Do You - Spoon

Song: Do You

Artist: Spoon
Album: They Want My Soul




Eighth studio album from Austin, TX indie rockers with amazing quality consistance.




Do You

Rent I Pay

Up We Go - Lights

Song: Up We Go

Artist: Lights
Album: Little Machines




First single, third album.  Quite like this.  Never got into Lights before but this one is a corker.  Big chorus.





Up We Go

Together (2014 Version) - Odyssey

Song: Together (2014 Version)

Artist: Odyssey
Album: Together EP




Here's a little story...

Odyssey are an NYC-based disco band from the late 70s best known for their track "Native New Yorker."  Originally called The Lopez Sisters, the band has continued to write and perform throughout the years with founding member/singer Lillian Lopez-Collazo-Jackson succumbing to Cancer in 2012.  Her son, Steven Collazo has continued the band with a variety of singers and musicians and is working on a new album but released a four-track EP earlier this year.

Ronika is an English singer-songwriter whom I recently highlighted with the release of her debut album Selectadisc.  I couldn't believe she didn't include the track I first knew her from, "Automatic" which has an unbelievable killer groove and is arguably her best song.

Steven Collazo's new Odyssey's aforementioned new EP contains two re-worked Odyssey classics "Together" and "Back to My Roots" as well as the original versions of two other tracks. ("He's Coming Back," "Sooner or Later")

The new "Together" is rather groovy, I love the updated House mix:

Together (2014 Version) - Odyssey

I didn't really hear it initially but now I hear a little of Ronika's "Automatic" there:

Ronika - Automatic

Well, then you listen to the original "Together" from 1982:

Together (1982) - Odyssey

Oh.  Big Oh.  Maybe that's why "Automatic" is not on the record.  Hmm.

And yes, "Together" was co-written by Nile Rodgers.

American Dream Plan B - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Song: American Dream Plan B

Artist: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Album: Hypnotic Eye




13th studio album, first since 2010's Mojo.  A real rock 'n' roll affair.








American Dream Plan B

Fault Lines

Red River

Right Here - Jess Glynne

Song: Right Here

Artist: Jess Glynne
Album: Right Here




U.K. singer to watch.  Debut single after two hit features.  Pop-House becoming a 'thing.'.



Right Here

Rather Be - Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne

My Love - Route 94 feat. Jess Glynne

All the Rage Back Home - Interpol

Song: All the Rage Back Home

Artist: Interpol
Album: El Pintor




No Carlos.





All the Rage Back Home

Wrong Club - The Ting Tings

Song: Wrong Club

Artist: The Ting Tings
Album: Super Critical




Third album.  First single.  Killer groove.





Wrong Club

Back to the Shack - Weezer

Song: Back to the Shack

Artist: Weezer
Album: Everything Will be Alright in the End





Ric Ocasek is back.  10th Album.




Back to the Shack

Tough Love - Jessie Ware

Song: Tough Love

Artist: Jessie Ware
Album: Tough Love










Tough Love

Writing's on the Wall - OK Go

Song: Writing's on the Wall

Artist: OK Go
Album: Hungry Ghosts







Writing's on the Wall

Turn Up the Radio

Writing's on the Wall Video Behind the Scenes

Embrace - Goldroom

Song: Embrace

Artist: Goldroom
Album: Embrace











Embrace

Fifteen (feat. Chela)

Sweetness Alive (feat. Say Lou Lou)

Brooklyn Baby - Lana Del Rey

Song: Brooklyn Baby

Artist: Lana Del Rey
Album: Ultraviolence











Brooklyn Baby

Money Power Glory

Ultraviolence

What's in Your Bag - Ronika

Song: What's in Your Bag

Artist: Ronika
Album: Selectadisc




I discovered Ronika a bit late, just last year after the Nottingham DJ/Singer-Songwriter/Producer had been releasing singles and EPs on her own RecordShop label since 2010.  I loved her EP that contained the amazing "Automatic," which has a bassline from the Gods, and looked forward to her full-length debut.  It's been two years since that single was officially released, but what I didn't realize is that she was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune disease, delaying the record.  This after one time being shot in the back of a taxi.  Dang girl.

