Only Girl (in the World)

Song: Only Girl (in the World)
Artist: Rihanna
Album: Loud







You can partly blame watching the MTV VMA's last night (which continued my feeling of being OLD) for this Rihanna post... or that I've actually just been really digging this new song of hers.  I'm not really a fan, but you can't really deny a song like "Umbrella," and that album, "Good Girl Gone Bad" was a really great mix of catchy club-ish urban dance that I really liked, despite being bored by the girl's persona.  And then the Chris Brown thing happened, and then she released last year's "Rated R" which was dark, not particularly "pop," and flat out hard to listen to.  Despite my thoughts on the record though, the album got amazing reviews and spawned five singles, most of which went top 10, with "Rockstar 101" going to #2 and "Rude Boy" going to the top spot.  I guess I'm just totally out of step.

But, obviously miss Rihanna also had an inclination that she needed to reclaim her pop queen status, and despite commenting that she didn't want to "go back and remake Good Girl Gone Bad," first single "Only Girl (in the World)" is an urban-electro rave-up that sounds a lot like the pop from that third album.  And coming so soon after the last record... but I'm not complaining... this is what I dig from her.

It really does sound as if "Loud" will be her big pop comeback (despite not really having anything to come back from) as she's publicly said it's "sassy and flirty," "big" and mentioned that follow up single "Cheers" is "even bigger than "Only Girl." and "upbeat, happy, party music."  Noting that "listeners liked the dark stuff (of "Rated R") but didn't love it."

Regardless, the girl is getting attention no matter what she puts out.  And she's currently shooting a big role in the movie "Battleship" which is based on the board game... which sounds like it could either make her career blast-off or grind it to a halt.   But honestly, beyond all of that... I think "Only Girl" has some good pop legs to it.

Enjoy.

Only Girl (in the World)

You Put a Smell on Me

Song: You Put a Smell on Me
Artist: Matthew Dear
Album: Black City







I got this album about a month ago, listened once and didn't really think it was my bag.  But my friend Jorge urged me to give it a better listen, specifically the sixth track, "You Put a Smell On Me."  And wow... that song is so dark, creepy, and yet totally sexy, it will take you over.  The album itself is a swirling mix of minimal beats, his deep dark voice, and a lot of weirdness.  But I must say... it's kind of undeniably... something.  I'm listening to it more and more, if for nothing else... it can score your next nasty dungeon sex party. ;)

Matthew Dear is a Texas-born composer and producer who relocated to Michigan and got much inspiration from Detroit house music.  He's released a handful of albums since 2003 with "Black City" being his fifth.

He's also done a handful of remixes, mostly for underground dance stuff.  I see he's reworked The Juan Maclean's "Happy House" which I'll have to check out.  He's also used many different monikers,  Audion, Jaberjaw, and False... which I know nothing about.

Actually, despite only just now hearing of him, his been pretty prolific for almost a decade now... "Black City" is certainly an accomplishment, I'll be checking out more of his work.

Enjoy.

Black City Teaser


You Put a Smell on Me


Little People (Black City)

Firework

Song: Firework
Artist: Katy Perry
Album: Teenage Dream






Unquestionably, pop sensation Katy Perry had the song of the summer as "California Gurls" spent six solid weeks at number one on the Billboard charts and sold three million copies.  Currently, the second single, and title-track from the album has just become Perry's third number one. ("I Kissed a Girl" was the only one from her debut.)  So the girl has connected with a large audience... is that why I find her such a guilty pleasure?

Maybe it's because of the flat-out pop, cotton-candy esque-ness of the whole package, the kind of dumb lyrics... I dunno.  But I also find the girl totally charming, and her songs about as resistible as a bowl of skittles.  Now, she does have every top hit maker in her corner on this album (Max Martin, Dr. Luke, Greg Wells, Stargate, etc.) but it's also very important to point out... the girl writes EVERY song she does.  (She also co-wrote Kelly Clarkson's hit "I Do No Hook Up")  So I do credit her with being a lead in who she actually is.

The album is actually a pretty great collection of pop tracks, from party anthems to mid-tempo ballads, that I must say, despite my aversion to such, are pretty good and not cringe-inducing. (Like when Britney gets serious y'all.)  "Teenage Dream" isn't super upbeat yet it's chorus is so bloody infectious, fun, summery... it's inescapable.  I certainly like it better than "Gurls" and when this happens... what can you say, you've hit upon something.

Speaking of killer choruses, confirmed third single "Firework" certainly has a winner... soaring, with Perry's trademark "HOW ABOUT I SHOUT THE CHORUS" thing that still really works.  I haven't been able to get enough of the track and see another hit for her in the fall. (It officially gets released in October.)

