Best of 2013 - Random Access Memories

Best of 2013

Song: Give Life Back to Music

Artist: Daft Punk
Album: Random Access Memories




Disliked by much of their fanbase, handicapped from exaggerated expectation, but ultimately wildly critically and commercially successful, Daft Punk's fourth album Random Access Memories was a big moment in music in 2013, and my favorite of the year.

Surprising everyone with a throwback album of 70s and early 80s disco/electronica and strictly using equipment of the time, Random Access Memories was met with a lot of 'WTF?' from music fans and people that loved their earlier work, and the breakout, runaway, chart-busting success of first single "Get Lucky" seemed to double-down with the mind-blown hipster contingent who just wanted Discovery 2.  But Random Access Memories is less about the future and more about the importance of the past and how it created the future.  Genre arguments aside, the wild trip that is Random Access Memories is miles above other albums this year, and despite being an anomaly in their discography... it's also Daft Punk's best record start to finish.  (Escándelo!)

There's a lot going on in Random Access Memories, and Daft Punk have expertly balanced the album with pastiche and pop, utilizing a strong set of collaborators both legendary (Nile Rodgers, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Williams) and only recently established (Pharrell Williams, DJ Falcon, Julian Casablancas, Todd Edwards, Chilly Gonzalez) it's a pro album made by pros.  It could be argued that it's too perfect.  I guess.

In the digital age of playlists and single tracks this album brought back the start-to-finish album listening experience (yes debatably) and I for one still feel a heady rush when the first moments of opening track "Give Life Back to Music" explodes as a call to arms and start of a knowly brazen almost eighty minute-long experience.  Beyond everything though, there is serious heart in these songs from robots... and that's what makes it as good as it is.

Both "Giorgio by Moroder" and "Touch" are key to the epicness of the album, both eight-plus minute nostalgia freak-outs that epitomise what the record is about.  But right up front they lay down the manifesto... music about music from machines that ultimately about the human heart.  Truly truly amazing.  (And Nile Rodgers bass lines on some of these tracks are seriously life-giving.  Amen!)

For a final look at my favorites of the year, you can check out the WeCastMusic Best Albums of 2013 and Best Songs of 2013 playlists on Spotify.

Enjoy.



Give Life Back to Music

Giorgio by Moroder

Instant Crush

Best of 2013 - ARTPOP

Best of 2013

Song: Gypsy

Artist: Lady Gaga
Album: ARTPOP




Another off-the-wall, high-octane, genre-jumping collection of tracks from Lady Gaga, ARTPOP is tour-de-force of pop music, mythology, and classic art visuals.  Still the Queen of the impossibly catchy chorus, ARTPOP initially was a bit disappointing following the incredible Born This Way, but over time I've realized it's insane brilliance and like it for what it is, not what it isn't.  It's my most played record of the year for sure, and it just came out in November.

Whether it's the koo-koo Frankenstein & kitch of "Venus," the slick gender-fuck of "G.U.Y.," the R&B future grind of "Do What U Want," the silly high-camp of "Donatella," the gravely comedown of the introspective "Dope," or the Springsteen/Killers-esque travelogue first-pump of "Gypsy," ARTPOP's got something for everyone.

Enjoy



Gypsy

G.U.Y.

Mary Jane Holland

Sexxx Dreams

Best of 2013 - Electric

Best of 2013

Song: Love is a Bourgeois Construct

Artist: Pet Shop Boys
Album: Electric

Just ten months after releasing their eleventh studio album Elysium, the Pet Shop Boys returned with their twelfth, Electric produced solely by Stuart Price.  Elysium did get a year-end mention from WeCast but the album didn't make the final list, but Electric does with it's tight nine-track length, forward-thinking production, and no out-and-out stinkers.

Doing a bit better than their last, Electric hit the top 10 in several countries, including top three on the Danish, Norwegian, German, UK, and US Dance Charts.  But it's all about the music, and Electric doesn't disappoint, featuring what I now consider two hands-down Pet Shop classics; album closer "Vocal" and third single "Love is a Bourgeois Construct" which gets huge points on title alone.  It's one of my favorite tracks of the year.  But look no further to the dark and sexy "Florescent," the catchy pop of "Thursday" or the WTF Springsteen cover "Last to Die" to see why this is one of the best of the year.