Regardless, Ronika has released her debut Selectadisc, named after the record store of her refuge in her hometown and it's the 80s Electro/Nu-Disco bomb I was hoping for.  Get out your roller skates.

Past EP tracks like "Only Only" and "In the City" shine, as well as new tracks "What's in Your Bag" with it's infectious shouty chorus and "Shell Shocked" with it's soulful vocals and straight-up retro production that recalls early Madonna.

Selectadisc basically collects all of her previously released tracks yet I am dumbfounded why "Automatic" isn't included.  I'd argue it's her best track and certainly fits the sound of the album, kind of a head-scratcher.  That said, it's a great little retro album that's worth your time.  Check it out.



Enjoy.

Only Only

In the City

Wiyoo

Crossfade - GusGus

Song: Crossfade

Artist: GusGus
Album: Mexico




Icelandic electronic band GusGus return with their ninth studio album Mexico on June 23rd.  The band continues to use more vocals than they ever have in the past, with the title track being the only instrumental on the new album.  It's still a throbbing, sexy listen that won't disappoint fans of their earlier work.

Listen to this one at night.

I've liked GusGus since their late-90s sophomore set Polydistortion, and also really dug their first album on Kompakt Records (which they've been on since) 2009's 24/7.  I've heard many say they loved 2011's Arabian Horse but I wasn't feeling it at the time.  I'm going back to it though as Mexico is hitting the spot right away.

"Crossfade" is the first single and it's a hypnotic winner.

Enjoy.

Crossfade

Obnoxiously Sexual

Rave - Blondie

Song: Rave

Artist: Blondie
Album: Ghosts of Download




It had seemed like longer, but now that Blondie's 10th album Ghosts of Download is out, I realize that it's a couple months shy of a year since they released the first single to the long-awaited album, the Beth Ditto duet "A Rose By Any Name" back in September of last year.  I liked that track, and love the band, and have had this record for almost a month but was really trying to figure out what I thought of it.  Funny enough, I sat down for a full listen through this AM, began grooving to a couple of the tracks which finally were taking hold, and noded along as I knew how I wanted to approach my "review."

Except I just went back and re-read my write up of their last album, 2011's Panic of Girls and... realized I feel the same about this record.  Yet in hindsight, I think of Panic as being largely forgettable, but in my words it had also just "clicked" with me, which is what I was about to write of Ghosts.

I'll just save all that and say that after repeated listens it's a pretty good record with some really nice standouts ("Rave," "I Want to Drag You Around," & "Make a Way") an ill advised  cover (Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "Relax") and a whole second disc of their re-recorded hits due to the fact that they don't own any of the music that made them famous.  The album has a semi-throughline of island-kissed electronica, Debbie still sounds great, and this is Blondie's 10th album, it's a touch too long.  There.



And I will always note in any mention of new Blondie music just how great and overlooked their 2003 album Curse of Blondie is.  Go listen to that record, it's great.  I'd link it... but it's not on Spotify.  Why?!?!

Enjoy.

Rave

I Want to Drag You Around

Make a Way

Frontin' (Disclosure Re-Work) - Pharrell (feat. Jay-Z)

Song: Frontin' (Disclosure Re-Work)

Artist: Pharrell (feat. Jay-Z)
Album: Frontin'




U.K. House upstarts Disclosure rework the Pharrell Williams/Neptunes 2003 single "Frontin'" featuring Jay-Z.  The brothers give the track their killer, trademark House makeover, and it's rather amazing.  Given Pharrell's past eighteen months, it's amazing to think back to this track and just how long the man's been in the game.

This track makes a nice pairing with Disclosure's 2012 Bootleg remix of the Janet Jackson track "Call on Me" featuring Nelly from the largely forgettable album 20 Y.O.  I've only recently heard that one as well, it's pretty amazing.  Take a listen below.

Disclosure have been rumored to be working with Madonna on her new album.  No word on any work following-up last years amazing Settle.

Enjoy.

Frontin' (Disclosure Re-Work)

Call on Me (Disclosure Bootleg)

Crazy Stupid Love - Cheryl Cole

Song: Crazy Stupid Love

Artist: Cheryl Cole
Album: Crazy Stupid Love




It's a dreary, rainy day here in NYC... here's a dumb little pop song to make it a bit brighter.

