post.

As much as I love Lady Gaga's voice and her personality, I miss that electronic production. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for artists following their hearts and doing the kind of music they want. It's just not for me. But I respect her wish to do something different and I'm glad for the fans who like this style. Each to their own.

I'm not trying to piss off those who like the album and I won't accept people calling me a "bad fan" because of this. To me, being a fan doesn't mean that you automatically have to love every single thing an artist does. Hopefully there will be some cool remixes of the tracks that I will enjoy more. If not, I'll just stick with her earlier releases.

Unlike some people, I don't care about critics at all. I know many of them didn't like "Artpop", but to me it was an amazing album for fans of electronic pop music. It had the strong melodies and interesting lyrics that Gaga is known for, but with the essential electronic sound. I know that to some people, electronic music isn't as "deep" as other genres, but I couldn't disagree more.

I know what I like and I won't start listening to country, rock or indie music just because some people think it's deeper. There is no right or wrong when it comes to music, just different tastes. Peace out.

This is the Lady Gaga I love:

Jaki Graham - The Studio Albums: 1985-1998

Today, the Jaki Graham box set "The Studio Albums: 1985-1998" arrived in the mail. It's really nice, including her albums "Heaven Knows" (1985), "Break Away" (1986), "From Now On" (1989), "Real Life" (1994), "Hold On" (1995), "Rhythm Of Life" (1996) and "My Life" (1998), digitally remastered. The only bad thing is that they don't have any bonus tracks, but let's hope for a remix compilation or something in the near future.

Get your copy now from Amazon UK or Amazon US.

"Don't you wanna be mine?"

New CD's in my record collection: "Glory (Deluxe Edition)" by Britney Spears, "Mind Of Mine (Deluxe Edition)" by Zayn, "Timomatic" by Timomatic, "Do It For Love" by Alesha Dixon, reissue of "Four Years After" by Radiorama, reissue of "Night Flight/Yvonne" by Yvonne Elliman and "Truth In Disguise" by Denise Lopez, the soundtrack to "Coming To America" and the compilation "What's New May '89".



And also these records: "Tatjana", "Feel Good", "New Look" and "Don't You Want Me Baby" by Tatjana.

Yazz - Wanted (Re-release)

House and dance-pop singer Yazz is perhaps best known for her 1988 hit "The Only Way Is Up". On November 25, Cherry Pop Records will release a remastered and expanded reissue of her album "Wanted", also including the cool singles "Stand Up For You Love Rights", "Fine Time" and "Where Has All The Love Gone".

The reissue will be a three disc deluxe edition, filled with bonus tracks and remixes, a must for every fan of eighties dance music. Pre-order your copy now from Amazon UK or Cherry Red Records.

"Wanted" tracklist - CD 1:

1. The Only Way Is Up
2. Where Has All The Love Gone?
3. Got To Share
4. Fine Time
5. Stand Up For Your Love Rights
6. Wanted On The Floor
7. Something Special
8. Systematic People
9. Turn It Up
10. The Only Way Is Up (7" Version)
11. Stand Up For Your Love Rights (7" Version)
12. Fine Time (7" Version)
13. Where Has All The Love Gone? (7" Version)
14. Bad House Music
15. Treat Me Good
16. I Want Your Love
17. Stand Up For Your Love Rights (U.S. Remix)
18. Dream (Juan Atkins Remix)

"Wanted" tracklist - CD 2:

1. The Only Way Is Up (12" Version)
2. Stand Up For Your Love Rights (12" Version)
3. Fine Time (12" Version)
4. Where Has All The Love Gone? (Ghetto Mix)
5. Treat Me Good (Extended Version)
6. Bad House Music (12" Version)
7. The Only Way Is Up (The Bam Bam Remix)
8. Stand Up For Your Love Rights (The Stadium Disco Mix)
9. Fine Time (Sound Iration Mix)
10. Where Has All The Love Gone? (U.S. Extended Remix)
11. Got To Share (U.S. Extended Remix)
12. Yazz Megamix (Version Single)

"Wanted" tracklist - CD 3:

1. The Only Way Is Up (Remix)
2. Stand Up For Your Love Rights (U.S. Extended Remix)
3. Wanted On The Floor (Remix)
4. Where Has All The Love Gone? (Remix)
5. Treat Me Good (Three Amigos Mix)
6. Stand Up For Your Love Rights (12" Y'azzid Mix!)
7. The Only Way Is Up (The Up Up Up Mix)
8. Treat Me Good (Open Heart Mix)
9. Stand Up For Your Love Rights (She's Crazy Mix)
10. Treatment
11. Stand Up For Your Love Rights (What It Is! Mix)
12. Yazz Megamix (Version Maxi)

New Dynasty reboot coming soon

Wow! I almost died a little. There have been rumours of a reboot of the fabulous eighties soap "Dynasty" for ages, but it has been quiet lately, so imagine my surprise when I read that it's seems like it's finally happening. According to E! and the Hollywood Reporter, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage – the people behind teen soaps "Gossip Girl" and "The O.C." – are teaming up with the original creators Esther and Richard Shapiro to bring back one of the best soaps ever to The CW.