I don't love all of the record for sure, but don't think I'm completely the target audience.  "Peacock" is a "Mickey-esque" pep-rally type that is juvenile even for her, and I don't find "Circle the Drain" to be totally convincing. (It's about a famous ex-boyfriends drug problem.)  Surprises for me include the mid-tempo ballad "The One That Got Away," another soaring straight-forward chorus that seems totally genuine, and I really dig the strange future-pop of "E.T."

In the it's-all-been-done pop landscape, I really feel that Katy Perry has carved an interesting niche for herself.  I can totally get when people say they hate her... but she's won me over.  I really liked this quote about her approach to the album.

"The second record is really important to me because I think it shows whether I'm meant to do this, or I got lucky."

I think she was meant for this.  And millions of fans are backing that up.

Enjoy.

Firework


Teenage Dream


E.T.

Doing the Dirty

Song: Doing the Dirty

Artist: Ali Love
Album: Love Harder






Here's another 80's synthy-throwback.  Ali Love (who was actually BORN in the 80's) is a London based artist whom released two singles back in 2006 independently and was then subsequently signed to Columbia Records.  His initial breakthrough came for providing vocals to the Chemical Brothers hit "Do it Again" from their album "We Own the Night."  His two subsequent singles, "Secret Sunday Lover" and "Late Night Session" failed to do very well, despite Columbia's promoting and the label dropped him in late 2007, never releasing his debut "Love Music," despite distributing promotional copies of it.

In 2009 Love signed a new deal with Back Yard Recordings released "Love Harder" this year.  It's almost completely a throwback, but has a lot of catchy melodies.  I like singles "Love Harder" and "Diminishing Returns" but really got into second track "Doing the Dirty."

I'm honestly not sure how well Love could do because the music sounds so dated. Despite the 80's sound being back in a big way, most acts biting that sound are updating things a bit for the time.  That said... if you like the sound of this, you'll like the whole thing.  There is a joy (and innocence)  that's really charming, and he's got a great artist for this genre.

Check him out.

Enjoy.

Love Harder


Diminishing Returns


Smoke & Mirrors

Big Wave

Song: Big Wave
Artist: Jenny & Johnny
Album: I'm Having Fun Now




I'd become a pretty big Jenny Lewis fan, first for her first solo album "Rabbit Fur Coat" and then the last Rilo Kiley album "Under the Blacklight." (which many fans f the bands earlier work don't like as much.)  But I was a bit disappointed with her last release, her sophomore solo album "Acid Tongue."  It lacked the charm of those aforementioned records, as well as the melodies.

I didn't realize that she was involved with singer-songwriter Johnathan Rice (whom produced "Acid Tongue") but they have evolved their "collaboration" with an another type of collaboration... an album.  Thus we have "I'm Having Fun Now," a bit of a Alt-rock throwback that mixes her love of country, melodies, and dreamy pop.  I found it immediately charming, though don't know if it can stand with her best work.  (I am not familiar much with his.)  I'm reminded of Throwing Muses, Blake Babies, and a little Kim Deal here... it's like the 90's all over again!

Lead single "Big Wave" is a good indication on what to expect from the album.  It borrows a bit from surf with Beach Boys-like melodies, very punchy.  I also liked album opener "Scissor Runner," and the slow burn of "Switchblade."

I guess I'm reminded that "Rabbit Fur Coat" took me a little to get into, so I'm going to give this one some more spins.

Enjoy.

Big Wave


Scissor Runner


Switchblade (live)

Crossfire

Song: Crossfire
Album: Flamingo
Artist: Brandon Flowers






While Stuart Price produced two of my favorite albums of the summer (The Scissor Sisters "Night Work" and Kylie's "Aphrodite,") I thought the man (with equal blame on the band) dropped the ball when he produced The Killers third album "Day & Age."  As much as I loved both the New Wave-tinged debut "Hot Fuss" and the Springsteen obsessed sophomore set "Sam's Town," "Day & Age" left me cold, save for the amazing first single, "Human."  While "Human" was exactly what I'd expect from a collaboration from the arena-rock ready Killers and the dance-minded Stuart, the rest of the album was sort of ho-hum to me.

But lead Killer Brandon Flowers certainly found fruit in the collaboration, as Price is one of the main collaborators he has worked with on his first solo album, "Flamingo" due later this month.  Along with Price, super-producers Brendan O'Brien and Daniel Lanois share the songwriting and production credit on "Flamingo," some pretty heavy-hitters for a release that I feel hasn't gotten much hype.  Lead single "Crossfire" was quietly released in June (I somehow missed it) and I certainly haven't heard much more about the album, which comes out in less than two weeks.