Cheryl Cole is a singer-performer best known being one of the five reality-contestants-turned popstars of Girls Aloud, a UK phenomenon that I never could get into.  I did however love one of her fellow Girls Aloud mates' Nicola Roberts' debut album.  Cheryl is working on her fourth solo album which is due in November, "Crazy Stupid Love" is the first single feat. Tinie Tempah.

With Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty," Ariana's "Problem," and now this, the sax is really making a comeback isn't it?  Some say it sounds out of tune in this song, I don't hear it.  The track is light, inoffensive, and respectfully infectious.  (Recommend a bit.)

I can't speak much in terms of Cheryl's single history as I don't know it very well, but I do proffer her last first-from-an-album single, "Call My Name" a Calvin Harris track.  The rest of the album didn't do much for me.

Enjoy.

Crazy Stupid Love

Restart - Sam Smith

Song: Restart

Artist: Sam Smith
Album: In the Lonely Hour




Sam Smith is a British singer-songwriter who has taken the U.K. by storm and recently released his debut album In the Lonely Hour just last month.  He is probably best known as the soulful voice on U.K. House duo Disclosure's hit "Latch."  But he's doing quite well on his own, seeing both his second single "Money on My Mind" and third "Stay With Me" go straight to #1 on the U.K. charts.  The later has recently been remixed by Darkchild with Mary J. Blige, who is getting a nice resurgence with these young British Boys!

The album is mostly downtempo and really highlights Smith's impressive soulful voice.  I wish it had a couple more upbeat tracks, but it sounds very classic and will hit the spot for the right mood.  I'm sure it's been said before but male Adele and all that...

Oddly, and possibly to keep that mood for the album, Smith relegates a real corker, "Restart" as a bonus track on the album.  Reader Sean introduced me to the track and I absolutely love it.  Would really like him to go in this direction more.

Regardless, Smith is one to watch, take a listen.

On a personal note, I happened to run into Smith in a restroom a month ago while he was shooting in a studio that's on the floor I work on.  He gave me the once over twice and I wondered about him... and he just had a low key coming out via a recent interview.  Ha!  I knew it.  (Though I can't believe he's only 22.)



Enjoy.

Restart

Stay With Me

Money on My Mind

Grande Finale - Studio Killers

Song: Grande Finale

Artist: Studio Killers
Album: Grande Finale




Danish/Finish/English electro-pop "virtual" band Studio Killers took over two years to release a debut album after their 10x killer first singer "Ode to a Bouncer" appeared in 2011.  The self-titled debut came out in the Summer of last year and now just a year later they're releasing a new single, "Grande Finale."

There's no word if this is the first single from an upcoming record, given the title it might appear to be a swan song.  But the band have just launched a Kickstarter campaign to get funding to put on two live festival shows, so it seems they are not throwing in the towel just yet.

"Grande Finale" is another corker from the group, and I'm re-listening to their debut and wondering why they didn't get more exposure.  Maybe because they've never played live!  Check them out.



Enjoy.

Grande Finale

Just One of the Guys - Jenny Lewis

Song: Just One of the Guys

Artist: Jenny Lewis
Album: The Voyager





Singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis returns with her first album since 2010's I'm Having Fun Now with boyfriend Johnathan Rice under the name Jenny and Johnny, and her first solo album since 2008's Acid Tongue.  The Voyager, her third, will be released in July on Warner Brothers.

The album is preceded by the Jangle Pop/Girl Group-ish "Just One of the Guys."  It's a peppy, cute track that's deceptively sunny and "girlie" yet has some pointed lines about being female and identity in general.  Intrigued... and it's produced by Beck!

Enjoy.

Just One of the Guys

Completely Not Me

Johnny and Mary (feat. Bryan Ferry) - Todd Terje

Song: Johnny and Mary (feat. Bryan Ferry)

Artist: Todd Terje
Album: It's Album Time




I'm a couple months late for this one, but y'all should check this one out...