I'm happy that PSB are having a late-career surge of creativity.  Truly amazing.

Enjoy.



Love is a Bourgeois Construct

Vocal

Florescent

Best of 2013 - Nocturnes

Best of 2013

Song: Beat Beat

Artist: Little Boots
Album: Nocturnes




Little Boots returns with the difficult sophomore set, and creates a killer album.  Oddly released in the Summer, it's got such a Winter vibe that if you let it pass you by in 2013, I'd give it another try now.

In a way the female flip of Cut Copy's Free Your Mind, Nocturnes also dives deep into a 90s House feel, also going for atmospheric meets hooky bliss.  Lyrically and emotionally I give the advantage to Little Boots as Nocturnes delivers some of her best songwriting to date.  There may not be something here quite as infectious as "New in Town," yet the record is filled with tracks that sound classic.

It was way back in late in 2011 that we first heard new material, and then some one-off tracks that didn't end up making the album... it was unclear when this thing was coming out.  She had some label issues and when the album was finally released it was sort of met with a shrug, which is unfortunate.  I really loved it straight away, though again other more summery music took precedence.  I revisited the album towards the end of October and rediscovered it's lush, subtle brilliance.  Give it a shot, it's amazing.

Enjoy.



Beat Beat

Every Night I Say a Prayer

Satellite

Best of 2013 - Settle

Best of 2013

Song: When a Fire Starts to Burn

Artist: Disclosure
Album: Settle




Up for a Best Dance Album Grammy, the winning sibling duo from the U.K. known as Disclosure took the dance world by storm with their House manifesto Settle.  With no less than six singles, Settle took the UK by storm and the guys became the hottest production team this side of Daft Punk this year.

When I highlighted the band early last year I called them "one to watch in 2013."  See!

Settle is a collaboration-heavy work that never-the-less sounds completely cohesive and an album that's easy to stick with from start to finish.  And what a start... after a killer intro the album launches with the scorching "When a Fire Starts to Burn," which oddly never became a single.  Been one of my favorite jams for the last half of the year.

This album has made it onto just about every year-end best-of list I've seen, and deservedly so.  If you like dance music, this was essential listening this past year.  And if you don't like dance music... what are you on this blog for? (wink-wink)

Enjoy.



When a Fire Starts to Burn

White Noise

F for You

Best of 2013 - True Romance

Best of 2013

Song: Nuclear Seasons

Artist: Charli XCX
Album: True Romance




My favorite pop album of the year that didn't contain an actual pop hit, young English singer-songwriter Charli XCX delivered her debut album True Romance this year after a slew of singles dating back to 2011.  An infectious mix of dark 80s New Wave synth-pop, modern production, killer hooks, and Charli's undeniable personality, True Romance bubbles with left-of-center dancepop that did all the major pop acts one-better by delivering something as emotionally true as it is catchy.  But where are her hits?

Of course it needs to be mentioned that Charli co-wrote Icona Pop's HUGE 2013 single "I Love It," smartly getting a "featuring" credit as it blew up.  While True Romance is brilliant, Charli isn't sitting still... after the album was released in April she put out one last single and then moved on late in the year with a new one, the insanely catchy "Super Love" which is reported to be featured on her sophomore album, already slated for release sometime later this year.

There's a chance she could blow up this year with the right material.  So you might as well grab the hipster card now and be in the know.  She's great.

Enjoy.



Nuclear Seasons

What I Like

You - Ha Ha Ha

Best of 2013 - Ice on the Dune

Best of 2013

Song: Concert Pitch

Artist: Empire of the Sun
Album: Ice on the Dune




Sophomore follow up for Australian duo Empire of the Sun, coming five years after their 2008 debut Walking on a Dream.  Ice on the Dune covers familiar territory, but is ultimately more enjoyable than their debut due simply to consistency.  Initial single "Alive" felt a little limp in comparison to "Walking on a Dream" and "We Are the People," but time and spins have really endeared me to it, as well as the full record.  This is solid electropop.

The album has both a Summer and Winter feel.  It's lush regardless of season.  Favorites include the title track, "Alive," "DNA," and "Concert Pitch."

