#1 Bum

Song: #1 Bum

Artist: Luscious Jackson
Album: Magic Hour




Holy crap... Luscious Jackson are back!

After splitting in 2000 to spend time with their families and breaking from recording and touring, the Manhattan-based female trio returns with their 4th album and first in fourteen years, Magic Hour.
I really loved their last, '99s Electric Honey, and it was a bummer that they called it quits after such a great record.

Magic Hour finds the girls back with their guitar-driven alternative hip hop sound... it's like the 90s never ended!  It's less hooky than their previous work so initial listens made it seem a bit more laid back(i.e. boring), but after a few spins I must say I've gotten to enjoy this quite a bit.  There's a bit of maturity happening here, but overall these are the same old girls and it's great to hear their voices again.  (I admit I did not follow their solo work.)

Definitely worth a listen if you're a fan, new listeners might want to start with their Greatest Hits, but this is a good record.  I'm not sure what it is, but after going to Spotify this AM to add it to this post, (listen below) I noticed they have another new record added for this year. (?!?!?!)  I have no idea what it is but also check out Baby DJ here.



Enjoy.

#1 Bum

Show Us What You Got

Are You Ready?

Big Love

Song: Big Love

Artist: Fleetwood Mac
Album: Tango in the Night




Listening to last week's highlighted Retromix: Fleetwood, a remix album of Fleetwood Mac cover songs, I've been inspired to re-listen to some of their classic albums and 1987's Tango in the Night stuck out to me, especially as it contained the original versions of "Everywhere" that I highlighted from Retromix.  It was the last album from the most successful incarnation of the band, including Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood; and turned out to be their second most successful album after the gargantuan Rumours from 1977.

The album initially started as a Buckingham solo record, who also produced the record, and contains four of the bands biggest hits; "Big Love," "Everywhere," "Little Lies," and "Seven Wonders."  There are moments that point to it's 80s origins, but Buckingham's production uses synthesisers and electric guitar sparingly, giving it a much more classic feel.

Tusk will always remain my favorite of the bands' output, but there's something about Tango in the Night that seems like an underdog in the rest of their discography.  Is it because it's so removed from their 70s heyday?  Or somehow marred by the insane success of Stevie Nick's solo career in the late 70s and early 80s which made '82s also-pretty-excellent Mirage a difficult road to completion?  I don't know... though now knowing it's their second biggest album, the thought doesn't really hold that same weight.  Regardless, it's a good record.

Buckingham's Tusk oddness comes through best in the first single and opening track "Big Love," a percussion-heavy, and sexy song that I distinctly remember when it was released back in '87.  It's an odd song, but a good one.

Apparently, a fully remastered release of the album with unreleased material is scheduled for early next year.  I own the Tusk 2-disc similar version which is pretty great.  Look forward to hearing that.



Enjoy.

Big Love

Family Man

Seven Wonders

Everywhere

Song: Everywhere (Remixed by DJ DeMarko)

Artist: The Nicks
Album: Retromix: Fleetwood




Many of you are going to HATE this, just a warning.

I'm a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, a band that feel like has been in my life forever.  This past summer I was in Provincetown, MA and passed the still surviving P Town Spin CD Shop only to hear a dance remix of The Mac's "Rhiannon."  I loved Deep Dish's "Dreams" featuring new vocals by Stevie, Morgan Page's killer remix of her "Stand Back" as well as some White Label remixes of "Sara" and "Dreams" I have.  But in this shop they were pushing a full Fleetwood remix album.

Not so fast.  I didn't take the time to find out what the album was, and when I tried to search for it on the internet I had no luck.  I realized it must have been one of those bootleg CD's you can find in non-chain CD shops... like this one in Provincetown.  But I was wrong.

I went back to Provincetown recently over Halloween and since it was still on my mind, I decided to see if they still had copies of this record.  Turns out that it wasn't a bootleg, but a remix album of Fleetwood Mac songs by a... cover band.  Oh.  If this had been ten years ago I would have scoffed at the thing and told everyone how terrible it existed at all.  But it's 2013 and I bought the thing for $19.99. (Yikes right?)

