Black Tin Box

And here we have another track off Miike Snow's upcoming sophomore album, Happy To You. The album is out March 26th and the new single, 'Black Tin Box' features the band singing in an ethereal blend of electronic chord progression matched with a pulsing kit on the lower end. What really pulls the tune together is Lykke Li's voice in the middle of the song atop the arpeggios and bouncing toms. I'm in love with the latest material and am already counting down the days to the new album!








Miike Snow - Black Tin Box (Feat. Lykke Li) by Ernestime

Bad Girls

Finally, M.I.A. has released a newly reworked version of her song 'Bad Girls' off her upcoming 'Vickee Leekx" mixtape. After the rather disappointing release of her album /\/\ /\ Y /\ in 2010, this is a regression back to her originally wonderful singles. I love the hook, with M.I.A. singing "Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well." On top of the pulsing drum kit and traditional Indian-vibed beat, the song suggests a over-due collection of amazing M.I.A. singles in the future. Have a listen to the new track below!

Introducing: Michael Kiwanuka

After seeing the results for the BBC Sound of 2012 poll, I was left scratching my head as to who Michael Kiwanuka was. Well, I finally had the time to track down the answer and found the first single off his upcoming debut album, Home Again, out March 23rd. Kiwanuka was in a stiff competition with artists like Emeli Sandé, Azealia Banks and Frank Ocean, to name a few. Well, after hearing 'Home Again' I can say that it wasn't an out-of-left-field decision to crown him the winner. 'Home Again' is a steady soulful ballad that features a guitar and Kiwanuka's charming voice. I'm sure there are many great things to be heard from Kiwanuka and I can't wait for more.


Home Again by MichaelKiwanuka

You can also watch his video for 'Home Again' on his Vevo page here.

Next To Me

Hot off the win for Critic's Choice Artist for the 2012 BRIT awards, Emeli Sandé has released the video for the third single, "Next To Me," off her new album, Our Version of Events (Out February 13th). I am a recently turned fan of Sandé's and I am absolutely in love with everything I've heard. What is really great about "Next To Me" is that she manages to play in to a really great piano riff, with a powerful voice that reminds me of a cross between Beyoncé and Adele. Sandé has also been nominated for Best Breakthrough Artist at the 2012 BRIT awards and if there is any hope in the world, she will win. Meanwhile, here is her new video and the single will be released on February 8th!

Oh, Lana, How I Love You

Lana Del Rey has just released two more of the new tracks form her upcoming album, Born To Die, which will be out on January 31st! (I don't think it's any coincidence that she chose that day to release the album, seeing as how it IS my birthday and whatnot.)
I, for one, am especially in love with the new remastered versions of both songs. Del Rey's album is only looking to get better and better with every new release and even with that minor stumble on SNL, I'm sure we have every reason to look forward to the new album. Have a listen below and download if you like! I can't decide if I love Diet Mtn Dew or National Anthem, but both ar uh-mazing!

Diet Mtn Dew

National Anthem

A Little Something New

Recently I've been lucky enough to stumble across the talented Kate Havnevick, who's headlining single, "Mouth 2 Mouth," off her new EP You has just been released. Flooded with electronic-infused riffs with a subtle dubstep feel (but not the kind of dubstep your frat bro friends listen to), the song is absolutely incredible. I am excited to see what the future has in store for Havnevick. Enjoy!

Kate Havnevik - Mouth 2 Mouth by katehavnevik

Sweden For The Win

Miike Snow have recently released their new single, "Paddling Out" and I'm already obsessed. Featuring a winning blend of piano riffs, a killer hook and a great beat, the band have another great single on their hands. The track will serve as the first single off their sophomore album, Happy To You, out March 27th. I couldn't be happier that the band is releasing more music and if this is any indication of what the new album will sound like, I'm sure we can expect great things!
Paddling Out by miikesnow

I Can't Believe I'm About To Type This...