I saw a British-based music blog call it "three times better than the Daft Punk record."  You decide.

Enjoy.



Concert Pitch

DNA

Ice on the Dune

Best of 2013 - Days Are Gone

Best of 2013

Song: Don't Save Me

Artist: HAIM
Album: Days Are Gone




Days Are Gone, the debut album by the California-raised, Los Angeles-based sister trio HAIM can be found on many year-end best of lists, deservedly so.  On one hand, it's a left-of-center mix of folky Fleetwood Mac-isms and 90s-era RnB, and on the other... it's just a killer collection of songs.  You should hear this.

I initially fell for a killer remix of "Falling," but Days Are Gone the album is a warm, kicky joy.  An easy pick for one of the best of the year.

Enjoy



Don't Save Me

The Wire

If I Could Change Your Mind

Best of 2013 - Reflektor

Best of 2013

Song: It's Never Over (Oh Orpheus)

Artist: Arcade Fire
Album: Reflektor




The first Arcade Fire album I've connected with.

Could it be the new electronic elements to their sound?  Dunno, but now... "I get it."

Dark, dream-like, mesmerizing.



Enjoy.

It's Never Over (Oh Orpheus)

We Exist

Afterlife

Best of 2013 - Night Time, My Time

Best of 2013

Song: Nobody Asked Me (If I Was Okay)

Artist: Sky Ferreira
Album: Night Time, My Time




2013 finally saw the release of Sky Ferreira's debut album, one which changed names several times, release dates, and entire direction.  It was destined to be a mess, so when Night Time, My Time was finally released this October... it was a bit of a surprise how good it was.

WeCast has been following Sky for quite some time, from her early electro-pop singles from early 2011, to the introduction of more rock elements on her EP from 2012.  But it was when Sky hooked up with Producer Ariel Rechtshaid that things began to gel and the album took shape.

Night Time, My Time is an electric mix of Blondie-esque new wave rock with kicky beats, buzzy extortion, and above all Sky's half-pissed-off, half confessional lyrics and raw delivery.  It really packs a punch, and grows over repeated listens.  Song like "Nobody Asked Me (If I Was Okay)" and "I Blame Myself" show true songwriting skill, while punchy tracks "24 Hours" and the amazing "You're Not the One" show she still knows her way around a hook.

It's unclear if Sky will have a record label after this, though it seems like something indie would suit her better anyhow.  Regardless if we never hear another thing from her, we'll have Night Time, My Time.

Enjoy.



Nobody Asked Me (If I Was Okay)

24 Hours

I Will

Best of 2013 - Free Your Mind

Best of 2013

Song: Let Me Show You Love

Artist: Cut Copy
Album: Free Your Mind




Zonoscope was okay, but it certainly made you feel like we wouldn't see something as magical as Cut Copy's amazing In Ghost Colors from 2008 again.  Not true.  The Aussie group took inspiration from 90s House and created a cohesive, groovy, & psychedelic soundscape that's just as good.  After the intro, the record opens with three hands-down Cut Copy future classics, the title track, "We Are Explorers" and "Let Me Show You Love."  Perfection.  It gets a bit trippier from theret.. this album is probably very good on illegal substances.

Man, is there anything better than 90s House piano?  Dang.

Enjoy.



Let Me Show You Love

We Are Explorers

Free Your Mind

Best of 2013 - Strike Gently

Best of 2013

Song: Wheel of Fortune

Artist: The Virgins
Album: Strike Gently




It's that time of year again where I take a look back at my favorite tracks and albums of the past year...

In a year filled with louder, more in-your-face music than ever before, it was nice to discover a subtle, throwback rock record in a sea of... well wrecking balls.  New York City-based band The Virgins took five years to follow up their self-titled 2008 debut, and Strike Gently was worth it, a Tom Petty-meets-Dire Straits moody record that really grabbed me, despite how un-attention-grabbing it was.

Many would write the band off as a Strokes look-and-sound-alike but I hear more "classic" rock influences from The Virgins, and when compared to the Strokes album from this year, The Virgins come out on top.  "Impressions of You" is still my favorite song here, but this is a great album, starting with the great one-two punch of "Prima Materia" and the lost-classic sounding "Wheel of Fortune," which seems built for meditative, soul-contemplating drives through the desert.  Actually, it's a classic driving record through and through and a different sort of 80s-leaning record than we've heard lately, less focused on birth-of-electronic New Wave and more toward Talking Heads/Elvis Costello art rock.  I really love it.

