Big Banana - Havana Brown

Song: Big Banana

Artist: Havana Brown
Album: Flashing Lights




I was in Ft. Lauderdale, FL last month and mid-evening was getting drinks at a popular local video bar with a large group of friends when sometime in the middle of round three a music video came on with a sort of abrasive song that demanded attention... it was "Big Banana" by Havana Brown and it pretty much stopped conversation for the whole group.  Who and what the Hell was this?!?

Havana Brown is an Australian DJ, Writer, Dancer, Singer who got her start as a DJ for Island Records Australia which lead to opening slots on some high-profile tours including Enrique Iglesias, Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, Rihanna, and Chris Brown.  Her debut as a recording artist came in 2011 with "We Run the Night," which was subsequently remixed with Pitbull, getting the Melbourne native increased exposure.

She has since released an EP which contained "Night," and her debut album Flashing Lights was released in October of last year.  It's a Pop-Club record with production from such remix kings as Afrojack, R3hab, Darkchild, and RedOne.  Funny enough, when listening to "Big Banana" I was reminded of the RedOne production "Starships," not that they sound similar, but are just big, loud, abrasive, and kind of dumb... yet fill a very specific need.  Incidentally, "Big Banana" isn't a RedOne production (though he did two other tracks on the album) it's R3hab, best known for production work with Infected Mushroom and remixes for Lady Gaga, LMFAO, & Calvin Harris amongst others.

There's a good chance you won't really like this... it's pretty abrasive, but silly/ridiculous and doesn't take itself too seriously.  Probably best to watch the head-scratcher of a music video with your first listen/view.  You might also want to be drunk.

Enjoy.

Big Banana

We Run the Night

Flashing Lights

Plastic Soul - YACHT

Song: Plastic Soul

Artist: YACHT
Album: Plastic Soul




New single from L.A.-based by-way-of Portland indie dance quartet YACHT.  "Plastic Soul" follows 2012 single "Second Summer" as one-off's post their 5th album Shangri-La from 2011.

"Plastic Soul" is an odd little track but I quite like it.  It builds and builds to a throbby, ethereal, trance-y state with indie deadpan vocals and a killer final minute.

No word if the band has a new album in the works.

Enjoy.

Plastic Soul

Second Summer

In Your Room - The Bangles

Song: In Your Room

Artist: The Bangles
Album: Everything




There was something about the new U2 track, maybe it's the guitar line right in the beginning, but I instantly thought of The Bangles' 1988 track "In Your Room" from their third album Everything, the follow up to their breakthrough, 1986's Different Light.  And subsequently, I can't stop playing it.

I remember having Different Light on cassette, utterly obsessed with "Walk Like an Egyption" as well as "Manic Monday" but remember I didn't get the follow up... my Mother did after the Adult Contemporary cross-over smash "Eternal Flame," the band's biggest hit.

"In Your Room" was co-written by Billy Steinberg, who also co-wrote "Eternal Flame" with lead singer Susanna Hoffs and Tom Kelly.  Steinberg is responsible for a slew of huge 80s hits including "Like a Virgin," "True Colors," "I Drove All Night," "So Emotional," "I Touch Myself" and "Alone" by Heart.  It's a punchy, propulsive track, that does sound a bit dated but still quite rockin'.

The band split after a Greatest Hits record in 1990 only to reform a decade later for their fourth album Doll Revolution in 2003.

Enjoy.

In Your Room

Eternal Flame

Russian Kiss - Annie

Song: Russian Kiss

Artist: Annie
Album: Russian Kiss




The Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia officially start today... you may have heard.

The P.R. certainly hasn't been very good, and is just getting worse.  Athletes and journalists that have arrived have found the Olympic village to be a little less than ready.  But of course the big news leading up to the games has been President Vladimir Putin's war on homosexuals with the governments "Propaganda" laws, which have lead to an upswing of anti-gay violence.

In response, Norwegian singer-songwriter Annie and Richard X, fresh off a winning E.P. collaboration released last year, have teamed up with visual artist Bjarne Melgaard for a protest track and short film (see below) to raise money for gay rights non-profit All Out.  More information can be found on Annie's website.

The track itself isn't too far off from their A&R E.P., a 90s-tinged deep house track that even includes some male moans of ecstasy toward the end.

After quite the hiatus Annie has been hitting it out of the park with one-off singles, the E.P., and now this hypnotic track that highlights a nasty violation of human rights.

Buy the single on iTunes: US and UK.