So does this signal a problem with "Flamingo?" Well, no... it's just not The Killers style of arena-ish sing-along choruses despite sounding SO much like The Killers given Flowers voice.  Despite the minor use of electronics, it's even more country... sorry, "Americana" than "Sam's Town."  It actually can be described as "Sam's Town" with less overt hookiness... which certainly isn't a bad thing.

I'm going to give it a couple more listens before I form my full opinion, but I'm certainly digging "Crossfire"  (though I might even like the Chew Fu remix better) and also like the Jenny Lewis assisted "Hard Enough."  Check it out.

Enjoy.

Crossfire


Hard Enough KROQ Sessions

Bed Intruder Song

Song: Bed Intruder Song (feat. Kelly Dodson)
Artist: Antoine Dodson & The Gregory Brothers
Album: Bed Intruder Song






The internet is blamed for the decline of the record industry, and while it has unquestionably been responsible for the bottoming out of record sales, what it's also done is made people that never would have come close to releasing a record a new voice.  All you got to do is make a song that catches on, get people to listen, and you could be a sensation.  Lily Allen, despite her complaints that you can't make money with the record business as it is now, got her start on MySpace... the same internet was instrumental to her success.

And then there are the unwitting internet sensations, mostly from YouTube that become part of the collective consciousness because they get shared via e-mail, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  If it makes you chuckle... you can easily have all your friends see it instantly.  Local news stories that wouldn't have normally been seen by anyone outside there area have now become a goldmine on YouTube.  What may have tickled someone based on their humor wouldn't have been able to be seen multiple times, to the point of making it funnier than it is without YouTube.  And because of this, we've seen the "I like turtles" kid, the queeny weatherman with the cockroach problem, Bubb Rubb and Lil' Sis, and the list goes on.  But the case of Antoine Dodson, even given all of them, is quite remarkable.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, check this out:



Almost instantly, this sort of minor story became a sensation thanks to Antoine and his enthusiastic on-camera interview.

Now enter  the Gregory Brothers, a musical group based in Brooklyn, NY whom have made a name for themselves with their Auto-tune the news series.  I'd watched several of them before and they are quite hilarious.  They recently auto-tuned the famous "Double Rainbow" guy, making what was some sort of hallucinogenic fueled freak out into an actual song.  Check it out here.









So when the Dodson clip went viral, they nabbed it, re-worked it with auto-tune... and the results are nothing short of unbelievable:



Now, it's helped that Antoine has a sing-song way of speaking that has lent itself, with a little of that auto-tune, to make it sound like this was made specifically for the song.  It's crazy... and crazy listenable. And this is strictly from a NEWS BROADCAST.

Antoine now has a website, a t-shirt line, and is getting, like the Double Rainbow guy, 50% of the proceeds thanks to the Gregory Brothers... very very cool.  AND this song is currently #40 on iTunes top 100.  40!!!!  And with that, someone whom probably never thought they'd ever achieve any notoriety at all is suddenly making money.  It could be exploitation, it could be the end of privacy, but it also could be fantastic.

Enjoy.

Here's a couple of the Gregory Brothers Auto-Tune the News clips.  Check them all out if you haven't already.  Gold.

Holidays

Song: Holidays
Artist: Miami Horror
Album: Illumination







From New Zealand's Kids of 88 to Australia's Miami Horror, some of the best electronic music is coming from the other side of the world.  A bit more of a disco-house throw-back, the "band" is really producer Benjamin Plant, who plays with a full band live.

Plant built a name for himself using the Miami Horror moniker for a slew of remixes including the early millennium house classic "Music Sounds Better With You" by Stardust, and a notable mix of Tegan & Sara's "Walking With the Ghost."  After a few singles starting with the release of "Don't Be On Her" from 2008, and then "Sometimes" in 2009... Plant released his first full-length as Miami Horror last week.  "Illumination" is a 70's and 80's throwback with some updated sunny house beats.

The album is another straight winner, with singles "I Look to You," and "Moon Theory" as immediate standouts.  The yet to be released "Holidays" is a winner, fun, light, with a great upbeat vibe.  If you're already mourning the loss of August, and the summer.... this one will bring you back.

Enjoy.

Holidays


I Look to You


Moon Theory

Downtown

Song: Downtown
Artist: Kids of 88
Album: Sugarpills








Kids of 88 are a New Zealand New Wave/Electro dance duo who became known for their lead single "My House" back in 2008, and recently just released their full-length debut "Sugarpills" earlier this month.  I immediately connected with their album, a mix of rock and dance, beats and synths, that reminded me of London's The Infadels.


The band consists of two best friends, Jordan Arts and Sam McCarthy, who site their influences as:


"Groove, mood, and slutty arrangements. 16th hi hats and hand claps. Culture and couture, Gangster and glamour."