So I totally love it.  It's not for purists for sure.  And while I certainly wish it was the original vocals, or at least original vocalists, it turns out that The Nicks are a pretty competent band that do their best to sound like the original vocalists.  If I hadn't lost you already that last bit might have put the nail in the coffin, but the truth is... this is a great little dance record with some killer songs that happen to all be classics.  It is what it is and my enjoyment of it seems to be a bit of turning point to my once more-critical musical snob ways.  Maybe this holds little weight or meaning to you as a reader, but as a life-long music fan and slightly-snobby one at that... this means something.  This is important.

Enough about me.  Retromix: Fleetwood is a big gay dance record that would also be perfect for your Aunt's aerobics workout.  It's an hour and fifteen minutes of high-energy nostalgia.

Homo-hipsters be damned... I'll be be over here dancing.

Retromix: Fleetwood is a title from The Outclub, a gay-leaning online music store.

Enjoy.

Hard Out There

Song: Hard Out There

Artist: Lily Allen
Album: Hard Out There




Pop-provocateur Lily Allen returns with her first single since 2009.

After sneaking back with a(nother) Keane cover earlier this month on a Christmas advert for John Lewis, (see below) Allen drops a new track and video that takes on music video sexism.  It's fun, really nothing new, and has a couple issues... but Lily Allen is back y'all.  Why complain?

Part of me hopes, as slight as this is, that it's just a stand-alone "I'm back!" situation and not actually on her forthcoming third album.  The video is cute, the sentiment is nice and always welcome, but Alanis did this all a bit better with her "My Humps" video, and while I get the reason for the auto-tune in the chorus, it just doesn't sound so good.  I LOVE Lily's voice, and while yes... there's a lot of terrible auto-tune in pop music... but it just sounds awful.  Maybe I'm being too hard on this.  I just feel like she's hit harder in the past.

Don't get me wrong, very excited to have Lily back.  Can't wait to hear more.

Get re-familiar with Lily:



Enjoy.

Hard Out There

Somewhere Only We Know

Take it the Wrong Way

Song: Take it the Wrong Way

Artist: The Sounds
Album: Weekend




Swedish indie-rock band The Sounds return with their fifth full-length album, Weekend.

Been a fan of this band since their 2002 debut Living in America but never felt they made the record that they do have in them.  Weekend doesn't break this, but it's still pretty good.  Some great tracks and a bit of filler, it's very... The Sounds.

The record starts strong with first single "Shake Shake Shake" and the crunchy guitar meets airy synths of "Take it the Wrong Way" into the moody, Blondie-esque "Hurt the Ones I Love."



Enjoy.

Take it the Wrong Way

Shake Shake Shake

Hurt the Ones I Love

Love is Lost (Hello Steve Reich Mix by James Murphy for the DFA)

Song: Love is Lost (Hello Steve Reich Mix by James Murphy for the DFA)

Artist: David Bowie
Album: The Next Day Extra




The Next Day was quite a triumphant return for rock legend David Bowie, his first album in ten years and his twenty-fourth total. (!!!)  I'm hoping this is the start of a late-career influx of creativity and writing, and if the re-release with a full disc of "extras" is any indication, maybe we'll be getting more new Bowie sooner vs. later.

The Next Day Extra, a re-release of the album just came out this week and include a couple new tracks as well as remixes of songs on the record.  Most notable is the epic "Love is Lost" remix by the DFA's James Murphy, hot from producing the new Arcade Fire album.  It recalls great moments from Murphy's LCD Soundsystem, except with Bowie on vocals.  LCD's music has always had the Bowie influence, and "Love is Lost (Hello Steve Reich Remix)" is the inevitable bridge.  What bridge?  I'm hoping for another new Bowie album produced by Murphy.  Such a good fit.

"Love is Lost" is turned into a bubbling electro stomper that even incorporates elements of "Ashes to Ashes" to seal the deal.  There's an edit but the ten+ minute version is pretty essential.

Also digging first track off bonus disc "Atomica" which leans more dance than anything off the album did.  And "The Informer" sounds even more like classic Bowie than a lot of The Next Day did.  There's some good stuff here.



Enjoy.

Love is Lost (Hello Steve Reich Mix by James Murphy for the DFA)

Atomica

The Informer

I LIke You

Song: I Like You

Artist: Katy B
Album: 5 AM EP




UK born, raised, and based, Katy B hit the scene with her Dubstep-before-Dubstep-was-a-thing debut On a Mission back in 2010-11 and made a splash there and in Europe jumping off her first single "Katy on a Mission."  I never connected with her material, and didn't really care for the debut... but Dubstep really gives me a headache.