Russian Kiss

Invisible - U2

Song: Invisible

Artist: U2
Album: Invisible (single)




U2 debuted this brand-new track in a commercial during the Super Bowl, tied to Bono's RED organization that fights AIDS globally.  It is said to be a "preview" track from their upcoming, as-yet-untitled 13th studio album which is being produced by Broken Bells/Gnarls Barkley co-founder Danger Mouse.  The bands been working on the album since 2011.

"Invisible" sounds like classic U2 with some slight electronic flourishes.  There's that Edge guitar, soaring Bono vocals... and a reminder that new U2 is always like going home a bit.  I haven't been totally enamoured with a U2 record since 2000's All That You Can't Leave Behind, but "Invisible" certainly gives me that vibe... I look forward to hearing the new record.

There is a Mark Romanek-directed video on the way for the track.

Enjoy.

Invisible

Louie the First - Duck Sauce

Song: Louie the First

Artist: Duck Sauce
Album: Duck Droppings [EP]



It's been four years since Duck Sauce dropped their first EP as well as their still best known single "Barbara Streisand" in 2010, and we still don't have an album... but the DJ/Production duo of A-Track and Armand Van Helden continue to release killer one-off singles and E.P. so it's gotta happen at some point.

The latest disco-meets-house EP Duck Droppings is a four-track romp of infectious, upbeat tunes that are bound to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.  I'm loving the Hot Chocolate "Brother Louie" (theme from "Louie") sampling "Louie the First," despite being a little repetitive... as well as first track "Party in Me" and the totally nuts "Calamari (Put the Sauce on It.)"

Really love these guys.

Enjoy.

Louie the First

Calamari (Put the Sauce on It)

Radio Stereo

Holding on for Life - Broken Bells

Song: Holding on for Life

Artist: Broken Bells
Album: After the Disco




Broken Bells (Producer/Musician Danger Mouse and The Shins leader James Mercer) return with their second set After the Disco, following the duo's self-titled debut from 2010.

As the title hints, After the Disco incorporates a bit more electronic elements to the band's hippy-dipped indie-rock psychedelia.  The results are rather subtle, I've been listening to it for about a week and it's melodies and charms are just unfolding for me.  It's a beautiful record that like their debut, has a country-tinge to it... but the influences and sounds are wide ranged, yet result in a lush, confident work that on paper sounds a bit messy, but in practice is ultimately sublime.

First single "Holding on for Life" is an immediate standout, as is the throbbing title-track which sounds a bit 80s to me. The album is really starting to gel with me and could be an early 2014 standout.

Enjoy.

Holding on for Life

After the Disco

The Changing Lights

Blue Moon - Beck

Song: Blue Moon

Artist: Beck
Album: Morning Phase




It's been six years since Beck's last studio album, 08's Modern Guilt, and while the man has continued recording and most recently released some one-off singles here and there, as well as some side projects, we haven't had a new album since Guilt which was the last entry in his contract with Interscope records.  Until now.

Morning Phase, to be released at the end of February, will be Beck's twelfth album and a supposed "companion piece" to 2002's melancholy break-up album Sea Change.  From the start you'll hear the absence of hip-hop beats and electronic elements, even the garage rock bop of Modern Guilt.  The folky-acoustic sound, mixed with a warm touch of psychedelia, is once again present on Morning Phase as on Change, one of his most acclaimed albums.  The one pointed difference is the sad heartache of Sea Change has been replaced with what Morning Phase's press release describes as "infectious optimism."  Regardless, it's pretty beautiful sounding.

"Blue Moon," the first single, with obtuse lyrics about being "cut down to size" and being left alone sure don't sound infectiously optimistic... but the music has a quiet uplift to it... I've been quite enjoying it over the last couple weeks.  I've only just recently gotten to hear the album and like Sea Change does have a consistent tone throughout and does sound, as the title suggest, great in the early morning.  It's a new dawn record, and the perfect re-inroduction to the once very prolific 90s artist.

Morning Phase is the first of two albums promised for this year from Beck whom bassist and frequent collaborator Justin-Meldal-Johnsen has commented has "three-to-four albums worth" of new material he's recorded since Modern Guilt.

Enjoy.

Blue Moon

Somebody - Salt Ashes

Song: Somebody

Artist: Salt Ashes
Album: Somebody (single)



While I've been going crazy for the latest Kylie single, I've been listening to this new, very Kylie-esque track in conjunction, making quite the killer one-two punch in any playlist.