Alright then.


There really isn't much more known about the band as their success has been relatively relegated to their home country.  But on the strength of this album, which doesn't have a bum track, I foresee them breaking out and becoming much bigger.  I actually had a hard time picking a track to highlight as they are all pretty excellent and yet none have a super catchy hook that makes one in particular stand out.  It's sort of telling of the album in that you'll want to give it a couple listens to let the songs work their way under your skin.  Last track "SQRL" is pretty epic... it's a good album closer.


Anyhow, check this out... it's GOOD.


Enjoy.


Downtown

Kids of 88 - Downtown (Official Video) from Dryden Street on Vimeo.


Just a LIttle Bit



My House

F**k You!

Song: F**k You!
Artist: Cee Lo Green
Album: The Ladykiller





Best known for his work as one half of Gnarls Barkley (and their HUGE hit "Crazy,") Cee Lo Green was originally in the Atlanta-based hip-hop act Goodie Mob, then went solo and has thus far released two albums.  He's a big soundtrack artist, most recently providing songs for "Sex and the City 2," "Kung-Fu Panda," and "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."  He is working on his third album, "The Ladykiller," which is set to be released by the end of the year.

"F**k You!," the first single from the album has become an instant internet hit, boasting over two million hits in it's first week of release... and it's easy to see why.  Of course the title, and it's use in the chorus is um... attention grabbing.  But it's also crazy catchy, has a great retro-soul sound, and winning lyrics and vocals by the man himself.  You'll connect with it immediately.

But it also begs me to wonder... how is this song going to exactly be a single?  It can't really be played on the radio... and does that even really matter anymore?  (Actually, a radio edit of the song it being titled "Forget You" which obviously lacks the same punch.)  Lily Allen was able to have minor success with a song of the same name.  We'll see.

I've always liked Cee Lo as he's had a bit of an off-kilter stye to him music and yet a real ear for catchy pop music.  (He even wrote the Pussycat Dolls biggest hit "Don't Cha.")  After Gnarls took his vibe one step further, I'll be interested in hearing what else "The Ladykiller" has to offer.

Enjoy.

F**ck You!

Hands

Song: Hands
Artist: The Ting Tings
Album: Massage Kunst







Love them or hate them, The Ting Tings certainly made an impression just about everywhere with their debut album "We Started Nothing" back in 2008.  From the runway to the underground, then to pop radio, and then everywhere... their singles "Shut Up and Let Me Go" and "That's Not My Name" were infectious, crazy sing-along-able, and to some... downright annoying.  Personally I loved it all, and with six total singles, the album had some serious legs.

So it has been with much anticipation that I get to hear their first single from their sophomore set, "Massage Kunst." (Kunst is "art" in German.)  "Hands," the first single, is less pep-rally ra-ra like their biggest hits, a synth-y dance number that really takes hold when the chorus kicks in.  It starts with the 80's synths, and you hear a male voice do the opening line from Bowie's "Let's Dance," which I thought was cool.  The beat kicks in, but only half-way... as again things really go at the chorus.  The song is mixed by Calvin Harris, who is a bit restrained here... though he didn't produce it.  Wikipedia notes that the album was produced by Jules De Martino, the other half of the band, who also produced the debut.

I've listened to the song a couple of times and am really starting to dig it.  The album is due by years end and apparently is inspired by the cold Berlin weather it was created in.  Might just be the thing to get ya through the winter.

Enjoy.

Hands


Interview

Bang Bang Bang (ft. Q-Tip & MNDR)

Song: Bang Bang Bang (ft. Q-Tip & MNDR)
Artist: Mark Ronson & The Business Intl.
Album: Record Collection







I was a huge fan of Mark Ronson's second album "Version," a collection of off-beat covers that hopped genre's but kept in line with Ronson's 60's obsessed soul vibe.  (It was a great companion album to the Ronson produced "Back in Black" by Amy Winehouse.)  It's been a while, but Ronson is set to release his follow up, "Record Collection" under the name Mark Ronson & The Business Intl.

First single "Bang Bang Bang" featuring Q-tip & MNDR is very busy and joyous... like an entire party  wrapped up in one song.  Like Ronson's earlier material, it's got a modern sensibility to it as it starts out, then segues into that classic, swingin' 60's vibe.  I really dig it, and cool to see Ronson writing some original material.  Second single "The Bike Song"is also another winner, as well as the recently leaked "Lose It (In the End)" feat. Ghostface Killah.  I'm very very interested in hearing the rest of the album.  (I'm also really digging the album and single art, a mix of "fake" vinyl artwork laid out to form the actual art.   Cool.)

He's been pretty busy producing other artists since making it big with Winehouse and Lily Allen, so it's nice to hear him doing something in his name.

