DTF - Adore Delano

Song: DTF

Artist: Adore Delano
Album: Till Death Do Us Party




RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6 runner-up Adore Delano is making a go at becoming a true drag queen "superstar" and going for a pop music career.  She wasn't crowned the winner, but in the finale build up Adore has released her first single "DTF" from her upcoming album Till Death Do Us Party will be released on June 3rd.

"DTF" is a Trap-Pop track that's abrasive, filthy, and... a real grower.  I didn't care for it initially, but there's something about it that's worked it's way under my skin.  Very odd.  She's tapped video director Michael Serrato for "DTF" (see below) who has done  videos for fellow Drag Race alum Willem.

Like it was said on the show, Delano is a born star.  And while it didn't work on American Idol, it's obvious that Danny Noriega has been trying to find his niche, and watching the season of Drag Race it was fun to watch his character of Adore Delano evolve into something truly tangible.  But can it be stretched over a full album?

There's a chance you might hate this.

Enjoy.

DTF

I Adore U

Dancing on My Own

American Interior - Gruff Rhys

Song: American Interior

Artist: Gruff Rhys
Album: American Interior




Welsh singer-songwriter Gruff Rhys returns with his fourth solo album American Interior after following up Neon Neon's '08 masterpiece Stainless Style with last year's Praxis Makes Perfect.  Rhys' last solo album was the rather fun Hotel Shampoo from 2011.  For this album, Rhys takes a page out of his Neon Neon playbook and selects a historical figure to base an album around.  (After John Delorean for Stainless Style, and Giangiacomo Feltrinelli for Praxis.)

American Interior follows the life of fellow Welsh John Evans, an explorer who came to America in search of a Welsh-speaking tribe, and produced an early map of the Missouri River around 1797 that was subsequently used in the Lewis and Clark expedition. The album is accompanied by a hardcover book, a film co-directed by Dylan Goch, and an app for mobile devices.  They proceed a mini-tour-meets-Powerpoint presentation that followed Evans' path in his search in which Rhys played some of the new songs accompanied by a puppet in Evans likeness that appears on the cover of the album as well as the video for the title-track. (below)

Rhys is apparently a descendant of Evans, and he paints his story with a folk-country-meets-70s keyboard and guitar-rock brush.  You might find it odd (it is) but it's hard not to find love in the catchy hooks, even when on tracks like "100 Unread Messages" he brings a little hoedown when telling Evans travel journey's, by-way of another character who repeatedly tries to email Evans, but gets no reply.  (Yes that is all happening in one song.)

Despite his love of the past and it's stories, Rhys frames it with a modern mind.  Fascinating.

Enjoy.

American Interior

Trailer

100 Unread Messages

World Peace is None of Your Business - Morrissey

Song: World Peace is None of Your Business

Artist: Morrissey
Album: World Peace is None of Your Business




After taking a long break from recording following the so-so Maladjusted in 1997, Morrissey roared back on the scene with the amazing You Are the Quarry in '04 followed by the even-better Ringleader of the Tormentors on '06.  Just three years later came the announcement of Years of Refusal and it seemed the man was back in full swing and could not be stopped.  That was '09 and the album, once again, was so-so.  Now it's five-years later and Morrissey is back once again with his 10th solo studio album World Peace is None of Your Business.  It's the first of a two-record deal contract he's signed with Capitol Music.

Title track and first single "World Peace is None of Your Business" is his first album-leading ballad, and if the title didn't give it away, it is straight-up Morrissey.  Second single "Istanbul" is a bit punchier and has a slick, sexy, almost classic rock feel.

The album comes out on July 15th and is produced by Joe Chiccarelli (Mika, The Killers, The Strokes, Frank Zappa, The White Stripes.)

Enjoy.

World Peace is None of Your Business

Istanbul

Unicorn - Basement Jaxx

Song: Unicorn

Artist: Basement Jaxx
Album: Junto




It's been five years since late 90s British electronic duo Basement Jaxx released the one-two punch of Scars and Zephyr in 2009.  They've released a couple singles though, including "Back 2 the Wild" early last year, when their 7th album was initially expected under the title Music, and "What a Difference Your Love Makes" in September of last year.  They have just released another new track, "Unicorn" and officially announced their new album as Junto, which will be released August 25th.