But I have been loving new track "I Like You," which leaves the Dubstep in favor of more ear-pleasing (okay to me) House.  It sounds a bit retro, but there's that 90s House coming back I've mentioned before.

"I Like You" is from the 5AM - EP, another single she's released after the first, "What Love is Made Of."  I ignored that one a bit as well, but re-listening now it's piano House-pop at it's finest.  Very female-centric Disclosure... very British!

The sophomore album, entitled Little Red is due sometime next year.

Enjoy.

I Like You

What Love is Made Of

5 AM

Crazy

Song: Crazy

Artist: Summer Camp
Album: Summer Camp




U.K. indie-pop duo (and couple) Summer Camp return with their self-titled sophomore album.  I enjoyed the band's debut Welcome to Condale, and this album pushes them into even more pop/electronic area.  The guitars are still there, but their sound has definitely evolved.  I really love singer Elizabeth Sankey's voice, it reminds me of someone elses that I can't quite place.  It's a bit like Tigs from Chew Lips, and a little Lily Allen.

The debut had more high's but this album seems a bit more consistent.  Check it out.



Enjoy.

Crazy

Two Chords

The End

The Palace Garden, 4 AM

Song: The Palace Garden, 4 AM

Artist: Beat Connection
Album: The Palace Garden




I'm just discovering this Washington State-born duo who named themselves after an LCD Soundsystem song and write catchy electronic-fueled indie rock.  Their debut album The Palace Garden came out in June of last year, and is a solid effort for fans of Cut Copy, STRFKR, Hot Chip, and Foster the People.

The Palace Garden is sweeping with breezy melodies and slight experimental touches, it shows a lot of promise for the band, who also have an EP called Surf Noir that I haven't listened to yet.

Title track and second in the tracklist after a short intro is a good intro for what to expect.  I discovered this via Spotify when a friend and reader Renato was listening to it.  Now you should to...



Enjoy.

The Palace Garden, 4 AM

Further Out

Think/Feel

Ghostbusters (Don Rimini Ectoplasm Edit)

Song: Ghostbusters (Don Rimini Ectoplasm Edit)

Artist: Ray Parker Jr.
Album: Ghostbusters




Here's a perfect jam to blow the roof off your Halloween dance party.

Don Rimini is a French DJ/Producer/Remixer.  I highlighted another of his remixes back in '09.  I'm guilty of not knowing much of his work, but these two left-of-center song choices are remix gold.

Check out some of his work in the following playlist:



Enjoy.

Ghostbusters (Don Rimini Ectoplasm Edit)

Sleepwalker

Song: Sleepwalker

Artist: Bonnie McKee
Album: Sleepwalker




I only recently discovered Bonnie McKee this Summer when she released the single "American Girl," the first from her forthcoming and as-yet untitled sophomore album.  The girl has written nine number one songs, is basically why Katy Perry is huge, and someone you should know.

Just in time for Halloween is an "inbetween-gle" called "Sleepwalker" complete with "Thriller-esque" music video.  The song is super catchy and lyrically pretty astute.

           "I watched The Hills.  I felt nothing."

The album is due in the Spring next year, probably after Katy's third album calms down a bit.

Enjoy.

Sleepwalker

American Girl

Love to Love You Baby (Giorgio Moroder feat. Chris Cox Remix)

Song: Love to Love You Baby (Giorgio Moroder feat. Chris Cox Remix)

Artist: Donna Summer
Album: Love to Love You Donna




New remix album just released of the recently departed disco legend Donna Summer; Love to Love You Donna brings together some masters of the medium (Frankie Knuckles, Afrojack, Laidback Luke) with some newcomers (Duke Dumont, Gigamesh, Chromeo & Oliver) as well as successful artists/bands in their own right (Hot Chip, Holy Ghost!, Boys Noize) for a frantic but none-the-less thrilling collection of reworked Summer classics.

Things start with a bang from a true legend of the dance music genre, Giorgio Moroder, taking a song he produced himself for the disco queen, "Love to Love You Baby" and re-working it (with frequent collaborator Chris Cox) into an of-the-moment banger.  Moroder has had a recent resurgence from his work on the latest Daft Punk, some new music, and even his first DJ set.

There's a lot to digest here, and some of these scream out to be heard in a club setting... but I'm digging it.

Enjoy.