Enjoy.

Bang Bang Bang


The Bike Song


Lose It (In the End)

Memories

Song: Memories
Artist: Weezer
Album: Hurley







I used to be a huge Weezer fan.  Their sunny take on pop-rock was a little like Nirvana meets the Beach Boys.  A little angst, a dose of fun, and super-catchy crunchy guitar power pop.  They've held onto the sound, and yet something was missing.  From "Make Believe" on, it's been the same band, but the songs seemed to have lost something.  I blame "Beverly Hills," the song that became their biggest hit and yet, one of their dumbest songs.  Yes, catchy as anything... but aside from a vague "I don't fit in" theme it didn't contain an ounce of real teenage angst and emotion that marked both their debut, and arguably best, sophomore set "Pinkerton."

I'd chalked up my waining interest in the band's new output as just getting older and growing out of their music, and yet there has been at least one song off each album that I've really dug.  Last year's "Raditude" was possibly their most juvenile yet, but it did have a bit of the old Weezer charm in there, and I actually really liked first single "(If You're Wondering if I want You to) I Want You To" quite a bit.  And speaking of singles, I am finding myself once again digging their latest, "Memories" which is on their brand new album "Hurley," which comes out next month and is the first on Epitaph.  I had to groan at the bands choice for album title and cover art (how quickly with THAT age?) but I'm looking past all of that as "Memories," the first track on the album seems to recall old Weezer, and might be the band looking back... at the memory of the band that once was.

I'm probably reaching too much... but I do recognize Rivers Cuomo as an amazing songwriter, who possibly has bended with the pressure of keeping his band on top and writing hits vs. emotional, meaningful songs.

Or maybe I am just getting too old.

Enjoy.

Memories

Dog Days Are Over

Song: Dog Days Are Over
Artist: Florence and the Machine
Album: Lungs







I missed this record at the time of its release, despite it being recommended from several friends.  Well, I should say that I got it, gave it a quick listen, and moved on.  But, as any good slave of marketing, I have been simply overtaken my the first track on the album, "Dog Days Are Over" which is being used to great effect in the trailers of the new Julia Roberts movie, "Eat Pray Love."  But that's not the first time the track has been used in media, as it first popped up in the teen drama "Skins," as well as the horror-comedy "Jennifer's Body."

Florence Welsh is Florence and the Machine, an English Alterna-pop act who's debut album "Lungs" garnered much attention upon it's release last year and was a strong contender for 2009's Mercury Prize. (But lost to "Speech Therapy" by Speech Debelle. ???)

Possibly due to the exposure from "Eat Pray Love, " Florence is performing at the MTV Video Music Awards next month, an odd choice for the channel's premiere award show, but possibly a sign that (hopefully) left-of-center music is once again invading into the world of pop.  We'll see.

"Lungs" comes across as a less immediate version of Marina and the Diamonds album.  I need to listen to it more, but currently "Dog Days" has a nice little place on my iPod.


Enjoy.

Dog Days Are Over


You've Got the Love


Cosmic Love

I'm Afraid of Everything

Song: I'm Afraid of Everything
Artist: ...music video?
Album: I'm Afraid of Everything







...music video?, the google-proof name for Tucson, AZ electronic trio comprised of Paul Jenkins, Wes McCanse, and Justin Miller, are currently working on their third album, having started back in 2004 with the LP, "Fireproof Your TV."  Their sound can be described as a mix of Postal Service-style singer-songtronica with the 80's elegance of Simply Red.  "I'm Afraid of Everything" is their latest single released in July as a 7".  I've been really digging the song, as well as the flip-side track, "Feelgooddesperation."  There is a relaxed, semi-loungy, vibe to the songs that feel like lost singles from the 80's.  And yet the production steps things up to the future, with fuzzy electronics and stuttered beats, married with some evocative vocals and lyrics... a perfect mix.  A song for rainy days and heartache.

You can listen to some of their songs from their sophomore album, "Now That My TV Has Wings I'll Never Be Lonely" on their MySpace page.  Some of the tracks from that album hit a bit harder than the more ethereal new material... but their sound is pretty complex, a wonder that they haven't hit it bigger.

Maybe third time will be a charm for the duo, as "I'm Afraid of Everything has been one of my favorite new tracks.  Check them out.

Enjoy.



I oddly couldn't find the single on YouTube, but here are some older tracks from the band:

The Day I Exploded


Watercolors

Love Get Out of My Way

Song: Love Get Out of My Way
Artist: Monarchy
Album: Monarchy







Well, here's an interesting synth band that I know nothing about.  And it seems that nobody else does either... they're not, speaking.  Rumored to be French or Canadian... or possibly English and from London, what we do know for sure is that there are two in the band, based on illustrations of them as constellations in the sky used for cover art... they are both men.  They released first single "Gold in the Fire" in 2009 onto MySpace, no friends, no explanation, just a song... and now their record is coming out and they are remixing for the likes of Marina & The Diamonds, Ellie Goulding, and Lady Gaga.  But that's all we got.