Todd Terje is a Norwegian DJ, songwriter, and record producer that has slowly made a name for himself with growing number of remixes in a particular style that mixes house-y disco with a slow-growing head-trippin' climax.  I honestly thought I had written about his amazing remix of Chic's "I Want Your Love" which is a must listen, and he's also done amazing things with classic tracks by M, Paul Simon, and Roxy Music, as well as recent work with Franz Ferdinand from their new album.  I didn't know this until just now but he also co-wrote Robbie Williams' single "Candy" from 2012.  Huh.

In April Terje released his eagerly awaited debut album It's Album Time, and it's really amazing.  It's a retro-yet-modern aural trip that could also be described as really hip elevator music.  That sounds awful, but you'll just have to take a listen to understand.

I listen to It's Album Time a lot at work.  It's mostly instrumental, and has the perfect amount of groove and laid back cool perfect for a Summer's day, early evening cocktail, tropical-set espionage, or yeah... work.

While it is mostly instrumental, Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry does make an appearance (most likely after his killer edit of "Love is the Drug") on "Johnny and Mary."  Impossibly cool.



Enjoy.

Johnny and Mary

Delorean Dynamite

Strandbar

DTF - Adore Delano

Song: DTF

Artist: Adore Delano
Album: Till Death Do Us Party




RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6 runner-up Adore Delano is making a go at becoming a true drag queen "superstar" and going for a pop music career.  She wasn't crowned the winner, but in the finale build up Adore has released her first single "DTF" from her upcoming album Till Death Do Us Party will be released on June 3rd.

"DTF" is a Trap-Pop track that's abrasive, filthy, and... a real grower.  I didn't care for it initially, but there's something about it that's worked it's way under my skin.  Very odd.  She's tapped video director Michael Serrato for "DTF" (see below) who has done  videos for fellow Drag Race alum Willem.

Like it was said on the show, Delano is a born star.  And while it didn't work on American Idol, it's obvious that Danny Noriega has been trying to find his niche, and watching the season of Drag Race it was fun to watch his character of Adore Delano evolve into something truly tangible.  But can it be stretched over a full album?

There's a chance you might hate this.

Enjoy.

DTF

I Adore U

Dancing on My Own

American Interior - Gruff Rhys

Song: American Interior

Artist: Gruff Rhys
Album: American Interior




Welsh singer-songwriter Gruff Rhys returns with his fourth solo album American Interior after following up Neon Neon's '08 masterpiece Stainless Style with last year's Praxis Makes Perfect.  Rhys' last solo album was the rather fun Hotel Shampoo from 2011.  For this album, Rhys takes a page out of his Neon Neon playbook and selects a historical figure to base an album around.  (After John Delorean for Stainless Style, and Giangiacomo Feltrinelli for Praxis.)

American Interior follows the life of fellow Welsh John Evans, an explorer who came to America in search of a Welsh-speaking tribe, and produced an early map of the Missouri River around 1797 that was subsequently used in the Lewis and Clark expedition. The album is accompanied by a hardcover book, a film co-directed by Dylan Goch, and an app for mobile devices.  They proceed a mini-tour-meets-Powerpoint presentation that followed Evans' path in his search in which Rhys played some of the new songs accompanied by a puppet in Evans likeness that appears on the cover of the album as well as the video for the title-track. (below)

Rhys is apparently a descendant of Evans, and he paints his story with a folk-country-meets-70s keyboard and guitar-rock brush.  You might find it odd (it is) but it's hard not to find love in the catchy hooks, even when on tracks like "100 Unread Messages" he brings a little hoedown when telling Evans travel journey's, by-way of another character who repeatedly tries to email Evans, but gets no reply.  (Yes that is all happening in one song.)

Despite his love of the past and it's stories, Rhys frames it with a modern mind.  Fascinating.

Enjoy.

American Interior

Trailer

100 Unread Messages

World Peace is None of Your Business - Morrissey

Song: World Peace is None of Your Business

Artist: Morrissey
Album: World Peace is None of Your Business




After taking a long break from recording following the so-so Maladjusted in 1997, Morrissey roared back on the scene with the amazing You Are the Quarry in '04 followed by the even-better Ringleader of the Tormentors on '06.  Just three years later came the announcement of Years of Refusal and it seemed the man was back in full swing and could not be stopped.  That was '09 and the album, once again, was so-so.  Now it's five-years later and Morrissey is back once again with his 10th solo studio album World Peace is None of Your Business.  It's the first of a two-record deal contract he's signed with Capitol Music.