I'm actually impressed with one of Skrillex's new singles. The track, "Summit," samples Ellie Goulding, who instantly gives the song an extra point. But the lack of a heavy bass drop and the overly-produced pulsating garbage that has made the Best New Artist nominee so famous is absent on this. Instead, he's gone for more of an ambient feel while still retaining some of the prime material that his fans love. Without further adieu, here it is:

Finally Some Sleigh Bells to Applaud

After what was a less-than-stellar return to the music world at the end of last year, Sleigh Bells have finally released their second single from their upcoming album Reign of Terror, titled "Comeback Kid."
The song is full of a pumping beat layered below a crunching guitar riff and finally topped off with an oddly sweet blend of vocal amazingness by Alexis Krauss. I'm in love with the new release, here's hoping you are, too!

Why Aren't These Girls Huge Yet???

The new video for War of Words' second single "Battleground" has been released. The video is an equally stunning accompaniment to the already stunning single which is basically the embodiment of what pop really should be. The track has already received a great bit of attention from the likes of Nick Grimshaw over at Radio 1 and it's all for good reason. These two are going places, just you wait!

So You're Alive

After the release of his sophomore album, Do It In The AM, Frankmusik announced that he was parting ways with Island Records. Now in a somewhat transitional period of his career, Frank has decided to move on under the stage name Vincent Did It.  Also, he's just released the video for his debut single, So You're Alive, featuring the same electropop deliciousness that made me fall for him in the first place. His new EP should be out soon this year.
Enjoy!

School of Seven Bells

School of Seven Bells, composed of Benjamin Curtis of Secret Machines and Alejandra Deheza, have released a new buzz track for their upcoming third album, Ghoststory. The album is said to be a concept album revolving around the ghostly protagonist, Lafaye, which is also the title of the new track. I'm already in love with the production; the filtered guitar and Deheza's stunning vocals. Enjoy!
Lafaye by fulltimehobby

Yet Another Reason I Love Radio 1

I was listening to Radio 1 yesterday, one of my favorite places to find music that isn't the over-played, poorly produced crap that's on American radio. And there I found Skepta. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Skepta has been on the rise on the Hip-Hop charts in the UK, having released his third album, Doin' It Again last year. His latest single, 'Hold On,' is definitely a strong single, featuring the Skepta rapping about everything from Jay-Z to Scott Disick. It definitely sounds like an attempt at a more international release, so here's hoping!


Download it here!

Nicola Roberts has Changed My Life

Again. In addition to her absolutely amazing solo album Cinderella's Eyes, the Girl's Aloud member announced she would be releasing a solo performance of the Aloud's extremely underrated B-side, 'Memory of You.' The track is full of a heavy beat and the amazing vocal's of Nicola, making it a strictly flawless production. I seriously can't wait for the return of Girls Aloud!!

Listen and download below!

Want U Back

X Factor contestant Cher Lloyd has released her third single, 'Want U Back,' off her debut album Sticks and Stones, which is out now in the UK. After what I think was a rather disappointing single in 'Swagger Jagger,' and a decent follow up in 'With Ur Love,' I think this is her best yet. The video, below, features Cher reminiscing about a past relationship and I love it. The only thing I don't think really fits is the addition of US X Factor contestant Astro, but I suppose I can look past that. Enjoy!

oh and can we just talk about how much she looks like Cheryl Cole on the album artwork???

212

I am absolutely obsessed with the track '212' by newcomer Azealia Banks. Banks has recently been featured on the Scissor Sister's new track, 'Shady Love.' Well, I decided that this one needed to have some sort of mention. Banks spits the rap just as hard as Nicki Minaj and also has the same amount of courage as Nicki. Plus, her skills are reinforced in her collaboration with Lunice on 'Runnin,' where her flow leads me to as "Nicki who?" Needless to say, I'm obsessed.

212 ft. Lazy Jay by Azealia Banks
And just for good measure, here's Runnin'.