"Unicorn" sounds more like straight-up 90s House than their actual 90s House work.  It's almost a bit unlike the Basement Jaxx we know, but it's pretty amazing, relying less on big hooks and more on a consistent beat and strong vocals.

Aside from "Unicorn," the only other previously released track on Junto is "Mermaid of Salinas," which was released as part of the "What s Difference Your Love Makes" single and remixes.

Enjoy.

Unicorn

Mermaid of Salinas

What a Difference Your Love Makes

Pills N Potions - Nicki Minaj

Song: Pills N Potions

Artist: Nicki Minaj
Album: The Pinkprint




The first single off Nicki Minaj's upcoming third album The Pinkprint is a bit of a surprise... a down-to-midtempo track that ends with a soaring ode to love.  It's not exactly the return to pure hip-hop she promised, nor is it the big dumb pop of "Starships" (which is still certifiably amazing.)

The track is co-written by Ester Dean ("Super Bass") and produced by Dr. Luke. ("Va Va Voom")  Upon a third listen I can image it blaring from cars this Summer.  Smash?

I like Nicki Minaj more than I really want to.

Enjoy.

Pills N Potions

Yasss Bitch

Lookin' Ass

Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson

Song: Love Never Felt So Good (feat. justin Timberlake)

Artist: Michael Jackson
Album: Xscape




Not only is this the best Michael Jackson song that's been released since the superstar died, I think it's his best track in fifteen-twenty years.

I haven't given the entire record a listen yet but it already seems miles ahead of the last posthumous album Michael from 2010.



Enjoy.

Love Never Felt So Good

Let Me Down Gently - La Roux

Song: Let Me Down Gently

Artist: La Roux
Album: Trouble in Paradise




Five years is a long time to wait to follow up a record, especially for your debut... but here we are in 2014 and English synthpop duo La Roux have completed the follow up to their Grammy-winning debut album from 2009.

Trouble in Paradise will be released July 7th.  The band has revealed the album art, but no official word on a lead single, though a new slow-build track was accidentally put up for sale on a Polish website, and is now everywhere.

"Let Me Down Gently" is moody, synthy track that has lead singer Elly Jackson sounding quite gorgeous and emotive, avoiding the at-times screechiness that could be found on the debut.  It's an expansive track that's sexy and a bit mysterious.  It's got a dramatic pause that sets things up to explode... and yet it remains restrained in it's mood.  It's a bit 80's, and quite gorgeous... and then that sax!

It might not have the bounce of previous hits "Bulletproof" and "I'm Not Your Toy," but really digging this.

Enjoy.

Take a listen here.

Opulence - Brooke Candy

Song: Opulence

Artist: Brooke Candy
Album: Opulence EP




I'm not sure I'm actually recommending this...

I've only recently become aware of pop-star/rapper Brooke Candy, daughter of the CFO of Hustler magazine and CEO of the Hustler Casino.  Brooke worked for the brand briefly after contacting Larry Flint wanting to be a photographer but was hired as a mannequin stylist for their storefronts.  She did work as a dancer briefly, reportedly with Azealia Banks at the same club.  She began working on music finding a bit of a following online via Tumblr and the like.

Candy was introduced to Charli XCX via Banks, and featured on the British singer-songwriter's track "Cloud Aura" on her debut True Romance.  She is gearing up to release her debut EP Opulence, which features the single of the same name and features some production work by Diplo as well as some co-writing from Sia.

The "Opulence" video is getting a lot of internet chatter and has to be seen to believed.  (below) It's directed by Steven Klein and features his standard dark/terrifying imagery.  Candy is quite the presence, but... do I enjoy it?

The EP is pretty in-your-face.  She's a bit Gwen Stefani, a bit Lil' Kim, a little Lady Gaga, Natalia Kills... etc.  But she's interesting personally.  Maybe one to watch.

