Give it Up

Song: Give it Up
Artist: Datarock
Album: Red




Datarock are a Norwegian band best known here for their song “Fa Fa Fa” which was used in an Apple iPod ad. That song also found its way onto a slew of videogames and a Coca-Cola ad.

The band have an interesting sound, heavily influenced by post-punk acts like Talking Heads and Television, as well as a more modern electronics mixed with funk. (Some call it Nu-Disco) Pretty hip shit. “Red” is being released next month and it sounds a bit more urgent than their debut, which didn’t grab me that much aside from “Fa Fa Fa.” They are certainly worth checking out.

First single “Give it Up” is a booty shaker… and check out the funny “Beat-it” style video below.

Enjoy.

Give it Up


Fa Fa Fa

Headlock

Song: Headlock
Artist: Esser
Album: Braveface




Here’s a neat discovery, a young Essex lad writing catchy synth-pop with killer hooks and wink-wink lyrics. I love it! Haven’t heard much from the guy, though he has a very special fashion sense. You can read more and take a listen at his MySpace page. He’s already had a couple singles in the UK, check out “Headlock,” very catchy!

Enjoy.

Headlock


I Love You


E4 Music Interview

Solo

Song: Solo
Artist: Chew Lips
Album: Solo (single)



I had gotten hooked on La Roux’s two singles, “Quicksand” and “In For the Kill” and now that two new songs have been leaked (“Bulletproof” and “I’m Not Your Toy”) it’s one of my most anticipated records of the summer. While researching the band I randomly came across the new single “Solo” by South London band Chew Lips whom also happen to be on the same label, Kitsune Music. Well it’s almost a sound-alike, but the song it totally killer.

Apparently the band has been together less than a year and already has a minor hit with “Solo.” They wrote ten tracks in their first rehearsal session, which have been circulated already. I heard a batch and while not every track was as good as what we’ve heard of La Roux, it’s again the FIRST.

I’m keeping my eye on this one as well.

Enjoy.

Solo


Solo (Tepr Remix)

Four Winds

Song: Four Winds
Artist: The Killers
Album: Day & Age



I wanted to like The Killers third album, “Day & Age” more than I ultimately did. Initially I was disappointed as despite being produced by Stuart Price (Madonna’s “Confessions on a Dance Floor” and Seal’s “System”) it wasn’t as dance driven as expected, despite lead single “Human.” I also was on the fence about “Human,” as I didn’t have the same reaction to their first single from their last album “When You Were Young,” but it certainly grew on me, and I think it’s a killer song.

I’ve been liking second single “Spaceman’s” remixes (Tiesto take is my favorite) quite a bit but also am really digging a b-side, “Four Winds,” a Bright Eyes cover, a lot. I was a fan of the original, but I love the Killers more dancey take on it. It’s a reminder how great of a rock voice Brandon Flowers has, but also what Day & Age could have been. I don’t know… I just felt there wasn’t the catchiness on this album that was there for “Sam’s Town” and their debut. But this cover is a great track to have.

Enjoy.

Four Winds


Spaceman (Tiesto Remix)


Spaceman (video)

Welcome to England

Song: Welcome to England
Artist: Tori Amos
Album: Abnormally Attracted to Sin




"Welcome to England" is the first single off Tori's tenth (10th!) album coming out next month. Based on this track alone, I hear a "Scarlet's Walk" vibe happening, which I couldn't be more pleased with. The album is said to be about "religious truthes" and how they effect women. It's sort of been a running theme through all of Amos' work since the begining.

I really liked Amos' last disc "American Doll Posse," so I am very interested in what shape the entire album takes.

Enjoy.

You can watch the video here.

Know Your Enemy

Song: Know Your Enemy
Artist: Green Day
Album: 21st Century Breakdown



Punchy, catchy, and full of the same fire that helped them become a new band with "American Idiot," "Know Your Enemy" is the first single off their highly anticipated new album "21st Century Breakdown." Like "Idiot," "Breakdown" is going to be a concept record broken into three sections. The album is being produced by Butch Vig.

Based on their major label debut "Dookie" I never would have thought the band would evolve the way they have. Pop-punk acts are really a dime a dozen, but even then Green Day had something special about them. Still, it's great to see them continuing to push things forward.

Enjoy.

Know Your Enemy