Love to Love You Baby (Giorgio Moroder feat. Chris Cox Remix)

I Feel Love (Afrojack Remix)

Bad Girls (Gigamesh Remix)

Do What U Want

Song: Do What U Want

Artist: Lady Gaga feat. R. Kelly
Album: ARTPOP




Gaga's fourth album ARTPOP is set for release on November 11th and after the rather slow success of first single "Applause" promotion for the album is starting to ramp up with released snippets, a listening party happening in Berlin tonight, performance on U.K.'s X-Factor, as well as promo singles...

Early this week Gaga released her duet with none other than R. Kelly, the R&B-tinged stomper "Do What U Want" as a promo single leading up to the release of "Venus," the planned second single, which comes next Monday.  "Do What U Want" went #1 in iTunes in over 80 countries... so now it's been shifted to the official second single.

The song is absolutely fantastic and pretty straight-forward for Gaga.  It shows a dipped toe back into R&B, something she hasn't since her debut The Fame.  The inclusion of R. Kelly, initially a head-scratcher, proves rather inspired as he delivers a killer verse and their voices blend perfectly together.  Gaga's vocals, something's she's often overlooked for, really shine here in a very Christina way.

And then there's that single art...

Enjoy.

Do What U Want

Applause

Pony

Song: Pony [Extended]

Artist: Ginuwine
Album: Ginuwine... The Bachelor




What?  Why "Pony?"  Why now?

Why?  Because everybody needs to have "Pony."  Everybody.

While the 90s House sound is getting a bit of resurgence from underground dance acts and even Katy Bloody Perry, the 90s behemoth that is R&B has yet to reclaim itself onto today's pop charts.  But I have a feeling this is going to be a new trend over the next couple years... no real evidence to back this up, just a feeling.  It's time.

So why not look back at one of the best tracks from that era, none-other than debut and still best known single "Pony" by Elgin Baylor Lumpkin, AKA Ginuwine.  Ginuwine (I'm only now just getting the "joke" in his name) released his debut album Ginuwine... The Bachelor in 1996 just after the massive success of the Timbaland/Missy Elliot-produced Aaliyah sophomore album "One in a Million."  "Pony" continued the Timbaland/Elliot winning streak, and solidified Timbaland's pop hip-hop production style.

Ginuwine has continued to release albums, act, etc. since his debut... but it's certainly arguable that he's never quite reached the highs of "Pony," a song so blatantly sexual yet so impossibly infectious it's spawned something as beautiful as a website called Dancing Alone to Pony.  Dat impact.

Certainly a track that should be found in every 90s playlist and one you need to have in your collection.

Enjoy.

Pony

In Those Jeans

Differences

Getaway

Song: Getaway

Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Lightning Bolt




Seattle Grunge heroes Pearl Jam return with their tenth album Lightning Bolt, producer by longtime collaborator Brendan O'Brien.

I can't say I've ever really been a huge fan of the band, outside of their debut album (the only one I own) but I very much like them, and it's nice to see and hear them continue to make great music together.  Lightning Bolt isn't a new direction or anything that's necessarily headline grabbing, but I was sucked in immediately by it's energy and impeccable rock production.

Given I haven't really followed the band and wouldn't know a Yield track from a Binaural one from a No Code... I can't really tell you how this stacks up against their previous work, all I can really say is that I just really dug this straight out the gate.  The start of the record is pretty flawless... I am loving opening track "Getaway," a new wave-ish burst of energy marked with Eddie's warm and familiar vocals and a killer groove.  Next is the pummeling first single "Mind Your Manners" which recalls their rollicking heyday... by the end of the track you're on board completely.

Second single "Sirens" is a rather pretty track and one that probably would have been HUGE in the 90s.  I love hearing the sound of an old band that knows how to keep it fresh.

If you've fallen off the Pearl Jam train but miss them... here's your chance.  I dare you to listen to "Getaway" and not feel a rush of nostalgic joy.

Enjoy.

Getaway

Mind Your Manners

Sirens

In the Kingdom

Song: In the Kingdom

Artist: Mazzy Star
Album: Seasons of Your Day




Mazzy Star hit it big with some really quiet music back in the "alternative" music boom of the 90s.  Probably still best known for their woozy, lush, hit single "Fade into You" from their 1993 album So Tonight That I Might See, the band released a follow-up, Among My Swan three years later only to go what was a perceived infinite hiatus.