Enjoy.

Opulence

Pop Rock

Das Me

Walk it Out - Jennifer Hudson

Song: Walk it Out (feat. Timbaland)

Artist: Jennifer Hudson
Album: Walk it Out




I've always really liked Jennifer Hudson.  She's certainly "made it" but where are her hit songs?

Jennifer is gearing up to release her as-yet-untitled third album sometime this year.  Thus far she's released two singles from the project, the disco-ish "I Can't Describe the Way I Feel (feat. T.I.)" and the more hip-hop leaning "Walk it Out" with Timbaland.  I really dig both, and apparently she's specifically going for an upbeat, dance-leaning sound on the album.

Enjoy.

Walk it Out

I Can't Describe (The Way I Feel)

Jealous (I Ain't With It) - Chromeo

Song: Jealous (I Ain't With It)

Artist: Chromeo
Album: White Woman




Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo are gearing up to release their fourth album White Woman next week.  It's been preceded by a handful of singles including "Jealous (I Ain't With It)" which I've been bopping to for a couple weeks now.

Chromeo have always brought a healthy sense of wink-wink humour to their throwback R&B/Electro/Funk, and the tracks we've heard are no exception.

Fun stuff.

Enjoy.

Jealous (I Ain't With It)

Come Alive (feat. Toro y Moi)

Over Your Shoulder

Problem - Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea

Song: Problem

Artist: Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea
Album: Problem




Big little pop song right here.

Nickelodeon-star turned pop-star Ariana Grande is coming back with her sophomore album this year and has released a track with rising Australian hip-pop artist Iggy Azalea; "Problem," the first track off her as-yet untitled follow up to her debut; Yours Truly.

"Problem" is a Max Martin co-write/production, and it's a 90s-inspired R&B, effervescent bop buoyed by Grande's Mariah-esque vocals and irresistible charm.

I didn't really connect with her debut but this is pretty irresistible.  There's a chance you won't be able to escape this one this Summer.

Enjoy.

Problem

Klapp Klapp - Little Dragon

Song: Klapp Klapp

Artist: Little Dragon
Album: Nabuma Rubberband




Little Dragon, the Swedish synthpop/indietronica/trip-hop band are gearing up to release their fourth album Nabuma Rubberland this year.  This follows their 2011 release Ritual Union.

They're a band I've been recommended to several times and have not properly given them time.  But they've released two killer tracks from the new album that have really gotten my attention, the buzz release "Paris" and first single "Klapp Klapp," which I've become mesmerized with.  I'm hearing some Prince influence, some general 80s with a modern twist, and a sort of ambient/downtempo R&B.  Lead singer Yukimi Nagano's voice is super, super sexy.  The synths in "Klapp Klapp" are BIG.  It's all just really sublime.

I really have some work to do in getting into this band's back catalogue.  I think I've been missing out.  No longer!



Enjoy.

Klapp Klapp

Paris

Let Go

Lazaretto - Jack White

Song: Lazaretto

Artist: Jack White
Album: Lazaretto




Jack White returns with the first single off his sophomore solo outing of the same name, Lazaretto.  The album will be released on his Third Man Records on June 10th.

"Lazaretto" the track is big, blistering blast with a killer groove.  Pure Jack White.

His first solo record seemed to be a return to form after several other musical projects, though I didn't connect with it in the same way I did prior White Stripes albums.  I like "Lazaretto" though and look forward to the album.

Enjoy.

Lazaretto

High Ball Stepper (Instrumental)

I Will Never Let You Down - Rita Ora

Song: I Will Never Let You Down
Artist: Rita Ora
Album: I Will Never Let You Down




Big Pop Song alert...

Rita Ora is a British singer-songwriter and actress who released her debut album Ora in 2012.  "I Will Never Let You Down" is the first single from her as-yet untitled sophomore album which is expected sometime this year.  The song is written and produced solely by Calvin Harris, whom Ora is currently dating.