Title track and first single "World Peace is None of Your Business" is his first album-leading ballad, and if the title didn't give it away, it is straight-up Morrissey.  Second single "Istanbul" is a bit punchier and has a slick, sexy, almost classic rock feel.

The album comes out on July 15th and is produced by Joe Chiccarelli (Mika, The Killers, The Strokes, Frank Zappa, The White Stripes.)

Enjoy.

World Peace is None of Your Business

Istanbul

Unicorn - Basement Jaxx

Song: Unicorn

Artist: Basement Jaxx
Album: Junto




It's been five years since late 90s British electronic duo Basement Jaxx released the one-two punch of Scars and Zephyr in 2009.  They've released a couple singles though, including "Back 2 the Wild" early last year, when their 7th album was initially expected under the title Music, and "What a Difference Your Love Makes" in September of last year.  They have just released another new track, "Unicorn" and officially announced their new album as Junto, which will be released August 25th.

"Unicorn" sounds more like straight-up 90s House than their actual 90s House work.  It's almost a bit unlike the Basement Jaxx we know, but it's pretty amazing, relying less on big hooks and more on a consistent beat and strong vocals.

Aside from "Unicorn," the only other previously released track on Junto is "Mermaid of Salinas," which was released as part of the "What s Difference Your Love Makes" single and remixes.

Enjoy.

Unicorn

Mermaid of Salinas

What a Difference Your Love Makes

Pills N Potions - Nicki Minaj

Song: Pills N Potions

Artist: Nicki Minaj
Album: The Pinkprint




The first single off Nicki Minaj's upcoming third album The Pinkprint is a bit of a surprise... a down-to-midtempo track that ends with a soaring ode to love.  It's not exactly the return to pure hip-hop she promised, nor is it the big dumb pop of "Starships" (which is still certifiably amazing.)

The track is co-written by Ester Dean ("Super Bass") and produced by Dr. Luke. ("Va Va Voom")  Upon a third listen I can image it blaring from cars this Summer.  Smash?

I like Nicki Minaj more than I really want to.

Enjoy.

Pills N Potions

Yasss Bitch

Lookin' Ass

Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson

Song: Love Never Felt So Good (feat. justin Timberlake)

Artist: Michael Jackson
Album: Xscape




Not only is this the best Michael Jackson song that's been released since the superstar died, I think it's his best track in fifteen-twenty years.

I haven't given the entire record a listen yet but it already seems miles ahead of the last posthumous album Michael from 2010.



Enjoy.

Love Never Felt So Good

Let Me Down Gently - La Roux

Song: Let Me Down Gently

Artist: La Roux
Album: Trouble in Paradise




Five years is a long time to wait to follow up a record, especially for your debut... but here we are in 2014 and English synthpop duo La Roux have completed the follow up to their Grammy-winning debut album from 2009.

Trouble in Paradise will be released July 7th.  The band has revealed the album art, but no official word on a lead single, though a new slow-build track was accidentally put up for sale on a Polish website, and is now everywhere.

"Let Me Down Gently" is moody, synthy track that has lead singer Elly Jackson sounding quite gorgeous and emotive, avoiding the at-times screechiness that could be found on the debut.  It's an expansive track that's sexy and a bit mysterious.  It's got a dramatic pause that sets things up to explode... and yet it remains restrained in it's mood.  It's a bit 80's, and quite gorgeous... and then that sax!

It might not have the bounce of previous hits "Bulletproof" and "I'm Not Your Toy," but really digging this.

Enjoy.

Take a listen here.

Opulence - Brooke Candy

Song: Opulence

Artist: Brooke Candy
Album: Opulence EP




I'm not sure I'm actually recommending this...

I've only recently become aware of pop-star/rapper Brooke Candy, daughter of the CFO of Hustler magazine and CEO of the Hustler Casino.  Brooke worked for the brand briefly after contacting Larry Flint wanting to be a photographer but was hired as a mannequin stylist for their storefronts.  She did work as a dancer briefly, reportedly with Azealia Banks at the same club.  She began working on music finding a bit of a following online via Tumblr and the like.