Seventeen years later the band returns with a new album that's rumoured to actually be over twenty-five years in the making... with parts recorded when the band first formed in the early 90s.  An important fact for the context of the record as Seasons of Your Day is no large departure from their two decades-old work, but also falls right in line in terms of quality from their glory days.  This is Mazzy Star.

So Seasons is a quiet, pretty, affair that I've been playing most in the AM.  It gets me through those minutes when the coffee is still brewing and I'm really just thinking about being back in bed.  As it gets a bit colder out it's even more appropriate... like a warm blanket put over you.  It's all comfort.

I see this as an overall mood piece, so no real standouts in terms of individual songs... I'm still absorbing it, but I don't really hear another "Fade into You" here... not that that is a bad thing.  This is a great record, if you were a fan back in the day... you need to check this out.

Ease into your week.

Enjoy.

In the Kingdom

Common Burn

Lay Myself Down

No Selfie Control

Song: No Selfie Control

Artist: Cazwell
Album: No Selfie Control




Cazwell just keeps pumping out the jams... his latest, "No Selfie Control" is a throwback, "Get Lucky"-ish ode to taking pictures of yourself non-stop.  I'm sure you have a few of these on your friends list, Instagram feed, etc.

It's not clear if this one is going to be on the new album, Hard 2B Fresh, which is still set to come out sometime this year.  It's looking like the last single, "Guess What" with Luciana is not on the album... but who knows.

This one is a lot of fun.

Enjoy.

No Selfie Control

Guess What

Get My Money Back

Flatline

Song: Flatline

Artist: Mutya Keisha Siobhan
Album: Flatline




Not a new song, but English trio Mutya Keisha Siobhan are a re-formed original lineup of late 90s U.K. girl group Sugarbabes, who in 2006 were named the most successful female act of the 21st Century by British Hit Singles & Albums.  Like Girls Aloud, I know nothing about them.

Thanks to reader Sean, I gave this track a chance and it finally clicked with me. (months later) "Flatline" is an odd, punchy, R&B/indie-pop fusion that soars with the ladies harmonizing.  Great track.  There is a forthcoming full-length album on the way that doesn't yet have a title or release date.

Any Sugarbabes fans reading this?  Let me know where I should start if I wanted to go back and check them out.  I have to say that after loving Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts debut album, and digging their reunited single "Something New," I didn't connect with anything off their greatest hits.  Just a bit too poppy.

"Flatline" deserves your time though.  Love the big drums outro.

Enjoy.

Flatline

All I Know

Song: All I Know

Artist: Fenech-Soler
Album: Rituals




Fenech-Soler are a Kings Cliffe, Northhamptonshire, England-based band that formed in 2006.  I liked a lot of their self-titled debut album, and the band just released their sophomore album Rituals last month.

First single "All I Know" was actually released last year, which I missed.  Their sound is a bit Delphic/Cut Copy/Friendly Fires, punchy indie-pop with dance elements.  I've been listening to Rituals a lot lately and while it's not full of big hooky songs, it's really consistent and very enjoyable if you relate to their sound.

Further singles "Last Forever" and "Magnetic" are worth checking out initially, but this is a good one from start to finish.  Recommended.



Enjoy.

All I Know

Last Forever

Magnetic

Kids

Song: Kids

Artist: Mikky Ekko
Album: Kids




American singer-songwriter based out of Louisiana best known for his duet with Rihanna, "Stay" from her last record Unapologetic.

After releasing a handful of singles and EP's, Ekko is gearing up to release his debut album, which currently doesn't have a title or release date.  First single "Kids" had a video release back in July but was only just released officially as a single last month.

Enjoy.

Kids


Stay w/Rihanna (Live - Grammy's 2013)

The Wire

Song: The Wire

Artist: HAIM
Album: Days Are Gone




I first highlighted Californian female trio HAIM back in May, when I flipped for the Duke Dumont remix of their single "Forever."  I'm still hooked on that track, but have been spending a LOT of time with their debut album, which was released earlier this week.  Days Are Done is a notable debut, a spectacular blend of 70s-esque California melodies, guitar riffs, and slight electronic flourishes infused with a hipster-ish sass by the three ladies in the band, who are assured, strong, musicians. (and sisters)

There's also a 90s R&B streak within these songs, as if Stevie Nicks joined The Eagles and did a record with Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Babyface.  It's really something.