I got to see The Virgins open for The Killers this past May and they were great, despite playing for a fifth of a half-paying attention crowd.  I'm a little crushed this AM as I discovered that the band has in fact split up, just this past November.  Founder and lead singer-guitarist Donald Cumming is apparently starting a solo career, so if he was the main creative force behind this record, we possibly have more to look forward to.  As it stands, "Strike Gently" could be looked back as a forgotten classic.  Yet I haven't seen it mentioned in any year-end lists... making it important to highlight here!



Enjoy.

Wheel of Fortune

Prima Materia

Impressions of You

F*ck Santa Claus

Song: F*ck Santa Claus

Artist: Wendy Ho
Album: Ho for the Holidays




This is disgusting.

If you know about Wendy Ho you should know what you're getting into here.  Ho for the Holidays is a Christmas Mixtape that you'll be able to play in very few places.  Lewd, disgusting, and yet pretty fucking funny in moments.  Wendy Ho subverts a handful of holiday classics with her brand of "ghetto fabulousness."  Buckle up.

Epic track titles "Proud Virgin Mary," "Whose Child is Dis?," and "O Come on My Face, Y'all," are well... yeah.

My favorite is the Erykah Badu"Tyrone"-biting "F*ck Santa Claus," which turns a kiss-off slow-jam into a seduction/kiss-off of the annual chimney-sliding Saint.  Bonkers.

The album is being offered as pay-what-you-like download on her site.  You can get it here.

Enjoy.

No new videos on YouTube, this is from 2011.

Christmas in L.A.

Song: Christmas in L.A.

Artist: The Killers
Album: Christmas in L.A.




Melancholy holiday single from The Killers, who have turned it into an annual tradition.  (This is their eighth in row.)

"Christmas in L.A." comes after the release of their first greatest hits album this year Direct Hits which feature single "Shot at the Night," which was a bit of a slow-burn track for me, much like the Killers recent material.  

"Christmas in L.A." like the other Killers holiday singles, has it's proceeds going to AIDS charities as part of the Project Red campaign.  The video features actors Owen Wilson and Harry Dean Stanton. (see below)

Enjoy.

Christmas in L.A.

Shot at the Night

4 Carats

Song: 4 Carats

Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Album: Wrapped in Red




Above-average Christmas album from pop vocalist Kelly Clarkson, Wrapped in Red is the singer-songwriter's first holiday collection containing a little over half traditional tracks as well as a handful of originals, mostly co-written by Clarkson.  The album is solely produced by Greg Kurstin, whom had worked on Kelly's recent Greatest Hits as well as previous album Stronger.  It's the second time she's worked with a sole Producer since '07s My December (w/David Kahne) and the third time Kurtin has produced a full album for an artist after Lily Allen's It's Not Me, It's You (2009) and Sia's We Are Born (2010.)

Clarkson used Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney's soundtracks to the 1954 film White Christmas as inspiration, while Kurstin cited Vince Guaraldi Trio's A Charlie Brown Christmas and A Christmas Gift from Phil Spector and his famous "wall-of-sound" technique as touchstones.  The album is a mix of jazz, country, pop, and soul and does a pretty remarkable job of keeping things fresh over it's just-under-an-hour running time.

First single "Underneath the Tree" as well as opening, title track "Wrapped in Red" have a classic, yet modern feel that recalls Mariah's "All I Want for Christmas," no-doubt another inspiration as I'm sure they'd love a hit that size.  Both sound very 60s girl-group inspired, I'm also digging "Winter Dream (Brandon's Song)" and "4 Carats," which sounds exactly as you'd expect a Clarkson Christmas song would.  ("4 Carats" is co-written by Cathy Dennis & Livvi Franc.)

Enjoyed this and got me into the spirit a bit early this year.



Enjoy.

4 Carats

Underneath the Tree

Wrapped in Red

And Anyways it's Christmas

Song: And Anyways it's Christmas

Artist: !!!
Album: And Anyways it's Christmas




One-off Christmas limited edition single (just 100 7's" pressed) from !!!.  Released as "an addendum" to this years' fifth and pretty excellent album Th!!!er.