I happened to find this small bio you can read up on. (though they fall over the band a little too much.)

Despite all the mystery behind them, their music is pretty straight-forward synthpop.  It's 80's influenced for sure, and yet they remind me a bit of Empire of the Sun, not so much for their sound... just taking a time-tested genre and doing it with such a go-getter attitude and flamboyance... it could be a set of covers and it would come across a bit original.  (If that makes any sense.)  I haven't heard their remixes, but their self-titled album focuses on the pop versus the dancefloor, though it's clear that remixers can bridge that gap.

The melodies on the album bloom slowly instead of hitting you on the head.  I've given this a couple listens and while I was set on highlighting single "Love Get Out of My Way" as that was the one I could most remember, a skip through the album reveals that many of their hooks had in fact gotten into me, I just hadn't remembered them.  But upon a deep listen, tracks like "Black, Colour Of My Heart," "The Phoenix Alive," and "Floating Cars" really stand out.

If you're a fan of synthpop, this is new required listening.

Enjoy.

Love Get Out of My Way


The Phoenix Alive


See... they're strange

Bitch, I Stole Your Purse

Song: Bitch, I Stole Your Purse
Artist: Wendy Ho
Album: The Gospel According to Ho






Well, here is something very silly to get your Friday going.

Wendy Ho the brash, extremely vulgar, and kind of mesmerizing, comedian/rapper/actress and the center of a (minor) controversy originates out of Kansas City, had a long stint in New York City where she honed her act, and is not based out of Los Angeles is about to release her sophomore album, "Yes I'm a Ho" this summer.  I first heard of Wendy Ho when I was working another female artist to the gay community, and had her join Ms. Ho as part of a variety show at a gay bar here in NYC.  She performed her then new single, "Bitch, I Stole Your Purse" which kind of blew me away... in a "is this like real?" kind of way.

Cut to many years later and I see a preview video for her new album... which I can't stop thinking about. Actually, I couldn't possibly describe what this is all about, so watch this:



So... it's COMPLETELY juvenile, and based on what I've seen, usually her "songs" are strictly one joke stretched to its limits and yet... I sort of can't stop thinking about it.  If you watched the above, I challenge you not to let the phrase "shake it out the leg" pop into your head throughout the day.

Admittedly, "Bitch, I Stole Your Purse" is so-so, even as joke tracks go.  But there is a certain energy and WTF?-ess to this woman's whole persona.  I dig.

Now what I didn't realize, is that Wendy Ho was at the center of a minor controversy back in 2009.  First, check out the video for "Purse" here:



NOW, check out this clip from the TV Show "nip/tuck" in which actress Jennifer Coolidge plays a white female rapper named Hot Coco who is getting an ass implant and shows her video for "Yo Stank"



Wow.  Well, apparently the show never gave any credit to Ho.  But yeah, they totally ripped her off.  More about that here.

I had to go to her website just to make sure that this album and its songs were really real.  It's "coming soon."  We'll see.

Enjoy.

Check out Ho's stand up reel here:

Don't Turn the Lights On

Song: Don't Turn the Lights On
Artist: Chromeo
Album: Business Casual






Chromeo is an electro-funk duo based out of Montreal, Canada.  They are set to release their third album, "Business Casual" in September.  I had listened to their debut, "She's in Control" back in 2004 and found it to be a little too jokey and just not very... good.  I thought single "Rage!" was alright, but their 80's biting (Hall & Oats, Klymaxx) a little cloying.  Cut to 2010, when EVERYONE is biting the 80's and the band releases a second track from the forthcoming album "Don't Turn the Lights On."  I've been digging this for a couple weeks now and just sort of realized how much I dig it.  They released a song called "Night By Night" from the new album last year, which I just took a listen to... very Night Rider in a way.

This sort of goes either way, either you embrace the cheesy-ness and get into the faux-sleeze, or you label it derivative.  I think "Don't Turn the Lights On" transcends the kitch a bit.

What do you think?

Enjoy.

Don't Turn the Lights On


Night By Night

Hang With Me

Song: Hang With Me
Artist: Robyn
Album: Body Talk Pt. 2







Well, I can't help it.  I'm sort of over-doing it with these Robyn posts but this new stuff has been so exciting... I just need to bring it to you.