I'm flipping for current single "The Wire" which has an oddly goofy music video (see below) and best highlights the girls uncanny harmonizing.  In that way, HAIM also recalls The Roches... or at least a version that's been through the last twenty-five years of pop music.

I think this is just the very start for HAIM.



Enjoy.

The Wire


Falling


If I Could Change Your Mind

Seven Nights Seven Days

Song: Seven Nights Seven Days

Artist: The Fratellis
Album: We Need Medicine




Glasgow, Scotland's The Fratellis make a return to the music scene after a hiatus since 2009 with their third album, We Need Medicine, set for release next week.

After bursting onto the scene in 2007 with their corker of a debut, the band lost me a bit with their sophomore follow-up.  After focusing on some side projects for each member the group re-formed last year for some charity shows, and soon announced the new album.

I've only gotten to listen to about half of We Need Medicine, but it sure is straight-up Fratellis.  Wicked guitar-driven soulful pop-punkish "lad rock" that's best to drink pint after pint to.  Am I hearing another "Chelsea Dagger" or "Henrietta?"  Too soon to tell...

Enjoy.

Seven Nights Seven Days


This Old Town


Jeanie Nitro

SuperLove

Song: SuperLove

Artist: Charli XCX
Album: SuperLove




I've been touting Charli XCX as the next big thing from when I first heard her, and then when her debut album came out earlier this year.  Her edgy brand of eletcro-pop should be bigger, and as much as I love the biggest song she's written (Icona Pop's smash "I Love It",) it's unfair that Charli's tunes haven't gotten a third of the attention.

Surprisingly, a brand new track, assumed for her new record she confirmed she was writing back in June, has found it's way onto the internet with a video.  "SuperLove" is the breeziest, most effervescent thing she's done yet.  There were rumours that she was going for an "I Love It" with this track, and while it's pure pop, it sounds nothing like the shouty Icona Pop hit.  Which is a very good thing.

This song has been on constant repeat the last few days, rivalled only by Sky Ferreria's "You're Not the One."  Everything is incredible!  The song isn't on Spotify yet, though I've read the track isn't getting an official release until December. (?!?!)

Enjoy.



SuperLove

Take it Like a Man

Song: Take it Like a Man

Artist: Cher
Album: Closer to the Truth




Straight readers... here is a good dose of gay that should last you for quite a while...

Icon Cher returns to recording after an almost twelve year hiatus with her 26th (!!!) album Closer to the Truth.  And it sounds like, at least to me, what is expected a Cher album sound in 2013.  (i.e. super gay disco.)  This is actually the first Cher album I've listened to front to back... and it is better than I expected.  It seems to be in line with her last efforts, 98's Believe and '01's Living Proof in terms of sound... can't speak on overall quality.

First track and initial single "Woman's World" seemed like Cher-by-numbers, almost jokingly so when it leaked like... a year ago.  But I have to say that hearing it more in context it's sort of perfect.  She's peddling a ballad as the follow up single, but I personally was stopped dead in my tracks by the second track, featuring some blink-and-miss backing vocals by the Scissor Sisters Jake Shears, a disco gem by the name... "Take it Like a Man."  Yup.

But hold it right there... Cher states "Boy if you want my heart... you gotta take it like a man."  Oh... that's what she's talking about you say.  Nice one Cher.

Beyond the wink-wink double-entendre, the song is actually pretty great.  Don't get me wrong, this is big gay glitter ball shit... but I see drag queens performing this one for years to come.  And that's all we can really ask from a Cher song.  Right?

Enjoy.



Take it Like a Man


Woman's World


I Hope You Find it

Free Your Mind

Song: Free Your Mind

Artist: Cut Copy
Album: Free Your Mind



Cut Copy are returning with their fourth album, Free Your Mind, which will be released early in November.  The band recently played the Pitchfork festival where they pressed 120 12" singles on the spot of their new single, "Let Me Show You," which was uploaded to YouTube and later released by the band.

Most recently the band also released the title-track from the new record as second single.  The album is shaping up, based on these tracks, to continue their psychedelic leanings married with an old school 90s House vibe.  It doesn't grab you like the singles from In Ghost Colours or "Take Me Over" from Zonoscope, but I've been repeating them for a week or two and they've really clicked into place for me.