Salt Ashes (Veiga Sanches) is a 22 year-old synth pop artist apparently inspired by Madonna, Kate Bush, Daft Punk, and MIA.  She's had a couple tracks on the internet since 2011 which have since been taken down, most likely to gear up for her proper debut.  "Somebody" is her first official single... it's rather amazing.

I've added it to my Currently Digging playlist... you should totally follow!

Enjoy.

Somebody

XO - Beyoncé

Song: XO

Artist: Beyoncé
Album: Beyoncé




Have you heard of Beyoncé?

After a solid year of her fanbase not knowing what was happening with new Beyoncé music, "Queen B" dropped a "secret" album on iTunes at Midnight on December 13th complete with videos for every track on the album (as well as a video for the leaked "Grown Woman" which ultimately didn't make the record.)  It was an interesting way to get around the expectations that come with  a new Beyoncé album (especially after the relative disappointment 4) which gave her the freedom to be a bit different.  Turn down the perfect, turn up the sexy, and to hell with the bobblehead music... Beyoncé has grown up.   And Beyoncé is the best thing she's ever done.

Beyoncé is Beyoncé's sexual awakening record, and it's secret weapon is unknown producer Boots whom co-wrote and shapes the sound of almost 80% of the album with his production talents.  It continues the Adult Contemporary sound started with 4 and mixes it with the urban-hip of Weeknd/Frank Ocean sheen.  Things take a dip for the boring in the middle of the album, but it starts and ends with her strongest material (by some margin) to date.

She does a bit of Madonna sexy-electronica on "Haunted" and urban slow-grind with her husband assisted "Drunk in Love."  The filth gets turned up with the album's most "fun" moment "Blow," and with "XO" Beyoncé gives us her best song ever, a positively euphoric ode to love that truly sores in a way a track like the ultimately false "Halo" could only dream of.  Dang girl... literally had no idea you had this in you.

Enjoy.

XO

Drunk in Love

Everyday Robots - Damon Albarn

Song: Everyday Robots

Artist: Damon Albarn
Album: Everyday Robots



Blur frontman and head Gorillaz Damon Albarn is set to release his first solo album Everyday Robots this coming April.  The record has been produced by Richard Russell of XL recordings and has been described as a mix of folk, soul, and trip-hop, with Albarn stating the concept centered around "empty club music."  The album is preceded by the title and first track as initial single.

"Everyday Robots" is a sparse, odd little track with off-key percussion and a vibe that's equally calming as it is a bit eerie.  It's a bit of an odd choice for first single, especially when the teaser (see below) for the album capitalized on Albarn's entire successful pop career, making this first solo album a thing.

One of the more gifted and interesting singer-songwriters of our time, I look forward to what he cooks up.

Enjoy.

Everyday Robots

Everyday Robots Teaser Trailer

Kids - Style of Eye

Song: Kids feat. Soso

Artist: Style of Eye
Album: Kids (single)




Friend and reader Luis introduces us to Swedish (of course!) producer Linus Eklow, now known as Style of Eye, whom got his start in the late 90s but has been releasing singles and EPs since 2004.  2013 saw the release of this track, "Kids" which is getting him some new attention prior to the release of his as-yet entitled debut album set for release sometime this year.  Thus far, Style of Eye is most notable for his co-production of the Icona Pop smash hit "I Love It," which you may know.

"Kids" is a genre-splicing energetic dance track that's "quite a bop" as they say.  Been loving this one and look forward to hearing more from this promising producer.

Enjoy.

Kids

After Dark

Homeless

Coming of Age - Foster the People

Song: Coming of Age

Artist: Foster the People
Album: Supermodel




The return of 2011's breakout stars Foster the People and their sophomore album Supermodel, set for release this coming March.  "Coming of Age" is the first, upbeat single from the new album.  It finds the band in similar territory to their debut Torches.

The below video of the song shows a time lapse view of the Young & Sick-designed cover for the album being put as a mural on a wall in Los Angeles which took twelve consecutive sixteen-hour days to complete.

Enjoy.

Coming of Age

Into the Blue - Kylie Minogue

Song: Into the Blue

Artist: Kylie Minogue
Album: Into the Blue (single)




First single off the Australian pop star's upcoming twelfth studio album, her first big release of original music since 2010's Aphrodite.

The track was written by Kelly Sheehan (Mary J. Blige, Beyonce) though the producer is as yet unknown.  Confirmed collaborators on the as-yet untitled album include Pharrell, Sia, Darkchild, Fernando Garibay, Nervo, and Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation Kylie just signed to for a management deal.

Sounds fresh and very Kylie.

Enjoy.

Into the Blue

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