Th!!!er was in contention for one of the years best here at WeCastMusic, and while it didn't make the top 10, here's a nice way to remind you of their pretty excellent record and have another groovy track for your upcoming holiday party.

Enjoy.

And Anyways it's Christmas

Spooky [Bak & Lindemann Bootleg]

Song: Spooky [Bak & Lindemann Bootleg]
Artist: Dusty Springfield
Album: Spooky




Great bootleg remix of the Mike Shapiro & Harry Middlebrooks, Jr./Classics IV ummm... classic "Spooky" from new Danish duo Bak & Lindemann.

Dusty's version is well known and probably best known from its inclusion in the '98 film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.  Bak & Lindemann turn up the throb and sexy and works as some serious swingin' cocktail-time music.  Immediately infectious.

Bak & Lindemann are about to release a free compilation of their remixes, which includes "Spooky."  More info can be found at their Facebook page.

Enjoy.

Spooky [Bak & Lindemann Bootleg]

Perfect Time

Song: Perfect Time

Artist: Booka Shade
Album: Eve




Booka Shade are a German house duo comprised of Walter Merzinger & Arno Kammermeier.  They are set to release their 5th studio album Eve on November 1st.

Eve is a pretty sublime, moody house record, it can be dark at times, and yet I've enjoyed it in the early AM just as much as late late at night.  It straddles a couple different moods over it's just-under-an-hour length, which gives the listener the feeling they're on a journey.

Single "Love Inc." is a good starting point but I'm also loving the sexy, propulsive "Perfect Time" as well as album opener "Many Rivers."

I'm only familiar with the band's previous offering, 2010's More! which I remember not really connecting with at the time... though I took another listen yesterday since I enjoyed this so much and appreciated it much more.  I suppose I just wasn't ready for it.



Enjoy.

Perfect Time

Love Inc.

Shine My Shoes

Song: Shine My Shoes

Artist: Robbie Williams
Album: Swings Both Ways




Not too long after his latest pop album, Robbie Williams returns with his tenth studio album and his second of swing music.  Following the success of 2001's Swing When You're Winning, Williams has returned to a genre that really suits him, pairing it with a cheeky title and returning to the studio with his most successful producing writing partner Guy Chambers, the duo re-team for the first time since 2002's Escapology for Swings Both Ways.

Where Swing When You're Winning was strictly covers, Swings Both Ways contains more than half originals in the swing style.  It really suits Williams, who duets with the likes of Olly Murs, Lily Allen, Michael Buble, Rufus Wainwright, and Kelly Clarkson.  Very fun.



Enjoy.

Shine My Shoes

Go Gentle

Little Green Apples

All the Way Thru

Song: All the Way Thru

Artist: JD Samson & MEN
Album: Labor




I was a pretty big Le Tigre fan and really liked their pop-minded last album The Island.  (Like Luscious Jackson, seemingly ending on a real high note.)  So with that band defunct it was nice to hear that two members, JD Samson & Johanna Fateman had formed a new band, and even better when I flipped for their debut song "Off Our Backs."  I wore that one out, and was a little disappointed with the resulting debut album Talk About Body which came out two years later.  It was solid enough, but "Off Our Backs" was a clear highlight.

I'm happy to report though their sophomore follow-up Labor, released last month is GREAT.  It keeps up with the debut's social causes, gender politics, and human commentary, yet does so with more subtlety.  The themes are less in-you-face and only come through with repeated listens.  What is in your face this time around though is the music.  Labor is way more beat-driven and clubby than the debut, yet very diverse and not one-note.

The album starts very strong with the throbbing "Power Strobe" and the killer Yuksek-assisted "All the Way Through," a building, impossibly cool love track.  I love it.  Also digging "Making Art," "Semenya," and towards the end of the album the bitter and pounding "Fucked Up" which is a gilted ANTHEM.  Before it the album sags ever so slightly, but may improve with more listens.  But "Fucked Up" really rockets things back to life.

This is a really great follow-up and definitely worth your time.  JD Samson's crowning achievement for sure.



Enjoy.

All The Way Thru

Making Art

#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