While I didn't connect with Zonoscope as much as In Ghost Colours, I'm always up for some new Cut Copy.

Enjoy.

Free Your Mind


Let Me Show You Love

Reach Out of the Darkness

Song: Reach Out of the Darkness

Artist: Friend and Lover
Album: Summer of Love, Vol. 1: Tune-in Good Times & Love Vibrations




Target has a new commercial out that I saw the other night featuring a song I was familiar with... but realized I didn't know.

The song is a cover (by singer Jocelyn Alice) of the 1967 track "Reach Out of the Darkness" by Friend and Lover.  Recorded in Nashville and reaching a peak of #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the track was the biggest hit for the duo; their only other charting hit was "If Love is in Your Heart" which peaked at #86 months later.

I found the song on a great 60's compilation called Summer of Love, Vol. 1: Tune-in Good Times & Love Vibrations.  It contains a couple classics from the era such as "San Francisco" by Scott McKenzie, "Get Together" by the Youngbloods, & "Love is All Around" by The Troggs, as well as a couple of-the-time tracks I wasn't familiar with.

"Reach Out of the Darkness" is a classic, amazing for Summer days and nostalgia trips.

Enjoy.

Reach Out of the Darkness

You're Not the One

Song: You're Not the One

Artist: Sky Ferreira
Album: Night Time, My Time




I've been following singer, songwriter, model, actress Sky Ferreira for a while now.  Back in 2010 she released singles "17," "Obsession," and the WeCast'd "One."  With a debut album scheduled for January of 2011.  That was postponed, and an EP, As If was announced in March of that year.  In November the debut album was announced to be coming out in the Spring of 2012, and in January she announced the album would be called Wild at Heart, working with Shirley Manson, Jon Brion, and Greg Kurstin.  A track called "Lost in My Bedroom" leaked in March of that year, and then a single "Red Lips" came out in June.  It was then announced that the album's name had been changed to I'm Not Alright.  In August the single "Everything is Embarrassing" was released and the album had turned into an EP, Ghost that was eventually released in October of last year.

Cut to June of this year and Sky reveals the album is now entitled I Will and would come out later in the Summer.  By July it was announced the album was delayed until 2014 and another EP (called I Will) was to be released in autumn.  Then suddenly earlier this month it was announced the debut album was now called Night Time, My Time, it will come out at the end of October, and the first single will be "You're Not the One."

Phew.

While I certainly have my fingers crossed that the album will actually happen, we now have "You're Not the One" with a great music video! (see below.)  The track follows the sound of Ghost's "Everything is Embarrassing" and is also co-written by Ariel Reichtshaid.  And it's fantastic.

You'll hear a little Blondie, a little Cyndi Lauper, and feel a bit of early Madonna in Sky.  She's got a great look and while she recalls all these great 80s female pop acts, it's clear that she's got her own thing going on and it's truly the music that's the best part.  I really loved "Everything is Embarrassing" and thankfully "You're Not the One" is more of the same.

Hold our breath here in the hopes the album does actually happen and it lives up to the crazy hype this slow-burn act has given us. She was recently busted, but hopefully that doesn't hurt anything. (including herself)

Enjoy.

You're Not the One

Everything is Embarrassing

Lost in My Bedroom

Kate Moss in '97

Song: Kate Moss in '97

Artist: Moving Units
Album: Neurotic Exotic




I'd forgotten about this band.

Moving Units are an L.A.-based dance-rock band that started back in 2001 and released their debut album Dangerous Dreams in 2004.  I liked that record, but haven't kept up with the band since.  There really hasn't been a whole lot that happened; missed their follow-up album Hexes for Exes that came out in 2007, and a couple EP's... what has happened as of late is that the band split with singer Blake Miller in 2012, only to find out that Miller was playing shows under the Moving Units name without their consent.

The dispute was settled and Miller gained the rights to hire new musicians and continue under the Moving Units name.  And now we have a new record, Neurotic Exotic that was just released earlier this month on Metropolis Records.

Neurotic Exotic sounds like the band I knew... so take that for what it's worth.  It's a tight, slightly under 40 minute affair of electronic flourishes and guitar grooves.  Sort of like The Rapture or Franz Ferdinand with less wink-wink personality.

I liked this record immediately, worth checking out.  Going to see what I missed with Hexes for Exes...



Enjoy.