I am all for reboots, as long as some of the old actors get to make cameo roles. I would especially love to see soap queens Joan Collins, Linda Evans and Heather Locklear show up somehow, even if they won't play their old characters. Maybe the reboot format will make it impossible for them to return as Alexis, Krystle and Sammy Jo.

The only thing that worries me is that the "Melrose Place" and "Dallas" reboots got cancelled so soon. But let's hope this one does better. I mean, it's "Dynasty" for God's sake.

Monthly chart - September 2016

1. Michael Davidson - Turn It Up (7" Remix)
2. The Cover Girls - Better Late Than Never
3. Dead Or Alive - You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) (Murder Mix)
4. Alisha - Into My Secret
5. Dean Monroe - Closer To You
6. Demi Lovato - Cool For The Summer
7. Suzi Lane - Harmony
8. Cyré - Last Chance
9. Alisha - Let Your Heart Make Up Your Mind
10. Boys Town Gang - When Will I See You Again
11. Demi Lovato - Confident (The Alias Radio Edit)
12. Kylie Minogue - Better The Devil You Know
13. The Cool Notes - Spend The Night
14. Da Buzz - Something About You (LA Rush Remix Radio Edit)
15. Alisha - Do You Dream About Me
16. The Cover Girls - I Need Your Lovin'
17. Debbie Gibson - Play The Field
18. D:Ream - Shoot Me With Your Love (Loveland's 7" Pop'd Up Mix)
19. Dawn Tallman - Teardrops (StoneBridge Radio Edit)
20. Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence



This list shows which songs I've listened to the most this month, on my computer and my iPod. A regularly updated list of my all-time favourite songs can be found here.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to see more stuff from my life. You can also find more information about me on DennisAlexis.com.

Melrose Place marathon

If I only get to pick one favourite soap opera, it's definitely "Melrose Place" that originally aired between 1992 and 1999. I first saw it as a kid and I recently started rewatching the whole series on DVD for the fourth time. I never get tired of it. What I love about the show is that it's not afraid to go over the top with crazy storylines and plot twists. Check out my "Melrose Place" DVD collection down below.

All seasons have been released on DVD and you can order them all from Amazon. However, the final two seasons are only available for region one, so you might need a region free player if you live in Europe. But whatever you do, don't miss out on this classic.

Stéphanie - Pop princess of Monaco

I don't care much about royalty but I really like the music of Stéphanie Grimaldi, princess of Monaco. Especially her 1986 euro disco debut album. This is my Stéphanie CD collection: "Besoin", "Stéphanie" and the compilation album "Référence 80". Please check out my fan site about her music.

Rise Of The Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration

I love the "Tomb Raider" games and can't wait to play the latest Lara Croft adventure "Rise Of The Tomb Raider". It will be released for the Playstation 4 on October 11. The game was originally released for Xbox back in November 2015 but this brand new edition features many extras, for example new missions, all previous DLC and a artbook.

Pre-order your copy from Amazon UK or Amazon US.

Hunk of the day: Rami Malek

Hunk of the day is the American actor Rami Malek, born May 12 1981 in Los Angeles. The first role I saw Rami play was Josh in the brilliant horror video game "Until Dawn". But seeing him as the troubled yet lovable hacker Elliot in the TV series "Mr. Robot" made me a fan. I also enjoyed seeing clips of him playing the gay character Kenny on "The War At Home".

Rami is incredibly charming and I really like his unique voice and his gorgeous eyes. He is also very talented and I think it's just a matter of time before we see him win an Academy Award.



Photo: Sleepindaroof

"Hey boy, watcha got?"

New CD's in my record collection: Reissue of "Ooh, La, La" by Suzi Lane, "III (2015 Edition)" by Take That, "Disco Kicks - The Complete Moby Dick Records Recordings" by Boys Town Gang, reissues of "This Is It" by Melba Moore, "Have A Good Forever..." by The Cool Notes and "Breakwater Cat/Never Gonna Be Another One" by Thelma Houston and finally "Time After Time" by Timmy T and "I Need Your Lovin'" and "I Am Woman" by The Cover Girls.