Ora's early singles never really grabbed me, and her success was pretty limited to the U.K. and Europe.  Things may change with this record, which is quite the grower, coupled with a profile-raising role in the Fifty Shades of Grey film adaptation.

The track itself reminds me of Jessie J's "Domino" and the Harris-penned/produced smash for Rihanna; "We Found Love."  Not sure just how big this track will get, but it's a perfectly catchy and summery track that will sound good blaring out of cars in the sun.  I'm a big Calvin fan, but both this and his own recent single "Summer," don't really push things forward all that much.  Does it matter?  Maybe not now... Mr. Harris, as evidence from his last album which spawned no-less than eight successful singles, knows what radio wants right now.



Enjoy.

I Will Never Let You Down

How We Do (Party)

R.I.P.

Supernova - Ray LaMontagne

Song: Supernova

Artist: Ray LaMontagne
Album: Supernova




I've known about singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne for years but for whatever reason, never took the time to get to know his work.  I've really become obsessed with Lana Del Rey's new song, and the 60s psychedelic vibe she's switched to.  So when I read that LaMontagne's new album Supernova was also produced by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and was a bit of departure in sound for him, I was intrigued.

LaMontagne's sound over his first four albums has been grounded in an Otis Redding meets Stephen Stills soulful folk feel, and with Supernova he shifts slightly to yes, a little 60s psychedelia, which you feel from the start.  Given Auerbach has fully produced both records, is Supernova an indication of what Ultraviolence will sound like?  Like a female flip of it?  While she may have helped me get here... I'm not thinking about Lana all that much because Supernova is simply amazing in it's own right.  What has taken me so long to give this guy a shot?!?!

I grew up on 60s psychedelia thanks to my Dad, and I can't help but be transported back a bit when listening to Supernova.  The album has it's folky moments, but also has that rollicking, tripped out sound on songs like "Julia" and the title track.  The Summer of Love vibe is felt straight off the top with album lead "Lavender" and it's whispered "chick-ahs!" that remind me of some classic track that I can't place.  Grrr... what is it? (Edit: it came to me on the way to work, it's "Time of the Season" by The Zombies.  Man... that's get's a big "duh!")

Supernova, despite it's pointed look back doesn't sound dated... it sounds classic.  LaMontagne has written some great songs for this record... I feel like I'm only just starting to understand how good it is.  I'm sharing this with everyone.  I'm highlighting the title track because it's upbeat, catchy, and sounds like yes, a long-lost classic.  But listen to this whole record.



Enjoy.

Supernova

Lavender

Airwaves

Do it Again - Röyksopp & Robyn

Song: Do it Again

Artist: Röyksopp & Robyn
Album: Do it Again




On may 26th Robyn will return (sort of) with a mini album collaboration with Röyksopp, whom have also been quiet musically since 2010 when they released their follow-up/companion album Senior to '09's Junior, which contained a killer track with Robyn called "The Girl and the Robot."  Prior to that Robyn worked with the duo on her own track "None of Dem" which was on her last triumphant release Body Talk.

They are also hitting the road together for a joint tour this year.

Suffice to say we've all been eagerly awaiting new material from both, so "Do it Again," the mini-album and first single from the project come with a heavy dose of expectation.  I remember when Body Talk Pt. 1 was released and it seemed impossible that she'd be able to top her gargantuan single "With Every Heartbeat" from her '05 album Robyn, but then "Dancing on My Own" happened.

 That track took on a life of it's own, boosted by several killer addition songs from Body Talk, so it's hard not to come at "Do it Again" without unrealistic expectations...

But the track is really a corker, and fits within Robyn's heartache-on-the-dancefloor wheelhouse.  Sonically it's pretty hard-hitting, peppy, and catchy... and repeated listens reveal a now-typical deeper lyrical content of cyclical bad decisions.  Get ready some (more) life-changing personal transcendence on the dancefloor!  (How does she do this so effortlessly?!?!)

There's a couple tracks that pass the eight-minute mark, and a low-quality stream of some of the other songs reveal an experimental edge to the project.