Kate Moss in '97

The World is Ours

Girl Like U

Dancing On My Own (BBC Live Lounge)

Song: Dancing On My Own (BBC Live Lounge)

Artist: Kings of Leon
Album: Dancin On My Own




Kings of Leon are gearing up to release their sixth album Mechanical Bull next week and in conjunction with the promo for the album, they dropped by the BBC's Radio 1 Live Lounge for a performance.

In keeping with the Live Lounge tradition they covered a pop song in their style, this time... Swedish electro-pop princess Robyn's modern classic "Dancing On My Own."  They turn the dancefloor heartache into a slow-burn rock number.  The results are breathtaking... sexy, chill, and still heartbreaking.  Singer Caleb Followill keeps all the pronouns faithful, turning lyrics like "I'm in the corner watching you kiss her," and "I'm not the girl you're taking home" on their head.  S - E - X - X - Y.

Check out the band's new singles below, but also check out this and this.  Two other recent discoveries.

Enjoy.

Dancing On My Own

Supersoaker

Wait for Me

Berzerk

Song: Berzerk

Artist: Eminem
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP 2




Like Britney, new-millenium star Eminem is returning with his eighth studio album and for the first time alluding to past glories.  This November Em will drop a sequel to his best-known and most acclaimed album, 2000's The Marshall Mathers LP.  Em has simply added a 2 to the title, working once again with Dr. Dre as well as DJ Premiere, Rick Rubin, and No ID.

Super-Producer Rick Rubin has helmed the first single "Berzerk" which is a racket of old school hip hop and heavily-leaning samples from the Beastie Boys "The New Style" and "Fight for Your Right" (which Rubin Produced back in '86) as well as Billy Squires' "The Stroke."

How is it?  Upon first listen I thought to myself; "Wow, this is really terrible."  But I must admit that the video (see below) made me smile (Rick! Kid Rock!) and it becomes almost catchy after a couple listens.  I'm not really a fan, but do find this sequel-to-past-glories, Rubin-involved old school feel a bit intriguing.

Enjoy.

Berzerk

Work Bitch!

Song: Work Bitch!

Artist: Britney Spears
Album: Work Bitch!




It's been an interesting time for all these pop girls.  Katy Perry is proving that she can make anything go to #1, Gaga no longer smashes, but she's hanging in there, and Miley Cyrus is just coming out of nowhere and grabbing all the headlines. (While selling tons of records.)  Why not throw in now elder pop princess Britney Spears with the first track off her eighth album.

It's called "Work Bitch!"  And it's... ridiculous.

The odd British accent has been turned up. It is probably the "hardest" lead single she's ever come out with.  There isn't much of a melody in here aside from the middle 8... it's more about attitude.  This is what happens when something like "Scream & Shout" is a hit it seems.

On the other hand, it's nice having a break from personal-empowerment pop songs about overcoming self-imposed insecurity issues.  We get it, you're fucking perfect and learned you can roar all on your own and summon your own inner fireworks because you were ultimately just born this way.

No.

"You want a lamborghini?

Sip martinis?
Look hot in a bikini?
You better work bitch
You wanna live fancy?
Live in a big mansion?
Party in France?

You better work bitch"

Britney Spears is puttin' everyone on blast so y'all know that to get all these great things you're so envious other people have, you have to you know... work.

Like RuPaul said now over twenty years ago... "You better work bitch."

Amen.

(But why isn't there a comma between 'Work' and 'Bitch!'?)

Enjoy.

Work Bitch!

I Wish

Song: I Wish

Artist: Cher Lloyd
Album: I Wish




The most notorious non-winner of the British X-Factor, Cher Lloyd has defied the odds by getting a UK #1 with her loathed first single, and then scored a good-sized American single last Summer with "Want You Back."  She's made a guest appearance on a Demi Lovato track, did a little acting work on an episode of Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush, and is gearing up for a tour this Fall.

She's a guilty pleasure.  And she's the same age as Miley, yet getting served in a very different way.

I really did love her second single, and watched it get re-released here in the States after "Want You Back" got big.  It wasn't nearly as popular, but she's ready to go with new music, and "I Wish," featuring T.I. is really geared for follow-up status to "I Want You Back."

I sort of thought I was over the whole Cher Lloyd thing, but "I Wish" has really won me over with all it's bouncy pop-tartness.

I really should be ashamed of myself...

Enjoy.

I Wish