Azealia Banks and Lunice - Runnin' by Azealia Banks

Genesis

That's the title of the new track released by Montreal native, Grimes aka Claire Boucher. Her new LP titled Visions is due out on March 12th. At first listen, the song is a whimsical piece filled with Boucher's mostly illegible lyrics. However, after a few listens, the song reveals itself to the real beauty that it holds. I personally love the song and it reminds me of the soft, ethereal sound of the xx while remaining a unique track highlight Boucher's talent as a musician.

You can download the track via Grimes' Soundcloud account below!

Grimes - Genesis by factmag

I Knew There Was A Reason I Loved Iceland

And that reason is supported in the new track to come from Icelandic group Of Mice and Men titled 'Little Talks'. The track is a feel good folk-infused tune that I'm already in love with. From the groove in the middle 8 to the chorus, the song is definitely worth the listen. Can't wait to see what more comes from the group in 2012! Especially their debut album from Universal titled My Head is an Animal. 



Don't you just love that saxophone? Definitely a cool sound. Get the song for free on iTunes now!

Set You Free

Here is the latest from 3OH!3, and I am thoroughly pleased with the effort. I think this is touching back to the groups greatness they achieved with their debut album Want in 2008. It doesn't have quite the pull that 'Colorado Sunrise' does, but 'Set You Free' is still a really good track. I'm definitely excited for the new album to be released this year.
Enjoy!

Fuck U Betta

That's the title of Neon Hitch's new track that was just released a few days ago. I've been a fan for a while now, after listening to a series of her demos and singles for her new CD due out this year. You might remember her being featured on 3oh!3's Alice in Wonderland single 'Follow Me Down.' Neon Hitch is already getting attention for her flawless feature on Gym Class Heroes' latest single, 'Ass Back Home.'

The song has an infectious beat and an even better chorus. It just makes me want to jump around and sing and dance in my underwear. I guarantee that you will have the same feeling. "She can love you good, but I can fuck you betta! Enjoy!

Shoot Me Down

After hearing the new Diana Vickers buzz track, 'Kiss of a Bullet,' I can actually say that I'm dead. I've been a fan of Diana's ever since she was on the X Factor and I was completely 100% amazed by her debut album, Songs from Under the Cherry Tree. With 'Kiss of a Bullet,' as well as new buzz track 'Music to Make the Boys Cry,' it's safe to say that her second attempt should surely hold the same awesomeness as her first.

'Kiss of a Bullet' is one of those that gets instantly stuck on repeat and I've been obsessed since my first listen. Diana goes for a darker vibe, with a smooth chorus and a sleek production. "Some like it hot but I like it cold," she croons, making this one a new personal favorite.

Music To Make The Boys Cry by mdstmgmt

My First Favorite Single of 2012

Is the new track by the Scissor Sisters, 'Shady Love'. I've always been a fan of the Scissor Sisters, and this does little to question the devotion. Jake Shears rapping with up-and-comer Azealia Banks, who was on the shortlist for the BBC Sound of 2012 list, if you recall, absolutely makes the song. "Now she's touching on my booty, and she's rolling all my beatuty, I forget to get my duties, so mmm huh, mmm huh," anyone?

Yeah, I'm obsessed, too.  I also love that the group has slightly tweaked their sound ever so slightly and it's only doing them favors. This also has served as the new buzz track from the band's new album, which as of now is untitled. I am beyond excited to see the work the group has put in to the new album and if can't come soon enough. Til then, enjoy!

So, I'm here.

I decided I needed to start this year off with a new blog devoted solely to my obsession with music. After a bit of encouragement, now I'm sitting here with this new little platform to share my taste with everyone else. Rather than keep on with some unimportant introduction, I'll just start off with a picture of me and my BFF (she doesn't know yet), Ellie Goulding.

 Oh, and there was that time that I was on her website. I guess that deserves a spot on here...

T