Color us excited.

Enjoy.

Do it Again

West Coast - Lana Del Rey

Song: West Coast

Artist: Lana Del Rey
Album: Ultraviolence




Lana Del Rey returns with the first single from her upcoming sophomore album Ultraviolence called "West Coast."  It's a woozy, druggy, sexy track that has a bit of a sinister, psychedelic 60s vibe to it and an odd tempo change in the chorus.  Perfect for slowly spinning on a hot Summer night in... well I suppose the pale moonlight.

"West Coast" doesn't get an official release until May 18th with no word when to expect the album.  Producer of the track hasn't been confirmed, but Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys is producing part, or possibly all of the new album.

While it's less pop than her previous work, I like this.  She creates a mood in her songs so effortlessly, and this is like the transition out of the faux-50s feel of Blue Velvet into a darker, drug-addled freak-out 60s.

Enjoy.

West Coast

In Your Shoes - Sarah McLachlan

Song: In Your Shoes

Artist: Sarah McLachlan
Album: Shine On




I listened to a bit of Tori after yesterday's post, as well as some Spotify Radio under a Tori Amos channel and it was like a Lilith Fair, 90-Alt Rock girl reunion... Poe, Paula Cole, Jewel, and... Sarah McLachlan, the Mother of Lilith Fair, who incidentally is releasing her eighth album next month...

Shine On will be the singer-songwriter's first release in four years after 2010's Laws of Illusion.  After being a pretty big fan for her first four albums, I.. like man, fell out of interest.  Call it consistency, her just more-of-the-same approach, or the frankly downbeat nature of her recent work... I just haven't been here for Ms. McLachlan.

First single "In Your Shoes" teams her, once again, with longtime collaborator Pierre Marchand, for a rather upbeat folk-pop song.  It's nice if not remarkable.  The album is apparently about the death of her Father, which sounds... about right for McLachlan.

I was reminded hearing all those girls just how much I was into that folky, "alternative" chick sound back then.  And how much I'm not now.

Enjoy.

In Your Shoes

Trouble's Lament - Tori Amos

Song: Trouble's Lament

Artist: Tori Amos
Album: Unrepentant Geraldines




Singer-songwriter Tori Amos returns from a multi-album and project exploration of classical and orchestral music with a new pop/rock album, Unrepentant Geraldines.  It is her fourteenth (!!) album since the release of her debut album Little Earthquakes in 1992. (If you don't count Y Kant Tori Read.)

First single "Trouble's Lament" is a folky, dark track that's unmistakably Tori and sound-wise close to her Scarlet's Walk/The Beekeeper eras.  The former being one, if not my favorite albums of hers, with the latter being my hands-down least favorite.  We'll see.

The fourteen-track album's concept revolves around the singers relationship with art; each track being inspired by a specific piece of art.

Enjoy.

Trouble's Lament

Making of Unrepentant Geraldines

Stay in Love - Plastic Plates

Song: Stay in Love

Artist: Plastic Plates feat. Sam Sparro
Album: Stay in Love




Plastic Plates is the stage name for Felix Bloxsum, a Sydney-born DJ and music producer who has played and worked with a wide variety of artists from Empire of the Sun, Sneaky Sound System and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, and Christina Aguilera.  He's been on the Kitsuné label for some time, releasing a handful of singles and a couple EP's.

Plastic Plates sound is best described as disco-infused Electro-House.

"Stay in Love," a brand new single with vocals by Sam Sparro has been on on my iPod since February but has just recently sunk in.  It's quite the slick, catchy track, love Sam's voice and the production.  It's really a winner.

Bloxum and Sparro actually grew up together, going to the same primary school in Sydney, and Felix's father and Sam's Grandfather also played in local jazz bands together.  They've reconnected since both started making music and Bloxum apparently played drums on every track on Sparro's last album, Return to Paradise.  

No word if an album is on the way, though his singles and the very good EP for "Things I Didn't Know" are all on Spotify.

Enjoy.

Stay in Love