If you're not aware, Swedish pop star Robyn has finally followed up her 2005 self-titled album (which admitedly, packed single after single for some time after release, and re-release) with a three-part mini-album project called "Body Talk."  After two great songs leaked from Part 1 ("Fembot" & "Dancehall Queen") we got the official first single "Dancing on My Own" which is STILL gaining ground on the charts and in the clubs.  It's one of her best singles ever... I can't stop listening to it.  The rest of "Part 1" was equally fantastic with additional single material "Don't Fucking Tell Me What to Do" and "Cry When You Get Older."  With just eight songs, I wondered if the remaining two additions to the trilogy were filler.

Well, Robyn is already set to release the first single off "Part 2" (skipping possible other singles on Part 1) which is scheduled to be released in early September.  For the first single, she is choosing "Hang With Me," which actually appeared on "Part 1" in acoustic form.  It's cool to know the song first in that version, as "Part 2's" single version is aimed at the dancefloor once again... and it's another home run.

I'm now dying for the rest of "Part 2" and equally excited to see what this entire project will be as a whole.  Let this one dance you out of the summer.

Enjoy.

Hang With Me

Lost Where I Belong

Song: Lost Where I Belong
Artist: Andreya Triana
Album: Lost Where I Belong







I first heard of Brighton's (by way of South East London) Andreya Triana from producer Bonobo, who's album "Black Sands" I highlighted a couple months ago.  That album had a handful of tracks with vocals from Ms. Triana, and her debut, "Lost Where I Belong," has a similar vibe to Bonobo's downbeat, more soulful trip-hop, which makes a ton of sense... he's also produced her record.  I'd even argue that hers is much better, but that might just be me, I connect with songs with lyrics much more than the mostly instrumental "Sands."

Triana is a self-taught singer who began to go to open mic nights in her teens, meeting musicians, and learning music from experience.  She was a bedroom poet, and recorded songs on two cassette recorders when she was young.

Her debut recalls Sade to me.  Her voice is sexy and distinctive, and "Lost Where I Belong" creates a very assured vibe... this might be one debut a lot of people will be talking about as the year goes on.  The music is very downbeat, but has a certain urgency to it, that's more emotional than anything else.  I immediately was drawn in by this, check it out.

Enjoy.



Lost Where I Belong


A Town Called Obsolete

Boyfriend

Song: Boyfriend
Artist: Best Coast
Album: Crazy for You





Best Coast are an indie-pop/garage act hailing from Los Angeles.  A mix of fuzzy guitars, sunny melodies, and lead Bethany Cosentino's semi-deadpan vocals.  A dash of The Breeders riot-grrl surf-rock mixed in and you start to get the idea.  I've been listening to this a bit and it's really grown on me.  The production is decidedly lo-fi, yet "Crazy for You" makes a nice impression with its minimal atmosphere and winning melodies.  It's a summer record through and through and recalls lazy beach days and a lot of just hanging out.  I also hear a girl group influence in there a touch, but thankfully doesn't fall into gimmicky territory.

"Crazy for You" is the band's debut, comprised of songwriter/front woman Bethany, multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno, and the recently added drummer Ali Koehler, from the Vivian Girls.  The album comes after the band released several attention-getting EP's starting in 2009.

It's not what I've been typically listening to lately, but I've been digging it quite a bit.

Check it out.

Enjoy.




Boyfriend


When I'm With You

Black Country Rock

Song: Black Country Rock
Artist: David Bowie
Album: The Kids Are Alright Soundtrack







While I haven't seen the film yet, I've been really diggging the soundtrack to the new Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, Mark Ruffalo movie "The Kids Are Alright."  It's a mix of 70's rock and indie of today.  Since I haven't seen the film, I have no idea how it all works, but it at least does on the soundtrack.  Joni Mitchell, Deerhoof, MGMT, X, and Gabor Szabo all make appearances on this eclectic set.

The song that has most struck me though, is "Black Country Rock," a song I sort of recognized but didn't realize it was Bowie.  And yet... it's unmistakably Bowie, though doesn't really sound like the Bowie we came to know.  I almost thought it was a cover, but it's not.  Written for his third studio album "The Man Who Sold the World," which is probably best known for it's title track.  Though this was the album that Bowie really came into his sound... and while it's not as glam as he would go just a couple years later, it does ring with a more classic rock sound that I never associated with the man, especially given his 80's and beyond output.

Regardless, this is a classic gem I probably SHOULD have known better, but glad to know it now.  I've also heard the film is rather good... anyone see it?

Enjoy.

Black Country Rock

Make it Better

Song: Make it Better

Artist: The Knocks
Album: Make it Better



I don't know much about the New York City based The Knocks, but I've really been digging this breezy, fun, summer song for quite some time now, though I haven't really heard it around.  It's a perfect slice of summer fun, and I'm interested in what the band has to offer for the future.