Candy was introduced to Charli XCX via Banks, and featured on the British singer-songwriter's track "Cloud Aura" on her debut True Romance.  She is gearing up to release her debut EP Opulence, which features the single of the same name and features some production work by Diplo as well as some co-writing from Sia.

The "Opulence" video is getting a lot of internet chatter and has to be seen to believed.  (below) It's directed by Steven Klein and features his standard dark/terrifying imagery.  Candy is quite the presence, but... do I enjoy it?

The EP is pretty in-your-face.  She's a bit Gwen Stefani, a bit Lil' Kim, a little Lady Gaga, Natalia Kills... etc.  But she's interesting personally.  Maybe one to watch.

Enjoy.

Opulence

Pop Rock

Das Me

Walk it Out - Jennifer Hudson

Song: Walk it Out (feat. Timbaland)

Artist: Jennifer Hudson
Album: Walk it Out




I've always really liked Jennifer Hudson.  She's certainly "made it" but where are her hit songs?

Jennifer is gearing up to release her as-yet-untitled third album sometime this year.  Thus far she's released two singles from the project, the disco-ish "I Can't Describe the Way I Feel (feat. T.I.)" and the more hip-hop leaning "Walk it Out" with Timbaland.  I really dig both, and apparently she's specifically going for an upbeat, dance-leaning sound on the album.

Enjoy.

Walk it Out

I Can't Describe (The Way I Feel)

Jealous (I Ain't With It) - Chromeo

Song: Jealous (I Ain't With It)

Artist: Chromeo
Album: White Woman




Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo are gearing up to release their fourth album White Woman next week.  It's been preceded by a handful of singles including "Jealous (I Ain't With It)" which I've been bopping to for a couple weeks now.

Chromeo have always brought a healthy sense of wink-wink humour to their throwback R&B/Electro/Funk, and the tracks we've heard are no exception.

Fun stuff.

Enjoy.

Jealous (I Ain't With It)

Come Alive (feat. Toro y Moi)

Over Your Shoulder

Problem - Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea

Song: Problem

Artist: Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea
Album: Problem




Big little pop song right here.

Nickelodeon-star turned pop-star Ariana Grande is coming back with her sophomore album this year and has released a track with rising Australian hip-pop artist Iggy Azalea; "Problem," the first track off her as-yet untitled follow up to her debut; Yours Truly.

"Problem" is a Max Martin co-write/production, and it's a 90s-inspired R&B, effervescent bop buoyed by Grande's Mariah-esque vocals and irresistible charm.

I didn't really connect with her debut but this is pretty irresistible.  There's a chance you won't be able to escape this one this Summer.

Enjoy.

Problem

Klapp Klapp - Little Dragon

Song: Klapp Klapp

Artist: Little Dragon
Album: Nabuma Rubberband




Little Dragon, the Swedish synthpop/indietronica/trip-hop band are gearing up to release their fourth album Nabuma Rubberland this year.  This follows their 2011 release Ritual Union.

They're a band I've been recommended to several times and have not properly given them time.  But they've released two killer tracks from the new album that have really gotten my attention, the buzz release "Paris" and first single "Klapp Klapp," which I've become mesmerized with.  I'm hearing some Prince influence, some general 80s with a modern twist, and a sort of ambient/downtempo R&B.  Lead singer Yukimi Nagano's voice is super, super sexy.  The synths in "Klapp Klapp" are BIG.  It's all just really sublime.

I really have some work to do in getting into this band's back catalogue.  I think I've been missing out.  No longer!



Enjoy.

Klapp Klapp

Paris

Let Go

Lazaretto - Jack White

Song: Lazaretto

Artist: Jack White
Album: Lazaretto




Jack White returns with the first single off his sophomore solo outing of the same name, Lazaretto.  The album will be released on his Third Man Records on June 10th.

"Lazaretto" the track is big, blistering blast with a killer groove.  Pure Jack White.

His first solo record seemed to be a return to form after several other musical projects, though I didn't connect with it in the same way I did prior White Stripes albums.  I like "Lazaretto" though and look forward to the album.

Enjoy.

Lazaretto

High Ball Stepper (Instrumental)