The Knocks are comprised of production/remix duo B-Roc & Mr. Jpatt and have done work for Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding, & Passion Pit to name a few.  You can check out their website for info on production credits as well as free downloads.  You can also get more info on the band at their MySpace page.

I think "Make it Better" is sort of like the perfect blend of a "Steal My Sunshine"-style summer jam with the infectiousness of "Young Folks."  But that just might be the whistling.

Enjoy.

Make it Better

Can't Shake Your Love

White Night

Artist: The Postelles
Song: White Night
Album: The Postelles







The Postelles are a very young band hailing from the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  The guys are just in their early twenties but make upbeat garage rock with 50's Doo-Wop influences.  Initially, they reminded me of the pub-rock of Scotland's The Fratellis, but the more I listened I sort of saw them as a mix of that band (at least the debut of that band, not their terrible second album) and the Strokes.  And actually, the more I listened the more I heard the Strokes... and come to find out, the album was produced by none other than the Strokes Albert Hammond Jr.  But regardless of the sound, there is a sense of pure joy and youthful enthusiasm to the record that is downright infectious.

As young rock bands go, I just haven't been able to connect with these emo rock kids that sound all the same to me.  (Though come to think of it, a follower of this blog could fault me in the same way for all the electro-pop I listen to.  Oh well.)  And while The Postelles recall many other bands and sounds, I really think they have something, and bet their live shows are fun and harken back to a different era in rock and roll.

I really think this might be a band to watch.  They've got something.  Album isn't due until October, but you can get "White Night" and two other tracks for sale on their website in exchange for joining their mailing list.  The album is available for pre-order on Amazon, link above.

Enjoy.


White Night


123 Stop


Stella

The Suburbs

Song: The Suburbs
Artist: Arcade Fire
Album: The Suburbs






As I continue my fuddy-duddy "Alternative Rock left only to have something called 'Indie' move in" way of thinking, I'm most reminded that "my" era of music is over and a new one has begun when it comes to Arcade Fire, arguably the band at the forefront of this new movement comes out with a new album.  I never related with the band, and while I've listened to both of their albums, and found songs that I liked... I certainly haven't connected with them the way I did with bands of similar ilk back in my day. (And how do I say that with a straight face being in my early 30's?)

Regardless, Arcade Fire are a band of note in the current music climate so their third album "The Suburbs" comes with a lot of anticipation.  Set to be released early next month, "The Suburbs" has already garnered much positive praise and is apparently a commentary on modern hipster culture. I certainly haven't gone that deep, though I will say after a couple listens I find it very pleasant, but I really like the first track (and first single) "The Suburbs."  It's got a road-warryiness to it that is an odd jump-off  for the start of an album... like you're just joining a trip that's already been going for some time.  Lyrically it sets up some uneasy feelings, which continue throughout the record.  But it's really a killer track.

Despite not connecting with "Funeral" or "Neon Bible" or really... the band in general, I do like their sound a bit and LOVE "Wake Up" from the debut and "Keep the Car Running" from the sophomore set.  I assume that I'll get over my Arcade block and realize the kids are actually alright.  Someday.

Enjoy.

The Suburbs


Modern Man


Keep the Car Running

Barricade

Song: Barricade
Artist: Interpol
Album: Interpol






Based on the strength of their second album, 2004's "Antics," I thought Interpol has really outgrown their Joy Division comparisons and proven themselves as real force in the garage-rock meets dance bands of the time.  Yet their last album, 2007's "Our Love to Admire" left me a bit cold.  Where ever track on "Antics" was a winner, even the singles from "Admire" couldn't match the assured  mood (and catchiness) of killer songs like "Evil," "Slow Hands," and "Not Even Jail."  The band is set to release their fourth self-titled album in September and "Barricade" will serve as the first single.

Immediately you recognize the band's sound with lead Paul Banks deep voice and guitar work, and typically obtuse lyrics.  I like it... though I think it does fall a bit short of the bands best.  I still do quite like them, so I'm interested in hearing the rest of the album.  The band also released the track "Lights" from the album with a video (see below) prior to the official first single.   The video is typically weird, but the song is a bit of a snore.  I dunno... it has a nice build, just not sure it really goes anywhere.

I didn't realize, but the big news form the band is that bassist Carlos D, who despite not being the lead singer was actually the most recognizable (and notorious,) announced in May that he was leaving the band.  Apparently he contributed to writing and playing on the new record, but will not continue with the band going forward.

I'm not sure how this will effect this album, or the band in general.  While he certainly helped to make Interpol what it is, from his look and well... antics, I don't know how much musically he contributed to the complete band effort.  I guess time will tell.

Enjoy.

Barricade


Lights


Evil